Friday, December 22, 2017

Let the Holidays Begin with #XfinityMoms!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Comcast; all opinions expressed are my own. 



What I love about being back in Boston is seeing how certain things have changed and that includes Comcast. I've shared before how I was a Comcast customer in my single-hood days of living in Boston post-college, and once I moved to NYC it was so hard to get used to a different provider. Now back in Boston with Comcast I'm loving all the new updates especially now that I have a family. 

Winner: Setu Yoga Community Prize Pack

It's the day before we leave for Charleston (at 5a.m. YIKES!), so I was up early to get my nails done promptly at 9a.m. when I saw this:

Jessamyn at WELL Summit was a highlight!

How timely since I was coming to the blog today to share the winner of my Setu giveawayI really enjoyed reading the comments of everyone who entered. It's so important to remember as each year begins to re-focus on health and wellness. 

So on to the winner:


Thursday, December 21, 2017

Gift It: Nitro Circus' Signature Hyper Bicycles

Disclosure: I received samples to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 



One of my most favorite Christmas memories when I was a child was getting a bicycle. I can still remember it so clearly - it was hot pink and black. Despite the coldness of that Christmas day in Ohio, I ran out the door to give it a try and yes, I was quite the little diva on my bike.

Now as a mom with active 3 and 7 year olds who are constantly engaged in some manner of obstacle course and stunts around the house, when Nitro Circus reached out to surprise them with bikes in time for Christmas I knew they'd be excited. 

I was right!


Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Too Late to Send Holiday Cards? Not with Minted!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Minted and contains affiliate links; all opinions expressed are my own. 




It never fails: right after Thanksgiving I start seeing the question of whether to send holiday cards pop up in my feed and boy, does it cause a lot of stress!

Friday, December 15, 2017

Introducing Setu: An Inclusive Yoga Community (& a Giveaway!)

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Setu; all opinions expressed are my own.


When I looked over the session options at this year's W.E.L.L. Summit, morning yoga with Jessamyn Stanley jumped out at me. I've tried yoga a handful of times, but have always found that my mind wanders, and it's a bit intimidating as I'm not flexible. Like Not. At. All. 

So what made me sign up anyway?

Monday, December 11, 2017

So I Live in the Most Racist City in America

The Boston Statehouse on the morning of the election protest
When I first came to Boston I thought it'd just be for education then I'd bounce. Five years after graduation I left Boston for NYC and vowed never to return.

Well we know how that went...

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Special Feature: 12 Days of Giving

I'm pausing from the chaos of holiday party prep to share a special feature today that I'm participating in hosted by Amanda, a fellow Boston-metro blogger at Prim and Propah. We first met at BlogHer in NYC back in 2015, and it's been wonderful becoming blogging buddies and meeting up with our little guys too (remember this EPIC toddler moment?!).



Today, please head over to her blog to see not only how you can give back to a fantastic charity, but also win a special something for yourself! You may even spot a cute little throwback family pic of the Lovebirds... And continue to follow for the remaining 5 days for more giving opportunities and prizes.

Thank you Amanda for including me!


 

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Whoa December!


We went to a tree farm fully prepared to cut our tree, but this pre-cut one was our fave!

I looked up and this year is pretty much over. Welp!

Here's what's going on lately (in pictures)...

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Four Chimneys Inn: A Weekend Away with My Sisters


Years ago at the age of 3 my parents took me to live in Connecticut for two years. Although we returned to Ohio, my earliest memories were formed in New England. Now as an adult I find that I have an affinity for its landscape and architecture, but not quite to the cold. 

It's worth it though. 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Our Jr. Celtics Gameday Clinic Experience

Disclosure: I received complimentary Jr. Celtics admission to facilitate this review; photo releases were signed by participants pictured and all opinions expressed are my own. 


Can you spot Nia? {Photo Courtesy of Boston Celtics}
Love and basketball. That's always been an underlying theme of my family - Mr. Lovebird and I met in college, and while he doesn't believe I played basketball in middle school and high school, he played all the way through to college and then professionally abroad.

Nia knows this is a part of her family history, and while we've gently tried to suggest basketball to her she's always been quite reluctant. 

That changed when she was invited to the Jr. Celtics Gameday Clinic.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Video Recap: Renewed and Refreshed at W.E.L.L. Summit 2017

Disclosure: I received a complimentary ticket to W.E.L.L. Summit; all opinions expressed are my own. 

With my sister Lauren
Two weeks ago I joined my sisters in NYC for the 3rd annual W.E.L.L. Summit. Last year's was quite emotional for me, and this year I was hurtling towards the Summit in a flurry of activity knowing that returning each year helps to center me and prepare me for the upcoming New Year. 

Monday, November 13, 2017

Talking to Your Kids About God & Science

Disclosure: I received a copy of Indescribable to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 



I have a secret that causes Mr. Lovebird to poke fun at me: I am a space travel nerd. It used to be one of my main interests when I was in elementary school up until I saw the movie Space Camp which scared me SO bad that I decided that I'd rather be an archaeologist. I still have a hankering for Star Trek and all things outer space related! Once I had kids I wondered if their interests would mirror mine, and it's been a cautious path allowing them to find their own way. 

