Happy Monday, friends!
Any fun plans for Valentine’s Day?
Here’s a random fact about me – as much as I love red and all things hearts, Valentine’s Day is my least favorite holiday. Shocker, right?
Personally, I think it is way more important to cherish and appreciate the ones you love every day. However, I always welcome a reason to celebrate, and truth is, today is not just for couples. Instead, it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the relationships you do have, including the one with your little one. In fact, giving my son a little treat to show him how special he is to me is something I can get behind. After all, he has seen me at my worst and still love me unconditionally. Last night, he walked up to me, wrapped his little arms around my leg and said I love you mama! I mean seriously – what could be better?
So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be fun to share these photos we took the other day.
I purchased our sweaters** back in November from Shein but haven’t had much of an opportunity to wear them. So, when the hubby had some errands to do several weeks ago, we decided to make a day out of it. I, of course, took this outing as an excuse to plan a Mommy and Me outfit for!
Since we were going to be in and out of the car, I wanted us to wear something simple and comfortable. In my opinion, there’s nothing cozier than wearing a sweater. It’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket and who doesn’t want that? Throw it on with jeans casually like we did in these photos, add your favorite everyday bag and your trusty pair of shoes. Voila, you’re good to go! It was the perfect outfit for us to wear during a beautiful winter afternoon for moseying around.
Speaking of, once we finished running errands, we headed to downtown Pleasanton to walk around, and grab lunch. We ate at a restaurant called Oasis that used to be the hubby and I’s old stomping ground – you know when date night was a thing! So, it was even more special this time around because we were able to share this place with our little guy.
We started with hummus platter and mini gyros! Yum! Then for lunch, we all had chicken kabobs! What can I say? We love chicken!
Afterwards, we went to the Ghirardelli store that opened near us for dessert. I am not a huge chocolate lover, but I can’t say no to ice cream. We shared their sea salt caramel sundae, and it was absolutely amazing. Every single bite was decadent! If you are in the area, I highly recommend it.
In other news, I’ve been wanting to make this announcement for some time but struggled with what to say. So, I’ll just say it. I’ve considered taking an extended break from Instagram for a while but each time I tried to step away, I always found reasons to stay online. It has been hard to cut the cord because it’s a great platform to get yourself noticed or connected. If you are a blogger or an influencer, then you can relate. But as of mid-January, I have decided to step back from app indefinitely. As much as I found it an amazing way to connect, I found myself getting lost in it. If I am being honest, I’ve also come out of Instagram feeling a little worse than when I started, and in a lot of ways, being on the app no longer aligns with my why.
That said, I am not leaving the internet. The blog will continue to be updated with new posts. In fact, I am in the process of creating a new series that I am excited to introduce on the site next month. Stay tuned!
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do you have a tradition?
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my Mommy & Me page for more outfit ideas.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).
**Our sweaters are no longer available, but Shein has many similar versions so I have put together a list on the liketoknow.it app that you can check out.
SHOP MY OUTFIT:
SHOP MY SON’s OUTFIT:
Maria Khan | 20th Mar 22
so cute!
Clarice | 4th Mar 22
This is really cute! Love your outfits. What a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Di Hickman | 3rd Mar 22
Great outfits. I also wanted to say that I too stepped away from social media for a bit. I’m trying to be more mindful with it. The scrolling is real, and they just want more and more of our time and attention. Not healthy at all, Good for you for recognizing it and stepping away.
pooja Malkani | 28th Feb 22
omg! this is so cute and beautiful. Represents the bond you two share. Great way to spend a day an amazing day together. Would love to try something like this
Alvern | 27th Feb 22
I really like shades of brown, I think I have 3 pairs of boots with brown in them. You did a great job of blending the browns together. That sea salt caramel sundae looks delicious.
Amy | 26th Feb 22
Oh, you two are just the cutest! I love your sweater!
Allie Mackin | 25th Feb 22
Oh I am loving your mommy and me outfits of the day here! The sweaters great and your lunch looked soooo good as did your trip to the sweat shop. What a wonderful day you had!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Kathrine Eldridge | 25th Feb 22
So in love with both of your looks! Your sweater is so chic and cozy. I love Ghirardelli’s so much! They closed the restaurant here in Chicago so I will just have to have imagine how good that dessert was! I totally understand about social media. I take breaks regularly.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Lori Bosworth | 25th Feb 22
You guys look so cute together! I love your burnt orange sweater and booties! Happy belated Valentine’s Day!
Lyosha | 25th Feb 22
you two look so cute! i love it when the outfits are coordinated but not identical. You both absolutely rock the color
Niki ~ Life as a LEO Wife | 23rd Feb 22
So adorable! We celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family as well. Love is not just romantic love! Thanks for sharing on Crafty Creators at LifeasaLEOWife.com!
XOXO,
Niki
Amber | 22nd Feb 22
I love your sweaters!
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
Follow Avec Amber on Bloglovin
Nisha | 22nd Feb 22
Such gorgeous mom and son pictures for Valentine’s day. That color is one of my favorites as well. The food looks absolutely delicious great choice to celebrate a special day!
Bojana Krienke | 22nd Feb 22
I love this post and all of your posts. I look at the great relationship you have built with your little man and just makes me feel warm and cozy. Although we are at different points in motherhood this helps me look back and remember those days.
I would love to hear more privately what you found about IG that bugs you. I haven’t had anything negative but do find it a time suck 100%. I can’t wait to hear what you have planned for the blog and I would love to collaborate maybe some time.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Nina | 21st Feb 22
You two are the cutest! Have a lovely week.
-Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2022/02/how-to-style-leopard-print-coat.html
Laura Bambrick | 20th Feb 22
I’ve never tried Ghiradelli ice cream before! Looks like I am missing out! It looks so good! Glad you had a good Valentine’s Day! You two are so cute in your matching brown sweaters!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom | 20th Feb 22
Your neutral outfits look so lovely together and ohhh that food and the dessert! YUMMM!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Shea | 20th Feb 22
You both look adorable in your shades of brown! And how sweet that he just came up and hugged you like that–I love those sweet moments.
I don’t blame you for stepping away from Instagram. I definitely go back and forth on how much effort I want to put into that platform, and what I actually get out of it. Glad to see you’ll still be blogging though!
Fonda @Savvy Southern Chic | 18th Feb 22
You two are always so adorable. I love the outfits and I love that you spend such quality time together.
Carol | 17th Feb 22
You both look cute!
Kellyann Rohr | 17th Feb 22
Maureen, you two are the cutest! And there is NOTHING better than having your son wrap himself around your leg and tell you he loves you – even now with my boys well into their 20s there is still nothing I’d rather hear then them tell me that!
xo,
Kellyann
Ntensibe Edgar | 15th Feb 22
Aaaawwwww…you two really did well this Valentines matching the brownies and the blues! For this year, I actually went out with somebody on Valentines’ Day…my original bestfriend from 25 years ago!
Shauna | 15th Feb 22
You’re so right about Instagram. It can be extremely draining and there have been so many times I’ve just wanted to quit too. I definitely don’t post like I used to, but my mental health is so much better that way! We had a low key Valentines yesterday, and are just doing dinner outside this weekend. One day we’ll make it back inside of a restaurant! Lol! Love all of your pics, looks like a fun fun day!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Rosey | 15th Feb 22
I love the matching looks. I buy outfits that match for my daughter and her girls sometimes. It’s always very cute. 🙂
Melanie Edjourian | 15th Feb 22
I agree Valentine’s Day isn’t just about a significant other it can also be about others that you love like children. I love the outfits. Sounds like you had a fun day. Bet the ice cream at Ghirardelli was yummy!!!
mireille | 15th Feb 22
A simple outfit can be so cute and pretty! That is a lovely sweater and I love how you were able to do a mommy and me outfit! I sometimes do that with my 4 year old but not very often. Love that stone wall as you backdrop: perfect picture opportunity!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Millie | 15th Feb 22
How cute! I would love to do something like this, but I think my son wouldn’t think it’s cool. I know what you mean about Instagram. Good luck!
Abida | 15th Feb 22
There can be nothing more enjoyable than having the day with the favorite person. My favorite person is definitely none but my mom!
Subarna | 15th Feb 22
This is so wonderful. Yes we should not miss a day to celebrate and that’s too with our little ones. You both are looking amazing. And one thing I must the dessert looks so tempting 😋.
Elizabeth O | 15th Feb 22
OMG I love your outfits. I also celebrate valentine’s with matching outfits with my daughter. I like yours better
Heatherkleinwolf | 15th Feb 22
ADORABLE outfits, I love matchy matchy clothes. And good for you for pulling the plug on Instagram!
Michele Morin | 15th Feb 22
You guys are SO cute!
Mica - Away From The Blue | 15th Feb 22
These are such cute photos with your son! I like the matchign orange knits 🙂
I definitely spend less time on Instagram than I used to – I can see why you are stepping away from it! It’s great you will still be blogging though 🙂
Hope your week is off to a good start! Another wet week here 🙂
Boho Marina | 15th Feb 22
How well combined you are, you are very beautiful. Pretty family.
Lovely | 14th Feb 22
Sounds like a fun day! The food looks yum and you both looks great in these matching outfits.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
khoingn | The Broad Life | 14th Feb 22
Wow, you two have really nice outfit for the V day.
It’s one of my fav style too but my place is too hot for that.
Cinny | 14th Feb 22
Those are such adorable pictures! I love my pics with my preschooler too.
Bill | 14th Feb 22
We don’t have traditions when it comes to Valentine’s. We just do whatever we feel like on the day. Having lunch together sounds good too.
briannemanzb | 14th Feb 22
Your outfits look great and I love them. Looks like you had a great celebration of Valentine’s together.
Beth Pierce | 14th Feb 22
I always celebrate Valentine’s with my family. We don’t get the same outfit but we love making crafts and baking cookies.
Alita | 14th Feb 22
I love the brown shade even on valentine’s day. People would usually go for red, purple or pink but this is also adorable.
jess jannenga | 14th Feb 22
Hi Maureen,
First, I understand about IG. It sucks away alot of time. And many times you evaluate is that the time you want to spend? I get it. It often goes through my head. I always love seeing the “mommy and me” outfits you two wear. I said this before, but your son is so stylish! I love that he loves to dress in fun clothes! I love the colors of your sweaters too. We do something simple on Vday, never really go to fancy dinners that are overpriced anyway! We did go to a Vineyard as it was almost 70, and the pups had fun while I passed out goodies to all the dogs there.
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Jodie Filogomo | 14th Feb 22
Since Valentine’s Day is our anniversary, I do like it now. But I didn’t always feel that way. Your thoughts about love ring true, and that’s the message to remember.
I’m glad you’ll still be here on the blog Maureen,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Heather | 14th Feb 22
Super cute! I wish my kids would still match with me!
Colleen | 14th Feb 22
Aww. You two look so cute together! I really love those outfits.
Biana | 14th Feb 22
I think its wonderful that you took that step to make yourself happy and step away from Instagram – when and if you come back you will be happier!! Hope you and your guy have a wonderful valentines day!
Lesley | 14th Feb 22
Cute photos! Hope you have a happy Valentine’s Day!
Christine | 14th Feb 22
Super cute outfit! You both look ready for Valentine’s Day!
Jennifer | 14th Feb 22
So cute!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer