Cue waterworks

This "It gets better" commercial from Google is an amazing testament to hope and love. Don't watch without tissue. And really take a second to tune in. You'll appreciate it.

One year later

Well, well, well. What a year it's been! Yesterday was Marathon Monday, which means several things to this sometime-blogger.

1st- Christmas in Boston

2nd- Amazing outpouring of love and support (and booze) in the streets.

3rd- This blog is more than one year old.

4th- I've spent an amazing year with a man I met on the street (wait for it) last Marathon Monday. 

This year was a different type of Marathon celebration for me. More about love, less about drinking my face off. It was still full of tender moments and a hugely supportive city. Here are some pictures from this year's adventure:

 

Mid-week romance

The bf made dinner. It was lovely. Sometimes I just want wine, cheese and crackers, ok? Jeez.

White (Sand) Christmas

I was super lucky to go to Barbados over Christmas with my family, aunt and husband. We had a great time relaxing on the white sandy beaches, diving, eating, golfing, swimming, drinking, boating, playing volleyball and the other usual vacation activities.

Here are some shots of the trip:

super tiny boat. delicious

family portrait!

even the flowers were darling

tough life

well, we are related, huh?

beautiful scenery

rainbow

SUBMARINE

Best Ever Present

I came home from Barbados to find that some Christmas elves had left me quite a serious surprise. This project was a super-top secret labor of love and it's easily the most thoughtful gift I've ever received.

Before and after's on this bad boy when I get my hands on them. 

But doesn't it look familiar? It's based on a dresser that makes me swoon that I posted here.

Couples 1st Christmas

Not a great picture, but a heartwarming weekend.

OMG!!

This is Kate Spade's creative Deb Lloyd's Brooklyn home. And I would DIE to have this living room.

Trend Spotting: Cakes

Forgive me, I've had weddings on the brain after attending a lovely ceremony this Columbus Day (10/10/10).

Daily Candy promoted DC-based cake artist magician Maggie Austin in Monday's email. And then later that day, I saw another example of this off-centered stacked cake. All of sudden this stacked cake is appearing everywhere. I totally get it. It's smart, whimsical, different, and eye-catching. 

Maggie Austin Black Pearl

From Stylemepretty

While we are gushing about cakes, take a peek at some of the other beautiful specimens Maggie put together. 

Maggie Austin Anemone & Roses

Maggie Austin Rose Frill

If love isn't your thing today, there are some equally as fantastic divorce cakes as well. 

So Many Happies

Little Flower School

Dutch tulips

Other things that make me happy this Friday: 

Assissi

Pink & Navy

Beekman Dreams

Ok. This one is dedicated to my Aunt Barb. She's been plugging the Fabulous Beekman Boys for years. So finally, I paid attention. I was instantly hooked. The Beekman Boys and their life have all the best elements: attractive men, a farm, goats, soap, cheese, humor, love and strife. 

Beekman Garden, 52 raised beds

The Fabulous Beekman Boys are partners: Brent, a physician-turned-businessnman, and lovable, snarky Josh, a Midwestern former drag-queen, NY Times bestseller, ad-man and wannabe farmer. Together they purchased a mansion in Sharon Springs, NY, a ghost-town which was once a bustling hub of New Yorkers on vacation to visit the Sulpher Springs (think Hamptons, pre-Hamptons). 

Book cover

We read the book The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir in my book club. And now, (wait for it) WE ARE VISITING!! I can't even contain my excitement. It should be beautiful then. Watch out Sharon Springs, we are coming!! 

Ps Catch the show on Planet Green and it's been renewed!! Yay!!

*Images courtesy of Beekman1802.com, amazon.com, Mintel Hnatov

Assisi

Italy-land of enchantment. I've yet to find anyone who's been to Italy and doesn't love it. I've been lucky enough to have visited the country twice. And, despite all the cliches about Italy (and Italian men), it really was just breathtaking. 

I don't know why I was ever reluctant to go to Assisi. I guess I just assumed St. Francis must have been from a boring, unattractive town. This is not one of my brighter assumptions. I though Assisi was knock-your-socks-off beautiful. Other people agree. 

This last one is by Natasha, who photographs my dreams.

Announcement

I'm hopelessly in love. Look at these faces and tell me you don't understand. They have completely stolen my heart, collectively. In related news, my sister throws one hell of a party (but that's for tomorrow!). 

Glorious Return!

I made it back from the Lou, heavier in body and lighter in photos (400+ lighter, thanks very much Apple store).

We had a great time and ran around like mad people and ate and drank and were merry. Thanks to my family for the birthday celebration(s). My Aunt Barb came in from Chicago which was super fun. Sadly, my pictures are mostly kaput from delicious Saint Louis restaurant Niche, but rest assured, it was a delightful dinner.

Here are some photos, taken by Barb's husband Peter of the sites in my neighborhood. I've learned that I prefer stone houses, particularly white stones, to New England style. 

Enjoy! 

My house