It’s the second day of Blogtober, and today, we’re talking all about all things fall. I live in Connecticut, and in New England, fall is taken so seriously. This year, I want to try to do a lot more fun fall trips, and adventures. I also want to do some less exciting things, as well, such as watch certain fall movies.
So, keep reading to hear more about what I want to do during the fall 2021 season:
Go to Clyde’s Cider Mill: Apple Cider Donuts are my love language. I will likely have them almost every day between September until Thanksgiving. That said, I really want to go there to just try out the donuts and embrace all things fall.
Go Apple Picking: I go to Lyman Orchards every year to pick some apples and of course, apple cider donuts. This year, I want to do Apple Picking, but I also want to try a few different places in the area. I want to try to hit up Bishop’s Orchards as well. It is such a great experience apple picking, so I want to try to do so as much as I can.
Do a fall foliage hike: Fall foliage is gorgeous. This year, I want to spend at least one-two days hiking when it’s peak fall foliage season, whether it’s exploring new parks in different parts of the state or even my go-to Sleeping Giant in Hamden. I love taking photos, so this is especially exciting to me. Furthermore, it’s also a free activity to do, and since the temperatures are cooler, I can definitely take Lucy with me as well.
Have at least one Pumpkin Spice Latte: Yes, I am basic. But, it’s delicious in my humble opinion, so I wanted to spurge on at least one since I don’t always buy coffee.
Movies: Hocus Pocus. It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Beetlejuice. Halloween has so many great choices for movies. I want to enjoy the vibe of a good fall movie with being super cozy.
What is on your fall bucket list? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy first day of October everyone! I figured I would kick off Blogtober by sharing why I started blogging in the first place, as well as my journey.
I officially became a blogger in 2010. I started a blog and started writing blog posts full of my insights of my daily high school life. I had always loved writing, and I knew that I wanted to have a career in writing. I figured by writing about my day to day life, I would have a space to grow as a writer. My best friend at the time started a blog as well, and we constantly used it to talk about our lives.
What I learned during that time is that you never know who is actually reading your posts. I remember my friend (who I had a crush on at the time), knew that I liked him based on the posts that I wrote. I was heavily inspired by Carrie Bradshaw at the time, and referred to him as “Mr. Big.” Yeah, I was obsessed with Sex and the City. He found out, and I basically had to learn the hard way about sharing too much on the internet.
Fast-forward a few years later, my blog began to evolve into the lifestyle blogger category. I was in college at that point, and remember sharing so many blogging insights with my friend. I also followed many lifestyle bloggers who were in college, and savored their experiences. I would blog about things that I would do in my day to day life, my thoughts about college, and probably my lack of relationship, since I was single during the majority of college. That blog was called Finding My Voice, which I stopped regularly blogging around April 2016.
This blog began around August 2016. At that time, I was going through a lot of changes. My ex-boyfriend broke up with me over FaceTime (classy, I know). I was about to graduate college that December, and had to find a job because I was a part-time student worker at that point. I was also working on myself a lot and dealing with anxiety. It was called Natalie’s Little Corner of the World, and I wrote non-fiction essays, some poetry, and even some musings about the 2016 election.
My blog remained small until 2019. In 2019, I began to watch a lot of lifestyle vloggers, which have helped me get a new sense of passion in my blog that I didn’t have since 2010. I started writing reviews, lifestyle posts like I did back in 2013, and of course, started What I Love Wednesdays (which is now Friday Faves). I began joining blogger groups, and even started a separate Instagram for my blog (follow me here, BTW).
Around COVID, my blog began to truly grow since I did it so frequently. During that time, I decided that I also wanted to start featuring small businesses in my day to day life as a Connecticut resident. I figured it was a great way to help them generate business in a way that wasn’t draining to my bank account. By interviewing businesses and featuring various restaurants and shops, my blog had become more and more of Connecticut features. Which I think is amazing.
That was when I decided to rename this blog to the new name that it is today — the Nutmeg Millennial.
