Holiday tid bits....

Since I have been over the top busy between Grace, holiday parties, redecorating my office/playroom,  and finishing up the holiday home tour, I have neglected my blog! Here are some tid bits to hold you over until I post pics of my holiday home!

How shabby and fab is this?!?!

This totally is my mom's style tree, a seaside christmas! Love her new nautical furniture!

I also want to mention something totally worth doing! How many of you couldn't find the perfect holiday photo? How many of you would love to print large canvas photos for your home? How many of you would like to give a photo as a holiday gift?

I kept going through my photos thinking, "if only I could change this, then the picture would be perfect?" Well, now you can! Want to change the background? Check! Add makeup? Check! Fix a little flab? Check!

A new site:

http://PhotoshopMeNow.com/

For an inexpensive fee, you can make the changes you want! Presto! Chelsea, the women behind the creations, is highly talented and easy to work with. She has experience in photography and has a creative touch! Check it out!

Another must see...icaughtsanta.com!

Want Santa by the Christmas tree? Coming down the chimney? Eating milk and cookies? Sleeping on the sofa? Stealing a kiss from Mommy? For less than $10 anyone can bring back the wonder of Christmas and be a hero to children by catching Santa "in the act."

Till next time, out shopping!

Altruisim

Charity – in fact, altruism in general – is a very difficult concept to explain in a general sense. What I’ve found often is that you either have an innate understanding of why you give or you don’t, and introducing the idea to someone who doesn’t see the benefit is likely to get a shrug of indifference. The best I can do is explain in detail why I give to various causes.

As I often wonder, why oh why did I volunteer for another project? Another Saturday, another Sunday? Deep down in my heart I know why I always get involved. Regardless of the amount of work it involves or the "inconvenience", it simply makes me feel GOOD and a true sense of happiness in my heart. After an event, my heart is more satisfied than when I went purchased those shoes online. Although I will never fill an SUV full of piping hot beef stew again without some serious spill proof lids, I will keep cooking for the soup kitchen. Yes, I inherited the "gene" of the bottomless drive to keep giving from my mother and grandfather ("Poppi"), whom would give the shirt of their backs without a thought...and sometimes to a fault. 

I believe that giving is motivated by humans’ deeply held need to find meaning in life. For most people, meaning is deeply intertwined with community connections (defining community as narrowly as family to the full community of life). Humans want to feel a sense of connection and a sense of purpose to life. Giving (time, money, energy) is a central way that we strive to find meaning.

Much has been made of selfish motivations behind giving. No doubt some giving is motived by selfishness. However, if we look to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (a central theory of what drives human behavior) we find that while humans are driven by items that benefit them, once these needs (food, sleep, security, etc) are met, they are driven by the desire for self-actualization.

Because what is good for our community is good for each of us (in that individuals in thriving, happy communities are generally happier themselves), there is a way in which giving comes back to benefit the giver. This feedback loop is wonderful, but I believe that humans’ motivation to give is rooted in their desire to find meaning through community, not the hope that doing so will benefit them.

All of this is my thoughts on what motivations humans to give. The motivations of each individual giver are of course unique. But just as we eat to satisfy our desire to live, we give to satisfy our desire for meaning.

Here I sit, exhausted and burnt out making a list of what still needs to be done for the Old Lyme Children's Center benefit home tour and the thought, "why did I volunteer for this"?. I admit that sometimes this means time away from my family and friends. I started thinking and began writing... I am fulfilled because I know that this Christmas I have done good for my community.

Please join us in the celebration! I have tickets (in advance)to the home Tour and/or donations can be made out to OLCLC mailed directly to me! Any contribution is greatly appreciated, as many people have worked very hard to make a new playground possible for the school. I know it is a very busy time for many people, but am really hoping that it is a successful benefit. I am looking forward to a very merry weekend!

Wrap it up!

Tis the season for wrapping with pretties! Most know that I have been feverishly working on decorating my home for a local benefit open house, so I have not been blogging too much. I thought I would share one of my most favorite ideas this season...gift wrapping with old maps. The french vintage look had to go along with my gift wrap, so... I took myself down to the good ol' Book Barn (a local recycled/used book store) and bought a book of vintage maps and French sheet music-blew the dust off and wrapped away! I used mostly maps of France, but even old subway maps and old newspapers would be neat! What about using magazines that are personalized specifically towards the interests of the recipient? More to follow once the holiday preview is over!

