Favorite Things

It's officially Fall up in New England, with temperatures dipping into the 30s at night and staying in the 40s during the day (let's ignore the fact that it snowed in parts of Massachusetts yesterday shall we?). Instead of thinking about the impending Winter season, I'm fully embracing Fall and all its glory with warm meals at the end of the day, dressing in sweaters & boots, and all the pumpkin/apple flavored anything I can get my hands on (GF/DF obvi).

Below are reflections of the season in my life this week:

{Lemon + Cinnamon has become my new favorite scent combo - it's fresh and cozy}

{The large oak tree behind our townhouse is finally turning - it is the most vibrant yellow in the end}

{giving Roswelle just the right amount of Halloween flair - I'll be posting her costume on Monday}

{y'all, make this Maple + Sea Salt Popcorn TONIGHT. It's.the.best.}

Favorite Things

Sometimes it surprises me how quickly our week fills up with errands, playdates, community events, social events and just life. Even though I stay at home with Roswelle and Paul gets home at a reasonable hour most nights, I still feel like I have to fight for quality family time in our schedules. While we have plans this weekend, both Saturday & Sunday, I'm hoping we have plenty of time in between to build forts in the living room, scramble eggs together in the kitchen, and relax up in Roswelle's room watching her play.

Here are some things that kept me inspired this week: 

{I LOVE this Hanna Andersson sweater (similar here) on Roswelle this Fall - the yellow pocket is such a sweet detail}

{I love finding unexpected florals at Trader Joe's}

{I've been making this Paleo Pumpkin Bread every week - only 50g of sugar (via maple syrup) in the entire loaf!}

{I already posted this on Instagram, but I fell in love with my girlfriend's blue back door. The perfect shade for all four seasons - I'll have to ask her the paint color and put it back on here}

{I took some time for myself this week and watched my first photography webinar}

Favorite Things

I believe I've finally found a schedule that works for the blog! Monday/Thursday/Friday posts have been manageable for the past few weeks. I usually work on Monday's post in spurts over the weekend. I then have 3 full days to work on Thursday's post and Friday is just a round-up of the week (and is sometimes my favorite to write). I'd love for you to visit on those days, but I know how busy life can be, so I've made things easy for you and added a subscribe option to the right  >>>

Here are some things that have kept me inspired this week...

{Fall foliage has begun in our neighborhood park that Roswelle and I walk to nearly everyday.}

{a quick moment that has stayed with me}

{this pretty vignette makes for a cheery morning and peaceful night, while making breakfast and dinner}

{I made Pumpkin Chicken Taco Soup (recipe link) and it was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy}

{A rockstar baby-do if there ever was one. We were lucky to have mighty Titan and his parents stay with us for a few days (see more of him here)}

Favorite Things Friday

//personal

My favorite personal thing this week is just being back in Dawsonville, GA. Roswelle and I flew down for a very quick trip to celebrate my soon-to-be-sister-in-law at her wedding shower this weekend. My mom had my favorite Chalk Full of Love coffee mug waiting for me which was such a nice surprise! Yesterday I was blogging at our kitchen table, with Roswelle being fed breakfast by her grandmother and great-grandmother and I had to snap the moment. It was a very good morning. 

//home 

Spongeware may make you think of your grandmother's house but it is making a strong comeback. Tory Burch and Pottery Barn have both recently released a line of the spackled blue pattern pottery. So I was excited to find a set (pictured below) at our local little consignment shop, the Blue Barn. Now I need to figure out a way to make them fit in my checked bag back to Boston....

//food

I spotted this simple idea at Star Provisions during lunch on Wednesday and I'll be bringing the idea home.  Slice a lemon in half, add to fresh or sparkling water, close the cap, and let nature do the rest. You could stock your refrigerator ahead of time for a busy weekend or use this idea at an upcoming shower!

