Subtle Changes
July 30, 2011
I posted on Facebook recently that this is our third consecutive year celebrating Graham’s birthdays at Smith Mountain Lake – which mostly includes fishing, boating, and a cake from Nonni! He loves it, we love it. I’m not sure if the fish love it, though. He’s about a tenth of the way through his goal of catching 1000 fish, but that’s 100 bluegill/carp/catfish touched by Graham.
He’s growing up… It’s the third year in which he’s asked for LEGOs for his birthday, the second year where StarWars is a big deal in his world. Physically, I just see subtle changes, mostly in height, over these last 3 birthdays…Yet nothing dims those big blue eyes! And he’s still a Mama’s boy!
7 Years Old
8 Years Old
9 Years Old
American Girl
July 4, 2011
Just like Katy Perry (and the Beach Boys before her) made everyone long to live on the Gold Coast, anyone with a little girl who steps inside the new Washington, D.C. American doll store in Tysons could go off the deep end of pure American consumerism in the name of their little darling.
Confession! I am not immune to this. From our NYC visit of the chain’s flagship store to the purchase of the 2008 “Mia” Doll-of-the-Year to our recent pre-opening lunch at the Tysons store, I can get swooned into the American Girl culture. Wholesome, yes. Affordable? That’s debatable (and that’s why we are buying no more.)
But it was fun to experience the new store. Thanks to my friend Carrie, who knows the store café’s new chef, we got the royal treatment. He must have fed us one of everything on the menu. From special high chairs for one’s own doll, loaners dolls if you forgot yours (because no one wants to be without an 18 inch companion), to doll holders on the walls in the bathroom stalls, they thought of nearly everything for the 10-and-under set. The café is light and airy – almost like a flowery Silver Diner — and the store is warm and welcoming.
It’s a fun destination trip. But my advice is: Visit sparingly…oh, and set expectations ahead of time with your American Girl. Something like this: “Honey, I will absolutely NOT be buying that $125 bed for the doll. ”
On a related note….Want to be a grown up American Girl (Woman, actually) and you have some dead presidents to blow this Fourth of July? Great! You can always invest in this Balmain jacket…for a mere $21,555. Now that’s Patriotism, compliments of the Zoe report!
Happy 4th!
The “Milestone”
June 27, 2011
At the House of Klause we celebrate Halfy birthdays. I mean, why not? Aren’t our loved ones worth celebrating more than once a year? We don’t go overboard. In fact, it’s my Halfy birthday and all I received is a rousing rendition of “Halfy Birthday.” My six year old, she’ll demand more in 4 days when hers arrives.
Halfy birthdays actually provide good reflection time as well. While the last six months have been filled with birthday celebrations with all my girlfriends (as witnessed by photos below), our true milestones haven’t *really* changed yet. Two of my best friends just had babies, another is running her first marathon. Professionally, I am in a great spot! Kids are thriving. Parents are healthy. Life is full. This truly is the sweet spot of life.
As the oldest, Jessie kicks off the celebrations
My little birthday soiree
Nothing like Capital Grille for a celebration!
Celebrating with a trip to Marco Island
Summer evening winery on the Susquehanna River...
Thirty Years Later
April 29, 2011
This morning was the morning! I really am not a huge Royal Watcher. Unlike my SIL Robin, over at Big Red Kitchen, I don’t know all the names of the Queen’s children and grandchildren (e.g. Crazy Hat Beatrice). But when I was little, I woke up early to watch Diana walk down the aisle. I remember it vividly, snuggled in bed with my mom, watching it unfold on the TV. And so it was decreed that my daughter would have the same experience as Kate Middleton wed Prince William. Hence, a SLEEPOVER at Auntie Robin’s with cousin Daelyn. Because there is something about catching it LIVE.
Like I did with my children as our President took the oath of office, we stuck the girls in front of the TV as Catherine walked the aisle.
There will be a thousand photos etched in everyone’s memories of today’s event. Mine will be of William and Catherine, yes, but more importantly will be of sharing the moments with my…wait for it…. princess.
The Art of a Saturday Luncheon
April 5, 2011
Bridal and Baby Showers are almost always lovely — some more extravagant than others. I was recently at The Milton Inn in Sparks, Maryland for my cousin Jill’s wedding shower. And until then, I can’t remember the last time I have taken a full afternoon to just lunch with the ladies.
No silly games, no embarrassing stories for Jill. Just fellowship…for her (as she made her way among the tables to visit with everyone) ..and for us.. (of course I lost track of how much coffee I sipped).
With a big family like the one from which my mom and Jill’s dad originate (12 siblings), family functions are lively and meaningful. But twice a year gatherings are not enough. Bring on more weddings! More baby showers! I could get used to “Lunching with the Aunties” on a regular basis.
Gorgeous Strikes Again..It’s the Little Attention to Detail
January 20, 2011
I’ve lifted this entirely from NYMagazine. but I have to say I go ga-ga every time Michelle makes at entrance for a big State Dinner. She has a way of striking the right fashion tone in her choices.
Michelle Obama Is Wearing Alexander McQueen to the State Dinner
By Amy Odell
The Obamas with President Hu Jintao.Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
The State Dinner honoring the Republic of China is underway in Washington, and Michelle Obama has emerged for another super-glamorous State Dinner moment wearing a stunning Alexander McQueen gown, which could be a commercial version of a look like No. 29 from the label’s 2011 resort collection. She had good reason to get extra fashionable tonight, since the guest list includes Anna Wintour and Vera Wang.
