So, where do two book-loving parents take a little explorer on her very first “out-in-the-world” excursion?
A bookstore, of course!
Now that Connor Claire has passed the six-week mark, she’s eager to get out there and start exploring the outside world, beginning with literature.
El Hub and I headed to the brand new Novato branch of Copperfield’s Books, an independent bookseller here in the Bay Area.
I slipped Connor into her Moby baby carrier, and we browsed for books for about 30 minutes. Granted, she was sleeping most of the time, but I still think she enjoyed being surrounded by so many books.
We ended up getting her a souvenir to commemorate the occasion, her very own copy of A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh to add to her growing book collection.
Yesterday was a day of firsts for Connor Claire. Other than her first visit to a bookstore, it was also the day she listened to her very first Prince song…
This song was always one of my favorites, but now with Connor Claire, it’s taken on new meaning.
RIP, Prince… I’m still in shock about his passing. His creativity has always inspired me, and it makes my heart heavy to think that the world has lost such a rare gift.
Oh, and did you know that Prince also wrote songs for other musicians? I found this story, “15 Great Prince Songs That Were Hits for Other Artists,” in Rolling Stone really interesting.
Today I plan to have my favorite Prince songs on heavy rotation while I play with Chanel’s Summer 2016 collection (I’m wearing it in these pics, by the way) — Raspberry Beret, I Wanna Be Your Lover, Little Red Corvette and I Would Die 4 U.
What’s your favorite Prince song? I think it’s impossible to pick just one.
In other, less sad news, today is also Earth Day, so happy Earth Day to you, my friend. I think Connor and I will celebrate by taking out the recycling.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
The bookstore is a really good choice. I hope she will love to read . It’s a real chance in life.Be happy little Connor Claire.
Hi Florence,
I hope she’ll love to read, too. She already has quite a few books, and I can’t wait to get her a bookshelf all her own that we can fill it with books.
You be happy too, Florence. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend! Do you have any exciting plans?
Out of my 4 children, only two are avid readers like the hubby and me. Disappointing, but on the other hand the two that read are avid readers. All 4 had tons of books and were read to nightly. Also enrolled in summer reading programs at the library. Watchca gonna do?? Oh, did I saw I also worked in the library at an elementary school?? Lol
Oh, that’s awesome! One thing that I used to love as a child was going to the library after dinner with my dad. We’d drive out to the library and I was allowed to get as many books as I wanted, just as long as I wrote them all down on a list (so that I could keep track of them) and returned them on time. Do you have any good children’s books to recommend? I want to start stocking up Connor Claire’s collection!
Nothing special, I have a lot of work except a birthday Sunday.Have a beautiful week-end with your beauties.
She is the sweetest! Great place for a first trip!
So sad about Prince. I saw a really great drag king act to When Doves Cry a few months ago, I was laughing until I cried. My favorite song is probably P Control though! I’m also a Little Red Corvette fan.
I think her second trip will be to Sephora. 🙂 The artists there have been asking about her!
I haven’t listened to P Control in years, gotta bust that one out soon. You know what really bums me out? That I never got to see him live. Wish I would’ve made that happen.
Anywho, happy Friday to you. What’s the plan for the weekend?
I’m going to a “Garden Parrty” themed event / fundraiser on Saturday night, so I gave a peachy pink halter dress I’m wearing (kind of retro), and I’ll do some fun makeup, and wear some flowers.
Then Sunday I’m tutoring my teen cousin in French and taking a burlesque dance class!
Should be fun. What are you, Tabs, and Connor Claire up to?
Sounds like fun! A retro halter dress is a perfect excuse to wear cat eyes. Maybe you’ll finally get to use your new Beauty Blender doohicky?
Oh, and enjoy your dance class. I haven’t taken one in ages so I’ll live vicariously through you.
This weekend should be pretty chill for us. I’ve got some errands to run on Saturday (Target trip!) and then I plan to stop by Old Navy to look at jeans. I’m tired of wearing maternity jeans and I’m not quite ready to get into my pre-Connor pants so I want to pick up a couple pairs to tide me over for a few months.
