Me VS. the Sprinkler

Ladies and Gents, spring has sprung! And thank goodness. I could not do one more craft or make one more cardboard playhouse, mailbox, sailboat, etc

My children can go outside, play, get hot,  sweaty and, most importantly, tired. A day in the sun does wonders for naps and nighttime sleeping. Phenomenal. I could do without the pollen though, that's for sure. 

Now that we have this new house I have an infinite number of outdoor things that must be taken care of, like watering the lawn and the plants. Having lived in the city for ten years, I am not used to this at all. I had two potted plants in the city. Nature, and if we're honest, drunk post-grads, watered them. Life observation: Drunk post-grads are suprisingly useful when it comes to horticulture. They not only water your plants, but their leftover cigarette butts also decompose nicely, leaving you with freshly fertilized and composted soil. And all those years I thought it was my green thumb!

I've been meaning to water our grass now for a while. I finally decided today was the day. The wonderful company that built our home also provided us with two sprinklers. Not built in ones, but the pulsating kind. You know, the one the dance move is named after?? 

Anyway, I put the kids down for a nap and eagerly, and proudly, I might add, headed outside to be a homeowner. I placed the sprinkler in the corner of our yard, thinking it'd get the whole thing. I trudged back across the grass and excitedly turned on the water, waiting for the moment I could proudly smile at my accomplishment and the green lawn with which I was about to be blessed. 

The water surged, the sprinkler turned on. Success!!

Except it was watering my neighbor's yard. Easy fix right? 

Nope, because when I moved it and let it go, it no longer rotated. It just went tsh tsh tsh instead of tick tick tick tick, brrrrgghhhh on repeat. 

So now the water is on, I'm getting soaked trying to move this thing and I want turn it off - but how do you know how to adjust the sprinkler if it's not on? Now, I am an American. I was not about to walk all the way over to the spicket to turn it off, move it, and then walk all the way back over to turn it back on just to see I had made a mistake. 

So, the next best option of course is to leave it on and move it. Needless to say I got soaked again, and I'm pretty sure I almost lost my eye when the sprinkler jetted straight into my eyeball. Powerful little bugger, let me tell you. I wiped away the water, consequently smearing mascara all over the left side of my face. It's hot. I'm frustrated. Am I sweating or soaked? Not sure. Keep going, I say. You can do this. It's a sprinkler for chrissake! You have a masters degree. It shouldn't be that hard. Just think about it. Think! 

So I spent the next twenty minutes moving the sprinkler around the yard (I did turn down the water so as not to get soaked again) trying to get it to be a sprinkler. It would only spray in one place. But that is not the dance move I know. What makes the sprinkler move so great is that you rotate and everyone gets to enjoy the loveliness of the sprinkler. 

God help me. 

Then I have a genius idea. Move it to the center of the yard and then it doesn't matter where it sprays; it will get the yard somehow. 

I do this, but I still can't get it to pulsate. Up until writing this post I had no idea there were different kinds of sprinklers. Just thought there were underground ones and ones you buy at Lowes for $10. After extensive google research, I have since found that I have a pulsating sprinkler. I think. Or an impact one. Or maybe they're the same thing?? Idk!  

By this point I had turned the water off and I examinied the sprinkler head. (Because I've seen one of these up close before and know all of its parts, so of course examining it closely will give me some sort of clarity. HA!)

I tug on things, rotate others, push down, pull up, flick levers up and down, exhausting. I turn on the water a little and convince myself it's rotating when it's not. I have been laughing at myself throughtout this unexpected epic fail. Who would've thought using a sprinkler would've been so freakin complicated?! I just thought you connected it to the hose, stuck it in the ground and turned it on. Wtf!

Now I am sweating and I'm semi-annoyed because I know my husband is going to come home and have it fixed in no time. As if he was born with some sort of sprinkler manual built into his brain. 

Did I mention the crew of about 20 construction workers building the house down the street who have been watching this entire thing unfold? I'm sure they got a good laugh at my expense. I know I did. But all the more reason I wanted to figure it out. I can't let these guys who could probably do this in their sleep see me fail at a sprinkler. A sprinkler can't be my downfall! 

