Fall Wishlist

We really did not have much of a summer in Los Angeles this year. So, it could be that September and October are hellishly hot, and I keep wearing summer clothing for the next few weeks. However, the fog rolled in last night, and it hasn't lifted. Baby K and I baked some raspberry coffee cake and enjoyed pizza for dinner. Fall is on the way.



Now that I have a toddler, I'm looking for comfy clothing that allows me to chase her around outside and inside, but that isn't just lululemon pants and hoodies. Don't get me wrong, if you run into me out and about doing errands, that is what I'm wearing most of the time, but I want a look for fall that is a little more together.



I have finally embraced the leggings and tunic trend, so here are some of my favorites:



Jcrew tunic - for a warm day at the park and farmer's market

A slightly more stylish tee for kicking back with jeans and boots during the day, and maybe cute enough for dinner with friends later.

I am obsessed with cable knit sweaters. I tried one on at Free People that had such potential, but it was the least flattering thing ever on. This one from Bloomingdales looks like it would be sleek and slimming, but still comfy and easy to move around in.

I'll have to do a separate post for Miss K. It's a little hard for me to find the traditional, smocked dresses that I like for her out here, but I think I've found some good contenders for fall.

New Mama Favorites

Hi there! It's finally summer here in LA - and I'm recovering from some sort of weird 24 hour fever. I thought being sick and pregnant was bad, but being sick with a newborn wins hands down. Baby K is in her swing, and I'm posting and on the mend.

I finally made it to see "The Hangover" this weekend and it was hilarious! We were able to sneak out thanks to some kind babysitters for a matinee.

Baby K is getting so big and so alert - she's turning into a real little person now.

I used to love getting facials every few months, but I'm thinking I don't have time to do that anymore :). Here's my solution. Bliss Steep Clean mask is perfect. It is gentle enough so that you aren't red and raw after using, but gets deep enough to really get the glow and make you feel like you've had a pretty serious cleaning. With all the dirt in the air now that it's hot, I think a more thorough cleaning is in order and this fits the bill!

The Joe's socialite jean - my answer to skinny. I don't do skinny jeans (I have really big feet and I think they emphasize my size 10's :). These are pretty much straight - and so comfy and flattering. I'm thrilled that they fit me again! They are also fantastically soft and stretchy!

Japanese Weekend - so soft, so comfy, and so easy to nurse in. This top I have in blue, and it's perfect. I use a nursing apron too (I'm a huge prude), but these tops make it really easy for first time moms to discretely feed babies and then get dressed again.

Ahem - PSA about skin cancer and the sun. My obstetrician recommended going to the dermatologist after Baby K was born, because pregnancy can trigger changes in your skin which may be precancerous. (You should go to the dermatologist every year for a skin cancer evaluation anyway - Icing loves you and doesn't want you to get melanoma:). Here's what I'm wearing on my face and arms this summer. It's fantastic. So light, oil free and doesn't drip in your eyes even on a long walk. Please be sun safe and careful out there!

So now, it's almost time for the 4th of July. I'm thinking that Baby K and I may just need to go up to Malibu during this week for a little adventure at the beach before it gets too crowded. What are you all up to?

Progress and Deliciousness (Is that a word?)

Apologies for the lack of posts lately, but we've been pretty busy with visitors and the new baby routine. So, to make it up to those of you who are still reading, this post covers a wide range of topics - including what my MIL and I and my mum have determined is THE BEST BROWNIE RECIPE in the world (the caps are not excessive - this really is it). The brownies are the Maida Heatter Palm Beach brownies, and the recipe is below the photo.

Maida Heatter's Palm Beach Brownies (with some minor edits)

8 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
8 oz (two sticks) unsalted butter
5 eggs (large or extra large)
1 TBS vanilla
1 tsp almond extract (I just add in more vanilla)
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 TBS dry instant espresso or other powdered (NOT GRANULATED) instant coffee
3 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour (sift if you please, but I am generally too lazy)
8 oz walnut halves or the nuts of your preference (I prefer my brownies nut free :)

1. Adjust oven rack so that it is in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees. Grease a 9x13x2 inch pan (and she lines it with foil that is greased, but I don't think it's necessary).

2. Melt the chocolate and butter together - either in a double boiler or the microwave. I think the microwave is MUCH easier, I just heat in 30 second intervals and make sure to stir well between heatings so that the butter keeps the chocolate from scorching. When melted, set aside and allow to cool a little

3. In the large bowl of your mixer, beat the eggs with the vanilla, sugar, salt and coffee powder for 10 minutes on high speed. Turn the speed down to low and add the chocolate mixture, beating only until mixed. Likewise, add the flour on low speed, mixing only until all combined.

