whats your style?

I love to find fun quizzes online..it's probably reminiscent of my cosmo days... I found this great one to discover your inner style... mine? well here's what I got:
Bespoke Classic
A romantic simplicity defines your setting. To cook a grand meal in an elegant kitchen is your joy. Build a roaring fire and jump into your cozy bed. Art that definitely does not match the sofa. A sense of rolling hills and vineyards surround this table. Afternoon refreshments on the patio Pre-war, upper east side attitude. Stand tall in the saddle… it's a short ride home..

which apparently makes me soul cousins with Fred Astaire, Princess Diana and Ralph Lauren..... hmmm...well at least it was fun...which style are you?

Family Recipe Blog - yum!

My sister just made a recipe blog for our family recipes.... so if you're wondering what to make tonight check it out and see if there is anything you'd want to try.

I know I'm always getting sick of my recipes. so I can't wait to snatch up some new family favorites.

http://deliciousfamilysecrets.blogspot.com/

khloe's altered booties

well after several request to see how I made khloe's little brown and blue booties I thought it would be easier to just post it here. as you can see I bought them from Target pretty simple, but soo cute. (They have this same style in pink. ) She needed something she could wear with all her navy dresses, skirts, etc. but these were actually made for boys, a little too masculine. So I just added the strap and a simple flower to dress 'em up. So easy, and man do I get compliments on these little darlings, everytime she wears them... So there you go, couldn't be easier. We bought their pink striped ones last year, love them too, but these navy cuties take the cake.

sorry the pic stinks.. but she never holds still long enough for my slow camera..!!!

christmas cards made easy...and cheap

go from pictures like this....
(she never lets me get a good photo of her
...no seriously no one can capture her personality but Helga)

to pictures like this...with just a click of the mouse http://reflectionsphotographybyhelga.blogspot.com/
I know she's my sister and I'm supposed to talk her up, but when have you EVER known me to say something I didn't really believe. This girl has serious photo chops, she can make ANY family look super cute, she knows how to capture each personality. YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED! ...and she has a killer deal for the holidays too!
... you know you need the good memories, and we all want to look perfectly put together.... at least in photos... right? :) why not save a little green while you're at it...

pics of the kids.. a salute to summer

mister luca james showing off his chompers gideon doing his homework on the trampoline...he's so studious
and a sweet smile from miss khloe
she is soo much cuter than me at this age... I think it's funny when people say she's my little clone... truth be told.. I was an ugly child...honest
all of these brilliant photos are taken by my talented and brilliant sister helga...check out the reflections photography link...(just off to the left)
I already miss the carefree days of summer, and the holidays are closing in... so not ready this year!!! sorry this is a quick post but I am still working on the reno on my kitchen...(you know between wrestling tournaments for gideon and preschool for luca)

just a personal thought

I went to a parenting class today, it was great, surrounded by all my new neighbors that I hardly know sharing and talking about feelings....I hate feelings.
(Yeah sarcasm was frowned upon too, by the way - one more check against natalie)

sometimes I feel like such a guy, I don't want to sit and talk about how this or that made me feel bad; or if I DO go to someone for advice, I want suggestions. I want you to help me see the other person's point of view, don't tell me you "understand" that I feel "____". It is patronizing to me. I have subscribed to the 'just fix it or forget it' mentality. Feelings can take over your life if you let them. That's where depression, and anxiety attacks come from. Don't get me wrong, I still get upset, but I don't see the benefit from dwelling in it too long.

But here I am in this class learning that I need to be a better listener, to validate my childs feelings more and help them to feel that emotion is ok, it's acceptable, it's normal. They were right. I sometimes get so caught up in my "no victim mentality" parenting style... I forget...they have feelings. And they(at least not yet) don't hate them.

I think God sent me crazy, passionate kids to remind me to stop...and feel. Sometimes it's not about getting something done, or solving a problem...

thank goodness for neighborhood parenting classes...with neighbors I don't know. Of course it would be nicer if I was surrounded by people who knew me...and don't think I'm completely nuts... oh well I guess they'd learn the truth eventually... :)

hair bow mania

maybe having a girl just brings the creative out in me.. but I have been making tons of bows lately. Yeah I want a bow that matches every outfit (seriously it's like an illness)..but she looks so cute with her hair up :)man I can already tell...I'm gonna be so poor when she gets older

she is already getting so good at holding still so I can do her hair...of course she will pull it out if she gets bored ...sorry I tried to get her to smile for you guys...no deal