When it Rains...

Guys when it rains, sometimes it really does pour - not only has it been literally raining outside all day today, my life has been a bit inundated.  I decided it was time to do a coffee date vlog - so here you go - its a little on the bummer side, but if I'm being honest - this is where I am at in life right now!

I mentioned my friend Kristina (Big Apple Mami) in the video - and seriously she has been such an amazing friend and encouragement in my life.  I'm also really grateful for my good friend Meredith - another mama in my community who has really been there for me!  I'm humbled by the community family God has provided for us in New York!

Before I go spend the weekend trying to give my hands an extended rest - make sure you max out your entries in the Blog Anniversary / 31st Birthday giveaway!  Winners will be chosen tomorrow - and announced on Monday! <3

And can I get your vote once more on Top Baby Blogs?  I'd love to stay ranked in the top 10 in order to bring more fantastic opportunities your way! <3  Just click this link here and then the Owl on the left!

Hope you all have a great weekend! See you next week!

Linking up with Alissa today.

Reasons I Love NYC vol.1 Welcome to Link & Mingle!

Before you jump into the Link & Mingle, I just thought I'd share one of my favorite things about living in New York City - the chance encounters with exceptionally talented street performers.  In this case, Zion and I happened upon this duo on our way home from the MOPS group I lead near Columbus Circle.  Wish I knew who they were so I could give them the mad credit they deserve!  Enjoy!

The long of it is, the "Link and Mingle: Sisters in Blogging Social Media Linkup". The short is, the "Link & Mingle". Call it what you wish. :)

Meet our weekly hosts!

Shaylee Ann | Mother {at} Heart

Kim | Singledou[b]t
Kendra | Adventures of Brad & Kendra
Courtney | Thoughts From the Birdhouse
Britt | Yellow Umbrella
Courtney | Baxtron{Life}
April | Dimples and Delights

and for this week's co-host, we have
Joanna | Jo Finds Joy

Thank you, ladies!

The "rules" are thus:
visit/follow/like as many links as you can,

link up to as many social media sites that apply to you (please link up only links that apply - blog posts and other links that do not apply will be removed),

share, tweet, and blog about this link party if you so wish,

grab the button {below},

and have fun meeting new people!

Links are connected to each header, to show you just what you should link up. :)

We would love it if you followed all of your hosts and co-hosts, but that's not mandatory. Just have fun! :)

If you would be interested in co-hosting this party periodically, send an email to {shaylee.motheratheart@gmail.com}.

Want to have this blog hop on your site? Click the URL at the bottom of each linkup to get the code. Tweet #link&mingle if you post the hop!

Alright, ladies! Button-up, link-up, and meet-up! :)

Tweet

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<center> <a href="http://www.mother-at-heart.com/search/label/Link%20and%20Mingle" target="_blank"><img alt="Mother {at} Heart" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Bz6_3z-Jrsg/UBsXYDz8iCI/AAAAAAAABcQ/hNRvF3V2RSk/s487/button.png" width="250"/></a></center>

Thank you for linking up!

Come back next Thursday for another round of the Link & Mingle!

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As The Leaves Fall

Fall is here.  In case you didn't already know that...I mean, I've literally been in denial since Labor Day, but last week as the calendar glared the reality that Fall has indeed arrived, I have no choice but to accept this reality.  I was out on a walk recently with my daughter noticing the slightly cooler temperatures and perhaps, maybe a leaf or two along the sidewalk, when my denial slowly began to crack.

I don't hate Fall, but I do love Summer.  I love the Sunny days and warmth - I love having need for the air conditioner to be on.  I love beaches, wearing my cut-off shorts and tank tops and flip-flops, and never worrying weather I've worn enough layers on a certain day.  That being said, I'm gaining a new appreciation for Fall - especially after last year's Fall firsts.  And, well, Starbuck's Salted Caramel Mochas have been helping with the transition too.

Here are a few things we'll be looking forward to this Fall:

 1.  Apple Picking - We went for the first time last year and had a ton of fun.  Zion loved riding around in the little Radio Flyer wagon they provided us with as we picked from many different varieties of apples to take home and enjoy.

 2.  Baking - A huge family tradition in the Fall and leading up to the holiday season is baking - everything from cookies, to candies and even cupcakes too.  Pictured above - pumpkin cupcakes with nutella buttercream frosting!

 3.  Fall Decor - I love the warm colors of Fall, and this year I'm in looking forward to getting a little  bit crafty and adding that warmth to our home.  I loved making this royal purple and bronze wreath last year.

 4.  Did I mention I love coffee?  I also love making fancy coffee drinks at home.  Though I do enjoy coffee year round, I give myself special permission to indulge in fancy coffees (peanut butter chocolate mocha anyone) as we inch towards the holidays.

