Duckworth NYC
There's a whole LOT to plan when you're expecting. So it's no surprise that your hospital bag, and all the essentials a new mama will need, often goes overlooked. As the neurotic planner I am, I had mine packed a few weeks before MM was due: which turned out just peachy, seeing as the trickster was three weeks early. That being said, I would have appreciated a service that fixed that little bag up for me; as baby brain and packing don't always mix, and I certainly missed a few must-haves.
Friday Favorites
Happy Friday, folks! We made it. I know technically it was a short week, but for some reason it sure felt like a long one to me. This crazy weather of ours has us pent-up inside some days; and while I enjoy any excuse for a day in pajamas, my little one has other plans. Thankfully, a trip to the toy store brought some distraction with a few new favorite puzzles
Winter Wish List
A few weeks into the new year, and this Connecticut weather has me thrown for a loop. Some snow storms here, a little rain there; and then a string of balmy forty-five degree days before it drops back down to freezing, Just to keep us on our toes.
Favorite Local Kid-Friendly Restaurants
One of the many perks of raising our daughter in the very town we grew up in, is the ease with which we can share our favorite childhood memories with her.
Yes, my husband and I both grew up here in Connecticut. We even attended the same elementary school, though several {sorry, babe} years apart. And so we share so many memories of the same people, places, and activities that molded our youth; and are happy to be able to share them with Madeline in our daily lives.
Cozy Cheekz
Every now and then I come across a product that I just wish was around when MM was an itty-bitty newborn- must-haves that would have made my life all that much easier as a new mama. And then there are the products I find that just make me scream, "why didn't I think of that?!"
And when I came across baby company Cozy Cheekz, I found TWO such products: Cozy Cheekz Heated Changing Pad and the Cozy Cradle.
Friday Favorites | Bonpoint Sale
When I was pregnant with MM, my mother and I serendipitously came upon the most magical baby store a girl could ask for. It was a cold, snowy day in NYC, and we were determined to ignore the weather and enjoy a shopping day in Soho. Looking for some much needed warmth, we hopped into what world be one of my very favorite baby boutiques: Bonpoint.
I loved everything. The decor. The color palette. The whimsy of the little French dolls, stuffed animals and keepsakes. And the clothes. Ahhh, the clothes. And so the addiction began.
Bundled
If you looked outside, you'd never know it. But we got one heck of a snowfall last weekend. And it was the perfect opportunity to bundle our little girl up and take her for a sled-ride in one of her very favorite Christmas presents. Because she's just a little thing and it was cold {like really cold} we didn't venture too far; my other half just leading her around the front and backyard.
5 {More} Netflix Kid-Picks
A year ago I shared my 10 favorite Netflix shows for the littles. MM was just seven-months old, and admittedly, the shows were more for me than for her- kid-friendly shows for baby to hear in the background without driving mom crazy.
Now that MM is nineteen-months old {tomorrow?!} many of those shows remain some of our very favorites
Friday Favorites
Our first week into 2017, and we're off to a decent start. Our kiddo classes have begun and I'm officially working on a post detailing our favorite ones in the area. There are so many amazing activities for the littles around here, which will prove useful in the chilly upcoming months. Thursday marked the start of MM's fifth semester of Music Together class. I started taking her when she was just three months old- at first more of an excuse for Mom to leave the house.
Resolutions
The holidays are officially over and we have returned from our vacation in dreamy California. It was a lovely holiday season that, as always, went way too quickly. But we are back at home, and happy to settle back in our routine and into the new year.
Typically I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions. But I do try to take the start of a new year to refocus on what makes me feel good- inside and out. Sometimes its just a simple tweak that can make all the difference. And because I'm a big believer in writing down what we need and want, here are a few things I'm committing to in 2017:
Happy New Year
And just like that: it's 2017. A new year. A fresh start. A clean slate.
And while I see many abundantly happy to say goodbye to 2016, that really has never been my style. Not even when it comes to the really trying years. Because while some are happier than others, each year- it's triumphs and challenges- give us great opportunity to grow; to become better versions of ourselves. To identify our strengths and improve on our weaknesses.
Friday Favorites
Brrr. It was a cold one this week, folks. Bringing our first several dustings of snow and high hopes for a White Christmas here in Connecticut. This weekend will bring our third official holiday party. The hubs and I threw our first one the first year we lived together; then the second the following year, after we were married. A great start to what we thought would be our annual holiday shindig.
Holiday Gift Guide: The New Englander
Growing up in Connecticut I've spent most of my life around guys that embody that quintessential east coast-cool. There's just something about that perfect balance between sophisticated refinement and outdoorsy ruggedness that sets the New England gents apart as a breed all their own. Whether they're into scotch by the fire pit, or reading patriotic-clad classics- here are my picks for a guy that embodies that east coast vibe.
Perfect Planner
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.
Friday Favorites
It's been a long week, but Friday is finally here; and we have lots of holiday cheer to spread this weekend. Tomorrow we have a much anticipated family outing to the city, to show Madeline NYC all decked out for Christmas. We will see family and friends and maybe share a glass of champagne, or two. And I can't wait to see our girl's face when she sees that tree- all lit up and magical. Here's to a great weekend!