What A View

Last Sunday, the 22, I headed to North Adams for the start of holiday week. I spent Monday - Wednesday working from home, hanging out with my brother, and playing with the dog.

I had a wonderful time and enjoyed being back in the beautiful Berkshires.

In honor of the holiday week, I made a list of the things I'm thankful for. You can find in on here, on the Everything Little Miss blog.

*click image for larger view

Speed Demon

On Saturday I helped Jennifer Hill at a gift fair. I wanted to help out because 1) it was a chance for me to just hang out with Jennifer and 2) it was a good opportunity for me to see how gift fairs work and what goes on at them.

One of the visual highlights of the afternoon was this little girl who was dashing around from booth to booth.

You can't tell from this picture, but her shoes were pink and glittery. Too cute! Seriously. I love the way kids just throw themselves into an emotion and into the moment. Pure joy, that's what I see when I look at this picture.

View From The Charles

Last night I met Eric at HBS so we could grab a quick dinner together before I went to a girls only movie night at a friend's. I love crossing the river at night -- HBS is on the Boston side of the Charles -- because all the lights twinkle and reflect off the water.

Last night felt like a real fall night, too. There was an appealing chill in the air, and as we walked I could feel my cheeks getting all rosy (I love that!). We ate a little burrito place before Eric escorted me to my destination.

*Don't forget to check out today's Lost in Thoughts over on the Everything Little Miss Blog!

JHill Design Studio Opening

Last night Eric and I headed over to South Boston (Fort Point) for JHill Designs' studio opening. It was really exciting to see Jennifer, the talented woman behind JHill Design, and her new work space. I forgot to bring my camera, but I had my blackberry, so I was able to get a few blurry photos. Stupidly, I didn't take one of Jennifer! What was I thinking?

Anyway, it was fun. And there were dogs!

We don't get over to South Boston very often, so I really like going there because the streets seem full of mystery since I don't know what to expect around the next corner.

Bar Mitzvah In Amherst

On Saturday we went to a Bar Mitzvah in Amherst. It was a lot of fun. The service was really lovely, and I was happy to discover how many of the songs and prayers I remember.

I was excited to attend because I hadn't seen the Bar Mitzvah boy or his family for far too long. His parents and my parents have been friends since before I was born, so I've known them my entire life! You've probably guessed that the rest of my family was also invited, so I also got to spend the day with my parents and brother (unfortunately my sister was studying for exams & working, so she couldn't make it).

The party was held at a local bowling alley. It as so awesome! They rented the whole place out, got a DJ, and set us all up with our own lanes. Can you believe it was my mom's very first time bowling? I thought she did a great job! I think Eric won both games, but my dad wasn't far behind.

There was a delicious Southern BBQ buffet and a station set up to make our own sundaes. Can't get much better than that!

Pink Snack

Most days I need a snack 'round about 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Yesterday, my snack was so pretty I couldn't resist grabbing the camera before diving in.

Mmmm. Sweet & delicious pink grapefruit!

I also bought a pomegranate yesterday. Pretty exciting, I know. I put some of it in my salad tonight; umm, yum! Have you been eating any interesting snacks lately?

Halloween 2009

I hope everybody had a wonderful Halloween! Mine was pretty grand. (But can somebody tell me why it was hot yesterday? It was in the low 70s; geez Louise!)

I was so excited to finally wear my awesome costume in public! Eric looked great, too! I've been thinking about these costumes since last year when I saw this on Martha Stewart.

When I found out that Brooke and Mike didn't have costumes, I put my thinking cap on. Yesterday afternoon Brooke and I set out on a mission while Eric and Mike were at school taking a class (9 - 5). Curious about the results of our shopping trip?

They were really good sports and played along with my Little Red Riding Hood theme.

We all piled into Eric's car and headed to a friend's for a little party (and a lot of candy). It was a great night, and I totally loved my cape. I just might wear it around the house year-round - it's that cool!

Costume break-down:

Little Red Riding Hood

1. cape: my mom made it from curtains she salvaged from a restaurant that went out of business
2. dress: $4.00 at Good Will (children's section = better deal!)
3. tights: $0.25 at Good Will (un-used in original packaging)
4. shoes & basket: I already owned these

Big Bad Wolf

1. sweatshirt: $20.00 at Label Shopper
2. ears & tail: my mom made them out of sheepskin we already had (how ironic!), a wire hanger (to give the ears structure), and some $0.20 felt from WalMart
3. whiskers: I made them from pipe cleaners from variety pack that was $3.00 at Michael's
4. fangs: $12.99 at some Halloween store
5. claws: $11.99 at some Halloween store
6. pants & boots: Eric already owned these

Gramma

1. curlers (taken out before photos, but awesome): I already owned them
2. nightgown: $15.00 at Marshalls
3. slippers: Brooke's

Wood Chopper

1. plaid shirt: $15.00 (I think) at Target
2. ax: $4.00 at some Halloween store (it was a grim reaper thingy, so I shortened it at home)
3. pants, belt, shoes: Mike's

I think we did a pretty good job reusing things we already own and making things work. Thanks mom, for ALL of your help with our costumes!