Friday Things
1. This peanut turned three months old on Wednesday, which means he is officially no longer a newborn. Crazy! He is definitely our string bean – he’s outgrowing clothes in length at quite a clip. Both my younger sister and my husband’s younger brother are taller than us, and it seems that Dominic is continuing that trend.
He’s been such an incredibly happy baby, flashing tons of smiles and doing a lot of cooing. Although the last two nights he was up more than usual, most nights he’s asleep between 7:30-8:30 and he wakes up once for a feeding anywhere between 4:30-6:00am. I certainly cannot complain!
2. Joseph has been having a rough week – I think he’s cutting two-year molars. His naps and nighttime sleep have been a little more disrupted than usual and he has been jamming his fingers in his mouth like mad, which he hasn’t done since the LAST time he cut teeth, which seems so long ago now. My poor guy.
3. Are you doing a Whole30 this month? I’m not, but in the event that you are, you might find my previous recap helpful, as well as this article I saw last week that I thought was pretty spot-on >> 10 Tips for Surviving a Whole30.
4. It seems as though almost every single pair of socks I own is wearing out at the same time. Gah! Do you have a favorite brand of socks that are kind of casual, just to wear under boots, sneakers, or around the house?
5. I have come to the realization that I don’t own a single winter coat that I actually love. I’d love to invest in one, so if you have any recommendations, lay ’em on me.
6. What did you do on New Year’s Eve? True story: we put the boys to bed, I made our favorite dip, we sat down to watch the hockey game together, and I fell asleep on the couch before 9:30. Womp womp.
7. Oh my gosh, this 18-year-old put on a suit to meet his newborn niece for the first time… so adorable.
8. I often get questions about gluten-free substitutions, but I am admittedly not well-versed in gluten-free baking. I found this infographic with lots of helpful tidbits! >> 9 Tips for Gluten-Free Baking
9. I’m not sure how many of you are also readers of Pinch of Yum, but my heart has been absolutely broken for Lindsay this week, as they lost their sweet son. I just cannot even fathom the grief they are going through. If you have a spare positive thought or prayer, I’m sure they could use it.
10. TGIF…Â Are you due for a snowy weekend?!
I love Smartwool socks, but wear them so much, they seem to wear out quickly. A friend recently recommended Darn Tough Socks. I found some on Amazon, and they’re “guaranteed for life”, you can return for another pair if they fall short. I just got a pair but haven’t worn them yet. Might be worth a shot!
Try bombas socks. They are a small company with a great story. For every pair purchased, they donate a pair to someone in need. Definitely worth a try!
Your boys always have the most adorable clothes!! Can’t believe how big Dominic is getting.
Your boys are so adorable!
As for winter coats – my husband and I moved to Idaho from a warmer climate just before Thanksgiving. I needed to invest in a great winter coat. I bought the “Won’t Let you Down” Parka from Land’s End and I LOVE it. It’s on sale for $79 right now too, down from $175. I got it in a deep teal, which is gorgeous. It keeps me dry, keeps me warm, covers my behind, and isn’t too bulky.
http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-wont-let-you-down-parka/id_302560?sku_0=::28S
I love my Icebreaker socks – they are merino wool and they have several different ones. I use their basic black ones for work since I’m always cold. Those are shorter than I really like, but they do keep my feet warm. They have other ones that are good for casual use. I wear them around the house and even sometimes on cold nights, to bed!! Can be found at icebreaker.com, or a more limited selection sometimes on Amazon; I found a few pairs one time at TJ Maxx. I usually will buy one pair of a new brand just to try them out, since you never know if they’re going to work for you.
Winter coat — I’ve been looking for several years and just haven’t found anything comfortable for casual wear. They are usually too tight and not comfortable at all! I have an Eddie Bauer that has a vest and the outer shell, but the newer ones are fitted and not at all comfortable. Also, it’s just not quite warm enough for days like today when it’s 6 degrees in the Midwest. I need to visit LL Bean so I can just try all the different styles on and find the perfect one.
