Friday Favorites: Book Series for Adolescent Boys

So, my dad called earlier this week asking for what books to get for my nephew who is turning 11. Which got me thinking that I haven't shared book suggestions in a while. As a former reading teacher (and elementary and middle school teacher) I have a HUGE adoration for all kinds of books, especially children's' and adolescent literature. Mainly because one of my Master's Degrees is that very subject! 

Anyways, here's what I recommended to him. And I chose series/sets to ease gift giving. Because, well, he's a man and he's old and it's easiest for him that way! 

1. Harry Potter set

Why? Because he doesn't have it yet and every adolescent needs to whole set. 

2. Chronicles of Narnia

By far my personal favorite series as a child and I adore passing that love onto the next generation to come. There's something just perfect about this classic. 

3. Jerry Spinelli

One of my favorite adolescent literature authors. Stargirl, just fantastic. And Amazing has a set of Jerry Spinelli books so why not expose him to all he has to offer?! 

4. Percy Jackson 

What boy doesn't love Percy Jackson and a mild thriller?! 

5. Alex Rider set 

This is a new one for me as it wasn't around when I was teaching but word on the street is it's the next big deal! 

What do you recommend to adolescent boys looking for a good book?

Toddler Mom Must Haves: Dining Out Edition

I take my toddler out a lot. And we got out to restaurants often. And people always ask us about what we have with us and where to get them. So, here's my top five things you need if you have a toddler and you plan to take them out to eat with you. 

1. Toddler Silverware

This little case from Sistema is a reusable set of silverware in a convenient travel case. It includes a fork, spoon, knife, and set of chopsticks. We have it in green but it comes in a variety of colors. I also roll up a disposable placemat (see below) to keep in the case as a just-in-case. You know, for those just-in-case moments we all tend to have. 

2. Disposable Placemats

My son is almost three and occasionally just prefers to eat off of the table versus a plate. I know you feel me mamas, right?! And the thought of food on a restaurant table when who knows it was last washed gives me the heebie-jeebies. Enter disposable placemats. I keep one folded up in his travel silverware case to use as needed but used to always have them in my diaper bag when he was little. Plus, it's peel and stick so when you're done and ready to leave, you've picked up a bit after your kid and left a small(er) mess! My son is presently on an Elmo and Mickey kick so we use these. Before we were using the shapes and colors ones. 

3. Snack N Shop

While this isn't for dining out, it is for being out! This snack tray has a lid that snaps on so you can fill it with your child's favorite snack and toss it in your bag. Then when you get to the store, put him in the cart, snap the snack tray on, and he'll be happy as can be! I don't know how I ran errands before without this! 

4. Lobster Seat

We received a Phil & Ted's Losbter Seat as a shower gift and I cannot recommend it enough. It folds flat, has a carry case, and is easily kept in your car. It clips onto almost any table and I actually use it often when my son and I bring my husband lunch at his office- and we clip it to his desk! Seriously, one of those million dollar ideas I wish I'd come up with! 

5. Busy Bag

I have what we call a "Busy Bag" of miscellaneous activities in my car for when we are out and about and in need of entertaining our toddler. We always have 3-5 different toys/games in the bag but recently put it all in a toddler backpack so he could carry it himself. 
I am transitioning from diaper bag back to purse (thank goodness!) and this has been a great way to diminish how much I carry. Plus, I got him a cute matching lunchbag that we keep his snacks in so he has practice using both of them before he goes to preschool.

My favorite toys/games to have on hand in his Busy Bag:

Plus Plus pieces and game board 
Travel size puzzle or Lace toys 
Dot markers (great to use on the back of restaurant placemats)
WikkiStix 
Mini trucks 

And we always always ALWAYS have books in the car and let him bring 1 or 2 into the restaurant with us. When he picks them, they tend to keep his interest more! Tonight, he read his truck book the entire time we were at dinner and did not need his busy bag once.

