Thank you, Chocoylatte, for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Since Maddie started school two years ago, we’ve loved spending a little time together after pickup- catching up on our days and enjoying an afternoon snack. For the last few years, it has been some of the most precious time for the two of us; or at least for me, as her mom. I get to learn about her day; to take her emotional temperature; to sense how she perceived the way she was treated and what she learned; what made her happy or sad or mad.

As a stay-at-home mom, I was somewhat worried that my job would be less important once my girl was in school full-time. But over the last few years, I’ve come to realize that, in so many ways, my job has just begun.

She’s experiencing the world without me there to filter it; for several hours a day. And even though she’s surrounded by amazing teachers, administrators and friends- when she gets home, there’s still a lot of work to be done; for her little mind, heart and soul. And I’m so, so honored to be the mom that gets to take on that task.

So this week, we headed to Cos Cob for one of our after-school chats and snacks at one of our new local favorites, Chocoylatte Gourmet. This local sit-down dessert shop has some of the most delicious chocolates around- if you don’t believe me, just ask Maddie, or scroll down for photographic evidence-, all the food is made from scratch with no artificial ingredients or preservatives, and the coffee just hits the spot. They also sell yummy little treats packaged perfectly for stocking stuffers or hostess gifts for the season; as well as larger chocolate gift sets that would make wonderful gifts for teachers, co-workers or Secret Santa. Oh, and if you’re into holiday-type drinks, their peppermint mocha is definitely the way to go.

In celebration of the holiday season, we’ve teamed up to give away one Luxury Chocolate Gift Box and $100 Gift Card to Chocoylatte Gourmet {a total value of $165}. To enter, head to my Instagram here today at 8 am!

photos by Julia Dags

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