4. Pour into greased pan and bake for 35 minutes. Now, you will note that the edges get a little dry. This doesn't bother me, whereas Mrs. Heatter recommends trimming and discarding the edges. I think that's wasting chocolate! I do agree that you must make these a day in advance, as they are simply too rich and fudgy to cut the first day. So, cut yourself a nice piece the first day, and serve the rest to some really nice people the second day. These also freeze like a dream, so you can microwave them for delicious brownies anytime.

Below is my favorite little sous chef surveying the kitchen and for ONCE, being chill in her car seat. Seriously, she only likes the seat when she's in the car, or it's snapped into her stroller. Any suggestions? Everyone else's baby seems to like to hang out in the seat, but not Miss K!

This past weekend was my birthday, so I celebrated by picking up some adorable Lilly for Mommy and me fun. Miss K was so comfy in the Lilly boutique that she required a prompt diaper change. Fortunately the owner was so nice and helpful - it still makes me a little uncomfortable asking if there's a restroom or other place to change her - but I can't let her sit in a dirty diaper!

Miss K and I have embarked on an exploration of the many "Mommy and Me" classes here in LA. We went to Mommy and Me yoga twice last week - but as it is during Ms. K's preferred napping hours, I'm not sure we'll be going back, as she was VERY MEAN and not very calm. This Wednesday I'm going to try to check out Mommy Bootcamp, and I'm signing up for a Mommy discussion group for later this summer. In the meantime, I've discovered that Miss K really likes Motown/Soul, so this post is brought to you courtesy of the Motown/Soul music station on Direct TV. Happy Monday, and I'll be trying some new recipes this week, so keep your eyes peeled!

A Mish Mosh Post

Baby K is one month old as of last week. We're starting to get into a routine, and I'm starting to figure out how to dress postpartum. Some of my old clothing fits, but sadly not everything. I'm really trying to make a point to dress presentably (i.e. clean, showered and a little makeup).

Gap is making some cute and really practical tops for nursing - and this one is on sale now. I may order it in more colors, but for right now, this purple is one of my favorites.

Here's the cake of Orangette's - please search for it on her blog and try it - it is like chocolate mousse only slightly more solid! It is called the "winning hearts and minds" cake and was so incredibly easy to make. I served it with coffee ice cream. So, dinner last Friday went very well. The steak and salad were delicious, and our friends brought the most delicious baked orzo. The cake was very good too - and I enjoyed eating the leftovers this weekend:).

Here are my new jeans, which are on super sale at Bluefly. The brand is Earnest Sewn, and these are very soft denim, with a great, slouchy trouser leg. I need to get them hemmed, but they rock and they aren't "Mom" jeans. Does anyone wear "Mom" jeans anymore anyway?

BTW, how incredibly awkward is this season of Jon and Kate Plus 8? It's like a wreck on the freeway - you don't want to look, but you do anyway!

PSA

For you all out there who are pregnant - Isabella Oliver is doing a sale on dresses with the code "Dresses" at http://www.isabellaoliver.com/womens-clothes so check them out. That's the black wrap dress I wore from month 6 through 9 and posted about earlier.

Plus, I got an email from their online marketing people about a new and gorgeous line of lingerie they are doing for pregnancy. It's too late for me...but I posted some of the pictures above. They do pretty nursing bras as well - which seems worth looking into. There's nothing that cheers me up more than pretty undies!

Baby K and I were incredibly lazy. It's cool and foggy - hello June gloom - so we had a lovely lunchtime visit from my friend J who left the most delicious chicken and rice casserole. We ate Chinese takeout and sparkling wine, and then she surprised me with the most delicious chocolate and cheesecake tarts from Amandine. How perfect.

In other random reality T.V. news - I'm addicted to "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC - are there any other good ones? I need them for the late night viewing in the nursery!

Things Pregnant People Like When They Are About To Pop

Hi there friends - I'm still pregnant, and here are some of my new passions as I celebrate a week of resting at home. I have to say, I'm feeling better at 38.5 weeks not working than I did at 36.5 weeks when I was still trekking to the office every day!

1. Annick Goutal L'Eau D'Hadrien - it is the lightest and most citrusy scent - I'm using the soap in the shower, and may need to pick up the eau de parfum for this summer. Delicious and not sweet at all!


