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

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. 

The Girl in the Glasses

I've worn glasses since the second grade. So, more than 30 years. I never really had the urge to wear contacts. 15 years ago, I briefly worked for an optician and was able to try a pair for free. I lasted one night! Nope! Not for me! Glasses are a part of who I am and I feel weird without them.

However, glasses are expensive! I've been through periods where they were not covered by insurance and because I have a fairly intense prescription I would end up covering the entire $300-$500 cost out of pocket! Thankfully vision insurance now makes our out of pocket cost minimal but what's a girl to do when she wants a variety of cute frames to suit her mood but the insurance company will only spring for one pair per year?! Buy them online, of course! A few years ago I took the plunge and ordered my first pair online and I haven't looked back-no pun intended! 

Last week during one sleepless night, I got into my head that I needed new glasses. Not just any pair of new frames, but pink ones! I headed to Zenni where I've purchased four of my last five pairs to see what they had. My requirements are always the same- plastic, slightly oversized and square. It took me five minutes to find I pair I loved! It took me another minute to find the same frames in another color that I wanted too! In less than 10 minutes I purchased two complete pairs of prescription eyeglasses for under $20($17.46) and that was with shipping! They were in my mailbox 7 days later. I love them both! The ones on the left are little greener than I thought they would be but because the frames have the appearance of frosted glass they are more of a sea glass color-very soft and pretty. The pink are just fun!  Now that I've satisfied my need for pink glasses, I have to go back and buy the pair of heart shaped sunglasses I've been eyeing;) 

    

Blue Jean Baby {worn}

We've reached that point in summer when it is H O T and H U M I D. There's no way around it. So I choose to ignore it! There's no way around being hot so you might as well wear what  you want!  The top is 100% silk so it breathes! It was a thrift store score which means I'm not too afraid to wear it when I'm on mom duty. The jeans are my favorite high rise super stretch jeggings from American Eagle which means they're thinner than regular denim. The heels didn't last the whole day but I remained cool and relatively pulled together in this look. 

Can I talk for a minute about this Coach backpack? It's at least 15 years old, maybe closer to 20. It's so old I can't remember when I got it but look at how amazing it still looks! If you would have told me when I bought to haul around the crap of my young kids 15 or 20 years later it would be serving the exact same purpose I would have thought it was a joke. But, here we are. The more things change, the more they remain the same.   

Sunday Funday|An Afternoon in the City

I am not the most spontaneous person. Neither is my husband. I don't know if it's because we're both Virgos or if we're just set in our ways. So, I was pretty proud of us for deciding to pack up the kiddo and head downtown for the day. We were all dressed, ready out the door in an hour! Shouldn't Sunday afternoons be about finding a little adventure?   We hadn't been to the Observation Deck at Carew Tower in years but it was a perfect afternoon to introduce Rowan to a picture perfect view.   

Why does my sweet baby boy look like such a big kid these days?! Gah! It's all flying by too fast! 

We stumbled upon a climate change rally! These were my two favorite signs. After spending time on Fountain Square we hopped on the streetcar to head to Findlay Market. We've been on it a handful of times and just realized that Nick Lachey voices the stops. That is so Cincinnati!  

 

We had a quick and delicious lunch, listened to some street performers and bought some goodies before heading home. Sunday, fun day, indeed! 

Easy like Sunday morning {worn}

My anxiety seems to be in overdrive lately and part of taking care of myself is knowing my limitations and being realistic with my expectations. So, easy is my word for the summer! If it's not easy, it's not happening. Catch me in September for everything else!

 

And so, a favorite dress, a pair of sandals and big hair that doesn't require me to plug in my flat iron or curling wand all summer! It's taken me a bit to get used to it. I love big, beautiful natural hair but I'm still unsure of how I feel about it on me! On one hand, I like straight hair because my face is round and full and I've always thought it helped thin it out a little. But, on the other, I want to enjoy my summer without spending so much time straightening my hair into submission. 30 minutes start to finish and we were out the door on our way to Sunday brunch! 

Butterfly Show {family fun}

The annual Butterfly Show at Krohn Conservatory is a harbinger of summer and one the entire city looks forward to seeing every year. The last time we went, Rowan was too little to enjoy it. so this year it was so much fun to watch him take it all in! 

"Butterfly" is a new-ish word for him so to hear him say it with so much joy as he pointed with delight at all of the gorgeous butterflies landing around us made this year's trip extra special.  And, can we talk about how wonderful it smells! Butterflies are attracted to the scent of jasmine. Krohn passes out these little scratch and sniff cards that release the scent to encourage the butterflies to interact with you. I'm not sure if there's a heaven, but if it exists, I hope it smells just like this! 

 

Posh Frock {worn}

For the first time in a long time, I bought a dress! I didn't buy for a specific event. I didn't buy it after carefully considering its practicality or whether or not it was toddler-friendly. I bought because I loved it! And, when I put it on it made me happy! 

The dress is part of the Victoria Beckham line at Target. When she made the switch from Posh Spice to fashion designer there were lots of eyerolls. But even the naysayers have to admit, she came, she saw, she slayed! I had high hopes for her Target collab and she nailed it! Everything is solidly constructed and the fabrics she used are high quality, particularly for the price point. It's the first time in a long time that I've wanted to buy everything from a Target designer collab! And, if you have a baby or toddler girl...OMG...there are so many adorable things to buy!   

mornings and messes

Looking for a quick, easy and messy way to spend the morning?  

Like all good ideas, I found this on Pinterest. There were several pins and each of them called for different kinds of paint. I used the tempera paints we had on hand. You also need a bin, lid or something to hold the shaving cream, shaving cream(the old fashioned foaming kind) and the tip of a paintbrush/toothpick to swirl the paints.  

When we were finished I took our rainbow-colored foam and let Rowan have the time of his life rinsing himself off! 

I'm trying to balance our days with structured and free play. This was the perfect activity. There was something for him to focus on but since it was creative I think to him it felt like play time. More importantly, I had a relaxing and fun morning with my little love bug! 

Simple {worn}

The weather has been all of over the place and I'm a little hesitant to declare spring weather is here to stay but, I think it may be here to stay! 

If my winter uniform was leggings and oversized sweaters then my warm weather go-to is an easy dress. Last week we enjoyed some summer-like temps and I took the opportunity to reacquaint myself with some of my favorite dresses. 

I'm guilty of falling into the same pattern as lots of other moms. When you spend your days at home with young kids worrying about getting dressed in something other than what is easy and comfortable is not something high on my to do list. It was nice to throw on a dress and remind myself that I'm more than Rowan's mom, soother of tears, meltdown manager, tiny shit hauler!

This outfit may have reminded of my pre toddler mom life but I quickly remembered why all of my favorite heels have been moved to the back of the closet! These lasted for approximately 15 minutes before they were swapped out for flat sandals!

 

Real talk...this is what 75% of the photos look like when you're trying to take blog pics and you have a curious 3 year-old! "mama, mama...this?" "smile, mama"