So, after over 11 years of blogging, you may be asking, why do you do it?
For me, blogging has always been something I did for fun. I love everything about it — from taking photos to writing the posts, even though it’s sometimes really stressful (especially during Blogtober and Blogmas). I have made so many different connections during my time as a blogger, and I just love being able to write. I have a Bachelor’s in Journalism, which probably explains why I enjoy writing as well. Blogging for me has become a fun hobby — something that I will continue to do just because I love it.
With the rise of Instagram fashion and lifestyle bloggers, I have heard the phrase that “blogging is dead.” I disagree. I think that blogging is blogging, whether it’s writing a long post like this, or by sharing an Instagram post. I do think blogging evolved from the days of writing about my daily life, but I still think that there is value in blogging in things such as recipes, crafts, and work outs. I think that there are so many bloggers out there, and I am proud to call myself a blogger. Therefore, I will continue to blog for a long, long time.
Leopard print is super on trend this year. I never thought that I would say this, but I am obsessed with it. I have a bag from Madewell that is leopard print, as well as a few shirts.
I recently purchased this top from TJ Maxx and it is the perfect thing to wear in the transition to fall weather. It is lightweight enough to keep me cool but warm enough for chilly mornings.
Now, leopard print is something that can be tricky to style. I tried them with a pair of olive pants, and I was obsessed with it. I can also see myself wearing this top with jeans for a more casual vibe, leggings (leggings go with just about everything), and black pants.
As for shoes and a purse, I kept it neutral with a Madewell Transport Bucketbag in English Saddle and Sperry boat shoes sliders. I think with a pattern like that, it’s best to wear neutral accessories so that the top has center stage.
Are you enjoying the leopard print trend? Let me know in the comments below.
TGIF everyone! I am getting my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, so I am going to be facing a low key weekend. I have quite a few different products that I would like to share with you, so this post is a bit more product heavy this week. Here are this week’s favorites:
Tiffany Mini Double Heart Necklace in Tiffany Blue: I want to preface this by saying that I actually have had this necklace for over six years. It was a gift from my mom on my 21st birthday, and I have gone through phases of wearing this a lot because it’s simple and goes with everything. I actually bought it into the Tiffany’s store to be cleaned this week. This necklace is on this week’s favorites because I am in the phase of wearing it a lot, and because it will always be one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. My mom and I went to the casino the day after I turned 21, and she bought me this to remember our trip. I love Audrey Hepburn, so that is why she got it for me. Later that day, I had won money the first time I played the slot machines, so I purchased the ball bracelet as well. I have since purchased the red necklace and the rubedo version so I can rotate them if I want to give this one a break.
New Music: I have discovered some new music that has been on repeat this week. One of my best friends has immaculate music taste, and they introduced me to a few new songs: Rumors by Lizzo and Cardi B, and F*** a Silver Lining by Panic at the Disco. I also have been loving the rereleased version of Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift and Breakdown by Demi Lovato and G Easy. I am excited to have a chance to expand my music library, and discover new songs.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty: I love Liane Moriarty. She is a must-buy for me time after time. I just downloaded the e-book and I have been loving it. It tells the story of the Delany family, where the matriarch, Joy, has gone missing. The four children are trying to piece together what happened. I am about 40 percent in, but I can tell you that it is definitely worth the read, despite the slow start.
Mcthriftzie Videos: As many of you know, I use Poshmark to get rid of unwanted clothes, jewelry, and accessories from my closet. I stumbled across her videos one day, and I have been obsessed. Basically, she owns a Poshmark closet that is her full time position. Her channel consists of ship with me and thrift hauls. She makes money by going to thrift stores, and then reselling them. I find it interesting to learn how this works, and watch how she runs her business.
Madewell Knotted Crossbody Bag: Madewell purses are by far my favorite. This one caught my eye in the 20 percent off sale going on. I resisted. That is, until Nordstrom offered me some additional notes, and I was able to get $45 off. I love it so far, because it is a great grab and go bag. I can fit my keys, wallet, and phone. I highly recommend this bag, especially since it is essentially a wristlet with a crossbody strap.
