In a world that is rife with stress, obstacles, disappointments, and pain it’s often hard to find compassion when we need it most. Starting within and providing yourself with a generous level of self-love and kindness can create a transformative path through that suffering. It isn’t easy, but you can do it by consistently practicing these four steps.
Read MoreAt the risk of sounding like a Vogue editor for baby fashion (I am not entirely sure this doesn't exist, but if it does, I am entirely sure it shouldn't), baby headbands are in. The following headbands are curated from local New York Etsy stores and are absolutely adorable.
I cannot get enough of this Fourth of July Headband by Little Miss Bling NYC. Also, if you're looking for July Fourth outfit inspiration, you cannot go wrong by copying this little girl's fashion sense (or rather her Mother's or Father's fashion sense).
Born on Bowery delivers big time with this silver sequenced star headband. The headband is elastic and available for babies and toddlers alike.
This organic green bow print is an exclusive print from luckypalmtree. Note that the fabric is "100% certified organic cotton ... printed with low impact dyes, non toxic."
Since the Fourth of July is coming up, this red and white headband by Love Collections is the perfect summer headband that moms and daughters can wear in true patriotic fashion.
Lastly, ElenaAndChristopher has created sweet tutu headbands that can be made in many different colors. This is the perfect baby headband for a summer wedding or party.
from left to right, cilantro, oregano to be planted this weekend, sage and chives from last year and mint.
One of my favorite parts of the summer is sitting outside enjoying a refreshing cocktail. Last summer I learned about a new book and attended a book reading for it with the author at the New York Botanical Garden. It's called The Drunken Botanist, by Amy Stewart. It's a great collection of recipes and history. Also a lovely way to use those herbs in the garden.
Martha Stewart has 6 ways to change up your mojito and Terrain shares this tasty grapefruit cocktail recipe.
photo from terrain.com
This year I have planted an herb section in my garden. I have planted oregano, basil, chocolate mint, dill, parsley, cilantro, mint and thyme. What can be better than having friends over, mixing cocktails and plucking your ingredients right from your own yard.
Enjoy!
Tracey Toole
www.traceytoole.etsy.com
Father's Day is this Sunday, June 21st. That's right, this Sunday. It crept up on me, too. So you've got less than a week to get your Dad a gift. Or in some cases, you are reading this because it is already Father's Day and you need a gift NOW. You cannot wait on shipping, heck, you don't even have time to run to the local pharmacy to rummage through the leftover Father's Day cards.
But don't worry, EtsyNY has got you covered! Below we list our top five last minute gift's for Father's Day.
1. Wall Art
Dream Weaver Prints is a New York based store that offers many beautiful prints and wall art designs. You can download this Father's Day print INSTANTLY for your Dad. It's sentimental and printable. For a last minute gift, you're going to look like a pretty thoughtful child or spouse for that matter.
Father's Day Wall Art by Dream Weaver Prints
2. Art from a Mom/Dad and Child
If your child is too young to get on the ball and get Dad a gift for Father's Day (if they could drive themselves to the store, buy a gift and wrap it, I'm sure they would, but until then it's up to you Mama or Papa!), this is the perfect Father's Day gift from the two of you. Raising Cains Digital Prints has created a sweet wall art piece with two hand prints, so this gift can be from both of you (even though you did all the printing:)). This piece is also available for download immediately.
Raising Cains Digital Prints Design
3. Spending Time with Dad
Okay, this one may seem a little cliche, but it's true. Your Dad wants nothing more than to spend time with you on Father's Day. So if golf is his thing, why not act as his caddy as he gets a few rounds in? And if your Dad is a weekend handyman warrior, why not head with him to Home Depot? Okay, not the most glamorous spot to spend time with Dad, but if he wants to head out to get new caulking for his latest DIY project, you can handle the Depot for an hour. Or if your Dad is not exactly big on talking, pick out a quiet spot in nature and just take in the view.
4. Family Tree Art
If you want to document the year in your gift, Beautiful Print allows you to do just that with its Father's Day Poster. Not only is this art downloadable, it is also customizable. You can pick which colors you want for the hands as pictured in the example below.
