What My Dad Taught Me

             

My father didn't teach me how to throw a ball.

It would have been a waste of time anyways. 

What I have learned from him 

resonates so much more, 

and the amount of love, respect and admiration for him, 

only continues to grow everyday. 

My dad taught me to be polite, 

that very rarely is there the need to yell. 

Family comes first, 

but who we consider to be our family can be molded over time.

Remain calm, take a deep breath, and resist overreacting. 

My dad taught me all I know about money, 

to respect it, to be wise with it, 

and to also let it allow you to enjoy little treats. 

My father taught me the joy in simple pleasures, 

good food from the grill, 

a great bowl of pasta, 

an evening together with loved ones. 

He passed on his love of tv, 

of the importance of sitcoms, 

and the joy in having a great show to look forward to. 

I work hard at what I do because that's what I've learned from my father,

who owns his own business and leads by example.

I try to believe that all will be ok 

if hard work and time is devoted. 

My father taught me to love animals

and when I brought home my first pet as an adult,

I understood why my father always surrounded our home 

with their unconditional love.

I look forward to seeing him with every visit, 

with the same enthusiasm that we both have 

for digging into bowls of ice cream, 

complete with chocolate sauce and whipped cream, 

for I know the importance of dessert, 

just as he taught me. 

photo circa 1990

This past week has been extremely overwhelming, both personally and as a Bostonian, knocking me off balance. The events that occurred in Boston are utterly shocking, and since last Monday evening, I have felt a deep sadness, and a loss for words. 

I find it difficult to describe the variety of emotions I've felt with recent personal events, as I work on accepting the changes that occur due to an ailing family member, knowing that it will take time for me to fully process it all. And with the horrendous events here in the city that I've come to love, it's been quite a week, leaving me with few words.

But in these sad days, I'm forcing myself to hold onto hope that there is more good than bad in our world despite what is surrounding us.  The strength, support, outreach and pure love that has emerged from my community, from this city, from around the country and from around the world, is amazing and gives me that hope I need to keep going. With the  tragedies and worries that the events of the past week bring about, the least we can do, is take this as a reminder to hug those near and dear, and smile at strangers that we pass. While I find it hard to put into words the thoughts and feelings I've experienced, and continue to ponder, struggling to make sense of everything, after this week, I can be sure about the immense love I have for this city that I've come to call my home, and stand proudly by it as we learn to move forward. 

photo courtesy of Daily Candy 

After a weekend spent with best friends, 

celebrating an engagement for one, 

a birthday for another, 

and the simple fact that after so many years, 

we are still so close, 

despite miles and crazy schedules, 

I am left feeling incredibly blessed, content 

and ready to conquer the week busy ahead.

I ate too many chips, sipped too much champagne, 

we shopped, and didn’t stop talking the whole weekend, 

catching up on news and gossip, work and weddings, food and fashion.

We may live states apart, 

unsure of our next get together.

We may have lots to do in our own individual lives, 

time going faster month after month.

Monday may be just around the corner,

but I feel so lucky knowing these ladies 

are just a phone call away.

photo via Tumblr 

I Love Love

While it’s no secret that I love Valentine’s Day, I don’t however demand huge, dramatic gestures on the 14th of February every year. I much more prefer taking the opportunity to simply enjoy the special people in your life on this special day, making sure they know how much they are loved and cared for. Whether that mean a card, a call or a little box of chocolates, communicating your love is what I adore on February 14th, the one day a year who’s purpose to purely to spread and share love.

And this year, didn’t disappoint. 

I had heard people mention “love languages” and liked the theory that we each show our love for others in our own ways, via our own languages. Tom and I have routinely joked about how much I love cards and how he couldn’t care less for them. But I crave the written word, the descriptions of feelings. He however, when asked how he loves, believes in actions, in providing, especially in the act of preparing meals, when I’m usually too lazy and could easily just rely on scrambled eggs. 

And so this Valentine’s Day was especially fitting for us. Without consciously realizing it, we gave each other what the other appreciates most, we spoke the right language to one another, showing our love in the best way for each individual.

I prepared and cooked a full dinner that evening, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and rounded out the meal with a classic cheesecake, one of the few desserts he actually loves.

And he gave me a beautiful card that captured his thoughts and feelings perfectly. I have recently been admiring succulents and other terrarian plants and my guy gave me a trio to start a little collection.

And as we sat and enjoyed our leisurely dinner, I soaked up the calm, the peace that evening, before we flashed back to reality and work and demands and cleaning up.

It wasn’t until I heard a comment a day later about love languages and I thought back to our dinner, that I realized how strongly we represent that theory. And how well we are learning each other’s language over time. 

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day xoxo


photo via my Instagram

Bring on the Hearts

I consider myself a very easy person to shop for.

I love a lot of pretty things and cozy comforts.

Head into any one of my favorite stores, 

or browse through any of my favorite online shops, 

pick something out, 

and there is a 99% chance I’ll love it.

I’m also one of the rare people that absolutely love Valentine’s Day.

It seems most people these days are anti-February 14th, 

filling the day with sarcasm, resentment, and eye-rolling. 

My love for this holiday has nothing to do with being in a relationship though, 

as many base their plans solely on that aspect. 
Case in point:

I’m in the middle of baking and crafting together treats for my girlfriends.

Since I was young, my parents have filled Valentine’s Day 

with sweet surprises and cards, and I have grown up loving 

the brownies my Mom shared with us and the sweet cards from my Dad. 

I remember fondly the year he bought a pack of children’s Valentine’s cards, 

filled out over 20 of them and hid them around the house 

for my sister and I to discover throughout our morning.

I love sweets and champagne, cards and carbs, little gifts and goodies on Valentine’s Day and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. 

And on that note, 

here are some gift ideas for the ladies in your life on this lovely day:

Kate Spade’s collection of whimsical jewelry 

J. Crew doesn’t disappoint with modern, preppy classics 

                                         

 Bauble Bar’s Valentine’s and Monogrammed collections are personal favorites 

Both Dogeared & Catbird are fantastic sites for more lovely, adorable jewelry & gifts 

Since the first time I saw these “love rings,” I’ve been in love with them. 

Variations can be found all over, including these from Etsy. 

  

You never say no to a sweet treat

And if comfort and a romantic experience is more your style, 

cozy throws, pillows, and thoughtful home items (found at One Kings Lane)

create a movie night on the couch that's fantastic to me.

And last, but never least, 

the gift of beautiful flowers is always special. 

all photos found on their respective online shots or  via Tumblr