Friday, June 29, 2012

Happy Weekend! Let's LINK Up




Hey there, good lookin'. I'm in such a friggin' good mood today despite how hot and sticky it is outside. Earlier today I headed to  Queens County Farm with Fouzia {a.k.a. boss lady} as we did a final walk through with the couple who's marrying there tomorrow. Follow me on Instagram @dellahsjubilation or check out the blog next week for snaps of this rustic foodie lovers wedding. Now that the work week has come to an end what do you have planned this weekend? Before the wedding the boys and I are planning to check out Madagascar 3 finally! Hopefully that means CJ & Tristan Riley will stop chanting "afro-circus, afro-circus, polka-dot, polka-dot, polka-dot-afro". Whatever you have planned I hope you  live in the moment and enjoy yourself!

Here's my fave links of the week from around the web:

The perfect dress for date night at a Summer stage concert in Central Park.

Are you addicted to Instagram like me? If so you'll totally appreciate these and something snazzy for your phone.

I'd love to take a break from this NYC humidity to keep cool and rent this place out, just not for too long.

Save space and enjoy a meal and conversation.

Summer is meant for light and simple meals like this dish and this dish, both seem refreshing.

Carry your wine to your next picnic in this.

Luck be a lady in these sparklies.

You can hide your stuff in here when guests come over, I won't tell.


Posts on Dellah's Jubilation this week included: 
Oh Snaps! A Peek at My week: celebrations and the first weekend of summer
 Elated with Etsy: Summer Finds
 My Nook Reads
 Revel in NYC: Circus Yoga, The High Line and Chelsea Market


Thanks for LINKing Up with me!
Bunches of Xoxo's
                              Dellah





image viapinterest.com

Lil' Monsters in NYC: Circus Yoga, The High Line & Chelsea Market



During the Spring the boys {CJ is flying up front} and I had the pleasure of meeting Kevin O' Keefe {in the right hand corner w/glasses} who founded Circus Minimus, a one man circus-in-a-suitcase {that he found 27 yrs. ago outside of his NYC apartment}. Circus Minimus has traveled the world performing and teaching children of all ages that the ordinary person can do extraordinary things and has been proudly sponsored by Good Morning America, The Conan O'Brian show, Good Day New York, the NYC Parks Dept and the Children's Museum of Manhattan {just to name a few}. 

Kevin and his lovely wife Erin co-founded the practice and the community Circus Yoga {Erin is on the bottom of the pair doing the flying yoga in the top left of photo} which as stated on their website celebrates the whole community, the whole family & the whole person while fostering the spirit of play by providing a level playing field for people of all ages and abilities. Check out their video and catch a glimpse at what a circus yoga experience is like.

We managed to catch the couple, {who my friend Erin suggested we check out} and a few of their circus yogi friends on the High Line before joining them at a near by park across the street. The group had been asked to end their performance early by a High Line employee because it was drawing in an enormous crowd. Our son CJ had the opportunity to meet a few kids and try out some cool tricks using some of the props. 

At the park, CJ got to partake in a lil' impromptu circus yoga experience with a few students and loved every second of it! I'm glad he had this opportunity to just try new things and be a kid while connecting with other people and his dad through yoga & play.




It was a bit breezy by the water but Tristan Riley & I had fun cheering on CJ & their dad.


Tristan was making sure I was watching his big brother in action! Can't you just see CJ trying his new moves out on his baby brother across our living room?


CJ convinces his dad to come over and give circus yoga a try, so Kevin explained to my hesitant Hubby what he needed to do.




We really didn't know what to expect from a day of circus yoga but the boys had a good time, learning, relaxing and spending qt time together. The Hubby says he ended up using muscles he forgot he had, but appreciated the moment he and CJ shared doing something totally different from our normal day. At the end of it all Tristan Riley decided to get in on the fun too!

After all that playing around, we headed for a stroll on the High Line which is one of my favorite NYC treasures. This unique park is elevated above the busy streets of the Upper West side on historic freight train tracks. The hubby and I spent our anniversary there 2 years ago and you'll find quite a few couples canoodling {great for date nights} and families exploring.