//baby 

Tonight we are all going to Carson's first home high school football game of the season! We will be in our Dawson County Maroon + Gold as we cheer on the tigers - including Roswelle! I've been searching for a maroon bow over the past few days with no luck finding the right one.  So after a trip to Michael's craft store, I made my first boutique bow! I watched this video over and over again until I got it right - she goes really slow and is extremely detailed in her instructions.  I finally got it right and it is going to match her home-made jersey perfectly :) I'm sure you'll see live updates tonight on Instagram.  Go Tigers and good luck Carson!!!

Favorite Things Friday

//home 

It's no secret I love a good deal, but what I'm really hunting for is a treasure. :) I recently made a donation to our local Savers shop (which is just like a Goodwill) and I stopped in to make a quick run-through.  What I found is priceless in my opinion.  Original antique white French China plates with a beautiful thin, gold rim. I got twelve for $1.50 each!!! My heart was racing when I realized what I had found - could it be true?? When I got home I googled the label on the back of the plate and discovered that these are original Charles Ahrenfelds plates which were made in the 1800's. I can't wait for the next dinner party - I may have one just to pull these out! 

//food

I love learning new things from others (but according to my personality I'll judge you first then be open to trying - see below). Our friend Nate and Danielle are staying with us this week and she has been taking a small shot/dose of apple cider vinegar every day.  I asked her about it and she went lightly into the benefits of the enzymes working with our immune system as natural boosters. The key is to buy raw and unfiltered cider with the "mother" which is gross but holds all of the health benefits. I'm willing to try especially as Fall is drawing near and I will be in the city much more than in the summer.  

//baby 

Fisher Price pulled a strategically smart move - releasing "Fisher Price Originals" to the toy aisle. Vintage is in and your child can now play with toys their grandparents played with - sort of. The sentimental strings worked on my mom last week as she purchased this classic music box for Roswelle because "she had one growing up."

//personal

I love a good personality quiz, my dad had me taking them since I could understand what "Type A" meant and I have been studying myself ever since.  He appreciated the value of understanding yourself, strengths and weaknesses, and using them for the betterment of yourself and the people around you.  This "16 personality" test is quite simple with very comprehensive results.  My results were spot on, I'm an ISFJ or "defender." While reading through the lenthy description I came upon "When it comes to romantic relationships, ISFJ's' kindess grows into a joy that is only found in taking care of their family and home, in being there for emotional and practical support whenever it's needed" - you better believe it only solidified my decision to be a stay at home mom! Something new I discovered was that ISFJs are judgers but then we are equally open to change and trying new things. That is also true for me, I'll think "that's differentttt" when you tell me something I'm not sure about but then I'll digest and probably wind up agreeing it's a good idea.  :)  *(Paul is an ESFJ if you are curious - interesting that we are both "sentinels")

Favorite Things Friday

//home 

I had an epic HomeGoods find this week, probably because I visited 5 different locations so my odds were high. I have been looking for light and airy bar stools since I moved in 3 years ago but I refused to spend a fortune or buy anything other than what I had in mind. Then I spotted these perfect wooden & rod iron stools and almost jumped up and down in the store!! They make me grin every time I walk past them so it was money well spent in our home. Roswelle thinks they're great too!

 

//food

My girlfriend Erin brought me cucumbers from her garden this week! She said her husband, Rich, was planning to use them as "baguettes" for his tuna salad and I agreed it was a great idea. We have been using cucumber slices as cracker replacements with cheese and hummus for some time now but hollowing them out and using it as bread brings the cucumber game to a whole other level. 

//baby 

Who knew there were critically acclaimed authors in the baby book world, but Karen Katz is killin' it! We love her books in our household, especially the Princess Baby series - I'm being totally serious!! It all started with Princess Baby, and then we added Princess Baby on the Go (to grandmothers house) and Princess Baby Night Night.  The tried & true test of a good baby book is if the parents enjoy it as well, which we do! Bright colors, cute themes, and plenty of stuffed animals, these books make a wonderful gift for any little girl.

