Monthly Ramblings #7

Happy Monday, friends and welcome back to a new week! I hope you had a relaxing weekend, and the chance to unwind and unplug a bit.  As we close out the month, it’s time to update you all on our latest shenanigans.  While this isn’t everything we’ve been up to, it includes some of the highlights over the last month or so.  And as with all my Monthly Ramblings post, I am sharing a bunch of randomness…so here we go…

Events Ramblings

Santa Cruz

At the beginning of October, we ventured to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the day.  We had such a fun time, and the weather was perfection.  Needless to say, the little man had a blast riding all the rides!

Event Ramblings my son in SC Beach Boardwalk Photo

Original Outfit Post

Martial Arts Yellow Belt

Speaking of the little guy, October was a big month for him.  He received his yellow belt in martial arts, and he was so proud of himself.  We are too! 

Monthly Ramblings # 7 my son with yellow belt martial arts

Fantozzi Farms

In my opinion, nothing says autumn like a trip to the pumpkin patch and this has become a tradition for us.  

Over the years, we’ve visited several different ones including G&M Farms and Joan’s Farm & Pumpkin Patch, both in Livermore as well as Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop.  This year, we ventured to Fantozzi Farms in Patterson.  We enjoyed all that there was to do and see.  It was such a great day!

Of course, I had to make sure we visited the patch’s measuring stick to take our annual photos.  It’s fun to look back at photos from years past to see how much the little guy has grown and changed each year.  

Monthly Ramblings # 7 Fantozzi Farm Photo

On me: Graphic Tee | Black Top | Flannel Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Sunglasses

On my son: Graphic Tee | Black Top | Flannel Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Sunglasses

Grandma’s 97th Birthday

My Grandma turned 97th this year and it is such a blessing that we can celebrate another year with her.  There was food, more food and lots of family time! #mykindofparty  

My grandma's and son eating ice cream

Abraham Lincoln

At my son’s school, every Halloween each classroom decides on a historical theme.  From there, each student chooses an individual they want to dress up as and write a short speech about them to present on stage.  This year his classroom’s theme was of historical activists, and he dressed up as Abraham Lincoln.  

My son as Abraham Lincoln Photo

Costume | Pants | Shoes | Sunglasses 

Halloween Costume 2022

I know Halloween is over and we are already at the end of November! But I just had to share our Halloween costumes on here with you all.  Not only did we do a full DIY on our costumes this year, but we also joined our very first Halloween costume contest.  Oh, did I mention it also glows in the dark?! I am planning on posting a tutorial and talking about this later in more detail because it needs to be documented.  For now, I am thrilled to report that we won the family costume category! Yay!

Monthly Ramblings #7 Halloween Train & Coal Car Costume 2022 Photo A

Health Ramblings

Physical Therapy

When the world came to a standstill in 2020 and everything closed including my gym, I had to get creative with my workouts.  While I have a couple of weight sets that help me with my weight training routine, I don’t own any circuit training equipment.  

During the summer months I was able to go outside to go for a run but when it got cold and dark, I was unable to do so anymore.  So, I started incorporating our stairs as part of my cardio training.  For a while, it was going well until one morning I noticed my left foot was sore and tender.  I, of course, didn’t think anything of it and continued to work out.  

Fast forward to the present, I am currently in rehab.

Monthly Ramblings #7 a fall leaf photo

Shopping Ramblings

Bicycle 

The little guy outgrew his bicycle, so he got an upgrade! 

Photo of my son's old and new bicycle
My son in his new bicycle

Bicycle

But First Coffee Sweatshirt

‘Tis the season I collect sweatshirts! 

That said, this sweatshirt is the newest addition to my collection and it’s safe to say it’s also a new favorite.  It’s really soft and cute enough to wear out and about but cozy enough to lounge in 24/7.  I have the pink version, but it also comes in 2 other colors that are both very cute too! 

Shopping Ramblings - Coffee Sweatshirt Photo

Sweatshirt | Pants | Shoes

Sweater Dress

Sweater dresses are such a fun fall piece and a must-have for fall and winter season.  I have quite a few of them, but I’ve never owned one with pockets! So, when I saw this online at Shein, I knew it was too cute not to order.  I was right! #score It’s super comfy and the perfect mix of classic and unique.  This dress also comes in two other colors and fits true to size, but you could size up if you want a more oversized fit.  

Me in a color block sweater dress

Sweater Dress | Shoes | Sunglasses

Blog Ramblings

LMC

I started this blog in 2017.  I didn’t know exactly what I’d talk about, but I was home all day every day with my son and needed to distract myself from all things motherhood.  And let me just say, I am so glad I bit the bullet.  Not only has starting this blog one of my best decisions but it has also kept me grounded.  It has been my best friend of sorts when I need an escape or simply just to write down my thoughts.  Last month, my blog turned five years old! I have a full post coming soon outlining some of the reasons that help me continue to blog.  Stay tuned!

Blog Ramblings #7 Birthday Cupcake Photo

Gift Guides

Lastly, I am not going to go too far into this one, but a reader asked if I will be doing gift guides this year.  The answer is no.  Long story short, I have nothing against gift guides.  I think they are a great way to discover new items.  However, as a preference, I only like to review products on the blog once I’ve used it for a while.  That way I really know how it works or if it’s worth the purchase.  For this reason, I feel that I would be doing you a disservice if I am simply to create a list of things I have never used or tried.  

That said, I do have a gift suggestion if you have a little one this Christmas.  Last year, I discovered Package from Santa and it was such a big hit with my son.  To this day he reaches for this special delivery and it’s a true delight to see the magic of the season through his eyes.  

