As I mentioned before, this will be the first Thanksgiving I'm officially hosting myself- with my mother, as well as much of our family, scattered throughout the country this year. And while the gathering will be decidedly small, I've naturally spent the last few weeks pinning recipes and festive decor.
After my intimate birthday dinner party a few weeks ago, I'm feeling more inspired than ever to make this celebration extra beautiful.
Read MoreAnd then there were three.
As the oldest of four, I'm no stranger to a bustling house. Growing up, ours was the one friends flocked to- my mother always abiding by a strict stocked fridge and open door policy. So with my immediate family spread across the country, it sometimes remains an adjustment to the slower pace of a family of three.
Read MoreAs promised: Mom Approved Holiday Gift Guide for Boys. As a girl mom, this one required a little more legwork- polling a few of the little fellows in our life. I included the usual suspects: legos, firetrucks, tools and super heroes. As well as a few of the less obvious gifts that I've seen win over some major hearts: teepees and headdresses, anyone?
Read MoreThanksgiving is just a little over two weeks away meaning a few very important things: Sirius's Holly station is now playing Christmas music on the daily; the Hallmark channel is running all the best cheesy holiday movies; and I am officially days away from cooking my very first Thanksgiving meal. Which, admittedly, is giving me just the tiniest bit of hostess anxiety.
Read MoreA few months ago I was perusing Pinterest {as I often do} and stumbled upon the most gorgeous photo of a woodsy outdoor dinner party. The photo was moody in the most charming way- a lone rustic farm table in the woods; lit by candlelight, set with mismatched tableware, and accented with assorted blankets to fight any chill. I showed the image to my husband in passing, mentioning that I would love to recreate the scene one cozy fall night.
Read MoreGrowing up my mom made two types of cookies that I just couldn't get enough of: Her Cowboy Cookies, made from a super secret recipe that I'm legally bound never to share here; and Nana's Oatmeal Cookies, a recipe she got from her mother {my Nana}, originally found in a Betty Crocker cookbook. She, of course, made countless other things I loved; but there's just something about these cookies that brings me back to that childhood kitchen.
Read MoreAnd 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.
Read MoreIt'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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreYes, 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.
Read MoreAfter 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.
Read MoreGrowing 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.
Read MoreLike 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.
Read MoreOh, 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.
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