//personal

You can get so much out of a girls night: a break, good food, some good wine if you choose, decorating inspiration and great beauty tips! I had all of that (minus the wine) this past Wednesday night.  My girlfriend Emily was so excited about her new facial cleanser that she brought it with her for all of us to try! The Cure Natural Agua Gel is fragrance free and feels like water on your face. Suddenly your dead skin will start to peel leaving a baby smooth new skin glow. The best part?..it's available on Amazon!  That's a win-win for me since I can never seem to make it to Sephora these days.

Favorite Things Friday

//at home//

While at Ikea this past week, I picked up this water carafe and simple glasses. I love the cork stopper and the sleek, simplistic look of the carafe.  You can dress it up with a candle, tray (also both from ikea), and some simple flowers.  I love having it out on our kitchen which makes me feel ready for guests anytime – so y’all come on over! 

//food//

I listed Avocado oil as an ingredient in my chicken dish last week but I didn’t go into detail about how we now use it as a staple in our cooking.  We have been long time users of EVOO and still do in salads, but unfortunately it looses all of it’s nutritional value when used in cooking, sometimes in heat as low as 220°.  Avocado oil on the other hand, has a “smoke point” of up to 520°. There is a ton of research out there on why to make the switch and I encourage you to look into it!  It can sometimes be difficult to find but I scored this pretty bottle at TJmaxx for only $9.99.

//personal//

Sometimes manicured nails makes you feel put together even when everything else is a mess. I’ve been using Sally Hanson’s Miracle Gel on my nails for several months now and it can really be a life saver. It is such a treat to go get pampered by my neighborhood professional manicurist but my schedule doesn’t always allow it. When I have a dinner in the middle of the week, a big event on the upcoming weekend or just want have 30 minutes of some self care when I get the chance – this polish is what I pull out of the drawer. It has a super thick brush that helps my shaky hand apply smooth coats and it actually stays on well with minimal chipping. I highly recommend!

//baby//

Roswelle is officially off the bottle and the transition to a sippy cup wasn’t all that bad! She has been watching me drink out of the same water bottle since she was born, so it made sense that she preferred just a smaller version of mine.  I buy these spill-proof, fun, water bottles at Target. 

Favorite Things Friday

//personal//

I picked myself up a new spiral notebook this past weekend and it makes me inexplicably happy.  I will forever be a pen and paper list maker, much to Paul’s disliking.  He is always suggesting for me to send myself an email or make a list on my iPhone but the last thing I want to do is create another reason to look at my phone.  Plus, I find something so satisfying about writing out the items I need to remember or accomplish and then going back and crossing through them. Are you a list maker? My mom is NOT, so I must have inherited the love for it from my Dad. I picked up this gold, flamingo inspired notebook at Target, but I also saw these adorable ones on shopwaitingonmartha.com! 

//home//

Speaking of Target, Nate Berkus released a stylish office line just in time for back to school (if only had a home office to furnish!).  Gold Stapler, extra-large gold paper clips, Mint and Gold hanging files - it’s all just fabulous. I’ll definitely be buying myself the large, gold pair of scissors for my craft box.

//food&drink//

Speaking of fabulous, Rosè is the way to celebrate as of late! Have y’all tried this “Brangelina” Miraval Rosè?  The famous couple, Angelina and Brad Pitt, bought a French winery in 2012 and teamed up with winemaker Marc Perrin to bring a new, well-received sparkling wine to the table.  I love the fatter bottle – it is sure to add some diversity to your liquor cabinet. 

//baby//

I was on Honest.com the other night updating our diaper order and noticed their 4-in-1 organic cotton baby carrier.  Stylish, versatile, and organic!! (I'm laughing at myself, but kinda serious...) 

I personally love the pink option but would most likely buy the gray to keep things neutral.  If you are in the market for a clip-and-go carrier, I would recommend this one as the baby can face so many directions which is important as they get older. 