Much of this blog and my brand has been focused on anxiety and balancing. In fact, one may argue that your twenties itself is a balancing act of itself. For a while now, I have been struggling to find balance in my life in many areas. I have come a long way from who I was when I started this blog, and I’d like to think I’ve gotten better as I got older.
Many of you know that I am a huge fan of Dave Ramsey and one day while listening to his podcast, I was listening to it, and heard Christy’s pitch for her new book, Take Back Your Time: The Guilt Free Guide To Life Balance. She was advertising a great deal for the pre-order, which included access to the live event, audiobook, an e-book, and the actual book. I got to watch the live, and I gained so much from it, that I wanted to share what I learned with my readers.
Real Balance Is Not an Even Spilt: Many of us – myself included – think that true balance is a 50/50 split or doing everything an equal amount of time. Christy said that is not the case, and the more that I think about it, the more that I agree that it is true. So, from now on, I am avoiding that mindset where balance is doing everything evenly.
Being More Productive Does Not Lead To Life Balance: We all can agree that we are doing too many things. In my case, it’s balancing a social life, working a full time job, managing my blog and it’s social media profiles, and cleaning the house. Christy pointed out that we can’t just do everything in every season of life. And, I couldn’t help but agree. I wake up so early as it is to balance working out and just to have a few moments of ‘me’ time before the day begins. However, I don’t need to get up any earlier just to achieve more throughout the day.
Life Balance Is Doing The Right Things At the Right Time: Previously, I alluded that we just can’t do everything and being more productive does not lead to balance. The alternative, according to Christy, is to do the right things at the right time. For instance, we may be in a season of life when we need to focus on one area instead of the other. An example in my own life is Blogtober. If you know what Blogtober is, it’s basically writing a blog post every day during the month of October. When you work full time, it can be tricky balancing other hobbies, so I know that I will be busy doing the two. I know that I will likely neglect some of my other responsibilities, such as house work, but I am okay with that.
Be More Present: Christy said that many people that who are more present are happier. Who knew? This means putting the phone down and living in the moment. For me, this means doing one task at a time and putting the phone down so I can enjoy a show or focus completely at the task at hand.
Protect What Matters So That the Calendar Represents What Matters: I made a list of the things that mattered. Mine included: making time for working out, Lucy, and self care, just to name a few. This way, I can focus on what does, and leave out what does not. That said, I still make sure my job always comes as a top priority, but I also want to protect the things I enjoy doing as well. For me, this means that if it conflicts with it, I will say no.
There Are Four Common Causes To Life Inbalance: Doing Too Much, Not Doing Enough, Doing the Wrong Things and Not Doing The Right Things.
Now, I have not read the book, and I am sure that I will get to it soon. That said, I highly recommend checking this book out, as I am sure that it contains content that has the same materials.
How do you have life balance? Let me know in the comments below.
This past weekend, I decided that it was time to bring out my fall decorations. I don’t decorate for every season, but fall and Christmastime are the exception.
Many of my décor items are ones that I’ve had since I started living on my own so I’ve had them for a few years. That, and a few of them are items that are handmade. These items include felt pumpkins from Target, a Rae Dunn pumpkin, a few throw pillows, and some signs that I scored from Homegoods a few weeks ago. Furthermore, I also have a few items that I painted from trips to paint ceramics a few years ago, and they add a great touch.
Additionally, I crochet pumpkins, so I am able to make quite a few of them without breaking the bank. You can check out the easy pattern that I have been using here.
Finally, the last thing that I do is add a touch of fall in my kitchen by adding fall themed mugs. I have collected (or hoarded as some may say) so many fall mugs, so I like to make sure that I can use them during the fall season. They always add a great vibe to the room as well.
That said, I wanted to provide tips for fall décor, as it could get expensive. The best bet is to go the handmade route if possible. The pumpkins I mentioned are great and inexpensive to make. If not, Target’s Dollar Section, Homegoods, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx are always great bets.
