Deep Breath

I've been feeling a bit of stress since I got back from my vacation...stress from work, baby prepping, logistic arranging, general life stress.  Sometimes I feel the knot in my belly and then I realize I'm bringing stress to my baby. In childbirth prep I'm learning to breath in deeply for a count of 4 and release for the same count....this is becoming a really useful tool to untie those knots in my belly and let go of the tension.

1....2....3...4.....

I wish it looked like this but it at least feels like this...

Good Intentions.

It's Monday. Most of us begrudgingly meet this day with the dreariness of weekend nostalgia, lamenting that we must get back to work. Think of this day instead as a way to set intentions for the week & send forth some good energy to harvest a bounty goodness.

1. Find a statement or mantra that elicits a positive force from your brain.

2. Send good vibes to someone you have a difficult time with. 

3. Take a moment to see how it would feel if instead of lamenting this day you greeted it with happiness at having the opportunity to start fresh.

4. Life is so short. So very very short, wake up and take hold of it. I have a dear friend fighting for her life and I am especially reminded of that right now. There is only this, right now and you are the only person who can make it better.  Start now. 

Grateful Wednesdays

It's been a while since I've made a gratitude list.  I was reminded by reading my friend Nicole's blog (you should too, it's beautiful): Love Life

So I'm back at it. Back in the swing of working, connecting, moving and shaking all as much as possible before I go into labor. Hectic as I feel I am so super happy with life right now. I feel so grounded and despite waves of stress I feel calm and I know I am right where I should be. Which leads me to my list...

1. I'm grateful for listening to my body and my gut. For knowing how to hear it and trust it. 

2. I'm grateful for my health & having the blessed experience of a healthy pregnancy. I don't take that for granted one single second. 

3. I'm grateful Spring is in the air. Is there anything more optimistic than Spring?

4. I'm grateful for my support system. I guess I've listed this one before but I don't care. I have the greatest people in my life and it makes me feel so happy and loved and drunk on happiness. 

5. I'm grateful that I live in New York City. After travelling for the past 3 weeks to incredible cities in other parts of the world I have come to appreciate my own city even more. I love this crazy city. 

Stockholm Syndrome

Some say Paris is the city of light but after spending a few days in Stockholm I bet to differ. Evidence below supports this theory, granted I know these days of long light and stunning shadows exist only for a few short months. This city is grand and majestic in its architecture and layout. It is a city spread out over 14 islands and connected by small bridges and affords beautiful views from varying heights depending which island you're on.  I consider Swedes to be some of the most stylish, naturally chic people in the world and I was curious to observe stylish locals and understand what makes Swedish style unique from the rest of the world. I think light plays a major role in both the architecture and fashion in Sweden and informs the motivations behind the sunset hues found in the buildings and the dark, semi-gothic edge woven into the local style. Beneath this though is a bit of irony & wit, I find Swedish style is founded upon equal parts function & irreverent humor.

morning view from our hotel

Acne Archive bliss!

Stockholm subway station...a step back into the 80's

Home

I just returned from a dream trip to Northern Europe, kind of a "baby moon" as people are calling it these days. It was heaven: almost 3 weeks exploring beautiful places with my man and getting all the time we want to do just what we want.  Now that I'm back into the nitty gritty and non-stop pace I have to say its good to be back in the grind.

Back home in the wild & screaming dirty city that is New York. Back to my tiny apartment. Back to cooking. Back to the gym. Back, refreshed, ready to take on the next big chapter. 

Antwerp

Antwerp is a city that has held much mystique to me through my years working in fashion. It has always seemed like a quiet town where time slows down and people can think without the inertia of modern chaos & commerce. It sits outside of the major fashion capitols yet has more influence than virtually any other city in the world when it comes to shaping fashion and creating emerging talent.

This small city produces some of the most avant garde designers in the world and when you wander the streets you begin to understand how artistic integrity has permeated the city over hundreds of years.   

 I spent 32 hours exploring this special place trying to cover as much ground as possible to grasp the energy of the city.   I cannot wait to return and in the meantime I hope to keep a piece of the city essence with me as I head back to New York.   There is something deeply private and almost protective about the people of Antwerp I encounter while I'm here. It feels like they aren't searching for outside approval or a need to over share and connect with every passing stranger. Coming from the US this is a stark contrast to our culture of overexposed desperation and endless need for attention and fame. I think therein lies the answer to part of the mysterious draw of this special city. 

In shopping heaven at Rosier 41, the best designer resale shop in Antwerp.  (http://www.rosier41.be)

The Dries Van Noten store, in a building that was a fashion emporium dating back to the 19th century. 

Happiness when you're travelling in Europe: a raw food & juice cafe

Boulevard Leopold, the chicest B&B in the city. A truly special experience. www.boulevard-leopold.be

Boulevard Leopold, Breakfast room

Boulevard Leopold

A detail in our room at the B&B

Self-portrait of Peter Paul Rubens at the Rubenshuis

Birds of Paradise exhibit at the Mode Museum

This was a coat Marlene Dietrich wore in the 50's, it took over 300 Geese to make. 

A McQueen piece from his 2009 collection made of goose feathers. 

Artist Kate MccGwire's original piece, covered in feathers at the Mode Museum

The Mode Museum

Outside Ann Demeulemeester's store. 

Antwerp's Centraal Station. One of the most beautiful train stations I've ever seen.