WE HAVE MOVED!!

Hello, Everyone! Today is Launch Day on my very own new website! We've moved to something bigger & better, <a href="http://www.purejoyhome.com/">www.purejoyhome.com</a>, follow me there for all the latest and greatest!!<br /> <br /> This will be my last post on purejoyhome.blogpost.com.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC-Zr2RDGyCILE-M9QsahX4iWUtTo8slqAWhxehhzDxuKhveQkuscmrFN3qdHBuogOEYW80DczFLLuCOFxl-3CspTr3WCVGJkIbhbK5tT7DUXVz4q9bpAlsuGOeuC4NJVu4Ij9OWPGaP5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-22+at+8.26.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC-Zr2RDGyCILE-M9QsahX4iWUtTo8slqAWhxehhzDxuKhveQkuscmrFN3qdHBuogOEYW80DczFLLuCOFxl-3CspTr3WCVGJkIbhbK5tT7DUXVz4q9bpAlsuGOeuC4NJVu4Ij9OWPGaP5/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-02-22+at+8.26.18+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>

WE HAVE MOVED!!

Hello, Everyone! Today is Launch Day on my very own new website! We've moved to something bigger & better, www.purejoyhome.com , fol...

5 Weeknight Dinners from Trader Joe's

Since I have literally no time most days and need to have something on the table at dinner, I am grateful to have Trader Joe's about two minutes away. We're not big takeout people, I always feel overly full and like I could have made that better myself afterwards. There are a few staples I know I can rely on for a dinner that takes me under 20 minutes from start to finish and for prepared food and a very affordable price, they are quite delicious.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7_GJFeTNCi60luGxXJZYjN7K3S22cUu7GTAa4p8wjndchwJf-rFjS3XuoSLX_Y92rDWt_T7BWgRHxh1UB-VZcZ4xWkVCH-N2Clmq77WCWTKKSMd_OtV0zjjCisJ2kqnyvzRmCC513sn-/s1600/97908_japanese_fried_rice2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7_GJFeTNCi60luGxXJZYjN7K3S22cUu7GTAa4p8wjndchwJf-rFjS3XuoSLX_Y92rDWt_T7BWgRHxh1UB-VZcZ4xWkVCH-N2Clmq77WCWTKKSMd_OtV0zjjCisJ2kqnyvzRmCC513sn-/s400/97908_japanese_fried_rice2.jpg" width="270" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I usually add chicken and extra soy-sauce to make these a complete meal. Big Brian LOVES it, I personally am not a big stir-fry person in general but this works in a pinch.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDJsRt8KSKfyBiDtdKY0WAtCGS0R624Z6R33E57FSAAgpCqtIh52d1fnszfRcvw2heDKqYIpN_TOajjyG0eLuca1AvIKsVnwb3d1O7ofSVQjvAlAXfRbZl2drePv-Rj8Rv8uethuXkhw6/s1600/64873-grilled-chicken-strips.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDJsRt8KSKfyBiDtdKY0WAtCGS0R624Z6R33E57FSAAgpCqtIh52d1fnszfRcvw2heDKqYIpN_TOajjyG0eLuca1AvIKsVnwb3d1O7ofSVQjvAlAXfRbZl2drePv-Rj8Rv8uethuXkhw6/s400/64873-grilled-chicken-strips.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> These already grilled chicken strips make for a super quick taco night. I also purchase their fresh salsa, tortilla, lettuce, mexican shredded cheese, and guac. Easy peasy! </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzDTAZ6B12KJfDct1b7v4mOQCQgAvAhtbEm42RslS9wXBgPCgl8444HIV4bAgV3Idv2-fjTmkdPzOKQXOKLW4PBcBTkAj9JbPSemSpl2_uj2Xwh8EI1vI28hGvaTEOWNOL_ALI-Ft56n3/s1600/94161-turkey-bolognese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzDTAZ6B12KJfDct1b7v4mOQCQgAvAhtbEm42RslS9wXBgPCgl8444HIV4bAgV3Idv2-fjTmkdPzOKQXOKLW4PBcBTkAj9JbPSemSpl2_uj2Xwh8EI1vI28hGvaTEOWNOL_ALI-Ft56n3/s400/94161-turkey-bolognese.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br />This is remarkably good for prepared sauce. Top it with freshly grated parmesan cheese over spaghetti and you're good!</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWqIUT15tHxwy8Nu5jd6CbILyKLRXHrm_oH59-y8W6HMb_nY-6npYzevZrdXpyh1BSPDWDm_Fi2hFCcE4ANXG50jt4jRYVSQhwy6jeVHOSmL9t3ICkp-i3RXB_sCrpI1o6TkKbgQIx6YA/s1600/97661-Chicken-Piccata.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWqIUT15tHxwy8Nu5jd6CbILyKLRXHrm_oH59-y8W6HMb_nY-6npYzevZrdXpyh1BSPDWDm_Fi2hFCcE4ANXG50jt4jRYVSQhwy6jeVHOSmL9t3ICkp-i3RXB_sCrpI1o6TkKbgQIx6YA/s400/97661-Chicken-Piccata.png" width="342" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We actually had this last night, and we both enjoyed it. I served it with Haricot Vert and an arugula salad and it was ready in under 20 minutes.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOfaGmgjlUQ6bLJPEUMSxoJMkR9ojR_-Gv2ta1vzV0_Z1SxAT92MvuYJZ4gB-IxHK71-TqLguzUF3fx5xhDXBlGYNkos2IzDH8c_i1GYg5NTSl_ojD9027_rfM6xFSwTTdGXwp-z2cjV_/s1600/quattro-formaggi-pizza.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOfaGmgjlUQ6bLJPEUMSxoJMkR9ojR_-Gv2ta1vzV0_Z1SxAT92MvuYJZ4gB-IxHK71-TqLguzUF3fx5xhDXBlGYNkos2IzDH8c_i1GYg5NTSl_ojD9027_rfM6xFSwTTdGXwp-z2cjV_/s400/quattro-formaggi-pizza.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Love this pizza! It's so easy and I keep it stocked in the freezer for a quick dinner. I usually top it with fresh ingredients like arugula, a little extra parmesan, proscuitto, etc..</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> There you have it! Our super simple weeknight dinner low down from Trader Joe's. Give these a try when you don't have time or just don't feel like cooking a.k.a me every night. </div> <br />

