November and December Books

44. In the Likely Event, Rebecca Yarros

45. Just the Nicest Couple, Mary Kubica

46. The Last to Vanish, Megan Miranda

47. Nine Lives, Peter Swanson

48. Speak, Laura Halse Anderson

49. Christmas Presents, Lisa Unger

50. You Make It Feel Like Christmas, Toni Shiloh

51. How She Died, How I lived, Mary Crockett

52. Betrayal, Phillip Margolin

I read 52 books this year! That's basically a book a week. I love consuming books and plan on more next year. Feel free to check out my GoodReads to follow along and see what I read in 2024!

xo, Heather

Dreamworks Water Park, New Jersey

 Our goal last summer was to go to as many theme parks as we could and were super excited to check out DreamWorks Water Park in American Dream in New Jersey. 

The coolest part of this park is that it is INSIDE a mall, so you can play in the water all the time - no need to worry about the weather. Plus it's right next to Nickelodeon Universe so you can make a whole trip out of it!

There are tall thrill slides, a Penguins of Madagascar area for the littles, and a huge wave pool. They have a FlowRider to practice wave riding and a snack shack!

The theming is amazing and was such a great trip!

September + October Books

 

32. Lying Beside You, Michael Robotham

33. The Housemaid, Frieda McFadden

34. None of This is True, Lisa Jewell

35. All the Dangerous Things, Stacy Willingham

36. Good Bad Girl, Alice Feeney

37. Little Sister, Gytha Lodge

38. Zero Days, Ruth Ware

39. Sea Castle, Andrew Mayne

40. Too Late, Colleen Hoover

41. Just Another Missing Person, Gillian McAllister

42. The House Across the Lake, Riley Sager

43. The Brothers Hawthorne, Jennifer Lynn Barnes

So many books these two months! I loved putting in all my requests at the library and forcing myself to take time to sit and read. Two more months to read 7 more books - I'm so close to done! 

As always, you can see what I read all year on my GoodReads Page!

xo, Heather

The Grand Jack-o-lantern Journey at Southwick Zoo

 For years, the kids and I would travel to Rhode Island to go to a Jack-o-lantern Spectacular and walk through thousands of pumpkins. We looked forward to it every year and it even was an area of contention post-divorce, who would get to bring them since we both wanted to.

I was thrilled when I saw Southwick Zoo was going to be doing their own Jack-o-lantern Journey this year! Sourthwick Zoo is less than 20 minutes from our new house and we've loved visiting the zoo, so I knew we would love the trail as well.

It's only the first year that this jack-o-lantern trail has happened, and it was so great already. Large inflatables, pumpkins hung up everywhere, different themed displays of characters, and the Sanderson Sisters putting on a show! Additionally, the snack stands were open with hot cocoa, apple cider, chicken tenders, pretzels... so much stuff!

Admission is regularly $25 but discounted if you purchase your tickets online, and even more discounted if you go on Thursday or Sunday night instead of Friday or Saturday.

It's absolutely worth the visit!

xo, Heather

Fall Festival at West End Creamery

 It's not secret that the 'ber months are some of my favorites -- September, October, November, December.

As much as I love summer at home with my kids, I live for fall activities. Give it all to me: pumpkin patches, leaf peeping, apple cider donuts, drinking apple cider... and as someone who loves apple but despises pumpkin, I find the window of apple rather than pumpkin is getting shorter and shorter, I try and capitalize on all the apple things I can. We have always spent at least a Fall weekend finding fall things to do and I was so excited when a student recommended West End Creamery inWhitinsville, Ma. It has all the things we're looking for , and more!

The Fall Festival runs during the week in September and October and has so much-- basketball toss, a corn maze, wagon rides, a corn pit, a jump bubble, a tractor tire mountain, skeeball, and chickens! You can also pay extra for pony rides or battle zone (think paintball with tennis balls instead of paintballs).

There are two food stands set up, but the lines were bananas so don't wait to get into line until you are already thirsty or hungry- plan ahead! There were some picnic tables to sit at but they filled up quickly. 

The kids love love love the corn maze and it's a good size! I was happy we had grabbed drinks before going in because it's a large maze and got warm in the sunshine. 

Outside of the Fall Festival, for an additional fee, you can go minigolfing, pick flowers, or get cider donuts and ice cream. The ice cream line was super long during the festival so we plan on heading back another night for ice cream and mini golf since it's such a great location and so close to the new house!

You can grab tickets for the Fall Festival here. At less than $18 per person, it was a great value for the literal hours we spent playing games and exploring the corn maze! Have so much fun!

xo, Heather

Nickelodeon Universe, New Jersey

We had the most amazing trip down to New Jersey to American Dream and visited the Nickelodeon Universe Theme park!

