What Ana Does

I've been struggling with the idea of a coffee table for months now. I need two coffee tables. One that is sturdy, medium-sized and can be slightly destroyed for the family room. We can put popcorn and drinks on, jump off of (though, not encouraged) it and can be tipped over when the Giants lose. And one for the living room that has two levels and that I can feature books on and put my feet up on when reading on those comfy sofas. In both cases, I'd prefer something used and made of solid wood -- so I can paint, strip and/or restain it as needed in the future. I've been haunting craigslist and a few thrift and antique stores in my neighborhoods and have continued to come up empty. Lately, I've started to go through catalogs and tried to put my desire to buy used aside just to find the perfect solution. But it's mostly veneers -- unless I want to pay a small fortune. Veneers just don't last. Another concept I'm playing with in home decorating is reu...

Bringing Up Bebe Bringing Up Bebe By Pameal Druckerman I’m currently listening to Bringing Up Bebe on my commutes into work. I’ve been curious about the book ever since its release but decided I missed the boat, as my kids were already born. But to satisfy my occasional Francophile itch (my copy of Amalie is MIA) I grabbed the audiobook from the library and popped it in. And I’m happy I did. My conclusion: Parisian mothers don’t have it all worked out (glad to affirm that we’re all floundering) but they view some parenting concepts in much different ways. For instance, they embrace day care – mostly because it’s government subsidized and the care givers are practically pediatricians. They often say “the perfect mother doesn’t exist.” And they don’t believe in over-scheduling children but allowing them freedom to discover on their own, or “awaken.” Independent play is hugely important. Their kids sleep through the night at 3 months (mine did too) and are good eat...

This fall features the release of a smorgasbord of books from my absolute favorite authors. I’m so anxious to start reading!  Here’s the line-up:   Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr: Wicked Lovely was one of my favorite series. No matter how deep into the fairy world it got, Marr was able to ground it for me. This new series sounds more mad-capped and romantic. It’s getting rave reviews. (Out now.)   Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor: This is a sequel to Daughter of Smoke and Bone , which featured twists I didn’t see coming (I’m crazy-good at spotting twists) and Taylor’s excellent writing. Karou’s entire world is literally falling down around her, so I gotta know where this is going. Excerpt here . (Out Nov.)   The Kill Order by James Dashner: I wasn’t even hoping for this one, but BANG, here it is. The Maze Runner prequel is said to be a nonstop ride that ends with (get this:) Thomas entering the Maze – how cool is that?! I’m breathless just t...

I thought I was done with this caffeine test, but I was wrong. After a long night with Alice refusing to sleep, I'm trying a new form: White tea! It's got antioxidants, no milk and I can control the amount of caffeine I get by how long I steep the bag. It's a good start, at least. Wish me luck! Tea Test Related posts: More of my Coffee journey

My baby is FOUR today!! What a big girl! The Sisters She got a tennis-player Barbie and pink convertible for doll to drive around in. Leah picked out a Blueberry Muffin doll (which was her Halloween costume last year) and Dave picked out a microphone for her to play with. It was a happy morning. Relate posts: More more and more Alice

With this monumental 4th birthday -- she's not my baby anymore -- I wanted to document a little about our Alice. Alice's short hair is mostly blonde and mostly curly. She doesn’t hate to have it brushed, but she prefers to keep it wavy -- especially the front pieces she can see. She loves to polish her nails. Alice has a pink blanket with satin edging that she strokes to fall asleep. Currently, she’s inexplicably unwilling to fall asleep in her bed. A phase that I should have seen coming, as she’s always been a reluctant fall-asleeper. Alice says “Lellow,” instead of Yellow. And, if you’re really funny, you’re “kilarious.” A few months ago she was trying to think of a name for her toy and came up with “Cermencho.” Leah swiftly vetoed it. She’s got crazy core strength, left over from years of doing baby crunches on the changing table. She hated that diaper changing had to be done prone, and tried to sit up each time. We send her to gymnastics on Saturdays and ...

Nana took Leah out for new ballet clothes. Her first class is on Wednesday.

My First Latte in Ten or So Years I've been thinking a lot lately about caffeine. Why? Because I've been avoiding all caffeine (other than chocolate, obviously) for the last 15ish years. It doesn't go well with my stomach issues -- and I'm over-sensitive to it, gives me major jitters. Also, I'm not so much a fan of being addicted to a food (except chocolate, obviously) and I've met friends who "come off of coffee" with different results. Not for me. But recently, I've been feeling a lot less productive. There's so much I want to accomplish in a day -- at work and at home -- and I'm not crossing enough off my list to feel satisfied. I lose steam. My mind wanders. My eyelids droop in 2:30 meetings. ... What was I saying? *yawn* Dave says I should be exercising more to increase my energy level -- which is an altogether different post. But I only see that solution as another ADDITION to a to-do list that is already out of control....

Just got back from a great labor day at camp in the Birkshires. All five granddaughters were there. We all had too much fun.