It’s time for another “ten things” post. I stole this idea from my friend Kelly– but it’s basically just an old school blog post where I share the first ten things that come to mind… Ready, set, go!
BEREAL // Have you guys joined the BeReal bandwagon? I was so confused by the app at first, but now I love it. It alerts you at random that you have two minutes to snap what you’re doing– and it takes a photo with both the front and rear camera– and you get to see what your friends are up to too. It’s a little glitchy at times and it’s not exactly some groundbreaking thing, but it’s fun. I think it’ll be a flash in the pan like Wordle (ha), so I’m enjoying it for now!
PERIOD // We’re well into weaning and I still don’t have my period yet!! It’s starting to stress me out because I know (think?) it has to come eventually so I’m just waiting…… Any tips or tricks to having it return postpartum?? I thought for sure it would return once we dropped to nursing 2x a day, but nada! I had a couple of friends recommend acupuncture but with my needle phobia, I’m reluctant. But if it will work, I could be convinced to give it a go.
SHOPPING MOOD // Ugh, as always… the changing of seasons makes me want to start my closet off from scratch. I have zero need to do so, but, you know, the temptation is there. I think I’m going to do a heavy edit on my closet though. I didn’t wear a lot of my summer wardrobe during this new season of life and I know I am holding onto some items from my fall wardrobe that don’t fit my me (or my vibe) anymore.
DATE NIGHTS // We have been going on so many great date nights again. After the pandemic and then me being so sick while pregnant and then newborn life and then “the baby won’t take a bottle” life and then summer travel… we are finally back in a groove of going out! It’s so nice. I think because of the pandemic, we had gotten pretty great about date nights at home (favorite take out in our area and also Mike being a great cook helps!), but woo! It feels so nice to actually go out. We have some great babysitters in our neighborhood and we are making it a priority again.
BABY SLEEP // Speaking of all of this…. Jack is sleeping through the night. (I know baby sleep can be triggering, so skip this if you need to.) It’s so weird but I always assumed I would be strict about sleep and do the whole sleep training thing following someone’s guidelines to a T. And then I had a baby, and…. I couldn’t do it. I tried. But I didn’t have it in me. I kind of gave up and resigned myself to waking up one or two times a night with a baby. And then? He just did it! I am really only sharing this because I wish I had read about hope at the end of a tunnel for baby sleep that didn’t involve sleep training. I swear, he was just ready.
HAIRCUT // In addition to my whole new season, new wardrobe feeling, I’m finding myself falling victim to the new season, new haircut feeling. The bottom line is that I need a haircut, but do I just go for a trim or go for a long-bob. I went onto Pinterest for inspiration for a shorter style and then kept seeing long hair pictures that was swaying me in the opposite direction.
PICKLEBALL // I’m so excited to start doing group lessons for pickleball! I have played before, but excited to do the clinic to learn more. Hoping it turns into a nice way to meet more people in our area and also get a little movement in during my days? I’ve been feeling so good about my workouts lately, but it’s always nice to mix it up!
COUPLE TRIP IDEAS // Mike and I are itching to do a weekend trip this fall just the two of us. We had a couple of resorts picked out and then decided we should probably not fly and pick somewhere we could drive to save time (and travel headaches). Any recommendations?! I’m kind of envisioning going somewhere where we don’t have to leave the property if we didn’t want to– a relaxing, cozy vibe? I keep thinking about Ocean House, but I’ve been there a few times before and would love to try somewhere new!!
THINGS // I have come to the realization that we have too many ~things~. I tried to do the “what sparks joy!” thing, but my problem is that a lot of my processions spark joy. What doesn’t spark joy? Clutter. And I have, like, decision paralysis. So when I go to tackle something, I feel overwhelmed (even with the tiniest thing, like a bathroom drawer!) and just decide to do it later…. and then the next day I’m just as overwhelmed. I’m tempted to hire a professional organizer at this point. I LOVE to organize, but I think it’s gotten too personal for me 🙈. I think I’d have better luck organizing someone else’s house than my own right now!