By this point I was sufficiently embarrassed, so trudged back inside to google my problem. 

I realized I must've really missed a life lesson when even Google thought I was dumb. I googled "how to use a sprinkler" and all these results came back on installing a sprinkler system, not operating one. Apparently, even Google knows how to turn on a $10 Lowes sprinkler. I tried YouTube. The same thing. I read three articles, none of which helped because they were all written on the premise that I know the names of the parts of the sprinkler. Like it's some sort of commonplace vernacular.  

For example, eHow instructed me to:

          

• Step 3

  Push down the water deflector to reduce the distance the water travels. The deflector is in front of where the water exits the sprinkler head. Leave the deflector up to allow the water to travel as far as possible. The distance depends on the brand of pulsating sprinkler you own.

• Step 4

  Turn the water on from the nozzle and observe the pulsating sprinkler's spray pattern. Adjust the collars to keep the water within the desired area. Open or close the deflector to increase or decrease how far the water travels.

What the eff is a water deflector and a collar???! 

My favorite line is where it tells you to "observe the pulsating sprinklers spray pattern." Well, if I could do that my problem would be fixed, now wouldn't it!! 

I am now more determined than ever to figure this fucker out. Excuse my language, but it really is the only way to describe it. Sprinkler you laughed at me once, but not twice. I accept your challenge, fucker. 

To be continued...

The Best Hair Dryer in the World

I have found the holy grail of hair dryers ladies and gents.  I give you, The Rusk.  

One rare morning I was able to get a shower without my children in tow.  I rushed through the shower to hopefully dry. my. hair.  Well, friends, God smiled upon me and it came to pass that I was able to dry my hair.  There was only one snafu.  My hair dryer up and died in the middle of my blow out.  The nerve! 

And so began my quest for a better, bigger, stronger, more effective blow dryer.  After much research and examination, I decided on the Rusk W8less Professional 2000 Watt Hair Dryer.  It has changed my life.  Quite literally.  

I'm not what you'd call a 'hair girl.'  I was never taught how to blowout my hair or curl it.  I pretty much point the dryer at my head and expect to come out looking like a Victoria's Secret model.  Sadly, that never happens.  

I have fine strands of hair but a lot of them - so I have thin-thick hair?  Is that a thing?  Anyway, using my Conair hair dryer often took at least 20 min (and my hair still wasn't completely dry) and I was often left very frizzy, especially on top.  My hair is actually pretty healthy, but sometimes I looked like I stuck my finger in a socket.  I never believed the hype about expensive dryers, assuming it was all a ploy to make money.  And maybe it is. But in the off chance it's not I'm here to inform you of what has seriously changed my morning routine.  

I used to dread showering.  That sounds terrible, but with two kids under two it wasn't a peaceful time.  And forget about drying my hair.  Brush it and throw it in a wet messy bun.  Until, The Rusk.  No more frizzy, no more dread. Just pure unadulterated perfectly dry, smooth locks.  Don't believe me?  Take a look for yourself.

Its claim to fame is its infrared drying technique, which dries hair from the inside out.  It also uses ceramic and tourmaline to heat the hair.  Ceramic heats more evenly than other materials used in cheaper hair dryers and tourmaline, a mineral, produces negative ions helping to break up the water molecules,leaving you with shiny, luscious hair.   Learn more about the difference between ceramic, tourmaline, ionic (a third type) dryers, here. 

The Rusk claims to cut drying time by 40%.  I scoffed when I read this but figured, 'Hey, I need a hair dryer and mine broke, so why not?'  Boy am I glad I shelled out the $80 for this one.  

If I don't feel like styling my hair, but just want to dry it so I don't have to leave the house and enter the freezing cold with a wet head, it does so in literally about 7 minutes.  Let that sink in a minute.  I shower, I get out, I brush my teeth, put in contacts and put on make up, then I dry my hair.  It is still really wet, and somehow this life-changing hair dryer dries it in 7 minutes.  One time I had to battle with my two year old about time out and then dry my hair - 5 minutes to a dry head people.  Five minutes! (said in the voice of the guy who runs the Santa display in the movie Elf)

Do yourself a favor and put it on your holiday wishlist.  You'll thank me.  Sephora, Ulta, Amazon - they all carry it.  Although I think it's the cheapest on Amazon at $64.  And if you gift this to the lady in your life, you will get her out the door and on to the party or the game much faster.  It's in your best interest too, gents.  

