A Grown-up In The Making

Thanksgiving Dinner Table Ideas

2015-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

How do you decorate your table for Thanksgiving?

We typically have so much food that there is never enough room for any centerpieces or other decoration. Maybe one of these years we will do a buffet so there can be more room on the table for something pretty.

Here are some beautiful Thanksgiving tablescapes that caught my eye this year.

Love the idea of using pumpkins, fresh fruit or vegetables in the design.

Style Me Pretty

Rooms for Rent

Homey Oh My

Building Blocks

Mommy Monday - Baby Essentials - Month One

2015-11-23T05:56:00.000-08:00

Those first few weeks home with baby were extremely overwhelming and confusing. They were a complete trial and error period, as is almost everyday, but here are ten items that helped us make it through those stressful days and helped us keep some of our sanity.

1. Munchkin Nursery Projector Sound System - So far we have only used this as a white noise machine. Mairead does not stay asleep very long unless there is white noise on. We have tried a few different ones and this one was the only one that worked for us.

2. Boppy Nursing Pillow - I love my boppy. It really supports my back so I don't need to bend down when nursing. Also, in months 2 and 3, we used it to prop her up, which she loves.

3. Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets - Love these blankets, these were our closest attempts at swaddling, but we loved them as an extra layer over the Halo swaddles and perfect to use a car seat blanket. They are nice and light so you can throw them in the diaper bag.

4. Ubbi Diaper Pail - Looks great in the room, keeps the smell contained, and uses regular garbage bags instead of having to pay for special ones.

5. Best Chairs Inc Kersey Swivel Glider Recliner - My husband and my mom can tell you how indecisive I was about purchasing this, but this was the best decision ever. We chose a different fabric than the one above, and it looks amazing in the nursery. Also, this chair glides, swivels and reclines. We have each spent quite a few nights in this chair already and it is super comfortable. Love it!

6. Halo Sleepsack Swaddle - Swaddling is difficult, especially when every nurse in the hospital showed us a different way to do it "best." These swaddles are so much easier, just put her inside, zip and use the velcro to wrap baby up and keep them in there. And my favorite part is that they zip down instead up, making those middle of the night diaper changes much easier!

7. Fisher Price Rock 'n Glide Soother - God Send! She loves the rocking motion of the seat off the base, it helps calm her down and fall asleep. Only thing that would work for a while.

8. So That's What They're For - Breastfeeding Bible, it has lots of great advice and answered so many of my breastfeeding questions in the first few weeks.

9. Graco Pack 'n Play - This pack 'n play helped us get through those first early days. I would put baby in the Newborn Napper next to us in the living room after she fell asleep or in the bathroom while I showered. The mobile kept her pretty occupied for a while.

10. The Baby Book - My go-to every time I had a simple silly question or couldn't remember how many wet diapers she was supposed to have in a day.

What items did you find as a necessity in those first few weeks?

Weekend Adventure - Rockland Bakery

2015-11-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

The plan for this weekend was to do host a Weekend Brunch and test out a few recipes for Mairead's Christening next week; however, that never seemed to happen. We did though make it to Rockland Bakery for the first time.

What an awesome place. The amazing smell of fresh baked bread hits you before you even get out of the car. When you walk in you grab a brown paper bag and a pair of gloves and enter the actual bakery. You can grab bagels right off of the conveyor belts and all of their breads, rolls, muffins, croissants are on rolling racks just waiting for you.

After you fill up your bag, you then head to the storefront where you can select among tons of danish, pastries, cakes, pies, cookies, etc. and hand over your bag to checkout. And the prices are very, very reasonable.

If you haven't been there before, you really need to check it out.

Rockland Bakery

94 Demarest Mill Road

Nanuet, NY10954

www.rocklandbakery.com/

Friday Link Love

2015-11-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

Pinterest

Friday Link Love

Learn a new language on the go with Duolingo App - Working on my Spanish still

Obsessed with To Do Lists - 20 Awesome Printables -
My Favorite #19 The Over Achiever

Cozi App - Family Organization just got easier

Pregnant Chicken's Back To Work Pumping Essentials

Love Rifle Paper Co, check out this beautiful Rifle Paper Inspired Baby Shower

Family Photo Inspiration

2015-11-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to send out Christmas cards this year with the newest addition to our little family. I have been scouring Pinterest looking for some inspiration on what I want the perfect Christmas Card Family Photo to look like.

Here are some of my favorites:

(Add a baby to this first one, LOL)

The Little Umbrella

Pink Pistachio

Brooke Kelly Photography

Brandi Elizabeth Photography

And, these are the most adorable baby photos ever!!!