FEEL GOOD NOT CHEESY // I have been on the hunt for a nice, non-cheesy series to watch before bed. I needlepoint for about 45 minutes and it’s the perfect amount of time for a long episode of TV or two short ones! But I feel like I keep clicking on new shows and they’re all just so, so cheesy. I can’t!! An old show with seasons and seasons on content would be even better!
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L’Agence on Netflix! Great way to practice Francais too! I’ve been doing Duolingo for years like you and this was a fun one to watch and learn.
Period – I didn’t get mine back until I was completely weaned (after a year+) AND away from the baby for a few days. So that weekend away with Mike might be *extra* special…LOL Feel good not cheesy show – Jane the Virgin, Schitts Creek, Never Have I Ever (all a little cheesy but so good! Stick with it for a few episodes!)
I second Jane the Virgin as a feel-good, not cheesy show!
Weekapaug Inn. So much more relaxed than Ocean House, but same great attention to detail. And you can still enjoy all that Westerly/Watch Hill has to offer!
I love posts like this! I know you love Ocean House and Mayflower Inn; have you been to Mohonk Mountain Resort? That would be a great choice! Or come to the CT Shoreline and check out Saybrook Point Inn or Madison Beach Hotel.. I am based in Fairfield County, CT and write a family travel blog. I have dozens of recs, including many resorts…
Can you link to some resorts here in thr US you’ve written on? I’m trying to plan a trip too and am so bad at research!
I’m also feeling the itch for a haircut with the changing season! Feeling very drawn to having bangs again. They just seem so “fall”! Love this post! ❤️
and ps- I am finally getting around to watching Downton Abbey, and I love love love LOVE it! Perfect escape and beautiful in every regard.
I love theses kinds of posts! Always so fun to see what’s going on in people’s lives! http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Have you watched Trying on Apple TV? It’s a really sweet show about a couple “trying” to have a baby, and then adopt. It’s sweet and funny but not cheesy or dumb in my opinion!
Check out Lake House on Canadaigua! My boyfriend’s sister and her husband did a mini-moon there and loved it! They have a lot of things to do on-property, as well!
I also recommend the Mohonk Mountain House! My husband and I got engaged there back in 2014. It would be especially beautiful and cozy in the fall. The spa there is incredible.
Baby sleep— even with sleep training many babies still need to eat once or twice overnight. Sleep training isn’t about sleeping through, but instead works best for removing sleep associations (like not nursing all the way to sleep anymore 😅).
Love these posts! We’re finishing up How I Met Your Mother and starting Mad Men. I’ve loved both. And what about the Salamander Resort in Middleburg, VA. That area is so cute during the fall.
Trying on Apple TV is delightful!
For a weekend away I would recommend Tourists in North Adams (the berkshires). Stayed there after our wedding and it was incredible. There is a restaurant on site and stuff to do around town like a couple museums and hikes etc if you feel up for it!
Yes! I also recommended the Berkshires and agree The Tourists would be great. Or for a historic vibe, check out The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge – one of the oldest hotels in the USA. Several high-end resorts (like Miraval) too.
If you have Paramount+, try watching The Love Boat. It’s an easy going and cute.
Try watching Acapulco on Apple TV. Season 2 will be coming in the spring I think. Its a nice, sweet, feel good show.
I love How I Met Your Mother for a feel good show! If you like the ’60s, The Mary Tyler Moore show is on Hulu. studyinglifewithgigi.com
Mary Tyler Moore is the best ❤️
The Omni Bedford Springs in Bedford PA bad resort like vibes (golf, pool, spa, dining on site, bonfires + s’mores kits) and has tons of hiking / trail walking nearby too. And the town of Bedford itself kind of reminds me of Stars Hollow – very small town feel! It’s a nice getaway for a long weekend.
(Also I relate very strongly with your desire to start your closet over from scratch!! I have to remind myself not to add to cart and checkout DAILY right now!)