There are awesome views of the Empire state building, great art installations, events, food vendors and several places to sit, chat and take in the scenery!  Here's just a few things you'd see on your walk but trust me you have to go for yourself, I know we are highly anticipating the opening of the 3rd phase.



CJ was channeling Jay-Z for this pose.



I'm sure quite a few of us can relate to this billboard, too funny!


Very interesting architecture, our fave thing to do is to try to peak into all the windows of the apartments we pass, yes we are a bit noisey but if they aren't going to invest in curtains I figure they must want us too look. We even spotted an artist who was enjoying the nice weather while hard at work, my Iphone/camera was dead by then but when we passed by again the piece was finished.





The monster ended up walking through this installation of streaming water and getting soaked, thank goodness we packed a change of clothes.


Beautiful views.


My sissy poo Nicole {on the left} & I love any reason to window shop, unfortunately this curated shop was only here in Chelsea through May 2012.


I love shiny gems like these Swarvoski elements at the Brooklyn Charm  booth. I was eyeing them for a Summertime DIY project.


After perusing through the Brooklyn Artist N' Flea's pop up shop we showed my sis around the Chelsea Market.


So many choices for eating drinking and shopping! Where to begin?

These were the coolest See no evil, Hear no eveil, Speak no evil monkies I'd ever seen. Loving the one on the the turntable.




Everywhere we looked there were couples and friends enjoying their lobster lunches. We remembered seeing a group of people having a lobster picnic at the park we were playing in and finally realized where they had gotten the lobster from, we were all salivating with jealousy.


Before the end of our day we made a wish at this water fountain that changed colors, it was definitely a popular spot for visitors to take photos.

I hope you enjoyed the pics of our day spent at the High Line & in Chelsea Market. If you haven't been there yet I hope the pics entice you to put both on your list of places to checkout in NYC and check their websites for upcoming events. If you've been there before do you have a favorite eatery or shop at Chelsea Market or a must see along the High line? Thanks in advance for sharing!

Bunches of Xoxo's
                            Dellah

Thursday, June 28, 2012

My Nook Reads this Month 6.2012


This month's reads coincidentally all seem to echo in some form or another the same ideas of finding what works best for you as an individual and for your families. These days, opportunities in life have many of us torn between making the right decisions: where to live, career goals, whether to be in a relationship, the quality of those relationships and time spent with loved ones. Ultimately the goal is to live the best, fulfilling life for you, no matter what that entails.


I'm not sure that everything is done better by the Parisians but this is an insightful read for us moms and expecting moms looking for other methods to raise our children that seemingly work. Bringing up Bebe also proves to just be an entertaining, relate-able read.  Author Pamela Druckerman, an American journalist is mystified at how the French seem to raise "perfect" children who don't need to be bribed to eat healthy food,  do their nights {sleep through the nights} and are well behaved. 

While she and her husband raise their baby in Paris, Pamela receives advice from french parents who claim there is no ancient secret to good child rearing or the perfect model to follow. The one thing I did find interesting was the idea that American moms feel guilty for not spending enough quality time with their children. I'm not sure if it's just an "American" mommy feeling but I know while starting this blog, finishing graduate school and exploring a career in wedding coordinating it's an issue I myself am learning to maneuver through while keeping my sanity. 

Marie Claire June 2012: 

Jessica Alba looks absolutely stunning on this month's cover and the interview featured on her discusses how she's learned to dress for herself and how she seems to have effortlessly turned into a fashion icon while being a mother of 2, entrepreneur and actress.  If you haven't heard about it yet, check out her line of environmentally friendly baby products

Two other articles that seem to touch on issues that are so poignant right now for women are: The New 24hr Workday , which brings to light this new, modern work style that I too have fallen victim to. Women who crave or have fought for flexibility in their work schedules have actually inadvertently created a work day that never freakin' ends. Do you wake up first thing in the morning and check your email, are you on your cellphone while dropping your kids off at school or back on the computer as soon as you get home?  I'm constantly checking my email for events here in NYC, correspondence from my event planning boss and my graduate school field work supervisor, and updates to my Google reader.  My Husband constantly gets on me about grabbing my Iphone from under my pillow as soon as my alarm goes off. Just the other night he teasingly joked he'd give his wedding band to the computer as his replacement.  I am realizing I'm not alone and a lot of us are having a hard time keeping home & work life separate especially when so much of it happens between diaper changes, deadlines, the kids after school activities and everything in between.  