Red Lotus Photography

Clearly Perceived Photography

Precious Moments Photography

Honeymoon Ideas

2013-12-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

In one month, Joel and I are going on our Honeymoon. Right now it is the light at the end of the tunnel, for what is the longest month of the year for us at work.

Paris

We will be spending six days in Paris, France, then six days in Marbella, Spain, and then one long overnight layover in London, England. So, the question is what should we do??? We have never been to any of these places and want it to be a trip we will never forget!

Marbella

If you have any ideas or feedback please share!!!! Please, please, please!

London

CharitySub

2013-12-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is a time for giving. While we are working on finding the perfect gifts for our friends and family, why not also think about those that are really in need.

CharitySub is a monthly subscription for donating to charity. Each month they choose an important cause and choose three organizations that support the cause. They send you an email explaining the cause and what the three organizations focus on. Then you get to choose to which of the organizations you will donate your monthly contribution.

It is a small subscription fee of just $5 a month, thats only $60 a year to make a difference.

November's cause was Down Syndrome, and some past causes were HIV, Domestic Abuse and Oklahoma Tornado Aid.

Check out their website to find out more information and to sign up.

CharitySub

Thanksgiving Tablescape Inspiration

2013-11-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is only a few days away. It is one of my favorite holidays. I love that it is all about spending with your family and eating lots of really good food. While I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year or anytime in the future most likely. I am dreaming of all of the beautiful ways I will decorate my table for the Holiday one day.

Here are some beautiful tablescapes that I find incredibly inspiring...

Ruffled

Tory Burch

Style Me Pretty Living

Honey & Fitz

Furbish Studio

Far Above Rubies

A Pumpkin and A Princess

I cannot wait until I have a tablescape of my own to show. Until then, I will keep dreaming...

C. WONDER Gift List

2013-11-25T10:04:00.000-08:00

From the first time I walked into a C. Wonder at the mall, I was obsessed. We were shopping at Garden State Plaza and it had just opened. They had a DJ at the entrance, the employees were all dancing and I wanted to buy just about everything. It was so bright and colorful and FUN!

Although, my plan is for lots of cool colors in my new house with lots of silvers and greys, I still keep getting pulled to everything GOLD! I am going to have to find a way to incorporate it somehow. Check out some of my favorite gold gifts for Christmas from C.Wonder.

Gold Ikat Dessert Plates (Set of 4) $48

Snakeskin Print Coasters (Set of 4) $48

Mini Appetizer Plates (Set of 8) - $48

Kiss the Cook Cheeseboard - $38

Piggy Bank - $58

Scroll Picture Frame - $38

Fan Jewel Earrings - $38

Forget Me Knot Enamel Stud Earrings - $28

Initial Key Ring - $24

Pebbled Leather Driving Moccasins - $98

Friday Link Love

2013-11-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

Pinterest

Friday Link Love

Holidays

Thanksgiving Attire

Thanksgiving Printable

Thanksgiving Printable Wine Labels & Bottle Tags

Damsel in Dior 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

To & From Holiday 2013 Gift Guide

SMP's Top 10 Most Pinned Cocktails

Home

I love plates!

Kitchen,, Bathroom,, Master Bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room & Guest Room Design Tips

Choosing a Paint Color

Calendars

November 2013 Calendar Wallpaper

2014 Calendar Printable

Business

Tips on Instagram Marketing

UncommonGoods Gift List

2013-11-20T18:29:00.002-08:00

Christmas is quickly creeping up on us and we are losing precious shopping time. Uncommon Goods is one of my favorite websites for fun, creative, thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Here are some that are toping my list...

Brooklyn Bridge by Renee Leone $145

Himalayan Salt Tequila Shooters $45

Love Letter Napkin Set $50

Love Carries All - $68 (Unframed)

Yours, Mine & Ours Decanter Set $65

Custom State Pillows - $85

Skyline of Love Art $160

Bathroom Tiling Update

2013-11-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

Here is an update on the progress of our bathroom.

Shower before tiling..

My uncle from North Carolina came up two weekends in a room to tile the bathroom for us. Thank god for him, because we had no idea what we were doing! After he was done tiling the whole bathroom, he showed Joel how to do the grout.

Here is Joel hard at work...

Here are the tiles we selected:

Jeffrey House Stratosphere Blue Pencil Glass Wall Tiles from Home Depot

American Olean 4in x 8in White Gloss Ceramic Tiles from Lowes

Merola Tile Moldura Tile White Ceramic Pencil Trim Tile from Home Depot

Soft Dreams Beyaz Floor Tile from The Tile Shop

Still lots to do, but its all starting to come together!