How are you decorating for fall? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy Friday everyone, and cheers to the weekend. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the weekend. I am currently working on a home redecorating project, and I am so excited to continue working on them throughout the weekend.
That said, I didn’t want the weekend to pass us by without sharing some of my favorite things. So, without further adue, here are this week’s favorites.
The Lion King: Can you believe that before this week, I did not see the Lion King? Well, I am now officially obsessed and get the hype. I might also rewatch the movie again soon, because I am blown away about how amazing that it was.
JoJo Loves You Super Mini Stud Earrings: These earrings became my favorite this week. I purchased these a while ago, but just recently opened them. I became obsessed. The pair that I tried on was the lemonade pair, and I have since purchased the black and rose gold pairs as well. They come in a few different sizes, but the minis feel so comfortable on the ear lobe. And, they are soo affordable. Mine are the super minis, and they are $20. And, they are sterling silver posts with a Swarovski crystal. I already have my eye on a few different pairs, because they are amazing, fairly priced, and they do not irritate my sensitive ears.
New Music: I have discovered some great new songs, which have been on repeat. Those songs include: Butter by BTS, and Cut ToThe Feeling by Carly Rae Jepson. They both were discovered when I started to listen to the energy pop playlist on Spotify, and I have been obsessed. Lately, my music taste is all over the place, so it was nice to get some new music to shuffle in with old favorites.
Madewell Calf-Hair Medium Transport Bag:This bag is my favorite. I scored it on Nordstrom rack for $70, and it is the perfect size because it fits all of my things and then some. It goes with everything, and is on trend with the cheetah print. I also have a regular brown leather one, and I can not say enough good things about this bag.
Shirt: Kohl’s, Necklace: Tiffany and Co, Shorts: Old Navy
I have been wanting to try the belt bag trend out for a few years now, but I didn’t want to shell out the cash for the Louis Vuitton belt bag or even the Coach or the Micheal Kors.
I tried a few different options, both the Target one and the Hershel one and they just didn’t work out. I have a larger bust, and they either didn’t fit or didn’t fit in a way that was flattering. After reading a blog post written by Alexa of She’s Glitter and Gold (and talking with her about my issues , I decided to give the Stoney Clover a chance.
I was torn between the nude color and the black one. The black one was sold out online, but after a call to the NYC store, they had a black one in stock. Needless to say, I took it as a sign and decided to pull the trigger.
It came in two days, and I fell in love with it the second I took it out of the box. It fit. Sure, I had to put it on the largest setting. But, it fit, and it fit comfortably.
I have only used it once to take my dog on a walk, and I really love it thus far. In addition to using it when I take Lucy on her walk whenever I don’t have pockets, I can see myself using this whenever I go to the beach or go hiking — especially as we head into the fall season and I go on all of the fall foliage hikes. It also is a great grab and go bag, whether it’s for errands or a quick trip. I also can see myself using it if I decide to travel as well.
The bag is quite roomy on the inside. When I use it when I walk Lucy, I put my Louis Vuitton six-ring key holder and my phone in it. However, when experimenting, I discovered I could fit my Louis Vuitton card holder, my sunglasses, mini pochette, and my key holder.
Now, let’s talk about the bag itself. Stoney Clover’s website offers so many different color — from bright pinks to purples to the basics. I got the black version because my wardrobe consists of mainly black with some neutrals and pops of colors thrown in. That said, I am contemplating getting the neutral one as well for the days I wear brown colors.
What is really cool about Stoney Clover is that they give you the option to customize whatever you get from there with patches that you can have them sewn on. Stoney Clover has duffles, pouches, and totes. No matter what you purchase, you have the option to customize it with patches. And, they have a lot of patches. They have patches with initials, Disney and so much more. I chose not to for this purchase, but I might consider adding my initial to a few pieces that I purchase in the future.
So, is the Stoney Clover fanny pack worth it?