I hope these help you when going out with your toddler in tow! Have you used any of these before?!

I Am Not The Normal Blogger

There, I said it. And put it out to the internet for all to see. 

Seven years ago, I started blogging. And I use the term "blogging" loosely. I was not efficient with it. I did not take it seriously. I did not have a focus. I just rambled online because some teachers I worked with suggested it. Check out my very first post here. 

But, I have recently, over the past year, decided to get back into it as a way of expressing myself and having something to do. Mainly, I was looking for bloggers to follow who were like me and I struggled greatly with finding them. Most bloggers I found lived and had the picture-perfect life. Which I far from have, believe me. I also found they were all super tall, thin, had impeccable skin, fabulous hair, and looked like a model even before they walked out the door. Then, the self-doubt started to sink in. I am not tall, I do not look like a model, my hair is a hot mess almost every day, and I am as far from a model as one can be. I mean, I'm 4'10" tall and have a round shape. Let's be real. 

The more I thought about it, the more the doubt set in. I don't look like the average blogger. I don't talk like the average blogger. I don't decorate my house like the average blogger. I don't post like the average blogger. I don't style the shelves in my home to be featured in a magazine. I don't walk through the grocery store in over-the-knee boots while wearing a floppy hat and cashmere sweater. You'd walk past me 100 times over without even noticing me most days. 

But then I stopped. Why do I want to be average?! Why do I want to be like everyone else?! Sure, I take inspiration from other bloggers. I mean, who doesn't want the cute new booties from Target they're all wearing or have gorgeous front steps covered in mums and pumpkins styled oh-so-perfectly?! Don't we all?! But inspiration is different than becoming. 

Instagram was sucking my sense of identity from me. I was constantly looking for the next best outfit, the newest accessory for my house, the cutest new boots, eyelash extensions, but for what?! And why?! To be like everyone else?! I just can't anymore. 

I asked on my Instagram stories over the weekend a few questions to my followers. I asked about what kinds of pictures they want to see (staged or real life) and 99% said real life. I asked what kind of fashion pics people want to see (use what you already own or buy new) and 96% said use what you have. I asked if they wanted to see my family life as well as fashion and styling and 97% said yes. I asked if they found bloggers and influencers to be inauthentic and 99% said yes. And I finally asked about my #thisis40 challenge I made to myself and if they enjoyed it and 98% said yes! I found these answers enlightening and greatly assisted me in my newest decision. 

I am going to continue blogging and I hope that I appeal to you and your friends. And I am going to continue to be me, 150% me. Authentic and real and if I have spinach stuck in my teeth in a picture, so be it. That's what you're gonna get. I share style and fashion tips, fun restaurants that my friends, family and I discover, and lots of ins and outs of being a mom. 

I'm not your normal blogger. I'm your neighbor, your friend, the mom you see enjoying her coffee while strolling the aisles of Target with a messy bun and mismatched socks. I roll on the floor at MyGym with my toddler every week, I cry at stupid GE and AT&T commercials, I love to shop but savor a good deal. I don't wear makeup everyday, my pictures are taken in selfie mode or by my toddler, I wash my hair maybe once a week, and I do this "blogging thing" because I know there are others out there like me who just want to read tips and tidbits from a fellow "normal mom" and know it's ok to not be picture perfect day in and day out.

So, thank you for being here with me and enjoying my little blog I've got going here. I hope you'll stick around for a while and see where our life takes us. 

Family Pictures

A few times a year, we have a photographer snap some pictures for us. Whether we just use them as a background on our phones or frame them for our mantle or use them for holiday cards, I love having them done because I'm always the one behind the camera and I'm worried about not being IN them. Any other moms feel that way?!

So, my friend Jamie from Jamie Morel Photography snapped these of us this past week. I'd love to know what you think!

Do you have family pictures taken by a professional?! If so, what do YOU use them for?

And side note, how stinking cute is he?!!

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!