Laundry Room

2013-11-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

One of things that we really wanted to include inside the house was a laundry room. When we bought the house, the washing machine was actually in the middle of the kitchen and the dryer was in the garage, veryyy strange. Our contractor suggested adding one in some extra space we had in the garage and we jumped at the opportunity!

With adding a laundry room, we also added a larger coat closet and an entrance to/from the garage, so here is the little hallway off the front entrance to our new additional living space. We decided to tile the whole area, take a look below.

Our new coat closet...

Laundry room tiled and grouted... just some cleaning up to do...

And with our new washer and dryer...

The next step is trying to make it functional and pretty!

November BirchBox

2013-11-12T19:48:00.004-08:00

One thing that I look forward to every month is opening the mailbox to find my little pink BirchBox. I love checking out all the new products.

It's like a mini-Christmas every month!

So here is what I got this month in my November Box...

1. Chella Highlighter Pencil - $18

My make-up artist used a nude eyeliner on my inner lash lines for my wedding, and it really made my eyes look so much bigger. I have been looking to buy one of my own, and I was so excited to find this in my box. Now I can try it out for myself!

2. Color Club Baldwin Blues - $8

I just got my nails done, but I am excited to try this color on my toes this weekend!

3. Aloxxi ColourCare Volumizing and Strengthening Shampoo - $22

Thinking of packing this in my suitcase for our Honeymoon.

4. Aloxxi ColourCare Volumizing and Strengthening Conditioner - $22

And, I'll throw this on in there too!

5. Fatty Sundays Chocolate Covered Pretzels - $7

Yummy! Chocolate Covered Pretzels are one of my favorite, and my sample just happened to be Toffee Crunch, my absolute favorite topping! BirchBox knows me so well. : )

Along with the box came the BirchBox Holiday Shop Gift Guide. Have you checked it out yet? So many great ideas for so many people on your list, and maybe just a little something for yourself! Wink!

In honor of the first snow fall of the year today, I thought it was only necessary to also show you guys their Limited Edition BirchBox Home Snow Day Box!

If only I was able to stay home with this box today, I would have been in heaven...

Look at everything that it comes with:

Chantecaille Flower Infused Cleansing Milk
Chantecaille Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask
L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream
Mox Botanicals Matcha & Clementine Body Soak
S.W. Basics Organic Lip Balm in Cinnamon or Peppermint
(MALIN + GOETZ) Votive in either Cannabis or Dark Rum
JONATHAN ADLER Fireplace Matches in Purple Flame
Happy Socks® Combed Cotton Crew Socks
Askinosie Chocolate® Single Origin Cocoa Powder
Three Tarts Gourmet Marshmallows in Cinnamon
Scrabble® Birchbox Edition Mini Game Set

And it's only $39 (including shipping)!

I want one!

Laminate Flooring Update

2013-11-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

I am going to do my best to be positive about this, but installing this laminate flooring ended up being so much more difficult than we expected. Everyone told us that its easy to do, the box said that it was easy to do, the reviews said it was easy to do... well, it was not so easy to do.

On Day 1 of installation, Joel, my cousin, my brother and my sister's fiance managed to get both bedrooms done, but not without a full day of frustration and hardwork. It seems that no matter how many times they got the boards into place, one of them kept popping out and they would have to go back and redo it all again. This ended up being a common theme of the weekend. We followed all of the directions, watched the videos, the whole bit, but for some reason or another it just was not working for us.

Guest Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Day 2 proved to be even more frustrating, when it took Joel and I almost a full day just to finish this hallway. My Uncle then came to the rescue and helped us get it done, so that we could move on.

Hallway

Then came our numerous failed attempts at starting the living room. It took six of us a countless amount of hours to get three or four rows done. I think that this could be the beginning of a bad joke about how many irishmen does it take to put in a damn floor. lol We ended up having to call it a day, when the sun was gone and we couldn't see anymore, because we have no electricity yet.

And finally, on Day 3, there seemed to be a little more promise. Although still a very stressful day, my Uncles, my sister's fiance and Joel were able to figure out the solution to some of the issues, which I still don't quite understand, and complete a majority of the living room.

Living Room

The rest of the laminate now needs to wait until the kitchen cabinets are installed, but I think we could all use a much needed break from this project. However, I cannot wait for it to be done, because even though it was so incredibly frustrating, it came out absolutely beautiful!

