Huckleberry Gal

Luella Josephine

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:54:47 -0500

Reflecting on the birth of Miss Luella Josephine stirs strong emotions for me that I am sure can be attributed somewhat to hormones but are still very fresh and hard to believe.

Lula Jo was delivered via c-section at 4:25 AM on Wednesday, November 21st after 25 hours of labor. How in the world did we get there? The one thing I said over and over throughout the pregnancy was that I did not want a c-section. I didn’t prepare for it - always skipping over those sections on the iPhone apps and chapters in books. But it happened and thankfully she was perfect and I am healthy - despite some pain.

I had been having cramps since Hurricane Sandy - so when I started having cramps on the the night of the 19th I didn’t think much of it. But at 3:45 AM Tuesday, the 20th, I decided to get out my iPhone app that counts contractions just to see if there was any pattern to these cramps. I was shocked that they were about 4-6 minutes apart, lasting for 40-60 seconds. We hung around the apt until about 9AM until I was too antsy and in too much pain to sit around at home.

We got to the hospital and it was all surreal. I couldn’t believe that this might be the real thing. That we might meet our little girl soon. I was 2cm dilated at my last doctor’s appt so I figured when they checked me at the hospital a week later I would have made some big progress considering all the contractions and cramps - but no, I was still 2 cm dilated. I couldn’t believe it. They had me wait for a little bit until another doctor could come check but they were thinking of sending me home. Home! I can’t go home in this pain I thought - I just wanted an epidural and wanted to get this show on the road. The doctor came back to check about an hour later and I was 3 cm dilated and almost fully effaced in just 1 hour so they decided to admit me.

By that point I was begging for an epidural, but because my blood pressure was reading high they delayed it until almost 2:00 in the afternoon. Finally, I felt relaxed and was able to sleep. The doctor said my body was doing beautifully on its own - contractions looked strong and he thought I was progressing very well. I had hope and was delighted.

Around 8:00 a new doctor came into check me and told me my contractions had tapered off so she was going to give me some Pitocin to get them going again. I was watching the monitor and noticed the Pitocin was not making my contractions look much stronger - but I thought “What do I know?” I was sure it was working. At 11:00 the doctor came back to check me and I had not progressed at all. I had been at 8cm for some hours now. She told me if I didn’t start making progress soon a c-section was in my future. Then she checked me again and noticed the baby’s head was “OP” or Sunny side up. This was one reason why I was not making progress. It was also why I was pushing my “top off” button on the epidural so often. Supposedly babies in this position make labor pain far worse and it all started to make sense.

The doctor said I could try pushing my way to 10 cm and then push the baby out. I was determined to do this and not have to have a c-section. She warned me it would be harder because of the baby’s position but it didn’t matter to me. I was ready to try anything to make it all end. Brad was my nurse and would tell me when to start pushing and count through it. He really is an incredible husband and teammate. I really felt like we were accomplishing something despite the increasing pain and decreasing energy level I had.

By about 2 AM, after pushing for over 2 hours, the doctor told me I was 10 cm but because of the position of the baby’s head (face up) she didn’t think I was going to get the baby out without forceps and she didn’t feel comfortable using that method. My pain was at such a level that I couldn’t open my eyes and I was in a complete other world. The epidural had completely worn off. The nurses checked my temperature and I had a temp of 102. That sealed the deal. The doc told me we needed to prepare for the Operating Room. I was too out of it to cry - but I wanted to bawl. I couldn’t believe after all that - I had to have this complicated surgery. I felt like a “loser” - like I had done something wrong or not tried hard enough.

In the operating room, my legs were completely numb. It was bright and cold and lonely. Brad wasn’t allowed in yet. They made sure the epidural was still effective by performing a “sharps” test. When they poked my legs with a pin I couldn’t feel anything but when they got to my abdomen I could feel it. The anesthesiologist couldn’t believe it. How could my legs be numb but not my abdomen? She determined that the epidural wasn’t working and they had to give me a new epidural. I almost lost my cool at that point. I told them - I had been trying to tell the nurses and doctors for hours that I was in intense pain and the epidural wasn’t working. They finally got it right for the surgery. It was scary. I remember telling Brad how scared I was. I could feel so much going on on the other side of the sheet. Finally I heard a cry and knew our little girl was here. But because I had a developed a temperature in labor they had to take her straight to the NICU to make sure she didn’t develop an infection. I didn’t even get to see her in the operating room. I laid there for another hour as they stitched everything up and was then sent to recovery.

