Zen Dad

I enjoy quite a few other blogs - when I actually have time to read them - and I especially like those that cover a wide variety of topics while staying true to their voice. Zen Habits is one such blog and a recent post by this happy dad made me smile: Why I Love Being a Dad.

For those with children, you will understand why I enjoyed this post so much and why there are (currently) nearly 65 comments on this posting and why his blog is in the top 50 blogs found through Technorati.

Read it and weep. I did.

Don't Mess with Texas

I will be spending the night in Dallas, Texas - the fastest turn-around trip I've ever experienced (thus far). I know I will have no time, nor the energy, to shop but I do know that I will be back (in April and again in November) so already I'm making a list - and checking it twice - of all the trendy boutiques, shops and restaurants I plan on visiting during my upcoming return to this city - or at least doing more research on.

Clothing & Shoes:

ELEMENTS
(on Lovers Lane)

PUMA MONGOLIAN SHOE BBQ



kick pleat








Restaurants:

BLT STEAK





TILLMAN'S
ROADHOUSE

scene

Feedback or other suggestions welcome!

Baby Baby Baby

Perhaps it's because my sister is pregnant with Baby #2 that I can't get babies off of my mind lately. I've come across several sites that sell adorable items for babies and toddlers. I can't wait to find out if we're having a boy or a girl this time around. I have a feeling this little one will be even more spoiled than the first (and my own).

The Boom Boom Room

My job takes me places like L.A. quite often but today's event - The Boom Boom Room - taking place in Beverly Hills was a first-time experience for me (and for Kane /Miller) but it was one that introduced me to many other vendors who offer wonderfully unique products for growing families.

Bebe au Lait

West Coast Wagons

The Bumble Collection

Egba Originals

Sok-O

Diapees & Wipees

Blessence Maternity

Moby Wrap

The Boom Boom Room - a annual celebrity gifting suite -benefits the Jayneoni Moore Children's Fund - a charity funding reading programs and providing books for low income areas.

Rodeo Drive

After checking in to the new-ish Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills, my Kane/Miller colleague and I headed for a nice walk down to Rodeo Drive. That's right! We enjoyed a leisurely stroll down the famous strip and enjoyed a shopping day that we probably will never experience again. Although we didn't stop inside every store, we did manage to hit the dressing rooms and I even purchased a few items for the celebrity gifting suite Kane/Miller was sponsoring.

Just to mention a few stores on the three-block strip: BCBG, Bebe, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, GUESS, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Versace, and Yves St. Laurent.

I may end up going back someday but the next time you'll find me inside a Prada store will most likely be at the outlet center just outside Palm Springs.

Design Style

Trendy, modern, hip, stylin' designers with a unique vision:

Always a Good Day to Shop

More fun sites and shops to share:

SUPERMARKET








SUNDOG COMPANY

I Thought You'd Never Ask

A neighbor sent this to me via email and although I deleted several questions from this long list, I did answer honestly to the ones below. I also added a few of my own but that's only for me to know which ones. I was asked to forward it on to friends and family or risk bad luck for years to come...I'll take my chances.

1. What time did you get up this morning?
About 5am

2. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw at the theatre?
Atonement

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Project Runway

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Cereal or coffee

6. What is your middle name?
Santos (I changed it from Lea to my given name when I got married)

7. What kind of car do you drive?
Nissan Quest

8. Favorite sandwich?
BLT

9. What characteristic do you despise?
Arrogance

10. Favorite item of clothing?
T shirt & jeans

11. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Northern Ireland to visit my girlfriend or New Zealand or Australia, or Costa Rica...oh heck. I really could use a vacation.