On Sunday my brother is visiting from San Francisco, so Connor will have some quality time with her Uncle. I told him that in order to get through the front door he has to bring food, LOL! I swear, the best thing to bring new parents is food. It just makes everything so much easier.
One of my go-to baby shower gifts is gift certificates for takeout or delivery!
SERIOUSLY BEST GIFT EVER. Every one told me to stock up on frozen meals because I wasn’t going to want to cook, but I didn’t realize how important it was until I was beyond sleep deprived and beyond tired.
That’s such a thoughtful and I’m sure the recipients are always grateful! Gonna have to borrow that idea for the next time I go to a baby shower.
Connor is so beautiful! I love that baby carrier! I wish they had those when my babies were small.
My biggest regret is never finding Prince in one of his elusive concerts too:-( they always seemed to come as fast as they went. My heart was heavy on Thursday. I love just about every song by him. The Beautiful Ones, Darling Nikki, Cream. You have to listen to his cover of I Can’t Make U Love Me. It’s amazing!
Prince. Sad face. Last night I listened to a few of my faves, The Most Beautiful Girl In the World, Diamonds & Pearls, When Doves Cry. I plan to listen to more in the coming days, especially Party Like It’s 1999. Needless to say, I knew my “sister from another Mr” would share my love for Prince’s music. Love the pic of wittle Connor Claire snuggled up all cozy & sweet. Can’t think of a better outing than the bookstore. Looking forward to the Chanel review. Kinda smiling…..
I was shocked when I found out about Prince. It’s hard to see all of these childhood icons I remember listening to passing away. I’m sure you have quite a few of his songs on your road trip playlist, yes? If we took a road trip together we’d definitely have to include Raspberry Beret, Delirious, U Got the Look and Seven, for sure.
So what’s on your agenda for today? I hope that you’re having fun on your trip.
Wow, you just took me back with all those jams. And I agree. Feels like a bit of my own history/childhood passing away with the passing of so many musical greats/icons. When Doves Cry is my all time favorite, though I love the others to. It’s only now that I appreciate how much of a poet he was. We could totes be road trip partners in crime. Our playlist would be epic! Laying low today because it’s raining but I actually don’t mind it. Going to a local soccer game tomorrow & enjoying some Japanese cuisine in a few days. Also meeting up with friends on Sunday who live in the area as well. Still have a Sephora trip on my to-do list while I’m here but there’s an Ulta within walking distance, so maybe I’ll get my Becca fix there instead. Enjoy playing in makeup & listening to “his royal bad-@$$”. Smiling a lot more now 🙂
I totally understand what you mean. For me it hurts when I realize just how much time has passed. I mean, I still remember watching Purple Rain at my friend’s sleepover (we went to a video store and rented it, GASP!) and then dancing around the living room to 1999 afterwards. Good stuff.
And yes, our road trip playlist would be LEGENDARY. A few things we’d have to include off the top of my head that are non-Prince related
Killing Me Softly (the Fugees version)
Tyrone, Erykah Badu
Bust a Move, Young MC
Tender Love, Force MDs
Give It Up Turn It Loose, En Vogue
Hey, it’s raining here today too! It’s kind of nice though because every couple of hours the sun comes out for a brief spell and everything look absolutely beautiful. And it smells good, too. Ever notice how everything outside smells so fresh after it rains?
Enjoy your trip to Ulta and let me know if you get anything when you get back. I have to go there soon to get some Urban Decay Cannonball Mascara, because I was looking at some old pics the other day and WOWZA, that mascara has some crazy good length. Need to get back on that train!
Happy you could enjoy your outing with the Connor Claire absorbing all the good *independent* bookstore vibes in her sleep!
The Chanel summer collection looks wonderful! I look forward to your review of it.
Also, Prince was always eye makeup goals for me. What a gorgeous man/artist/inspiration he was. *tears*
Hafta say, I’m with Stevie Wonder when he says that “Nikki” is his fave Prince song. Moi aussi!
Have a great weekend!
Hi Christine,
His makeup was always on point! And those cheekbones…He had built-in contouring.
I’m so sad that I never got to see him perform live, le sigh!
What are you up to this weekend?