Brad and I were in shock, exhausted, in pain, and just wanted to see our little girl. I was sent up to my room and couldn’t stop crying. The nurses were trying to tell me how happy this time was - but it just wasn’t for me. It wouldn’t be happy until I could hold my baby.

Brad was allowed to go see her in the NICU and came back with a cell phone picture for me to view. I stared at that throughout the day until 2:00 in the afternoon when they finally allowed me to get out of bed and go down to the NICU to see her.

She was so peaceful and precious - I couldn’t even believe that she was ours. I was only allowed to stay there for 30 minutes because I was post-op. We soaked up every second together.

Recovering from a c-section is a whole other story that I could write pages on but won’t. Let’s just say last week was incredibly trying and hard. I couldn’t have done it without Brad and my parents. A week has gone by and I still can’t believe it. It was not what I expected at all. Yes, thankfully everyone is safe and healthy but I do wish it had been much different.

The good news is I have this adorable, squeaky little girl who is the sweetest most precious gift ever given to me. I love her so much already and I can’t wait for all our adventures together.

Wedding Blooms

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 22:04:31 -0400

Last June my husband and I took a trip to California (a first for us both) to see a friend get married and made a mini-vacation out of it.

A college roommate and friend of mine got engaged and I told her, because of my obsession with weddings and flowers, I would be glad to help in anyway I could. (I have always loved the idea of owning or starting a flower shop.) Courageously, Vanessa took a leap of faith in me and said I could help her design the florals for her big day. I was beyond thrilled.

So with her artistic DIY skills and my love of blooms - we created her wedding bouquets and table centerpieces. Just this past week her wedding was featured on a blog Elizabeth Anne Designs. It deserves to be. The day and bride were simply gorgeous. And she DIY’d so many cute things - from the wine crate centerpieces to the cutest “California Love” corn hole games for the cocktail hour.

Then tonight she texts me that freakin Martha Stewart pinned this bouquet I did on her “Wedding Bouquets” board! Cha-ching. So cool.

Anywho - if anyone out there is looking for a florist for their nuptials, I am in the NYC area and and would love to work with you to make your day special while I build my portfolio. Woohoo!

All images are by the amazingly talented husband and wife team at Harrison Studio.

Where I'm From

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

It has been quite some time since I have made it over here to Huckleberry Gal. Yes yes… everyone is busy and yes I am using that as my excuse.

One thing I have implemented at work is a writer’s workshop class that meets every week with a Columbia U grad student. Just tonight we had a book release party for a small book of works they had published through a grant. I was so proud of the residents at my work! But lately, I have been trying to join in on the writing prompts to challenge myself. I never really had huge creative writing classes in school and was itching to join the fun.

The last assignment was to write a “Where I’m From” poem modeled after George Ella Lyon’s piece. So I did. And here it is…

I am from flickering Mason Jars with holes punched in the lid

I am from naps on a Sunday afternoon

I am from Barbie, Matlock, and a Jim Abbott baseball card.

I am from polka dots and wet puppy noses

from chore lists and muddy soccer cleats

from a box of 64 Crayola Crayons

magenta, periwinkle, and the wax-clogged sharpener in the back

I am from bunk beds.

Top bunk, brother

bottom bunk, me

trying to protect my stuffed animals from his teasing

poor Snuggle’s eye.

I am from cans of spray starch

and the early morning hiding spot to see my dad in his uniform.

Proud.

I am from Xenia, Ohio. My husband says, “You would be from a town named Xenia.”

(He thinks it is cute.)

from moving trucks and bologna samples at the Commissary on base.

I am from uno, dos, tres in kindergarten and the big cowboy boots outside of the mall in Texas.

From “Remembering the Alamo” and embroidered Mexican dresses.

Fresh flour tortillas. All they need is a little dollop of butter.

I’m from yearly beach vacations

canon ball competitions held between Andy and Dad to annoy me

Lotion. Sunburn. Aloe. Repeat.

I am from fragrant Gardenias crammed in a bud vase on my vanity. Best. Smell. Ever.

From Geraniums in clay pots, hanging ferns, and the yellow rose bush on the back patio.

Blooms were cut for special occasions, like giving to teacher at the end of the year.

My living room is like a greenhouse, imitating mother’s green thumb.

I am from two layer homemade chocolate cake with that sugary, gritty, cream cheese frosting that I love.

Smacking my lips.

But I am also from a lonely dark dining room.

“Eat your celery, corn, peas, lima beans, (fill in the blank with any vegetable).”

I am from a cropped leopard coat and sticky Berry lip gloss

“Will it make my first kiss sweeter?”

Three spritzes of floral perfume… on my way out.

I am from the shopping bag of musty letters found in the basement.

From my dad at Torre Jon Air Force Base in Madrid to my mother in the old Civil War era

brick surrounded by farm land in Indiana.

I am from those tired red bricks, the aqua shag carpet, the white curtains blowing in the breeze

at the window where my mother watched her father ride the tractor in the moonlight

planting corn on nights in April.

I never met my grandfather.

I am from Coca Cola

glass bottle cold on my teeth

the fizzy burn on my throat on my grandma’s back porch

ahhh

I am from the wistful Anne of Green Gables

and the determined Jo of Little Women.

From a loving and gracious mother.

I am from, “And she brought forth her first born Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.”

fireplace crackling, smell of pine, memories scattered on the tall tree

I am from the scent of rain

walks in the rain

watching the rain

thunder and lightning

I am from a one stop light town to

a city all lit up

the wandering itch just won’t go away.

Too curious

love Haleigh from Making Magique. This video is killer.

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 10:21:15 -0500

love Haleigh from Making Magique. This video is killer.

Photo

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:28:26 -0500

this is the coolest wedding ever. even though it is just a...

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:54:37 -0500

this is the coolest wedding ever. even though it is just a shoot.

Peter Pan Collar

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:10:51 -0500

From Bardot to Veruca Salt to Louis Vuitton Runways to Blair’s street style from Atlantic Pacific - Peter Pan Collars are a pitch perfect compliment to any ensemble. They are totally DIY with scallops, jewels, or glitter. Add them to a bland t-shirt, sweater, or crew neck dress. Or check out ASOS for some already put together adorable dresses and tops. The innocent Peter Pan collar is fittingly named keeping things looking young, fresh, and slightly adventurous.

Bardot:

Ms. Salt:

Louis Vuitton:

Blair from Atlantic Pacific:

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ummm how cute is this Bambi sweater with the added bow collar? I can’t get enough.

or this pearl Peter Pan necklace on Etsy.

Pink and Red

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:15:18 -0500

I love seeing common colors paired in new bold ways. Of course it isn’t that new to marry pink and red (thanks St. Valentine - or Hallmark), but I just don’t see it that often in home decor or in street fashion. I love these examples found on Pinterest. They inspire me to live February 14th more than once a year. Any shade of pink with bright red is a perfect color match.

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Preen Dress, Markus Lupfer Dress, Anthropologie Rug, Wildfox Sweatshirt, Guess Shoes, Creamer - “down that little lane”, Preen Skirt, Pink Stripe Straws - FancyFlours.com

FIT Project First Glance

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:44:44 -0500

Working on my final project for my FIT styling class… so fun to play dress up and take pictures. Here is a first glance at the pics I liked the most out of the 900 we took. EEK!

Thank you Bryan and Ali for spending the day with us. Thank you Kelsey for the coat and jewels! So much fun.

Charlotte Taylor - one of my top 5 fav designers! love the two...

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:51:21 -0500

Charlotte Taylor - one of my top 5 fav designers! love the two men fly fishing print.

