Momathon Blog

Weekend Playlist {Random Happiness}

I took the bird's eye view photo of the yoga studio above while walking along the elevated urban park The High Line on Manhattan's West Side. This NYC parkway path transformed an out-of-use railroad trestle into a beautiful public landscape that gives you a unique perspective of the city. It reminds me of walking on a bridge, but with the added benefits of the natural elements in a park.

Due to Hurricane Sandy and significant flood damage to some of the park’s utility connections, the park was running on a limited schedule—you can read more about the park and the schedule on their blog or follow the @highlinenyc on Twitter. If you want to help the recovery process, you can support the park by becoming a member of the nonprofit. You can even support the organization by shopping at their one-of-a-kind shop online. I'm loving the High Line photo magnet set below ($15).

Because it's a Friday, I'm in the mood for some totally random, feel-good music. Here's my weekend playlist via 8Tracks. Enjoy!

most random mix ever from blinkydiver on 8tracks Radio.

... A few on the playlist... I Saw You Blink, Stornoway... Hollywood (ft. Penguin Prison), RAC... Givers Up Up Up, Glassnotemusic... Bright Idea, Mother Mother... The Palace Garden 4 am, Beat Connection... Best Day of Your Life, Katie Herzog... Kangaroo Court, Capital Cities... Make a Wish OK!, Good Records2... Can You Tell, RaRaRiot...

 

Images: NYC YOGA and THE HIGH LINE MAGNETS photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Street Style {Work + Play}

 

 

Styles that beautifully blend form and function are my faves—especially if the fashions feature a healthy dollop of fun.

Women are busy. I don't have time to change my outfit during the day. And if you are like me and leave work and hop on a bike, then chances are the line between work and play is blurry. A hectic pace—with plenty of fun built in too—means your fashion choices need to multi-task. That's why I love the Title Nine trench—a coat with a sleek silhouette made with a fabric with with just the right amount of spandex so that you can move and a super water-repellent finish that keeps you dry in a sudden downpour. If the sun comes out, pair it with the Madewell sunglasses. Winter means dry hands and I have a supply of L'Occitane creams. When it's cold outside, nothing lifts my mood like the fresh scent of peonies in the Pivoine Flora Hand Cream. A bright pop of orange with the roomy and chic Gigi Bag carries you (and your supplies) from work to play.

 

Street Style Links: 

1) Neo Trench Coat via Title Nine, 2) Super People Sunglasses via Madewell, 3) Lux Echo Tech Gloves  via Nordstrom, 4) Pivoine Flora Hand Cream via L'Occitane, 5) Gigi Bag Parisian via Roots.

Be social with these awesome brands on Twitter: @titlenine  @madewell  @LOCCITANE  @Nordstrom  @RootsCanada 

 

Images: STREET STYLE graphic by me, Chris Olson, and features product images from the links above. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Urban Spaces {Paley Park}

A small oasis in a busy city, Paley Park in Midtown Manhattan measures 4,200 square feet. Only a few feet away from a bustling 53rd Street, the air feels fresher here and the sounds of the city nearly evaporate. I took this photo a few weeks ago when the leaves on the honey locust tree were turning golden. When I look at the photo now, I almost feel the cool mist from the wall of falling water. 

 

Images: PALEY PARK graphic by me, Chris Olson, and features one of my photos of NYC. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Pinterest Holiday Drink Recipes {It's 5 O'clock Somewhere}

Did you know Alt Design Summit has a wide variety of Pinterest boards? The boards are wonderful sources of inspiration any time of the year and especially during the holidays. I'm honored to be the curator of one of the boards—It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere. Stop on by and check it out. The board has drink recipes, wine selection ideas, vineyard videos, and gift ideas for the wine lovers and more. 

 

I love everything about the splendid blog D E S I G N  L O V E  F E S T— here's my Pin for Bri's Violet crumble cocktail recipe.

Source: designlovefest.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

"I cook with wine.

Sometimes I even add it to the food."

Now that's my recipe for a great dinner! I pinned this image from the lovely stylish blog Apartment 34. 