I actually look forward to doing my hair now.  Thank you Rusk.  I wish I could say they paid me to write this review, but sadly they did not.  I'm just in love with this hair dryer.  I still can't believe I'm saying that.  Who am I?  In love with a hair dryer? It changed my life?  Sheesh.  Maybe I need to get out more!  

Happy drying my friends!

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne~

Spring Favs for Face and Hair

Now that spring is upon us (I think!) it's time to start thinking about some products that will help us transition from the frigidity of winter to the impending warmth of spring. 

I've been using some products that I've been loving recently that I want to share with you.  

1.  {Philosophy Purity Face Wash} 

So fresh, so clean. This face wash does a great job cleansing my skin while not drying it out.  I've mentioned it before, but I'm still loving it so I figured it can't hurt to mention it again! I use it morning and night followed by a moisturizer and I have been happy with it so far.  I bought a travel sized one from Sephora to test it out and have since gone back for the full-sized version.  I travel a bunch so I saved the first container and I just refill and pack it in my makeup bag when I've got some traveling to do.  

2.  {Glamglow Super Mud Clearing Mask} 

This is a bit pricey but in my opinion well worth the splurge.  It's a teeny bottle (1.2 oz) with major payoff. It's designed to be used on a cleansed face to bring forth impurities, shrink pores, brighten, provide anti-aging, generate collagen, and controls bacteria. 

A little goes a long way.  Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin and wait 5-20 minutes before washing off.  (I wait 20 minutes to allow the product time to work, but also because after shelling out $70 for 1oz of product you better believe I'm leaving it on for the full recommended time before watching it slink down the drain!).  My skin looked brighter, clearer and was as soft and moisturized as a baby's bottom.  Even a day or two after using it my skin still felt baby soft.  

3.  {Oil of Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream} 

I slather this on each night after I cleanse my skin.  It's a thicker cream and soaks right in so you don't hit the pillow all greasy and oily.  I also use this after the mud mask I mentioned above, just to seal in all the moisture. 

It can be a tad pricey so buy it at Costco.  You get two for around the same price as one!

4.  {Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hair Spray} 

I am really picky about hairspray.  I have thick hair but it is made up of fine strands that tend to be slippery and terrible at holding a curl or a style.  I need to really 'dirty up' my hair in order for any style to last.  

I'll be honest, because it takes so much work for me to get my hair texturized enough to do things others do with ease, I don't really 'do' my hair that often.  I envy girls who have natural bounce, lift and who can throw it in a volumized bun without it slipping out immediately.  

That being said, when I do out in the time and effort to style my hair, that bad boy better stay put!  This Frizz Ease Hairspray is just the ticket.  Smells good, doesn't get flaky, and seriously holds hair in place without being sticky or crunchy.  

With the seemingly rainy spring ahead, this will keep your hair in place and frizz-free.  

5.  {Toni and Guy Sea Salt Texurizing Spray}

This stuff is AH-MAZING. It smells divine and just a little bit gives your hair a ton of texture, which justifies the price.  I like to use this type of product in the warmer months because you can wash, spray, zhoosh, and go.  

I got it in one of my Glossybox arrivals and tried it in a date night with my husband to texturize my hair before curling it.  Combined with my Frizz Ease Hairspray, my curls lasted all night! 

6.  {Catwalk Root Booster} 

Yet another way I try to add style to my thin limp locks, this root booster is great for volume.  The spray nozzle is not my favorite, however.  It has a little plastic nozzle that points out of the pump delivering the product in more of a stream than a spray. I find after I use it it has not only spritzed my hair, but also my bathroom countertops. But if you need a boost you need a boost, no? Just be ready to wipe down afterward. 

7.  {Pureology Color Fanatic} 

I just got my hair colored recently and I'm in love with the way it turned out.  I went for honey bronde (google it- it's a mix of blonde and brown) with a hint of ombré.  I want this gorgeous color to last so I use this color protectant spray from Pureology.  It smells intoxicating and I look forward to spraying it on my hair before using hot styling tools.  

