my little cupcake

i have to share ruby's halloween costume because it turned out so cute! she was such a good sport and didn't fuss a bit. tim & i decided to be bakers, i mean we did make her and all. the best was taking her trick or treating, she didn't quite understand it and ended up giving the candy back to the people (so ruby). it was hilarious to see peoples reaction when she walked up to the door, she was so adorable. costume was handmade by a woman on etsy.com

1 year old B-day gift ideas

I was always that friend/cousin/sister who would get an inappropriately aged gift. I got my nephew this amazing silver race car that he almost rode down a flight of stairs on. I've gotten my friends cashmere sweaters, cowgirl boots and string bikini's for their baby showers. I mean how would i know I didn't have any kids at the time so I bought what I thought was cute (and it was). Although now that I have a one year old I understand more about age appropriate gifts. And why it's so awesome to receive a gift that ruby will actually use. Here are some ideas that are perfect for the walking or almost walking 1 year old. All are wooden from Plan toys and on amazon.com

teething life saver

Ruby is getting her molars in and the pain is making my little angel super cranky. Thanks to Grandma Emma who recommended "frozen grapes" for relieving the pain and who gave me a huge zip-lock bag full of them. I cut them up into little quarters to avoid the risk of choking. Problem solved: Ruby LOVES them and it numbs her gums while she's enjoying a yummy snack.

so sad!

I just lost a dear friend of mine today. Adam Goldstein was one of the most amazing people i have ever met. He was the kind of guy that was always there for you and so generous. When I was sick, he'd bring over medicine and OJ. When I got a cat he brought over a bed and a bunch of toys. When he thought of you he'd leave you a pair of Nike's on your doorstep. He was thoughtful he was amazing. But he was a struggling addict and I know that everyday he struggled. But he inspired, he gave back he was grateful. I'm so devastated and so sad that I won't ever see my friend and his big hip hop smile. I won't ever get to hear him say "hey fuzzy" ever again. I just don't understand how we can lose the one's we love.

i want these!

see by chloe!

metallic manicures

how amazing are these metallic manicures & pedicures. not only is the color amazing, but you don't have to wait around for them to dry because they are foil papers sealed with heat. i'm obsessed because i am the worst with messing up a fresh manicure. thanks cynthia for hooking me up. check out minx at http://www.minxnails.com/ to find a salon near you.

floral jumpsuit

i want one of these in an adult size!!

www.bonpoint.com

almost one

i had to post a recent photo of ruby because she's almost one. she is so much fun and picking things up like a little sponge. she hugs and pats you on the back. she laughs uncontrollably and makes funny faces. she remembers how to use every toy and where every remote control is. she's cheeky and usually deep in thought. ugghh i could go on forever. i love her.

More Shoes

I can't help but talk about my babies shoes. It's her greatest accessory right now. I've had every size of these because they go with everything. Now that she's started to walk though she can't really wear them (too slippery). That's why I posted about the saltwater sandals last week because those are her new walking sandals. But I needed to share these oldies but goodies with all new mom's that have little babies, they are tooooo cute.

There are some available at shoes.com and here is the link

http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1114260

classes

i've had anxiety about classes since ruby was born and wondered how i would know which one was right for her. but i found out early on that ruby loves music. our friend michelle got her a red piano before she was born and that was the first real toy she gravitated to. not to mention her father is a musician so i guess it runs in the family. i was happy to have figured this out about her and that's when i thought that a music class would be a great start. so finding "music together" at a los feliz neighborhood shop called dragonfly dolou was a godsend. ruby has a ball and it's a great bonding time for us. thank goodness my work offers summer fridays so i can spend it with my little darling. if you're ready for a class i highly recommend this!!

http://www.dragonflydulou.com/

day stroller

there comes a time when your "first" stroller becomes too heavy for everyday use. especially when you live in LA and are constantly in and out of the car. i love ruby's new maclaren because it's lightweight and easy to use. simple is key these days.

tee pee

a friend of the family and MAJOR artist Matt Sohl painted ruby a tee pee for her birthday. she is having a "peace and love" party and this is the perfect addition to the bear skin rug and pile of musical instruments i'm throwing outside. i had to share because matt did an amazing job and were so excited for ruby's party...yayyy!!

summer "saltwater" sandals

i haven't posted in waaaaay too long!! with how ruby is growing and changing i need to share all that i'm learning and finding lately. my friend kim mentioned these amazing sandals she bought her boys harlow and thurston. when it came time to buy ruby some new summer sandals(one's that she could actually walk in) i remembered the "saltwater" sandals. supposedly they get even better when wet and dried on the foot, for a custom fit. my mom said i wore them when i was little too, see you can never go wrong with a classic. they are available on www.zappos.com

name in stone video

check this video out.  ruby's first music video appearance.  

baby gap casting

ruby was all smiles for her baby gap casting.  no, this won't be a regular thing, we only did it because our friend lisa was doing the casting (and dad got to take ruby to the front of the line).

i had to share her cuteness, thanks kimmy for the cute bu and the duck outfit.

my afro

my friend Mara did my hair a few weeks ago for a disco charity event. the event was for the circle of friends/kidspace museum i help raise money for.  i used to go there and take art classes when i was a kid and now i take ruby there.  how amazing is this afro? you rock Mara!

summer salad

watermelon squares

chunks of goat cheese

red onion cut into thin slices

torn mint leaves

mix it all together gently and it's as easy as that.  serve in a big bowl with salad tongs.

we were visiting family in sydney australia this past week and my cousin jane whipped this together on a scorching hot day and it was so refreshing, it hit the spot. i know it sounds like a quirky mix of ingredients but i promise it works.