Thursday, September 27, 2018

Roller Rabbit Friends & Family Sale


I was excited earlier this week to let you know that Roller Rabbit was included in the Shopbop sale... well they have announced their own Friends & Family 30% sale that includes their pima cotton pajamas and sizes available in the classic prints! 

30% off
Code: FRIENDPJ30

KIDS SIZING NOTE: They run small! I bought Lexi a size 2 for her 1st birthday and she wore them shortly after for a year. The next size is a 4, which she started wearing after her 2nd birthday. (She is on the petite size, but regardless size up!)

Here are some of my favorite pajamas for mom, kids and baby...




I also love the home collections... this tablecloth print also comes in bedding. Such a pretty blue print!

If you are local, there is a store on Greenwich Ave. Happy Shopping!

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Coveting: Preserved Boxwood


I love having fresh flowers, greenery and plants in my house... but I unfortunately don't have a green thumb (praying that orchid will last longer than the last). That's why I love preserved boxwood. These wreaths are available at Target and great for all year round. I will be swapping out the accent bow each season.

They are made from real boxwood that has been treated and from what I have read last about 2-5 years if cared for properly (away from humidity. direct sunlight, dusted). 



This is the larger version, which would work well on a door.




This boxwood planter is very similar to one that I found at Home Goods. Unfortunately it's double the cost... but given the longevity it's probably worth it. It also comes in a topiary version.







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Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Shopbop Sale Picks

Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Wrap: Solly Baby. Jeans: Citizens of Humanity (maternity). Sneakers: Vince
Lexi's Shirt/Shorts: Under Armour. Sneakers: Nike.

Shopbop's fall sale has started. This is one of my favorite sales and a great time to get wardrobe staples like jeans, boots or that special something you might have been eyeing. I got my sunglasses during one of these sales!

20% off orders under $500
25% off orders over $500
Code: STOCKUP18
Products labeled "Key Style"

I was up late (early?) with Chase and placed an order as soon as I got the email. I got a few pairs of booties, this striped top and this dress for a few upcoming events. Crossing my fingers the clothes will fit and I'm not sure which boots I will keep. I'll show them on Instagram stories this week when they arrive. I had to resist adding a pair of Roller Rabbit pajamas since I'm holding out for the holiday pattern. I would also love a new pair of loafers but wish I could try them on. 

The jeans I'm wearing are under the belly maternity and fit throughout most of my pregnancy. (There was no way in August during my 3rd trimester I was going to attempt to squeeze into jeans.) They are a great transition piece postpartum while losing the baby weight. I was hesitant to spend this much money on maternity jeans, but I couldn't find a cheaper pair that fit well and the pair I bought when I was expecting Lexi didn't hold their shape. The jeans are the only maternity pick in this round up... I'm happy to finally pack most of those clothes away. But if you are in the market there are some great pieces on Shopbop, especially dresses for events. 

On a sidenote... I found Lexi's soccer wardrobe on clearance at Kohl's. I wish I had time to stop in a get a few shorts and shirts for next year.



Sale Picks


Happy Shopping!
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Lexi's 2nd Birthday


  





Lexi's Dress: Anavini (Local readers - try Wiggles & Giggles in Darien). Shoes: Salt Water Sandals.
Pajamas: Roller Rabbit.

Playing catch up over here! One of the highlights of this year was Lexi's 2nd birthday back in April. In the 6 months since we celebrated, she has grown up so much. We also announced that we were expecting Lexi's baby brother in September. Big girl, soon to be big sister! Gigi gave her an American Girl Bitty Baby and stroller for practice.

Even though we had a small gathering, I went big on the cake. You can find the Happy Helpers Figure Set online. They looked great on the cake and Lexi continues to play with the figures.

I love you, Lexi! And yes, I'll let you eat cake for breakfast (on your birthday)!

