Sledding!

 

There are five of us vacationing here at Skytop Lodge in the Poconos, and we went sledding this afternoon! The big sledding slope is just a three-minute shuttle ride from the main lodge. Sleds/helmets are provided, so Skytop makes it really easy to just show up and sled for as long (or as little) as you want. We had a blast, especially with all the new powdery snow! It's been ages since I'd gone sledding. Want to see a few pics?

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Trail Time

Before the much-talked-about snowstorm swept in this afternoon, we ventured out for a little Sky Top property exploring. We needed a short hike that would satisfy our craving for fresh mountain air, snow crunching beneath our boots, and the peace & quiet we just don't get in our daily urban lives. So we bundled up and wandered along the main road to a little spot (recommended to us by the concierge) where there's a waterfall...

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Off to the Poconos!

We're off to the Pocono Mountains for a fun three-day weekend. Sky Top Lodge is hosting my little family to celebrate my son's one-year birthday (!!!) a few days early....

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Conference Recap: SCBWI - New York 2013

grand hyatt ballroom (right next to grand central station)

Last weekend was the annual Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) here in New York City. I've been to a slew of writing conferences in the past, but none in the last twelve months, so it was incredibly exciting and inspiring to be surrounded by my book people again! Some quick stats: 999 people attended from 17 countries and 45 states. Here's a few conference highlights and links...

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Stokke Press Party (+ GIVEAWAY!)

pushing the cute Scoot! and Townes is in the Stokke MyCarrier

Tonight, baby Townes and I zipped down to the super swanky Glass Houses in Chelsea for the VIP Stokke press party. On the agenda? To check out the new, much-buzzed-about Connection strollers. As blog followers know, we've tested (and love) the Stokke Xplory (read the review here and textile review here.) The Crusi and Scoot models are nearing their launch state-side – exciting for those of us who are big brand fans – and here are my initial impressions...

{PLUS: a Stokke MyCarrier giveaway – a $250 value – with four ways to enter!}

The Giveaway is now closed. Scroll to the bottom of the post to see who won!

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Coffee Shop Meditations...

I'm hiding out in a nearby coffee shop to work for the day (or at least, most of the day...). There's a lot on my plate right now, each new project a fresh learning experience from innovation to execution. Right now I'm pushing through the challenges. Reminding myself that I need to be open to growth, both personally and professionally.

Since the concept of craft has been weighing on my mind this week, I thought I'd share some resources that I've drawn inspiration from, hoping they'll do the same for you....

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Mystery Trip Revealed!

 

On Wednesday, I briefly shared about my overnight mystery trip in Manhattan. My husband planned it as a post-birthday surprise. Want to know how it all went down, what I did, and where I stayed?  

{also known as the blog post in which I gush about my husband...}

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New App Content Work

My newest app writing project for the Nat Geo Channel is now live – the Big Cat Week iPad game! Check it out and learn about the African lioness on a hunt and the different prey she stalks, chases, attacks and takes down. It's free to download.

Book Spines & Deadlines

It's day two of my writing retreat, and I'm kicking off an afternoon session surrounded by the spines of old books, sipping hot tea, eating croissants, and listening to the Amelie soundtrack. While I'm typing away on an important work deadline, here's a few New York City-related blog posts you may have missed:

an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of a couture Broadway costume shop.

a spectacular New York City event that only occurs a few times – for only a few seconds – each year.

access into a VIP reception at the modern museum of art.

the most thrilling activity i've ever done in new york city.

what i do to celebrate the longest day of the year.

one of my favorite theatrical productions.

photos from ground zero on the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

cruising around new york city at dusk.

what i wrote on the 'before i die' blackboard.

{get the scoop on my secret overnight retreat}

Weekend E-Party: Kelly's Kids

 

Have you heard of Kelly's Kids? I hadn't until last week, but apparently the juvenile clothing brand has been around for about thirty years and is notably popular in the southern states. My friend (and sweet neighbor) Rebecca told me all about Kelly's Kids on a park walk last week (our UPS driver thinks our babies are destined to be married on day, ha!) and I checked out their online shop later that day........

READ MORE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE E-PARTY # FOR THIS WEEKEND ONLY!

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Updated: Writing Portfolio

It seems like a mandatory activity to update an online writing portfolio when on a writing retreat. So I just added eight new clips, which you can view here. I'm in the middle of two new projects for a client now and some print work is forthcoming this year, so please follow this URL for the latest on publishing news, writing samples, and links to my most recent work. 

BeginAgain Toys Green Ring Review

Compared to my nieces and nephews, my son was a bit late on teething. He's 11 months old and has six teeth now, and the last two months have been the prime time stage for teething product testing. Here's our review of the Begin Again Toys Green Ring – one part teether, one part toy...

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Secret Overnight Escape...

So, it was my birthday last week. And my husband – who LOVES going over the top with surprises – planned a secret solo overnight escape for me to recharge. I had no clue until this morning, of course. For days, I've been drilling him with questions, and all he said was "stay tuned for your instructions." Then this morning, I received my first card telling me to pack an overnight bag, including all my favorite writing/reading/creative things. Read how it all went down with me reading the clues in real time, and I'll post the mystery trip details on the blog on friday. I get a leisurely two hours to write and read before I'm supposed to open my next clue ;)  I can't wait to tell you about where I am in Manhattan, and what I'll be up to for the next two days! This is so much fun and EXACTLY what I needed. Now, off to be creative! 

{read about my last mystery trip.}

New Review: Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair

 

After I posted this photo of our little turkey on Thanksgiving, emails swarmed my inbox with questions about the high chair. So, after four months of testing the Stokke Tripp Trapp – for both a baby and an adult – here's all the juicy details on this modern high chair design... 

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Need a Fun Read?

 

It was 19 degrees this afternoon here in New York City, and when the weather gets like this, I absolutely love curling up in my bed in the dark of the night (i.e. 7:00pm), engrossed in a delicious book...

{TIME-SENSITIVE DEAL ALERT! READ ON FOR MORE DETAILS....}

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Looking Ahead: SCBWI – New York City

Although I've been a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's (SCBWI) for about five years now and attended a slew of conferences in the past, I'm *SO* excited for the upcoming annual event in New York City. I registered last-minute after learning about some interesting workshops and that JULIE ANDREWS (yes, THE one and only!) IS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER. As you know from this and this, I'm totally obsessed with her. So I'm looking forward to mingling with old friends and new, learning lots of things about the writing craft and children's book publishing industry, and drawing inspiration from the wise words of authors, editors, agents & illustrators. Will you be there? Drop me a line so we can meet up! 

{past SCBWI blog posts and photos from conferences/events}

Guest Review: BABYBJORN Booster Chair

bryson using the BABYBJORN booster!

When BABYBJORN reached out to me to review their new booster chair, I knew the perfect person (and sweet little boy!) to give this product a try. Here's what my friend Vanessa thought of this portable booster chair after two weeks of testing... 

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Writerly News 2012

A writerly wrap-up for 2012...

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On the Calendar: Half Marathon

Because I felt so great running a ten-miler in October, I set my sights on a 2013 half-marathon challenge.

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My Week in Five Sentences

We finally mailed out our holiday cards (surprise! we had a baby!)...

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