RECIPES

5 Weeknight Dinners from Trader Joe's

Since I have literally no time most days and need to have something on the table at dinner, I am grateful to have Trader Joe's about two...

Spring Fling :: The Perfect Spring into Summer Dresses

Even though it's like 8 degrees outside, I'm totally in spring fashion mode. We've got some special events and weddings this spring and summer so I thought I would pull together a few of my favorite dresses to share with you. I've literally scoured the web and every dress I pulled is a shade of rose pink which is apparently the preferred color this season and in plenty of supply.<br /> <br /> I think you're in good hands with this selection if you've got a special event you're shopping for as well. As I said, most of the dresses are rose pink with one black lace dress if you've got your heart set on black.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f6aOSPg64XEQLqrknf6lPI_CkythZ5CzJ1GRM2N5JKmlGNIX-UtUoJvT69vBmw8jXroV-KZfbj1OsKEQRmE7OVCxMfdzN1tKAnKiDFdI3lAFSsFZ7wXrl6ovmI4xcAZsOFEIx9xYy4p9/s1600/dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f6aOSPg64XEQLqrknf6lPI_CkythZ5CzJ1GRM2N5JKmlGNIX-UtUoJvT69vBmw8jXroV-KZfbj1OsKEQRmE7OVCxMfdzN1tKAnKiDFdI3lAFSsFZ7wXrl6ovmI4xcAZsOFEIx9xYy4p9/s640/dresses.jpg" width="568" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1U7GZZa">1</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/249ZNLz">2</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1nVnpmh">3</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1V7vPlv">4</a></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1oJv2wE">5</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1QvbX7Q">6</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1o4yotC">7</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1QIwu92">8</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Enjoy and have a glass of bubble on me :) </div> <br />

FASHION FINDS

Spring Fling :: The Perfect Spring into Summer Dresses

Even though it's like 8 degrees outside, I'm totally in spring fashion mode. We've got some special events and weddings this spr...

