Thoughts on a Friday

I all but gave up the modified Whole30 diet these last few weeks, as birthday cake, cocktails, and then leftover birthday cake took over.

Being an adult is full of interesting choices, and unexpected feelings. Like being excited for a new roof and new driveway, to the point you actually instruct you husband not to buy you a birthday gift (and actually mean it).

As the school year winds down, despite being much more settled than we were last year at this time when we hadn't even moved yet, I find the familiar crippling anxiety creeping in at night, an unwelcome guest trying to rattle my calm mind with fear about the summer transition for Tucker, and starting another 'new thing' after such a successful year of Kindergarten.

My now 4 month old baby has spent a total of 8 hours in his crib since he was born. Ans these 8 hours were over the span of several weeks. And we are OK with that. Baby cuddles don't last very long after all.

This is 6

My first baby, who made me a mom 6 years ago today, celebrates his birthday with all the love and enthusiasm we could imagine in his heart. The best gift I received on his behalf this year was when a fellow mom to a classmate of Tucker's, who happens to have autism, emailed me to say that her son has been touched and helped immensely by Tucker this year. Hearing your young child is internalizing the lessons of love and acceptance you teach at home is pretty much the best news there is. So happy birthday sweet Tucker, when you're not making me want to rip the hairs from head, you're warming my spirit with your laugh and the way you love everyone.

Insta-Round Up

Bloody Mary's are always a good choice

Striped Cold Shoulder (Loft), Tortoise Flats (J.Crew), Summer Water (Winc Wine Club)

Me and my Mom, 1982- how much does this look like me and Wells???

Family of 4 at Tucker's 6th bday party (Peplum top-J.Crew)

Boys in Vineyard Vines

My Whole30 sweet potato. avocado and egg bowl

Cannot believe this angel is 4 months old!

The Great Jean Dilemma

Ok, so being 3 months post-baby aside, I am finding the greatest challenge of my personal style life to be finding a new pair of jeans. I'm the same size as I've always been (generally a 27 in jeans, I'll go for a 28 if they are really skinny or narrow) but nothing I'm trying fits exactly as I want. The waist is too tight or too large, the legs equally at these ends of the spectrum, and don't get me started on the rise. High-waited jeans seem like a girdle, and low rise are no mom's friend. I have purchased and returned no less than 8 pairs of jeans these past few weeks, from my favorite denim go-to's (J.Crew, Loft, J.Brand). I'm growing desperate for a new pair. Nothing too 'lived-in', nor with pre-made rips (my 5 year old likes to tell me 'Mommy! You have a hole in your pants!' each and every time I wear my distressed boyfriend jeans from J.Crew). Something comfortable, straight, medium rise, medium wash, with a flattering fit. Is this asking too much? If I don't lose hope when I'm done with the post, I may make one last effort.

Loft classic modern skinny, $69

J.Brand high-rise skinny, $198

J.Brand mid-rise dark skinny, $198

J.Crew classic toothpick- but I'm finding these too low rise lately, $125

The (Almost) Whole30

After having my second baby in January via C-Section (unlike my first pain med free (not by choice) natural birth), I've had an extremely easy recovery thanks to my excellent doctor (fellow Hamilton grad like my hubby), and a few simple dietary adjustments. But despite workouts, healthy eating, and tons of water, there are still about 3-4 pounds that I cant seem to shake. I've done the juice diet thing, and it just makes me angry and sad. So rather than starve and sweat over it, I've put the family on a whole foods eating challenge that I've seen fellow bloggers really liking, named aptly the 'Whole 30'. Generally, its a diet of fresh vegetables, meats, and fish, no dairy, alcohol, sugar or legumes. No calorie counting, measuring, or logging. But since I mostly live life in moderation, I cant quite commit to a entire 30 days of this clean eating kick, nor exclude all forbidden foods from the list. So we have coined it the 'partial 30', and so far its pretty awesome. Here are some great recipes for those of you who, like me, enjoy actual food. The key is also planning in advance as not to be left staring at the empty fridge shelves, ready to cry or binge on your son's stale Oreo's.

From Somewhere Lately, I tried a modified version of their sweet potato, avocado egg bowl and absolutely love it for lunch or dinner:

• diced sweet potato 
• olive oil (1-2 tsp)
• paprika
• crushed red pepper
• 1/2 diced avocado
• 1 egg

Coat diced sweet potato in olive oil, paprika and red pepper flakes, then cook til soft on stove top. Remove, cook the egg to your liking in the same pan. Then add potato, egg, and diced avocado to a bowl. Yum!

From my own experimenting, this simple squash noodle dish is a great lunch:

• butternut squash 'noodles' (I buy these pre-sliced from whole foods)
• 2 tsps olive oil
• garlic powder
• red pepper flakes

Boil the squash noodles for no more than 2 minutes, or bake at 400 for 8 minutes. Then dress with olive oil, garlic powder and red pepper flakes to taste. Can also be enjoyed cold or room temperature as leftovers! 

Spring Wish List

When you hit 30 and realize your 20-something closet doesn't quite hit the mark anymore, a re-haul is in necessary. Then, when you have your second baby, move to a new state, work primarily from home, and frequent the gym at midday, a complete wardrobe makeover is in order. A wardrobe shift of this magnitude is a process for me, not a single event. I still have client meetings, days in my NYC office, and event at my son's schools to attend. So its a tall, versatile order for my closet to fill. Here are some picks I am eyeing for the Spring season.