Favorite Things Friday

I had a super busy first of the week, but things slowed way down the second half, which is how I prefer it. We are headed to a family wedding this weekend in Chatham, MA. Chatham beaches are known for Great White shark infested waters...one literally washed up on shore this past week. Locals kept the 7ft teenage great white alive and got it safely back into the water.  yay! A life goal of mine is to see a Great White fin (safely from the shore), so I'll be packing my binoculars this weekend. Have a great weekend, y'all!

//personal//

I have been finding it nearly impossibly to find fun, bright dresses with thin straps lately. Which is why I was soooo surprised and thrilled to find this Kate Spade Saturday at TJ Maxx for only $25!?! It's probably because the line has been discontinued, but either way I'm looking forward to wearing it this weekend! I tried to find something similar online to share with y'all but again, had no luck. Have any of you been able to find pretty, thin-strap dresses?

//food&drink//

Boxed water came of out no where and now it seems to be everywhere!? The first time I had ever seen it was in the @chalkfulloflove picture I shared on Instagram on Wednesday. Then it was at Sunbird Kitchen. and now I feel like it is the bottled water to be drinking. The company sets themselves apart with 76% of their water boxes composed of a renewable resource, trees. Their trees are from well managed forests, constantly growing new trees to replaced the harvested ones. I'm not necessarily a "tree hugger" but I'll be buying this water when I see it from now on.

//baby//

The perk of being the first grand-daughter...grandmothers send you very special and sweet gifts. I love these Janie and Jack sandals on Roswelle, as does she! Thanks, Mia! It looks like this specific pair is no longer available but Roswelle was also gifted these blue sandals which are equally adorable. My only questions is: "Can I have a pair in my size?"

//home//

I would love so much to paint a bold pink and white striped wall in Roswelle's room, similar to this one.  But in effort to keep the room neutral for now, I will be added hints of pink and white stripes, including this extra large turkish towel.

Favorite Things Friday

What a week!  Thank you all for the birthday love.  This week flew by but it was a great one.  Paul and I are headed to a friends wedding on the cape for the weekend while Roswelle is with Gigi & Pops! :)

//home//

To have wrinkle free linens on your bed, all you need is a simple spray bottle of water. I watched "how to make the perfect bed" by Pottery Barn and learned the trick from them. You just spray and smooth. That specific video is no longer available but there are many other tutorials here.  If you want to go the extra step for freshness, infuse the water with a sprig of lavender.  

//personal//

One of the first things I did when I moved to Boston almost 5 years ago was find a good hairstylist for my blonde southern hair. Recommended by a coworker, I found CeCe in the city and I have been going to her since the beginning. She is a stylish, sweet, italian woman that shows me love in the form of caring conversation and a great blowout. She also manages to give me a color, wash, cut and blowdry in exactly two hours. This is an important factor when trying to fit in a hair appointment with your busy schedule. I can arrange a sitter for Roswelle during the week and avoid anxiously wondering if I will be at the hair salon for 5+ hours!! If you are a fellow blonde in Boston, or just someone looking for a good hairstylist in general, she is the one I recommend! Her info: cece2323@gmail.com or (617) 877-8288.

//food&drink//

Have you ever looked up a recipe based on what you have on hand already? I did yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  I had shrimp in the freezer and feta cheese in the fridge which lead me to this recipe.  It wound up being a great last minute appetizer to take over to a girlfriend's last night!

//baby//

My girlfriend, Meredith, is in the trenches with a teething baby. After 2 weeks of sleepless night and lots of tears for both baby and mom, her pediatrician recommended Gripe Water.  Thankfully, it actually worked and they are headed into their second day of good sleeping and more giggles.  She is also using Hyland's Baby teething tablets.  I thought I would share the good news!