8.  {Bath and BodyWorks Cherry Blossom Body Spray} 

Not to be confused with Japanese Cherry Blossom, this is a much lighter, cleaner scent.  I am so sad though because the girl at the store told me it's being discontinued, so I need to go online and stock up!! Great, light scent for spring that leaves you smelling clean and refreshed.  

Take a few minutes, think about how to pamper yourself for spring, and dive in! 

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne.~

V-Day, on it's way!

You may dread it, you may love it, but Valentine's Day is creeping up on us.

I don't know about you, buuut...  I'm tired. I'm pregnant. I'm sick of winter.  

My husband and I decided to keep it low key this year with some sushi and a movie (and I couldn't be happier).  Even though I'm pregnant I can still eat sushi because the sushi-est I get is a crab roll.  But my true fav are cucumber rolls.  I'm just one wild and craaazy girl! SNL.  Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?? But I digress. My husband is a sushi adventurer - the weirder the better. 

We are not even exchanging gifts this year.  Going out to eat alone without the babe and not watching a movie from the comfort of our couch IS the present.  If you have kids you will understand that a few hours alone to talk without interruption, or to just bask in silence while characters on a giant screen tell you a story is truly a godsend.  Silence? Adult conversation? Getting into and out of the car without a Lifetime or soap-opera drama unfolding? Pure, unadulterated bliss. 

This Valentine's Day perhaps think about the small things.  A big huge planned special day is awesome but maybe a cozy night together isn't so bad? Celebrate one another, not the day that is a holiday.  Take some time away from your harried life to really talk and connect with your loved one (while disconnecting from your phone, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook) Isn't it more meaningful if you don't tout to the entire world via Instagram (thanks to the Hefe filter) that your bf got you 90 gorgeous roses? Then it's just between you two - something you can keep secret and remember with a smile when thinking of that person months later.  Much more romantic, in my opinion.

Even if you're spending V-Day with your friend(s) maybe take some time to reflect on why you love them and what their inclusion in your life means to you.  

Paint your nails, wear your pjs, chitter chatter till the sun comes up, do whatever it is that you do, but leave the phones alone.  Because unless you are the guy in the movie Her, you have no real relationship with your phone.  Sorry.  Whatever you do, do not bemoan your single status because Valentine's Day is about love.  No one ever said it had to be romantic, Sleepless in Seattle-style love. Have some fun, tell some jokes.  Love.

Here are some low key things to help you celebrate. Be chill.  Less is more.  (Ok, I'm done with cliche phrases now).

H&M Chambray Pink PJs - great for cozying up and lounging

Lime Crime Lipstick in Geradium - a little glamour for your chill night in.  Or out. 

Glam Glow Tingling Mud Mask - To prepare for your night out or to enjoy your night in.

Nordstrom 'Love' Pillow - snuggle some love even if you're not dating someone

More pillows can be found here

J.Crew Tippi Sweater - throw this on for some understated glamour

J.Crew Vintage Tee - layer a comfy tee under a sweater for loungin

Heart Cake Tutorial - eat some cake to celebrate!

Fancy a little breakfast for dinner?  Good, try this strawberry nutella french toast.

Love Mug - a homemade gift.  I'm gonna do mine on a cereal bowl since my husband doesn't do coffee. Or tea. Or hot liquids in mugs.  

You can find more of my Valentine's Day pins on my Pinterest page, here.  Or follow me on Pinterest using the button at the top of the page.  

No matter what you do, grab some people you love and celebrate.  Having love in your life makes it so much richer!  

~And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

Maternity Wear

Maternity wear, huh?  Why would I be writing about maternity wear, you ask?  Well, you've guessed it, baby #2 is well on his/her way!

Having gone through one pregnancy already I assumed this one would be similar in terms of maternity wear.  Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong.  Last time I spent much of my time working so most of my maternity wear centered around blousy, silky shirts and dress pants or skirts.  This time around however, I am chasing a 1.5 year old. Pregnant.  I find myself needing many more "washable" outfits.  So the silky dress shirts and skirts are just not cutting it.  Today I apparently ran all my errands with my daughter's dried blueberry yogurt handprint on the back of my leg.  Just who have I become?  Lord. 

