Look at this cute tiny monchichi doll! We picked it up somewhere in Williamsburg, an area of Brooklyn. I loved these dolls as a kid and was unsurprised that my girl found them irresistable as well. I forgot my camera card, so I couldn't take pics of our trip, but since I'm never without my sketchbook or index cards we drew. Azalea is into drawing herself as an owl and labeling each card with her name.

One of the things I longed to do while in the city was go to a perfumerie called I Hate Perfume. Apparently, the proprietor really dislikes commercial scents and wishes to replace those fragrances with his own unique smells. I picked out Sticky Toffee Pudding, which smells like creme brulee, very creamy and sweet. I love any fragrance reminicent of vanilla beans or cream. The tiny credit card size compact is from Sephora, a steal for 15 bucks with colors that are flattering. Its my favorite combo of small, clever design and useful. I'm imagining a watercolor set with little drawers of gouche or sparkly pigments.

On the way home from NY, we stopped at the Roadside of America miniature villiage in PA. The sign says 'see more than you expect!' and I was all skeptical and ready to disagree, but was pleasantly surprised by the huge room filled with amazing miniatures. Azalea loved operating the various trains, trolleys and little animals by pushing buttons around the display. It was well worth the stop, just to see all the little buildings lit up, with tiny scenes inside, surrounded by lovely gardens.

Since we've been home I've been in nesting mode, cooking, cleaning and organizing. We made a huge breakfast this morning, chocolate gravy and biscuits, eggs and sausages, washed down by freshly squeezed juice. We needed the fuel for school shopping and headed over to Target, one of my favorite stores. I love the owl printed backpack ( I think a Le Sportsac homage) and the silky owl pj's. The blue fabric with white dots is a charming little dress I can't wait to see my girl in. We found almost everything for her first days at school and I'm determined not to freak out. I've heard loads of parents rejoicing the beginning of school, but I find myself dreading it. I know the school is good, she got into Art Space, a school designed to teach academics using the arts. Hopefully, I won't just stare at the clock, waiting for school to get out!