The clients are settled (albeit temporarily), the to-dos crossed off. The laundry is done. The bags packed. Have the kid, my second brain (the laptop), swimsuits and bags full of books. A full tank and iced non-fat latte. We’re ready!
You gotta love a summer camp that is so much fun your child begs you not to pick her up until camp is just about to close for the day. And when you do, she is happily tired, dirty and tattooed!
What’s even better is when camp combines fun with learning. Our collection of ceramics continues to grow and this year the little miss is recording cds and trying her hand at short iMovies. And then there’s the sewing:
These are K’s first attempts at hand-sewing … all learned at camp and complementing the machine sewing she has begun to do at home. The tiny stitches delight me as does her growing interest in making things from fabric. I do believe we have holiday presents figured out!
Did you know that the purpose of peep-toe shoes is more concealment than fashion? True story. I’ve fallen a bit behind on repairs + maintenance (think bushy eyebrows and chipped polish) so I’ve been relying on the peep-toes. You see, with peep-toes, you just need your big toe and the one next to it to look good. If the rest of your toes look like they’ve been working in the fields, it’s OK. You can’t see them and so the illusion of glamour is maintained.
Of course, eventually one reaches a point that even the peep toe can’t camouflage. Thank goodness for 1940s-style summer pumps!
Note to self: make beauty appointments. Next note to self: create new blog category called “Serious Issues” for highly important posts such as this one.
I am rather fond of smiley faces. After all, I was around when the big smiley debuted in the 70s and would have traded my Partridge Family lunch box in a second for the white lunch bags emblazoned so cheerfully. Disposable lunch bags didn’t fly with parents both eco- and budget-conscious, so I coveted from afar.
Well, imagine my delight when I found this while zooming around the grocery store:
I know! Smiley faces on sandwich bags. Two designs. Tucked in a well-packaged, Japanese-esqe box. My heart beat a little faster. The price per bag gave me pause and I really do try to limit my use of plastic. But as you can see, the little smileys spun their magic, and I am now the proud owner of a special box of baggies. They will be carefully rationed and used as special surprises in the school lunch. Oh, and I think they’ll play a factor in favor bags for K’s next birthday. And really, when you think of it that way, they are quite economical. 
Party fever has taken hold. Last week, dinner for 30. Today, brunch for 5. Not nearly the scale but just as much fun.
Frittata :: bagels + cream cheese :: veggie platter :: cranberry + orange scones :: vanilla yogurt :: strawberries + blueberries :: friends :: sunshine :: forts and good conversation.
I predict a trend …
Last week this time, I was nursing a migraine while preparing for the biggest shin-dig I’ve given in years. Just that morning, I’d bid good-bye to K for a week. A week! The first time she’s ever gone away without me (vacation with her dad). I was in a rather fragile state but party favors had to be made …
The tags were custom-designed by shim + sons whom I never would have “met” if it weren’t for these things called blogs. The tags were drop-dead amazing. Never have M&Ms been packaged so well.
Oh, and did you know … those M&M people will customize the M&M colors of your choice with whatever message you like. These said “sage + jon” which is just perfect for the newly engaged!
When I began planning the party, I envisioned everyone sitting around a long table feasting on food fresh from the Farmer’s Market. And that’s what we did.
Putting it all together required a bit of hunting and gathering. My favorite items were sourced straight from the hardware store: painter’s drop clothes to cover 24 feet of table (they look and feel like linen for a fraction of the price) and jelly jars for glasses. That idea was inspired by Fish, a restaurant in Sausalito that I learned about from Sally. Fish is an incredible place right on the water that serves the yummiest organic food in a down-home setting that makes me want to move right in. Instead, I’ve found reasons to eat there 3 times in as many weeks.
Now a week later, the linens are at the dry cleaners, the glassware stowed away, K is on her way home and I’m wondering when I should throw another party. I mean, after 30, a dinner for 10 or brunch for 20 would be a cinch!