This time around I 'popped' a bit earlier (everything seems to be happening earlier - the sickness, the uncomfortable positions, lack of sleep, etc) so I've been scouring the web to find some cute, affordable maternity wear. Bad news.  There's not that much casual, cute, affordable maternity wear.  If only I was a clothes designer.  Do you hear me designers out there, help a mama out! 

I was thoroughly disappointed by my local Target's selection the other day.  Two types of dark washed jeans, one skinny, one bootcut, and the only sizes left were xl, xxl, and xxxl.  And somehow the maternity section there just bled right into the plus size section. Because being pregnant just isn't enough, now it is telling me "we can't bother to make clothes for two groups of people - you're all the same to us."  I'm going to try another Target this weekend and I have high hopes for better results.  

After my disappointment in the maternity section I headed to the regular section to just buy shirts that are in bigger sizes.  I'm not quite at the point where normal pants and shirts won't fit.  They're just uncomfortable. And buying pants in bigger sizes doesn't really work as well as it does with shirts.  With pants the waist might fit but nothing else does, leaving you with droop around your knees and saggy butt.  I don't care how pregnant I am, I refuse to succumb to droopy knees and saggy butt.   

Ok, so in the regular section I got completely distracted by spring-wear.  I bought two maxi dresses, a tee shirt, a tank top, and a sweatshirt - all two sizes bigger than normal.  

If this pregnancy is anything like my last one, none of these newly purchased clothes will fit come June. Last time by 9 months I was wearing my husband's tee shirts and my 5'2" body belly didn't fit in them.  He's 6'2".  My doctor said if I'm having a boy he will be bigger than my first child.  My first was 9 lbs 9 oz and 21 inches long.  Pray for me.  

Anyway, these are some of the places I'm praying will accommodate my ever growing belly in a flattering, fashionable way.  

Asos - never ordered from them before but have heard nothing but good things about their regularly sized clothes so I'm hoping the same is true for their maternity stuff.  Check out their maternity stuff here.  Here's a sneak peak at some of my favs...

Elbow patch sweater 

Gray tee with leather trim

Butterfly Jacquard Sweatshirt

Butterfly Belted Dress

Striped Top

Full Panel Boyfriend Jeans

Camel Coat

Old Navy - options are kind of plain but they have a wide selection.  Check it out for yourself as there are just too many for me to list. 

Target - it can't let me down, I love it too much.  I must've caught it on a bad day.  We all have a bad day now and then.  Target, I forgive you.  Just don't let me down! 

Striped Cowl Neck Top

Button Down Ruffle Front Shirt

H&M - in typical H&M fashion the colors are mostly dark and the styles are a little edgy.  And kind of plain in terms of visual interest and pattern.  Not really my style but glad to have more options. 

J.Crew, Gap, and Ann Taylor LOFT all have maternity sections but selection is limited and the clothes are expensive.  Maternity specific stores such as Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod are also quite expensive. I have a hard time forking over $100 for jeans I'm only going to wear for a few months until my belly expands so much that I outgrow every piece of clothing known to man.  

This brings me to my next point.  There really needs to be a legit, affordable, reputable place where mamas can sell back their maternity wear to be re-sold.  Like Uptown Cheapskate or Plato's Closet (I wrote about them a while back, here), but specifically for mommies.  I'm giving away my million dollar idea here but I don't care, I just need cute clothes!

Grab your favorite mommies and at the very least do a maternity clothing swap (or sale!).

~And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

NYE Looks for Girls, Guys and Mamas-to-Be

2014 is right around the corner and if you're anything like me, you've been so focused on the holiday gift-giving that you have not picked out your NYE outfit.  

Well, I'm here to help so here we go.

This dress from Target doesn't look like much in the picture, but I just saw this today and it looks WAAY better in person.  Thick fabric, well made and classy with sheen but not too much shine.  And cheap at only $17.49!

I think this dress from Arden B is cute but I could never wear it.  $79.00

One, I'm too old.  Two, the sheer part reminds me too much of a dress I wore to a Sweet 16 in my sophomore year of high school.  Never go back in your fashion people, only go forward.