Coastal Charm in Wallacks Cove, Stamford

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I'm so excited to share with you today the beautiful coastal home of my long-time friends, Jenna & Tom Cingari located in the Wallacks Cove area of Stamford, Connecticut. This little gem of a neighborhood is tucked away between "the Cove" and Shippan, and boasts the cutest family-friendly streets with private beaches at the end of each block. Funny story, Jenna and Tom actually closed on their house while on their honeymoon in Hawaii, and it happened to be the same house Tom grew up in. Needless to say, Tom knew the house well and when it came on the market (sold by the family that bought it from his parents years ago), it was the perfect fit for he and Jenna and their soon to be expanding family. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I've been friends with Jenna since we were little toddlers at nursery school (the same school<i> our </i>toddlers will be going to in September) and I've always admired her sense of style. Jenna and Tom have taken a house that was in need of serious repair and turned it into a beautiful and stylish home that has just the right amount of coastal flair and a welcoming casual vibe. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4dJb106WdczV3_gP6p2hxEsrqyuC5o0vW0lpesiL9_6mJ0d-qYzQ1ecCaibTuwNc8YgwjgvZaHI_t0LOpafzbmGoirXffAz_eesVn7p6SALSHodnm7deqQRxrTK4mYeU6YaPKqdf4_0Z/s1600/DSC_1236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4dJb106WdczV3_gP6p2hxEsrqyuC5o0vW0lpesiL9_6mJ0d-qYzQ1ecCaibTuwNc8YgwjgvZaHI_t0LOpafzbmGoirXffAz_eesVn7p6SALSHodnm7deqQRxrTK4mYeU6YaPKqdf4_0Z/s640/DSC_1236.jpg" width="462" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTS2Dth65SNLSFZp6oV4Ka5Io_cLRldUmi1ceJPYnyizITRYMbAWMSJWfth24p4TYyuwa7tQfZEm2DKqAVBgUc4Dq0y5SFT6tXyo25DA431OBcqdwfcwO3pLekYQgvUKMVXg5sTEWJsw9/s1600/match1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTS2Dth65SNLSFZp6oV4Ka5Io_cLRldUmi1ceJPYnyizITRYMbAWMSJWfth24p4TYyuwa7tQfZEm2DKqAVBgUc4Dq0y5SFT6tXyo25DA431OBcqdwfcwO3pLekYQgvUKMVXg5sTEWJsw9/s640/match1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kWSGwF3qfUGSZ9sFWK1G8-XZJ9VGyz01smVKbLlhqiXzL-zRHMFAK-qsp48SOZJy8SUHsOrnsu9eKlbcqqqDljvjFXI1uAD3jTWsgZWVGUeiTplHINFLBSOsVeX1SCfNE1CoRKmnInlg/s1600/match2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kWSGwF3qfUGSZ9sFWK1G8-XZJ9VGyz01smVKbLlhqiXzL-zRHMFAK-qsp48SOZJy8SUHsOrnsu9eKlbcqqqDljvjFXI1uAD3jTWsgZWVGUeiTplHINFLBSOsVeX1SCfNE1CoRKmnInlg/s640/match2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggfhCtxUgj2T6nmpQkgHcf_M70b8tzITM0uB0Q2gXrHAKQhrsCPQdWOwGVj92x-ST5JNsQ9BvZhrBheW4oNK4CwekvjtQb1Cusz1M1IvmLfslx24W8gx03NJCR5p19H30xPTm1oY5bdJX/s1600/match3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggfhCtxUgj2T6nmpQkgHcf_M70b8tzITM0uB0Q2gXrHAKQhrsCPQdWOwGVj92x-ST5JNsQ9BvZhrBheW4oNK4CwekvjtQb1Cusz1M1IvmLfslx24W8gx03NJCR5p19H30xPTm1oY5bdJX/s640/match3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQdsXluc4MbBpm6JfG9FNVeD4Zvp4K4rAI9BAAV8PiKdDNYNMA49rmfSxJF2fdBhE3125NItm74jjDxU39CR5Pi-odj8Y0OUOLmI77ysCxZhtfD8P6p-h_b1LniuR-iWmXWi_XbmFryfV/s1600/DSC_1318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQdsXluc4MbBpm6JfG9FNVeD4Zvp4K4rAI9BAAV8PiKdDNYNMA49rmfSxJF2fdBhE3125NItm74jjDxU39CR5Pi-odj8Y0OUOLmI77ysCxZhtfD8P6p-h_b1LniuR-iWmXWi_XbmFryfV/s640/DSC_1318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepBZ3nwxS3uo08ngYwAK3xuDlmsYIZ4JgTnfLZ46i6KXxfVKqgpRV7zIWhMi7y9hjBpUwt9oehZn_jSOma1toHJyujN56oMrYh05gK6oQv_DqwEh8LHrA6JfC8bkoMskPCKRgl43tqg3C/s1600/DSC_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepBZ3nwxS3uo08ngYwAK3xuDlmsYIZ4JgTnfLZ46i6KXxfVKqgpRV7zIWhMi7y9hjBpUwt9oehZn_jSOma1toHJyujN56oMrYh05gK6oQv_DqwEh8LHrA6JfC8bkoMskPCKRgl43tqg3C/s640/DSC_1242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5kZGlfzc8wtT-Z37nZ9Ps31CCKOUTNtbiGLzG_v3or3nV_mQF0GY_hW7LF42mzaqZx_txrnvkz65uSeRQvwwkOQf-ouYnB2vNi4h5p3BemE-cEz78tNAgLETOEwog0ge5oSdMfcHHaqW/s1600/DSC_1248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5kZGlfzc8wtT-Z37nZ9Ps31CCKOUTNtbiGLzG_v3or3nV_mQF0GY_hW7LF42mzaqZx_txrnvkz65uSeRQvwwkOQf-ouYnB2vNi4h5p3BemE-cEz78tNAgLETOEwog0ge5oSdMfcHHaqW/s640/DSC_1248.jpg" width="486" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbx-oE6GNwJQdiCynzxLkStnPSz8KYNsx_HlH97stLZrOBIDV_Z9P8xH5CA0GrQg-cIletKlJHsufEmpYUHFEukPJ-1YhLgbKpw2NE7S-YHRzOtfevbClrEh1xR0vie_SiboPdXrp7ZGw_/s1600/CSC_1257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbx-oE6GNwJQdiCynzxLkStnPSz8KYNsx_HlH97stLZrOBIDV_Z9P8xH5CA0GrQg-cIletKlJHsufEmpYUHFEukPJ-1YhLgbKpw2NE7S-YHRzOtfevbClrEh1xR0vie_SiboPdXrp7ZGw_/s640/CSC_1257.jpg" width="438" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DvtV1wn-LrgiV-3EaRqt2jo7FNW__3sQEVhHBqxZtF2Zjfq6nlpxXwmFdUWzzM1XluZf9XbsjaTwnnDe59tYmGp177CaGWoVCdUaTyJZhkfCWkYZt-ItFk4rbpkeCfEHYreABP82u4gz/s1600/DSC_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DvtV1wn-LrgiV-3EaRqt2jo7FNW__3sQEVhHBqxZtF2Zjfq6nlpxXwmFdUWzzM1XluZf9XbsjaTwnnDe59tYmGp177CaGWoVCdUaTyJZhkfCWkYZt-ItFk4rbpkeCfEHYreABP82u4gz/s640/DSC_1260.jpg" width="498" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD3ubL4XguKoPR6a5qEnD5CUzQlRIJP0lqZbtv67gKpKtb1H98Vjn5O24Xw6-207ql9IdvDpX-PITzQDyTEbRDln3xYnpt3EZRmI6st1wTxRyY2w8Pms_TjotcxKdM-xjtAQ0XAW3X9Yy/s1600/DSC_1267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD3ubL4XguKoPR6a5qEnD5CUzQlRIJP0lqZbtv67gKpKtb1H98Vjn5O24Xw6-207ql9IdvDpX-PITzQDyTEbRDln3xYnpt3EZRmI6st1wTxRyY2w8Pms_TjotcxKdM-xjtAQ0XAW3X9Yy/s640/DSC_1267.jpg" width="442" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6kIbX-6p-P2wFIXft-VjtVadosJrygL-pVrOpBBAPFubCaeZpfagLtQATeAciR5Rq64tFJ6mS1hYgRWoZWWZ4nGQ5st26LdoH_Jj7A2bMSLylyNQHSdOaUbBBpEzd6-bZ_4gQm_mJO1B/s1600/DSC_1272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6kIbX-6p-P2wFIXft-VjtVadosJrygL-pVrOpBBAPFubCaeZpfagLtQATeAciR5Rq64tFJ6mS1hYgRWoZWWZ4nGQ5st26LdoH_Jj7A2bMSLylyNQHSdOaUbBBpEzd6-bZ_4gQm_mJO1B/s640/DSC_1272.jpg" width="446" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgpyy4gplnkoOaPfCbMbb5IHYOYCeHlJHGPfYLCqpHhYT9Oc_DWSVoK4dqTnDXoR-HOWZDfhXU8wbUiZ85GcarTHy6KXdBtbX8jT8kkSw9AgzjvKPlJllhUPjc1eppQqqiooDD9SuHAvr/s1600/DSC_1273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgpyy4gplnkoOaPfCbMbb5IHYOYCeHlJHGPfYLCqpHhYT9Oc_DWSVoK4dqTnDXoR-HOWZDfhXU8wbUiZ85GcarTHy6KXdBtbX8jT8kkSw9AgzjvKPlJllhUPjc1eppQqqiooDD9SuHAvr/s640/DSC_1273.jpg" width="448" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1dQDY2lilaAPbbWse4OmvJe6kQkNxdH8L4KZlxLglKGVAjlzqitui2xvSSRuvTYNAksywsg3-e4hIBTJg1r1Sys8MfPGzdlStMA0A0RO8FhXAUJ0gSUxFtAFaZ3bjf75v1Wl8dSAjddw/s1600/IMG_4787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1dQDY2lilaAPbbWse4OmvJe6kQkNxdH8L4KZlxLglKGVAjlzqitui2xvSSRuvTYNAksywsg3-e4hIBTJg1r1Sys8MfPGzdlStMA0A0RO8FhXAUJ0gSUxFtAFaZ3bjf75v1Wl8dSAjddw/s640/IMG_4787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m7kaZQD-tAGpwVOA7wiSTpHPrGBCGVORzUWS2TpO6gB_bZUK2flgleVe8oGgXlqbHU7T1fgFsScyAnddnLPVRAFpFFA63OJZ50sQWOZ-W_C9yhKKCSMJ4LZBVNHDfty0XR78eDCFOdOo/s1600/DSC_1298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m7kaZQD-tAGpwVOA7wiSTpHPrGBCGVORzUWS2TpO6gB_bZUK2flgleVe8oGgXlqbHU7T1fgFsScyAnddnLPVRAFpFFA63OJZ50sQWOZ-W_C9yhKKCSMJ4LZBVNHDfty0XR78eDCFOdOo/s640/DSC_1298.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9A0E7fSapw98n65Utw38-AWqsWIbRUDNAH1ucx6Nm775OhdQTy9Lcr3j_kwzo-FohdxJwZSAdN8aGrWv9dQBksjGeYyNl09BpjX49EukNzK5VfZSk4MxMeFnygOWed2B9FqmTvkBb-HT/s1600/DSC_1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9A0E7fSapw98n65Utw38-AWqsWIbRUDNAH1ucx6Nm775OhdQTy9Lcr3j_kwzo-FohdxJwZSAdN8aGrWv9dQBksjGeYyNl09BpjX49EukNzK5VfZSk4MxMeFnygOWed2B9FqmTvkBb-HT/s640/DSC_1300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmQs7mIYg4PyMTEL4DBn6p0AfJfNqKOpKspLn02Nz9AmyrGp_8uB309bbUPxr16QZ5hpt10RbKRZHeiHsIrYeRCE7MIauVeM2QqWpI1R5nkN2y0L0wk_YOZiIcsEexxGPHXhVe8t-w0PV/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmQs7mIYg4PyMTEL4DBn6p0AfJfNqKOpKspLn02Nz9AmyrGp_8uB309bbUPxr16QZ5hpt10RbKRZHeiHsIrYeRCE7MIauVeM2QqWpI1R5nkN2y0L0wk_YOZiIcsEexxGPHXhVe8t-w0PV/s640/Untitled-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZX0CgTvD0iq5o4ucP6Vst5snrTHPPPqUPXugym-BVlAR0qdFO1F40aCOb5NVH3EVvy1SJAmxtstHVci_O-68aZhiI_UcI4YriDMBqEzyPuhGSI3tnLtjOOmEO2O7ab-5YAbGCl-pvt4r/s1600/DSC_1312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZX0CgTvD0iq5o4ucP6Vst5snrTHPPPqUPXugym-BVlAR0qdFO1F40aCOb5NVH3EVvy1SJAmxtstHVci_O-68aZhiI_UcI4YriDMBqEzyPuhGSI3tnLtjOOmEO2O7ab-5YAbGCl-pvt4r/s640/DSC_1312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Thank you to Jenna and Tom for opening up your home to us. You have done such a beautiful job and I'm so happy to be able to share it on Pure Joy Home!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div>

