International Friends & North Fork Wine Tasting

The past couple weekends have been so much fun because my long time friend, Ilaria, who I met on an exchange program to Italy over 20 years ago came for a visit to New York City!  We have met a handful of times in different countries and kept in touch over the years via post mail, then email, and most recently Facebook.  

Our visitors spent their time primarily in New York City but I thought it was really important that they experience other parts of NY as well.  During the Fall, the North Fork of Long Island is filled with beautiful scenery, great wine, and fun harvest events.  This was a great opportunity to show them a different part of NY state.  For this trip I left the kids and hubby at home and enjoyed a girls day out!

Our first stop was Paumanok Winery.  We enjoyed a leisurely tasting and a light lunch.  Our favorite wine was the 2013 Merlot (not pictured here).

The Long Island Wine Trail is dotted every so often with great farm stands or harvest events.  We stopped at Harbes Family Farm to enjoy live music, fresh produce, apple cider donuts, and fresh roasted corn dipped in butter.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it....

My Outfit Details:  Shirt (Size S) // Jeans (Similar distressed here) // 

Shoes (Similar here) // Sunglasses 

Our favorite winery for the views was Kontokosta Winery.  This tasting room is located in a chic modern barn and looks onto the vineyards on one side and out to the water on the other.  We were able to walk out to the lawn to get a better view of the water.  The entire property was stunning!

Nothing beats the time I was able to spend with my friend, Ilaria, and her girlfriends who accompanied her on this trip!  I'm thinking I'll just have to be planning a trip abroad with the hubs soon!

"There are friendships imprinted in our hearts that will never be diminished by time or distance"

-Dodinsky

Little Denim Dress

This weekend we went to our first Harvest Festival of the season at Barton Orchards!  There is something about being in the country that is just so relaxing.  The kids also had a great time playing in the children's area, eating ice cream & popcorn, going on the hayride, and completing the night with fireworks.   Their excitement was infectious!

I've been all about my sneakers and denim lately.  Wearing heels is just not an option at a farm (unless you are really adventurous :) so this was the perfect opportunity to stay comfortable.  Generally, running after my children also require some sort of athletic shoe as well.  It was still a little hot out so wearing a dress was a nice alternative to shorts.  When I saw this denim dress on sale I had to have it.  It reminds me of my younger days, like many many years ago in high school, when I think I owned the same exact dress....ha!  My mother always told me that fashion comes back in style...take that puffy sleeves!

Outfit Details:  Dress (Size M) // Sneakers (Size 5)  // Sunglasses // 

Watch (Similar) // Bracelet (Similar)

This dress can be easily transitioned into fall with a cardigan, bomber, or leather jacket on top.  Booties or Boots would also look great in cooler weather.  

Overall it was a fun and successful evening at the Harvest Festival!  I also felt 15 again, minus the giggling and the blushing, so it was a win win!

Here are some other denim dresses that I'm loving for transition into fall:

Thank My Lucky Stars & Stripes

This week we went to the Mamaroneck Fireman's Parade with our boys.  This annual event is so much fun and of course involves trucks so we couldn't miss it!  I brought my camera with me to take some pictures and I wasn't planning on posting them but I couldn't help myself.  The joy and excitement the kids exuded was just so contagious!

On this Friday before Independence Day I reflect on everything I'm thankful for living in the United States.  There is so much going on in the world around us and sometimes we take for granted the opportunities, safety, and the life we live in this country.

We met a veteran on the street at the parade.  He reminded me of my grandfather, a WWII vet.  Meeting him reminded me that it was he and many other men and women who have kept us and still keep us safe home and abroad.  I thank him for helping me remember.

I hope you and your loved ones have a Happy 4th of July weekend!

Happy Birthday America!!!

Hooked on Crochet

This past weekend we finally went out to a semi-nice dinner with the kids!  Success!!  It was the type of restaurant that didn't have a kids menu but could make certain kid friendly foods for them. For those of you who are parents, you know what I'm talking about...yes, the restaurant we are all afraid to take our kids to (wink, wink).  Luckily, they were well behaved, loved their dinner, and had a great time!

