Stranger gazer

I've been doing research for a shoot and stumbled upon some of Deborah Turbeville's work for Vogue from the 70's. Stunning and starkly cold her subjects seem emotionally disconnected from themselves and each other creating a mesmerizing impact.

Barcelona bound!

Heading to this stunning city for the next 3 weeks for work and couldn't be more excited!

Family.

Occasionally I take for granted that I have so much unconditional love and support from my family. I have always had intense gratitude for having the family I have but sometimes I just get used to it. I'm heading to Europe for a big job tomorrow that has gotten me stressed & tapped out with trying to prepare and pack in as many other jobs before I leave (really good at wearing myself out) and my family have been my biggest cheerleaders & support getting me through it.  As professionally fulfilled as I feel right now it would be meaningless if I didn't have this incredible crew around me. 

Mothers Day

There is nothing in the world that can compare to being a mom. Of all the incredible highs I've experienced in my life nothing holds a candle to the feeling of being with my daughter and endeavoring down this path of motherhood. This was my first Mothers Day & it was a day filled with gratitude and emotion. 

Gratitude Wednesday

I've been working from home with my daughter the better part of this last week and its been a little nuts. Trying to prep for meetings while feeding/changing/bathing/entertaining an energetic toddler and then get out of the house with everything you need for an entire with baby under arm is T-R-I-C-K-Y! Here's some things I'm grateful for that help me get through it.

1.  Bouncy swing thingies. Without this contraption I would smell like the crazy bird lady in central park and have dreadlocks by now. It allows me the freedom to take a 10 minute shower and know that my little nugget cant get into too much.

2.  You Tube workout videos. I've been trying to get back into some kind of shape & this is often the only way I get it in- there's every possible type of exercise video you could dream of and all for free. 

3. Coconut oil. I've been eating a spoonful of raw coconut oil every morning (and brushing my teeth with it) and its been improving my skin, my immune system and my gums.  I could dedicate an entire blog post to this stuff its so useful. (Also works for diaper rash, cradle cap, moisturizer, hair conditioner, you get the idea). 

4.  Creative friends.  Sometimes there is nothing better than just spending some time around the good open energy of a dynamic friend. I love that I have so many people in my life who are always pushing forward and engaging with the world in beautiful ways. Its especially helpful when I'm feeling a little stuck & stale.

5. Parks. I've been walking a ton since schlepping a stroller down to the subway is a little tough at times and I really love all the weird and wonderful little parks I find along the way. They're perfect places for Vivienne to swing or stalk dogs while I catch up on emails.

Fresh Milk

I started making homemade almond milk right after my daughter was born (seems like a reasonable thing to do when you're completely sleep deprived) and I've been addicted ever since.  It is so easy and delicious that I make it every single day as part of my morning ritual. Here is the recipe I use but you can experiment with all kinds of flavors.

1. Soak 1 cup of almonds over night (12 hours)

2. Rinse almonds well

3. Blend almonds with 4 cups of filtered water, 1 tsp sea salt and blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Strain mixture through a metal colander, nut milk bag or cheese cloth, pour into an air tight bottle, refrigerate and enjoy!

Ideas for flavoring your almond milk:

cinnamon

dates -I always throw in about 2-3 for natural sweetness, (if your dates feel a little dry soak them in water for a bit first).

raw cacao 

strawberries

alright, alright, alright.

Just Married!

One of my best friends got married yesterday, it was the most perfect day! Love her, love them, I wish them a lifetime of non-stop laughter and happiness.