This past weekend I had the pleasure of throwing a fall picnic in celebration of our very special twin nieces’ birthdays.

As fellow autumn lovers, I envisioned an outdoor, rustic vibe for them that was laid-back and whimsical enough for their pre-teen fancies. I’ve attempted to execute a backyard picnic in the past; and I can assure you, it is no easy feat. So this time around I enlisted the help of Dream and Party- a local event planner, party rental, design visionary all in one.

Fall, is that you?

Give me a few fallen leaves and some crisp, cool nights and I’m all in. If you don’t believe me, take a glance at me feed: it’s all chunky knits and plaids and deep, burnt browns. We’ve had our first official Sunday Football gathering of the season- complete with wings and bloodies and our very first September fire. And while I’ve grown to love summer, I’m so very happy to be knee deep in autumn.

This past weekend we packed up the truck and went straight from MM’s first ever soccer practice to Newport for a quick mini vacation. We were there only 24 hours- but it was the perfect respite away as a family.

The town brought all the fall feelings- from the crisp sea air to the season’s first burnt leaves on the ground.

A few days late, but it's finally time to give a big "hello" to September.

The last official month of summer was good to us- bringing another trip to Florida, a few great family beach days, some city adventures and lots of BBQs. {Pictured above}

After what felt like an eternity of rainy days being holed up indoors, we were finally graced with a few beautiful, summery days this week.  And we took every opportunity to soak up the sun and sand at our favorite local beach. 

Back to school is right around the corner, and I can’t wait to share a few great giveaways over the next few weeks in honor of this awesome time of year.

Yesterday this little girl told me seven sweet words that made my day.

No. My week.

Right when I needed it.  

It’s not that I was having a bad day, per se; but I had been solo parenting on a Sunday, which is a very rare occurrence for me.

This week I spent more time in nearby NYC than I have in quite a while.

It felt so refreshing to get out and feel the energy of the city again- even if it was in the brutal August heat and humidity. Tuesday I travelled in with my girl, but the next day I took a train solo into Manhattan to attend a few events and catch up with my sisters.

Today I woke up at 5.

I hit the snooze once, but I on that second alarm I jumped right out of bed; and made it to that 5:45 am workout. The one I so often miss.

I came home and showered and washed and dried my hair. And I picked out a cute outfit.

Then MM and I headed to NYC.

This past weekend was pretty low key- but exactly what we needed after one long week. 

Friday we headed to nearby Darien. I enjoyed a much needed infrared sauna at Inner Light while Phil walked around town with MM. We then met some friends for an early dinner at Bodega, which serves some of the best tacos and Mexican street corn around. 

Two and a half days into a summer sans-camp, and we have been logging some major hours at our local beach.

I'll admit: I was a little intimated at the thought of not having daily structured activities with MM after a full year of school and a few months of camp. But, in some ways, its only now starting to feel like summer time.