This week was pretty much all about survival mode for me. I went on a premature running spree over the holidays- after a TWO year hiatus- and now find myself limping around with a tweaked knee. Just in time for my mama to head back home to California and leave me with not too much extra help. So I’ve been laying low, icing and elevating; and overall just trying to get back to normal so I can play with girls the way they deserve.

I first met Dudley Stephens roughly three years ago- via this blog, and in partnership with the always fabulous Monogram Mary for a Mother’s Day giveaway. It was my first time really in front of the camera- most of my partnerships and campaigns prior were focused around my mini- and I was so, so nervous to take these photos {here} with a little Maddie Mae.

A few months ago I posted a picture on Instagram stories of my go-to takeout order- my favorite sashimi from Sushi Soba, paired with a nice glass of pinot. And my coziest PJs. I’ve never gotten so many DM’s asking where we ordered out from- and I was surprised to hear so many people hadn’t tried our local favorite.

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.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas- meaning entertaining and holiday parties are in full swing. For the last few years we’ve celebrated the season with dinner and drinks on the town with some of our best friends- a tradition we’ve affectionately named “Friendsmas.”

Fun fact: It is very difficult to snap pictures of two kids looking at the camera. I guess we’ll be working on that.

We’ve been suckers for matching holiday PJs here for years now; and now that Lila is here, the craze has only heightened. So when Sammy + Nat revealed their holiday design for mom and minis, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on these soft pretties. The print is so perfect- zoo animals on parade all decked out in Christmas goodness. We’ll be living in them well into the New Year- we just wish they had a pair for dad, hint hint…

Happy Friday, kids! I’m officially 38 weeks today, and at this point, you could say I’m BEYOND ready to meet your girl. I took it pretty easy this past week, but I did manage to pop into our local Jojo Maman Bébe to try out their Maternity VIP Service- a personal shopping experience for expectant mothers.

A few months ago, in the middle of spring, I began the hunt for Maddie’s next bike.

Naturally, I took to Instagram, where so many of you responded with such great recommendations: for balance bikes, training wheels, and local bike shops, that made my search that much easier.

Does anyone else struggle with what to do with all those pretty little masterpieces that come home from school with our kiddos? I sure do.

Ever since MM started preschool last year, I’ve been struggling about what to do with all the paintings, drawings, crafts and keepsakes that have come home signed by our girl. It’s made me a bit of a hoarder when it comes to her artwork; and I’ve been on the hunt for an alternative to keeping it in bins for eternity.

This morning I snuck away to finally experience my first Guasha Facial with my sweet friend Mary Heaven of Mary Heaven Acupuncture. And it was AH-MAZING.

Firstly, her Riverside studio is what all my relaxation dreams are made of. The crystals, candles, neutral tones and potted plants immediately bring on a feeling of calm, and I wanted to stay for hours. But, sadly, I only had 60 minutes to sneak away. So we opted for a relaxing, gentle, sculpting treatment that left me feeling totally rejuvenated.

A few weeks ago I posted a few insta stories of one of my mornings with MM- we were drawing together at my desk, and I was particularly taken by one of her pictures of a flower with a sweet little bee. For some reason I loved it, and I mentioned I might frame it.

And, as it typically goes, we’ve since lost the little drawing.

Just a few more weeks left in 2018, and its already got me thinking about a few goals for the New Year. Typically, I’m not one for resolutions, but the past few years I’ve taken a liking to setting intentions for the upcoming year- activities I can add to my routine; habits I can incorporate into my daily life; ways to make time for me over the next twelve months.

December is just around the corner, and that means we're ready for all the holiday cheers.

Typically, we host an annual Christmas party with our nearest and dearest. Most of the time, we stick to a beverage menu consisting heavily of reds- you can find my comprehensive list of reds for every budget here. But this year I wanted to spruce it up with a few seasonal cocktails from our local favorite, Lugano Wine Bar & Salumeria.

It’s official, kids: the holidays are upon us.

Whether you delve head first into Christmas as soon as the clock strikes November, or if you like to take your time and give Thanksgiving its moment- It. Is. Happening!

A few weeks ago Maddie and I teamed up with one of our favorite local mompreneurs, Jasmine of MerriMane, to share some of our local spots in downtown greenwich. MerriMane has been a favorite of ours since she launched just a few months ago- her sweet little fleeces the perfect combination of fashion and function for littles- so when she asked me to launch her “City Guide” series I couldn’t wait to show her around town.

If I’m being honest, I’d say about ninety percent of our social life revolves around meals. A lot of our family life does, too, as a matter of fact. We’re into food- from green juices to meat and cheese plates and everything in between.