Finally! For those who are still around, thank you for your patience! On several occasions, I mentioned that my site was having some backend issues that took way longer to resolve than I anticipated. For those who didn’t catch that message on my other platforms, apologies for the radio silence! However, all has been fixed and my blog will resume to my Monday, Wednesday and Friday posting schedule. However, this week, I’ll be posting (not counting this post) on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to make up for some lost times.
Since it’s been a few weeks (the longest I’ve ever gone without posting), I wanted to give a little life update:
Summer Plans:
We’re currently in the middle of trying to plan our summer vacation. We’ll be going away (with Nate) towards the end of June. And I am having the hardest time deciding on which country to explore, with a toddler in tow. At first, I was set on Italy, but then I started debating whether the Greek Islands or Paris and Provence were a better fit to travel with a toddler. At the moment, I think we’ve settled on Italy and now I’m trying to decide whether Tuscany, Lake Como and possibly a third destination are a better fit than Sicily and/or Puglia. We’ll have about 10 days, excluding travel! To be determined, but if any of you have personal stories or recommendations to share, please feel free to do so!
On a new purchase and clothing note:
I recently sprung for the Manolos I am wearing above. A few years ago, I had a similar color in a pair of Jimmy Choo. But I’ve since sold them because quite frankly, they became too uncomfortable and too high for me. There would be so many occasions that I would get dressed. And I’d think “if only I still had a simple, nude colored suede pump.” I’ve only had them for a few weeks but already, I’ve reached for them several times. I could not be happier with the buy! I also linked a more price friendly version above.
On a TV/Entertainment note:
I’m currently watching The Bold Type (on Hulu) and I’ve been enjoying it so much. As I mentioned on Instagram (if you follow), at first I thought it was going to be cheesy. But it’s entertaining while covering many important topics and conversations. I also love the female friendship element and didn’t realize how much I missed that in a show. The girls may be younger than me, but nonetheless, I’m loving it.
Sadly, I’m almost done with Schitt’s Creek. Another show that I didn’t’ think I could get into. But many of you messaged me to tell me to stick with it! You were all so right. Season 1 is a bit tricky, I kept it on in the background while working or doing other chores around the house. Once Season 2 started, I was completely invested and it’s quickly become one of my favorite shows.
Hmmm… lets see what else? Oh, how could I forget?! This Wednesday, Nate turns 3!!! I’m not sure how that happened, but it did. Keith and I took the day off. We’re still debating whether we should take him to the zoo or the Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs!) followed by a fun lunch and possibly a visit to FAO Schwartz. We’re playing the day by ear, but it should be a fun one. Then, on Saturday we’re throwing him a party at a children’s museum with all of his friends and a car and truck cake. He’s so excited and every single morning, he wakes up and asks “is today my birthday?”
I think we’re all caught up and I have to say, it feels good to be back!
24 comments
Roses for Fridays | by mia
Such a cute cute denim look … and planning a little getaway vacation to Italy is always the best!
🌸🍃ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🌸🍃| by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
April 22, 2019Jae
Wow time flies! Nate turns 3 already?! I need to check out that show on Hulu. Have you seen Killing Eve? I heard it’s so good!
April 22, 2019Jae
http://www.editedbyjae.com
Sel
Hello Helena, something to consider is whether or not Nate can cope with being away from home, his playmates and his toys for 10 days. When our son was three, we went on a family holiday for 7 days. After 5 days, our son had had enough. He wanted to go home. He was miserable and pining for his friends, toys and our family dog.
April 23, 2019Janine
Hahaha ‘is today my birthday?’ how cuuute! Kids birthday partys are the most adorable thing! I looove The Bold Type, it’s not what you would first expect and the topics covered are quite deep.
April 23, 2019xx Janine
https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/
Miri
Wow you look so nice dear! Happy that you’re back! I Think Italy and France are always a good idea when it comes to summer vacay!
lots of love, Miri
April 23, 2019http://www.meetmiri.com
Mireia
Love those nude shoes! So easy to style!
Mireia from TGL
April 23, 2019https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Linda
Ciao Helena, for your summer plans..ITALY!ITALY!ITALY!
April 23, 2019I would do this: flight to Rome ( which for you from NY should be the best option avoding connections and stopovers) Stay 2-3 days in Rome which being quite big can be explored with a toddler ( cities like Venice, from where I’m from, become too crowded and basically impossible). From Rome, by car drive to Salerno ( where you can enjoy some day trips toAmalfi Coast and Pompei) it’s 2.30hrs from Rome therefore not too much for kids. You can spend there another 2/3 days. From Salerno drive to South Puglia ( region named Salento- italian Maldives -). From Salerno to Puglia I would stop in Matera for one night to break the travel and because it’s definitely worth it. Relax on the beaches of Puglia ( where btw you can mix relax and sight seeing: trulli/cities such as Lecce/Alberobello/ Gallipoli/Ostuni together with amazing food) Flight back homefrom Bari or Brindisi airport.