Source: apartment34.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

Images: PINTEREST images are from the ALT Design Summit board It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere that I curate.  Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this board. Thanks!

 

 

It's So Etsy: Handmade Holiday II

Add  a vintage touch to your mantle or on a coffee table with this magical winterland scene by Julie at her JoyfulStudio shop on Etsy. The woodland winterland scene in a vintage Ball glass jar features a deer, pine tree, with snow, and 3 hanging stars that glow in the dark. 

These red felted wool slippers are more than comfortable. The felted slippers  are handmade by Ilona at her Etsy shop Kadabros. Looking for an another style or color? Check out the lovely selection of slippers in many colors and styles a Ilona's shop.

Antique brass and sunflower yellow Swarovski rivoli crystal earrings are handmade by Erin at her Etsy shop OstaraMoonJewelry.

IMAGES via JoyfulStudio, Kadabros, OstaraMoonJewelry.

Weekend Playlist {Wake Me Up}

Here's some upbeat music for you to play while you make coffee in the morning or when you are packing for a roadtrip. Playlist features artists like Coldplay, Hall and Oats (500 Days of Summer), Phoenix, Florence + The Machine, Snow Patrol, Of Monsters and Men, Newton Faulker (Hand Built by Robots), Wham! (Make it Big), and more.

 

Eyes on the road, heart on the music from Plainawesome on 8tracks Radio.

 

 

Images: TWO SLEEPING DOGS photo by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Recharge

The rush of the holiday season is just beginning. What do you do to recharge? Do you read? Take a walk? Call a friend? Pin on Pinterest? Or escape everything and take a vacation?

If you are like me, those precious recharging moments often can't be planned. I run through my day almost with blinders on. Not the best plan, but it happens. The good things happen when I slow down enough to notice what is going on around me—that's when I catch myself thinking: Wow! That was really cool. You know, that meal my kids made... or that silly dance my dog did before dinner... or that illustration I thought I'd totally messed up but now I like. 

Those unplanned moments when I stop judging every little thing and just open my eyes, those are the golden moments that keep my creativity going.

Taking a class has been one of the best ways for me to recharge my batteries and feel energized because I am learning something new and making new friends in class at the same time. Many of my favorite classes are sponsored by Alt Design Summit. And I'm thrilled to say that I'm going to the Alt Design Summit conference in SLC in January. The conference sold out in seconds, but thanks to Bing's Natalie Bowman (@missbeaux on Twitter) and the awesome folks at @Bing I scored a conference ticket! Thanks Bing! I've taken several inspiring ALT Summit Channel courses with Natalie, Bing's Marketing Director, including her awesome class "Tough Love: What Brands Really Think About Your Blog."

This week on the Alt Summit Blog, Melanie Blodget (author/editor/featured dancer at the lifestyle blog You Are My Fave) shared a video by Joss & Main. Watching the video featuring bloggers at Alt NYC conference makes me even more excited to attend the ALT SLC in January. Get inspired—check out the video below.

For more inspiration, see the Alt Summit Blog.

 

Images: JUST BREATHE graphic by me, Chris Olson and features photo by me. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Street Style {Chic and Cozy}

I grew up in Minnesota. Snowy cold winters were the norm. (That's why I love to ski!) With two older brothers I discovered how much warmer the coats for guys were and quickly adopted several as my own. My favorite coat as a teen was a vintage pea coat from my dad's navy days. Simply gorgeous and really warm. That's why I was drawn to this amazing winter jacket made for women by Emerson Fry.

Roomy enough to fit a cozy sweater underneath, the Big Peacoat in charcoal wool has a great silhouette and offers some serious warmth. When it is freezing outside, I believe a gal deserves some glam too. It's your time to shine—even when it is below zero outside—with a crystal-encrusted watch, a gold cuff, rich blue hues in a silk and cotton scarf, and spritz on a warm orange blossom and vanilla fragrance.

1) Emerson Fry New York pea coat, 2) Kenneth Cole watch, 3) Sequin-NCY.com gold cuff, 4) Tory Burch scarf, 5) Prada perfume.

