Friday, December 21, 2012

Happy Weekend! Let's LINK Up



Today officially kicks off Winter vacation for me and my monsters and we can't wait to surrender to lazy days at home which will include watching CJ practice magic tricks, Tristan channeling his inner Hulk by smashing towers he's built and lots of Charlie Brown on Netflix {newly added and we are excited}while canoodling with the Hubby and me attempting to bake. This Saturday we say our farewells to our uncle Dave, and although it hasn't quite sunk in yet and loosing him is unsettling, especially before the holidays we find comfort in knowing that  we as a family will come together to celebrate his vibrant life and everything he's meant to us over the nearly thirty years since he joined our family. CJ said it best "he isn't gone mommy he's right here" as he points to his heart {out of the mouth of babes}. 


I always look forward to us LINKing up, here's a few of my fave finds from around the web:

Get festive & add some DIY gold sparkle to your nails & your space with this garland and a shimmery pillow.

Too cute to eat, edible penguins.

If you've ever been inside an Apple store you"ll understand and chuckle at this floor plan completely.

Serving spoons that are a POP! of fun.

Behind the scenes pics of the Rockettes back in the 60's.

Leopard + hot pink = Kate Spade perfection.

Everything about this Temperley London line has me dreaming about a romantic European excursion.

Layered Peppermint Cheesecake.

A love filled collection of photos from a Brooklyn wedding & unexpected and eclectic wedding details.

This little piggy went sledding.

Sequins Day + Night.

Just call me Charlie because I've gotta golden ticket!


Happy Holidays from my family to yours. May you all have peace and continued blessings this weekend and into the New Year and remember to live in the moment and enjoy life!

Bunches of Xoxo's
                              Dellah

image source: designcrafters.com

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

To Reveal or Not to Reveal? The Truth about Santa



There have been so many remakes of the song "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus" but no matter the version it always gives me the giggles when I think of what the song really signifies and how naive I was as kid as I was totally oblivious to my parents deception. I think I was about 12 or so when I found out that Jolly old St. Nick was really my sneaky parents who one year let one of the gifts get trapped in between their closet door as the Power Puff Girls  holiday wrapping paper and shimmery bows enticed me to pry a bit further inside, only to call my then six yr. old sister in the room to be my accomplice. Yes...to this day she"ll never let me live it down that I ruined all her future Christmas eve's and in return she spoiled the secret for our brother a few years later.

How did you find out that Santa wasn't real? {sorry if this brings up any traumatic experiences}

Last year we caved to the tourist attraction that is Santa Land at the Macy's on 34th street because my bestie Liza was in town from Arizona with her fiance and their kids. I know that my hubby is not a big fan of crowds and had my fingers crossed that the experience would go smoothly, otherwise I'd never hear the end of it. To our surprise the lines were swift and we were in and out and took great FREE pictures in less than 30 minutes. As we were getting escorted to our little toy shop to see Santa in, I remember CJ questioning how was it possible that Santa could meet with and talk to all the families that showed up, so quickly. It took me a moment but realized that Santa Land differs from other typical mall Santa's because they have several jolly plump fellas tucked away in these little toy shops and innocent little kids, and probably a few unsuspecting adults aren't even aware of the maze of planted Santas.




As CJ gets older I'm finding it harder and harder to keep the truth about Santa hidden but I find his innocence rather sweet in a world of skepticism and disbelief. Even when a friend tried to ruin it for him, CJ insisted Santa was real because he knew mom and dad couldn't get him all those gifts {although we make sure our names are on the presents of the really awesome ones}. This year we went candy-land ornament shopping in a neighborhood mall and passed a "Take your picture with Santa booth" and spread out on the chair was Santa's hat and outfit. CJ turns to me and says "Mom is Santa walking around the stores naked?" I wasn't going to deal with this question alone so I called over Santa's helper, who explained to CJ that Santa had to make a quick stop to the North Pole. I raised an eyebrow to the elf as if to say "Is that the best you can do?" CJ snapped back " but it's freezing in the North Pole, he can't walk around without clothes" and we walked off with CJ shaking his head in confusion and the elves laughing to themselves. I'm relieved that we"ll at least make it through one more season of believing. 



Santa image source: blogs.voanews.com

Monday, December 10, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Fashionista at Any Age


Like my sissy Nicole always tells me "I'm glad I don't have kids"after an afternoon w/ my monsters but she surely has a closet full of shoes and can't compete with a baby for the space. If you're like her and realize you'd rather turn the potential nursery into a walk in closet, this book of Nursery Rhymes {$20} is for you.


