Grits in the City - discounts and faves

Hope you enjoy all these as much as I do!

waffle menu at 4 brothers breakfast

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We were out running errands one weekend and I thought we should use that as an excuse to try a new restaurant. When I read about 4 Brothers Breakfast in Warren, NJ, I knew that was exactly where we needed to go. The owners are originally from Alabama and I read their waffles, biscuits and sweet tea were more than worth the visit.

Thankfully I knew based on looking on the maps, but this is a spot tucked into a strip mall. We were there early on a Sunday morning but made reservations just in case on Yelp. It wasn’t a problem when we arrived but when we left (around 11:30/noon) the place was hopping and we would have encountered a wait.

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homemade biscuits

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My favorite things about the fall are definitely all things apple and pumpkin, with a dash or nutmeg and/or cinnamon. Yes.

Earlier this fall (when it was randomly 80 degrees, to explain the clothing in the image below) that meant apple butter – something I have to make at least once every fall. Apple butter can’t be made without its sidekick – biscuits! [Read more…]

episode 2: trusting your instinct as a parent

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So excited to finally share our first episode with you! When Samantha’s daughter continued to have issues with reflux, she had to continue to push various medical professionals to find out the underlying issue. Listen to her story, a reminder of why parents have to trust their instinct and advocate on behalf of their children.

streamlining accessories

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Most days, I’m doing good to tackle the main to-dos of the day. Oftentimes I’ll admit I even forget my wedding ring. Accessories beyond the ring have been left off the morning checklist altogether.

No more. Moms, I’m sure you’ll agree that workdays are the prime time you should wear that necklace or bracelet, since your little one won’t be grabbing it nonstop while you’re away from home. Here’s an easy list of four things to put to the side so you can easily grab the best option for you on your way out the door to take advantage of the fun of the added bling. [Read more…]

i promise you this

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Today is your day, baby boy.

I started this post back in late September, when motherhood was approaching but I thought I had a few weeks left to finalize it. I planned to get this live before I finished packing my bags for the hospital — but a certain little boy had other plans!

In reading these ideas, some of this I’ve done. Some of this is in the plans. And some of this — well, let’s just say that this is a good reminder of all these important things to not lose sight of along the way.

. . . . . . . . . .

Now that we are counting days and not weeks, it feels super real — well that, and my “basketball-esque” belly at the moment that serves as a constant moving reminder of just how close we are to our little boy’s arrival.

I remember writing a post what feels like not too long ago, though it was 8 years ago at this point, when I brought home my dog. At the time, I was excited yet terrified. Such a fun new addition to my world, yet so many new responsibilities, many of which I couldn’t begin to imagine answers for. I know that’s only a tiny touch of what we have in store for us with our upcoming addition. [Read more…]

west village brunch at the little owl

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For my birthday, T and I decided to head into the city and make a day of it. We anticipated a nice early Fall day but were surprised by a warm Saturday instead. No complaints. We thought a West Village brunch would be the way to start the day. I’d always been curious to try The Little Owl. It only seats 28 people, so in spite of trying multiple times I have never successfully serviced a dinner reservation. I did however manage to get us an early brunch reservation! [Read more…]

brunch at 33 greenwich

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When my good friend JG decided to come into town for the weekend to hang out with friends and see our new place, we obviously had to find the right spot for brunch. Out of the loop on the latest hot spots, I found myself scrambling to try find a good spot. Thankfully I didn’t let them down with my selection, 33 Greenwich.

Touted for a contemporary take on Southern fare, I knew that with 2/3 of our group being Bama girls this was going to be either a big hit or a big miss. We were instantly impressed when we were greeted by their cocktail menu – both innovative and visual in nature. [Read more…]

episode 1: welcome to mama’s got this

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I’ve trained myself to do all sorts of non-traditional things. Late in life, I decided to take up both the flying trapeze and ballet – with varying degrees of success. I’ve picked up and moved several times for work or school, living in four different major metropolitan areas. Surely I can figure out motherhood… right?

It’s not to say I couldn’t have figured my way here without the support of friends and family – but it wouldn’t have been as fun and it would have taken me way longer. I’ve always been a great networker, building out a group to help support me along any given journey. Motherhood was no exception, but it left me to think – what about people who don’t have that same support system? [Read more…]

brunch at volt

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Brunch was quite the norm when we lived in the city, but it’s a treat these days when one of us gets to go. We recently were in Maryland to visit T’s parents. While there (Q’s first road trip!) I made plans to catch up with my friend Alison over brunch.

We made plans to head to Sunday brunch at Volt, a spot in old town Frederick is been curious to try since she and I last had a meal in that same area. It’s in an old house which proved to be a fun backdrop. It’s full of all sorts of interesting art throughout the space. Still curious the significance of all these creepy looking baby faces? You can see them somewhat, below. [Read more…]

emergency kit for baby’s first sniffles

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I’ll admit, I feel like I’m still learning to interpret baby. So many cues and you’re always guessing to the exact meaning. Sometimes though, you get an absolute – and then it’s a question of formulating your course of action

A couple of weeks ago was an especially It’s rough week – and we found ourselves experiencing just that. All through Sunday night into Monday, we heard coughs and whimpers from Quinn. In the morning when I pulled him out of the bed, there were tears in his eyes. The look on his face said what is happening? Can you make it stop?

That Monday I stayed home with him. A visit to the doctor set out our game plan, which included a few items we didn’t have before. It also meant pulling out several things we had but I hadn’t thought of. Here’s a run down of the items we used for battle, in case helpful for your own first battle of fighting the evil sniffles. Note: in our case, it turned out our little man had something a bit tougher requiring antibiotics. Important to monitor progress and raise your hand if the situation does not improve.  [Read more…]