I love this embellished strapless number from Express. Don't forget your spray tan.  Be bold with a faux fur bolero or neck wrap.  Or be edgy with a black moto jacket. $178.80

If you want to class up your New Years this dress is the perfect mix of class and sparkle.  And the shoes, who doesn't need a pair of red stilettos?! Charlotte Russe Jeweled Waist Midi Dress $32.99

  

Ring in the New Year boldly with this Chain Strap Dress.  This is for you perfect-bodied, risk takers.  Not a look everyone can pull off.  But if you're gonna try, it may as well be on New Year's!  I hope you juiced all day to fit into this thing. $34.99

Want to eat and drink a ton and not have to worry about erupting out of your dress?  My kind of dress - comfy, cute and self-UNconscious this   Asos Swing Dress has your name all over it.  Free People-esque but way cheaper, I'm loving this slightly boho swing dress. $68.97

Feminine, soft (and not black) this green Modcloth Warehouse Lace Back Soft Dress ($123.41) is festive and great for holiday soirees.

Asos Check Dress is a little preppy, a little 1950s and a lot holiday.  Keep Christmas around for just a bit longer this New Years with this midi dress. $99.82

Sticking with the 1950s vibe, this metallic Modcloth Subtle Luxury Dress ($51.99) will channel your inner Betty Draper. 

If you choose a simple dress, add some interest to your outfit with these Modcloth Vegas Earrings $16.99

Or add some sparkle with these bad boys Modcloth Razzle Dazzling Earrings $16.99

I've wanted a hard case clutch for a while and this just fit the bill.  Cute, simple, and cheap, the Express Pave Bow Topped Hard Case Clutch ($23.94) hits the nail on the head.

Perfectly edgy for a night on the town, this Express Oversized Ball Bead Clutch ($35.94) will hold all of your party essentials.

Express Suede Foldover Clutch $35.94  Similar to the Clare Vivier foldover I've been coveting, this much cheaper version, adds interest and the suede just screams winter.

Want something not so...black?  Why is every dress and purse always black?!  Anyway, this is a great winter white option.  Also comes in silver. Express Soft Top Foldover Clutch $20.94

Gentlemen, I did not forget about you!  Here are some NYE looks for you too.  It's pretty easy if you're a guy - dressy jeans, nice shoes, button down, sweater, blazer, jacket - you're set.  

Express has some good options to help you ring in 2014.

Like this tux blazer ($136.80), plaid shirt ($41.94) and bow tie ($23.94). 

You can go fancy and pair it with tux pants, but I prefer it with dark jeans.  If the bow tie is too much just leave it out, you'll still look suave.

Sidenote:  If you love ties and bow ties you must check out The Tie Bar.  A million options, they WILL have the tie you're looking for!  They are very reasonably priced and even offer longer length ties than the standard tie if you so desire.  

I just love this Houndstooth Blazer from Express ($136.80).  It's hard to see the houndstooth in the picture so go to the website and zoom in.

Perfect for a cold winter's night, I would dress it down with a solid colored sweater layered over a button down and jeans.  

Lastly, I have more pregnant friends right now than I can count so I thought I'd pop (pun intended!) some ideas up here for them too!

ASOS has tons of great options for mamas-to-be. 

Like this Long Sleeve Embellished Cuff Dress by Mamalicious. $63.52

Or this  Mamlicious Embellished Front Fitted Sleeveless Dress $63.52

A little dresser and elegant, thisNew Look Maternity Dress with Necklace ($36.28) is perfect for a fancy dancy night out. 

A little more comfortable with a pop of color this Skater Dress with Lace Trim and Contrast is perfect and can definitely be worn again.  And at $50.82 it's a steal!

Maybe not the most holiday of prints, but I LOVE this Midi Skater Dress with Large Floral $50.82

If you want something other than black that's suer cozy and wintry this Sweater Dress with Leopard Sleeves ($36.30) is perfect.  The leopard sleeves will draw attention away from your belly so people might actually look at your face while you talk. 

These two dresses from Target are very reasonably priced and can be worn many times after the holidays.