 

Images: STREET STYLE graphic by me, Chris Olson and features images of products from Emerson Fry, Kenneth Cole, Sequin-NYC, Tory Burch, and Prada. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

It's So Etsy: Handmade Holiday

I'm dreaming of a handmade holiday this year. Check out Etsy and the Kiss Slowly print featured at the top of this post by Sarahandbendrix on Etsy. This shop has personalized handmade pictures, posters, cards. Shop owner Veronika has an awesome blog too, check out her blog A Few Things From My Life.

Weekend Playlist {Dream a Little Dream}

Happy Friday! Do you have big plans for the weekend? I've got ingredients for baking cookies and a list for hitting some vintage shops in my neighborhood. Do you like vintage finds? I do. Sometimes I even wonder if I am in living in the wrong decade. Here's a romantic weekend playlist with 11 vintage tracks to leave all worries behind you...

 

Act like a lady from bboop on 8tracks Radio.

Handmade Holiday {Learn to Knit Kit}

I'm on a mission to make this a handmade holiday season. I love to knit and when I saw this new kit at Purl Soho I knew it was perfect for gift giving. I remember my first knitting projects as a teen. I made cozy scarves and even a baby sweater for my niece. Fortunately I had a very patient Norwegian friend teaching me how to knit and eventually I got the hang of it and now I'm addicted :)  

Knitting is a craft you can do almost anywhere. I'm the type of person that likes to keep busy, so I carry my projects on subways, buses, planes, and of course, in the car. I love the message on the Purl Soho blog:

Our new Learn To Knit kit is specially designed to spark a creative fire in the hearts of new knitters everywhere! Our goal was to create an experience for new knitters that would be as satisfying and enchanted as were our own first forays into knits and purls.



Do you know someone who would like to learn to knit? Check out the Purl Soho kit here.

Note to my readers: This is not a sponsored post. I just love crafts and Purl Soho is one of my faves!

Images: LEARN TO KNIT KIT graphics by me, Chris Olson and feature photos from the fabulous Purl Soho. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

My Sweet Fixation

A good bakery is a sweet find. This one is in NYC. Waiting in a long line for a cupcake is totally worth it. Yummmm! Do you recognize this bakery from the photo? Details to come in a post next week.

Image: Photo by me, Chris Olson

In the Kitchen with Rachael Ray: My Year in Meals

What are you making for dinner tonight? I've always been intrigued by dinner menus. Even as a kid I wanted to know what my friends were having for dinner. If it was something new and delicious, you can be sure I ran home and told my home-ec teacher mom exactly what our family should make tomorrow! I still love hearing what my neighbors are grilling outside for tonight's dinner. That's exactly why Rachael Ray's new book, My Year in Meals with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her kitchen is so intriguing.

Reading her book is like sitting down for dinner with her family and friends. If you like the conversational and friendly style of her magazine, you'll love her new book. Here are some of the yummy recipes that have me hooked on this book:

Need something to get you out of bed in the morning? Try the Almond Custard Brioche Toast or Eastern Egg Sandwiches with Bacon. Looking to fire up that backyard barbecue? Try the Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon BBQ sauce. For something simple that will knock your guests’ socks off, try Rachael’s Egg Tagliatelle with Truffle Butter and Butternut Squash Risotto.  

In the book Rachael chronicles what she cooked for her own family and friends for an entire year and because the book is a flip book you also get a second book—Rachael’s husband and manager John Cusimano offers his personal cocktail recipes. I'm thinking the dinner recipes plus the skinny on some amazing drinks is a win-win combo:

Rachael’s husband, John Cusimano, is no stranger to the cocktail shaker. Now he’s sharing his secrets with you. Whether shaken or stirred, straight up or on the rocks, with a cherry or a twist, John’s creations—like his Strawberry Velvet featuring honey liqueur, strawberries, and lime—are always fresh, fun, and certain to make any gathering more memorable. With plenty of options for every occasion and season, such as the Pomegranate Margarita, the Halloween Fizz, and the Nod to Nog,

 

What I like best about the book:

• recipes from Rachael's kitchen diary
• includes a variety of menus, weekday dinners to complex party menus
• her coauthor hubby John shares his personal cocktail recipes
• packed with mouth-watering illustrations and photographs throughout
• book contains Microsoft tags that connect readers to videos of Rachael demonstrating techniques, explaining how to prepare each meal, and sharing personal cooking stories

You can order My Year in Meals at the Rachael Ray online store here  and get the autographed bookplate. You can also order it here.

