Oh Snaps! A Peek at our July Stay-cation on Instagram

 

Now that July has come and gone, I'm praying that time will just slow down so that we can enjoy our stay-cation just a little longer. I thought I'd share a few pics of how the Hubby, monsters and I have been living in the moment and enjoying life. You"ll have to forgive me for not posting sooner about our NYC adventures as I have been trying to keep the boys busy while battling with a few Crohns disease flare-ups that have been leaving me exhausted. Despite it all we've been trying to get out as the countdown to back to school has begun, and I know this all imminent reality because we've already hit up the target back to school sale. 

           // Brooklyn Bridge Park & Jane's Carousel have become our home away from home .//

             // Discovered these modern day colorful nesting dolls in the window of BoConcept. //

// "It feels like I'm flying mommy" CJ loves the FREE Track & Field with City Parks Foundation.//

// Watermelon Margaritas are a great way to get through Mercury being in Retrograde, don't you think? //

            // Kept it local this 4th of July and watched the fireworks from our rooftop lounge. //

// Ah hoy Maties!My lil pirates enjoyed all the performances at SummerStage Kids family day. //

//  I love sharing games like Candyland from my childhood with the boys, and they loved winning. // 

          // I took in a beautiful, calming sunset over the Bklyn Bridge with a childhood friend. //

// Scrabble tiles & 3D glasses were just some of the nostalgic touches at a ReBar wedding I assisted with. //

// We deemed this our "Cosby" family photo on a stoop as we took a break from the Urban Lawn party. //

                    // Here comes Trouble! Who's looking to get soaked? Happy 6th Birthday Lucas. //

                                           // Mommy & son qt time over two interesting reads. //

// That feeling of overwhelming excitement as CJ and kids we volunteered to chaperon on a community                                field trip,  glance out the window of the F train and spot Coney Island. //

                                                // The WONDER WHEEL in all it's iconic glory. //

// My bestie had to kick off her fabulous Zaras shoes and relax her feet at the end of a BaubleBar event. //

// Bad parenting is allowing your spider-man obsessed toddler to try on a hoodie you aren't planning to buy.//

     // My favorite section in all of Barnes and Nobles and B is for Brooklyn is being added to our library.//

              // Can you blame him for being amazed by the millions of colorful balloons in Pixar's UP?//

I hope you enjoyed a peek into our July stay-cation and if you'd like to see more pics of our day to day and NYC adventures check out my Instagram @Dellahsjubilation

Bunches of Xoxo's

                            Dellah

Happy Friday! Let's LINK Up

Today has to be one of the most gorgeous Fridays we've seen a while, sun is out and there's even a breeze and the monsters and I are planning to get outside. This weekend we'd like to check out the whimsical art collection "Lightness of Being" and hopefully hit up Summer Streets with scooters in tow. I'm hoping the lines aren't crazy long because I'd like see the Park Ave. tunnel interactive installation and to try out the zip-lining or rent a pair of roller-blades. We have yet to hit the beach and with July behind us {how did that happen so quickly?}I'm wondering if we will get there before Summer disappears. How are you guys planning to spend this first weekend of August? 

Here's a few of my favorite links from around the web: 


2 other events worth checking out this weekend: 2nd Annual LIC Block Party  & Brooklyn Museum's Target First Saturday's.

Who doesn't love NYC rooftop views?



Couldn't you just see yourself working in here and cooking in here?

Golden Honey Bears and other cute DIY bookends.



They aren't just for rainy days: trendy yet practical Trench coats.

Style-concious mommy's to be everywhere can rejoice now that this retailer is launching a maternity line.

These Bugaboo collaborations almost make me want to have another kid {I said almost!}.



A margarita popsicle ? you need not say anymore!

Yes, the Cronut has gotten quite a bit of hype, but these tasty desserts are probably just as good.

If you really are craving a Cronut, try making one yourself.

Toast it up with A Maple Manhattan or other city inspired signature sips.



They've been friends since age 3 and have recreated an adorable photo taken as kids for their Save the date.

Grab the Kleenex and sing along "You are my sunshine" {coincidentally the Hubby and I sang this to each other all the time when we were dating and sing it to our monsters now}.