We were looking for something semi close but new and exciting and since Dreamworks Water Park was steps away, it was easy to do both in one trip.

Nickelodeon Universe offers an all day rides band, a per ride cost, and a Twilight band. We booked the all day band and the kids had a blast repeatedly riding all the rides. We tried some new rides that were a bit scarier for us, and Nick loved the more thrilling rides. 

We loved the theming of the park - a combination of new and old Nickelodeon - ranging from Ren and Stimpy to Blaze, and that reflected the variety of rides as well. There were simple kids' rides like riding on a truck, or the small ferris wheel balloons, but also offered more thrilling rides like rollercoasters and rides that flip you upside down. There are close to 30 rides!

In addition to the rides, they have shows on the stage and character meet and greets. With the park being very compact (about 8 acres!), it was easy for us to do a ride, hop off, go watch a show, and get back on more rides. 

You can purchase a whole day ticket will get the kids hours of playtime. With this and the Waterpark right next door, it's my new highly recommended plans for all my friends - and since it's in the mall there's access to the food court and lots of shopping as well! This is especially wonderful in the colder winter months when theme parks are normally closed!

Be sure to check it out!

New Home To-Do

Everyone knows that all houses have projects, even new construction can use some new paint colors etc and I have so many I want to complete! I'm making a list here for some accountability and will share as I update!

Outside Front:
1. Take down the shrubs
2. Increase driveway space
3. Plant new bulbs

4. New front deck and railing

Outside Back:

1. Take down the trees hanging on the roof

2. Patio lights 

3. Level part of the yard for a second patio off the Master (maybe make room for a hot tub!)

Living Room:

1. Take down shingles decorating the wall and repaint

2. Remove old rug and replace flooring

3. Remove old wood stove

Kitchen:

1. Update appliances.

2. Remove and update backsplash

3. New floors

4. Add some electric outlets.

Bathroom:

1. Paint cabinets

Green Carpet Room:

1. Replace green carpets

2. Un-texturize the walls

3. Remove chandelier

Front Mudroom:

1. Replace flooring

2. Replace front door

3. Replace chandelier

Emma's Room:

1. Paint

2. Build new closet

Tyler's Room:

1. Paint

2. Build a more functional closet

3. Extend space into living room (?)

Bonus Room:

1. Replace flooring

2. Build new laundry room

3. Storage shelving

4. Re-stain trim work

Side Mudroom:

1. New floors

2. Paint

Master:

1. Paint

2. Re-stain wood work

3. Install floor to ceiling library

4. Remove cubby in closet

5, Install a full closet system

Basement:

1. Organize and Clean!

2. Paint with cement paint

3. Install divider wall

4. Build a gym

5. Update/Fix tool bench area

6. Fix plumbing

There's a lot to get done but I'm hoping to keep working on slowly and making it my own as the years go on. I can't wait to share about what I accomplish!

xo, Heather

I Bought A House (Again!)

 One of the biggest accomplishments of my last six-ish months was buying a house again.

I know I spoke about it a lot through Instagram and Facebook posts but I really can't put into words how amazing it is to me that three years after my divorce, I was able to purchase a house again.  We were lucky enough to live with my grandmother starting March 2020 until we moved in May 2023. Given the house prices, interest rates, and how quickly everything kept getting more expensive, I know I would not have reached this goal without my grandmother opening her doors to us. A great big house, an amazing school district, and I was able to find a job close to it. Not only was it great to help me save up some money, but it was also wonderful being back with my grandmother every day. I lived in that house until I was seven. I remember sleeping over in her room and watching Murder She Wrote with her when I was little. I was excited to have those times again. Watching Wheel of Fortune with her and my kids while we had ice cream was an almost nightly ritual. Although there were many parts that I loved about living there, I was very excited to own my own home again, to be able to decorate and update and own the space. I think that, especially as a Millennial, the idea of going to college, having a family and owning a home was engrained into me and it was something I knew I wanted to accomplish again.

It took lots of house hunting. We toured dozens of houses, ultimately put down offers on 5 houses and then had multiple contingencies fall apart - a bad foundation, a leaking oil tank that needed the ground around it to be cleaned and repaired, not being able to qualify for a first time housing that I thought I did qualify for, and sellers needing much more time to close than I wanted. I was drawn to this house given the town and set up. It felt like a home with character, that was lived in and loved, and I could see parties and holidays in it. 