DECORATING, FRIENDS WITH PRETTY HOMES

Coastal Charm in Wallacks Cove, Stamford

I'm so excited to share with you today the beautiful coastal home of my long-time friends, Jenna & Tom Cingari located in the Walla...

KEEPING IT SIMPLE with VALENTINES

<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"> </div> Remember when our parents took us to CVS to pick out our valentines to hand out in class? We bought one or two packs, maaaaybe some candy to go along with it, and wrote in the names of our classmates one by one and hand-delivered them to each our friends. Brian isn't in school yet but the valentines I'm seeing from friends on facebook and all around the web are like blow your mind creative genius pinterest-wins, they are seriously awesome. Maybe it's because I'm really overtired this week, and let me preface this by saying you know I'm all for a good DIY and I applaud these super mommies' creativity, but sometimes I wish we could go back to the days when things were less pinterest-y and I hate to say it, but maybe a little overdone? I know it comes from a good place but it kind of stinks that there is this pressure to create these masterpieces for such a sweet little innocent day.  I wonder what our moms were thinking about for our valentines? I asked my mom this question and she said it was a treat for me to go to the local drug store and pick out my favorite disney character valentines. We would come home and I would write them out, package them up and be excited as heck to get to school in the morning with my red and pink outfit.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIseouE7rIyNrUj4eeM0NWyC6ACDJrHrshe6IgFcCXAblc9RcCogYA6eB5aJ1lAO91cDM_xmzsoaSTmSglIU0htIdkLnwbHZZ9RdcUe_s32rgbEGh-ZRMJR-1jRQ-JaauqPdVni671vC8/s1600/DSC_1184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIseouE7rIyNrUj4eeM0NWyC6ACDJrHrshe6IgFcCXAblc9RcCogYA6eB5aJ1lAO91cDM_xmzsoaSTmSglIU0htIdkLnwbHZZ9RdcUe_s32rgbEGh-ZRMJR-1jRQ-JaauqPdVni671vC8/s640/DSC_1184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> So, this year, we're keeping it simple in the Joy house and created these little watercolor cards. Brian had no interest in painting at the time so I did it, but I asked him what he liked about each of his friends and we wrote a little message on the back and I made him "sign the card".<br /> <br /> They're nothing special, but kind of cute and definitely sweet. All you need are some white cards, a simple pack of watercolor paints and precious time with your little one.<br /> <br /> Lots of Love,  Liz (and little B)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br />

KIDS

KEEPING IT SIMPLE with VALENTINES

Remember when our parents took us to CVS to pick out our valentines to hand out in class? We bought one or two packs, maaaaybe some candy ...