Then it happened.


Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Wordless Wednesday: Fall So Far


Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Beauty in Green: My Customized eShakti Dress

Disclosure: I received a dress from eShakti to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 


Have you ever looked at your child's wardrobe and been inspired? I recently was. Since taking Nia shopping for fall clothing a couple months ago I noticed a green shirt of hers has quickly become her favorite, and it made me realize I don't own green clothing. Green happens to also be Mr. Lovebird's favorite color, but it had never dawned on me to wear it so when eShakti invited me to try a customized dress I decided to hone in on green. 

They really have some stunning options...

Monday, November 6, 2017

My Thanksgiving Wayfair Blogger's Picks

This month I'm excited to share my Blogger's Picks are featured over on Wayfair.com! Here are my selections inspired by my recent dining room reveal - you can click through each one to be taken to the item:
Dinnerware Set Trufant 16 Piece Dinnerware Set The hand-decorated, raised floral design adds a romantic element and texture to a dining room table. While it's easy to go with stark white dishware, I appreciate the warmth of cream and how it plays off of other fall tones. Art Print íWarmth IVí Print on Canvas Drawing up on so many colors, this piece isn't overwhelming, but adds a beautiful focal point that can play off of other design elements in the dining room. From the blues, oranges and creams it lends itself to being able to switch up the decor seasonally as well. Candlestick Holder Mercury Glass Candlestick Holder I have a thing for silver and how it reflects light. These candlesticks bring texture to the table and I'd add a few of them in various heights to create a rich ambiance.
Area Rug Phoebe Burnt Orange Rug A colorful rug is so lush and this one pulls out the colors of the art print I selected especially with the touch of blue. I enjoy adding bits of blue to a room as I find it calming. Platter String of Pearls Large Deep Platter As with the candlesticks, the silver will reflect the warm colors of fall foods beautifully. The pearl trims also connects to the nail heads on the arm chairs I selected. Thankful Sign Rustic Thankful Sign This simple script sign is a beautiful reminder for the reason to gather around the table this holiday season. I imagine it propped up on the buffet table amongst the holiday dishes and floral arrangements.
Blackout Curtains Carterton Solid Blackout Grommet Single Curtain Panel Red curtains are so lush in a dining room and compliments the colors of the rug and art. I selected a plush textured fabric to bring warmth and richness to the dining room and appreciate the blackout lining for privacy. Arm Chair Argana Arm Chair These sturdy chairs make elegant accents to the table as the header and footer chairs pulling in the nailhead design that's so popular without being overwhelming. The rich wood detail and thatched fabric add another dimension of luxury to the dining room. Server Odell Server The decorative details on the glass doors of this buffet server stand out not only providing functional storage, but also serving as a display case. The dark wood adds a stately aspect to a dining room and will contrast with the bold colors of additional accents.
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? What inspires your holiday decor?

 

Thanksgiving Countdown: Decorating Our First Dining Room with Wayfair

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Wayfair; all opinions expressed are my own. 



In 17 short days my family will come together for our first Thanksgiving in our new home and in the wake of recent news while we always acknowledge the importance of family, this year's gathering feels especially sacred. 


Friday, November 3, 2017

Making Healthy Meals with Farmers to You

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Farmers to You; all opinions expressed are my own. 



Despite having lived in cities with amazing farmers markets from the world-famous Union Square Greenmarket to Portsmouth, New Hampshire's community-building farmer's market at City Hall I never quite made them a regular part of my routine with my children. Part of the reason is I know I would lose self control and just get cookies my kids would be begging for things, but I also feel a sense of guilt for not exposing them to it regularly. 


Thursday, November 2, 2017

Put the Phone Down, Mom! Managing Devices at Dinnertime with Comcast XFINITY xFi

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own. I have worked in the past with Comcast on a sponsorship basis.



Now that our school situation is settled and it's a new month, it feels like we're in a bit of reset in our home. Grayson and Nia are no longer at the same school (hopefully just for this year!), and Grayson is also transitioning to his own room this week. Now more than ever the key times that we *are* able to connect are most important and that includes dinnertime. While the kids are screen-free during the school week, I admit I sometimes sneak to check my notifications while we're eating. Thankfully, Comcast has got my back when it comes to reigning in device access. 

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Contest: Where Do You Take Your Welch's?

Disclosure: I received samples to facilitate this post; all opinions expressed are my own. 


welch's contest

Do you admit to stealing your kids' treats sometimes? I absolutely do. If you're like me thankfully there's a reward for that with Welch's "Where Do You Take Your Welch's?" contest


Monday, October 30, 2017

Mudroom Magic: 3 Tips for a Beautiful and Functional Space



It's hard to believe that last month we celebrated the one year mark of home ownership, and when I think back to what made my heart sing when we first toured the house it was a small, but mighty space: the mudroom.