Friday Link Love

2013-11-08T20:45:00.003-08:00

glamour

Friday Link Love

Beauty

25 No Fail Up-dos

Words of Wisdom from Mrs. Lilien

Home

How to Fold a Fitted Sheat

DIY Designer Inspired Pillows

Finance

The Smart Woman's Guide to Retirement Planning

Career

10 Things Not To Say At Work

Interviewing 101

Holidays

Kate Spade's Gift Guide

BirchBox Holiday Gift Guide

BaubleBar Holiday Gift Guide

Current Obsessions for Fighting the Cold Weather

2013-11-07T19:52:00.004-08:00

With temperatures here starting to get a little chilly, I think its time to whip out some of my winter must-haves. I cannot get through the cold without my box of leggings, stockings and tights, my north face & under armour collection of thermal coats & jackets, and my never ending collection of scarves, hats & gloves. Did I mention that I am always super cold??? I have a blanket and sweater at my desk at work. And I wear like 500 layers everyday on my commute to work.

So here are a few of my must-haves for getting through the cold weather:

1. Fleece-lined Leggings from Anthropologie

These are awesome, now I wont have to wear three pairs of leggings under every single one of my outfits.

2. Dr. Dennis Gross's Alpha Beta Facial Peel from Sephora

These wipes exfoliate my skin and keep my face healthy and glowing all winter.

3. Calvin Klein Infinity Scarf from TJMaxx

My new favorite scarf in my collection. It goes with everything and keeps me nice and warm.

4. Cetaphil Mosturizing Lotion

My go to moisturizer. It's perfect for my super dry skin and its great on my skin all year long. It keeps my skin hydrated without making it greasy or shiny.

5. Harney & Sons Paris Tea

I tried this for the first time this morning and I don't think I will ever be able to live without it again. It is delicious and will keep me warm all winter long.

Hope you all are staying warm!

Happy Monday!!!

2013-11-04T08:11:00.001-08:00

Quote

Monday mornings stink!

I really wish I could've stayed in bed. Plus, its freezing outside today.

Wishing I could put on a big comfy sweater and curl up with my book, a cup of hot chocolate and a warm blanket in front of the fireplace.

Seriously, how great does this look???

Pinterest

Sacramento Street

Pinterest

But, lots to do today, so heading out into the cold...

Have a great MONDAY!!!!

Bathroom Inspiration

2013-11-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

In a small two bedroom house, the one and only bathroom needs to be multifunctional. It's a master bathroom, guest bathroom, really an everything bathroom. It needs to have a lot of storage, yet still look clean and uncluttered.

I'm looking for white, bright, with a little pop of color.

I have been doing a lot of "research" on Pinterest, here are some of my favs...

Love the white tiles & love the wall color...

BHG

The color combo of this office bathroom is perfect...

Bower Power

Love the large subway tiles...

Houzz

Lots of fun, cute storage...

BHG

Like the dark vanity with white sink and its still nice and bright...

BHG

Looking forward to showing you all the end results...

House Update

2013-11-02T16:29:00.002-07:00

Hello there, long time no see...

I'm sorry for my little vanishing act, but these last few months have been pretty crazy with all of our wedding planning. I have now officially been married for three weeks!!! I can't believe how fast the wedding came and went. Now its time to get back to reality, which also means getting back to work on the house.

The house has come a long way. After all of our beautiful demo work on it, our contractor started in the summer working on the house. The house has now been reframed, has new electrical, new plumbing, new AC & Heat, new windows, new insulation, new walls, and new doors.

Take a look at the progress below...

Our New Front Door & Front Entry

a little bigger, a little brighter

Kitchen & Dining Room

Living Room

Our New Bathroom & Linen Closet

Now, we are attempting to do the flooring and tiling ourselves (or I mean our family is doing the flooring and tiling while we try to assist). We are so thankful for the help from our family!

Pictures of our flooring progress to come soon...

Wedding Inspiration–Wedding Cakes

2013-07-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts and I am definitely sure it was Joel’s favorite part of the wedding planning process was the Cake Tasting. We got to try so many delicious cake and filling combinations, it was a lot of fun and so much more filling than you think going into it. We also got to work with the bakery consultant on the design for the cake. Here is a little inspiration that we had going into it.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

I cannot wait to see how our cake will turn out and I cannot wait to share the pics with all of you…

Wedding Update: 3 Months To Go!

2013-07-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

It’s Coming!!!! Only three more months and I am getting so excited!!!! This month we got a lot done and I am able to move a lot of items to the “Done” section. Lots of little things left to do, but plenty of time for those.

Done:

Booked the Church - Assumption Church, Emerson, NJ
Ceremony Officiant - My Uncle Al : )

Booked the Venue - The Estate at Florentine Gardens, RiverVale, NJ

Booked our Photographer - Milton Gil Photographers

Engagement Pictures (I will share these soon...)
Ordered my Wedding Gown - Shhh!

