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.
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreIt'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!
Read MoreMotherhood. You're a tricky one, for sure. Madeline turns eighteen-months next week; and in those months I've learned a lot. So, so much. And most days, I feel like I've gotten pretty good at this job. But I've also learned that there will be days when I feel like I've learned nothing at all. And I'll feel like I've failed. And objectively, on those days, I might have; at certain things. But I'm OK with these tiny "failures." Because they come with the territory. And if you look at the scheme of things, they're not really failures at all, but are just part of the ride; and the beauty outweighs the ugly. By a mile.
Read MoreDecember seventh and I've already watched The Santa Clause half a dozen times. I've gone through one Frasier Fir candle. There are a hefty presents wrapped around the tree. And I've baked an embarrassing amount of peppermint treats {this one included.} Anyone with me? Or am I alone on this Island of Misfit Toys?
There's just something about this season that screams "Bake all the festive treats possible while listening to Christmas music!" So, bake I must
Read MoreA few months before Madeline was born I shared the start of what I referred to as her Neutral Nursery - the beginnings of a room for a baby girl, free of pinks and frills and anything too girly. I put my heart and soul into creating that room- artfully choosing pieces for every nook and cranny; envisioning our girl someday enjoying all of them.
Read MoreIn the nearly eighteen months since I had our little girl I've been able to sneak out of the house a whopping three times to get my hair cut and colored. To be fair, I've never been the kind of girl that goes for a regular cut and color; but since Madeline's been around, spa-pampering and trips to the salon have have become sporadic, at best. Nowadays, a cut and color either means hours away from home, or {eek} bringing her along. Which I only did once with the help of my sister, when Madeline was itty-bitty and slept right through most of it.
Read MoreIf you're going to be cooped up in the house due to days on days of rain, it may as well be the first week of December- giving us loads of time to delve into some of our most beloved holiday traditions. And because we picked up our tree over Thanksgiving Weekend- as is tree-dition- we were all set to unwrap ornaments, trim the tree, and enjoy lazy morning and afternoons amongst our decorations. Yes, the holidays are in full swing- and not even a few days of rain can bring us down.
Read MoreOh, hello, December.
I spend all year waiting for you; my excitement for what December brings- all things sugar and spice; magical music, festive gatherings with family and friends- trumping the other eleven months of the year. Beautiful as they may be. And this year, while I'm beyond happy to greet this month with open arms, as usual; I will admit that, in terms of November's, this one was one of my favorites.
Read MoreI'm the kind of person that always has a box of cake mix in the pantry. And generally speaking, this is something I'm not super proud of. I'd much rather be the kind of person that whips up a cake from scratch on the rare occasion a home-baked cake is needed; or the kind of person that didn't crave cake; or the kind of person that doesn't eat most of said cake in one sitting; or some combination of the three.
But being that I'm not, I had a box on hand yesterday. And on that cold and very rainy day, when my daughter was on a nap strike and happened to be fighting a cold- I've never been happier to be that kind of person.
Read MoreSince MM was an itty bitty newborn, we've always taken a few minutes before bed time to read stories to our girl. Over the past year we have acquired a few favorites- Giraffes Can't Dance, Llama Llama Red Pajama, I Love You Stinky Face- children's books that have now become some of my most loved stories. And since day one, our favorite has been an adorable book about a little one's worries called No Matter What- a sweet story that I can now recite blindfolded.
Read MoreThe holidays are officially upon us. Giving us all plenty excuses to clank our glasses together while we spread that holiday cheer. While this season is perfect for a variety of libations, as an admitted wino I'm partial to a nice glass of red this time of year. And seeing as my mommy-time is often comprised of a delicious glass of wine {or two} and a whole lot of Bravo, I figured no time better than to share some of my tried and true favorites. And I can assure you, a lot of research went into this guide. A Lot. So whether you're celebrating with family and friends, picking up a hostess or holiday gift, or family functions are getting the best of you- here is my guide to the perfect bottle of red wine for any budget this holiday season.
Read MoreThere's nothing quite like a fresh pair of holiday pajamas to get you in the spirit of the season. I've always loved finding festive sets for myself and the family- from Rudolph and The Peanuts Gang to matching stripes and Grinch-laden prints. So when Maddie came along, my love for festive jammies only heightened, as you can well imagine; and she owned every "Baby's First Christmas" pair I found. This year, I've already found a few favorites from Burt's Bees and Hanna Andersson- their subtly festive prints giving the right amount of cheer for this time of year. And as I hunt for the perfect matching set for Christmas morning, here are some of my top picks for the kiddos:
Read MoreAs 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.
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