Note to readers: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own :)

Images: MY YEAR IN MEALS cookbook graphic by me, Chris Olson and features photos from the book by Rachael Ray. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Weekend Playlist {Music for Baking Cookies and Getting Cozy}

Cookies for breakfast are ok because of the oatmeal, right?

And I have a feeling I'll be in the kitchen baking this weekend as the temps dip. That also means I have an excuse to dance in the kitchen too! The 10-song playlist below is for when you want to feel like you're in a cooking montage in a movie. Pretend you're best friends with Emma Stone, Taylor Swift, or [insert desired celebrity friend here] and dance while baking cookies.

 

Music for Cooking and Dancing from bilancam on 8tracks Radio.

(Playlist above includes The Beatles, Rosemary Clooney, Sam Cooke, and more.)

And when you don't feel like dancing. Time to get cozy... Have a loverly weekend. Go fall in love with somebody. Or snuggle with a kitten. And listen to the 25 songs on the playlist below.

i love, love. from daaniellegrasso on 8tracks Radio.

Decor Crush {New Cottage Style}

With two kids and three dogs in the house, my decorating style favors modern simplicity with a vintage twist. That's exactly why I love the fresh take on cottage style in the newly updated Better Homes & Gardens book New Cottage Style: Decorating Ideas for Casual, Comfortable Living.

The experts at Better Homes and Gardens included tons of gorgeous photos, decorating ideas and inspiration to achieve a cottage look that's clean, simple, and light. One thing that surprised me was the wide variety of cottage decorating styles. The authors give practical tips on how to recreate the style you like in your home.

What's inside the book:

House tours featuring everyday living, classic looks, touch of elegance, and welcoming retreats.

Room views featuring special spaces including porches, ultra-organized laundries, and many more room makeovers.

Projects and ideas notebook offers DIY inspiration including wallpapering a bookcase, adding a skirt on a wicker chair, and  painting a porch floor.

Find this paperback book here and here.

Note to readers: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Images: NEW COTTAGE STYLE graphics by me, Chris Olson and features my photos of the book. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Breathe {And Enjoy Some Lovely Links}

It is Wednesday. The day after the big election. I'm not even going to write about current events today because I am writing this a day early, before the results are in.

Instead of adding to all the political hype in social media, I've got some lovely refreshing + relaxing links just for you.  

 

One of the lovely pins via D E S I G N L O V E F E S T

For starters, I'm the official pinner for the new Alt Summit on Pinterest board It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere. Stop by and check it out. The featured drink above, the Violet Crumble, is pinned here and the recipe and photo is via the splendid blog D E S I G N L O V E F E S T.

I'm a beach and sandals gal so I absolutely adore the new Etsy collection Hello Fun Gifts! - Christmas Beach Vibes by Lelaine. The One-of-a-Kind nautical license plate in this curated collection can be found here.

If you love keeping up with the latest style trends, check out the gorgeous new blog Meg Biram—The Edit. Meg started blogging in 2007 when she launched the awesome blog MIMI+MEG—a fashion, interiors, and art blog. Her brand new blog is lovely too. The perfect read while drinking your morning latte.

Are you looking for some blogging inspiration? I have taken so many wonderful online classes at Alt Summit Channel that I've lost count. You gotta check them out. And many of them are free thanks to Bing! Here are just a few of the many classes scheduled.this month.

Images: Top FALL COLORS image is by me, Chris Olson.  You can find the sources for the other images featured here in the posts descriptive copy next to the images.