Ordered the Bridesmaid Dresses - Bill Levkoff

Ordered the Groomesmen Tuxedos - Men's Wearhouse

Booked our Videographer - Florentine Gardens In-House

Booked the DJ - Florentine Gardens In-House

Booked our Ceremony Musicians

Booked our Florist - Floral Expressions

Send out Save The Dates (See pic above)
Ordered Invitations

Hotel Room Block for Guests - Park Ridge Marriott

Reserve shuttle service between hotel and wedding site
Chosen our First Dance Song - Shhh!

Created our Wedding Website

Created our Wedding Registries - Bed, Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrell, Pottery Barm
Pre-Cana

Make-up Trial

Scheduled Hair & Make-up Appointments

Wedding Bands Ordered

Booked Limos – Entertainment Express (Thanks Jeannie!)

Menu Tasting

Menu Chosen

Cake Tasting

Cake Chosen

Table Numbers

In Progress:

Booking Hair Trial

Honeymoon: Booked hotels, now just need to book flights

Location for Rehearsal Dinner

Bridesmaid gifts: Purchased part of their gifts! So excited to give these to them.
Guestbook

Need to Do:

Choose Bridesmaid Accessories

Wedding Gown Alterations - Scheduled

Favors

Hotel Welcome Bags

Groomsmen Gifts

Gifts for Our Parents
Day-of Timelines

Ceremony Song List

Reception Song List

Seating Plans

Ceremony Programs and Menu

Seating Cards

Marriage License

Renew Passport

If any of you have any advise, ideas or info to help us in our wedding planning, we would greatly appreciate it!

Wedding Inspiration: Romantic Southern Wedding

2013-06-19T05:34:00.002-07:00

I am swooning over the photos of this beautiful Georgia wedding on A Crimson Kiss. The photography was done by Ali Harper Photography. I am in love with her style. She really captured some amazing shots of the bride and groom. I am hoping that Joel and I can recreate some of these shots for our own wedding. The whole look and feel of this romantic wedding is perfect, exactly the concept that I am looking for ours.

A Crimson Kiss

Wedding Update: 4 Months To Go!

2013-06-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! Another month has just flown by, only 4 more months to go!! Time is really flying and the big day is right around the corner. To be honest, we have not really done much over the last few weeks, since all of our free time has really gone to working on the house, but here is our update. Next month we plan to be able to cross a whole bunch more off!

Done:

Booked the Church - Assumption Church, Emerson, NJ
Ceremony Officiant - My Uncle Al : )

Booked the Venue - The Estate at Florentine Gardens, RiverVale, NJ

Booked our Photographer - Milton Gil Photographers

Engagement Pictures (I will share these soon...)
Ordered my Wedding Gown - Shhh!

Ordered the Bridesmaid Dresses - Bill Levkoff

Ordered the Groomesmen Tuxedos - Men's Wearhouse

Booked our Videographer - Florentine Gardens In-House

Booked the DJ - Florentine Gardens In-House

Booked our Ceremony Musicians

Booked our Florist - Floral Expressions

Send out Save The Dates (See pic above)
Ordered Invitations

Hotel Room Block for Guests - Park Ridge Marriott

Reserve shuttle service between hotel and wedding site
Chosen our First Dance Song - Shhh!

Created our Wedding Website

Created our Wedding Registries - Bed, Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrell, Pottery Barm
Pre-Cana

In Progress:

Booked Make-up Trial - June 18th
Booking Hair Trial & Appointments

Honeymoon: Booked hotels, now just need to book flights

Location for Rehearsal Dinner

Bridesmaid gifts: Purchased part of their gifts! So excited to give these to them.
Wedding Bands
Guestbook

Need to Do:

Book Limos

Menu Tasting at Florentine Gardens - June 30th
Choose Menu - July 7th

Cake Tasting

Choose Bridesmaid Accessories

Wedding Gown Alterations - Scheduled

Favors

Hotel Welcome Bags

Groomsmen Gifts

Gifts for Our Parents
Day-of Timelines

Ceremony Song List

Reception Song List

Seating Plans

Table Numbers

Ceremony Programs and Menu

Seating Cards

Marriage License

Renew Passport

If any of you have any advise, ideas or info to help us in our wedding planning, we would greatly appreciate it!

Friday Link Love

2013-05-31T13:10:00.004-07:00

Home Bunch

Yum! Warm & Gooey Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies

DIY Patio Ideas & More Patio Ideas - On Our List of Things to Do

How to arrange Peonies, last week Roses, this week Peonies, my two favorite flowers.

Best Commercials Ever - Big Gas Savings & Ship Your Pants

Elon Friends Intro - Love Elon & Love Friends