5.  Pumpkin patch!  I can't wait for Zion to pick out a pumpkin.  We aren't big halloween people, but we still enjoy harvesting a pumpkin or two - and roasting the seeds!

What are you looking forward to this Fall?

Fridays Letters on A Wednesday

I know its not Friday - but I have to purge early and I decided it might be easiest to just purge ala "letters" style.  So here goes...

Dear Security Guard at Trader Joes, you have a lot of nerve asking me if I know I have to pay for the cheesestick I fed my melting down 2 year old who was behaving as if I'd starved her for a week.  How convenient of you to miss out on the fact that she is strapped in a shopping cart filled to the brim with food and the rest of the cheesesticks in their package are right there.  Do I look like I'm about to run out the door without paying?  Would I be filling my cart this full of food if I didn't have money to pay for these items?  I don't care if we live in NYC, a place where crazy people do seem to be in abundance, that was just RUDE.

Dear Store Manager at Trader Joes, thank-you for being unavailable for me to stop and vent my (above-mentioned) frustrations today - you helped me grow a little in my faith - and allowed me to hear God's reminder that it is righteous to overlook an offense.

Dear Neck, Back & Shoulders - seriously? I did a 10 minute ab workout, thats it - don't act like I just lifted twice my bodyweight above my head - cause I didn't.  Please, stop spasming and just release and relax!

Dear Salted Caramel Chocolate (anything - mocha, hot chocolate, candybar, truffle, ice cream)- you are an evil temptress, when I see you I convince myself that I have to have you.  Very little battle - you always win.

Dear Paleo/Crossfit - everything I learn about you makes me excited to change my life.  And nothing has felt more right in terms of eating and fitness than the sweet things you speak of in the many books and blogs I'm currently reading.

Dear Husband - I have to say, I am so grateful that you give me the reassurance I need even when I am being incredibly silly.  I love you.

Dear "No!"'s that keep coming out of my Daughter's mouth - cease and desist.

Dear Fall - alright, alright, you win!  I guess you aren't so bad after all - I mean I do have ALL THESE THINGS to look forward to.  <3

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Escape from the City, 4 My 31st Birthday

And then, there was Mystic.  I fell in love with Mystic earlier this year when Jerry surprised me with a romantic one-night getaway for our anniversary.  Our time spent their in June felt like a bit of a tease compared to our several hours spent on this perfect Summer evening.

 ^^ The Sea Swirl is known for its clam strips - and now I know why! Best I've ever had!

^^ Zion sucking on a Lemon - she loves them (weirdo :P)

 
 

We had to visit Mystic Pizza while we were here this time.  We split a Pizza - I totally forgot what toppings we chose for our half - my in-laws got creative and made theirs pastrami and onion - loved it!

 ^^ One thing you should know about me - I hardly go a day without ice cream and never a day without coffee!  The flavors I chose above were: Kahlua Mocha Fudge & Chocolate Reese's PB Cup

   

We finished our day as the sun began setting over Mystic Seaport.  If you've never been to Mystic - there is something just magical about the whole area.  Its beautiful, its warm, inviting, friendly...we had such a great time.

 

 Zion sure loves her Grandma & Grandpa.  <3

Our adventure for the weekend ended as we cruised on home - miraculously avoiding any major traffic!  Such a great birthday weekend/holiday/visit with family.  <3

Read Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3

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Escape from the City, 3 My 31st Birthday

Sunday morning, we woke up determined to make the last day of our adventure the best it could be.  I'm so glad Jerry let me sleep in - I was utterly exhausted from the evening before.  He snapped this cute shot of Zion getting loaded up on Fruit loops.  After packing up and checking out - we decided we'd like to make our Sunday a foodie-themed trip - we'd stop in places along our route home for whatever yummy treats we could find.

 On our way out of Cape Cod, we stopped in Dartmouth, MA.  We just happened to drive by this festive looking cafe called Mirasol's - and we were pleasantly surprised by what we found inside.

 

 For starters - the food we ordered was amazing.  Jerry and I chose tortilla wraps that had been filled with delicious ingredients and grilled like a quesadilla - totally delicious!!  And then - after being less than satisfied with a rather bland mocha - I hopped on FourSquare to discover that everyone was raving about this thing called a Chippi - and there was also mention of PB Cup Cookies.  So glad I went back to the counter and grabbed one of each!

^^ Bland mocha on the left next to my Chippi on the right, below is a melt in your mouth PB Cookie!

Our journey continue as we entered into Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay.  My Father-in-law and I regret not splitting a lobster roll in the little harbor area we took a pitstop in.  Totally unplanned we took a side trip to a couple of lighthouses (Mom is a big fan of them) and Zion got to splash her feet in the ocean for a little while too.

Our morning was rich with gorgeous views of the Atlantic -and the freedom of just exploring places we'd never been.  Our trip wasn't over yet though - for my birthday I had requested a return trip to explore Mystic!

Read Part 1 & Part 2

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