fun

Lavender Sachets

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Mid July, we went to the Lavender Festival on the McKenzie River. Loved every minute of being admit the natural beauty of Oregon fir trees and lavender bushes. We picked lavender to dry and just *NOW* made lavender sachets with it. (As you might have seen in this week’s earlier post about art projects this summer, it has been one we started but didn’t yet finish. Until now! Never too late….)

 

U-pick lavender is the best. I loved it even though I got stung by a bee on my thumb and complained about it for a week.

My bundle of lavender to dry.

Tusia had the hard part of embroidering flowers on a piece of plain fabric. She made four of them — they are all different and all so gorgeous and imaginative.

Then, I sewed them together, stuffing them and closing them tightly.

The purple stack.

Love all four! They are definitely NOT professional, but they are so fun and smell beyond good.

 

We all participated in it as a family activity, Cruzzie even sewed them on the sewing machine (until he lost steam). I am so excited to use these and have a little of Oregon back home in NYC!

Currently Loving August 2026

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August is one of my least favorite months — it means that summer is almost over and I start having MAJOR anxiety about school starting back up and all the changes that will take place this year. I am trying to slow down and appreciate the moment, so here is what I am loving *RIGHT NOW*

 

1. Spider Man

 

We went to the Marvel movie on Saturday night — and believe it or not, not only did I stay awake (HUGE accomplishment), but I actually loved it. Highly recommend.

 

2. Tacovore

 

Oregon tacos are my favorite — especially from Tacovore — these two tacos were perfection and I cannot wait to go back and have more this week.

 

3. Bandit Racing Top

 

Race season is creeping up, and that means a lot of running. I purchased two new tank tops from Bandit and they are my absolute favorite. No bra needed, and they have lots of storage space and pockets. They are PERFECTION.

 

4. U-Pick Flowers

 

We picked 15 stems — and they cost 15 dollars! What a steal! And so beautiful….

 

5. Exploring the River

 

Stevie our city dog actually LOVES the life in Oregon filled with lots of hikes, adventures, and water to explore. She doesn’t swim in the river but she loves to put her feet in it and putter around. Nothing makes me happier than seeing her happy in the water.

 

6. Mr. Dumpling

 

The best dumpling restaurant in Oregon — hands down — and might be one of our ALL TIME favorite dumpling restaurants. All the dishes are incredible, prices are amazing, and the service (and owners) couldn’t be nicer. 5 stars.

 

7. Neighborhood Signs

 

Eugene is known for the runners and the running community, and this sign just makes me happy. Don’t give up.

 

8. Organic Natural Wine

 

Hippy dippy natural orange wine, sign me up!

 

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SLOW DOWN TIME!!!!! Summer, I love you!

Currently Loving July 2026

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I promise you soon that I will get back to normal posts versus currently loving, but I just have so much to share and it is easy to cram everything in and be a GOOD post, versus a short mediocre one 😉 So here is what I am currently loving in July — because wow, it is mid-July (I actually saw a sign that said a festival for June 2026 and I had to think if it was an old sign or we were still in June and it was upcoming….helllooooo summer)

 

1. ISDIN sunscreen 

 

Hands down my favorite new sunscreen. If you are in Europe, buy a lot and you will be happy. I read about it — and WOW is it good. Better than any other sunscreen I have ever tried.

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Currently Loving Cap Ferret Edition

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I have been in Cap Ferret (south west region of France) for the past two weeks and I have fallen in love. This place is unlike anywhere else I have been and I love every bit of it. Here are just some of the things that I love about it here.

 

1. Parasailing

 

SUCH a fun afternoon — we thought it was just going to be up and down, but it was a whole boat ride excursion and one of the highlights of the trip so far. The kids went up (I did not), and there were two other French families on the boat so it was fun to talk with them.

