Thursday, August 25, 2016

Ideas for the Final Days of Summer

Two weeks until school starts!  I love the Fall more than any other time of the year, but not looking forward to packing lunches, homework and strict bedtimes.

I know many people went back to school this week, but for those who are still in Summer mode here are 27 idea for things to do before Summer is out. I did many of these already -- especially all the ice cream suggestions, which is sort of a problem. ;)   But that's ok - you only live once and I am back in the saddle of getting healthy. Hopefully the holidays don't slip me up like they do every year.

I want to capture the songs of the Summer for us here:  Spirits by the Strumbellas and Ride by 21 Pilots.  My youngest in particular would sing these two songs over and over in the car.  Precious memories - especially when he would get mad at my middle one for signing louder than him and pout.

Looking forward to the day off tomorrow to get my boys their school uniforms and shoes in order.   Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Boxed.com

Had a fun day Friday with some moms from school and their kids over after work for a dessert pool party.

Saturday was 'surprise middle child day'.  Took the kids to Sesame Place to celebrate.  My middle guy was so excited.  He said he was going to show everyone his middle finger to so they know he is the middle child. HA!

One recommendation I have for Sesame is to book a lunch reservation with the characters.  SO worth it.  Get in the AC for a bit to cool off and meet all the characters in one shot versus waiting on long lines.




Sunday hosted had my nephew's 1st birthday at my house. It was HOT, but a nice day.

With big parties the go to is usually Costco, but my friend just told me an alternative today -- www.boxed.com.   It is wholesale delivered to your door for dry goods only.  She said it was great and highly recommends it so I am going to check it out.  If any of my friends try it let me know -- I can refer you and we get an extra deal according to my friend.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Friday, August 19, 2016

Luau Meatballs + Some Great NYC Venues

Here is the week recap including a great easy appetizer for luau meatballs!

This past weekend I went to a cake decorating class at Carlos Bake Shop (aka Cake Boss).  It was a lot of fun!  If you are a baker or a fan of the show it is worth checking out.


I sadly had to toss the cake because we lost electricity later that afternoon due to the heat for 12 hours -- awful! 

The next day my friend invited us over for a luau themed-party.  I made these Luau Meatballs as an appetizer which were very easy to throw together and good! Kids especially loved them.

 
The biggest excitement is I finally ditched my white couches.  They were completely falling apart.  Fell in love with these brown leather ones at Pottery Barn and am hopeful they will hold up better against my little guys. I keep saying "hide the scissors" -- I wish I was joking. ;)  But many parents have told me leather is the way to go with kids -- holds up better.


Cramming in a lot before school starts with meeting up with friends and scheduling play dates.  Met my friend for a special paint night -- painting wine glasses! I did cherry blossoms.  It came out 'eh, but I will still use them. :)



My colleague is in from Brazil and she wanted to see Greenwich Village so had an afternoon quick excursion with my team to Carbone.  O.M.G.  the ambiance, the food, the music -- perfection.  I want to go back soon to enjoy dinner and drinks!

In the evening I went out with two friends to a fabulous place called Gallow Green.  HIGHLY recommend this rooftop bar.  Stunning.



As we walked out we stumbled upon in the same building this beautiful woman singing jazz music in this fabulous venue called The Heath.  It was breathtaking -- my photo doesn't even do it justice. You felt like you were in the 1940's.  I am dying to go back ASAP. 

 
Have another busy weekend.  Tonight two moms and their kids over for a dessert and pool party.  Tomorrow is Surprise Middle Child Day.  We're taking them all to Sesame Place for the day.  SO EXCITED!  Sunday hosting my nephew's birthday party.


Cheers to the weekend!
"The Wicked" drink from Gallow Green - Tequila, pineapple juice, piri piri (spicy!!), agave and something else I am forgetting.  Delish!

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Best Productivity Apps for Getting Things Done

It has been a LONG time since I posted.  I thought the summer would allow a break, but I seriously can't keep up.   Which is why I was thankful to stumble across this article about best apps for productivity.  Some cool ones in there to check out!

It's been a packed Summer with a fun week down at LBI, two amazing concerts Coldplay (omg a-ma-zing) and Guns 'n Roses (bucket list!) and so much more.

Work is crazy as usual and my three little guys keep me hopping.  I can't believe it is almost time for them to go back to school.  I have two major trips coming up for work (Brazil & Hong Kong) which will take me away nearly two full weeks in the Fall.  I am really looking forward to diving into my new global role, but have to admit I am a bit stressed about leaving the kids for so long.   We will see how I handle juggling.   But my goal is to start posting again at least once a week....we'll see. :)