I love Frasier. It’s on Hulu right now. There are 11 seasons. Smart and very funny.
I think a big chop would look great. I looooove the lightness of chopping off a bunch of hair. Plus, it’ll grow back so what’s the risk?!
I tried to jump on the BeReal bandwagon, but the app wouldn’t let me add friends. Hopefully, they get that worked out. It’s a fun concept though! As for TV shows, I’m obsessed with Murder, She Wrote and Psych. Both have a ton of seasons and are older shows. Great to watch while you’re doing other things, I may be on my 10th rewatch of both. 😆
Carly- Have you watched “Only Murders In The Building” on Hulu? Steve Martin, Martin Short-it is SO good!
I think you might really like Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, VT. My husband and I went for a quick anniversary weekend trip this spring and it was incredible. The resort is beautiful, there’s a spa and restaurant on property and I’m sure even more to do in the fall. Plus its a five minute walk to the main part of town – highly recommend.
The Marvelous Mrs Maisel – Amazon Prime Downton Abbey The Gilded Age – HBO (if you liked downton abbey you’ll like this) The good place The Office Gilmore Girls – Netflix Chuck (one of my favorites!) – HBO Only Murders in the Building (it’s not light and fluffy, but it’s really funny and stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) – Hulu Superstore – Hulu Ugly Betty – Hulu Younger – Hulu High school musical the musical the series – Disney + There are probably more, but that’s all that comes to mind right now
I didn’t get my period until I was completely done – I was only doing a morning feed at that point. And once I dropped that feed it came one month later! For tv shows – Loot on AppleTV was pretty feel good light fare
This hotel in Maine looks great for a fall trip https://www.hiddenpondmaine.com/
Carly! You and Mike HAVE to check out Hidden Pond Resort in Maine. It’s a super earthy (but luxe) type of resort, with an incredible restaurant: Earth. I think you’d love it!
Oh, love the idea of a weekend away! My husband and I went on our mini-moon to Glenmere Masion. I was swayed by how much Hitha Palepu raved about it on her blog and insta. Cannot recommend it enough, you feel like you’re in Europe!
I’ve been loving Only Murders in the Building (surprisingly light hearted given the title) and Abbott Elementary for light shows!
Jane The Virgin on Netflix. Fun and easy-to-watch while doing something else (except when the grandma speaks in Spanish and there are subtitles). There are five seasons and episodes are about forty five minutes!
Never Have I Ever on Netflix is shorter, but also entertaining. It is Mindy Kalin’s show and just came out with a third season.
Hey Carly! Thanks for sharing about the baby sleep. I, too, thought I’d be *all in* for sleep training, however I just can’t get myself to do it. I am encouraged to hear that eventually, yes, the baby *will* sleep through the night. 🙂
Mohonk Mountain House is amazing for an easy getaway from NJ. Everything (the hotel, food, spa, property, etc.) is amazing. Can’t recommend it more for a couple or family.
I’ve heard the Mohonk Mountain House is gorgeous! They have a ton to do on property and even all inclusive food options as well.
My daughter is 15 months and EBF but I got my period back at 6 months to my dismay! I thought I would have a bit more time without it, ha.
Just finished Never Have I Ever on Netflix and it’s a good one : )
For a weekend away, check out the Kimpton Taconic in Manchester, VT!
For a good show, Younger is perfect if you haven’t already watched. I agree that L’Agence/The Paris Agency is amazing, but it’s tough to needlepoint since it’s all subtitled.
For a feel good show that isn’t cheesy, I’d go with The Good Place if you haven’t seen it. I believe it has 4 seasons, the episodes are a little over 20 minutes, and the whole thing is delightful.
The Good Place is one of the best shows I’ve ever watched!
My period did not come back when I dropped to only two feeds or even only one feed. My period came back one month after completely weaning. I would not worry about it yet as my OB said it could take up to a year to come back after completely weaning. The only advice I have is to make sure you are eating enough, I believe that was what mine did not come back while breastfeeding. I will add though that I had to remove all dairy and eggs in my diet while breastfeeding due to my sons intolerances and it caused rapid weight loss in my case until I could add them back. As always consult a medical professional if you continue to have concerns.