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Penny Linn

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Before the summer travels started, I made my way to the newest needlepoint store in New York City, Penny Linn. Located on the very very far west of Manhattan, it was an incredibly beautiful space filled with more fibers and threads that I have ever seen in my life! Very different than my usual go-to-needlepoint-stop Rita’s (which I will forever call home base and love), this shop was HUGE. Massive. It had thousands of canvases to browse and select from, although as an avid needlepointer, I wished there were larger scale canvases.  That said, of course, I left with two canvases that I LOVED and so many cool threads to use for them. So if you are in need of a new needlepoint store in the city, DEFINITELY suggest going. And if you want to shop from their online store, I also love that website!

 

Check them out! I love their matchbox selections — so trendy and cool.

I loved this pizza box and worked on it during my time in Paris.

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Favorite Things in Paris 2026

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OK, I know last week I did a “currently loving” and mentioned a lot of what I was loving in Paris, but there is so much to love, so here is another list of my favorite current things in Paris 2026.

 

 

1. Graffiti Tunnel 

 

Over half a mile long, this tunnel near the Tuileries is so fun to bike / run in. But you can’t be claustrophobic! I loved looking at the art as I ran by — so many talented street artists out there!

 

 

2. Biologique Recherche

 

Hands down my favorite facial in the world is at Biologique Recherche headquarters — unbelievable and a quarter of the prize than it would be in the USA.

 

 

3. Forte Forte

 

One day (during my time alone), I just went in and out of all the stores wandering and wandering. I love forte-forte as it is always one of my favorite brands. I fell in love with this crochet top, but alas, they didn’t have my size. But I loved everything in there even though I walked out empty handed.

 

 

4. Matisse Exhibit

 

Loved this bright and colorful exhibition at the Grand Palais filled with Matisse. I loved everything in there.

 

 

5. Assouline Bookstore

 

I loved this original location of the Assouline bookstore — each one of these books was beautiful and if I didn’t have to travel, I would have bought many!

 

 

6.  Bourse de Commerce

 

Fun exhibition about fog. I always love the building more than anything, though.

 

 

 

7. Sunsets

 

Dare I say that NO city or place has the same light and sunsets as Paris. I love every night there — the skies just light up and shine bright.

 

 

8. Frenchie restaurant

 

One of my favorite restaurants in the world — Frenchie. It is a tasting menu, and every dish was incredible. Our problem was that it was during the heat wave and the restaurant didn’t have AC so we were dying. DYING. But the food was unbelievable.

 

 

9. Ateliers des Lumières

 

A fun museum I always go to when in Paris that is less known that the other major ones. It is an interactive experience and felt amaaaaazing on the hot day.

 

 

10. The Ballet

 

Incredible. Loved every second. Did you know that the average age of the audience in Paris is 44 years old? Compare that to NYC where the average age is 66!!!! I loved this ballet — beautiful dancing and costumes.

 

11. Notre Dame at Dusk

 

This was taken at 10 pm. Yup, incredible. Everything about it.

 

12. Strawberries

 

Strawberries in the produce stores, yes please. Best strawberries in the world.

 

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Hope you have a lovely long weekend celebrating the 4th of July (to those in the US). We are in the southwest of France and loving every minute here.

Space Invaders + Street Art Museum

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I have been following and “flashing” space invaders for the past two years and what fun it has been! It has been a great way to explore cities (especially when in France) and to always look up. Space invaders are created by a French artist “Invader” who has been putting up different mosaics in over 30 different countries. There are almost 5,000 of them, and thanks to an app, you can track them (“flash”) them and get credit for seeing them. It makes EVERYTHING that much more fun.

 

It is especially fun when traveling with the kids, because they are also determined to find them (truth be told, no one is as determined as me to find them, though).

I started off in Paris with 167 of them already found.

 

But after some research and investigation, I found that Invader had recently made 20 new mosaics in a part of Paris that I never been to — Villette. So I went there not once, but twice! The first time, I ran (9 miles there and back) to see the Daft Punk invader.

 

So cool. So happy.

My run.

Along the way, saw this invader (and the heart sticker) which obviously I loved.

The Philharmonic.

 

Tusia went to tennis camp in South of France for a week, and since I was alone in Paris, I made it my mission to find as many as possible. So one day, during the heat wave, I went BACK to La Villette, (by metro, and still was dying of heat).