My favorite socks are the cushion or max cushion Feetures socks. They come in such fun colors and even tell you which goes on the right vs left foot. They are the best athletic socks and just comfy for around the house too.Â
I am having the same sock issue! I may go find some new ones tomorrow.
My recommendation for winter coat is Columbia 3 in 1 interchangeable. I wear the inside only in spring and fall. With the option of outside only bc it has a hood when it’s raining. They keep good on their guarantee. I am very frugal so I balked at spending the money at first but it has been a great investment.
My daughter and I live in northern Iowa and during the winter we only wear Smartwool socks. Â Expensive but warm! Â And I love my Eddie Bauer down coats for the same reason!
My favorite socks are Merlino wool socks, either SmartWool or REI brand
We never go out on News Years Eve. I make a nice dinner, open a good bottle of wine, and my husband and I fall asleep before midnightÂ
I found an imitation full  suede  coat with a hood
my best coat to buy. (Mine is 5 yrs old and going strong)
It has a thick imitation sheepskin lining
Zips or buttons
And the bonus is it goes in the washing machine
No expensive dry cleaning.
Great item around little elves with drooling mouths
And sticky fingers, etc.
A hood for that down poor or where did l leave my umbrella with a couple of small children you only
have a nano second to flee to higher ground.
Hope this helps?
Love that uncle who put on a suit to meet his nephew!
Kari
I absolutely LOVE my Bombas.com socks. They are a bit expensive, but have proved to be worth it and have lasted, kept their shape and elastic really well.
If you want to try them, you get 20% off first purchase.
Drymax socks are the best!
I can’t believe Dominic is already 3 months old – seems like just yesterday he was born. He is really growing up so quickly! And of course he’s such a cutie pie. Poor Joseph – teething is such a painful process but I am loving the picture of him and his toothbrush! He’s such a cutie too – and growing up so quickly!
I am heart broken for Lindsay and Bjork at Pinch of Yum – such a sad situation but I think they have been handling it so well and I will definitely be praying that they come through this ordeal stronger and closer together. Your NY’s Eve sounds like mine – at home in jammies and early to bed…lol
The best coat I ever bought was 2 years ago at the Galleria at a store called Orvis. Â I’m sure you are familiar with it, since you live in Pittsburgh. Â It is called “Exofficio”. Â It is light weight and warmer than any other coat I have owned. Â It is a little longer so it covers your butt, and this make a huge difference. Â It is casual, but I wear it with everything. Â Looks good with sweats or leggings. I don’t even wear any of my other coats anymore.
I thought of you this week as I had to let go of my best friend, Vinnie. Â It was excruciating. Â He was companion for 14 years. Â I knew that he was sick, but you are never prepared. Then I read your post about those poor parents on Pinch of Yum, and I felt silly. Â Anytime I am feeling overwhelmed about my loss, I will think of theirs. Â Prayers and peace to them.
Oh Rena, I’m so, so sorry for your loss. And please do not feel silly or minimize your own grief!
For socks, my drawer is a hogpodg of random brands and styles. Â I have some basic department store ones (basic whites and blacks) to cheap holiday ones from Kohls or Target. Not sure if anywhere has a lifetime warranty anymore. Clarks stopped theirs last year.Â
I got a pea coat last year an love that I can change it up with a scarf and/or a hat. The only potential problem is that for really cold days, you either have to wear a hoodie underneath or go for heavier coat. I have my long 3-in-1 that I’ve had for several years. Â Yesterday we were below 0 and I opted for the heavier. I like having a little nicer coat that I don’t feel like a teenager wearing my Columbia everywhere.Â
I actually bought a coat at JCPenney’s this year. I just walked in there to kill time, and I was surprised I found a few I liked. I’m glad you posted about Lindsay at Pinch of Yum. I also follow her and was heartbroken to hear of their news. I’ve added them to my thoughts and prayers, and I hope others do the same. They will need it.
In cold weather, I love the wool blend trail socks from Costco. They are thick and cushy but always comfortably snug especially through the arch. A 4-pack is less than $15, I believe.