Hope this inspires you! Ciao from Italy
Anna D
I totally agree Linda, this is the perfect itinerary. Rome, Pompeii, Salerno, then drive across to Puglia, stay in a trullo and fly back from Bari. I love southern Italy and you get the perfect mix of a little of everything with this route,
April 23, 2019Shana
We’ve done Tuscany and Lake Como, even though it was before littles, we saw tons of little ones running around and enjoying the town squares and open areas in those regions. Our thought is to bring our 2-1/2 year old to these areas first and then maybe a day or 2 in Rome like Linda mentioned to see some sites. I find that if we have a relaxed itinerary and don’t push too hard she does great! Enjoy! p.s. I love this look 🙂
April 23, 2019Mary D
we like you! so we’ll be there for you ….whats a couple of weeks between friends…we pick up where we left off! Nate is going to be 3 – god bless him….time goes fast! remember your wedding dress post …and now this handsome little guy smiles back at us …- look forward to seeing vacate pics of him & u – you go girl …Live yr best life!
April 23, 2019KeRrie
Helena! I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve so missed your posts. I don’t always get time to comment but I always read and I’ve missed you the last two weeks. Re travelling in June, definitely do Italy, Nate will have a great time wherever you go Helena. I have two little boys 5 & 3 and we do all sorts of trips from cruise to villa to hotel and they love it all. Hope Nate has a fab birthday x x x
April 23, 2019Jeanne
hi!
We just returned from Sicily this past Saturday. 8 nights. I think you need to consider that it will be quite hot in June. There isn’t much shade. Think it’s more of an adult/older child vacation. I have 2 boys – 10 and 11 – and while we were absolutely blown away by the grandeur of the towns (Modica, Noto, Ragussa), we had to change plans and go to the Verdura Resort for 2 nights to give them a church/grand plaza break. I travelled with them from the time they were 2 and 3 (alone to meet a friend in Chamonix), and we spent a few summers in Provence. Do a house, and go to Provence. A gorgeous hotel in Provence is Crillon Le Brave, but with a child you need him to be able to run around and Crillon might not have the green space you need. Rent a house is Tuscany, or Provence. 🙂
April 23, 2019Joanna
I agree! It’ll be hot and busy. Little ones will get bored with seeing the sights however wonderful. They get tired and have a melt down. I love Italy and Nate will love it too when he is older. I know you want to expand his horizons and have a great vacation to boot but I do think he is too young. Perhaps, rent a place and do short excursions. Then if he seems tired, have a day sitting by the pool or beach where he can just play.
April 24, 2019Chantal
So glad the blog is back!! I missed the updates!
April 23, 2019Veronika
I remember reading your birth story. And thinking to myself, can’t wait to have my own little one. And now our girl is turning 2 in June. Anyway, time is flying, but as long as we look damn good, and are HEALTHY!! All is good in this world!! Haha
April 23, 2019Jessie
Honestly, go and don’t ever worry about people who advise that Nate’s too young and won’t remember a thing. That may be true, but the memories right now are for you.
When my son was 2 (and I was 5 months pregnant with my second son), we did Paris, Nice, Monte Carlo and it was amazing. It helped us to not expect too much, and if it was hot we’d stay low key and by the pool – basically playing it by ear and taking our cues from him. We stayed at different hotels and took the train from Paris to Nice – the memories as I look back were sooo amazing. People fussed over him and we threw him in the stroller a lot. I don’t think you can go wrong with Italy or France, just don’t over think it and book it soon. You should also know that we travelled often, all over the world, and our kids grew up to be amazing travellers.
April 24, 2019Amanda
Hi Helena! Welcome back (but I follow on IG, so no biggie–but I do enjoy a good blog read 😉
Anywho, I’m blabbering. As for Italy, I can speak to being a parent and bringing a toddler, BUT, have traveled to both places you mentioned and Italy as a whole twice.
Honestly, I would say Tuscany (Florence) hands down over Lake Como, there is more to do and see and explore w the little. Lake Como (and Bellagio) was beautiful, but also kind of boring after three days.
I have a ton of posts dedicated to Italy on my blog, not trying to be preachy, just potentially helpful <3
April 24, 2019https://www.lifewithaco.com/search/label/italy
Amanda
*CAN’T speak to being a parent
April 24, 2019Helena
Thank you!!!
April 27, 2019Angela Hayes
Welcome back – missed your posts and recommendations!
April 24, 2019Karla
My husband and I have always lived traveling and took our son at 3 years old to Ukraine. Some people said he was too young, but boy were they wrong! We all had a fantastic time! At 4 years old we took him to Armenia. That has been one of our favorite trips of all time! Now, he’s 5 years old and we can’t wait to see where we travel next 🙂 Madvice
April 27, 2019Karla
Sorry about cutting off my response above… My advice is to take him to a kid friendly country and where it’s not too overwhelmed with people. Plan for breaks and take weather into consideration too. He will treasure his adventures and you’ll be setting him up for a love of the world 🙂
April 27, 2019Maria
South of Spain,culture,monuments,really good food, beaches and fun for babies and adults.
May 2, 2019bulk-billing psychologist kardinya
I love how children get excited in the lead-up to their birthdays, it’s so cute
May 29, 2019