 

He created all red and white ones in the area — and although there is a map that shows them — I didn’t have the map and so just walked around for hours. Apparently there are 20 of them — I only found 6. But I did see that there was an exhibit on Street Art, so of course I had to go.

Serendipitous! Street art exhibition when I was searching for street art.

Coolest building, loved the entire exhibit.

So many things to look at.

And of course they featured Invader!

More information on Invader.

 

All this to say, I loved searching for space invaders — it makes travel in Europe oh so fun. And I also loved the exhibition — so if you are in Paris this summer, go check it out!

Currently Loving June 2026 Part 2

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OK so yes we made it to Paris and it was a big blur — lots of friends in town that made it so much fun as well as jam packed. There is so much to love here and I could post a million posts on what I love. So I am going to start with just a few right now from the first week and then come back with more! But here is what I am loving in Paris.

 

1. European Espresso

 

It tastes and hits differently in Europe. Love it so much.

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Currently Loving June 2026 Part 1

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OMGGGGGG where did the time go? I am sorry for a mini break — it was the end of the year craze with school finishing up and then packing up for the summer and flying to Europe. But I am back! So expect regular posts. Today — what I loved first part of June in NYC and tomorrow — check back, what I am loving in Paris. BUT for now, here is what I am loving right now!

 

1. Floral Arrangements

 

I did these flowers for my daughter’s luncheon post graduation (from 8th grade). I was super proud of myself (yes, humble brag) because I loved the way that they came out! Sometimes I don’t love what I do with flowers, but this time, I was happy.

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TriBeCa Galleries

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Earlier this week, with a group of friends, I went to look at some art in the TriBeCa galleries — LOVE LOVE LOVED it. Not just the art in the galleries but the galleries themselves. I highly recommend touring these three galleries (we actually went to 7!) if given the time at any point if and when in NYC.

 

Jack Shaiman Gallery

 

Currently at the Gallery, is Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. I found her work breathtaking, especially in the Tribeca space.

 

A very cool space. Huge, tall ceilings. Beautiful old moldings. Felt like an old bank.

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Currently Loving June 2026 Part 1

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Happy June 1st! Can you believe it? I CANNOT HOLY CRAP. Ok, but here is what I am currently loving right now.

 

1. My Boy

 

Cheesy but true, the most important thing I am loving is the fact that my son came back from boarding school yesterday. It was as if I could breathe again — yes he bossed me around to do everything and I have been knee deep in laundry and unpacking, but MAN, how I love having him home.

 

2. Off Campus

 

Spent the weekend binging this show. Loved every episode. Can’t wait for second season. HIGHLY recommend. Easy, light, teeny bopper show.

 

3. Rafa on Neftlix

 

And it goes without saying that I am also binging the docuseries on Netflix about Rafa — my true hero. I love him so much.

 

4. Manhattanhenge 

 

Day 1 — perfect sunset in the grid.

 

5. Manhattanhenge Day 2

 

Day 2. No sunset because of the clouds, but got a photo of something even better, my boo Tusia.

 

 

6. Keith Haring at the Brandt Foundation 

 

Even though it was sold out, I went to the Brandt Foundation on Friday and was able to go in to see the exhibit. And even better — they were free tickets, because last minute some free slots opened up. Nothing better. Getting in when you don’t expect it and for free. Although the exhibit is now closed, I loved going. I didn’t love the show (I liked it), but I always love seeing art.

 

7. Helen Frankenthaler @ The Gagosian

 

Last Wednesday, squeezed in some galleries in Chelsea. I particularly loved this green one by Helen Frankenthaler. But overall the whole show was beautiful, colorful, bright and happy.

 

8. JP Morgan Wall and connecting it to Nature

 

The facade on the front of this building is modeled after the stone and plants at the 67th Street playground in Central Park. My brother had investigated this (he read an article and then went to see it) — so when he was here two weeks ago, we went and investigated it ourselves — and sure enough — they look identical.

