Saturdays Are For Coffee

February 19, 2019 courtnee

Cold is not my favorite but I’m a sucker for a good cup of coffee. So last Saturday we bundled up and headed to Wyoming Community Coffee!

This charming coffee shop is tucked into one of our favorite Cincinnati neighborhoods! As if the promise of a fantastic latte wasn’t enough, we got to check out the Book Bus while we were there.

The Book Bus is the cutest bookstore on wheels I’ve ever seen! It’s the only mobile bookstore I’ve ever seen but I challenge anyone to to find a cuter one than this!

We settled in for the hour with our delicious drinks- one caramel latte, one london fog and one chocolate milk- and spent some quality time together.

We will definitely be making more regular visits to this little gem! Cincinnati friends if you are looking for a local cup of coffee, a yummy quick bite and comfortable and cozy atmosphere, check them out!

Mondays Are For Messes

July 24, 2018 courtnee

Some of my best moments with Rowan are when I get to show him my favorite little places in the city. I love being able to watch his eyes light up as he falls in love with them too!

A few weeks ago, we ventured out to one of those little gems, Blue Manatee. I've taken him here a dozen or so times before. But, the most amazing part of having a four-year-old is watching how magical the world is for them! Rowan takes everything in and needs to process the surroundings for a while. Even as he gets more comfortable it takes time for him to warm up and engage. Because of this, I'm always worried. But really, I had nothing to worry about!

The new location is just as cozy and wonderful as it's previous space. The staff is warm and generous. Ms. Kellie is amazing with the kids. We had such a great morning "making a mess" a Blue Manatee!

He's already asked to go back to for another messy Monday! I think that means he loves it as much as I do!

Local Love || P L A Y L I B R A R Y

July 25, 2017 courtnee

A few weeks ago I met up with mom friends and their kiddos at a new to us place, The Play Library. My husband had mentioned it to me in a conversation but for whatever the information didn't really register. He'll tell you it's because I never listen to him but #alternatefacts y'all. Anyway, we had an amazing time at that first outing and it's quickly become one of my favorite Rowan approved places in the city.

This adorable little space is basically a lending library for toys and games! Ro has so much stuff and so many toys that the idea of being able to check out something new and enjoy it without worrying about where to store it is a parent's dream!

A membership(monthly or yearly) is required to check things out, but it's FREE to come in and play, although donations are welcomed! Members also get access to all Library events and a discount if you want to rent the space out for a private event. So, why are you waiting?! Go check it out!

This cozy little corner on Elm St. feels a little bit like getting a glimpse behind a magic door. It's essentially the room of my 7 year old dreams!

This treehouse inspired is perfect for my little sensory seeker! Getting him to sit still in chairs can be a challenge because he often requires physical stimulus in order to calm himself. These swings require him to balance although they are anchored underneath to prevent slipping and falling. And, that additional physical activity provides enough stimuli that he is able to sit and concentrate.

And, of course, he found a garbage truck!

All of that play is exhausting so we finished our afternoon with a treat.

City Mornings

March 17, 2017 courtnee

If I could make a wish and have my wildest dream fulfilled, it would definitely have something to do with the arts. I don't know that I have the soul of an artist but I have the desire to have the soul of an artist! LOL! And, I love that we live in a city that makes it easy to pass my appreciation of it to my kids.

With that in mind, I bundled up Rowan and we headed downtown to enjoy a morning at Contemporary Art Center. The top floor of the space is the UnMuseum for kids. Everything is kid friendly and they are encouraged to become part of the installations by interacting with them. On Thursday mornings, the CAC offers Art Play. There's a specific craft or art activity followed up with kid-friendly yoga!

It's nice to hang out in a museum where you don't have to worry that your curious toddler is climbing on and destroying a priceless work of art!

Rowan found a new favorite! There's an area that is dark with a light installation on the ceiling. The kids are encouraged to use the flashlights to interact with the lights and music. That little space was so cozy and peaceful despite the dozen or so kiddos running around having the time of their lives!

After all of the fun upstairs we headed to the lobby for people watching, street car spotting and of course the perfect latte to end our morning.

sunflower festival {local love}

October 5, 2016 courtnee

there was a crispness in the air on sunday morning. we packed up the kiddo and headed to gorman heritage farm for the annual sunflower festival!

i love that his gorgeous farm is only 15 minutes from our house and in a regular(and very old)cincinnati neighborhood! we had a great morning exploring the land, wandering through the gardens, chasing chickens and making our way through the sunflower maze!

we got there when it opened at 10 and by the time the crowds and the sun hit at noon we were ready to head home for a family nap.

local heart{spotlight: spruce}

April 4, 2016 courtnee

friday morning doug takes rowan to swim lessons. i usually spend the time sleeping or cleaning. a few weeks ago, i was exhausted and worn out from a particularly challenging week of toddler wrangling, i declared friday as "my day!" i had grand visions of a morning spent in a cute cafe reading and sipping a cafe au lait to my hearts content. as soon as the words left my mouth i never thought about it again! until, last week.

last week i decided to indulge myself with a manicure so i booked an appointment at spruce.

spruce is one of the newest offerings in vine street's gateway quarter. it features natural and toxic free lotion, scrubs and cuticle oils in a relaxing and eco-friendly.

the first thing i noticed when i walked in was the smell. it smells really, really good. the total opposite of a nail salon! the design of the salon is simple, minimal and gorgeous. i was swooning at all of the copper details, especially the sink in the back wall! the staff was warm and friendly without seeming like they were trying too hard. meagan and i chatted about everything from nail color to babies to moms giving themselves some time off as she worked on my nails.

i haven't had a proper manicure since before rowan was born and this little indulgence was exactly what i needed!