Wow.  It’s been a week already?! I’m obviously a bit behind on posting (and everything else).  Thanks for sticking with me as I get through the new baby phase. And the 3-year-old phase!  In the meantime, you can read about my friend Jenny Kirtland’s beauty secrets, The Gem Juice Bar, and Samudra clutches, in my May page for Dallas Child.

Sometimes driving outside your usual 10 mile radius turns out to be a good thing.  The Ranch in Las Colinas is my new favorite concept in the ‘burbs.  Good menu (loved the kobe tacos) and drinks (sipped Texas tea and then champagne).  Lots of indoor and outdoor seating.  Live music on the patio.  Great wait staff.  Kid-friendly.  Happy hour-friendly.  Can accommodate big groups.  Wine and cigar room.  Everyone’s happy here, all around.  Check it out.

Summer is so close I can just feel it.  Long days on the beach, nightly cocktails, nonstop flip-flops.  Of course, I’m always beach dreaming, no matter what season it is.  That’s why “A Beachy Life” is one of my favorite late night stops, when I’m not near the waves and need a little fix.  Enjoy.

When Neiman’s starts carrying your line, you know you’re doing something right.  My friend Lisa started a cool sun conscious clothing line, Cover, made of certified UPF 50+ fabric.  The pieces are perfect for providing extra protection from UV rays while you’re chillin’ at the pool, running errands, watching the kiddos’ lacrosse games, etc.  Such a great idea, and really exciting that Neiman’s picked up some of the pieces.  Read more here.  Shop the collection at NM here.

Here’s where I spent Saturday night.  The Foundry, a hip bar and outdoor concert venue, which is also part of Chicken Scratch, a super casual new restaurant concept by the guys who created one of my other Oak Cliff favorites, Bolsa.  I pretty much loved everything about this dual concept.  It’s a particularly awesome place to enjoy live music when the weather is good: outdoor courtyard with cafe lights and a cool stage, a great indoor/outdoor bar scene, and food available from the accompanying Chicken Scratch.  Chicken (of course) and comfort food sides are the main items on the menu, but they also offer a great quinoa/vegetable salad and hummus.  Read about it here and here.  And go see for yourself.  It’s kid-friendly too!

Taking a little break to daydream about my next vacation, although with a two-week-old baby I have no idea when that will happen.  I can’t wait to plan a trip back to this resort, Maroma, one of the stops on our honeymoon several years ago.  Great food, luxurious spa and accommodations, plus a perfect beach.  Quiet and peaceful and romantic.  About an hour outside of Cancun, so an easy and quick escape from Texas.  Here’s hoping we make it back soon…

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but I am back in the throws of new motherhood.  That’s good for all of you soon-to-be moms, or those looking for the perfect baby gift, because I am suddenly reminded of my favorite must-haves for the baby months.  The all important swaddle is the first thing I became reacquainted with, and Aden + Anais has the best (and most stylish) swaddle blankets by far.  The bigger size makes it easier to swaddle, and the muslin fabric is super soft and won’t cause skin irritations.  In fact, my all-knowing baby nurse won’t even consider using any other brand.  I love this whole line, from the burp cloths to the dream blankets to the wash cloths.  This site should be the first stop for all new moms.

The baby is here and all is well!  Just recovering and getting adjusted.  In the meantime, check out this lovely cover of Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That” by Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers…SO good.  This chick rocks!

I Can’t Go For That

I’m about to be a little busy for a few days–having my second baby–so I leave you with this, the first installment of my monthly page in Dallas Child magazine.    April issue, page 18.

Wish me luck as we become a party of 4. See you soon.  CS

You don’t even have to win the lottery to buy one of these.  $98 in brass from Odette.