FRIDAY Q&A: MY MOST RECENT SPLURGE, MY FAVORITE BRANDS FOR BABY BOY CLOTHES, WHERE I’D LIVE IF I COULD LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE, AND MORE

Hello and happy Friday! It was another gray and chilly week in Connecticut and I’m getting a little worried this snow isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. This is usually the time of year when we’d be planning a warm weather trip to get a little reprieve from winter in New England but alas, maybe next year. I remind myself constantly to focus on the things I can control, but I definitely have days where I just can’t believe we’ve all been hunkered down for almost an entire year now. I think the feeling of being trapped indoors because of the snow (not just “at home” which in other seasons still included our yard, our neighborhood, nearby parks and playgrounds) is what’s wearing on me most. How are you all feeling? Sending you all a virtual squeeze — we’re all in this together.

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1. What are your favorite brands for baby boy clothes?

Ralph Lauren for both baby and toddler outfits, Kissy Kissy onesies, and Petite Plume pajamas are my go-tos. We also have pieces we love from Beaufort Bonnet CompanyCecil + Lou, Little English, Etsy, and Sammy + Nat!

2. What are you most looking forward to going from 1-2 babies?

I mentioned a few things in this post but right now I’m just feeling excited to meet him and soak up all the newborn snuggles! Everyone says your heart doubles in size with each new arrival and I am literally counting down the days. 

3. Feeling wanderlust! Favorite travel bloggers to follow for inspiration?

I hear you! I love following @hey_ciara@juliaberolzheimer, @lindsaysilb, and @stacieflinner. 

4. If you could live anywhere else, where would it be? 

Ooh great question! I really had to think about this one. Maybe Charleston? Warm weather, great restaurants, beautiful architecture, still on the east coast and on the water. We’re not going anywhere but it’s fun to daydream as I stare out at two feet of snow on the ground in CT!

5. When did you know you’d made it as a blogger/influencer?

There are so many milestones I still aspire to that I’m not sure I’ll ever really feel like, “oh, I’ve made it!”. Things like paying my taxes without needing to file an extension or maxing out my IRA contribution for a given year make me feel like I’ve got it together in some sense, but I always feel like I could or should be doing more — more Instagram stories! more email newsletters! more original photography! am I the only one of my peers who hasn’t posted an IGTV or a reel?! — and I imagine that will always be the case, particularly while we’re raising a young family. Social media can be such a breeding ground for harmful comparison games so I really try to focus on achieving my personal and family goals and the things that are in my direct control.

6. What’s your morning routine?

Brush my teeth, take my prenatals, and immediately jump into the day with Teddy. Either Will or I will run to Starbucks (or we’ll all pile into the car and go for a drive, Rory included) so we have coffee in hand to keep up with the nonstop activity of a 16-month-old. We were in a great rhythm of going for family walks before all the snow and I’m excited to get back into the habit once it warms up a bit!

7. Will you allow family/friends to visit when the baby comes if Covid is still this prevalent?

Something I stress a lot about and have to remind myself daily that I don’t have enough information yet to make a call one way or the other! It will most likely depend on who’s been vaccinated and of course what my OBGYN and our pediatrician recommend at that time. I’ll let you know when I do! 🙂

8. What’s your favorite needlepoint item you’ve finished and one you’re most looking forward to doing?

My favorite is the needlepoint belt I made for Will’s 30th birthday (and finished just in time for his 31st but who’s counting) and the one I’m most excited about currently is a custom canvas of a Millie’s matchbook that my mother-in-law had painted for me (just saved a photo to my Q&A 3 highlight on Instagram) that I plan to turn into a lucite serving tray. Both larger scale projects that have been labors of love and will make me happy every time I see them!

9. How did you learn needlepoint and what are your recommendations for learning?

My Grandy taught me the summer leading up to our wedding and I’m so thankful I had a way to learn in person, but I think you can definitely get the hang of it by ordering a small canvas to start and watching Youtube videos to teach yourself a simple stitch like basketweave or continental! This free guide is also a great place to start.

10. Most recent splurge?

Light fixtures (this for the ceiling and this for between the mirrors) for our hall bathroom remodel — I really think lighting is like jewelry for any space, and especially a tiny one! 

P.S. Want more Q&A posts? Browse all the archives here!