Although I  haven't been single in almost ten years I have quite a few girlfriends who are 30 something and single, or in a long term relationship but prefer not to be married and are comfortable and aren't planning anytime soon to fix what isn't broken. The article Love and the single girl  gives insight into how a great deal of women are just fine being solo these days despite men like Rush Limbaugh & Steve Harvey who find they need to have some dude put a ring on it! I'm in complete agreeance that a woman shouldn't be defined solely by her relationship status but  by her achievements in it's entirety.

Parents June 2012: I am in complete awe of The first family and admire how well they seem to be handling & balancing the political spotlight and everyday life. First lady Michelle Obama graces the cover and the feature discusses the White House garden, the countries fight against obesity and how to raise healthy kids. I love the fact that the Obama's despite hectic schedules make an effort to sit down to the table for dinner every night at 6:30pm as a family. Although it's a great way to connect family members it really doesn't seem to be a common evening routine anymore like many of us remember as kids.

Parents magazine always features some of the cutest finds for kids and these Zooligan shoes and the book Darth Vader and son  look really fun. There are also some great boredom busters with 20 smart toys to help get us parents and the kiddies through the summer.

Paris My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light {and Dark Chocolate}: {author Amy Thomas} Any book that celebrates a love of Food, Paris and New York City is all right by me! Amy leaves Manhattan for a dream job in Paris, and finds herself torn between the two fabulous cities {poor girl, yea right} but nothing a sweet decadent treat couldn't remedy. "Amy Thomas seduces us in the same manner that Paris seduced her - one exquisite morsel at a time." ~ Nichole Robertson, author of Paris in Color. I'm glad I'm not the one to have to make a decision between Paris and New York.

I'd love to know what's in you e-reader this month & what books or magazines would you recommend? 


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Elated with Etsy: Summer Inspired Finds










{Summer parties + fun decor/ Laid back accessories and romper/ Playing with my boys & Lounging}

Tomorrow is the last day of school, we are friggin' excited and could use the break. These treasures found on Etsy reminded me of how much I'm looking forward to all of the Summer get together's with family and friends, quality time with my boys at home + touring the city we call home {NYC}.

"Schools out for... Summer!"
Bunches of Xoxo's
                            Dellah




* Visit the Etsy shop {images}:  AMMOUDIA  // JujuTreasures // FrostedWillow //esoneofone // TweetToys // BeyondJordanStudio // shannspishak // 

Monday, June 25, 2012

Oh Snaps! A Peek at My Week on Instagram {# 7 and #8}


I hope you guys all had a fabulous week, ours was filled with celebrations. It was sweltering hot here in NYC but we managed to keep cool, I can't stand this humidity. Last week I fell behind posting images on the blog, so here's a peek at my last two weeks


We couldn't make it to Luke's Lobster on the Lower East Side for National Lobster Day, but the Hubby {who can't eat shellfish, and saw my post on FaceBook} brought back and cooked CJ and I some lobster CJ of course suggested that it would go well with Kraft mac & cheese, it was pretty good.

Originally we planned to head to our fave Dominican diner for a Father's Day brunch with the family but the Hubby decided, even though it was a day to celebrate him he'd cook for the whole family and we hosted it outside in our picnic area. 


A few of the great guys in my life: {top-bottom} my brother Justin, My dad, the Hubby, our 19 mos. old Tristan Riley, My uncle Dave and our 7yr. old CJ.


Our boys are hardly ever shy in front of the camera, they are my cheeseballs.


Gorgeous day for Mimosas and rooftop lounging to celebrate my Hubby who's such a dedicated dad.


Not sure who was walking who, but they are so dang cute together!


My mother never uses her phone to send texts, so when she sent me this image it was one of those cheesy heart warming- moments that make you go.... awe! 


Sunflowers always bring a smile to my face, so I was beyond happy to see them in the lobby.


Week #8 kicked off the first day of Summer, which made me think of this pic and two of my besties hanging poolside at the ARIA hotel in Las Vegas last year to celebrate my wedding anniversary. Always good times in Vegas!


