Monday, November 11, 2013

A New Home for the L&H Blog!



Now that the new website is live, I've moved the blog over there so everything is under one roof. Above is the new look. It'll take some getting used to, but I like it already. 

So from now on, join me over at the blog's new home! See you there. 


Friday, November 1, 2013

Halloween!



We have this cute little hand-me-down sailor top that I thought would be so cute for Griffin. Until John protested: "You're going to make him be a sailor when he wants to be Buzz Lightyear?!" He had a point. 

So, we really went for it with the Toy Story theme and had Buzz Lightyear and the little alien squeaky toy. Poor Louise. Nothing cute or girly. An alien. I must say she was a pretty cute alien though:)




(Hey, even Buzz gets boogies.)

Friday, October 25, 2013

Coming Soon: The L&H 2014 Calendar!

We're still working through a few backend bugs on the new site, but I'm crossing my fingers we'll be ready to launch next week! So, as we prepare for that, I thought I'd share a big and final peek at the 2014 Calendar. I wanted this year's calendar to be like a big swatch of wallpaper on your wall that rotates every month & offers a bit of useful information. So here are a few "swatches," including the cover, above, with scissors shown for scale. There's a lot of blue shown here, but I swear there are more colors - I guess I just like blue! 

I'm so excited to share the entire thing with you. Stay tuned!



Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of our homepage here to find out when the new site launches with some fun new things, including the 2014 calendar. (We never share your email address and only send a handful of newsletters throughout the year.)


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

L&H for Paperless Post: Holiday Cards


I recently added some more designs to my holiday collection for Paperless Post. Recognize anyone in these photos? I always use pics of my kids when I'm designing for Paperless Post. They're real photos, like most people use, and they go well with the unstuffy nature of the designs. I love these for their I hope you like! I've posted a few of my favorite holiday photo cards here.

See all L&H holiday photo cards for Paperless Post here. And see the full L&H holiday collection (including holiday invitations) for Paperless Post here.








Monday, October 14, 2013

Weekend in Lake Placid


We headed up to Lake Placid this weekend to visit Nonno. We took the kids on a couple boat rides where Griffin shared his cookies with Nonno, went fishing (but the fish were "sleeping"), and tried to take some photos with the real camera - which Griffin loved.

What a beautiful weekend to be on the water, in the woods!

ps - Louise kills me with this bow hat. Thanks Aunt Les:)

Monday, October 7, 2013

Griffin is THREE!


We had a weekend we'll never forget. On Friday, we went to his school where the class sat in a circle, with a little sun in the middle and Griffin carried a globe around three times while the teacher led a little discussion about what kinds of things Griffin could and couldn't do as a baby, one, two & three year old. (I think this is a Montessori thing - and I love it.) On Saturday, we had a little party with lots of friends, big balloons, a yummy Duncan Hines cake, homemade nutella & so many sweet gifts, including the skateboard from us. Yes, we (stupidly??) bought our three year old a skateboard. He's been riding one at the playground (on his knees of course) and loves it so much that when we asked what he wanted for his birthday, he didn't hesitate to say a skateboard (and a big pumpkin, which he also got). So, he's now got his own skateboard & is so proud he can ride it - even if that means backwards and on his knees. :)



Thursday, October 3, 2013

Coming Soon: New Site!


I realized it's been a long time since I've posted about work! So here is a little peek at the new site we're launching at the end of the month. It's been a long time coming, and I'm really looking forward to having a clean new site to launch some new products. I'll post some more peeks of the new stuff over the next few weeks as we approach the big launch. I can't wait to share!

I'm excited! 

(btw that's Griffin's new favorite expression - I'm excited! - so every time I say it, I think of him with his hands clasped, his shoulders up by his ears and his eyes open wide - so cute. And sort of exactly how I feel.)



Monday, September 30, 2013

More & Co.


More & Co. is my new favorite shop. Every few months, they launch a new collection of carefully curated goods based on a certain theme or set of ideas. Right now, it's Cosmic. And it's beautiful. Check it out here. (I got this and this for Griffin, and I'm eyeing this necklace for myself.) If you're lucky enough to find yourself in Portland, Maine this fall, go visit them. Let me know how it is -- I'm dying to see it in person.

[image courtesy of More & Co.]

Monday, September 23, 2013

Seven Years!


Hard to believe we were married seven years ago, today. I probably knew then that he was a better person than me, but seven years & two kids later, I definitely know it. He's more patient, more kind, more giving, more accepting. More more more. I'm the lucky one, and I know it.

(But don't let it go to your head, buddy :) Let's keep this up. We've got a lot of years ahead of us.)

We're celebrating at this fancy place tonight! I'm fasting all day for it.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Louise is 8 months old!


Geez time sure does fly! Especially when you've got a little tub-a-lub at home growing out of onesies and pjs at a rapid pace. (So rapid that her Mama often can't keep up & she sports her big brother's football pajamas - oops. And who cares. Girls like football too.) 

Louise turned eight months old this week, and I can hardly believe eight months has passed since we were pinching ourselves that she was a she! I remember my late mother-in-law telling me that you can't believe it's possible to love the next child as much as the first, but you do. I never doubted I'd love our second child as much as Griffin, but I guess I wasn't prepared to be bowled over all over again by that love. That my heart could stretch in a new different direction for this new different little person. I love this little girl more than anything. She's my little tubby angel, and I tear up every time I think of how lucky I am to have her in my life & how much pure joy she brings me with every adorable smile. 

Here are eight recent pics of little Louise for her eight amazing months of life.








Friday, September 13, 2013

SENNA


John is really into cars. (Boys!) He recently signed us both up to attend next week's Jalopnik Film Festival - a festival dedicated to cars and car culture. I don't care much for cars, but I love movies, and I love people with a passion, so I'm going. In preparation for the event, we just watched SENNA - a documentary about racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the Formula One world championship three times before his death at 34. I knew nothing about auto racing going into it, and it was good. I'd highly recommend it. Just don't forget your tissues.

You can watch the trailer here & watch the full movie on iTunes if you're interested.

[photo courtesy of SENNA]

Thursday, September 12, 2013

First Day of School


Griffin started school this week! He was pretty excited about his new backpack and the buttons on his shirt (buttons! on a shirt!) and even scootering over a mile to get there, but less excited about saying goodbye to me :( Let's hope things get better soon - for all of us! 





Wednesday, August 28, 2013

To Infinity and Beyond!



We're on vacation! See you in September.


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Mumford Spoof



Any band that has me standing for several hours, rubbing up against sweaty strangers just weeks after giving birth to my first child is really pretty special. I'm an even bigger Mumford & Sons fan now after seeing them poke fun at themselves in this music video spoof.

And, I love Ed Helms.


Thanks for the tip, KTB.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Weekend in Photos: An All Kids Weekend


I had the kids all to myself this weekend, and I decided I'd test my Mom skills by taking them to places we've never been before. First up - Governor's Island. Or in our case, all the playgrounds that distracted us from even getting on the ferry to Governors Island. The only thing that took Griff away from this awesome "spiderweb" contraption was the Ample Hills Ice Cream stand. Then, just before we got to the ferry dock, with chocolate ice cream dripping down his chin and arms, we passed the most incredible water playground - "The Water Lab." As soon as we laid eyes on this magical spot, the ferry didn't stand a chance. We were there for hours & I already can't wait to go back. 




We also hung out under the Manhattan Bridge, threw rocks into the water & played at the nearby playground. New playgrounds are like new little worlds, and I get so stupidly happy seeing Griffin explore these new-to-him spaces. 



At the end of one day, while enjoying his good boy treat (the carrot I dangle in front of him all day long), he says, "Mommy take a picture of my mad face" (above) and I say, "Okay, but now show me your happy face." (below)


Mommy had both mad & happy faces this weekend too. They looked just like this.

Sorry I didn't take any pics of you, Louise. Mommy loves you for being so portable & easy-going :)


Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Brother Sister (Quick) Hug


The other evening, we returned home from an early bird dinner, and Griffin surprised us by asking if he could hold Louise. We said 'Of course!' and quickly put them both on the couch, where he sweetly embraced her & gave her a little kiss on the head. Our hearts burst. Not ten seconds later, he says, "Okay, I'm done." 

Fleeting, but precious. :)


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Girls Weekend


I had Louise all to myself this past weekend, and it was such a treat. The heat wave finally broke (thank goodness!) so we went for a few longs walks - in Prospect Park and in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I also took her into the pool for the first time! I forgot how noisy and bustling indoor pools can be - especially at open swim times, I guess. She had on her serious face, so we sat on the edge of the pool observing all the kids splashing and laughing. I eventually got in with her & she didn't totally hate it - a success I think! I have to say, I think 6 months might be my favorite age. I think I say that at every stage, but right now, there's no talking back, she's got pretty easy food requirements, and she loves  smiling. In some ways, it feels like she was born yesterday & I was pinching myself that she was here and that she was a she! But now of course I can't imagine life without miss Louise. I love this little big girl.


Monday, July 22, 2013

Outdoor Products Bag


Now that I'm back in the studio pretty consistently, I'm carrying a ton of stuff back & forth every day. I'm currently using my trusty L.L. Bean bag (which I usually use at the beach), but I've started to search around for something just as durable with a bit more of an urban feel & multiple compartments or pockets to keep things from getting lost in the boat tote abyss. While these wouldn't solve the problem, I'm totally loving these Outdoor Products bags. The construction and colors are perfect. But, sadly, I think my quest for the work bag continues.

[images courtesy of Opening Ceremony]

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Birthday With Dad


My dad and I share back to back birthdays - the truest birthday gift of any measure, of which I've only realized as I've gotten older. We've always shared a cake and opened gifts together. Every birthday photo is of the two of us. As we got older, a whole weekend has been planned around it, months in advance so the whole family could be together. My birthday celebration was our birthday celebration - and it didn't get much better than that. Today is my second birthday without him, and it still just doesn't feel right to celebrate without him. I know I'll get there, but for now, I'll leave the blowing out of candles to Griffin, who is more than happy to take over :)

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Naturally Dyed Totes from More & Co.


My birthday is coming up, and I'm going against the oldest rule in the book and buying myself something: This naturally dyed tote bag from More & Co., based in Portland Maine. Beautiful & useful will always be my favorite combo. Add Maine to that and there's no decision making. It's just done.

I went for the peach one. Love.

[photos courtesy of More & Co.]