DIY Gold Foil Letter Art

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMoDQWCh-azI-qXnS-auvls-emr8zAIsjx5Zbyv6i-RPtJ0LzUtl0fYY_tIPNfRq9T1NpWEG9QttLHywNDD1KLUu9ejErGvQQv-MRPfn62YcVijQZkVMDNFcsZI7_JKlgu_AsDu2O0lVj/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMoDQWCh-azI-qXnS-auvls-emr8zAIsjx5Zbyv6i-RPtJ0LzUtl0fYY_tIPNfRq9T1NpWEG9QttLHywNDD1KLUu9ejErGvQQv-MRPfn62YcVijQZkVMDNFcsZI7_JKlgu_AsDu2O0lVj/s640/IMG_9826.JPG" width="512" /></a></div> <br /> I've had this image of a pink or blue and gold foil letter in my head for months and finally got it out the other day with the perfect <a href="http://bit.ly/1Q84dyC">$3 wooden letters</a> I found at Target. I bought a G and a B, some pink and blue acrylic paint, painter's tape and a paint brush, and Martha Stewart's gold foil and foil adhesive from Michaels. The craft is pretty simple, the painting easier than the foil, and a step you can incorporate your little one in on.<br /> <br /> For the painting:<br /> <br /> Place the painter's tape where you want the color to end. I wanted it to be 3/4 the way down the letter:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIXZnBlidNapkLAvFIPk_TrAMFbEL8vMXCDnOHjQkBX7MAgAN67c44Go0I9u9kJ82JQePXoKINddTLIi_d9ZlCUKHtlPjPZ_HUEov118txSDu0_CkfHJ13j-ts7tMnEaFYqiHoXkDej7M/s1600/DSC_1149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIXZnBlidNapkLAvFIPk_TrAMFbEL8vMXCDnOHjQkBX7MAgAN67c44Go0I9u9kJ82JQePXoKINddTLIi_d9ZlCUKHtlPjPZ_HUEov118txSDu0_CkfHJ13j-ts7tMnEaFYqiHoXkDej7M/s640/DSC_1149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Paint away with any brush you have in the house. It takes a couple of coats to cover up the grain of the wood: </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDpBeVS4gy5fky9psmVj1pOcMULqqczZwQMYKtddA3Jhj-PsInYGyum8o26bYu4VIISfpc5cOCSDaAgMk7M3efmMs84OQATV2cHrZMQ84SXnEYhF5tDWsPFUBooIfYjc6JTQ6wNBzHS7r/s1600/DSC_1150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDpBeVS4gy5fky9psmVj1pOcMULqqczZwQMYKtddA3Jhj-PsInYGyum8o26bYu4VIISfpc5cOCSDaAgMk7M3efmMs84OQATV2cHrZMQ84SXnEYhF5tDWsPFUBooIfYjc6JTQ6wNBzHS7r/s640/DSC_1150.jpg" width="470" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGgfFbcZeQy41rVw5FJ2p5RGdXZvYCqU2KwmEc-Wcvc_ZUbJlB1WvJniBVF2D2773xAUyozSfGQ7LyZZIKytCI_gt3_Pt49wW9cImbLVXELJC6-w7asdJbrhsBgMqGmTtdPUTUt5v8H0P/s1600/DSC_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGgfFbcZeQy41rVw5FJ2p5RGdXZvYCqU2KwmEc-Wcvc_ZUbJlB1WvJniBVF2D2773xAUyozSfGQ7LyZZIKytCI_gt3_Pt49wW9cImbLVXELJC6-w7asdJbrhsBgMqGmTtdPUTUt5v8H0P/s640/DSC_1154.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkfkLTggVNQ-h8eyLmUppPmf7ekzSnDypAGPK6V35jugFjz1s8Zt3ZYcT3-eT-iEVyhBrHjp2hqiWfsLwNEqHdhNri-TfzmxEsSUhXRQVkDvZlxk_Pe4QCzf_j1QSAhQW166gTU8tEVNC/s1600/DSC_1165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkfkLTggVNQ-h8eyLmUppPmf7ekzSnDypAGPK6V35jugFjz1s8Zt3ZYcT3-eT-iEVyhBrHjp2hqiWfsLwNEqHdhNri-TfzmxEsSUhXRQVkDvZlxk_Pe4QCzf_j1QSAhQW166gTU8tEVNC/s640/DSC_1165.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You could really leave the letters like this, they look kind of cool, but not as cool as with the gold foil:</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl70dKJK0Oj0_Ni5azg0XHIvy18NJ2Z2Hk_knhkD8KtmeGVF1NSrgpQSMW2xklsHSvb8Hu1s6byBgUlWlERXM97m_fM49d_X1AsTF2X_iBeoXNs2h5CDg3jGhfm8f6zuhH2EW3iuZx_o9/s1600/DSC_1180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl70dKJK0Oj0_Ni5azg0XHIvy18NJ2Z2Hk_knhkD8KtmeGVF1NSrgpQSMW2xklsHSvb8Hu1s6byBgUlWlERXM97m_fM49d_X1AsTF2X_iBeoXNs2h5CDg3jGhfm8f6zuhH2EW3iuZx_o9/s640/DSC_1180.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here we go with the foil:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6MYF0nm6ap4aiP3KGy0ILaMiSdqdEQGySNCp3gppOVc0KnZsEgI5CI7ptKfWxfYCFcY8T8TMumrmP8L0aZ4LakJT3-Y-2HtVrYVECJmZ5hUDupS0vet1PP0hY70naCSJibm8lyXPC1cc/s1600/DSC_1204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6MYF0nm6ap4aiP3KGy0ILaMiSdqdEQGySNCp3gppOVc0KnZsEgI5CI7ptKfWxfYCFcY8T8TMumrmP8L0aZ4LakJT3-Y-2HtVrYVECJmZ5hUDupS0vet1PP0hY70naCSJibm8lyXPC1cc/s640/DSC_1204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Paint the adhesive where you want the foil to be laid. In hindsight, it's probably a good idea to cover the painted area with painters tape to create a straight line of foil, but I didn't know that at the time.  </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAwtbWAMGJByFZPnIuffDz065ByKBSfEkHdJAKRNyrV46k-oPwotnlf8wVxF3aucqRZG42k4SdAwVil5lhnWiBXg3aDogX5QwbzSuTb90mtvI2HEFnoP8eo3GajyDiAjAVPcrID4W65CJ/s1600/DSC_1207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAwtbWAMGJByFZPnIuffDz065ByKBSfEkHdJAKRNyrV46k-oPwotnlf8wVxF3aucqRZG42k4SdAwVil5lhnWiBXg3aDogX5QwbzSuTb90mtvI2HEFnoP8eo3GajyDiAjAVPcrID4W65CJ/s640/DSC_1207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> place the gold foil face down</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYdJclhPMk4A7M2SL9Uv_xvBuivU52x16r-nO2zAUqtVJv6C1n3Z-UIWe_pbER33hfj9NnHJkUScp825Rp8OKLwU6Sa-bfZWBi8eXHvyGdLUcAHE01GQsOG3-yVyQq6cH_RHNOgVoNGwo/s1600/DSC_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYdJclhPMk4A7M2SL9Uv_xvBuivU52x16r-nO2zAUqtVJv6C1n3Z-UIWe_pbER33hfj9NnHJkUScp825Rp8OKLwU6Sa-bfZWBi8eXHvyGdLUcAHE01GQsOG3-yVyQq6cH_RHNOgVoNGwo/s640/DSC_1209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Press it down and get all the air bubbles out by running your fingers over and smoothing it out. Once you feel like the foil is down flat, pull of the orange tissue paper up making sure the gold foil stays on the letter (some may come off and that's okay)</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSeYgFCF6zi4xeBEkoexaCmY7Kps1c9RhFItvBzrCikKTeoN_I6dYK81tpBElPEe6eaZhG0p4qMswYhhX7FJ_lY7Wk70PDY8KMJCqoXbFkBfxv4Mwf3qnxGMxQiAzdefzDM6aFfEahnF5/s1600/DSC_1212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSeYgFCF6zi4xeBEkoexaCmY7Kps1c9RhFItvBzrCikKTeoN_I6dYK81tpBElPEe6eaZhG0p4qMswYhhX7FJ_lY7Wk70PDY8KMJCqoXbFkBfxv4Mwf3qnxGMxQiAzdefzDM6aFfEahnF5/s640/DSC_1212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This part is a little tricky because the foil is sooo delicate. You really need to be gentle and thorough with the foil because it rips very easily. The good thing is if it rips off, you can go over it with more glue and foil to make sure it's covered in gold. Eventually, you'll get it and you can kind of tear it away on the sides to it's on the front surface only. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here is how mine turned out: </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVu3KZFIWJq8QO1CB1DfyBMh-fGi5tYyMOcvmNi444eKeKrkBwWMGcwv2Kc6xXGgjsS3SnqupEh1h-SRz1hfxlrJGoxGpY24qNX0l8KCp4KxQpK2ebI2O5NH92yBB9KL5rZWb6aiRHjWN/s1600/DSC_1185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVu3KZFIWJq8QO1CB1DfyBMh-fGi5tYyMOcvmNi444eKeKrkBwWMGcwv2Kc6xXGgjsS3SnqupEh1h-SRz1hfxlrJGoxGpY24qNX0l8KCp4KxQpK2ebI2O5NH92yBB9KL5rZWb6aiRHjWN/s640/DSC_1185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyDlOoOKKUbTq4ZLdYVBsesZfid4wVsWSS_D1HGj_RM4nQNYdksrmi-MLY7bu6ZOWik4lR6uOE_hKSbWalrh44kYuyESRXTro7UrRW2Tyzfw6LqN9NxcXZ-cqSrX3rCJcWdtI-3NvPfak/s1600/DSC_1186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyDlOoOKKUbTq4ZLdYVBsesZfid4wVsWSS_D1HGj_RM4nQNYdksrmi-MLY7bu6ZOWik4lR6uOE_hKSbWalrh44kYuyESRXTro7UrRW2Tyzfw6LqN9NxcXZ-cqSrX3rCJcWdtI-3NvPfak/s640/DSC_1186.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_i-qRnb_Lpnl7BN7CfCP0T6bc-4hg53r5g_A1OLdDnC8TAqJsKJeuKP0L6l49vAPlyKYCyXgUDxKO2qSoOWEQl6bgsvCsoMHZ5MsNSXbkDHirTRs9InFUacJnYe_hmCm6UKK9d056lsl/s1600/DSC_1192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_i-qRnb_Lpnl7BN7CfCP0T6bc-4hg53r5g_A1OLdDnC8TAqJsKJeuKP0L6l49vAPlyKYCyXgUDxKO2qSoOWEQl6bgsvCsoMHZ5MsNSXbkDHirTRs9InFUacJnYe_hmCm6UKK9d056lsl/s640/DSC_1192.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Doesn't it look super cute?? If you give it a try, let me know how it comes out by tagging me on <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">instagram @purejoyhome</a>! Good luck!</div>