Here are some other ideas that I thought were different via who else, but Martha Stewart!: Wrapping made from children's artwork!

How about wrapping each member of the family in a different color and skipping the gift tags? Thanks Martha!

And...last but not least...how about a jewelry organizer made out of vintage pulls for a gift?

That would be a good suggestion to give a husband and see what he can come up with!

Happy Wrapping! Did I mention that my house is COVERED in glitter? 

"Families have changed," said Newman. "I actually call the only child the 'new traditional family.'"

THE ONLY CHILD MYTH

After this topic was brought up during a casual gym workout discussion and I am haunted by the question, "are you going to have another?" and "Charlotte is going to be lonely on Christmas morning", I thought I would do a little research on this topic. 20/20 did an entire segment on this and sparked my curiosity as I am also an only child.

I believe it has its advantages and disadvantages as anything else has in life. Here is some interesting reading material.

Long List of StereotypesThe myth of the only child dates back to the late 1800s when G. Stanley Hall, known as the founder of child psychology, called being an only child "a disease in itself."

Susan Newman, a social psychologist at Rutgers University and the author of "Parenting an Only Child," says the myth has been perpetuated ever since. "People articulate that only children are spoiled, they're aggressive, they're bossy, they're lonely, they're maladjusted," she said. "And the list goes on and on and on."

But is there any science that makes the stereotype stick? "No," Newman said. "There have been hundreds and hundreds of research studies that show that only children are no different from their peers."

In order to find out for ourselves, "20/20" gathered a group of onlies in New York and asked them whether they thought the stereotype is true.

"I'm an only child. I don't think I'm that bossy," Corinne said, and 16-year-old Ben said, "I'm sure there is but it's not because … they're only children. I mean, it depends on the parents. If the parents are indulgent parents you can have 30 kids, they're all gonna be overindulged."

While a battery of studies shows no difference with onlies when it comes to bossiness or acting spoiled, it turns out there is a significant difference when it comes to intelligence. A landmark 20-year study showed that increased one-on-one parenting produces higher education levels, higher test scores and higher levels of achievement.

One-on-One Time

What explains that apparent advantage? Newman says, "They have all their parents financial resources to get them extra lessons, to get them SAT training but more critical is the one-on-one time at the dinner table."

A generation ago, only 10 percent of families had only children. Today that percentage has more than doubled. And it's no wonder — it costs between $200,000 and $300,000 to raise one child to the age of 17, and that's not including the cost of college.Which means more reading time, more homework time and eventually better test scores. Hult said of her son, "I think we felt as a family that we were able to give him more attention and spend more time together and really focus on him."

"Families have changed," said Newman. "I actually call the only child the 'new traditional family.'"

And yet, despite the explosion of families with onlies, a recent poll suggests only 3 percent of Americans believe one is an ideal number. Could it be that the myth of the only child persists?

What the research shows

Some research has shown that only children are:

• more highly motivated to academic achievement
• have higher self esteem
• have better relationships with parents.

Only children are similar to children in bigger families in generosity, popularity, leadership, independence or anxiety levels.

Research indicates that an only child may be:

• verbally advanced
• better off in education
• more likely to learn to do things by himself and to learn to like to do things that you do alone.

On the negative side the only child may find it hard at first to relate to other children and to manage aggression.

On the positive side an only child may:

• enjoy solitude and peace
• live in a household that lacks the chaos of larger households
• develop escape strategies such as reading
• have the undivided attention of parents.

However, you can't tell what it will be like for any particular child from this research. Children vary a lot in their temperament (some are shy and some are confident), and some households are noisy even when there is only one child, while others are peaceful even when there are several.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Recap of an amazing Thanksgiving

Our journey started as a 4 hour road trip into the city through many car accidents and battling holiday travelers into NYC. We also were on a last minute mission for "grace", which ended out working out perfectly. Phew! We checked into the hotel, and a wide eyed Charlotte couldn't contain herself. She loves the city and has become her favorite place to visit. After her first visit, she asks on a daily basis if we can go back!