 

9. Penny Linn Needlepoint Store

 

A new needlepoint store is in town! Although most of the canvases are small and NYC based, I did manage to find some big ones. And it has a beautiful selection of fibers — so definitely check it out if you are in town.

 

10. Umbrella Dancing 

 

Randomness of NYC — spotting women in Chinatown learning a choreographed dance with umbrellas. I love this type of fun and adventure.

 

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So there you have it, what I am loving right now! Any suggestions and ideas of things you love that you want to share? Send them my way!

Needlepoint Bookmarks

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As you know by now, I spend a lot of time being crafty. Needlepoint is a good source of meditation for me, where I just sit and needlepoint. I feel like I am accomplishing something even when sitting still. I have become an avid needlepointer in the last 6 years — and although I like bigger projects, I always love doing these bookmarks. I start from scratch and do all of it — needlepoint, cut, sew, pom pom, etc…and I wanted to show you the process.

 

This is the hardest part. The needlepointing. It takes forever. Even though they are small. They take forever.

I then cut it out, and put clear nail polish on the ends of the canvas so it doesn’t fray.

Then I glue it on felt.

Then found matching thread.

Then sewed it together (yes even on the subway)

Made pompoms and sewed them on top.

And voila! Bookmarks!

 

I think they are fun little gifts — even if people don’t understand how long it took to make them — they are just some fun sparks of joy!

Central Park Benches

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Inspired by the instagram account @centralparkbenches, I decided to take my own little tour of Central Park yesterday and look at all the fun benches and plaques. As someone who spends A LOT of time in the park — running, walking, playing, sitting, needlepointing, talking, etc…– I always have loved looking at the inscriptions. On my run, these are some of my favorite — and I want to have one of my own when I die!

 

Love this one so much.

Made me cry.

Cute and poppy.

Dark, but I love it.

This one literally made me cry — look at the final date.

So true.

Love this one, too.

Fun.

A woman enjoying the park and its benches.

 

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I loved my little scavenger hunt looking at the Central Park benches, and I cannot wait to spend more time exploring different areas of the park with these benches. HIGHLY recommend. And if you are on instagram, follow @centralparkbench

Dot Cakes

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There is a new viral dessert on the Upper East Side — and it is called Dot Cakes. Little mini cakes with frosting and sprinkles in a cup — dot cakes. WHO KNEW? But trust me, it is worth the craze and the waiting and the anticipation to get them. Tusia first discovered them from her best friend who lives next to the gourmet grocery store in the city that carries them, Butterfield (also gone viral for its frozen yogurt), so she has had them as snacks and desserts all year long. But that said, recently, something blew up on the internet and now you CANNOT get them. And they are one of those things that once you have them, you always want them and need them.

 

Mini cups.

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Camp Snap Camera

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Influenced by instagram, I purchased this screen free digital camera — and I LOVE IT!!!! It is a vintage feel, screen free, digital camera — Camp Snap. It is a point and shoot, no screen, and then you upload it to your camera whenever you are ready (holds 500 images!) It is designed to help student stay present in the moment and full engage with their surroundings.

 

A ton of different colors to choose from.

I choose the turquoise — it is SUPER light, easy to hold, and even easier to take photos. Look how easy!

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Currently Loving May 2026 Part 2

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I realize that I just did the currently loving May 2026 Part 1, but here we are, a weekend later, and I still have so much to share with you about what I am loving.

 

1. Multi-generational Shopping Trip 

 

The three of us went shopping on Saturday for the two ladies birthday! Yep, my fierce Mother-in-law turned 79 on Saturday! And my strong daughter turns 14 today! Shopped till we dropped together in Soho (all for Tusia’s birthday!)

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Currently Loving May 2026 Part 1

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It has been up and down weather in NYC this month, but so much to love and (also look forward to). Here is what I am currently loving:

 

1. Noah Kahan “All Them Horses”

 

I love Noah Kahan. Deep love. And I love his new album — especially this song. I have listened to it over and over again recently and every time, I love it more. Highly recommend.