All 3 of your boys are adorable! Â That one of Joseph brushing his teeth is great! Â Dominic still looks SO much like you.
I have an LLBean winter coat that I LOVE!! Â It’s light weight but incredibly warm (it’s rated for +20/-30 or so). Â I wish I would have gotten the longer one which comes way below the knee. Â The one I have is in this link: Â http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/75230?feat=610-GN1&page=ultralight-850-down-coat
I don’t think you would be disappointed with it.  They are pricey, but last forever, have a great warranty and really are pretty classic, so won’t go out of style.  I am seriously thinking of getting the longer one, but I have no reason to  other than preference because the one I have is showing now signs of wear after 3 or 4 years.
And I say yes to the smart wool socks. Â I’ve seen them labeled as cabin socks too. Â Target has them, and I love the colors and designs. Â They just feel good on your feet. Â Although I wouldn’t wear them with sneakers, in the house and with boots, yes. Â With sneakers, I like the no-show socks with compression arch support. Â There are several different companies that make them, and I find them at Dick’s which also has the wool socks too. Â
Have a great weekend!
I always wear out my socks and I love socks! Look up Darn Tough socks. They are made in Vermont and they are cute and warm and they never wear out. In the event that they do you can mail them in and they send you a new pair! I gave some in all my familys stockings this Christmas. Look it up. :)
Good info. Thank you!
I have been praying for Jenna since she posted on instagram.
I love my Eddie Bauer winter coat. It keeps me so warm in Ohio winters.
I bought an LL Bean coat over 21 years ago that has been the best coat I’ve ever owned. Since it’s been so long, this link is the closest thing that I could find, except my was a little shorter – http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/70409?feat=504728-GN2&page=winter-warmer-coat. After 21 years, there is nothing wrong about this coat, no tears or fraying, the stitching is still intact. No holes in the pockets and all the zippers still work like a dream. You won’t go wrong with an LL Bean coat. I live in Utah and walk my golden retriever every morning and night in the coldest of temps. I also love, love their stormchaser pull on boots.
I second the Smart Wool socks! Also try Darn Tough socks. REI is a good source for both brands and often have them on sale and clearance. I got my last winter coat from LLBean and have been wearing it for probably 5 or 6 years now and it still looks brand new. I live in the mid-west where it is below zero today and my coat keeps me warm and toasty.
Your sweet boys are adorable. I remember my three babies and they grew up so fast. It’s great that you’re enjoying them! New Year’s Eve was the same as previous ones — got to bed before midnight, kiss in the morning and wish each other a Happy New Year. In my youth, it seemed like I was always on some kind of diet or other. Now I wish I were that weight — I was thin but not in my eyes. :-( Â I won’t go on any kind of formal diet anymore. I will increase my activity and decrease my carbs. Â And I’m a follower of A Pinch of Yum. I cried throughout the whole announcement of their loss. I am keeping them in my prayers. Have a good weekend. Â
Smart wool socks are a little expensive but totally worth the cost. Â I have found them at TJ Maxx or Marshalls for a little cheaper. Â Get a Northface parka- covering your bum in the winter is a game changer in the cold Northeast. Â Also expensive but worth it!! And, I love Pinch of Yum and have been praying for them all week. Â I am in awe of the grace and beauty they have brought to such a devastating situation. Â
Totally agree with Smart Wool socks – lots of shapes to choose from and awesome fun colors. They are expensive but they do last. An alternative is REI’s branded socks that are meant to be replica of SmartWools’ – they’re cheaper and just as comfortable and long-wearing, just not as wide of variety to choose from.
Kate, I felt the same way about Lindsay and Bjork – such an unbelievable amount of faith and grace. So inspiring.
I am so with you on socks wearing out! And I can never figure out the brand name of the socks I like, because often there’s no identifying information after the packaging is removed.
Lindsay and Bjork’s story is so heartbreaking. Their photos are unbelievable and so poignant.
I really like Old Navy’s socks. I’ve had the sames ones for several years now and they’re still truckin’! I’m pretty sure Adidas still has a bunch of their socks at 50% off.