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.