If you aren’t familiar with Package from Santa, it is a family-owned business that creates uniquely personalized Christmas gift experience that your child will never forget. They offer three different packages, and you can get personalized letters, calls and videos from Santa. The best part, you can choose a specific letter theme and then customize it yourself to include details that only Santa would know!

my son with his package from Santa gift delivery

Well, that’s about it for today but before I sign off, I wanted to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am so very grateful for each one of you. Thank you for stopping by!

Now it’s your turn! What’s one random thing you are loving lately, dying to try out or looking forward to?

*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).  

**Additionally, some items linked above are not the exact item shown because it is either old or sold out, but I linked similar items for those that are unavailable.  

30 COMMENTS

  1. Renata Feyen | 7th Dec 22

    Ooh, he is growing like cabbage. Pretty soon you will have to look up to him

  2. Rosey | 5th Dec 22

    The pumpkin patch is my favorite fall thing to do. I enjoyed your photos.

  3. Home Decor Ideas | 5th Dec 22

    oh wow, you had a plentiful and exciting month, amazing…Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc…Super cool…I love Fall…

  4. Healthy Aging | 4th Dec 22

    It seems like your son is living his best life. It’s great to make family memories like this.

  5. Mica Away From The Blue | 3rd Dec 22

    Hope your foot heals up soon! And that Halloween costume is the cutest, what a clever idea! 🙂 nice to see you and your son having so much fun.

    Thank you for joining the Weekday Wear Link up! Hope you are having a great weekend 🙂

  6. Amy Johnson | 3rd Dec 22

    You have the cutest little guy ever! These photos are adorable. Congrats for his yellow belt. And Happy Birthday to your grandma!

  7. Ruth | 3rd Dec 22

    Congratulations to your son for receiving his yellow belt. What a great achievement! And happy birthday to your grandma. What a blessing to celebrate her!

  8. Laura Bambrick | 1st Dec 22

    This post is packed with fun! Love your sweaterdress! It’s fabulous on you. Congratulations to your son on his yellow belt! And Happy Birthday to your grandma. 97 amazing years is definitely something to celebrate!

  9. Danielle | 29th Nov 22

    Happy blogversary. I hope your foot starts to heal and you can stop the rehab on it. Looks like this last month has been a good one!

  10. mireille | 29th Nov 22

    I love that your grandma is nearby enough to be able to celebrate with her. She looks amazing! It’s fun to see how your son has grown with those side by side pictures. We’ve been doing a similar picture with the boys at the beach.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  11. Kathrine Eldridge | 29th Nov 22

    So sorry about your foot. I hope it heals quickly for you! Happy birthday to your grandma and I totally get it about not doing gift guides. Have a wonderful holiday season Maureen!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  12. Ntensibe Edgar | 28th Nov 22

    Nnniiiccceeee…what a lovely Halloween costume our boy has got there!

  13. Amber | 25th Nov 22

    I haven’t been to Santa Cruz in ages, it’s so pretty and it looks like you had a wonderful time! I love your striped sweater dress, too!

    I hope you are having a great week so far!

    Amber

    Visit AvecAmber.com

    Follow Avec Amber on Bloglovin

  14. Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom | 23rd Nov 22

    That coffee sweatshirt is SO cute. I am an absolute coffee lover! I hope your foot feels better soon!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  15. Jill | 23rd Nov 22

    Your trip to Santa Cruz sounds fun! Congrats to your son on achieving his yellow belt! And Happy Birthday to your grandmother!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  16. Marysa | 23rd Nov 22

    Looks like you guys had fun at the pumpkin patch. It is nice to enjoy some quality family time together.

  17. Julia | 23rd Nov 22

    Congratulations to your son on his yellow belt and I love your Halloween Costumes.
    Congratulations too on your five year blogiversary!
    Julia x
    https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
    PS I love that mug!!

  18. Sonia Seivwright | 23rd Nov 22

    Aww love this post. My friend and I visited the Christmas Market recently, it was fun. My friend said it was her first time visiting the market and it was lovely.

  19. Nish | 23rd Nov 22

    I love your monthly ramblings! Looks like it’s been a big month for you. Happy blogiversary!

  20. Lovely | 22nd Nov 22

    Your DIY Halloween costume is brilliant. Love your sweater dress!
    xoxo
    Lovely
    http://www.mynameislovely.com

  21. Shauna | 22nd Nov 22

    So many wonderful updates! Happy Birthday to your adorable Grandma. How special to be able to celebrate her on her special day! She’s so cute too! Hope you guys have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Shauna

    http://www.lipglossandlace.net

  22. Fransic verso | 22nd Nov 22

    What lovely pictures of you guys. And the holiday decoration looks amazing as well. And I agree Sweaters are nice for fall.

  23. NancyC | 22nd Nov 22

    Fun photos! And congratulations on your 5th blogaversary! 🙂

  24. Cinny | 22nd Nov 22

    That’s such a cute cup! Looks like you guys had a great October!

  25. Nyxie | 22nd Nov 22

    It’s lovely to see how your wee one has grown over the years! It’s such a lovely idea to have one of these height charts for parents to take photos with every year. I agree with you in regards to your blog – mine also feels like a best friend in hard times.

  26. Donna B Reidland | 22nd Nov 22

    It looks like it’s been a fun month!

  27. Beth | 21st Nov 22

    I need that bring me snacks mug. That is so me!

  28. Joanne | 21st Nov 22

    What a wonderful wrap up of your month! Your Halloween costumes are so cute. I’m sorry to hear you hurt your foot and you’re in rehab but hopefully it will be healed soon.

  29. Stephanie | 21st Nov 22

    Sounds like an eventful time for your family! We bought a few things for the kids, too, but they are Christmas gifts that we put away for them. I love your DIY Halloween costume!

  30. Jennifer | 21st Nov 22

    Congrats on him getting a yellow belt!

    Jennifer
    Curated by Jennifer

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