Beautiful Print's Father's Day Poster
5. Listen to Music
When I saw this printable poster, I knew I had to include it. Everyone's Dad thinks he has the best, coolest taste in music. So this is a combo last minute gift idea. First, print this awesome poster out from Alexis Harris Design. Second, make a playlist of your Dad's favorite songs (you know like Bruce, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, and Creedence Clearwater Revival ... okay, okay, those are my Dad's favorites, but if you do end up making that tape, I'd love a copy!). Third, listen to your Dad's music with him.
Wall art from Alexis Harris Design
No matter what you end up getting your Dad for Father's Day, just showing up or calling and giving him your full-undivided attention is the best gift you could give. So if that's the only gift you got, it's still the best gift going.
Happy Father's Day!!
By Kate Davey
Salads are a staple part of my diet all year round. However during the summer months I tend to splurge and expand my salad repertoire to include interesting and unusual veggies that are more plentiful during the warmer months.
Take advantage of local farmer's markets, like the Union Square Green Market to find fresh and colorful produce such as arugula, beets and rhubarb.
Did you know that arugula is great source of folic acid and Vitamins A, C and K? Though a favorite for salads, you can also try it in pasta, grains, sandwiches, wraps and soups.
Beets – I love their deep purple/magenta color! Yes, they are high in carbs, however they do help lower blood pressure, boost stamina and fight inflammation.
Though rhubarb is a member of the fruit family, they can be combined with leafy greens for a sweet and tangy salad. Rhubarb is a good source of lutein, which is great for skin and eye health.
Here are some colorful salad recipes that I’ll be trying out this summer – hope you will enjoy them too!
Valentino Pier Red Hook, Brooklyn
If you associate Red Hook with IKEA hell, you would be forgiven for not going beyond that Swedish nightmare to see all that Red Hook has to offer.
Red Hook is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Brooklyn. This is for two reasons: one, it's quieter than a lot of areas in Brooklyn and two, it's got lovely parks on the water. Okay, three reasons: and it's a lot less crowded than the rest of Brooklyn.
Valentino Pier
After spending the entire day in front of a computer, when my partner asked what I wanted to do tonight, I knew exactly where I wanted to go: Red Hook's Valentino Pier. I wanted to sit outside and take in the sunset and some much needed Vitamin D rays.
I will fully admit, I am in love with Red Hook and if you're looking for a quiet park with beautiful views, Valentino Pier will quickly become your favorite place, too. It's not easy to get to, that's for sure. In fact, if you don't have a car or a bike, you're looking at a subway ride following a trip on a bus to get Red Hook. They don't make it easy to get to Red Hook, but it's absolutely worth the trip.
This view is from the end of the Pier looking out to where the Hudson and East River flow into the Upper New York Bay.
It doesn't get more beautiful than the Statue of Liberty at sunset and Red Hook has it every single night. The best thing about this park is that you can bring your family for a picnic and watch the boats go by. Also, fishing is permitted on the pier so don't forget your fishing pole (and if you can somehow manage to get your fishing pole on the subway, please send me a picture!).
Lastly, did I mention how QUIET it is here? Seriously, during the week there are hardly any people around and it is a phenomenal place to sit back and just listen to the waves crashing against the rocks. Yes, it's that quiet.
Hometown Bar-B-Que
After we watched the sunset, we were more than ready for dinner so we headed to Hometown Bar-B-Que.
Hometown Bar-B-Que is a counter-service restaurant that is located across the street from Fairway and right next to the Crab Shack in Red Hook. As I got out of the car, I inhaled the smell of sweet, smoky barbeque. Having read on Yelp that Hometown has the "best barbeque outside of Texas" and that the food blog Eater had recommended it as the number one place for barbeque in New York, I had high expectations.
The inside of Hometown reminds me of a rustic barn, with first-come, first-serve tables and two bars. On the weekends, it even has live music. But honestly, if the food wasn't good, I couldn't care less about the ambiance.
The menu at Hometown
Hometown exceeded every single expectation I had. We ordered the brisket with mac and cheese and cornbread for our sides. Holy Mac and Cheese Glory was it good! It was literally finger-licking good. My partner and I shared the food and were absolutely stuffed afterwards.
So if you're looking for a little day trip within New York City, try Red Hook. The food, parks, and people will not disappoint. Just don't share how amazing it is with too many people!
By Kate Davey