Oh, the places you’ll go was our party theme with a lot of creativity in between. A couple of months ago we hosted our sons second birthday party in our backyard. I considered this party the last one where I get to choose the theme before my youngest has a strong opinion. I got to pick the plates, activities, decor, and invite. I kind of went with whatever made me happiest and didn’t break the bank. It helped that in the late summer the target party stuff went on sale.

Here are three tips to keep in mind if you’re planning an event.

And here’s the thing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Pick a few things that you’ll enjoy the most. The things you’ll enjoy working on. It might be a DIY, baking, games etc. If you’re short on time but you enjoy something or it means something to you, you’ll remain invested instead of cursing under your breath that your time could be better spent.

A Classy Gift For You and The Host/Hostess

Soho House (SH) is known for their impeccable taste in interiors and hospitality for style makers and the famous who are interested in exclusive access and experiences. And for the rest of us we can enjoy the pictures but here’s the thing, we can also recreate the Soho vibe in our own lives. While I’ve been known to enjoy a fabulous glass of champagne I find the $110 price tag for two bottles too steep. One does have to draw the line somewhere (right?!).

If you want to experience the lifestyle in your everyday life, here’s a dupe for you or to gift to a friend. Soho House Master Sommelier Vincent Gasnier has selected a sparkling wine selection which is described as “ fresh, light and crisp – perfect to open your taste buds pre-party.” Doesn’t that sound like perfection? Unfortunately, for all of us outside of the UK it cannot ship and perhaps we’re lucky. I say that because I managed to find a few options to recreate the same experience on an everyday budget. That way you won’t feel like you’re drinking money just casually enjoying a Monday night. It’s kind of like having access to a Sommelier without the price tag and the pomp and circumstance. If you have $110 to spend on champagne you might as well get 2 bottles of Veuve and call it a day. But also… I’d like to point out that idea was shared with me from my husband (hahaha who would be irritated if I did that btw)!

About the selection

Champagne Testulat Carte d'Or, Brut Blanc de Noirs

What you should know: It’s rated 4.5 out of 5, the price tag is a reasonable $11.99 -$15

Pairing Notes: Several sites describe this sparkling wine as good on it’s own, fruity, and a good pairing for most meals.

Where to get it: You can order it online in a few places but I found it here for the best rate.

Charles de Fere Blanc de Blancs, Brut Reserve

What you should know: This is a harder bottle to track down and is currently $36.85 in the USA. The price is driven by the fact that it’s considered a hand batch vs. a mass produced sparkling wine and of course has excellent reviews. Wouldn’t expect anything less!

Where to get it: If you’re into that sort of thing, create an account on the Charles do Fere website and set-up an alert and/or go to a local wine shop and ask around.

Alternatives: As an alternative, I highly recommend a bottle of Gloria Ferrer Brute that can be picked up at Trader Joe’s or Target. Some Costco’s also carry Gloria and it’s approximately $14.

Presentation still matters

And don’t forget the beautiful purple box. Hay (a company that specializes in furniture, accessories, and lighting) offers several sized boxes in gorgeous colors. Look for a stockist near you. I’ve also found some of their products at Home Goods but they are rare finds my friends.

It’s always fun to give a gift in a beautiful container or thoughtfully wrapped especiallu when the gift boxes/containers can find a second life as a part of your interior design shelfie. If you’re looking for something easier to get your hands on, consider World Market (for a wire basked) or Amazon for a box.

1/2/3/4

Almost two years after having my second (and last child) I still have not made it to yoga or the gym. I’ve started doing simple strength building exercises at home. And I decided it was time to upgrade my athleisure. I mean — it might help motivate me and at the very least I’ll enjoy wearing the clothes on weekend walks to the park.

1. The Align pant. I mean have you tried these? I couldn’t leave them and managed to score them on sale.

2. Simple and cozy sweater or rather poncho

3. Long sleeve back in action striped shirt that’s longer in the back

4. On the off chance I do get motivated to exercise I bought this (for the record I did use it and it was a totally awesome purchase!)

Whether you are pregnant, in the midst of receiving fertility support, freezing your eggs, growing your family with the support of a surrogate, or on another path to growing your family here are some tools and tips for self-care. Here are 5 (of many take aways) I have from when I was trying to kick fertility in the butt. It’s a journey that’s life changing in so many ways. It’s one that forces you to come home to yourself whether you want to or not. I hope these tips are helpful in providing tangible ways t to support what ever path you find yourself on.

1. You matter and your experience matters - I took us 3+ years to get pregnant with our daughter. So long in fact that we started to tell family that we were not going to have children. It was a huge question mark in our life for what felt like a lifetime. What I wish I had know then was that my feelings those of my husband mattered. Do all of the things that you think might bring you joy and happiness especially when you’re not feeling great.

2. You can choose how you show up - Some days I showed up with a lot of rage and others some grace. They were pivotal moments in my life and many moments I wish I had never had to face. In fact, I’m jealous of people that never faced the same types of challenges. In retrospect the journey to my children showed me I have the capacity to deal with hard and heart wrenching situations.

3. You will find your family - It may not be the way you thought it would happen, when you thought it would happen, or how you want it to happen. But if you have room in your heart to share your life with someone else it will happen.

4. You are a health advocate and you can raise your voice - Question your doctor, or the advice you get, or the articles you read. Question the experience that people share because you never know what you might learn that might help you or someone else you know.

5. Get a second opinion - Or a third opinion, change doctors, or nurses, or health plans. Find the right person for you and your family. If you find a doctor who gets it but you don’t want be best friends with you might need to choose which one is more important to you. Our fertility doctor was a great physician but was kind of quiet. The narrative I told myself was that she was emotionally protecting herself. Who knows if it’s true but I don’t really care because there was value in the medical care I received.

Embody the lotus flower

“If you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, return to yourself, to who you are, here and now and when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong.” – Masaru Emoto

Hello Fall: Six Pieces I Wish Were on Sale

I’ve had a long standing love/hate relationship Anthropologie (love the style but hate the price). Here are some fantastic pieces I’m hoping will go on sale so I can scoop them up. I think the bow tied dress might be my favorite but really hoping I score some of these on sale some time soon.

1. A good jean jacket

2. Mid-rise jeans

3. Mock-neck pull over with pockets!

4. A cotton white shirt with accents

5. Sweet bow tied dress

6. A bucket bag to throw things into