Bunny Gifts (Variations on a Theme)

1. Tiffany Bunny Bank 2. Bunny Walker 3. Dwell Studio Pillow 4. CozyChic Blanket Buddy 5. Dwell Studio Cotton Cannister 6. That's not my Bunny Book 7. Bunny Baby Shoes 8. Gap Pajamas
 

Do you know of any Eastertime babies? Maybe you know some of parents or babies that are particularly into bunnies? Or perhaps you are visiting a young niece or nephew this weekend?  If so, we have some gift suggestions for you.

Urban Family Dwelling

Did you see this article in the New York Times about increasing family sizes in New York City?  The trend is mostly related to dual income families in the upper tax brackets.  Families that a few years ago might have gone to the suburbs after the second child was born. 

There is a lot to this article.  The idea that a third child is viewed as a status symbol.  The fact that people with the means are choosing the convenience of living in the city over having more space and perhaps better schools in the suburbs. 

I don't live in Manhattan but I do live in the fairly urban city of Washington.  My husband and I have decided that we want to live in an urban area that is walking distance to the metro.  We like walking around our neighborhood and we like the freedom of being able to get to other places relatively quickly. 

One of the mothers interviewed in the article mentioned that staying in Manhattan allowed her to maintain her career.  This is something that I also thought about when we were deciding where to live after I learned I was pregnant.  I really felt that if we moved too far away from Washington, the commute would make working and mothering all the more complicated. 

I  feel fortunate we could make this decision because I like living close to work.  I can make a quick trip home in the middle of the day if my daughter is sick or if I want to go with her to story-time during my lunch hour.  The trade-off is that we live in a smaller space, pay higher taxes, and schooling is a little bit up in the air.  But for us these trade-offs are worth it. One wonders about those who can't afford to stay in the city and have to commute hours to and from work in addition to caring for their families. 

What factors did you consider when you were deciding where to live after you had children?

How to Organize an EASY Easter Egg Hunt

Ombre Eggs Photo from Country Living

This weekend the parents in my building got together to host an Easter egg hunt for our smaller residents. I had no idea how easy it is to put an Easter egg hunt together. Everything you need can be purchased at your local drug store, and if you are on the craftier side, you might have some things lying around your house.

 

You could spend all night looking at all the beautiful Easter egg hunts on Pinterests, but really, kids don't care about beautiful yard signs and dessert bars.  They just want to run around and search for treats.   

Have a Great Weekend!

The big news for this week is that I have a new nephew.  I'm still really excited to be the doting auntie to another little one.  Now I just have to find him a welcome home gift.  Perhaps an Fuzzy Duckling from Jellycat along with these swaddles that Prince George was cloaked in a few months ago. 

This weekend our building is doing an Easter egg hunt for its smallest residents.  My little one is a little young to hunt for eggs but I know she will enjoy watching the bigger kids run around.  Check out these amazing devilled eggs.

It's nice outside, so enjoy it.  Dcist has a great list of places to enjoy the outdoors in Washington.

Speaking of the outdoors, the Cherry Blossoms technically peaked yesterday.  There's still time to enjoy this annual gorgeousness.

I really want to see this new movie Joe. 

I just bought tickets to Topaz+Arrow's next craft workshop.  I can't wait.

The Prince and His Shortalls

How adorable was Prince George at his first televised play date.  Stealing toys from babies, getting excited about receiving a huge teddy bear, snuggling with his Duchess mother, and those smocked shortalls. . .

The Prince's shortalls were designed by British designer Rachel Riley.  If you snag a pair, please do let me know, because I imagine they are beyond sold out by now. 

I scoured the internet for outfits similar to the Prince's.  It was pretty near impossible to find similar items in navy, but I did find some cute alternatives.

The Cherry Cast

Drawing obtained via Washington Post

Happy Monday.  Researchers at the University of Washington and Korea have predicted that this year's peak bloom date for Cherry Blossoms is April 10 otherwise known as this Thursday.

The Washington Post has a great page that aggregates all the photos of Cherry Blossoms in the region.  You see, you don't have to brave the crowds at the Tidal Basin to see these pretty blossoms.  It sure is a fun thing to do though.

Here's a link to all the Cherry Blossom Festival activities. The festival ends April 13th, but hopefully the blossoms will endure for a little while longer. 

Opening Day (Happy Friday)

Photo of Opening Day at Wrigley Field, 2010 via NPR

Spring is here weather or not Mother Nature is ready.

I heard this great piece on NPR this morning about Opening Day at Wrigley Field.  It really made me long for when I lived in Chicago.  Add taking a day off from work to go to Opening Day to your bucket list!

I really want to go to the Holi Festival in Potomac this weekend, but given the fact that I have a 9 month old it's going to be a game-day decision.

If that doesn't work out then I think we will head over to the District Flea Market.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is well underway and this Sunday is the half-marathon. 

Hoping to have the time to make this Moroccan Baked Fish with Onions along with a Ginger Grapefruit Curd and this Red Fruit Salad.

I still don't have access to my Facebook account.  Here's to hoping it will be restored.

THE BADGERS MADE IT TO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!  If I don't to anything else for the next 72 hours, I'm watching Saturday's game in real time.





Photo of Wrigley Field, October 1935 via NPR