Happy Easter

Colored some eggs in morning with the kids. Enjoyed the milder weather at the park. Staged an Egg Hunt at home. Said goodbye to my cousin and cried because I love her but won't see her for a long time.. Cooked an Easter dinner. Ate Lindt chocolate bunny leftovers. Unpacked from the Washington DC trip. And that is how my Easter Sunday was spent.

Art Lover

I am lucky to live close to the Nassau County Art Museum, and enjoy its great exhibitions. The place is small enough to enjoy in a bite-size portion. We return there for almost every new show and have taken many visitors there to enjoy the art, and the beautiful grounds which have many sculptures. My daughter was taking art classes there, but the art studio was unfortunately destroyed by super storm Sandy. I am really hoping that the studio will be repaired soon and the classes cold resume. The current exhibition is called Abstract Expressionism Reconsidered.

Don't Touch!

The museum's cafe is finally open. Loved this yummy cheesecake..

Art and treats... is there a better way to enjoy a lazy afternoon? 

My art buddy

By the way, why is Good Friday called "Good" Friday? In Finnish it's "Long" Friday, which just seems so much more appropriate. I always wonder too, why it's not a real holiday in the U.S.? We also get cheated out of the Easter Monday, which does not exist in the U.S. The day when it's finally time for new hope and resurrection. It would be good for all of us to reflect on that hope...but I won't have the time, because I'll be working and things are just crazy busy at the office right now. Oh well...

Signs of Spring

Finally there are signs that spring is here. There is still a nip in the air, but at least the nature is waking up from its winter hibernation.

This Magnolia tree will be absolutely gorgeous in about a month... 

Happy Easter holiday to all! 

Roots of Style

I've been reading Isabel Toledo's book, Roots of Style. She has an interesting life, being an immigrant from Cuba, becoming a successful clothing designer in New York City. Her biggest claim to fame has been the yellow dress and coat worn by Michelle Obama at her husband's 2009 inauguration. Toledo has a clear and thoughtful voice, and easy style. The book talks at length about the creative process and the artistry and thought behind the designs. It is interesting to learn how inspiration translates to the actual garment. Her thoughts on fashion and style are also very interesting; she says for example, that style is a very effective way to carve out your individuality. For her, style is content, and fashion is surface. A person with true style displays a fertile and thinking mind.   She also mentions that fashion has introduced an international style, where it doesn't matter where you're from, the common language is fashion. Style and fashion give people tools to communicate, and gives them a voice. Fashion is also what time looks like. Designers can suggest new ideas, but the women themselves make the decision on what ideas they'll use, what ideas they will adopt into their life and wardrobe, empowering them to make fashion.

Booked / with photos

Just booked a minigetaway for hubby and me. I finally convinced him that the kiddos can survive without us for a night or two. We haven't been away together, alone as a couple, without the kids, in about 8 years...so it's time to find out who we are, as friends, as lovers, as husband and wife. Do we still have fun together? In April we'll find out! We will be staying at the Revel in Atlantic City. The hotel has gorgeous views from every room, restaurants, shopping, casino, and a beautiful spa which I will definitely enjoy to the fullest. 

SPA

Pool on the beach...

Room with Atlantic views

Rooftop garden 

One of the resorts many restaurants...

Signs of Spring

The spring officially begins today, although the 10 day forecast is still promising some more sleet / icy rain. Wouldn't believe from the clear skies of today, though. I took some pictures of my crisp and clear Down Town office views. Isn't New York grand?

For me Spring is a very creative time, a time when you want to shed your old skin (literally in my case because my psoriasis has been horrendous!), and come up with something new and original. Spring is a good time to try new things, like restorative yoga (a semi-private group starting soon, yay), or just to incorporate something new in your wardrobe (I am dying to wear my new patterned pants as soon as the weather permits).

I have been reading the perfect book for this spring mood, fashion designer Isabel Toledo's book "Roots of Style". I am in awe of her and the creative process and flow that she describes. My hands are itching to make something! Something involving cloth, patterns and a sewing machine...

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I started my day with a green smoothie and yesterday's Wall Street Journal. I love the Saturday paper's Off Duty section, but never have time to read it on Saturday. Then on Sunday mornings I have a newspaper marathon with WSJ and NY Times Style and Business sections while eating brunch. Next I'm off doing household stuff, laundry, groceries, mattress shopping (anyone have experience of Tempurpedic?) and so goes the precious Sunday...

Tried and True

It's been a long winter, and the wait for spring is getting longer and longer... But the good news is that this cold weather has given me ample opportunity to wear my fur west. It has been a lifesaver!

In the hopes of the spring eventually arriving, I've been adding a little color to my outfits with my HM pink and purple leopard scarf and my purple Miu Miu bag. They go very nicely together!

Grown-Up Clothes

In addition to Prada, I loved Hermes for the Fall 2013. It is also a very grown up and sophisticated collection. I guess we know now where my taste is at. No skimpy shorts or midriff baring tops for me. I like to wear real clothes that cover me and my imperfections. But of course I don't want to cover up and be boring. Which is why these clothes are so great. They are beautiful, exciting, and interesting. Here are some of my top picks from Hermes:

Go Suvi!