Thanks for LINKing Up with me!

Bunches of Xoxo's
                              Dellah

Revel in NY: A Sparkling Summer Evening w/ BaubleBar and Rank & Style

I'm always on Eventbrite trying to spy fabulous fun or inexpensive events that are great for networking, girls night out or date night to share with my readers and followers on facebook . Last weeks Midsummer Night event hosted by RankandStyle {who partnered up with Benefit Cosmetics, Physique57 and SujaJuices} at BaubleBar was the perfect evening to try on fashion-forward jewelry, sip cocktails and sample treats all while discussing with the ladies of Rank and Style what makes the site so uniquely awesome! 

Images //  The BaubleBar girls ringing up customers who were thrilled to get $10 off for the night //  My sis Nicole and I enjoying our Godiva cocktails // Photo-booth pile up of pics // Arm candy I'm coveting // Mingling // Make-overs with Benefit Cosmetics // Decision making // The lovely ladies {Sonal, Pooja and Sarika} of team Rank and Style. 

I've always been the type of shopper that needs a good review of a product before purchasing.  Endlessly scrolling webpages while on the look out for how many stars were given by various reviewers {oh 4 stars, but only 3 reviews, maybe there's something better out there?} and if a magazine style editor or blogger loves it, I'm swearing their opinion is the end all, ultimate choice because they are who they are, they know what's the cream of the crop.

If you told me that in order to figure out which pair of running sneakers were the greatest, I'd be required to use some sort of scientific, mathematical algorithm to get the best choices, although logically it makes sense I'd probably run away without the sneakers. Luckily that's where the site Rank and Style comes in to help with all your time-consuming shopping decisions. 

Having Launched four months ago and since been Featured on Fox5 news, People StyleWatch magazine, Refinery29 and more, the team behind the site are definitely on to something. Their Top Ten Lists are created with an unbiased method, using best-seller lists, product reviews, picks from all the top sources we trust and love and then all that information is compiled to generate results of the best products in fashion and beauty. So If deciding on what mascara, nude shoe or sports bra gets you frustrated, this modern day "consumer reports" site is just what every shopper needs. 

Image: Top Ten list cards for categories like: mascara, sunscreen, tanner and anti-frizz hair products

My girlfriends Natacha and Chrissy tried to decide between the three different flavored Godiva cocktails

Rank and Style Listed products from Benefit Cosmetics

So many choices, but towards the end of the evening my bestie Natacha and I chose the Love bracelet to adorn our wrists. We tried on statement necklaces and eyed items we'd be back for, like many of the other shoppers. Other guests posed and got silly for pics in the photo-booth and then were able to print out and email the photos to themselves as a souvenir of the event.

All of the guests were asked to hashtag their photos of the evening with #rankandstyle to win a prize of beauty goodies from Benefit Cosmetics, Josie Maran, Caudalie, Rahua & two free classes from Physique57. I just wanted to say thanks to Rank and Style for choosing my photo collage {at the top of the page} as the winner and can't wait to receive and try out the products and take to the barre at Physique57.

Bunches of Xoxo's

                              Dellah

Whoa Baby! H&M's Online Shopping is Available in the U.S

 If you are anything like me you've probably been questioning for years why there was never a way to shop online for all your favorite, affordable finds for the entire family from the retailer H&M. I for one honestly can't stand bringing my two monsters shopping with me and I'm sure for them the feeling is mutual. I find myself doling out snacks and handing over every gadget I own just to appease them for a few seconds of peace while trying to squeeze into whatever the latest "trendy" pair of jeans are. Although the hubby is the most patient shopper in existence, sometimes he won't even bother to enter the store with me. He'll wander the mall with kids in tow or wait right out front and tell me to just give him a ring when i'm finished. Just recently I found myself running up and down the escalator  in the H&M at Queens Center Mall just so that I could get as close to the entrance as possible without setting off the alarm so I could raise up my selection of blouses for a birthday party. Anxiously I waited for the hubby to give a thumbs up or down so that I could get on the crazy long line before anyone had a meltdown.