Target Liz Lange Sleeveless Ponte Dress $24.74

Target Liz Lange Beige/Black Colorblock Sweater Dress $29.99

No matter what way you choose to ring in 2014 be sure you are safe and most importantly, that you are with those whom you love the very most!

~And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

Fall Fun

Halloween is just around the corner so in the spirit of fall we decided we should enjoy some traditional fall festivities.  This post combines some of the things we've done recently to commemorate my second favorite season (besides summer of course).  

A few weekends ago, despite the clouds, rain and cold we headed on over to Larriland Farms (I blogged about it last year here) to pick some pumpkins. 

Jeans F21  / Socks, Costco / Boots, Target 

We got there just as they opened and we had the whole pumpkin patch to ourselves.  Not too shabby if you ask me.  Since that kind of emptiness is rare on a late fall weekend, we stopped to grab a quick pic.  

My sweater, Old Navy (old, similar here) / AB: Shirt, Old Navy / Hat (old,similar here), Old Navy / Shoes (old, similar here), Nike / Jeans, Carter's / Vest, borrowed

To our delight, the rain subsided and we were able to freely roam the patch with our friends and their kiddos.  

Nick's Shirt (old, similar here), Old Navy / Jeans, A&F (old, similar here) / Shoes, Clarks

Traipsing through the pumpkins proved harder than we anticipated with AB stopping to pat the wet pumpkins, to try and carry them and to try and stand on them.  

But much fun nonetheless.  We tried to grab one photo of the kids before the rain came down and AB was a little weary of holding a boy's hand.  

Her dad was very happy, commenting "I'll teach you about boys when you're 25."  Good luck dad.  She warmed up to it after a while.  

And then the heavens opened up.  We scooped up the kids and ran for our cars muddy, slick and laughing all the way.  

We swung by the main farm house at Larriland to pick up some fresh apples before heading over to our friends' new house to eat some lunch.  The kids played, the adults caught up and before we knew it, naptime had arrived.  We bid our goodbyes and began our journey home.  Did I mention the sun came out blazing halfway home?  Womp, womp.  

*   *   *

The following weekend there was a Fall Festival near the harbor so we headed out the door to see if we could make up for the rainy visit to the pumpkin patch.  Unfortunately, it wasn't what we had hoped.  There were great activities for older kids like pumpkin decorating, crafts and pony rides, but AB is still too little for most of it.  But we decided to make the best of it and watch the pony rides and pumpkin decorating.  

Then, we hit the hay maze. 

Although AB isn't really old enough to figure out how to navigate the maze, we just let her run around in it. 

She spent most of her time observing all the other kids that were there, trying desperately to keep up with them. 

AB: Jacket (similar here), Baby Gap / Top (similar here), Baby Gap / Jeans, Old Navy / Shoes, handed down

Me: Jacket, Target / Jeans (old, similar here), A&F /  Boots, Old Navy / Top (similar here), JCrew / Purse, Prada

There was a band playing who was actually pretty good but they were so close to all the activities it was hard to hear ourselves think. 

AB doesn't know how she feels about the band. We sat and watched for a while so she could figure it out. 

I even got her to dance a bit. 

We took a minute to look at the animals that were in the petting zoo - two baby llamas, a baby pig, a miniature pony, and some ducks.  AB didn't quite know what to make of it.  

On our way to the car we spotted a carousel (which we've passed a thousand times but somehow totally forgot about).  The line was non-existent, and much like the pumpkin patch we had it all to ourselves. It was so empty the ride operator gave us a deal $5 for the three of us.  Can't beat that.  It was AB's first time on any kind of ride so we were a little nervous to see how she'd react.  (I was nervous because sometimes I get motion sick, but luckily I was fine.)

AB was, well, let's just call it neutral.  She didn't seem to be having a bad time, but she didn't really seem to be having a blast either.  

Figuring it all out I guess.  No tears, no meltdown?  I consider that a win.  Lunch time and nap time came quickly so we headed home to rest.  We all took a nap and it was the perfect way to end a Saturday.  

What are some of your favorite fall activities?  Can you believe November is on it's way?!?  

Days spent with family enjoying the wonderful season of fall?  That my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!