Baby its cold outside!

Where in the world did that blistery air come from earlier this week?  If you're in the Northeast U.S., maybe you too experienced the SNOW we had last Sunday followed by the first chills of dare I say it....winter.  Our bodies aren't yet conditioned to the cold so we chose to stay cozy indoors and make the most of our Boston Athenaeum membership.  Behind its red leather doors the Athenaeum is an enchanting place for all ages, a hidden gem of our city.  

I was one of the many folks pressing refresh on Mabo's website during their fall launch a few weeks ago and we were lucky enough to score some wonderful pieces from this fabulous collection (although we did loose others in the process!).  This Georgie dress was at the top of my list, a perfect piece for sister matching with the Gemma Blouse for Mila.  

She's keeping court over our secret reading spot on the first floor.  Behind her, you can catch a glimpse of the gorgeous common area that is frequently used for concerts and lectures if you're up for an intellectual date night!

The children's library is the perfect spot for quite play with a collection of fairytale dolls.  It offers the best reading nook in town for our little ones and their weekly storytimes are loads of fun.  

Well at least one of us was eager to be outside!  While Mommy froze, Elise ran around chasing squirrels saying "Hi squirrel, wanna play wif me?"  And when they ran up a tree from this inquisitive toddler, she couldn't for the life of her understand why.

This little hand knit coat has kept her warm for over a year now and I'll mourn the day it no longer fits.  It is by a brand called Le roi booboo which unfortunately I can't find anywhere.  While in Sausalito for a wedding last spring, we stopped into a darling little boutique called Workshop who had a small collection of these beautiful pieces.

At home in Boston

I'm the only one from our little family who wasn't born in Boston but I've grown to love it all the same.  The ever enchanting Public Garden is home to our treasured Make Way for Ducklings statues and Swan Boats.  If you're a local or just passing through, this park has universal appeal and is not to be missed.  Beyond the parks and history, our city has a strong creative energy that is truly embraced by the community.  As you can imagine, its always fun to discover new makers and brands that call Boston their home.  

During our recent trip to Nantucket, we discovered Smiling Button, a playful children's label born and bred in Boston.  I knew right away we'd be devout fans.  Adorable prints paired with classic styling make for timeless pieces.

Our little lady never stops and this day was no exception.  From the park to the library, her dancing feet were happy all day in our favorite summer shoes which were designed and manufactured in Pennsylvania by Zimmerman.  Read more about our admiration for this shoe manufacturer in my Endless Summer and Little Wanderer posts.  

Well hello there Mila!  This little peanut knew nothing but snow for the first few months of her life and is happy to be spending her summer in sleeveless rompers.  We occasionally run across wonderful handmade labels on Instagram and have fallen hard for Seababy.  Moriah makes precious items from vintage and high quality fabrics.  I just love that this little romper is fully lined and has an adjustable back tie that allows it to grow with the child.  

Elise's Peter Beaton hat (as mentioned in a previous post), is another born in Massachusetts label.  It now seems to be her go to hat for sunny adventures.   

Endless Summer

Temperatures are back in the 90s this week in Boston and humid, my least favorite weather combination.  The girls needed a break from the AC so we took a stroll along the water where you can pick up a bit of a breeze.  Our city has many selling features, but to be a short walk away from this beautiful park along the river is at the top of my list. 

Typically this time of year we're gearing up for Fall and getting excited to do some back to school shopping but I'll miss the ease of our summer wardrobes.  No hats and gloves to keep track of, or wondering if we left the house in enough layers.  If its 90 degrees out, there's no guesswork.  An easy summer blouse by Soor Ploom, Vierra Rose drawstring chambray shorts and our favorite shoes by Zimmerman.  

We're a family that is hard on our footwear.  If worn frequently, most of our shoes last a season or two, tops and very few of Elise's will be handed down to Mila as a result.  I don't know what their secret is, but Zimmerman shoes LAST.  The pictures don't lie, they still look new after almost daily wear on three year old feet.  If you want to feel good about American manufacturing and a small family owned business, please read their "About Us" page.  Now back to that Fall wardrobe... we are obsessing over these gorgeous Scalloped Mary Janes and the Milo Boot in Cheeta.