Favorite Things Friday

This week's Favorite Things Friday post is all about the simple & FREE things in life. A lot of times I write about "go here" "try this" "buy this" but in all honestly I spend most of my days trying to find ways to NOT spend money! I truly believe to have less is to have more...unless we are talking about having kids... ;)

//food//

My friend Erin brought me something good & green from her backyard garden.  I was treated with broccoli and fresh lettuce - both things we love and eat every week.  She was excited to share because when broccoli is picked, more will sprout and grow.  She bought 5 plants for $10 at home depot and now has homegrown veggies for her family of four.  

//home//

In an effort to avoid binge-watching Bravo during Roswelle's naps, I have been organizing our house little by little >> drawer by drawer.  I haven't personally read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo but I have absorbed bits and tips from friends who have, and I'm reaping the benefits.  Search #MarieKondoMethod on Instagram and you will find thousands of pictures of organized drawers, cabinets, and spaces.  Her approach is to keep only the things and materials that bring you joy.  I still need to edit this drawer but her method of folding upright (filing cabinet style, if you will) allows you to see everything.  I'm hoping now I will either a) wear things I love but had simply forgotten or b) realize I never wear certain items (and then give them away).

//personal//

If you know my husband Paul, you know he's a bit "energetic".  He's always got some new thing that he's doing, usually related to fitness, and he'll be persistent (/annoying) in his attempt to include me (symptoms of his twin complex).  He has recently convinced me to try what is called "Lunge U" - and I must admit, I kind of like it!  The goal is to do a walking lunge for 400 meters as quickly as possible. On a typical day, I only get up to 200/250 lunges - its alot harder than it sounds. I feel really strong after and I think it has helped me shave a minute off my mile pace.   I love that it can be done anywhere, at any time, and at any fitness level.

//baby//

The windows in our living room are low and unblocked.  It's a perfect perch for Roswelle to watch people hustle to the T stop, not to mention her favorite: the neighborhood dog owners taking a morning stroll with their pups.  Some of the best moments with Roswelle are the simplest, her curiosity is unlimited - I love this age!

Favorite Things Friday

//personal//

The nyx wonder stick will be my next make-up purchase.  One of my favorite bloggers, The DayBook, vetted this item and I trust her whole-heartedly.  Perfect for those days you just need a little umph.

//food&drink//

I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but I can still appreciate a good, local drink option when I see one - and share it with y’all!  Mystic Table Beer is the perfect mix between casual and chic.  Perfect for an outdoor dinner or a casual birthday party for your girlfriend.  I just love the idea of putting beer in a pretty bottle – I mean, why not?  

//home//

I’m sure you have seen wedding blankets on style blogs and HGTV makeover shows, but the price for one of these treasures probably makes your heart stop.  Anthropologie has a beautiful option with a price most can stomach ($128).  I have this at the end of my guest bed and it adds just the right amount of style and texture to the room.  These are great draped over a bed or chair and can also be hung on a large wall as art or a headboard.  You won’t regret this purchase. 

//baby//

I'm always looking for classic, wooden toys and guess who has them....IKEA!!  These toys take me back to my own childhood and don't make me gasp when I see the price.  This stacking ring set is only $6.99!  Perfect for a gift.


Alright y'all, I'm headed to Nashville for my first girl's weekend since I can remember.  Have a great weekend!

Favorite Things Friday

TGIF!!

This is the first time, in as long as I can remember (maybe ever?), that I have written every day of the week!  I'm hoping writing every day, will be a more regular thing.  

I'm packing up the car to head to the cape, but wanted to share my favorite things this week.

Home:

{meyer's hand soap is no new thing, but the honeysuckle scent is something special}

Beauty:

{I love the Physician's Formula Organic tinted moisturizer.  They also have organic BB & CC cream}

Food:

{I'll be on the road a lot this summer and nothing bothers Paul more than when I bring my coffee mug into the car.  Target has great disposable coffee cups prints right now, bright or a little more subtle, depending on your mood.  I only use these when I can't find my reusable to-go mug, like today.}

Baby:

{monogrammed beach towels are great summer gifts for babies and kids!  I love this kid-size pb flamingo version and the extra large LLbean polka-dot towel pictured below.  Both were gifts and I'm so thankful for them!}

Alright, I'm off!  Have a great holiday weekend!