I must have been living under a rock up until now because I had no clue that H&M was making their online shop available to us here in the states until this morning. When I checked my Instgram I spotted that the beauty blogger, thestyleandbeautydoctor had posted info on the launch and better yet if you check out her site, there's also a code for free shipping until August 15th. I instantly went online so that I could share with you {below}some of the latest fashion finds available and items to style your place, from their "online-only" Home line that debuted today. As a teacher and assistant wedding coordinator I'm always in need of a few versatile pieces and as we say farewell to July there is the impending, depressing need to go back to school shopping for the kiddies. I say grab your wallet and take a seat in front of your computer and get to shopping! It's raining here in NYC so it's a perfect day for it. What are you planning to put in your cyber space shopping bag?

Items above //  baby girls long sleeve bodysuit  // mens chambray shirt  // girls polkadot jersey leggings          decorative letters    // ladies faux leather skirt  //  baby boys 5 pocket jeans w/ suspenders  // boys peacoat   ladies messenger bag

 

Ladies //  burgundy loose-fit pants // chiffon dress // faux leather pants 

Ladies shoes & accessories // canvas sneakers // sunglasses // pumps w/ studs // Taupe leather bag

Baby Boys // Rolling Stones T-shirt // checkered shirt  //  knit sweater // chinos // anchor t-shirt

Baby Girls //  owl set // blue dotted dress // jumpsuit // floral baseball jacket // turquoise twill pants

                  Girls //  Studded sweatshirt // LiveLoveSing jersey top // denim shirt // jacquard- knit dress

                           Boys //  yellow hooded jacket // turquoise sweatpants // short sleeve shirt

Mens //  blazer// striped cardigan  // sweatshirt with chimney collar

Home {online-only} // duvet cover //  cake stand {turquoise color sold out while I was creating post} // star baby quilt  // ceramic mug // soap dispenser // cushion cover


Bunches of Xoxo's
                               Dellah

Elated with Etsy: Shop Spotlight on Nirwa Designs

I spotted a very similar chevron DIY project on Refinery29 that will have you channeling your crafty side.

I'm absolutely in love with Nirwa Design and the beautiful handmade pillow covers that will bring a special touch to any corner, when styling your home. If you're a fan of geometric prints, brush strokes, pastels or ombre then you are bound to find a print you like.You can also have a custom illustration created of yourself, a pet or any item {the cat pillow resembles the designer's cat Ned} that would make for a unique gift. I got excited after I popped over to the facebook page and spotted an update that said that linen covers were coming to the shop soon. Stop by the Nirwa Design shop on Etsy and you"ll find a few colorful, fun reasons to grab & cover a bunch of pillows that will have you smiling every time you glance at them.

Bunches of Xoxo's

                             Dellah

Weekend Happenings // Things To do in NYC July 19th - July 21st

How have you all been faring with this heat & humidity? We've been hiding out at home the last few days and can't wait to get back outdoors, there's only so many board games and activity books that can keep a kid busy. Sunday seems to be the best day for a little relief with temps below 90, which is perfect for us seeing as we'll be in Juniper park for a kiddie birthday party {the grownups always seem to have a better time than the kids} that we look forward to every year. I can't believe that July is almost over which signifies that the end of Summer break is near and back to school shopping is lurking around the corner. Don't fear though, there are quite a few things going on in the city this weekend. Check out some of these fun-filled events in the city with your family and friends:

 $3 per ride // Fete Paradiso // Every weekend - Sept 29th // 10:30am-6:30pm 
Where: Governors Island
Take a whimsical journey through time and check out this traveling festival's collection of vintage french rides and 2 -of-a- kind bicycle carousels. It's their first time here in the U.S. & along with these rare, museum quality rides there will be nostalgic games, a beer garden and french carnival food. For Everyone
For More Info: Feteparadiso.com


FREE// Hudson River Park River Flicks for Kids // Fri. July 19th // 8:30pm 
Where: Hudson River Park, Pier 46 btwn. Charles Street and West street.
Tonight enjoy a viewing of ParaNorman Rated PG  [Norman is a boy who has the ability to speak to the dead and must protect his town from zombies, ghosts and an ancient curse]. For Everyone
For More Info: Riverflicks.com