This makes me want to run through the streets. Citi Bank wishes...

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:20:14 -0500

This makes me want to run through the streets. Citi Bank wishes it would make me run Madison Ave.

J-E-L-L-O: in Bill Cosby's jingle voice

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:06:00 -0500

In my tiny little kitchen, in my tiny little apt, we only have a very small convection oven with two burners that hogs the tiny little piece of granite we call a kitchen counter. So as a person who likes to bake sweet things and had it as a hobby when I was a grad school widow - it was hard for me to think, “No pie baking for a while.”

Anywho, I was reading about baking alternatives and found myself admiring the retro Jell-O mold salads and such.

I stumbled upon Jello Mold Mistress of Brooklyn and the Jello Shot Test Kitchen after reading about a fun Jello Mold competition held at the Gowanus Print Studio in Brooklyn.

Sidenote- Brad and I are thinking about competing next year. Any competition winning ideas are welcome.

I mean look how chic and sweet. Jello is the best of both worlds - a dash of kitchy and dollop of whimsy. Seriously - jello has its own personality. I don’t want to scare any friends of mine, but please be expecting me to bring jello creations to all upcoming parties.

Let’s pledge to take jello from trashy shot in a plastic cup to an edible NYC skyline or a fun excavating dessert at a children’s bday party. But no really… is anyone with me?

*********

I tried my first easy jello dessert tonight as a trial. It was champagne jello with pomegranate seeds. Brad and I went to this adorable little restaurant in the Village on Thanksgiving called Little Owl. The food was out of this world good (still not as good as my mom’s) and I got a cocktail called the El Levante, champagne with pomegranate seeds.

So I turned it into jello and the results were surprisingly good. I will definitely add more champagne next time and possibly an additional type of fruit. But - it was a great first run and I am excited to do more of these wobbly creations.

Images from We♥It.

Crock Pot Coca Cola Roast

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:58:38 -0500

Tried a new recipe tonight: Crock Pot Coca Cola Pot Roast

“Ahh” (coke refreshing ahh) It was so yummy.

At the grocery store grab:

a beef pot roast

onion soup mix

baby white potatoes

pearl onions

garlic

button mushrooms

carrots

12 oz bottle of coke (mexican coke preferred to a can - the mexican has real cane sugar compared to high fructose corn syrup)

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Pat dry the roast and rub with pepper, sea salt, and chopped garlic. Place inside the crock pot. Chop up veggies however you like and throw in the crock pot. Sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper, and (if you like spicy like me) include a bunch of red pepper flakes. Dump the packet of onion soup mix on top and then pour on the coca cola. Cook on high for 4-5 hours on low 8-10 hours. Almost no work, perfect sweet and spicy, killer left overs. Yummy!

And if you use pearl onions like me - use this method to help you peel them.

taking an intro to styling class at FIT and enjoying experiments...

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:17:08 -0500

taking an intro to styling class at FIT and enjoying experiments with clothes.

Christmas List

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:30:11 -0500

Do you all make Christmas lists? Or do you like the element of surprise?

My mom and Brad keep asking me for a Christmas list and so I put together all the pictures of products I have been admiring for awhile. I feel like I am pretty easy to shop for - if it is pink, sparkly, or has an animal on it - I am elated. This year I really want a 10 day trip to France - Paris, Normandy, Provence, and the Riviera. I also would love to become a member of the NYC Ballet. But for something a little more tangible.

Laduree’s puff perfumes so I can smell as sweet as the tasty macaron all day - and feel equally delightful spraying it on** this Wildfox I heart Paris shirt. I haven’t even been and I am in love**The Mode de Paris stationary in blush - simple, chic, perfect** Lulu Frost’s number rings- I want the 6 for my wedding anniversary, but I love how women stack them with dates of their children’s birthdays, etc.** and I already have it, but for anyone taking mass transit in any city this Tiffany’s wallet is perfect for change, Metro cards, and gum.