My answer? So far, yes! I absolutely love that it fits so well, and is a great value for the money. I am looking forward to getting a chance to using it more as time goes on. And, as someone who has had so much trouble with getting one that fits her comfortably, I absolutely love it.
Interested in the fanny pack? You can check it out by going to the Stoney Clover website here.
I think that we all can agree that there is nothing like a New England fall. Between the crisp fall harvest and the gorgeous fall foliage, fall in New England is something that is unique. In light of this fall season, Governor Ned Lamont made an announcement on Friday promoting the upcoming season in Connecticut.
That initiative is called Full Color Connecticut. In a press release entitled Governor Lamont Announces Launch of ‘Full Color Connecticut Campaign’ Promoting Fall Tourism Season, Lamont says that this effort will promote “safe travel” in a way that will “fuel the Connecticut tourism industry’s continued economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The campaign, which cost $1.4 million dollars, will run from September 10 to November 20, 2021. The press release says that this is nearly triple the amount the state normally spends on fall marketing. The goal? To reach travelers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and even Philadelphia, according to the press release. The press release went onto say “hundreds of Connecticut tourism businesses and offerings in every corner of the state, including arts, culture and theater venues, casinos, fairs and festivals, historical sites, hotels, inns and B&Bs, museums, orchards, restaurants, shops and state parks.” Furthermore, the press release urges participants to use the hashtag #FullColorCT when participating in the activities.
Now, what are the activities?
CTVisit is a great resource for all things fall, including fall foliage drives, a foliage report, a list of great views for the fall season, and so much more. Exploring the website has never been easier and is a great resource for state residents and those who just want to visit the state.
As a seasoned Nutmegger myself, I would also like to mention some of my own favorite things to do during the fall season in the state. These include a trip to Lyman Orchards for apples and apple cider donuts, a hike on Sleeping Giant, wineries, and a visit to the state’s many fairs, such as the Durham and the North Haven fair.
That said, I think Full Color CT is a great resource for those who even live in the state, because it gives residents an opportunity to explore areas that they may not have otherwise known about. And, in light of the COVID-19 economic impact, I definitely think it will give a much needed boost.
Will you be participating in Full Color CT? Let me know in the comments below.
Reading slumps are something that even regular readers like myself get into from time to time. Sometimes, the motivation to read just isn’t there. And, that can be caused for a number of reasons – busy, not in the mood into read, the book not being as good as you thought that it was, etc.
However, the question then becomes, how do I get out of a reading slump? Well, I have curated a list of tips that work for me whenever I have my reading slumps that I hope can be helpful whenever you find yourself in this situation:
Audiobooks: I love audiobooks, because I can do whatever I need to while reading a book. My hack for this is using a celebrity-read audiobook, or one with multi point of views. This is great because you can knit, do chores, and do other things while still knocking a book out of your reading list. I use Audible, but I also have used Libby for this as well. Some books that I recommend include: Dave Ramsey’s the Total Money Makeover, Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, Open Book by Jessica Simpson, and Sadie by Courtney Summers.
Take a Break: Reading is supposed to be fun. Unless, you’re reading it for a class, then please ignore this tip. Therefore, if you’re not in the mood to read this book at a given time, then it’s ok. You can take a break. You can take a break and then go back to the book whenever you want.
DNF: DNF (Did Not Finish) If a book isn’t interesting you, then just don’t finish it. I know that DNF-ing book is controversial, but if a book isn’t your thing, then you cannot finish it to go to one that does.
Reading Marathon: 24 hour reading marathons (or any reading marathon) are such a great way of getting yourself into reading again. While 24 hours may be extreme, even putting aside a lengthy period of time can help. Just go on YouTube to watch book tubers such as Regan from Peruse Project, or Emma from Emma Books to watch theirs. I have done a few, and I am glad that I did because it helped me get rid of a few books off of my list.
Read Something Different: Sometimes, you just need to read something different. That may mean reading Brighterton, a thriller, or whatever it is that is a fast pace for you. This will definitely help you move past the slump and stay ontrack with your reading goal.
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