Connor Claire looks so peaceful in these pics! Looks like she’s right at home in the bookstore! 🙂
Sad, sad, sad news about Prince. Some of my favorites are Adore, 1999, I would Die 4 You, Pop Life, Kiss, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.
K
Hi Kellee,
I still can’t believe that he’s gone. Such a talent. Thank you for reminding me about Pop Life — I haven’t listened to it in ages!
You’re welcome! Definitely pulled that one out yesterday!
Karen,
Girl YOU ARE MY HERO!! My mouth dropped at how awesome you look in those jeans baby!! Those shoes are too cute too. i can’t figure out how you have that sweet lil Girl of sleeping on you in that cuddler thing? Sorry my Sons 18 now so haven’t had a baby around in a long time. Thats awesome! Have a great weekend and give tabs a hug from me. Love, Melissa
Hi Melissa,
Aww, you’re so sweet. 🙂 The shoes are by Roxy! I got them at DSW last year. Not sure if they still have the same pattern but they always have cute ones available. You should check ’em out, they’re super comfy.
So, the baby carrier is a really long piece of stretchy fabric that I have wrapped around me. Here’s another pic of her in it; please excuse my bare face, LOL!
It’s cool because it allows me to keep her with me and still have my hands free. Also, she really seems to like being snuggled up next to my chest (keeps her chill).
I just gave Tabs a big hug and a kiss for you. I’m sure you’re not surprised to find that he’s the best big brother ever! He loves napping next to Connor and keeps and eye out on her.
You have a great weekend, too! Are you doing anything fun?
Hey Karen,
I instantly clapped my hands in excitement when I saw the picture of you and Connor Claire at the beginning of your post!
I’m at work and it’s a good thing it’s not busy, because people would think I’m crazy….. or maybe crazier than they already think I am! Lol. I love the bookstore too, so two thumbs up on your choice of excursion for Le Bébé. It’s so hard to choose one favourite song from Prince, but I think Purple Rain is absolutely iconic. I love the confidence he exuded in his artistry and image. He rocked high heel boots like no other man I’ve ever seen. Lol! I will certainly miss knowing that he’s out there masterminding something that no one has ever seen or done before. RIP Prince.
Hi Julene,
I’ve got a big smile on my face now. You’re too cute clapping your hands in excitement, LOL! It’s something I totally would do, too. ?Do you have a favorite bookstore in your neck of the woods? Mine is Copperfield’s up in Petaluma, which is a town north of me. They have HUGE magazine and fiction sections and I could spend hours in there. I also have a soft spot for Green Apple Books in San Francisco, because that’s where I met my husband for the first time.
Totally agree with you on Purple Rain being an iconic Prince song. I’d have to add Kiss in there too. Remember his outfit in the Kiss video? Not many guys could pull off skin tight flared pants *and* a crop top!
Please….can I have those abs he’s rocking in that video? Yaaaassssss!!! Lol. What about the steamy bathtub in When Doves Cry? What, what? There will never be another like him!
No fancy independent bookstores where I live, but there’s a nice big Indigo/Chapters close to me. Sometimes I’ll go there if I’ve had a long day just to unwind. Love it!
How awesome that little Connor already has her own book collection! I loved reading as a child and still do. I used to get in trouble for reading instead of doing my homework or chores. Such a rebel! 🙂
So nice you were able to get out and about with the family! You look fantastic- and that baby carrier looks like a chic top. It probably makes nursing on the go a breeze- and she looks SO cozy snuggled up in here asleep. Prince music was such a big part of our youth, it’s hard to say goodbye…here’s hoping Connor Claire will learn to sing along with some favorites- my daughter and I love singing Starfish and Coffee together.
Hey Karen! YA is my favorite section too, sometimes I worry because I’m 22 now, and whenever I browse there there’s a lot of young teens, so I’m glad someone can back me up that YA books are pretty great at whatever age :)And your baby is beautiful, congrats!
Yeah! Outings!
I’m probably going to skip Chanel! Too warm.
The fact that you took her to Copperfield’s on her first day out makes me ridiculously happy. I hope she grows up to have a love of books and great music.