 

2. Lilacs

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Pomona College 25th Reunion

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Last weekend, I went to my first college reunion ever at Pomona College — and wow, it was a blur and so much fun. I spent more time traveling than I did at the reunion, but it was 100 percent worth it. I graduated from Pomona College in 2001 — I loved my experience from there — the academics, the campus, the faculty, and most of all, my friends. I have been incredibly fortunate that despite all of us living in different states, we are still very close friends. Truly, friends that I forget I know from college — they are just best friends.

 

Landed at 10 pm — dressed appropriately (Pomona College is in Claremont — which is a town 35 miles east of LA, but in LA county).

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Currently Loving April 2026

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Wow, March flew by and it was a whirlwind of travel for me — Florida, NYC, Oregon, Utah, Mexico, California, NYC. I am back. And no traveling. For a little bit. Maybe. Forget that. Just joking, right now, life is busy and flying by. But here is what I am loving this month!

 

1. Cherry Blossoms

 

Came home to NYC to the most beautiful selection of blossoms throughout the park and city. Seeing the nature and flowers after such a very difficult and long winter makes it even more special. They are gorgeous. The pink cherry blossoms have yet to bloom, but I am expecting them to come out any time soon. So if you are in NYC, head to the park!

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Currently Loving March 2026 Part 2

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Yes, on the last day of March, here is what I am currently loving.

 

1. Bon Iver’s Day One

 

Literally, can’t get enough of this song (or this video) and have listened to it maybe 100 times in the past week. I love it so much — and no, it’s not new, I just recently discovered this song and can’t get enough.

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Candlelight Concerts

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Last week, I did something totally out of the ordinary for me — and that is to buy in to an instagram ad (I actually never buy things off of instagram) and get a ticket to a Candlelight Concert. This candlelight concert happens in over 100 cities and depending on the show, it is a fresh spin on a classical music performance — all in the dark with candles. This one in particular spoke to me — 90s hip hop, in my favorite church on the Upper East Side (yes, I love this church — it also has a cafe I used to frequent all the time back in the day).

 

Church of the Heavenly Rest on 89th and 5th Avenue — so beautiful. And at 9 pm when the concert started, felt even more magical and peaceful.

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Currently Loving March 2026

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And here we are…..mid March. I know that is always how I start these posts, but where does time go? It literally feels lie it was just the start of 2026, and now we are 1/4 of the way through, say what? Here is what I am currently loving!

 

1. Spring

 

Although still absolutely freezing in NYC, Spring is in the air. Flowers are growing, birds are chirping, and the feeling is so close — SOON it will be warm!

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Los Angeles Weekend 2026

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My son’s spring break overlapped only for a hot minute with some friends from New York City — so he was fortunate enough to be a part of their ski trip to Alta, Utah. In order to end up in California (where he goes to school), we thought since already more than halfway in Utah, I met him in LA for the weekend. A friend (whose son was also on the trip) joined and we stayed at HER friend’s house. AND HOLY SMOKES, this wasn’t just any house, but the most epic house you have ever seen. Not only that, but our hosts were the most incredibly thoughtful, generous, welcoming, wonderful people you have ever met — she got us all gifts! Literally, gifts for all of us! And more, just had the best personality and attitude. Their house was featured in Arch Digest in 2024 — to see it all, go here (trust me, it is worth checking out).

 

Drinks at the Hotel Bel Air — loved everything about this place.

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SNL February 28th

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I had the most incredible New York experience on Saturday and I want to share it all with you! Not to brag, not even to humble brag, but to share. I had the rare opportunity to attend Saturday Night Live. A friend has a connection and when I heard that Connor Storrie (star of Heated Rivalry) was hosting along with Mumford & Sons on that specific day, I asked if she could do me a favor and get tickets. As it was the most popular show of the season (!!!), she was only able to get two but as a dear friend, said that Cruzzie (who just flew in for his Spring Break) could take her spot, and the two of us could go. IT WAS INCREDIBLE. ABSOLUTELY incredible.

 

Cruzzie flew in at 6 pm, had dinner, rested, and we had to report to 30 Rock by 10 pm.

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