What I wore: Coral is my go to color for Summer, it's the perfect pop of color.


Everyone who knows CJ knows he's one of the most caring kids you'll meet, which is why he received the Core Virtue Award for Altruism. A friend of ours said, the Hubby and I are the ones who really earned the 100% homework award, we are very proud of CJ's effort. 2nd grade here we come!


Can you tell Tristan had a blast, his first time in a sprinkler? It was like one big shower to him.


After the ceremony we kept cool with sour ice pops and I was tempted to buy one of those colorful parasols, but told myself to keep walking. That juicy plum was amazingly sweet, just perfect!


This Saturday I worked my 2nd wedding as an assistant wedding coordinator, and loved every second. It's really a great reason to get all dressed up and help make other people's day really special. The Split Rock golf course in Pelham Bay was a gorgeous venue!


After the wedding, the boys and I made a quick stop at my friend {since Junior High School} Edgar and his wife Lindsey's baby-shower for their lil' princess. A road trip to Virginia is a must when she arrives.


Hope you liked the snaps! If you'd like to, feel free to follow me on Instagram @dellahsjubilation.
Bunches of Xoxo's
                              Dellah

Friday, June 22, 2012

Happy Weekend! Let's LINK Up




Rain, Rain , Go Away! Another week has come and gone, but I'm looking forward to the weekend. I was supposed to get my hair done {high maintenance short bob} but I'm glad I canceled because I surely would have gotten caught coming home with my freshly done coif, in this thunderstorm {which would've left me highly annoyed}. Instead I'm home with the boys chowing down on burgers and finishing season two of Game of Thrones.

I'm working my second wedding at the Pelham Bay Split Rock Golf Course {a gorgeous venue} this Saturday and seeing an old & close friend of 15 years {and my go to site design/coding guy} and his wife at their NYC baby-shower. Sunday is up in the air, maybe you'll catch us at the Renegade Craft Fair. What's on your agenda this weekend?

Here's a few links I've enjoyed this week on the web:

Creative ways to divide a room.

Could you imagine dating someone for 3 years and never kissing until you wedding day? Read this post from A Cup of Jo. I know I'd have no will power, I've had a crush on my Hubby since elementary school.

Mug DIY  {A Beautiful Mess} I want to try for me and my boys! we are big coffee and chai lovers!

Do-it-yourself wedding favors that Martha Stewart Weddings Mag tweeted a few hours ago, gotta love Pinterest.

Oh man I'd love to have french toast cups for breakfast this weekend.

Keep your pooch cool this summer.

Thanks for LINKing Up with me! I hope you live in the moment and enjoy the weekend.
Bunches of Xoxo's
                            Dellah
                            

*image via: society6.com



Thursday, June 21, 2012

TRENDscending Time: Wrapped up in Head Scarves



I'm oh so familiar with the "headscarf" because chances are my hair is wrapped before I settle in for the night and I need a scarf to keep the pins in place, or I need the satin buffer from the pillowcase when my hair is
au natural {a.k.a kinky curly} and I don't want it to get frizzed out. The oh-so-gorgeous and fashionable, blogger Keiko Lynn is all over Pinterest wearing a floral scarf for her simple tutorial post and I found this fabulous video on 10 creative ways to adorn your scarf this summer. My fave looks are the Crazy Pirate, the Gypsy knot and the Bow which reminds me of Susie the Riveter {red and polka dots}.






The head scarf  has been around forever and is definitely a must have accessory that adds a fun yet chic touch in solids or crazy prints. I told the Hubby what this post was on and he is shaking his head at me right now because he used to tell me to buy these short cute scarves from street fairs here in NYC all the time {he's the fashion forward one}. I had a brief stint with them years ago in high school, but now they just sit in the back of a drawer. I'm glad to see these women rocking this trend in various ways {unlike me} outside of their home. Maybe I'll need to grab up a few new ones at a flea sometime soon. Are you a fan of head scarves? What's your fave way to rock one?

Bunches of Xoxo's,
                              Dellah

*image sources: mylusciouslife.com //thesartorialist.com  // hayley-fashionandme.blogspot.com //  Essence.com // keikolynn.com

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