2. Grapefruit - I guess there's sort of a citrus thing going on right now for me, but it's one of my favorite snacks these days - so sweet and refreshing!

3. For Easter Brunch, what could be tastier for dessert than Boston Cream Pie? I hope I can make one, or find a good recipe - I love the custard filling!

4. This pretty top from Pea in the Pod (I think it's on sale now). It's perfectly springy, and it still fits me now. I think it will come in useful after Baby Icing arrives as well.

5. My maternity 7s. I bought them at about 15 weeks, and am still wearing them at 38 plus weeks. I strongly urge the potential preggos out there - buy a really nice pair of jeans that are really comfy...because if you work in an office, you probably only need one pair, and it's so worth it to have a pair that are flattering and comfortable!

Today I met a friend at Babies R Us and got a bunch of last minute necessities, and then headed up to the valley to have lunch with another friend and her beautiful baby boy. She looks gorgeous, and so does he! Now I'm lounging on the couch with big kitty and trying to work up the energy to do some pregnancy yoga. It really helps with my back pain, and it seems to really entertain my cats - I'm not the most graceful practitioner at the moment :)

Tomorrow, I have my weekly doctor's appointment, and need to get my nails done. I also need to start preparing for Easter brunch and that involves giving the silver a very good polish. Any suggestions for a good movie to watch while polishing and ironing?

Nesting through Shopping?

Hmmm, here are a couple more tops for the transition period. Tomorrow I'm going to Babies R Us (with a friend - so if I'm totally overwhelmed with the chaos and go into labor, she can help me get home :) Diaper pail, some more receiving blankets, socks and mittens and that should do it!

Seriously, I'm a big fan of Japanese Weekend for postpartum/maternity!

But, dear readers, I need some help. It looks like I may need to throw together an Easter meal (brunch or an early dinner) for about 6 guests. I'm thinking some sort of quiche, maybe more of the maple bundt (I'm sending it to work with N tomorrow and hopefully those keeping Passover won't be too mad at me), a nice salad, bacon/sausages, fruit and some sort of dessert? Do you have any ideas? I am not too worried about getting tired, because I have a few days to pull it all together and can tackle a lot of it in advance, so any thoughts/recommendations for tasty brunch dishes would be appreciated. Thanks!

Shopping...for the Aftermath

Since I know (although I have stopped believing) that I won't be pregnant forever, I'm starting to work on a transitional wardrobe. Part of that involves getting some nursing friendly basics for lounging around the house those first 6 weeks. Enter the Pump Station in Santa Monica. Not only do they have real customer support to help you get fitted for the proper unmentionables for first few weeks, they have an assortment of actually attractive clothing. The green tank looked super cute, and comfy for now and later.

I also got these nursing pjs for the hospital - just in case I want to wear something with pants. Both are Japanese Weekend, and I'm really impressed with the quality. If you don't live in LA, the Pump Station has a really helpful website with lots of baby products/new mama products to order. http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/

Today I took care of the nursing/postpartum clothing for me. Tomorrow is Babies R Us for a few last essentials. And, sweet A is dropping by to visit me after work, so I'm going to need to make a tasty snack for us. After a string of beautiful spring days, it started raining tonight. Just so you don't think it's all sunshine and lemon drops around here, one of the cats peed in the stroller bassinet when it was sitting on the ground - thank goodness it is washable (and I can confirm that cat pee does wash out of strollers :)

Now it's time to reflect on the train wreck that is "Toddlers and Tiaras." I just can't take my eyes off this show. It's riveting!

Weekend Update

Spring has sprung in LA. It was absolutely beautiful this weekend. Honestly, we didn't do all that much, but I did get some nice cleaning done in my home office/aka the loft closet, and washed some more of Baby Icing's clothing. She has lots of clothing for someone with no Social Security number or birth date!

I'm also working on putting together a postpartum transitional wardrobe. In that spirit, here are two machine washable, potentially nursing friendly pieces from C & C California. Check out Bluefly.com for a great selection!

I got the wrap dress in grey, but couldn't find a photo.

Yesterday, we lounged and watched men's basketball, then went to see Duplicity! I LOVED it. Without spoiling any of the plot, there is great dialogue, intrigue and romance. It's the same director as "Michael Clayton" and I love how he gets big law/big corporations. Having worked in that environment, I really appreciate how silly those places can be.

Today I had brunch with another friend M (I seriously need for people to have different initials), and then the combination of sun, pancakes and maple syrup was too much, so I needed to recuperate on the couch for the rest of the day. I did make it off the couch to file away some recipes (I'm still working on the quiche issue) and general office tidying.

I have some exciting news - our car seat is getting installed by a member of the California Highway Patrol. I'm thrilled, and relieved because I was a little worried about doing it correctly! So, as a big thank you, I made the congo bars referenced earlier to bring to him. I'm also looking forward to visiting a Trader Joe's in the valley - the one near my house is literally the seventh circle of Dante's Inferno. Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Things Pregnant People Like When They Are Pretending They Are No Longer Pregnant

Welcome to week 36. Baby Icing is kicking up a storm, and is clearly getting ready for her big debut at some point in the next month or so. I am pretending that it is late May, and I'm taking Baby out for some air and cupcakes in her adorable stroller. And, what better for kicking around the neighborhood than these beautiful earrings from Turq? (Here's the link: http://turqjewelry.com/sl4.html).

Because I'll be looking for more machine washable clothing than my current business casual wardrobe, isn't this dress from J. Crew darling? It's nice and light cotton for those hot days on the westside of L.A.

Throw in a pair of flipflops or Loeffler Randall peep toes, and there's my fantasy baby care outfit. Spitup not included. A girl can dream, right? I think the reality is more Lululemon pants and tanks...

Also, on a more philosopical note- why are most prenatal yoga classes during the weekday during normal business hours? I realize this is the West Side, but come on, doesn't anyone else work? Doesn't that seem a little silly?

Things Pregnant People Like When They Feel They Have Been Pregnant FOREVER

Today is the start of week 32. I have at least 8 weeks to go. Baby Icing is a very busy little girl, or she is incredibly uncomfortable, because she seems to spend the majority of each day trying to climb up through my ribs, or kick out through my stomach. It's kind of cute, but it is making it very difficult to concentrate at the office. Other than that, and some heartburn, I really can't complain. But, I haven't shopped in forever for ME! And, there are some great sales and deals out there.

For those of you who are pregnant now, or heading on into the "fourth trimester" (I was horrified to hear my doctor say that no, just because lots of celebrities have babies at my hospital, there is no special procedure done to ensure that I will walk out in non-maternity jeans), may I suggest Isabella Oliver? http://www.isabellaoliver.com/maternity-clothes Currently, they are offering 20% off all clothing through Sunday with the code "Thanks."

I'm thinking of purchasing the following:
This wrap dress will be nice for pre and post delivery - and since it's a wrap, it would be easy for nursing.

Cute nursing top - and a duplicate copy - I really like grey - and as my friend A pointed out - spit up really doesn't show on grey like it does on darker colors!

Another "cute" nursing top in ink. I am beginning to discover that it's like pregnancy clothing - cute is a relative term. I don't really want to wear a vulgar tee shirt saying "got milk" or something else horrendous in glitter, so these seem like tasteful options.

Now, if and when I ever return to my normal shape, here are some things that I'd like to wear. I am a Milly FIEND, and I think this dress is just smashing. Wouldn't it be perfect for summer weddings and going out to dinner - if I ever leave the house again?

This little cutie is from Calypso, and I think it would be perfect for Saturday lunch and times at the beach...plus it is machine washable, so I think I could wear it around Baby Icing. :) I'm sure she'll appreciate bright sherbet colors like this!

And here's my favorite - pink and J. Crew, and machine washable. Even better, right now it's on final sale. I'm going to order it two sizes up, and I figure I can always get it tailored down as I (hopefully) get back to my regular size.

And these - just because I think they'd look smashing with all the dresses! I don't feel up to wearing big heels these days unless I can sit. Aren't they lovely?

BTW, happy Mardi Gras! I hope you all are having king cake or a tasty equivalent! Growing up, we always ate pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. In Paris, I feasted on crepes and ate the King Cake at Epiphany, but I love all the Mardi Gras traditions. Now, I just have to drag myself to Mass tomorrow for Ash Wednesday!

Imaginary Adventures

Today was a bad day. So, I'm pretending that I'm going here, and eating gelato. Preferably hazelnut.

I'll be wearing these sensible, but chic slides, and I think they'll work just as nicely for viewing historic homes in Maine as they would traipsing around Rome!

