October Roundup
And just like that: it's November. Meaning yours truly will turn a year older in just a few short days. It's amazing how quickly this year has flown by; and our October was no exception. But it was sweet as it was short; and we made the most out of one of our favorites: visiting pumpkin patches, decorating, mulling spices and dressing up for MM's second Halloween.
Holiday Gift Guide for Girls: Baby + Toddler
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.
Friday Favorites | On a Rainy Fall Day
The last full week of October and we already have our first snow fall under our belt. Thankfully, it was short and sweet- quickly turning into a rainy fall day. Which made for a cozy, albeit interesting afternoon- all cooped up inside with one very busy toddler. So although it was a tad chilly and drizzly, I took the opportunity to dress the mini up in her very first raincoat and pair of Hunters for a quick trip outside- to kick around some wet leaves and work up an appetite for a much needed nap.
A Walk In The Park
A few weeks ago I shared a few tips from the pros to the make the most out of your family holiday photo shoot {here}.
As I mentioned, our session with Candy Shop Photography took place in our local park- in the very spot I grew up taking my family photos. Maddie had a blast, as usual- laughing, running, and being her usual goofy self. And dad and Henry were total troopers {and dreamboats, to boot}. As you may have noticed from my distinct absence from most of my frames here and on Instagram, I'm a little camera shy- so I definitely had a few butterflies in my stomach over this year's shoot. Especially because it was at 8am, making it wholly inappropriate to have a helpful mimosa or two. To be honest, last year's was a hair before sunset, so it was a totally different story.
Bloomers Giveaway with Monogram Mary
Yes, I know: it's not yet Halloween and I'm posting pics all red and green. But the most wonderful time of year is so close I can taste it; and it's never too early to invest in a little holiday cheer. Particularly when it's spotted on adorable baby bums. And I fell so in love with these itty bitty bloomers from Monogram Mary that I just couldn't wait to share. They're the perfect addition to any festive dress- each one customized to suit your fancy. From whimsical to classic, she creates the perfect accent for any occasion.
Road Trip Must-Haves
After a few weeks weeks of being steadfast homebodies, we are officially gearing up for a much needed family vacation- yay! Just a few days away, nothing too crazy- but a change of scenery before the holidays are in full swing. We're staying relatively local- road tripping just a few hours north to beautiful Old Saybrook, where the agenda includes: enjoying some yummy food, relaxing at the spa, perusing shops with MM and Nana, taking in the coast's fall foliage and a local fall festival. We've always loved taking these little trips here and there, but there's just something about discovering new places with MM that makes it all the more fun.
Semi Homemade Candy Corn
Growing up my mother would always tell me stories of her own childhood holidays- recounting stories of hours in the kitchen with her grandmother, making homemade candies by the dozens. Its a sweet memory of hers that I cherish as well- one that conjures nostalgic images of a perfectly simpler time. Maybe a ham baking in the oven, adults drinking egg nog, Bing on the record player. No iPhones, no Sonos, no video chat. Just a little girl making memories.
Friday Favorites
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.
Busy Bee
Oh, Zara: let me count the ways. There are few brands that can pull off affordable coolness the way Zara can. I've been a fan of their women's clothing for years; and when it comes to their duds for minis- they don't disappoint. I've loved dressing our girl in their chic little dresses {as seen here} since she was itty-bitty. Their prints are adorable, their palette is the perfect blend neutral and girly, and their price point is one that won't break the bank. Perfection.
A Spooky Night In
Just thirteen days left until Halloween, giving us plenty of time to enjoy a few family nights-in with some of our favorite spooky, but kid-friendly, flicks. There's nothing better on a crisp, fall night than cozying up with my love and my mini to enjoy a classic. Last night we opted for my all-time-favorite, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I pulled out some cozy fall blankets, baked some festive sugar cookies {thank you, Pillsbury}, and cuddled-up in front of the fire to watch the Peanuts gang celebrate the season.
Mom Hack: Bib Hooks
If your babe is anything like mine, mealtime can be messy. Since Maddie was itty bitty, bibs became a daily staple; and between the drool, formula, and food, there were times when she may have worn them all day long. While recently she's gotten much better at getting that avocado in her mouth rather than her newly laundered top, there are certain times when a bib is still a must. And there's nothing worse than scrambling for one at the very last minute. So in order to keep one close by for those messy meals, I've used this mom hack to always have one on hand.
Friday Favorites
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.
Black and Orange | Oreo White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Every now and then Maddie Mae will give me a nice, long midday nap. And I happily receive them as a "thank you" for being her mama. Some weeks, these naps can be few and far between, but we're still working on her manners. But on those days when she does give me a little naptime "thank you," I enjoy a few extra hours of mommy-time: to fold that laundry, tidy up, get some writing done, and, sometimes, even bake a batch of homemade cookies.
Three
Three years ago I walked down the aisle and said "I do" to this man of mine. A leap of faith for both of us by many's standards, being that we knew each other just a hair over a year on that beautiful day in October. Yes, it's true, my husband and I became engaged after just six months, and made it official five months later. Two kids in love that knew from the moment we met that we wanted a life together. Some people may have thought it was crazy; few believed it perhaps a bit hasty; some, hopefully, fancied it romantic. And it's quite possible it was a little bit of all of the above.
Pro Tip: Family Holiday Photos
When I look back on the holidays of my childhood, I have the fondest memories of our annual family photo shoots. Each year our mama would dress us in perfectly coordinating outfits- matching denims, white button downs, the occasional mixed print- and take us to our local park for our annual day of modeling. The fruits of these labors proudly displayed in our parents' homes- chambray-clad kiddos with goofy adolescent smiles. Some years were more awkward than others- in the most wonderful way possible- and I've always adored remembering different stages of our lives through those images.