Why couldn't they make diva-liscious clothes like these Target + Neiman Marcus, Marchesa beaded and feathery dresses {$100 & $80} for me when I was in grade school? Designer, drool worthy clothes at an affordable price, every girls dream!  If I had a little girl I'd also dress her in this shimmery Gap collection


Chic, fun and modern printed iPad covers {$26} are the perfect pick me up during an early morning subway ride in a sea of dark & drab colored winter coats.



Transform any simple blouse into a statement look with this Luxe aluminum roses peter pan collar {$160} . I'm also loving this sparkly and spiked one too!


This Rebecca Minkoff pouch is the perfect place to stash your shoe splurge cash {$55}



  Give your toesies the midas touch with metallic gold Michael Kors kicks {$195}that are my must have! 




Add a few accessories to instantly glam up this dress {$138} for your next soiree or dress it down for a more casual chic look. I'm also loving this tulle skirt.


Inspire the lil' designer in your life with a studio kit to imagine up their first fashion line.



Kate Spade + polka dots = great arm candy!



What baby wouldn't want to crawl around in this, comfy-cozy Stella McCartney horse print one piece? It's a bit of a splurge {$69} for a onesie but friggin' adorable!








Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers that make a BIG statement


We live in a bold, colorful world & these vibrant Pantone ornaments {$15} are just what that creative designer, artist, swatch lover in your life has been dreaming of. 

    

USB flash drive cufflinks {$100} that"ll make him feel as high-tech & sexy as James Bond.




Who doesn't love Crayola or earbuds {$15} that come in colors like Caribbean Green or Cotton Candy? 



Submerge your loose leaf tea in style with this cool -ass scuba-diver {$15}. 



I remember the first time I heard about Sprinkles Cupcakes was with a mentioning of  a vending machine that would dispense these sweet treats. It's even more exciting  to be able to make them at home with this mix {$15}.



The Bauble Bar +Essie set ($50 /3 bangles, polish & carrying case)  is perfect to wear to ring in 2013 or to go from the boardroom to happy hour in.



A T-shirt {$25} will have any fella on the prowl for a hot new pair of  Puma kicks under the tree. 
{You've been warned!}



I'm pretty fond of the old school MR Bubbles, but these suction-cup Bubbles will last the entire bath-time and keep your kid busy. Fingers crossed that means less suds make it to the floor to clean up {$18}.   




A shot flask with a collapsible cup {$25} has got to be the coolest stocking stuffer for a dude I've ever seen.
Now to only find it in purple for the ladies!


Make your fridge or magnetic board less of an eye-sore with these gorgoeus, sparkling magnets {$36}. 








Friday, November 30, 2012

Happy Weekend! Let's LINK Up




Oh thank goodness we made it to Friday! I've been battling a horrible cough, possibly strep throat since the Friday after thanksgiving. I sounded so scary in class yesterday that my students kept telling me I should have stayed home... so today is a sick day. I wish that meant someone would be catering to me as I slept in but no such luck. It does mean lots of amazing, honey & lemon soothing tea and a marathon of Pixar movies with my monster Tristan, who after every time I cough asks "You ok mommy? you ok?" with true concern. 

It seems we've been at my parents house every weekend for the last month or so, this weekend it's because we are having our floors redone. It's always great to go back to your "childhood home" especially when you're sick because your own mom is there to take care of you, there's someone there who doesn't mind entertaining the kids and you can even get an impromptu nap. For me it also means a family night viewing of the latest episode of the Walking Dead. What do you have in store for the weekend? With black Friday, small business Saturday and cyber Monday behind us have you gotten all your holiday shopping done? If not check back later for the first Holiday Gift Guide post {I've been hard at work on my secret Pinterest Board} here on the blog for some gift giving inspiration.

 In the meantime here's a few of my fave links to carry you though the weekend :

An out of the box art installation using crayons.

Three words... Ice Cream Taco... enough said!

Look no further for the perfect holiday gift! An  Etsy Pop-up shop  with fabulous curators, opened up yesterday in Soho!

A gender neutral easy bake oven is beyond overdue.

Trending Now: Collar Necklaces. I've been showing my love for them and Peter Pan Collars on Pinterest.

Small NYC apartments with a big punch of detail.

A super cute mini forest advent calendar.

This ring is on my wishlist.


Thanks for LINKing up today, I hope you live in the moment and enjoy your weekend!
Bunches of Xoxo's 
                            Dellah

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Despite our Circumstances Let's be Thankful!


I can't even express fully in words how elated I am to be writing to you all after a nearly four month hiatus from blogging... I am so thankful!

