This past week I took a quick break from my typical mama duties and headed into Manhattan for a much needed girls night out. I grabbed my sisters and friends and headed to a beautiful holiday event hosted by Babbleboxx.

Last night we packed up the car and headed north for a magical night aboard the Polar Express in Essex, CT. I had high hopes, and they were far exceeded. Madeline LOVED it; and was happily entertained for the full 90 minute train ride. It was beyond adorable- complete with singing, santa and lots of hot chocolate. Spike with some Schnapps for Mom and Dad.

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Happy Friday, friends. It's been a great- but very busy- week over here in Connecticut.

It's been one of those weeks- the kind where I felt like I was constantly running around, with so many places to be, but without accomplishing anything all that significant.

Yesterday I turned thirty-three. And we threw a good old-fashion pizza party- made a little more adult paired with lots and lots of pinot. And because I'm a sucker for fall fire pits and flannels, we all donned our favorite plaids.

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So our road trip took an unexpected turn and this little family of ours ended up in beautiful Vermont. It was a welcome surprise, and it was a trip that left our hearts and bellies very, very full. Who knew such a small town in New England would host some of the most delicious brews and eats I've ever tasted?

This weekend will be my first full weekend away from my little family.

Actually, it's technically a long weekend away, as I'll be spending three nights down in Atlanta to celebrate my ten-year college reunion. But who's counting, besides maybe my husband?

Just like that, it's halfway through September; and, in my mind, fall has arrived. There's a crisp breeze in the morning, leaves are falling, our girl is officially in preschool, and there's halloween candy and pumpkins in the markets.

And just like that, it's Friday. Gotta love a good four day week after a beautiful long weekend. This week brought some remnants of summer- sunshine, warmth and all- mixed with a few showers. On those chillier mornings I happily embraced the upcoming season with plaids, plum tones and a hint of pumpkin spice.  

Oh, hay September.

Now we begin the start of my favorite third of the year- apple picking, back-to-school shopping, football and fire pits are just around the corner. And while this summer was just as stunning- and not too hot- as ever, I'm giddy as a school girl to welcome the last stint of the season and the beginning of fall.

Since becoming a mom, I've had a total of a whopping ONE professional facials.

No, no my skin hasn't miraculously become flawless since entering motherhood. In fact, its quite the opposite. My thirties has brought me lots of amazing qualities, sure; but its also brought on a predilection for acne, redness and dryness.

This past weekend we celebrated my littlest sister and her engagement to her long time love. If you follow along on Instagram, then you already know we were on a boat. And it was lots and lots of fun.  

Its been a while since there's been a wedding to celebrate in the family- and while they've been engaged a few months now, there was something about everyone coming together to celebrate that made it so real. And it brought out all the feels. 

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BBQ's, Fireworks, Baseball and Lemonade Stands do All-American summers make.

Growing up, I can remember whipping up a batch of lemonade and setting up shop at the end of our street, eagerly awaiting to greet thirsty customers and collect my coins on a hot summer day. It's a quintessential summer memory, and one that I had hoped to share with MM one day.

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This past weekend was one of the best we've had in quite some time. Not much was planned, everything was low key- but it was filled with some of my very favorite things: a crisp breeze, good friends, great wine, and my family.

And, thankfully, lots of Soulcycle. Because to say we ate our way through this weekend would be a vast understatement. 

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Wow, this past month flew by.

Feels like summer started just yesterday; but here we are, welcoming August already. July always starts with a bang for us- yes, because of the fourth; and all the BBQs and fireworks it brings. But also because the third is my husband's birthday. And he's never met a birthday bash he didn't like.

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This Connecticut summer has been a tricky one- weeks of sweltering heat and then, suddenly, it feels like fall. And while some members of my family wish that summer lasted all year long, this mama loves that sweet sweater weather more than cake. Which I love. A lot.

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Petals and giggles and lazy al fresco afternoons do a sweet, sweet summer make.

And this past weekend was filled with all of the above. After a week of scorching heat that kept us cooped up for days, we celebrated the weekend's cooler temperatures by spending much of our days outside. July can be hot and humid here in Connecticut, so on days when the breeze graces us with its presence, we soak in all the summertime air that we can. 

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