Here are my 3 tips for making your mudroom beautiful yet, functional...

Friday, October 27, 2017

On Resiliency and Peace: Our Second First Day of the School Year

I have been unsettled in the past year since we've relocated to Boston because my children have not been settled, but yesterday that changed.



Yesterday my 7 year old daughter Virginia, "Nia," started at her 6th school.


Monday, October 16, 2017

Celebrating National Women’s Small Business Month with zulily

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of zulily; all opinions expressed are my own. 




Running Harlem Lovebirds as well as my own small business has made me a champion of fellow entrepreneurs and when zulily reached out to me highlighting their efforts to celebrate National Women's Small Business Month I was excited to join in!

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Giveaway: W.E.L.L. Summit 2017 in NYC


Did you see my Instagram post with the big news?


Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Presenting: Quiana at Blogalicious 2017

This past weekend in Miami was very much needed. It was so refreshing to be around my Blogalicious family, and I have to say: Kia knocked it OUT. THE. PARK. when it came to their suite and offerings. They are so thoughtful! 

Here's a little video they produced for me, and I share my thoughts on blogging conferences, attending as a newbie and why I love Blogalicious so much:


More to come...

 

Monday, October 2, 2017

Tone Deaf


Today I'm breaking over one month of silence in this space.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Back to School with Roche Bros. and the Dinner Daily

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Roche Bros. and The Dinner Daily. All opinions expressed are my own. 



In a few weeks my family and I will celebrate the one year anniversary of home ownership and our return to Boston after a 9 year hiatus. Pre-kids, when I was a student at Wellesley College, I had fond memories of shopping at Roche Bros., a 65 year old grocery store chain, not only for myself while I was in summer housing on-campus, but also for families I babysat for. Now with kids of my own, I was thrilled to learn about Roche Bros.' partnership with the Dinner Daily and how it's making meal planning during back-to-school season so much easier. 

Monday, August 14, 2017

Speak Up and Do the Work


This is getting old, however I am not surprised.


Tuesday, August 8, 2017

ICYMI: 2018 Day Designer Unboxing Video #PlannerAddict

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 


We're barely into August and the 2018 Day Designers are here!

Crazy right?

Thursday, August 3, 2017

PSA: Day Designer 2018 is Now Available!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 


Aren't they pretty?
I'm in Ohio for the week with the kids (so much fun stuff over on my Instagram Stories!), but quickly wanted to pop in with the announcement that 2018 Day Designers are now available to purchase! Do you know which one you'd want to get? 

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Facebook Live Replay: Life Update

Vegas was just...
ICYMI I did a Facebook Live broadcast today over on my blog's Facebook page. It was more of a life update since things are moving too fast lately. By the time I sit down to write so much more has happened!

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Lovebirds Lately


The past two weeks we've been hanging out locally around New England, and while we're gearing up for more adventures, I wanted to pop in with a quick update...

The biggest news?

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

5 Reasons Why I'm Glad My Husband Attended BlogHer 2017


My experience at BlogHer this year was unique in that not only did I speak at the conference for the first time, but my husband attended with me. Coming from our courtship at Wellesley that started a little over 18 years ago, Mr. Lovebird knew a bit of what to expect when it comes to the gender ratio of BlogHer and overall he confirmed he's definitely glad he came with me. 

Here are 5 reasons why I am too...

Friday, July 7, 2017

Lovebirds' Top 6 Activities for Kids Visiting Chicago


Visiting Chicago with the kids has been on my bucket list since Mr. Lovebird started going there annually for work, and a few weeks ago we got to accompany him for 4 days. Before going I crowd sourced via social media to find the top recommended things to do with kids. While there were so many suggestions to sort through, I found those from Chicago natives Natasha of Houseful of Nicholes, Ashley of Mommy Week, and Keyonda of A Real Urban Mom to be most helpful (thank you!). 

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Lovebirds' Summer Kick-Off



We've been traveling a lot and with family in town this past extended holiday weekend I'm finally catching up on getting organized for the rest of the summer! We have a couple weeks' break before our next adventure so I thought it'd be fun to do a pic heavy post to show what we've been up to...


Friday, June 30, 2017

Unique Birthday Gifts from UncommonGoods

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of UncommonGoods; all opinions expressed are my own.



May through September is our family's birthday season and one of my favorite companies I've been shopping from for years, UncommonGoods, invited me to pick a few items from their website. It was a hard choice, but the best part is that I was able to find something for just about everyone on my list! 


Thursday, June 29, 2017

My First Time at barre3 Brookline

Disclosure: I received a complimentary class from barre3 Brookline; all opinions expressed are my own.



Coming off our 8th anniversary, in just under 3 weeks Mr. Lovebird and I return to the city where we got engaged: Las Vegas. If you've followed me on the blog for some time you know it's a destination we return to time and time again, and we love how it's constantly changing, making each visit unique. 

Something else that's changed?

My body. 

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Wordless Wednesday: Our 8th Anniversary and Grayson's 3rd Birthday