Playing with Python

Michael Kors - Python Wallet

I am in love with my new toy - my Michael Kors Wallet. I've been wanting a new wallet for awhile - its just one of those accessories that you really don't pay attention to - but really should since you carry it around everyday. For the past 4 years I've been using my Mimco wallet that I got from Australia. It was definitely time for a change.

I spotted this gorgeous snakeskin accessory and I couldn't resist. (Thanks to my hubby :) ) Its the perfect size, its big enough to hold my passport, checkbook, etc. The neutral color goes with everything. The gold hardware on the zipper and on the faceplate gives it a luxe look. LOOOOVE IT!!!

Mommy Makeup Essentials

Got this video from my good friend :) She's always on top of the makeup report. This one is a goody for moms on the go - Lord knows I know how it is to rush. Pre- baby days you could spend hours getting ready. Nowadays sometimes you have 10 minutes to glam yourself up. Enjoy!

Bye Bye Baby

Gabriel Viggo Cayetano Leano

9 months

There's my little baby, proving that he's not a baby anymore. Gabe is so determined to walk and see the world. Its so amazing to be able to see your child's personality already. I'm not worried about him, Gabe is very strong minded and goes for what he wants so I know the future is his. As a mom though, its so tough knowing that he'll want to leave and do bigger and better things. I want to just hold onto him forever.

At this stage Gabe is crawling all over the place. He just learned to climb the stairs which was exciting - but scary. He doesn't know how to go down quite yet. He's eating A LOT - he's still on his rice cereal and his baby food. I haven't taken the jump to feeding him from my plate yet. Maybe in a month or so. He's copying us more and more. His new tricks of the week are clapping his hands and pointing to the light in the room. He's such a smiley baby. He smiles and laughs all the time. I'm calling it now - he's going to be such a flirt. Again, I'm not happy about this. lol. He's got 4 teeth now. 2 on the bottom and 2 on top. His grin is absolutely adorable.

He is at the stage where stranger anxiety is kicking in. I have to admit, i like it when he looks for me. hehehe. But of course, its also tough leaving him.

We're still teaching him sign language. He hasn't fully grasped it yet, but i think now that he's mimicking us a little more, he might understand sign language soon.

Gabe's sleeping has gotten a lot better. He sleeps through the night now. My only regret is he still needs a bottle before he sleeps. I have a feeling weaning him off will be an issue. We'll see. I'll save that for another post when the time comes.

My favorite toy for him at this point is this little gumball machine toy from fischer price. I got it for him from a garage sale awhile back. It spits out little plastic balls when you press the lever down. Gabe pressed the lever once by accident and ever since then he knew how to play with it. I guess it just amazes me how babies can now comprehend cause and effect, and how they now have minds of their own.

I could watch him for hours, watching what he does, how he does it, why he does it. I'm so lucky to be able to work from home and share all his firsts with him.

To my baby Gabe, you are such a joy to your daddy and I. You amaze us everyday. We love you. mwah.

Ring in the New Year

I am in loooove with the cocktail ring selection that Forever21 has this season. I have to admit i usually don't shop for jewelry at Forever21- their pieces exude mass production and a slightly cheap look. But if you look at their current selection, it's on point and perfect for the warm weather clothing that i'm praying to take out soon - i'm definitely tired of the winter. Can't you just picture carrying your baby around or even typing an email on your blackberry with your freshly manicured fingers with a fabulous oversize cocktail ring? All of them just under $6. Yikes!

I couldn't resist this one so i bought it already. Picture white tunic, straw fedora, walking the beaches of the Philippines with this ring:

Framed Oval Ring

And here are a few other's that caught my eye.

Oversized Faceted Ring

Oval Textured Ring

Textured Stone Ring

Dramtic Cocktail ring

Sunburst Ring

Pieces of New York

Last time I came home to NJ, i reserved a lot of my time for family. Mainly because both of my sisters were here and we're never ALL together at the same time. This trip, I made it a point to catch up with a lot friends i haven't seen in awhile. This week, I spent a whole day in NYC and caught up with friends and colleagues of my past. It was a great day to say the least. Amidst a long, snow-filled winter, my day in the city was sunny, bright and 65 degrees. Who could ask for anything more? I roamed the city streets at my own pace, walking in and out of shops along 8th Ave. I sat down at a corner Starbucks and drank my tall caramel macchiato while sitting along the window facing ledge - people watching.

I had a great lunch catching up with my girlfriend who i haven't seen in literally 4 years. we wandered through the brick walled building of Chelsea Market. Imagine stalls of various foods, fresh cut flowers for sale, stores selling cute knick knacks, organic stores selling home made jams and honey.

My next stop was Billy's an adorable, small bakery with CUPCAKES!!

After sharing a cupcake and taking a little coffee break with one of my fab friends we started our trek to soho.

Along our walk we couldn't help but stare at the Catherine Malandrino window. We couldn't resist the temptation and we walked inside. Beautiful clothing, beautiful designs, hefty pricetag....

We stopped my the Marc Jacobs store - loved all their accessories, their bags, jewelry, rainboots. Right across the way was BookMarc - their bookstore. This was my heaven. As much as I love accessories, i don't know why, but nothing is as beautiful as a large, colorful, coffee table book. This store had everything from The Louis Vuitton book, the YSL book, everything for all the major designers. I want!! My only problem now is, since Gabe can reach on top of the coffee table, he has access to all my books, so i'm going to have to temporarily put them away. So for now, no new books for me :(

I loved visting Tommy, Zara, Forever21, Intermix, Apple, as well as small indie boutiques. After basking in the sun, walking, and shopping in the west village and soho, i ended my day eating falafels and baklava in the park benches of Washington Square Park, by NYU.

I love my friends, I love my life. Life is good.

Rice to Riches

One of my most favorite dessert places in NYC - Rice to Riches. Its been so long since I've had rice pudding so I was craving these delicious bowls of goodness. Everyday there are about 20 different flavors of rice pudding. You can mix and match, add toppings, and customize as you please. Tiramisu is always a staple for me. My new flavor of the day was cheesecake rice pudding...it tasted as good as it sounds. The store is cute with its retro colored decor. Witty signs adorned the walls and ceilings helping ease the guilt you feel for eating all those carbs.
The minute i put that spoonful in my mouth - i was happy. Guilt did not even cross my mind :)

Happy Valentine's Day

Greetings from NYC! Have a beautiful Valentine's day!! Looking forward to spending the day with my wonderful husband and with my sister and brother in law. I know my parents are enjoying theirs seeing baby Gabe's smile in person. It feels great to be home.