A Valentine's Day Brunch
Valentine's Day is just a week away; so to get in the spirit this past weekend, I invited a few girlfriends over for a little ladies' brunch.
I wanted to create a sweet party that was equal parts girly and unexpected- lots of bright pinks, balloons and bubbly combined with pops of black, gold tones and all the cold brew coffee.
Schedule
Friday Favorites
It has been a WEEK, folks. But we made it.
Potty training is no joke, people. It is certainly ranked as one of the hardest things we've done in parenthood so far. Boy, did it take a lot out of me; and I can only imagine how frustrating it can be for a tiny two-year-old.
Valentine's Day Wishlist
Tomorrow is February first, and I'm so ready for it.
Does anyone else feel like this January has been the longest month ever? Between the weather and my current fog of toddlerhood {complete now with potty training} I can't wait to get on with this year, and onto a fresh month.
Friday Favorites
The first fever-free week we've had in a while, and boy, did it feel good.
Madeline was so happy to get back to school and art class, and mom was more than pleased to get back to our regular routine. It's amazing what I can get done around here during a few hours of preschool and an hour or two of nap time.
My Reading List: 5 Books for 2018
It’s been a long while since I’ve sat down with a good read. To be honest, I’ve never been one to prefer a book over Bravo; but ever since I’ve had MM there has been a vast decline in my time spent thumbing through the pages of a good ‘ole fashioned story. Besides a few great parenting books, I’ve basically neglected reading altogether; so this year, I’ve made a conscience effort to get back into the groove.
Terrific Twos
Three weeks into the new year and my head has been in a bit of a fog. In fact, if I’m being honest, it's pretty wiped out.
I blame this mostly on a cold/ flu that recently ravaged our household. It was horrible, and painful, and totally kicked our butts.
But I also blame it, in part, on a tiny little two-nager that has moved in to our house. She looks just like our Maddie Mae, but she’s prone to bossiness, mood swings and loves the word “No.” And she snuck right in.
What To Do In Disney World
I've been a Disney kid from the beginning. Growing up in Connecticut we would gladly seek refuge from the cold at Mickey's House. Much like we did this past week. Over the years our trips have looked slightly different- our vacations changing as we grow; and then of course with the addition of Madeline. But the fun stays the same. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Disney World:
Winter Rx
Truth be told, I have fairly problematic skin. It's prone to dryness and redness, and its something I have to be super mindful of all year round- particularly considering the extreme temperatures we experience here in Connecticut.
Achieving that perfect glow is something I've always struggled with; but recently I've re-committed to paying more attention to my skin- oh, hey, 33rd birthday. Because no one is getting any younger around here.
Toddler Room Mini Tour
Madeline's room has transformed a few times over the last two and a half years.
If you recall, it started as a neutral nursery {here} and I vowed never to include too much pink or frill. Famous last words. And I'm sure glad I had a change of heart, because in hindsight, that little grey room looks sort of sad.
Breakfast at Sweet Peas
Ever since Maddie was just an itty bitty newborn, we've taken her to our local bakery for family breakfasts on lazy Saturday mornings. Its changed a bit since it first opened- its now a sit down, full service eatery with beer and wine, to boot- but Sweet Peas in Old Greenwich is still the cutest little coffee shop in town. And one of our very favorites to take our little.
Winter Wishlist
Whelp. If the past few weeks are any indication, its going to be one long {and very cold} winter. The temperatures at home in snowy Connecticut have been in the single digits, so we headed down south to Florida to seek some refuge. And while the mouse has been keeping us wildly entertained, its not too toasty in these parts either.
Friday Favorites
This week- the first week of the new year- flew right on by.
We dipped our toe in getting back into our routine- Maddie's school started back up, we enjoyed a few early breakfasts at our favorite local bakery, and she had her first art class of the year.
5 Indoor Activities To Do with the kids
Brrrr! At the risk of sounding redundant: its cold. And if you're home with the littles like Yours Truly, then cabin fever may be setting in already. This past week I brought out all the stops to keep MM entertained indoors. We dined out at our favorite restaurants. We attended the best local drop-in classes. And we even enjoyed some of our favorite indoor activities at home- in the comfort of our PJs.
In My Bag: Disney Packing Essentials
If you live anywhere near us here in Connecticut, you know the temperatures have dropped below frigid. I can't remember the last time its been this cold this early. As a native New Englander, I rarely complain about the cold. I'm not quite the wear-flip-flops-ti-there's-snow kind of New Englander that my husband is. But I can take a freezing cold day in January.
2018
Sayonara, 2017; and welcome, 2018.
This past year was a full one. It was full of up and downs; lessons learned; successes and setbacks.
The wild majority of our year was filled with so much joy. Our girl turned two. My mother finally moved back east. We celebrated five years together and four happy years of marriage. I turned 33, feeling strong and happy as ever. We vacationed and laughed and loved and drank delicious wine. Lots of it.
Five Festive Things You Still Have Time To Do
Christmas is in five days, and I really can't believe it. It's crazy how time flies the older you get- and times that by ten when you start to have a tiny tribe of your own. We've been hardcore about Christmas activities this year, starting way back before Thanksgiving when we took a trip on the Polar Express in Essex, CT. Yes, this year we've covered a lot of holiday territory; and in case you're in need of a little last minute cheer, I've compiled a list of five {semi-local} things you still have time to do before the big day arrives: