Must Eat Monday: Bar Taco, Westport

Are you a Bar Taco fan?! If not, you have NO IDEA what you are missing out on. And as a mom of a toddler, I am always incredibly grateful for Bar Taco as they are family-friendly and their staff is exceptional with kids!

I learned something new this visit- I can order a kids guac and chips and there's no spice added to it! #winning over here with that! Then I got myself the tomatillo salsa and mixed it for me.

Little sticky fingers always has to have one more chip.

The Bar Taco location in Westport has the BEST views as it's right on the water. Just beware, their parking is minimal so you often have to park across the street then walk. But that view is totally worth it!

OK. The kids small tray is always more than enough food for more kids. They get a quesadilla, a taco of their choosing, a corn on the cob plus a fruit skewer and drink. WHAT?! And it's only $6. Why do get a happy meal when this meal makes everyone HAPPY!

I tend to stick with my one-of-each-method when we go for lunch because I usually end up eating some of his food too! But my favorites are the baja shrimp, the fish, and tuna lettuce wrap. I always try a secret taco and this time it's a marinated cod which is delectable. When we go back in two weeks, because I'm sure it'll happen, I'm getting 4 secret tacos!!

After lunch there, we also take a walk on their little boardwalk. But this week, we had a little dance party. Because, well, why not?! 

Have you been to Bar Taco yet?! 

Favorite Outfits

This week we've been incredibly busy and I share a daily outfit pic over on Instagram but figured I'd highlight my favorites from this week as people have been asking where to snag some of the pieces! 

We took family photos this week with my good friend, Jamie Morel, and I decided to wear a pop of color. Just a little out of my comfort zone but worth it. I forget how happy this dress makes me. And while it's a few years old, Zara seems to make classic yet trendy pieces that can stand the test of time!

Zara dress / Sam Edelman heels / JCrew necklace / Stella & Dot earrings 

When we hit up Fair Weather Acres this week, we had a little bit of a preppy feel going on I think. Ha! Would you agree?! These jeans I L-I-V-E in and cannot get enough of them. The interior waistband is elastic. Mom dream right there! And it was a bit chilly so I was finally able to bust out my favorite JCrew plaid scarf cape!

JCrew striped tee / JCrew plaid scarf / Wit and Wisdom jeans / Cole Haan driving mocs
Janie & Jack vest / Gymboree tee / Gymboree pants / Target shoes 

Do you ever find a piece of clothing in your closet that you totally forgot about and as soon as you put in on you ask yourself why you never wear it?! That is THIS piece for me. It's forever old from Ann Taylor but the belt sash adds a little something extra. Paired with white jeans and my Tory flats it's simple and classic for our family brunch date! And how fun are these VivianDrew earrings?!

White jeans / Navy top / Tory flats / Earrings 

When your two-year-old is becoming good at taking pictures, you let him snap pictures of you! We were out and about running errands and he snapped this one of me in my new favorite Stella & Dot top! How fun are the sleeve details?!

When you have a friend who lives 90 minutes away but you MUST see her often, you meet up halfway and visit different restaurants for lunch with your sidekick. This week, we went to Terrain in Westport and it is DIVINE. How cute are his crocs?! 

Top / Jeans / Camo flats 

His sweater / His pants / Crocs 

Sometimes I put on an outfit and feel confined and other times I put on an outfit and feel exceptionally comfortable. That is this outfit right here. Running errands in 80 degree heat, hitting up the park, and prepared to get down and dirty with a toddler means a tee and jeans. The American Eagle tomgirl jeans are LIFE. I promise.
And if you want 20% off your own American Eagle jeans, click here. My gift to you!

Tee / Jeans / Sandals 

And lastly, I never have any fun. I swear. I mean, look at my face. I look bored, right?! Ha ha! I got to spend some time this week with some of my Stella & Dot friends at a training and I figured why not be a pop of color in a room of neutrals! 

Cardigan / Blouse / Jeans / Camo flats / Belt 

I think it's safe to say I cover all bases in my "mom wardrobe", right?! I mean, I've got comfy cozy down pat, a pop of color here and there, a dress when needed, but always ready to chase my little guy around while being somewhat stylish with a smile! 

Do you follow me on Instagram? If yes, HI! If not, click here for some fashion, fun, and family! 

Fall Family Fun

Being from Florida and not moving up north until I was in my 20's, I feel as though I have an extra appreciation for the season. And the transition from summer to fall is my favorite. Just chilly enough for a sweater and scarf, the scent of apple cider fills the air, leaves are changing to a variety of different colors, and you can't help but be happy in fall. And if you aren't happy in fall, you're related to the Grinch! Ha ha.

Our early fall tradition has always been to take a weekend and spend the day pumpkin picking, having cider donuts, and enjoying the crisp fall air. We have always gone to Jones Farm in years past, but this year, with a rambunctious toddler, we decided to try somewhere new and somewhere we've always wanted to visit. Fair Weather Acres.

People. You know where this is. Every fall when you drive down I-91 you see it. It takes up ACRES on the side of the highway. My husband and I are always wondering what it is yet never take the time to venture there. Until this weekend. Holy wonderfulness. I cannot believe we've been missing out this entire time we've lived here!

I hope the little snippits into our day give you an idea of how incredible this place it!

There's SO much to do here! You take a hay ride to get from the parking lot and entrance to the back side of the entire 'fall festival'. It's $19 per adult to get in (apparently it's half price on Fridays after 2:00 so we're going back then!) and kids 2 and under are free. You get a hand stamp, can stay as long as you want, and it includes any pumpkin of your choosing. Yep, even giant ones!

Everything is in a relatively open field and areas are clearly marked. The staff is very friendly and incredibly helpful, especially for us first-timers who probably looked a bit overwhelmed!

The reason we went. For this little one to get to do THIS.

Have you ever seen such an incredible sight?! Not just the fact it was empty (this was 2 minutes after they opened, within 10 minutes there were a good 50 kids in it!) but a giant corn pit with a massive playscape inside of it?!

If you didn't think it was fun, here's proof. Both for the actual young and young at heart.

With tons of activities and games and things to do, it's a great place to go for a family day. With big kids or young,  it's a great time to had by all!

I mean is this not the cutest little train you've ever seen?!

OK. This made me a little nervous but the kids had a BLAST on it. It's a massive bounce pad, built into the ground, surrounded so they can roll off if need be. Which, for our little guy, was needed. They are VERY smart and have a height limit (I believe its 52") and they spilt the kids into two size groups. Then, they do waves and have the kids take turns. It's about a 3-5 minute period of jumping, which i sample time, and then they swap out for the other size group. I wish you could be bigger and adults could jump!

Why is it in a giant pumpkin patch filled with ALL sizes of pumpkins he decides that the BIG one is the one he wants?!

The corn maze. There's clues scattered around for older kids and even a map for those worried about getting lost. But for a toddler, it's ample room to run!

I am SO glad we finally decided to try this place out and I can't imagine not having this be a yearly tradition for us. Fair Weather Acres did NOT disappoint. We spent two hours there and could've easily spent another two hours there too. Have you ever been?!

Looking for more Fall posts? Check out my favorite Connecticut Blogger Babes below! We've linked up for an October Blog Hop. Want to participate too? Add your link!

An InLinkz Link-up

Love Loft

I will be the first person to admit Loft wasn't a big store for me a long time. I felt it was very "mommish" and I wasn't really dressing "like a mom". But BOY have they changed!

I started to creep in a little when they started the collaboration with Lou & Grey and the whole 'athleisure' trend started to take over.

Then, it started to get more preppy yet trendy without being overbearing.

So here we are today, overshopping and loving everything I put on. Whoops!

Neutrals, neutrals, neutrals, and more neutrals. I was looking for staples for my fall wardrobe, pieces that could mix and match easily, and pieces that would get me a good bang for my buck.

First up, this striped Lou & Grey sweatshirt dress. Runs SMALL. As in, I am wearing an XS. That's right folks, this is an EXTRA SMALL. I wear a size 12 petite usually. Hence that smile right?! Totally bought this one. Plus the inside is a sweatshirt material too!

Sale rack find! For $9 why not?! This blue romper simply ties in the back so getting naked to go to the bathroom is pretty easy versus those annoying snaps and hook-closures.
It's not available online anymore, but this one is cute and on crazy sale!

Not only do I take selfies of what I love but also a giant effing disaster. This jumpsuit was just that, a disaster. It was huge and baggy and long and just a NO on me.

You're gonna want to live in this dress people. Trust me. And if you see me in it every day, don't judge me. It's the same as the striped one above. If you love it, why not get every color, right?!

I wanted to love this top. The back has ruffles down over the butt and on the sides. But sadly, just no shape on me. Maybe for an average or tall person!

This blush sweater vest was on crazy sale and while I liked it, I couldn't figure out what I'd wear it with. Plus, it was a bit sheer for me. So tell me, what would you wear it with?!

I've seen 1,000 blogers on IG wearing this turtleneck poncho sweater saying YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT. I don't get it. It's like a giant house. Yeah, it's comfy and cozy but what else?!

I was unsure about this camel sweater cardigan with my skin tone but after multiple people saying it's a MUST, I caved and got it. I'm glad I did. Classic simple and how do I not have a camel cardigan yet?

The first item on my list of what I went in for was a new white sweater cardigan. I had a cream one I wore often but retired that bad boy last year. This is a bit of a thicker sweater material so it'll be great for fall and winter. I wanted more of a winter white vs cream and this baby was a winner!

The lapel cardigan was a great style and super flattering but as I stood in the dressing room admiring it, I kept thinking I had something similar, almost identical. It's a good weight, not too heavy, and the contrasting collar is fun. I was good and a grown up and passed on it. But someone needs to get it!

Are you a Loft shopper?! I was fortunate enough to spend my morning with some other local bloggers for a private shopping event at the Loft in Evergreen Walk. I cannot encourage you enough to check out their new fall collection. It's flattering, affordable, versatile, and works for ALL shapes and sizes!

Stepping Stones, Norwalk

We had an absolute blast at Stepping Stones when we recently visited.

I will preface this with two big pieces of advice:

1) Do NOT go on a holiday weekend.

2) Do NOT go on a rainy day.

3) Do NOT go on a rainy, holiday weekend.

OK, that was really three, but you get my point.

The museum is 150% hands on activities and learning stations. My son, who's 2 and a half, loved it all! A good chunk of it is too big for him, but it didn't phase him one bit!

There's a great construction area that gives kids an opportunity for imaginative play. When it's not crazy crowded, we'll be spending almost all day here!

The light wall was the hit of the day!

We have a music-addicted child. Always drawn to instruments when they're available!

It took him a few times to realize these were not ride on trucks.

The water room was insanity. Good insanity, but still insanity!

There's a great outside area too. Lots of cushioned large building blocks to build forts and towers and make new friends!

Have you been to Stepping Stones yet?

Must Eat Monday: The Place 2 Be, Hartford

The Place 2 Be catered a super-fun blogger event I recently attended and I cannot recommend them enough. But first, check out this awesome event!

The tablescapes were simply stunning yet simple with some beautiful blooms.

You know bloggers, always snapping a good shot to share with their followers! Me?! I'm the on with the iPhone snapping pics!

The Place 2 Be, what a spread! We were treated to so much deliciousness I couldn't eat it all! I know, high class problems, right?! Strawberry salad, buffalo chicken mac n cheese, and some YUMMY chicken and waffles. 

And did I mention the build-your-own mimosa bar with what seemed like 150 different juice options?! 

SO GOOD!

I have been following The Write Board on IG for quite some time and have been dying to take one of her classes! Well, now I have the physical proof of just how talented she is! 

I mean, how cute is my new tote bag?!

As part of the Connecticut Bloggers Collective, I have been so blessed to meet some seriously amazing and incredible bloggers. DO you know them?! If not, you should!

Lydia from Chic on the Cheap. And that dress?! I die!

Hangry Italian Girl. And I mean, anyone who can rock overalls MUST be my new bestie, right?!

 Nonee from Nonee's World. I adore her. Adore. Adore. Adore

And the cutie patootie, Caitlin, from Confessions of a Northern Belle. Isn't she so stinkin cute?! But alas, her kids are even cuter!

Now, if you haven't noticed, my blog is in the beginning stages of just trying to figure out what I want to do with it. I love sharing style tips, affordable finds, my love of food and eating out, and my fun happenings and discoveries with my toddler. Is there anything in particular you'd like to see? Let me know- I'm open to ideas!

xoxo