For as long as I can remember, I've had this thing for planners.

Even in elementary school, I would look forward to the start of each school year- when I could happily invest in a crisp, brand new one. To this day there are few things that get me as pumped as meticulously writing a to-do list, then proudly crossing items off as I complete them. Pair that with my favorite pen, and it's pure bliss. I know. Nerd alert. 

A few months before Madeline was born I shared the start of what I referred to as her Neutral Nursery - the beginnings of a room for a baby girl, free of pinks and frills and anything too girly. I put my heart and soul into creating that room- artfully choosing pieces for every nook and cranny; envisioning our girl someday enjoying all of them. 

In the nearly eighteen months since I had our little girl I've been able to sneak out of the house a whopping three times to get my hair cut and colored. To be fair, I've never been the kind of girl that goes for a regular cut and color; but since Madeline's been around, spa-pampering and trips to the salon have have become sporadic, at best. Nowadays, a cut and color either means hours away from home, or {eek} bringing her along. Which I only did once with the help of my sister, when Madeline was itty-bitty and slept right through most of it. 

If you're going to be cooped up in the house due to days on days of rain, it may as well be the first week of December- giving us loads of time to delve into some of our most beloved holiday traditions. And because we picked up our tree over Thanksgiving Weekend- as is tree-dition- we were all set to unwrap ornaments, trim the tree, and enjoy lazy morning and afternoons amongst our decorations. Yes, the holidays are in full swing- and not even a few days of rain can bring us down.

Since MM was an itty bitty newborn, we've always taken a few minutes before bed time to read stories to our girl. Over the past year we have acquired a few favorites- Giraffes Can't Dance, Llama Llama Red Pajama, I Love You Stinky Face- children's books that have now become some of my most loved stories. And since day one, our favorite has been an adorable book about a little one's worries called No Matter What- a sweet story that I can now recite blindfolded.

The holidays are officially upon us. Giving us all plenty excuses to clank our glasses together while we spread that holiday cheer. While this season is perfect for a variety of libations, as an admitted wino I'm partial to a nice glass of red this time of year.  And seeing as my mommy-time is often comprised of a delicious glass of wine {or two} and a whole lot of Bravo, I figured no time better than to share some of my tried and true favorites. And I can assure you, a lot of research went into this guide. A Lot. So whether you're celebrating with family and friends, picking up a hostess or holiday gift, or family functions are getting the best of you- here is my guide to the perfect bottle of red wine for any budget this holiday season. 

And then there were three.

As the oldest of four, I'm no stranger to a bustling house. Growing up, ours was the one friends flocked to- my mother always abiding by a strict stocked fridge and open door policy.  So with my immediate family spread across the country, it sometimes remains an adjustment to the slower pace of a family of three.

As promised: Mom Approved Holiday Gift Guide for Boys.  As a girl mom, this one required a little more legwork- polling a few of the little fellows in our life. I included the usual suspects: legos, firetrucks, tools and super heroes. As well as a few of the less obvious gifts that I've seen win over some major hearts: teepees and headdresses, anyone?

It's November 1st, which means the holidays are officially right around the corner. This leaves us a little less than two months to check off all the good boys and girls off our shopping lists. The last few months of the year are always some of my favorites- bringing us holiday music, peppermint lattes, twinkling lights and all things red and green. But as the year comes to a close, things can also get a little hectic- as holiday visitors, parties and recitals can take over our already busy schedules, making it difficult to find time to pick the perfect present for each and every loved one. So in order to take the guesswork out of holiday shopping, I've rounded up my favorite gifts for girls: baby and toddler.

Like most years, I've found myself totally smitten with this year's fall. Leaves are changing, the house smells of apple and pumpkin and cinnamon, we're cozying up to spooky movies, and the countdown to the holidays has officially begun. There really is just something about it that feels like "home." And like most things, it feels just a bit more special enjoying it with our girl- watching her devour her first apple cider donut, pick her first pumpkin and play with her first golden leaf making this time of year all the more magical.

So we officially have a sixteen-month-old on our hands. A little toddler that doesn't just walk, but runs; a Chatty Kathy whose pastimes include making pretend phone calls, building little lego lands, hours of board book reading and hanging with Peanuts and the gang.  And while I'm not always sure exactly what she's saying- she's saying quite a lot; those little babbles filling my heart with so much joy and excitement for the words her sweet little voice will someday say to me.

TGIF- And a long weekend ahead of us, to boot.

The next week brings us a lot of excitement: a visit from Nana, our three year anniversary, a holiday family photo shoot, and our little one turns sixteen-months old. We're looking forward to enjoying some major family time in this crisp fall weather- walks in the park during the day and maybe a glass of wine or whiskey on the front porch for us adults- cozied up under a comfy blanket.

So tomorrow brings us the month of October- perhaps one of my favorites of the year. It's now officially fall, all things pumpkin are back in style, and autumnal decorations are in full swing. It's also host to one of my most beloved holidays, the day I married my best friend, and the moment I found out I was pregnant with my little love. Not a bad resume for one little month. And while I'm happy you're here, October, I can't deny the beauty that was our September. We celebrated a wedding, showed our girl her first apple orchard, enjoyed a few final beach trips, took a much needed vacation out east; and in its final days decorated our home all-fall-like... And Maddie seems to approve.

Before I had MM I had a very specific vision of how I'd dress my mini. I pictured a trendy little girl clad in gender-neutral tones and cool Marc Jacobs-style prints. And no pink. None. So I guess if memory serves me,  I more took a firm stance on how I was not going to dress her: No pink. No frills. No lace. No Peter Pan collars. No prep. Nothing girly. And in the end, this list of "no's" couldn't more accurately describe my daughter's entire 'drobe- the contents of which scream "Little French Girl" much more than the kidchella-vibe I had envisioned.

The last few weeks of summer are upon us, and if you follow along with me you know I'm pretty excited for what's in store. Theres a crisp chill in the early morning air, orange + black goodies grace the market aisles, and the days are ending just a tad bit sooner; meaning the leaves will soon turn into that magical burnt color that makes my heart melt. That being said, I don't think I've ever quite enjoyed a summer the way I've enjoyed this one- and while I'm excited for fall, there's a small part of me that is sad to say goodbye. I guess a little one will do that to you.