My New Year's Resolution

It is the last day of 2015, and I'm reflecting on the good and the bad that happened last year. I'm kind of exhausted myself and in need of putting my own needs and wants first for a change. Not so easy for a working mother of three. I feel responsible for everyone's happiness, especially around the Holidays and it builds pressure and expectation. Everyone constantly wants something from me. I'm actually looking forward to going back to work so that I can read my Christmas present on the train. That's pretty sad... I don't want to dwell on it too long though since a new beginning is right around the corner. My New Years resolution is to take better care of me. I've been so busy this holiday season that I haven't even taken many photos but here are a few iPhone shots:

Sunshine State

Two weeks ago were in the Florida, and spent Thanksgiving with family in these lovely surroundings...

 

TBT & Thankful

Today's throwback is to a few weeks ago, when we had our pre-Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is a pretty big deal in my family, and since we were away this year for the actual Thanksgiving day, everyone was a little bummed that we would miss our annual family turkey fest. So we decided to have Thanksgiving the weekend before. I've never cooked so fast in my life..or done a full blown Thanksgiving dinner with such minimal advance planning. But it all worked out great, and I guess the years' worth of experience in Thanksgiving cooking paid off. Everything came out delicious and everyone shared what they are thankful for, and everyone had a good warm feeling in their hearts. It was a good kick-off to the Holiday season that is in full swing right now (evidenced by the lack of blog time...). 

The menu changes only slightly every year. This year's addition: Janssoninkiusaus ;-)

The decorations are always done by the kids. 

Mixing Finnish influences, some metallics and crystal..always works.

Add candle light

then sit down to eat with no hurry and enjoy being with the family

 

To keep or not to keep

Trying to figure out whether this scarecrow yard decor can be saved to next year. Since I'm pretty economically minded (read cheap), I'll probably end up keeping it. I mean I keep stuff to no end. Like this leather jacket, and these jeans.. Both must be close to 10 years old. I was in the process of getting rid of the jeans several times, but they are still in my closet. I'm getting a bit better getting rid of stuff though. The konmari method has been helpful, or should I say philosophy since I can't bring myself to fully follow the method.

Falling leaves

I love the fall. The colors, the crisp weather, the clothes. This poncho is a new one for this fall, but I can see myself wearing it for years to come. 

Poncho from Francesca's, NYDJ jeans, Chloe bag, Ecote boots. 

What I Love

is my Friday walks. It was a most gorgeous fall day on Long Island today. The sun shone from a bright blue sky with not a cloud in sight, and it was warm with a slight crisp nip in the air. Absolute perfection. I definitely change my moods based on the weather although not quite to the level of seasonal affective disorder, but I was just HAPPY today to be outdoors, to be healthy, to be alive, to live in the moment.

The Long Cardigan

I've always been a fan of the long cardigan. I've had numerous iterations of it throughout the years, some more successful than others. You know how that goes... The long cardigan is definitely a look for tall people, which I am, so I think I can pull it off. I bought this cardigan on sale at Lindex when I was in Finland last summer, and it was super cheap, something like €10. I can't tell you how many comments I got on this very simple outfit, from friends, shop people, total strangers. It's funny how some outfits just get a response from people. Does that happen to you?

Lindex cardigan, J Crew denim shirt, NYDJ jeans, Bottega Veneta bag, Calvin Klein scarf, Madden Girl Shoes

Chaperone

This was my chaperone outfit for tea at the Plaza. 

Armani coat, TopShop vest, H&M shirt, NYDJ jeans, Madden Girl shoes, Chloe bag

Love and Light

The news on Friday about the terrorist attacks in Paris shook and saddened me, just like they did most of the people in this world. It's hard to understand the motives, and the why. Explaining it to kids is even harder. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that perished in this tragedy.  

Also, since I've lived through something like this, it makes the threat more realistic that this can happen anywhere, anytime. I don't want to live my life in fear, or limit where I go and what I do, but I can't help but feel a little bit nervous this holiday season. It really is sad that this is the kind of world we live in today. I just hope that we can fight this darkness with love and light. 

Tea at the Plaza

A few weeks ago I took my daughter and her four best friends for an afternoon tea at the Plaza hotel to celebrate her 13th birthday. I worked hard to convince her that the tea was a good idea, and that it would be a memorable experience. Eventually she agreed, somewhat reluctantly, however. I was a bit nervous thinking that maybe this was my dream, and she and her friends would find the whole thing lame... But in the end, I was redeemed, as it turned out to be a very nice experience for all of us, and really a great memory of celebrating her passage to the teenage years.

The Squad

First a little shopping on Fifth Avenue. Topshop and Sephora being the main destinations. 

The fountain infant of Plaza Hotel and the "candid" shots

There's always some entertainment in front of the Plaza. This time it was a flash mob dancing. 

Love the contrasts in the different architectural styles. 

Red carpet at the Plaza

Girls at the Plaza

The Plaza's Palm Court ceiling is impressive

The cucumber sandwiches were amazing. 

The tropical tea had an amazing aroma. 

yummy yummy yummy

Happy 13th Birthday! My baby's a teenager now! 

The Humongous Scarf is Back

It's been a very mild fall but some mornings get a little nippy. For those mornings, I love my security blanket of a scarf. I wore this one a lot last winter, and looks like I will continue wearing it this winter too.

Scarf from Aerie
Cardigan from Anthropologie
T-shirt from H&M
Tights from Old Navy
Shoes Madden Girl
Bag Chloe
Sunglasses Pucci

One More and Then Done

I promise these are the last Halloween pictures.

Coco was the cutest elephant <3  Unfortunately she did NOT like her outfit and tried to eat it. 

Dressed as an elephant or not, she just loves to hug and give kisses. Sometimes it's a bit much ;-)

And here's our Halloween Family Selfie! Until next year... 

Trick or Treat

The witch and the cat

The scariest halloween decoration. This wins the prize. 

Roarrrrr

The trickster crew

Pirate princess

the moving spider that scared the S**T out of everyone

Running from house to house

house to house

Admiring some cool decorations along the way

kissing some skeletons and skulls too

trying not to walk into spider webs

entering crime scenes

And running to yet more houses

Some gates were too scary to enter

And yet more houses...

The family that tricks or treats together, stays together.