Right now I'm writing this post at 6am with "Winter Songs" a funky mix of various artists {my fave is Alice Smith's version of Silver Bells} playing on Spotify in the background and the smell of my hubby's delish Thanksgiving throw-down of marshmallow and raisin topped yams, pineapple glazed ham, three types of mac & cheese and more, filling the house as he, my brother and the monsters enjoy dreamland. I thought we'd head out to the parade but I hate to wake them, which is ok because the quiet has led me back to my comfy ottoman in front of my computer to blog!

Time flies when you are dealing with life, doesn't it? I can't believe this year is nearly over and that the holidays have snuck up on me, and I'm sure many of you once again. Yet despite my circumstance I still have so much to be thankful for and to look forward to:

1. I am thankful to live in a city filled with resilient people who manage to survive everyday life as well as the unexpected devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. I am not without WANT's but realize how unimportant those things are because I have what I NEED. With an uncle fighting for his life over the last two weeks in the hospital, the word PERSEVERANCE constantly resonates with me as he and those who lost so much in the storm continue to keep pushing forward!

2. I am thankful to have the support system I have within my family and friends that have been there for me/us through the good the bad and the ugly. My love for them is not measurable, they have been there for me just to listen to me vent, to support our dreams and cheer us on, to spend qt time with the hubby, my monsters and myself and they make it a point to never feed into my self-pity parties I may have on occasion. I will forever be grateful to have them in our lives and I hope we are for them what they are to us. I look forward to more  inspiring, conversation filled dinners, slumber parties, random phone calls and everyday celebrations.

3. I am thankful for my new jobs of passion as an assistant wedding coordinator for MyBridalBudget where I get to partake in helping my childhood friend/ Boss Fouzia create, oversee and witness beautiful unions & celebrations of love. I look forward to learning more and being apart of the company's growth while working with the fabulous MBB team! This fall I started as a first grade cooperative teacher at a public school on the Upper West Side and everyday in the classroom I feel I'm learning something new and I'm excited to be apart of these students educational foundation. I look forward to completing my Masters degree and all the little lives I can positively influence.

4. I am thankful to  have learned to give myself a little more "ME" time, especially in the form of becoming more physically fit. I've managed to join a running group, attend yoga once a week and scheduled gym sessions with a trainer and friends. I look forward to a more consistent regimen but the seed has been planted and I'm ready to nurture it!

5. Lastly, I am thankful to be writing and channeling all the creative energy I can't seem to ignore. When I reached the blogs one year anniversary Aug. 30th of this year I didn't want to celebrate because I hadn't found the voice of Dellah's Jubilation or I couldn't commit to it the way I wanted and was just putting too much pressure on myself.  I reached out to Shoko of the blog Sho and Tell because I love and admire her honest, quirky/fun and reflective posts and from reading her posts I felt like she was one of my chicas. Her response was so positive and couldn't have come at a better time {a week prior to my last post, which was the day I realized I needed to take a break}.
Hi Dellah,
.....It's a total challenge to juggle everything, and it's such a huge time commitment to post regularly. And when you feel like no one is reading, it can be such a drag. You should know, though, that your blog is lovely - your positivity and exuberance come through so clearly, and your family is beautiful. You're adventurous, approachable, and kind, and those are all things that I'm sure your readers love and appreciate. Just because you're not getting comments doesn't mean that no one's out there - people are..... If you're having fun and enjoying the process, focus on that enjoyment. On the flip side, if it's stressing you out or making you sad, maybe consider taking a break - you can always come back to it later. 
xo Shoko 

 I'm thankful she took the time to write back to a stranger. 

I hope that you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving and I wish you and your loved ones continued blessings!
Bunches of Xoxo's
                             Dellah












Monday, July 30, 2012

Oh Snaps! A Peek at My Week on Instagram {#13}


Happy Monday! How was your week?  I've been in great discussion with the Hubby as I debate going back to work {part time or full time} and what would be best for our family. Decisions, decisions, decisions... in the meantime I'm enjoying every Summer moment we have left.

I realized the boys and I had been stuck in the house since last weekend, held prisoner to threats of thunderstorms. Which meant a lot of cooking for the Hubby and double the eating for me. This photo of my pastrami, fried egg, cheese and avocado sandwich was an amazing start to the day.

Tristan Riley has taken it upon himself to start his potty training, & I think other than the tissue sniffing he understands the process. I better jump on it before he takes matters further into his own hands.


Did you ever see the film "The Neverending Story"? this photo I took from our living room window reminded  me of the darkness called the Nothing that took over. All you 80's babies will get it.  


Another breakfast courtesy of the Hubby, enjoyed while watching Breaking Bad on Netlfix.


National Dance day was this Saturday. The boys & I love any reason to get up and move to a catchy beat {images found on Pinterest}.