 

Class, Today's Word Is VOTE

 

Have you voted yet? I hope you do. Bob Schieffer, moderator of the final presidential debate, ended the debate with sage advice from his mother: "Go vote. It makes you feel big and strong."

 

Images: Both VOTE illustrations are by me, Chris Olson. (You can also find the #govote image on @MomathonBlog on Instagram.) Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

I Heart Handmade {The Linden Tree Shop}

The Linden Tree Shop in Minneapolis is a specialty craft store that celebrates the goodness of all things handmade.

The shop is a gathering place for seasoned crafters and newbies. Shop owner Melissa Pederson sells fabulous designer fabric—by Michael Miller, Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, and many more—as well as unique fabric designed by local artists via custom fabric maker Spoonflower. If you want to learn how to sew or brush up on your skills, the store offers personalized sewing classes for children and adults. If you like to quilt this is your go to shop with quilting supplies and patterns.

Making handmade gifts for the holidays is a personal fave. The shop sells brilliant DIY kits with sewing patterns and fabric for making a variety of chic items from bags, to bibs, to head bands, to doll clothes, and much more. As you know, I like no-fuss crafts, so on a recent trip to Minneapolis my daughter and I bought several kits to make gifts that will only take a few hours or less to whip up.

Forty-plus local artists also sell their handmade goods in the shop, including stationery, custom fabric, unique sewing patterns, jewelry, children's clothing, natural soaps and candles, earth-friendly crayons made from soy and non-toxic mineral pigments, and cozy quilts and blankets that will be treasured and used for decades. 

Looking for DIY  inspiration and the latest news on this shop? Like shop on Facebook and follow it on Twitter and Pinterest.

 

Images: THE LINDEN TREE SHOP graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Weekend Playlist {I Used Only the Good Notes}

Wherever you are, however you feel, I believe music has the power to make the day better. I'm thinking of my east coaster family and friends. Hope the playlists I've included get you humming along and maybe even make you smile.  xo  

City Love from nardzmyx on 8tracks Radio.

 

Once again, one playlist did not seem to be enough. Here are a few sunny songs. 

 

sunny with a side of up. from jayneng1120 on 8tracks Radio.

 

 

Image: FRIDAY'S FLOWER photo by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<   

My Cape Crush {Classic and Chic by Leslie Tessler}

On a chilly day in the city, can't imagine anything more fun and cozy than a cape. I love the chic vintage-inspired capes by Leslie Tessler.

Leslie Tessler capes are made with the most luxurious fabrics—including Peruvian alpaca, Italian cashmere, and French woven silk. The expertly tailored capes go with almost anything—jeans, leggings, or a skirt. Opting for timeless over trendy, her one-of-a-kind capes will never go out of style.

When you order you can even specify the button style. Awesome!

 

Images: 1) THREE CAPES BY LESLIE TESSLER graphic by me, Chris Olson, 2) MINT LESLIE TESSLER CAPE features the Titan Mint Cape by  Leslie Tessler paired with artwork by me by me, Chris Olson. 3) image via Leslie Tessler. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<   

 

Hello, November! {A Time of Thanks and Gratitude}

Hello, friends. What a week...

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, I send a HUGE thank you to all the first responders, the anonymous good samaritans, the city and state leaders, President Obama, the donors who help disaster relief charities, and those countless heroes who helped out with hurricane rescues and disaster relief efforts. Words can't begin to express my gratitude.

I'm sending out special mommy hugs to my family and friends on the East Coast. My son in college in NYC survived the storm and has been giving me updates on the recovery and relief efforts.

My wish for November can be summed up in four words: A spirit of gratitude. If we join together to support each other that is what has the power to make each day truly awesome. Our perspective and acts of generosity can lift us up even during the most overwhelming situations. When disaster strikes we might see the glass as half empty. However, our acts of kindness—small or big—is what gets poured into the glass to make it half full. 

If you want to help relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy, this is a great post with links. (If you are a blogger please share that link.)

xo, Chris

 

Image: MAKE TODAY RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME illustration by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

>•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<