How is everyone doing with back-to-school preparation and/or adjusting to the new school year? Em is in year-round school since she is still in Pre-K, but today marks the first day of her new academic year! While she was never out of school for summer break, she’s been on a summer academic schedule. Therefore, IRead More
Honeysuckle Tea House
One of our favorite places in the Triangle Area is Honeysuckle Tea House. Ever since we were first introduced to this place, we were hooked. Now that we live farther away, we don’t visit as much as we would like to, but it is a must place to go when we have visitors in town.Read More
5 No-Fuss Ways to Accessorize Your Outfit
Now that my daughter is old enough to not pull on my earrings or try to eat my necklace, I’ve been getting back into accessorizing my outfits. In fact, at 2.5 years old, Em loves to accessorize herself as well. She is always looking for her necklace or bracelet to wear. Mother like daughter, huh?Read More
Real Mom Talk: Finding the Right Child Care Provider
Today, we are saying goodbye to Em’s very first teacher, Ms. Ani. My heart is so heavy with sadness but excited for Ms. Ani’s next adventure in life! You see, Ms. Ani was Em’s first teacher figure. Em was at home with her nanny for the first 18 months of her life. We decided toRead More
Maddie and Steve
When I decided to write again back in 2014 shortly after Steve and I got married, I struggled a bit coming up with a name for the blog. In addition to wanting to store my thoughts somewhere, I wanted to document our life journey for our family and friends living afar. I knew this wasRead More
Disneyland Fun & Tips with a Toddler
One of the most anticipated trips on our California vacation was hands down our day trip to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. When planning our Cali trip, we weren’t sure if we wanted to take Em to Disneyland as we thought she may still be a little too young. We were going to waitRead More
City of Angels (Part One)
The last time we made our way out west was two years ago, right after Em was born for my best friend’s wedding in San Francisco. So we were super excited to head back again for two weddings this time, Steve’s cousin’s in Pasadena and Steve’s best friend’s in Hollywood. Because these weddings were closeRead More
Emma’s Moana Themed Birthday Party
If you haven’t noticed already, ever since Emma watched Moana for the very first time, she was immediately hooked. It was also the first movie she actually sat through. So naturally, she now wants everything Moana. She especially loves to belt out the theme song, How Far I’ll Go. Case in point here. So whenRead More
To Emma (Letter #2)
Our dearest Emma, Your second birthday has come and gone, and Mama is more emotional than when your first birthday came along. As wonderful as your first year was, a big chunk of that year was in survival mode. Your second year though, was soaking up every single moment of your growth because it literallyRead More
Auntie Mimi
Our first year in NC, none of our family members were nearby. The closest were my parents who were still a 5-7 hour car ride away (depending on traffic). But a year ago, my SIL moved from Chicago and she now only lives three hours away. We are fortunate to have Auntie Mimi (Emma callsRead More