Sunshine State to New England Fall Fun

I'm back from a whirlwind trip to Connecticut where we celebrated little miss' birthday with family, saw the legendary Phil Collins in concert, went to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch, sipped on local wine on the CT Wine Trail, got a cone of my favorite ice cream, and I met my beautiful baby niece. I had a fabulous weekend that consisted of not one single staged blog photo (am I even a blogger when I went to the heartland of fall foliage, and didn't take "basic" pictures?! Gasp!), but my heart is full. So, that's a win in my book!

Serena met SO much family including her great grandfather and great-great aunt. Seeing her play with her cousins made my heart explode! 





Fall Party Menu

Harvest Hash Trail Mix
Pigskin in a Blanket (pigs in a blanket in a shape of a football)
Apple Pie Bites
Fruit Platter
Harvest Tomato Sauce and Meatballs
Fresh Bread
Candy Corn Punch (non-alcoholic)
Apple Cider Sangria
Fall Beers
Bottled Water
Organic Juice Boxes for the kiddos
2 cakes for Serena and her Poppa
Pumpkin and Vanilla Ice Cream
Favors were gourmet pop-corn on the cob

*Cried happy tears when my brother walked in with my baby niece*

*It's always a good day when I see my high school and college besties*


On Sunday morning, we went out for breakfast with my family where Serena was spoiled with more presents and met her great aunt and uncle, more cousins, and even her great-great aunt (my great aunt).


Then it was time to head to NYC for Phil Collins, little did we know it would take what should have been about an hour drive to the city over 4 hours. The traffic was insane, and our date night that was supposed to be a nice dinner and enjoying drinks on a rooftop bar with views of the Manhattan skyline turned into making it to the concert just as Phil took the stage and concession stand chicken fingers.....

Never mind the parking debacle... we made reservations ahead of time for $25 about a block away from the Barclays Center. When we arrived they turned us away because they were full even with our reservation. We had to frantically search for other parking, and ended up shelling out an extra $60 for another garage. Traffic + getting screwed by ParkWhiz Brooklyn made a rough start to the night, but we salvaged it and were in awe of THE Phil Collins!





Sweater {Less than $20} Lace Bralette | Faux Leather LeggingsBag | Necklace {15% off} | Lipstick | Boots

On Monday we headed over to Lyman Orchards for apple picking and the corn maze, but the weather had other plans. So, we enjoyed apple cider donuts and some family pictures before heading over to my favorite local winery.



*Somebody loved her 1st apple cider donut*





*My dad, brother, and sweet momma*


No matter how busy I am on a trip to CT, I always make time for a stop at Rich Farm for my favorite ice cream even if it's before heading back to the airport. It's THAT good! I always get Cookie Monster in a waffle cone with chocolate sprinkles. Brb... walking back up north for another cone...




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23 comments:

  1. I love this post...all the goodness you packed in and all the family smiles!! Your family is so so precious and Little Miss S. looks like she had the best time. Loving her apple cider doughnut for sure. And that ice cream...yum!! Horrible about the PC parking and traveling fiasco but you two cuties sure made the most of it, I hear he is awesome in concert! Great memories made!

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  2. You guys really packed it all in!! So fun that your little babe now has a cousin to grow up with! I can't believe you guys got to see Phil Collins in concert as well - that's awesome! And you got a taste of a bit of the fall weather! xo, Biana -https://www.blovedboston.com/2018/10/my-staple-fall-outfit.html

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  3. Glad you had so much fun on your New England trip! The weather has been so gorgeous here lately! Can't get over how big Serena is--she is just too precious!

    Rosy Outlook

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  4. This looks like a VERY successful trip back home. So great Serena got to spend some time with her cousins. Congrats to you brother! Gimme that ice cream!

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  5. Looks like you are having lots of fall fun...well..aside from the traffic and parking issues. That blows! Your date night outfit was super cute though!

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  6. What a mess with traffic and parking. So rude they turned you away with a reservation but we’ve had that happen where we have plans for dinner and eat fries at the concert Hahhaha loved that you could celebrate little sweeetie’s birthday with your family. The party looked full of fall fun. What a great trip!

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  7. I hate traffic - perks of a small town for sure BUT this looked like so much fun! So so cute! Have a great rest of the week!

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  8. What an amazing trip. Look at how big Serena is getting. I can't believe it. I love Phil Collins. That would have been a great concert. I still need that Rose Bubbles. Love your wine colored sweater so much!

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  9. I bet Phil was just amazing and made up for the traffic, restaurant and parking debacle! Looks like you crammed so much in! I love all the fun fall activities and family time!

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  10. Such a perfect long weekend! I know that winery ;) And I fully do not miss CT or NYC traffic!!!

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  11. What a fun trip!! I cannot believe Serena is two. She is so freaking cute. Oh man that traffic, that sucks but I'm so glad you made the show. Sorry to hear about the parking, I would have been furious. I don't understand how they can turn you away if you have a reservation but I have had it happen to me. I'm glad that you didn't let it ruin your night. Love the picture of Serena having her first cider donut. Looks like someone liked it.

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  12. The picture of you and your baby niece and that one of Serena looking out the window are precious!!!! It sounds like you had lots of fun on your trip and got to spend a lot of time with family and friends. You know you are having a good time if you aren't remember to stage out photos!

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  13. What an amazing plan! I'm sure you enjoyed!
    S

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  14. this was sure so much fun, they baby is so cute.
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/

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  15. So happy you guys had a fun trip visiting home and got to celebrate with family, see your longtime friends, and enjoy some adult time venturing out to catch a concert! I adore the photo of you and your beautiful niece! Precious moments xoxo Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis

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  16. Family time is the best especially on a trip! Looks like the time at the orchards was fun for a quick stop!

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  17. What a great trip home!! Sounds like you packed in a lot of fun in a shirt amount of time. Great photos, and that trail mix looks amazing!!

    xx, Elise
    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

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  18. Such a super fun, super packed weekend! Loving all the shots, babe!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  19. I can't believe all the chaos of traffic and then being turned away at the parking lot that you had reserved your spot at! I would have been so mad! Although I'm assuming that Phil was totally worth it! It sounds like you had a great time this past weekend with your family, and I know that you're looking forward to another trip to visit them!

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  20. Looks like you made the most of your trip! Your family sounds so sweet and I'm sure Serena loved all the birthday fun. You know how much I was loving the winery and ice cream stops!! Phil Collins must have been a great show too!

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

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  21. What a fun trip! Your baby niece is sooo adorable.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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