Our trick when looking for a place to eat is finding a restaurant where we can easily walk to get dessert close by (like an ice cream shop) and/or a place that is close to a park or playground so they can run around a little after dinner.

I wore these cute crochet rimmed shorts for under $15.  Similar versions are here and here.

I love crochet!  It reminds me of my grandmother who did a lot of crocheting and knitting when I was growing up.  I talked about another crochet shirt in a previous link here.  It's also so feminine and pretty!

I was looking for a shirt that would go well with the shorts and wanted something more flowing and chiffon like material instead of cotton.  This tank is great, very light, and not too dressy.  Similar styles are here and here.

I blogged about  these shoes in a  previous post.  So comfy and I love the studs!

We absolutely love being by the water!  If you've seen my other posts you'll notice a water them...ha!  It's just so healing.  If you live in Westchester, NY Pierson Park in Tarrytown is one of our favs!

Overall, a beautiful weekend and an amazing night out with our kids!

Outfit details:
tank // shorts // shoes // watch (similar)// sunglasses

Here are some crochet pieces I have my eye on:

Beach Bummin': Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

This weekend we spent time in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.  The kids love the beach as you may have seen in my previous post.  There is so much to do in Point Pleasant Beach and if you haven't been there already the beach is only one of the highlights of the area.  It's only about an hour and half from New York City by car if you don't hit traffic.  Get their early and stay the day or overnight at one of the the motels!  It's a hot spot for families!

I used this extra large canvas tote to cart around my boys' stuff!  OMG, do kids have a lot of "stuff". It can take us up to an hour sometimes to get ready!  This was a great buy since it is so cute, extra large, and a price point at around $30.

This straw hat and these sunglasses are from KMart people!  Both priced under $10 and totally cute! I do like accessories but I have a hard time spending a lot of money on them since I tend to change my taste often enough.  So, these were right up my ally!

My bathing suit/tankini is an older one similar versions here and here.  The ruching is very sliming and you can pair the black top with virtually any bottom.  Since I've had kids I've been less comfortable in bikinis and although I still own a few I've been purchasing more and more tankini and one pieces.  Anyway, one piece bathing suits have become very popular and styles have also become more flattering and sexy!  The linen pants are from Thailand (via my mom :).

The boys had so much fun playing in the sand!  They were totally fighting over their sand trucks.  Those sand trucks (or any truck really) are crazy popular in our house!  Little T is wearing this bathing suit bottom which was under $10!  Love that since these kids go through clothes so quickly!  All the other outfit pieces are hand me downs from big brother or older items. Here are links to Little T's hat and Little J's hat.  I always have a hard time finding good toddler/little boy baseball caps that don't cost a fortune so I was so excited to find these under $10 and they LOVE them.

After a day at the beach the boys were excited to go check out the rides at the Jenkinson's Boardwalk! We took them in style in their personalized cart which they totally prefer over the stroller these days.

Even Daddy got in on the rides!  My boys were not leaving without a turn on the trucks!

Here are more beach accessories I'm loving this season:

Don't forget your sunscreen!

Hamptons Wine Tasting: Yes Way Rose!

During our annual family trips to Montauk we are always sure to hit up the local wineries in the North Fork or the Hampton's.  For the past few years we have been taking the ferry from Sag Harbor to the North Fork to go wine tasting.  This year, since the weather was so nice, we spent the day on the beach then decided to go to Wolffer Estate Vinyard for some evening music, great views, and really good wine!

Every Friday and Saturday through the end of September, Wolffer holds their Sunset Fridays & Saturdays at The Wine Stand.  Adults can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, purchase light snacks, and listen to live music while the kids run around and play!  What more can you ask for?!  These type of events are always my favorite because they are laid back and easy.

Our favorite wine that night was "Summer in a Bottle"...#Yes way rose!  The bottle is so pretty and the wine tasted pretty fabulous!

We had such a nice time walking around the grounds.  I love vineyards and orchards.  They always seem so peaceful.

This  H&M dress is so comfy and flowy.  It has really cute tassels that embellish the dress just right.  I just recently purchased this dress in the store however, I had a hard time finding it online.  Similar maxi dresses in different fabric patterns are  here,  here, and  here.  