12. Favorite brand of clothing?
True Religion (jeans) or Juicy Couture

13. Where would you retire to?
Not sure - I have time to think about this, right?

14. What was your most recent memorable birthday?
30 - Celebrated in Vegas with my girly-friends.

15. Favorite sport to watch?
Horse Racing

16. When is your birthday?
April 8

17. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night owl

18. What is your shoe size?
7.5

19. Pets?
No

20. What did you want to grow up to be when you were little?
A teacher

21. What is your favorite candy?
Butterfinger

22. What is your favorite flower?
Dahlia

23. What day on the calendar are you most looking forward to?
End of January when I will head to CO to go snowboarding

24. What was the last thing you ate?
Ice cream

25. Do you wish on stars?
Every chance I get

26. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Brick Red

27. How is the weather right now?
Rainy

28. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My ex-husband

29. Favorite soft drink?
Root Beer

30. Hair color?
Auburn

31. Eye color?
Brown

32. Summer or winter?
Summer

33. Hugs or kisses?
Both

34. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate

35. Coffee or tea?
Coffee

36. When was the last time you cried?
Friday night

37. Last time you laughed?
Before bed with my son

38. What did you do last night?
Spent quality time with my son

39. What are you afraid of?
Having my heart broken (again)

40. Salty or sweet?
Salty

41. How many keys on your key-ring?
Several

42. How many years at your current job?
7 years this March

43. Favorite day of the week?
Any day my son's with me

44. How many different cities have you lived in?
3 (so far)

45. Do you have any regrets?
NONE

What's Your Animal Mothering Style?

Do you rule your roost with an iron fist? Or is your parenting style much more laid-back and earthy? Take this quiz to find out what animal mother you’re most like.

Me, I'm a dolphin: Dolphin moms have a free and easy nature; they are very laid back mommas. With a passion for teaching their children everything they can about the world around them. Dolphin mothers long to be not just good moms for their kids, but good friends and confidants as well.

Must-Reads for Mommies

The Family Groove is a fun, quirky place to find hip and trendy products and clothing for little ones. They also have great articles and resources for both Moms and Dads. This week, they list several must-reads especially for Moms. My favorite from this list:

This, of course, is the sequel to Porn for Women, another great photographic collection that will keep women smiling.

Temporary Tattoos

I haven't had any ink done since before my son was born. I have several designs in mind for when I have the time and money to invest in body art but there's a new way to get some ink overnight - at a much lower price.

Yep, that's right. This is a t-shirt or slip on, temporary tattoo sleeves! What a fun way to try out a different style for a day - or night.

Eye for Design

WALLTER / FOLD BEDDING

How Diet, Exercise and Weight Control Affect Fertility

In early December, Newsweek published a surprising article on fertility and how it is affected (among men and women) by diet, exercise and weight control.

Since I often think about having another child - someday - I'm highly in tune to the latest research that's out there regarding conception and the challenges that often inhibit couples from making their family complete.

My friends (and I) are in our thirties and it's startling to me how many of them are seeking fertility counseling and are on their second or third installment of in vitro or other interventions to help them conceive.

No matter what the reason may be, maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercising often is important to emotional, physical, and psychological health. One of my New Year's resolutions is to be more active and to be more conscious of what I eat. And if increases my chances of being able to conceive again - eventually - then you bet it'll be worth every step.

Videos of my Little Guy

Photobucket Album

Mid-Winter in Philadelphia

A certain publishing event is happening in less than two weeks in the beautiful city of Philadelphia. I have never actually been there, although I recall driving through the city of Hershey, Pennsylvania (the streetlights were shaped like Hershey's Kisses) when I was about ten years old.

If I were to attend this event, at the last minute, I would want to be sure to hit up a few boutiques, bookstores and museums while there. I may even spend a little money at some quaint little toy stores or gift shops along the way to the Convention Center.

Here are just a few local hot spots I've only heard about:

State of Grace Boutique














BOLETE







SAILOR JERRY:
The Original Vintage Tattoo Brand





BING BANG:
Jewlery & Leather Goods









VINTAGE CONNECTION







RAE Restaurant

And yes, enjoy a Philly Cheese Steak while you're there...it's a must!