What have I been up to? Pinotage, French things and such. It’s been a busy couple of weeks. I am winding down to Summer and looking forward to it more than anything. Originally, I wanted to take a quick trip to Europe (Paris and London maybe). The Euro is more equal to the dollar right now so now is a perfect time to visit but the way my dollars are set up, we may have to visit in a year or so. I am not a fan of spending what I don’t have. Well, in truth I have it (think in terms of financial abundance) but not money slated for a trip. Someone even mentioned that I put the trip on a credit card and pay for it over the next year. Yeah, thats not gonna work for me. I am not a believer in putting a purchase like a trip on a credit card. i may be wrong though. What do you think Suze Orman would say? while I’m here in my hometown, I enjoy the things that are around me. Europe can wait.
My hood. I love that the houses are different on each block.I don’t have France but I do have a Frenchman who opened a cute crepe shop very close to home. There he is making my crepes.Thats a nook where I can spend hours drinking red wine and eating crepes.I’ve been drinking.. well not that much. Just my usual, red wine. I stumbled on this pinotage from a South African wine company called, ‘Bob’s”. They donate a portion of their proceeds to needy communities in South Africa.The flower petals have been falling off of the trees and making the best cushion against the hard concrete.Perfect time of the year for fresh fruits. Bushels on bushels.Speaking of fresh fruits and vegs. I made this great, fresh, corn salsa (corn, cherry tomatoes and cilantro) paired with oven baked tostones. Super good for you.Perfect weather for carefree hair. Twists!
Is there anything better than walking through Prospect Park on a warm day when you are in Brooklyn? I say, “no”. The park is big but not overwhelming. There is something for everyone of every age. We love visiting the Audubon Center, then take the short walk over to the carousel and after that, cross the path to the Lefferts House. There is always something for the kids to get into. There are no phones or iPad or even technology involved. There is a large dirt area for the kids to just dig. there is a water pump that delivers water to little hands as a reward for hand cranking a pump. They collect water in a watering can and water the veggies planted in the yard. There are old farmhouse games that include walking on wooden stilts, rolling a thin wooden wheel with a wooden stick. You see a trend here right? Wood. It’s what stuff was made out of before we discovered concrete and steel.
What do you do when there is endless grass and a large empty field? Cartwheels of course.We took the short walk over to the carousel for our fill of happy music and the feel of Paris.After the carousel, we walk directly across the path to The Lefferts House.We walked on wooden stilts.Played with Jacob’s Ladder.There are beautifully restored rooms that brings you back to what life was like in the 17 and 1800s in Brooklyn.Soaking up the Springtime sun.
We haven’t made an Ikea trip in quiet some time but this Good Friday visit made up for our absence. Overtime I visit the big blue and yellow building I get inspired by all of the wares and the rooms that they have constructed. Since this is NYC, our Ikea transforms small spaces into a type of urban oasis. It gives new Yorkers an idea of ways to create tranquility out of the small spaces that we have to work with.
The bedrooms were light and airy and filled with white details. White gives the illusion of space and sparseness. Angelique and I thought that we would do a mini photoshoot and use Ikea as our backdrop, all while soaking in some of the details that were used to transform these spaces.
Pretend Play in an IKEA model kitchen.Angelique fell in love with the fake laptop that seemed to be on display in every room.Whats a bathroom mirror if you don’t take a selfie in it?The theme of the space was an airy feel.A nook with the obligatory white faux fur throw.My favorite black leather purse went well with the white chair.The kitchens all had amazing space.
Here are some details that I just loved:
Share some of your decor “do” and “don’t” ideas in the comment section:
Brooklyn’s Kings Plaza Mall is the only in-door mall in Brooklyn, which is useful for me in the Winter months. I’m not a fan of walking store to store in the cold weather or when it’s extremely hot for that matter. King’s Plaza mall has all of my favorite stores, minus the GAP. They are adding Michael Kors which is a great addition. Kings Plaza Mall also has a “Kids Club” that meets once a month. It’s a great way to have the kiddies engage in activities with other children in the community. http://www.kingsplazaonline.com
The Kids Club is a great way to engage the children in activity while at the mall.These glass panels gives you a great open air feel while shopping indoors at Kings Plaza Mall.
Check out this list of some of my favorite stores at Kings Plaza Mall.
H&M. You can always rely on them for a fancy collaboration with one of your favorite designers. The ads are always hot and the clothes are even hotter. However, don’t feel like it may be too much because it has the cutest kids clothes ever! This is my 9-year old’s favorite place for finding the coolest clothes. http://www.hm.com
H&M has done some great collaborations with even greater designers. Here is an ad from their Viktor&Rolf collaboration.
The GAP is no longer at Kings Plaza but it’s sister store Old Navy is. You can always find great basics and weekly deals for the entire family. No need to ever wait for a particular season or holiday to get a sale. www.OldNavy.com.
We love Old Navy’s weekly deals and fun feel to their stores and ads.
When in need of accessories and shoes that are sexy, sassy and a must have for the season then Aldo Shoes and Accessories is the place to shop. http://www.aldoshoes.com.
Try Aldo Shoes and Accessories for the greatest shoes and bags.
When in need of a shopping break and only an old fashioned chocolate chip cookie can hit the spot then stop at “The Cookie House”. This shop is a Kings Plaza staple and favorite. It’s a must try.
These tiny, home made, cookies satisfies and will have you going back for more.
Looking for the perfect pair of ripped denim? Look no further than american Eagle Outfitters for that perfect pair and at the perfect price. This is a rather young feeling brand so everything in store feels care free and easy. http://www.ae.com
Find the favorite pair of ripped jeans at American Eagle Outfitters.
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