Hi Karen,
I love that you brought her to a bookstore! I love bookstores and wish they had more around. I used to spend hours at Borders. I love the sling and wonder if Tulip would fit in there. I carry her around the house all the time because she won’t let go 🙂 I’m sad about Prince. Reminds me of elementary school and how the girls would listen to him at recess.
I love reading! It’s so nice that you have a good bookstore to go to! There aren’t many were I live. You both look so cute in both pictures.
Yeah! for independent bookstores still being in business. I hope Connor grows up to love reading. I read to my daughter from day one and it was probably my favorite part of parenting. I really loved that bedtime ritual of reading as she got older.
You’re looking fabulous!
Excellent choice for her first trip! You picked out a great first book for her. Classic. She’ll cherish it always.
We had family story time right before bed until my kids were teenagers and got too cool for that. 😉 We read Winnie-the-Pooh, the Captain Underpants books, the Harry Potter books as they were released, The Hobbit, The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy “trilogy”, the Phantom Tollbooth, the Bunnicula books, Madeleine L’Engles Time Quintet, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James & the Giant Peach, Coraline, A Series of Unfortunate Events, the Edgar & Ellen series, and so many others. Even though they’re heavily into computers and electronic gadgets, they still love to buy physical books. That makes me so happy.
You two are so cute!
You’ll remember those days when Connor Claire slept through a shopping outing, lol. But a bookstore was a great pick, and how can one get through childhood without Winnie-The-Pooh and also Now We Are Six. Ah, Prince. Too hard to pick a fave. Too sad and too weird that he passed at this young age under such odd circumstances. He left a big mark, thank goodness.
So precious. I remember getting my little girl her first books, they were the ‘Olivia’ series, and llama llama books, she loved those so much and after awhile knew each one front to back without even opening the books. I am still in shock by the news of Prince, I’ve been rocking my purple rain shirt and vanity shirt yesterday and today, my jam was ‘If I was your girlfriend’. I still put it on repeat sometimes lol. My kids even know all the words
Prince…… we are losing everyone this year. 🙁
You and the baby look gorgeous!
Those pictures of you and Connor are precious. I think she will look back fondly on these memories someday. 🙂
As for Prince’s passing, I don’t think I have completely accepted it yet. It just can’t be real.
I took my daughter to the library just yesterday, and of course her baby boy was coming along, sleeping in his carrier. These things are really the best invention, I wouldn’t know how I would get anything done without them.
Oh my goodness, all the cuteness! And props to you for knowing how to wrap the baby sling around yourself. I used a Baby Bjorn, which is more straightforward, just a pouch with straps attached. I’m not terribly coordinated. I always worried I would wrap the sling incorrectly and Michael would fall out!
I don’t know which Prince song is my absolute favorite. I like Raspberry Beret a lot but I can’t say it’s my favorite. I’m so sad he passed. He was so young. Such a hugely talented, creative man.
Karen, you look amazing!! And Miss Conner Claire looks snug as a bug! I think I would’ve burned up if I had wrapped my babies up in a baby wrap here in Florida!?? My favorite song by Prince has always been “Diamonds and Pearls.” I just think it’s beautiful.
OMG the way you wear Connor Claire is ADORABLE! I love how cozy and tiny she looks all wrapped up in love.
Bookstores are GREAT, nice and quiet but also full of the things we looooooove.
Your makeup looks FAB! Can’t wait to see if you do any swatches on the Chanel summer collection. :hugs:
omg she’s so beautiful, and looks snug as a bug in that adorable kangaroo contraption! 🙂 I’m so glad you are both doing well! fantastic choice on the experience commemorating book, btw!
now about that Chanel…. I’m going to head to hear more about those compacts!! (and the pretty eye shadow of course!) I have an appointment for a facial and a check-out-the-new-collection event at my local counter next week, and I can’t wait!! (my wallet on the other hand… lol)
Karen! you look so beautiful! and baby girl, aka Connor Claire, looks so peaceful and beautiful as well.
glad you were able to get out to the bookstore and also play with some Chanel goodies 🙂
Excellent choice on the book. One of my all-time faves.
Favorite Prince songs: 1999, Kiss and When Doves Cry.
Can’t wait to hear about the new Chanel goodies. I always look forward to new releases from Chanel even if I don’t plan to buy anything.