A retractable nail file! what! with smooches on it - count me in - thnx Sephora** this smooch clutch from Betsey Johnson** Marshmallows for Toasting lip gloss from Philosophy would make a perfect fireside stocking stuffer** I want pink hair but can’t dye it because of work - I would love this wig to wear on weekends. I have to think of my name for my alter ego.** This heart blouse from ASOS- sigh** I don’t have an oven, but I want to make some sweets- I would love this Jell-O cookbook.** And thank you EmmaKissTina for making me go crazy over a silk scarf. I. AM. IN. LOVE. - etsy

Brad and I want something to hang sunglasses on in our front hall - This Anthropologie Zebra would look so cool with shades.** Stella McCartney you are amazing and so are these blush sunglasses (which would look stellar in the Zebra)** Over the knee rain boots from Calvin Klein - get out of my way rain.** A Barbie day planner is so chic and playful. Would love to have her as a companion in my purse everywhere I go.** I have been looking for a black tulle skirt since I saw Haleigh wear one on Making Magique. Betsey Johnson must have had me in mind - she even put polka dots on it.**

These black boots with bows from Anthropologie - pumped up kicks.** Supercalifragilipstick necklace and what the heck, throw in the lipstick too from Kate Spade.**

Oh and how could I forget? An iPhone, iPad, anything from Kate Spade, J.Crew and umm this camera the digital harinezumi 2+++ in hot pink - hint hint. See what I mean? I love everything!

Sometimes I wish I had all day to research cutsy lil things like...

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:03:09 -0500

Sometimes I wish I had all day to research cutsy lil things like etsy’s EmmaKissTina - but I have Matchbook Mag to help me out. Aren’t these prints to die for?!?!

My favorite piece of jewelry at the Elizabeth Taylor exhibit at...

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:23:26 -0500

My favorite piece of jewelry at the Elizabeth Taylor exhibit at Christie’s.

Dahling, Darling

i have never wanted to touch a cloud more than right now. ...

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:34:32 -0500

i have never wanted to touch a cloud more than right now. digital harinezumi 2+++ on my Christmas list

NYC Christmas

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:53:00 -0500

New York City is a mecca of all things Christmas and brings gobs of delighted holiday junkies to town. I have always loved the magic of NYC in December. (My hubs even proposed to me in Central Park 2 days after Christmas 4 years ago). I wish I could package up the feeling of seeing the twinkling lights and feeling the chill in my cheeks - I would be a billionaire too. We have already seen lights up and our new favorite sight is the trucks bringing in Christmas trees to the streetside booths. I can’t wait to buy our tiny tree from the Christmas Tree Ladies on 84th and Broadway. I mean what a cute name! Makes me want to become a vendor.

After doing much research, to make sure this December didn’t get away from me - I have compiled this list of interesting holiday happenings. Mark your calendars if you wish.

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November 30^thRockfeller Tree Lighting 7 PM- Maybe as popular as the Macy’s Parade, I wanted to try and make it to see the iconic tree get all gussied up - even if I don’t like the LED lights.

December 2^ndGift Wrap Guru Event- Don’t know the exact time and place (I tweeted Scotch tape to find out) but contestants are given crazy products like 4-wheelers and BBQ grills to turn into wrapping masterpieces. I HATE wrapping gifts but I thought this could get me in the creative wrapping zone. Along with this idea from Tokketok

December 3^rdElizabeth Taylor Jewelry At Christies - In a previous post I told you about my plan to go to Christies to see Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels. Ok, so it isn’t Christmasy but what could sparkle and twinkle more than a 39 carat diamond? I plan to pile on the jewelry and enjoy the once in a lifetime viewing this Saturday.

December 8^th Strawberry fields looking at the Dakota - This isn’t a traditional Christmas event either, but Brad and I want to go to the John Lennon memorial on December 8th. It has been 31 years since he was murdered and his “Imagine” monument certainly gives us hope for Peace on Earth. Rumor has it Yoko Ono still lights a candle for him by the window in the Dakota on this night too.

December 11^thTuba Concert at Rockafeller Center- Out of the hundreds of Christmas concerts around the city, this sounded the most playful and fun. The last thing I need is a stuffy night in an auditorium. It is free, outside, and the carols will be played with all Tubas. I love it!

December 16^thCaroling Walk in Greenwich Village 7 PM - I haven’t Christmas caroled in a really long time. I remember as a kid we would all pile in the back of my dad’s truck and drive around the neighborhood singing to the top of our lungs. I am so excited to join the West Village Chorale and stroll historic “Dickens like neighborhoods” singing by songbook. Now that is what I call quintessential Christmas!

December 17^thA Radio Christmas Carol in Brooklyn Heights 3 PM - My favorite neighborhood in all of NYC putting on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol performed as a radio play complete with Foley Artist Sound Effects.

December 19^thCobble Hill Cinema 4PM - Miracle on 34^th Street- The historic theater in Brooklyn will do an afternoon viewing of Miracle on 34th Street. It is supposed to be for the kids. At Christmas I feel like a little kid so this will be perfect.

December 31^stMidnight Run Race Sponsored by Emerald Nuts - Of course I would love to make it to Times Square, but waiting for hours with no food or bathroom makes me feel like I would be in a bad mood by the time the ball dropped. I will wait until I can rent a hotel room overlooking Times Square. Until then I think dressing up in costume and running 4 miles through Central Park at midnight sounds like a blast - hmm. At least I would start off my New Year’s Resolution of being more active as soon as the clock struck 12.

Other events that don’t have specific dates <!— @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } —>

A viewing of the Origami Holiday Tree at the Museum of Natural History. Artists started making the hundreds of origami ornaments in July.

Grand Central Holiday Fair- There are so many markets in NYC to get unique Christmas gifts. I hope to make it to all but if I can’t get to Bryant Park, Columbus Circle, or Union Square - I at least want to make it to Grand Central’s Market. The building is gorgeous. They have some great restaurants. I am sure the market will be equally fantastic.

Botanical Garden Train Show- Definitely have to make it to the Bronx to see this train exhibit. All of the structures have been made from natural items like leaves and twigs. I have been wanting to go here for years.

Gaga’s Workshop at Barney’s – Bloomingdales, Bergdorfs, Macy’s Santaland, FAO Schwartz and Christmas windows in general. I bet I could spend a whole day traipsing across the city admiring the brilliant windows on 5th and Madison Ave. I definitely want to make it to Gaga’s Workshop at Barney’s to see the entire floor that has been transformed Gaga style.

Dyker Heights Lights - Supposedly the best Christmas lights in the world are in the Italian neighborhood of Dyker Heights located in Brooklyn. You can take a tour bus there, but Brad and I plan to explore on our own. Then possibly stop by a pastry shop for some cannolis. I hear the trick is going during the week from 5-9 to see the lights before they turn them off for the night and avoid the traffic.

I want to have Christmas tea at the Plaza’s Palm Court but Lady Mendi’s Tea Salon at the Inn at Irving Place is much more economical at $35 a person. Not to mention it is quaint and romantic. The hotel is older than the Plaza and housed in Brownstones built in 1834. They serve fresh baked scones with clotted creams and jam. What a treat!

Rumor has it Le Parker Meridien on West 56^th street has a gingerbread wonderland to “ooo” and “ahh” at. I can’t find much information on it, but I am sure if I stop by in a couple of weeks there will be a candy village to visit.

And because of Brad and my first year of marriage in Hawaii - we want to celebrate Mele Kalikimaka style at the Lanikai Bar in Soho for drinks by a fire. The cocktail menu looks absolutely scrumptious. The “Teeny Weeny Hot Bikini” Cachaca, Green Chartreause, jalapeno syrup, lime, and fresh mint - or - “Leilani’s Fizz” of gin, lychee, lime juice, lemongrass syrup, and club soda. Sheesh I could write the whole menu on here. Better yet - just follow the link. The names and ingredients take me back to our island days. Sigh….

Do you have any unique Christmas events in NYC to share? Let me know.

Love this website: My Jell-O Americans

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:46:38 -0500

Love this website: My Jell-O Americans