 I'm on the shorter side (let's round up to 5'1" :) so I usually need to have my dresses hemmed.  I don't love to do this but if the dress is worth it and I think I'll wear it often I will spend the money.  The jean jacket is an older one from GAP that I've had since college!  Sometimes it isn't such a bad thing to keep items that you believe are versatile and timeless.  Jean jackets are one of those items that always come back in style!  Similar ones are here and here.

We all had such a great evening at Wolffer Estate!  We definitely recommend the great wine and the family friendly atmosphere!

Here are some summer maxi's I've been eyeing:

Salute!!

Good Friends are Like Stars: A Girls Night Out in NYC

"Good friends are like stars.  

You don't always see them 

but you know they are always there."

- Christy Evans

This weekend 5 of my college girlfriends got together for a fun filled girls night out in NYC.  It's not often we are all in one place at the same time but it always promises to be a night filled with lot's of good food, drinks, dancing, and abundance of laughter!  What more could you ask for?

We started our night out at Print Restaurant which was an urban farm to table restaurant in Hell's Kitchen.  The food and atmosphere were outstanding but the company and conversation even better!

After dinner we made our up to the rooftop bar The Press Lounge  with it's stunning views and creative cocktails.

Sorry for the grainy photo!  I wanted to give you an idea of the gorgeous view!

I am loving rompers lately since they are so comfortable and look great for either a night time look or even dressed down for daytime.  I was wearing a black jumpsuit (similar here and here), this belt, these earrings, and peep toe booties (similar here and here).  

We were looking for live music so we made our way over to Times Square and ended up at The Playwrite Tavern listening to live music by Enda Kegan.  This definitely took us back to our college days singing along to good music and enjoying a few drinks.

Our night wouldn't be complete without some dancing!!!  We ended the wee hours of the morning at 3 Monkey's Bar.  This is the city that doesn't sleep after all and we were following suit!

Needless to say we had a GREAT night out!  There is no substitute for time with your girlfriends to keep you feeling young and refreshed!   We are already planning our next trip!  Can't wait!

Family Day Out: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Rejoice!  Spring has finally sprung in New York!  We wanted to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather so we decided to take drive to one of our favorite NYC spots, Brooklyn Bridge Park!  

View of Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 1 @ Brooklyn Bridge Park

There is so much to do at the park, especially for families!  We parked in the neighborhood streets close to Pier 6.  Brooklyn Bridge Park spans from Pier 1 to Pier 6.  There is also a garage at Pier 6, however we always opt to find parking in the neighborhood streets and walk a bit to the park.

Little J is wearing this jacket, jeans (similar here), and sneakers (similar here and here)

We stopped first at the playground area where there are swings, giant slides, climbing structures, and in the warmer weather an amazing sprinkler play area for the kids!  This first stop is key since it gives our boys time to run it out and get hungry for lunch.

Little J is wearing swim suit/rash guard  size 3T (similar here and here) &
Little T is wearing this swim suit/rash guard size 12M.

For lunch we usually pack up some food for Little J and Little T and then find something for ourselves. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great place for a picnic!  There are plenty of areas to sit in front of the water or on one of the piers.  There are also some grassy areas in and around the park.  We opted for lunch at Fornino where we purchased ready-made salads and sandwiches.  Fornino is also known for it's wood fired pizza which looked and smelled YUM!

After lunch we took the kids to another play area at Pier 5.  They had a blast climbing the rope structure and playing in the toddler area.

This picture was take in August 2015 at Pier 5 Brooklyn Bridge Park

After running them around for a bit it was just about nap time which gave us a chance to take them for a walk up the park to Pier 1.  The views of the city were stunning on a clear day.  Totally worth the walk!  The kids enjoyed it too since it gave them some time to mellow out and for Little T to eventually fall asleep!

I'm wearing this top and this tank. Some of my favorite athleisure wear.

Overall, an amazing day out with the family!  Get yourself out for some sun, fun, and beautiful views at Brooklyn Bridge Park!  You won't regret it!