DIY, KIDS

DIY Gold Foil Letter Art

I've had this image of a pink or blue and gold foil letter in my head for months and finally got it out the other day with the perfec...

Airplane Travel with Toddlers & Babies

Hola Chicas! I promised myself I would write a blog post on surviving airplane travel with a toddler and a baby because I see lots of posts from moms asking for tips and tricks for their upcoming vacations. We haven't flown too far with our kids, only from NYC to Florida, but we've flown a fair amount of times back and forth so I figured I would share what has been useful in saving us from disaster.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW95638kyYiVDRK6glmCGU7K3bzBdVChrFC9a47vOPoY2jnuD0-t33GxzxudeLuOA9-z4C7PzBHbO_MVix_YVPhCXjanNdNeD-jfKj3V0Nq-Jm89B8WTFDGrTchvJEjJlDC4mJAEw4nxY/s1600/airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW95638kyYiVDRK6glmCGU7K3bzBdVChrFC9a47vOPoY2jnuD0-t33GxzxudeLuOA9-z4C7PzBHbO_MVix_YVPhCXjanNdNeD-jfKj3V0Nq-Jm89B8WTFDGrTchvJEjJlDC4mJAEw4nxY/s640/airplane.jpg" width="482" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> Grace has been 10 weeks and 5 months on her trips to Florida so far and Brian is now 2.5 but has been traveling since he was a babe as well.<br /> <br /> We bring our double stroller (The City Select) ; bucket seat (The Chico Key Fit) that Grace is still in, and Brian's 5 point harness car seat (The Britax Marathon). You can check the larger car seat when you initially check-in (free) and the stroller and bucket seat at the gate (also free) which is helpful because you can strap them in while you're in the airport. I would suggest buying the protection bags for the pieces you check. I'm pretty sure whichever devices you use sell travel bags. We never actually used them and our stuff has been okay but I've heard of pieces coming back filthy and broken. Don't ask me why I haven't taken that step #hotmess. Also, check as many bags as you can so you can focus on lugging the kids and your carry-on (which will be heavy as hell), and not your suitcases which could otherwise be taken care of for you.<br /> <br /> Packing List:<br /> <br /> <b>Toddler </b><br /> <b><br /></b> In addition to the everyday basics like diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, etc...<br /> <br /> 1. Benadryl in case of allergic reactions; tylenol and/or motrin for random bouts of illness like fevers, ear troubles, etc...you want to be armed in case things go south.<br /> <br /> This is no time to prove anything to yourself or anyone around you, pull out the ipad and let your child get lost in whatever it is he or she likes. Sometimes the wifi doesn't work so download movies and shows and make sure they work in airplane mode. We don't usually have Brian use headphones, just kept the volume low, but that might be fun for them. Also, totally random but Office Max has this app called "ElfYourself" that allows you to snap photos of people and put their faces in dancing bodies. Brian was entertained with this for a solid hour and it worked with no internet so I would suggest downloading this free, ridiculous app.<br /> <br /> Brings lots of snacks, his or her favorites and some new exciting snacks, non-allergenic of course. Peanuts are not permitted on planes anymore.<br /> <br /> Hand sanitizer and wet wipes to wipe down the seats because chances are your toddler will be licking them by the end of the flight (how do they manage to touch every square inch of the dirtiest surfaces??).<br /> <br /> If they have a security blanket and/or pacifier, obviously a must and pack back up paci's because they are bound to fall on the filthy floor.<br /> <br /> Some new activity books, like the coloring ones with the magic white pen, sticker books, etc...<br /> <br /> Some favorite books<br /> <br /> Their drink of choice in a small cooler. Even though you're not allowed to bring water through security, if you have a baby or a toddler with you, you are permitted.<br /> <br /> Hmm... I think that's it for toddlers.<br /> <br /> <b>Baby</b><br /> <br /> Grace has been an angel and has slept through most of the flights in the Baby Bjorn. I definitely recommend a carrier for the little ones so they stay close to you and away from the germs. Feed them on the way up and on the way down, the swallowing could prevent ear pressure. Other than that for the tiny ones it's really whatever keeps them quiet, watching their siblings, walking them up and down the isles, soft singing to them, bouncing, you get the idea. Have the medicine ready in case they need it as well.<br /> <br /> And if you can squeeze it in, a Bloody Mary for mom and dad never hurt anyone ;)<br /> <br /> Bon Voyage!!<br /> <br /> If you have any questions or some tips and tricks of your own, please comment below!

KIDS

Airplane Travel with Toddlers & Babies

Hola Chicas! I promised myself I would write a blog post on surviving airplane travel with a toddler and a baby because I see lots of posts ...