It’s the Little Tokens of Appreciation
January 16, 2011
I have a gift box down in our family art room where I keep a collection of things I love….to give others. I have everything in there from girly cocktail napkins to small samples of spa scents (like lemongrass; yum!) that I’ve picked up at my favorite hotel to fun pieces of jewelry to soy candles that sweeten up a room. I use this box of treasures as a quick way to pull out a gift that I need in a hurry – for a quick “thank you” or a hostess gift or a small “happy birthday.”
I know, I know. It doesn’t sound very personal. In some ways, it’s not. It’s not the perfectly chosen monogrammed towel that screams “I spent time and organization working on this for you.” I know Gwyneth would likely not approve. (See her personalized gift suggestions on Goop.) Yet in a small way, it’s items that I love, that make me happy, that hopefully send a piece of me to the recipient. I will have some of my little favorites in the coming posts, starting with candles here. Several of the ones I like are found at the fair trade retailer Ten Thousand Villages, because, if you read my last post you know that with each purchase you also get the story of its creator:
These soy candles by Archipelago are larger than most but they burn for nearly a hundred hours and have tons of glorious scents from which to choose. The Paperwhite, Lemongrass and Verbena are my three favorites.
And in case you didn’t know, try to buy Soy candles when you are able. They burn clean, so you don’t have worry about black jars or walls.
The Little Story Behind the Purchase, Part I
January 12, 2011
When was the last time I really explored (let alone even wondered about) the process or story behind any of the things I consume, wear, even give? I will be the first to admit that I’ve become way too accustomed to relying on a few mass retailers for holiday (and post-Christmas sale) shopping. For me, it’s Target, Nordstrom (so much so they’ve offered me a Personal Shopper – eek!), BananaRepublic. It’s a good bet that most of what I have purchased came through mass production somewhere, likely China.
But even as I look at the full year ahead of me, as I teach my children to think about the concepts of consuming, creating, giving, I really need to do a better job myself — even if in little ways — of living an appreciation for others’ small stories which may help us to think beyond ourselves. I know of one very good place to start. It’s the retailer Ten Thousand Villages and its specific mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries and connecting them to our markets in meaningful ways.
Having tried it out for Christmas, I see they also have some great post-holiday deals. I found some earrings for my Sister in Law who wanted some hoops and gifts to replenish my gift box (of things I love and want to have on hand to give as small gestures of friendship and thanks). Here are the beautifully etched earrings I found from Indonesia. They tell a story of the APIKRI artisan group, located in Indonesian cities known for craft production.
Ten Thousand Villages actually provides not only a photo of the artisans, but a bit of their stories . Even though I will never know their life, Ten Thousand Villages connects me to them in a small way, perhaps to better appreciate their human experience.
Next post… I will explore some of my other Little Finds at Ten Thousand Villages.
It’s the Little Things.
January 2, 2011
It really is the little things that make life wonderful. Such a trite phrase, I know. But I keep coming back to it. Perhaps I am particularly reflective this holiday season…with the good fortune of having a birthday (and a big one this year!) so close to January 1st. What I’ve been pondering most of all is how the little decisions, little details, little subtleties in life really do make a difference – and in some cases — add up to BIG consequences.
– Will I get up 3x/week for 6 AM bootcamp?
– If I actually sit down to practice piano with my 5 year old – what a difference it makes.
– Watching a husband grow into his own personal style is quite gratifying.
– Birthday celebrations don’t need to include elaborate parties.. a carefully planned barbie cake and a trip to the movies with our little family are just as magical.
– A new glimmery eyeshadow can make all the difference on an important evening.
– There is no good do-it-yourself substitute for a decent pedicure.
– The press conference will not be seamless if you fail to work back the timing and message of each individual component.
And on and on and on…..all relatively random. All little, yet not so.
In 2011 I will embark on uncovering, showcasing, and celebrating more Little Things in life…..with a few big &*@#^! deals thrown in along the way.
Happy 2011!
Eli Joseph Neff
December 29, 2010
He’s here! Sweet little Eli. He joins big sisters Olivia Quinn and Elizabeth Grace and big brother Mitchell Elijah.
Of course, Tim and Kim did not go with any of my suggested names — shocker! Even my latest suggestion of Landon (as in Donovan!) of soccer fame (thought Tim would surely go for that one) fell flat….. But alas, I’ve already forgiven them because this little Eli is so darn precious.
My first reaction when Tim told me “Eli Joseph Neff” was –”Wow that sounds Amish!” He said” Yeah, well Eli Jacob Neff would have been worse!” 
So here we are with a tremendously meaningful name. According to “Behind the Names” Eli means ”ascension” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he was the high priest of Israel and Samuel’s teacher. The name Joseph of course, refers to the favorite son of Jacob who ended up placed in charge of Egypt by Pharoah, which led to his reunion with his brothers during the great famine.
On a lighter note…. in the photo of (my dad holding) Eli, the Labor Pain chart on the door behind them just completely cracks me up. It brings back particularly “severe” painful memories for me on this eve of Mia’s birthday…. where she came a) earlier in the day than anyone thought would happen (let’s just say her head broke through with no doctor in sight, b) while the anesthesiologist was “busy” with someone else and c) before her Mama could even get a hint of any pain medicine. Yeah, good times.
But yes, they are worth it all.
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Tonya is a Community Content Producer for
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