Favorite Things Friday

I have to write this quickly because I'm trying to squeeze in House of Cards during her first nap. It's a little early for such a dark show but I'm too excited to wait. I thought I would do a little "Favorite Things Friday" since I have't written one in forever.  I'm sooo happy it is Friday and a sunny one at that with temperatures above freezing!! :D

Home: 

Living in a small home in the city we have little space to spare.  These cylinder-like kleenex boxes are genius and can fit onto the smallest side table or shelf.  You can get them at Target!

 Personal: 

This Honest shave oil is a spa in a 2.25oz bottle.  It's a wonderful remedy to winter skin problems and the aroma takes me away to my favorite spas every time. AND it's organic - ha! Moms, add it to your next Honest order!

Baby+Food: 

It's no secret I'm a stickler for good, simple ingredients and these are great snacks with no additives.  They have the texture and convenience of the popular "puffs" but without the extra ingredients. Jenny found them at Whole Foods and I'll be back for more!

Favorite Things Friday

Happy Friday, y'all.  Due to some travel plan changes, my week had a slow pace which was much needed.  The weather here was rainy and chilly most of the week which only warranted one or two outings a day for us.  It was a nice change of pace for me and I feel ready for the weekend ahead.

Here are some things that are making my life better, currently.

Personal & Home:

{this mini steamer is the real deal.  With a baby and a schedule that seems to change on the fly I rarely have time to get out the iron (and who really wants to anyways?).  The mini steamer fits in my closet or luggage and gives me an wrinkle free outfit on the go and in turn one less wrinkle in my morning - only $20 at Bed Bath & Beyond.  worth.every.penny!}

Food:

{Lately, I scrutinize every single ingredient in every thing I eat.  I blame it on the recent article on the nutritional value of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte that floated around on facebook - it opened my eyes to the numerous unnecessary ingredients and chemicals in our food.  BUT this Blissful Eats granola pictured above put my mind at ease for the most part.  It's great to have a healthy snack option that keeps my admittedly over-thinking, worrisome mind at ease.} 

Baby:

{This baby diaper rash cream is the best I have found so far.  Many of their products are sold at Whole Foods with ingredients I am comfortable putting on Roswelle.  I use the diaper cream, baby wash and baby oil.  The European based skin-care company has great items for Mom too!}

Have a great & safe weekend y'all.  Paul, Roswelle, and I are headed to the Cape this weekend to celebrate and remember the life of Paul's Grandfather and namesake, Paul M. Fusini. <3

Favorite Things Friday

Lately a few things in particular have either been making my life easier or making me smile, or both!  I'm going to try to implement a series of Favorite Things Friday with categories Personal, Food, Home, and Baby.  Hope you enjoy!

Personal:

One of my favorite bloggers, Erin Gates of Elements of Style, just released her design book.  It is full of amazing design spaces and personal stories of hers.  A must for your coffee table!

Jenny signed us up for the book signing in Fenway on Tuesday night.  So happy to have met her! (and it was a fun excuse for me to actually get dressed up during the week)

Food:

{Fall in a box. literally. smells amazing!!}

Home:

While at home in GA, I used my mom's white (and 'green' eco friendly) frying pans.  I love how crisp and clean they make the food look as I cook.  I cooked spaghetti sauce in them and they came out perfectly clean - no staining!

Baby:

We love this inflatable ducky for bath time.  Roswelle can sit up in her bath safely, it's just enough space for her to play in, and it fills up in less than a minute! Much better than having to fill up the entire tub and hold onto her to keep her from tipping over while she plays.