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Monday, September 24, 2018

Disney World (With a 2-Year Old)

Stroller: Maclaren

Disney World with an almost 2-year old? Thankfully there is a Starbucks to keep you going on Magic Kingdom's Main Street U.S.A.! I got a range of reactions when I told people we were taking Lexi to Disney World for a getaway back in March. Some people thought it was awesome... but the majority didn't think it sounded like a vacation. Reporting that we had an amazing time... here are some of my FAQ.

What do you think is the best age for Disney?
Lexi was a little young to fully appreciate the experience... but overall Ted and I had a great time with her and we'll always remember it even though she won't. Based on my trip and the limited experience I have with being around toddlers... I would guess that 3-4 is an ideal toddler age.

The biggest struggle was waiting in line, so we did miss out on a few rides due to the wait times. More on rides below.

What was your schedule?
We took 5 days off work and spent 4 days/3 nights in Orlando with a "recovery" day at home.

4-Day Orlando Schedule
Monday: Fly to Orlando / Waldorf for the afternoon / Dinner at Disney Springs
Tuesday: Magic Kingdom  / Dinner nearby in Orlando
Wednesday: Magic Kingdom / Dinner at Grand Floridian Hotel
Thursday: Waldorf in the morning / Disney Springs in the afternoon / Fly to Westchester
Friday: Recover at Home (Lexi at daycare....)

How did you book?
I was able to find a travel agent that booked our hotel, Magic Kingdom tickets and most importantly handled all of our FastPass selections and dining reservations at Disney. Our days revolved around these reservations.

One of my friends that recently visited in September booked everything herself and didn't have any issues. It's really just a matter of convenience and openings vary depending on the season. She found the best ticket prices on Park Savers.

Cinderella's Royal Table

Where did you eat?
Reservations are an absolute must for any sit down meal, especially for character dining. On our first day at the park we had lunch at The Crystal Palace, with characters from Winnie the Pooh. Lexi wanted nothing to do with the characters! We tried!

The next lunch was a hit. Cinderella's Royal Table was our favorite and she loved interacting with the princesses. She was chasing after them when they left the table. I can thank our agent for this coveted reservation. She continuously checked for openings and we were able to book lunch. We were hoping for breakfast, which allows you early park admission, but nothing opened up. (Bonus - it's the one of the restaurants at Magic Kingdom that serves alcohol. I was pregnant... and sadly couldn't take advantage of this. I needed it.)

Our last Disney dining experience was Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare within The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I wanted to see the property (hoping some day we can stay here!) and after dinner we watched the fireworks outside.


Where did you stay? 
I constantly see this question asked in my mommy Facebook groups - Waldorf Astoria vs. Disney Resort. When comparing the price point to the Disney resorts that fell within the same budget as the Waldorf, this seemed the way to go. While Ted golfed on site, Lexi and I went to the pool and took walks around the resort and had plenty of room in our suite to hang out and take breaks.

There are several perks to staying at a Disney Resort (transportation/monorail to parks, Fast Pass perks, earlier access to book dining) and I hope at some point again we try this.... but for our quick trip the Waldorf was great. We had a suite and it was helpful to be able to store simple groceries like milk and yogurt in the refrigerator that we picked up on our way from the airport to the hotel. One of the highlights for younger children is the walk in pool. The Hilton next door has a coffee shop and we would take walks between the hotels.

How did you get around Orlando?
No question... rent a car. You will not want to be held to public transportation, especially with young children.

I booked the best deal that I found through KAYAK, which was Advantage. We don't frequently rent cars so I'm not loyal to a particular company and went for price. When we arrived at the counter, the line for the better known companies seemed endless. I think we would have been waiting for at least 45 minutes. We walked right up to the counter, got our keys and that was that. There were a few hiccups over pricing, so I recommend that you always print out information (yes, print, not on your phone) so you can hand it over the counter for review and I always say return the car with the tank full.

Parking tip: If you dine at one of the monorail resorts for breakfast or lunch, you can park for free.