The house itself is on a "side main road" and we get traffic but there's a great cul-de-sac right behind us that has been perfect for taking walks with the dog and riding our bikes! It will be perfect come Halloween! The house is even close enough for the kids to walk to and from school if they choose! It's the perfect little town - a great library, a busy community center, some small shops, and only 10 minutes away from the city that has all the big stores we love. 

Although I love the house, I also bought it knowing I wanted to change so much - even more than just painting bedrooms- I want to change floors and more! My hope is to document how I make it mine, and celebrate every day that I was able to do this. My kids and I have loved the first few months here and I am excited to work through my ridiculous list of to do projects!

xo, Heather

July + August Books

 I finally hit my stride reading as summer took over and I let myself relax a bit.

24. I Have Some Questions For You, Rebecca Makkai

25. Seven Dirty Secrets, Natalie Richards

26. It's One of Us, JT Elison

27. Forget What You Know, Christina Dodd

28. Everyone Here is Lying, Shari Lapena

29. The Perfect Marriage, Jeneva Rose

30. All For You, Louise Jensen

31. The Girls Who Disappeared, Claire Douglas

I am back on track to hit my 50 books this year!

As always, you can check out my GoodReads Challenge to see what I'm reading!

xo, Heather

Encore Boston

 I finally lived like they do on the other side and it was absolutely amazing.

Thanks to winning a charity auction at the Boston Children's Museum, Nick and I were off to Encore for an amazing night stay. 

Located just outside of Boston, it was easy to get to and there was plenty of parking.

The room itself was gorgeous. We had a one bedroom suite, overlooking the water, and the bathroom was the most amazing, luxurious thing I have ever seen. The room is a completely smart room, utilizing an ipad to control the tv, temperature and windows!

Included in our auction win was a a day at the spa, including the cold dip pool, the sauna, a massage, and a facial as well as a $400 meal allowance at Rare Steakhouse. We soaked, we relaxed, we splurged. Dinner was Wagyu steak, a massive potato, crab legs... it was decadent and delicious. 

We took a quick boat shuttle to Boston and walked around Faneuil Hall, but headed back to the hotel. Even though we don't gamble, the building was beautiful and we enjoyed walking around and seeing what they offered. We could not walk by Shake Shack without having some cheesy bacon fries!

Did I mention I'm in love with all the mirrors everywhere?

When it was time to head home, we grabbed breakfast at The Garden Cafe, and I still dream about that mimosa flight! So delicious.

We absolutely loved our trip and hope to get back again one day!

May + June Books

 Between moving and my uncle passing away, I just have not had time to read and it shows. Only 3 books in two months!

19. Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins

20.Beware the Woman, Megan Abbott

21. Four Found Dead, Natalie Richards

22. The Family remains, Lisa Jewell

23. The Only Survivors, Megan Miranda

I need to make up some reading if I'm going to hit 50 by the end of the year.

As always, check out my GoodReads Challenge to see what I'm reading!

xo, Heather

The Cloak and Wand -Mystic

 Emma and I found a great little store in Mystic which gave serious Harry Potter vibes. Cloak and Wand, located in Olde Mistick Village, makes you feel like you've stepped into Hogsmeade.

The store offers lots of fandom items - Harry Potter, Sanderson Sisters, fairies, etc... and Emma loved the animal adoption area, as well as the Potion Bar. They offer over 64 different types of drinks, most with whipped cream, or glitter, or flavors. You can also customize the drink however you like!

This is one of our new favorite stores and we can't wait to go back. Coupled with a visit to Alice in the Village and Alice's Little Haunted Bookshop and lunch inside the shops, and it's a perfect day trip.

- Heather

Visiting Maine - 5 Fun Things to Do

 Growing up, my family always went to Maine. We camped in Maine every summer and I was beyond excited to take my own kids to Huttopia and go camping where my family used to. But, I love the Maine coastline and how many memories I have attached to it.

If you're heading to Southern Maine, here are 5 things you have to do!

1. Check out Nubble Light House - the rocks across the water are so much fun to take pictures on and if you get there during low tide there is so much space!

2. Visit the Kittery Trading Post - this place is a staple. Floors of hunting gear, knick knacks, and food products. My kids still don't love taxidermied animals but exploring the trading spot is always fun.

3. Visit the Old Orchard Beach Pier - find all the pier snacks! Fresh squeezed lemonade, lobster rolls and a trip to the candy store are necessary. Pictures below the pier are usually absolute perfection as well.

4. Visit the Kittery Outlets - with over 100 shops and stores, there's something for everyone. We're always able to get some great items for the new school year.

5. Spend the day at Funtown Splashtown USA. We had a blast here!

What's your favorite thing to do in Southern Maine?

- Heather