 Immediately after checking in, room service surprised Charlotte with a large plate of shaved chocolates and assorted sugary sweets along with awesome children's toiletries. Ironically, the note said "sweet dreams little Charlotte." 2 pounds of sugar and sleep do not mix! Well, she went a little overboard on the sweets and Girard didn't want to "quell" her excitement, so she indulged... a lot. I ran off to for a quick shopping errand, and the two of them pigged out! As they were eating it,  Girard told me she said, "shhh..don't tell Mommy."  
Girard then took her up to the pool and blissful spa area after eating 2 pounds of chocolate and...BARFED all over the pool area! Upon arriving to the pool area I walked into a crying Charlotte and beside the pool. She cried histerically because she was afraid that meant "no more swimming", not because she got sick. Of course, she stayed in the pool for an additional hour. Nothing will stop that girl!

This is the evidence left after she ate half of the plate. The two of them hid it from me (literally "in the closet" until we got room service and "the truth" came out.) LOL.

Of course, I was on bedbug/germ patrol every second. And yes, everything is outside my house until it goes directly into the washing machine and HOT dryer. The parade was such an amazing experience and the mandarin oriental did an awesome job catering to kids. No detail was missed, stuffed animals for kids, great view, hot chocolate bar, food galore, legos building stations, a cookie decorating station with aprons and chef hats, balloons, wii stations set up, coloring books, etc. Anything a kid could want.

Decorating Turkey sugar Cookies!

 They really made a huge extravagant party in the ballroom for kids. After talking with the other moms, I realized the majority were from great distances in the US, and made this an annual event. I would highly recommend staying there for the parade, as they really amazed me! I felt really bad when I went out in the morning to walk Mr. P and saw all of the chilly kids who had been waiting for the parade 3 hours before it even started. I wanted to invite them all inside!! We did go outside for a while too, just to see it closer but it was pretty cold.

Charlotte's face when she saw Santa!

My mom found the most amazing french restaurant I have ever been to for Thanksgiving dinner! A small authentic restaurant on the lower east side. A four course dinner...will my jeans fit anymore? Seriously, who knew that the French could make the best Turkey I have ever had? Girard managed to have a Bentley drive us around...leave it to him. My Dad also made it into the city to meet up with us, which meant a lot.


Paddington christened the lobby with the biggest gift they have ever smelled. Hey, "dogs are allowed" but they probably will be changing their hotel policy after that one. Leave it to us... Nothing but laughs and many stories! 


The best part of the trip was after we said our blessing and went around the table sharing what we were most grateful for. When it was Charlotte's turn she said, "I am thankful for my mommy and daddy. I have the greatest mommy in the world". I fought the tears back as her words came out as deeply thought and clear as an adult. Even though we did NY in luxury style, it made me realize that we could have been anywhere in the world and have felt such an overwhelming love for my family. Hands down, the Best Thanksgiving I have ever had! I am so grateful and blessed, the true feeling of Thanksgiving!

Paddington snuggled in the white down bedding...lucky dog!

I will post good photos once I upload them from my camera. These are just some silly phone pics! Happy Thanksgiving!!

All that Glitters at Grace!

“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

The Grace holiday party was a hit! Many of our faithful customers and best friends came excited to see the holiday goodies! The little "Grace girl elves" worked very very hard... every detail was perfect, making sure that all was put together in a very special way. Little miss "A" made her debut in sparkles and made everyone smile! Kelly played christmas music and wowed us with her beautiful voice!

The cottage whites of the holidays perfect for coastal homes! We have holiday ideas to inspire you to decorate outside of your normal "tree routine". Do you decorate your seaside tree with shell ornaments? Why not add some of our unique sailboats into the mix? Do your vintage inspired tree with golds? Why not add some mercury glass and feathered birds to make it outstanding?

Grace Fans!

Looking for some unique holiday gifts for children? We have those special little things too!

Who doesn't love Pine Cone Hills Sleepwear and bedding? The back portion of the store makes you want to stay forever. Maybe its the cool coastal color palate or maybe the clean smell of the diffusers?Does it get much better than that?

I just can't help but highlight this adorable ornament- a vintage paper sailboat ornament. I could just envision a whole tree themed around this piece.

 The French Quarter of the store. Vintage one-of-a-kind Findings jewelry and mercury glass ornaments in french colors.

So perfect for the holiday parties without wearing another boring dress. Dare to stand out!

Our Kelly singing the night away. Did I forget to mention that Kyle makes the best signature cocktail ever? Anyways, thanks for all who came and the women who inspire me everyday. Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know who stopped in to read my blog!

Get your Sparkle on!

Unveiling our holiday goodies! A fabulous place to find a special gift and decorate your home uniquely for the holiday season! This Friday, November 19th, 5-8pm....make it a "girls night" and come mingle with fun girls in an inspiring atmosphere! Offering 20% discount off all purchases for the evening! We promise to have holiday charm that is one of a kind. Make your home as special as Grace!

What happens when you take a hammer to hardwood floors?

A beautiful distressed look! A new trend with deep roots. Handscraped hardwood flooring is created by hand using wood scraping tools to give an old wood appearance. Loving all things "vintage", I was immediately drawn to these when picking out our new wood floors for the upstairs playroom and bedrooms. I am so happy with the way our new hardwoods turned out that I have to share! By not only using the distressed wood, but alternating the planks widths, it gives the rooms a whole new charming feel. The contrast of the creamy white walls and white moldings makes the floors more pronounced.

If you love the look of hardwood floors with a lot of character markings then you will love this look. In the US, the hand scraped wood look has become a popular choice among homeowners wanting the warmth of hardwood with the look of an old reclaimed floor but with todays finest finishes. Although more expensive, these floors do look stunning and give the appearance of a hardwood floor with a lot of character.

These floors are a newer trend but are rooted in history. Before today’s modern sanding methods, floors were hand scraped on site to make the floors flat. Today’s hand scraping is done to add texture, richness and unique characteristics.


To come soon....our completed project of office, lighting, and shelves made out of vintage doors and pillars.

My favorite quote. "Be yourself, everyone else is taken." Oscar Wilde

Be yourself, everyone else is taken (Oscar Wilde). I couldn't help but share this!

In order to be oneself, one has to take risks, to accept that one is not perfect and to be courageous enough to say what one really thinks. Nowadays, it’s a tremendous act of bravery to be original instead of a pathetic replication of someone else. Role models are just that, and they are not necessarily someone to imitate to the letter, an image to clone or a mind to reproduce. “Most people are other people; their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.” –Oscar Wilde. Lacking spontaneity, originality or individuality is the worst flaw one can has, for a mediocre copy of someone else is taking one’s place. 

It is considered that the “different” is wrong; people should follow societies’ expectations and norms, which are implicitly or explicitly stated as acceptable for human behavior. The “odd” can be not only dangerous, but also a potential element of corruption. Consequently, “GOOD” people fear the ones who “set a bad example”, so the “rotten” people are a problem to solve by DISCRIMINATING, PERSECUTING or ATTACKING in repeatedly situations. Thus, it’s believed that it’s easier to fulfill society’s expectation, for life would be quite more successful and profitable. However, as Oscar Wilde said, “to be natural is such a difficult pose to keep up”; to be someone else all the time is so torturing and tiresome that it can be said to be impossible. It’s true that people who speak up their minds find a strong opposition from society, but at least they know who they are and are able to think by themselves.

First of all, to have an opinion, a style, a way of thinking and a defined character and personality is fantastic. Being diversity a lot more profitable than sameness, which is awfully boring, it must be encouraged in order to have a developing society. Evolution and developing is the result of original ideas. There are many examples of great minds who dared to think different and astonished the world like Columbus, Martin Luther king, Nietzsche, Leonardo Da Vinci, etc. The most remembered and respected people are the ones who were able to give new ideas, concepts and views of the world. The world needs originality, for there is more than enough imitations in the world.

Being open and honest will lead to the liberation from “social masks” also called hypocrisy, which is the real decadence of a society. There is a tendency to disregard our principles to stay out of trouble, to hide our insecurities and to fit in with others. Besides, in the masses you are one more, but alone you are nothing. What a pity! Potential great minds wasted! If one does the same as others, which is the purpose of one’s life? 

Individuality is formed from committing mistakes and learning from them, from different kinds of experiences, from ideals and principles and, of course, from not jumping on the bandwagon. Individuality is an extraordinary quality very few people have. The complication in achieving individuality may be the difficulty that being different implies-cowardice- or the incapacity to think, both are possible.

In conclusion, to follow the crowd is ok for mediocre people, but not for the ones who want to be respected and listened. Leave your mask, follow your ideals instead of a crowd, and defend your point of view as a reasonable person and you will learn so many things about others and about yourself. Our existence is important; we shouldn’t hide our personality, but use it to make the world a more interesting place to live in. “Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else”- Judy Garland.