Period: bulk up your caloric intake. It lets your body know it’s “safe” to get your period back again (Lets your body/mind know it’s safe to get pregnant again, hence the period). Worked for me within 2 weeks.
Things: “do I want to manage this?” That question works better for me than does it spark joy.
So interesting – same for me. When TTC our third baby, my dr said my period wasn’t back because my BMI was barely too low (she compared it to what my weight had been TTC our second baby). After two weeks and gaining four pounds, it came back. After EBF our first baby for a year, it took a few months to come back after weaning. I don’t think there’s a way to *make* it come back (besides mentioned above I’d that’s the case) – your body just knows when it’s time 💕
I’d second the Kimpton Taconic in Manchester, or any of the other wonderful inns around there. For our mini-moon after our wedding (in Manchester!) we headed out to the Inns at Aurora on the finger lakes. I’d love to return if it wasn’t for such a long drive from Boston. Wine every night! Lake Views! Brand new spa/resort! Historic buildings, but updated decor!
I highly recommend Cliff House in Cape Neddick Maine! It is right on the water with amazing views and the food is excellent! The spa was also superb!
For a fall road trip, recommend The Berkshires! Don’t know exactly where you live but I bet it’s 2-3 hours from you. Beautiful fall foliage, great food scene, art museums. Or you could try Maine? Equally nice in the fall. 🙂
Love this type of post! Will you share top places people recommend for going away for weekend from NJ area? I feel like that’s always something I’m trying to think of!
Periods- I just completely weaned my little one a month ago. 6 days later, my period came. I thought maybe it would come after dropping to just 1 feeding, but it came when I totally stopped nursing. All in time ☺️
I didn’t get my period back until I was 100% done with any pumping or nursing. Once I was done, it came back about 1-2 months later. Happened with both kids. Don’t stress!
Highly recommend Dawn from the Minimal Mom, Erica Lucas, and Dana K White on Youtube for practical decluttering tips— I’ve been totally binging their videos the last few weeks and went on a huge purge and organize spree throughout the house 😅
So funny, we want to do a fall trip as well (has to be early-mid November with work) and were thinking Ocean House but I want to go somewhere I haven’t been either! Keep us posted on what you decide, Montreal is at the top of our list…
It might be far for you but the Edson Hill Inn in Stowe, Vermont is one of my favorite places! It has the cozy factor and you could spend the weekend just on the grounds or take a quick ride into downtown Stowe.
Highly recommend Twin Farms in VT – definitely a (big) splurge, but one of my favorite places I’ve ever been 🙂
Here to recommend some couples weekend ideas! These are boujee but new parents deserve it! 😉 First idea was Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s. The weather in Maryland is gorgeous in the fall– you could spend the entire time at the resort (spa, golf, pool, restaurants) or venture into quaint St. Michael’s if you’ve never been. The town is so sweet! This Inn is where Wedding Crashers was filmed :). Second idea (which may be too far for you) is Inn at Little Washington. It’s a 5 star inn with a 3 Michelin star restaurant and I promise you will be pampered beyond your wildest dreams without it feeling fussy or pretentious! This is in the countryside of VA, but there are wineries, farms, hiking, national parks all nearby, or you could just spend your days eating and soaking in a massive clawfoot tub ;). We have been multiple times and every experience is better than the last. Wherever you end up, enjoy!
Woodstock Inn and Resort in Vermont! Can’t say enough great things about it or the spa! Also Woodstock is the cutest little town!!
I’d like to sign up for your newsletter — but can’t. I don’t have an Android phone. Aarrgghh! Help! Can you do anything for those of us who only have MacBooks?
Carly – you should look into Bedford Springs resort in PA. It’s about a four hour drive from your town and it is SO LOVELY. We got married there and it just so so special.
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