FREE// Urban Lawn Party // Sat. July 20th // 11am-5pm
Where: Charlton Street between 6th and Varick
This event sounds like the ULTIMATE way to hang out with your favorite people! Indulge in yoga and express manicures brought to you by Exhale spa, reflexology, henna tattoos and cardio-boxing. Watch performances from TheaterWorks USA and other artists & tons of  fun for the kids: a bouncy house, arts and crafts, balloon animals and more! There's even a doggie boutique and pool for the family pet to keep cool. Enjoy lounging and snacking on cupcakes,  snowballs and other tasty treats and check out the charity book & food drives and clothes swaps. Make sure to take pics in the photobooth to remember the day. For Everyone
For more Info: Urbanlawnparty.com


FREE // New Museum Block Party // Sat. July 20th // 12pm- 5pm 
Where: Sara D. Roosevelt Park between Delancey and Broome Street.
Join the New Museum for their annual Block Party& spend the afternoon participating in interactive projects and performances inspired by current exhibitions and museum programs. All Block Party guests will receive complimentary admission to the New museum and can participate in FREE interactive, family-friendly tours. For Everyone
For More Info: Newmuseum.org


FREE // City of Water Day // Sat. July 20th // 10am -4pm    
Where: Governors Island & Liberty State park, NJ
Make you way over to the waterfront for the 6th annual City of Water Day Festival. Celebrate the potential of our waterfront with FREE narrated boat tours, FREE ferry rides between Governors Island and Liberty State park,  try out kayaking, fishing and other water activities . Explore interactive tables and demonstrations, arts and crafts, a sea creature touch tank, live entertainment, games, giveaways, food and more! For Everyone
For More Info: Cityofwaterday.org


FREE// SummerStage Kids Queens Family Day // Sun. July 21st // 4pm -7pm
Where: Queensbridge Park
SummerStage Kids presented by Disney will a host Queens family day, which aims to provide engaging entertainment for families. This years event will get families on their feet with a special celebration of the music icon and king of pop, Michael Jackson. Enjoy performances from a 10 piece brass band PitchBlak, Dj'd music, a dance party and a few surprises. Disney VoluntEARS will greet attendees with fun "Magic of Healthy living games" [jump roping, basketball, hula-hoops] and give away fun prizes. Note: We attended this event 2 weeks ago at Central park and the giveaways included Blue-ray and digital copy Disney movies, puzzles, figurines and more! For Everyone
For More Info: cityparksfoundation.org 



I hope you all Live in the Moment, hit the streets & enjoy the weekend! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @Dellahsjubilation to see wha fun the hubby, monsters and I get into.
Bunches of Xoxo's
                            Dellah

*images via sites mentioned above.

Happy Weekend! Let's LINK Up

Happy day after the fourth of July! This year the monsters, Hubby and I were joined by my not-so little brother and indulged in all the holiday staples: burgers, hot dogs, deviled eggs, etc's and don't forget Sangria for mommy. You should really watch this video in case you missed the Empire State building's groovin' new lights for the 4th .While most have fled NYC for the long weekend, we"ll be keeping it local but are hoping to enjoy some great outdoor events here in the city. Wave Hill House up in the Bronx is reopening this weekend after a 2yr. renovation project & the gardens will be Free to visit this entire weekend thanks to Target! We have yet to check out the Global Family day, Summer stage event in Central Park but can't wait to see all the contemporary circus performers, musicians and dancers. If you have some downtime enjoy a few of my fave links from around the web. I hope you all live in the moments and enjoy the weekend!


Who knew sunscreen application could be so funny {spotted on a Cup of Jo}?

Stay cool with a refreshing cocktail  or these deliciously infused popsicles.

25 reads to keep you company on the beach {My Education is on my list}.

Amazing sand art.


Lovin' these hipster kits inspired by t.v. and film.

Cool bench ads to get the word out.

Remember when movies were......... ?


A vibrant romper to take you from the bbq to the rooftop lounge.

Fall in love with Versailles.


Host a royal babyshower or give a gift that's fit for a prince/princess!

I know it's for the little one but I'd model my own room after this eclectic nursery {what do you think of the hammock vs. crib?}.


Thanks for LINKing Up with me!

Bunches of Xoxo's
                              Dellah  





image via: Flickr