What souvenirs did you buy?
A hand-cut custom silhouette by a silhouette artist is the best souvenir your can bring home! With the frame it was only $20. (The frame is plastic.... and I was planning on replacing it but now I think it's fine.) You can find the stand between Crystal Arts and China Closet on Main Street U.S.A. There is also a location in Liberty Square. If you don't have the chance at the park and you are visiting Disney Springs, there is also the option to have one made there.

I caved and bought a $15 balloon and $20 bubble machine for Lexi. The bubble machine has been put to good use at home. Pressed pennies are a cheap but memorable souvenir that I wish I had done (see the locations here). My friend also got an embroidered classic hat... another regret of mine! Next time.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant Ride

Magic Kingdom Rides?
Our travel agent made FastPass reservations for the rides she thought would be best for Lexi and would have the longest lines. Others she recommended between the reservations, like the carousel. Look into rider switch... this feature allows adults to take turns waiting with kids or guests that are unable to ride. One of the tips I wish I had known about before we went.

Favorite rides:
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Under the Sea: The Journey of The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan's Flight


What stroller did you use?
I used a Maclaren Quest umbrella stroller for this trip and it worked out great. I put it in this travel bag to check at the gate during the trip. I attached a large luggage tag to the strap so that we could easily identify it among of the sea of parked strollers outside rides. To be honest, it was used more to push around my backpack than Lexi.


What did you bring with you to the park?
Typically I don't wear a backpack but it's necessary so you're hands free. I have always been one to keep the diaper bag simple. Diaper, wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, snacks and waters. Plenty of drinks is key!

Meeting Mickey at Town Square Theater 

Shopping break at Disney Springs

Can't wait to bring Lexi back and introduce Chase to Disney World.

Would love your Disney World travel tips! Please leave in the comments.

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Friday, September 21, 2018

Chase's Birth Announcement


Hat: Kissy Kissy. Blanket: Pottery Barn Kids
My Robe: LAKE. Lexi's Dress: CPC Childrenswear. Bow: Wee Ones. Ted's Shirt: Vineyard Vines. 

Excited to share Chase's birth announcement! Greenwich Hospital has Bella Baby Photography on site and I have loved how both Lexi and Chase's photos turned out. I'll be sharing some more soon.

My go to site for announcements and holiday cards is Minted. I store all of my addresses in my profile and envelopes are addressed free with your order - this keeps me coming back! I previewed my photos in all the designs and went with this crest version, including both a monogram and stripes. I was shocked when they arrived on my doorstep two days after ordering. (I know it seems crazy, but now is a good time to get your addresses collected and/or updated for the holidays because it will be here soon!)


Ready to go! I recently ordered a new self inking return address stamp. We have moved a few times and I continue to reorder this stamp. It's a time and money saver, especially for holiday cards. It would make a great gift for a newly engaged or married couple - before Ted and I were married I had our first names only and was constantly using it for thank you correspondence during our wedding. 





Here are a few of my favorite designs for both boys and girls from Minted.


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Tuesday, September 4, 2018

New England Fall Closet Staples


Scroll for all the pieces featured above!

These are the staples I find myself wearing year after year in the fall. Not much explaining necessary. I have to laugh because during this season I am buying a slightly different version of something I already own (hello, camel colored sweaters)... but hey, it works!

If you're hesitant to splurge on the Karen Walker sunnies, here is a great dupe on Amazon. I had these years ago before investing in the real deal when I realized the style wasn't going anywhere.



One of the must haves you will not regret investing in is a Patagonia Retro-X Fleece , both vest and long sleeve for the whole family. I am eyeing this green long sleeve for myself. I couldn't resist getting Lexi the pink vest when she teeny tiny... but did get the long sleeve in blue that is now hanging in Baby B's closet. These jackets will never go out of style (in fact, worn in is better) and made to last.


I'm linking up today with fellow Connecticut bloggers to share all things New England.... be sure to check out the other posts below.
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