Every summer when I was little, we would rent a cottage in Kennebunkport ME, with my family...and we would always drive by the wedding cake house pictured above. A sea captain built it for his wife, to make up for apparently sailing out right after their wedding ceremony and before they could cut the cake!

I also these shoes would work while enjoying a cocktail or a nice glass of rose at my favorite hotel in Santa Barbara, the Bacara. Sun, sea, and that gorgeous pool...sigh. This is the place I have the best shot of visiting this coming summer, because it's only about 90 minutes from LA, and might be a good place for a long weekend with Baby Icing.

This dress would go with all of the options and I think it would work perfectly in each location. I may just break down and buy it now, because I just really don't want to wear maternity clothing anymore. I feel like the snake in the Little Prince who has eaten an elephant. I'll look for that image!

And, don't you agree that the shoes are flat and perfectly sensible for viewing historic homes, enjoying a cocktail overlooking the Pacific and traipsing around Rome eating gelato?

Side note, I have a cold, am pregnant and it's going to rain here tomorrow. Blech.

A Strange Creature Indeed

That strange creature would be me, the pregnant lawyer making a court appearance. I don't normally go to court, but needed to cover a hearing for a colleague. Unlike lots of people who can get away with the casual side of business casual, I really needed a nice pregnancy suit. Actually, the suit pants are the only maternity work pants I own (because I am ALWAYS in a dress), but the suit is surprisingly cute. I got it from A Pea in the Pod, and while it was not cheap, I think it was well worth the money- because the jacket I got (not this identical one), is actually pretty darn cute with a tee shirt and jeans.

I'm happy to report that this strange little pregnant creature had an excellent hearing, and returned to the office unscathed!

The Good and the Bad

Aren't these darling! They are from shopbakersnook.com, and would be perfect if you like to bake for your Valentine!

I think I"m getting this print to frame for baby Icing's nursery. A pretty little girl deserves some pretty flower prints, doesn't she? And, if she doesn't like it, then I love it and would be happy to display it in the house!

Old Navy Maternity has really impressed me. The sweater posted above, well I adore it. It was like 20 bucks, and is just darling!

Now, the bad - Domino Magazine is closing! I'm crushed. This is not good news, as I loved looking through it every month - everything from the recipes to the renovation tips. First, Blueprint closed last year, now Domino???? I'm not a sophisticated design person, and these two were both just my kind! What am I going to read now?

Then, the horribly bad. It took me ALMOST TWO HOURS to get to work this morning. There was a horrible fatality crash shutting down the entire 10 freeway going from Santa Monica to downtown. I worked from home (all the better to enjoy my illicit coffee) until about 9:30, but then wanted to go in, and I didn't get into the office until 11:20! It normally takes me 45 minutes - max. Car accidents scare me so much, and I am praying for the families of the victims. Every time something like this happens, it gets me all morbid and paranoid about freeway driving.

But, the last good, I'm home on the couch, Mr. Icing is heating up leftovers for dinner (I already had a delicious grilled cheese, tomato soup and special salad dinner) and the week is halfway over! Hope your Wednesday went well!

Pretty

Isn't this pretty? I can't wait to wear non-maternity clothing...maybe it will still be around when Baby Icing is done baking?

Even More Things Pregnant People Like

Here are some goodies I got (hopefully the LAST order of maternity clothing, other than stuff for the home stretch when I am lying on the couch like a beached whale). Gap Maternity makes the most lovely and soft long sleeved tee shirts - I got this in yellow and lilac, and highly recommend it.



Babies need lots of calcium, and so do pregnant mamas. That said, I don't really like all sorts of yogurt. This Greek yogurt is thick, delicious and creamy. It's plain, so you can add your own frozen fruit or honey. It also has a lot of protein. I love it, and will even brave the dreaded Trader Joe's parking lot to pick it up. I think most Whole Foods carry it too - I've never seen a Trader Joe's in any city with decent parking!

This cotton and wool blend dress from Gap Maternity. Super comfy, and really cute for work. I'd even wear it on date night or out to brunch with friends. And, right now it is on sale for $24.00. Recommended!

I've only bought one pair of maternity jeans. These Seven for All Mankind from A Pea in the Pod. They are a nice dark wash, flattering, and incredibly comfy to wear. I bought them at about week 14, and didn't really wear them until week 20/21, but have been wearing them all weekend every weekend since! I did buy two sizes up, so they have been a little big and droopy. That said, I think I'll be able to wear them to the bitter end and probably afterwards! They are on sale right now, so you might want to pick up a pair.