Tristan Riley & I enjoyed a rainy day story time before his afternoon nap.The song "You are my Sunshine" has been a favorite for me & the boys since the Hubby and I started dating nearly 10 years ago. When we found this book at the New York Baby show earlier this year we had to have it.


Seeing as we hadn't been out in a while {sans the kids} we jumped at the chance to head into the city for our friend Drew's Birthday. We bribed my sis Nicole to babysit the boys with this Tiger Shrimp & pasta dish the Hubby made.


{Top left} The Hubby (on the left) & Drew cheering to another year of life. // We were watching the Olympics opening ceremony from the bar at Tonic while I snapped this pic of us. // It's always good times with Tina {Drew's girlfriend} and Ms. J, can't wait for the next get together. 



On Sunday despite the threats of rain, we headed to the Bronx Zoo and the storm clouds stayed away, allowing us to have a great time without the usual crowds of people {they must've been scared of the forecast}. That sculpture of the Gorilla was made of Lego's and took 350 hours to make. Pretty dang amazing, another visitor and I joked seeing that we can't get our kids to keep still for more than 35 minutes.

Tristan Riley was thrilled when the carousel ride was over, it clearly wasn't his favorite part of the day. However the boys did get a kick out of searching for the prairie dogs, which brought back memories of when I was kid with my cousins, popping my head out of those same tunnels.



There were a few sun showers as we started to exit the zoo but our visit turned out to be the perfect ending to a great weekend! I hope you all lived in the moment and had a productive week! 

Feel free to follow me on Instagram @dellahsjubilation.
Bunches of Xoxo's
                            Dellah


Friday, July 27, 2012

Happy Weekend! Let's LINK Up






Hey guy's I've been feeling somewhat out of sorts, maybe it's because I've literally been cooped up in the house all week with tons on the brain. Luckily the Hubby and I are off to a birthday shindig at Tonic for our friend Drew {the best man at our wedding} and we all ways have a great time with him, his wifey Tina and their crew. I'm kinda bummed that we'll be missing the opening ceremony of the Olympics {especially since we got rid of the Dvr}. Will you be tuned in? Here's to hoping we'll be able to catch a glimpse of it at the bar. What do you have planned this weekend? The boys and I are hoping to spend the day at the Zoo, weather permitting. Whatever you're up to I hope you live in the moment and enjoy!

Here's a few links for your clicking pleasure:

Velvet nails seem like the perfect trend for Fall and these donut sprinkle nails look yummy enough to eat.

Pretty amusing outlet covers to prevent the ouchies and a smoke detector with some style.

These oxfords make me happy.

Lemon dessert bowls for those wickedly hot days of Summer.

Beautiful Paris engagement photo's. I can't wait to see the love locks in person, someday.

If I cooked, I'd spend all my time in here, it's such a sexy looking space.

Pillow Fight!! My boys would love these {secretly I do too}.

Thanks for LINKing Up!
Bunches of Xoxo's
                             Dellah



image via: Banksy.co.uk


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Oh Snaps! A Peek at my Week on Instagram {# 12}



With our 2nd half of Summer practically planned out, I definitely enjoy quiet evenings at home when the boys are sleep and it's just me and the t.v.


I love Kermie, this billboard made me smile.



Free Broadway show performances like Cirque Du Soleils Zarkana & my favorite people {Rachel, my boys, & Venesa}to watch it with, make for a great lunch at Bryant Park.


There were two parts to this breakfast:: My cup of coffee with Pooh bear and a cheese pastry I was craving and then the Hubby whipped up some fried eggs with jerk turkey and avocado, beyond tasty!



CJ's bed is decked out in colorful anf fun Ikea bedding. 


After I finished my teaching field work in June my two mentors gave me this bag that I've been rockin' everyday. It's my new "diaper" bag and stays at the door packed and ready to go. 


I know he {the Hubby} loves me because he knows the way to my heart is with food, especially ice cream. 


I enjoyed my scoop of Java chip and it inspired me to jump on Pinterest in search of other cool treats.


This Sunday we headed to Juniper park for my friend Marta's son Lucas's 5th birthday party and it was probably more fun for the grownups then the kids. The Hubby and CJ are calling for a tug-of-war rematch because the grownup on the other team used two hands instead of one.


Tristan Riley's sour face.


4 month old bulldog Coco is the sweetest pup I've ever met. Her owner let her stay with me for 20 minutes because we seemed to share a mutual love for each other. Where's the getaway car when you need it? I could've taken her home with us.



Peak-a-boo!


Long time friends enjoying the day: Judtya {w/Susie on her lap}, Marta, me {w/Tristan Riley} and Venesa.


I hope you enjoyed the peek at my week. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @dellahsjubilation.

Bunches of Xoxo's
                            Dellah


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