Beer Tour, First stop.....

Ok soo I'm not gonna lie, I've had a lot of time on my hands recently, I lost my job and I have been going out of my mind from boredom. I don't know how you stay at home moms do it because I'm going crazy over here.
I just need to have a break and have somewhere to go and now I have nothing. No adult communication, nothing. I have been super depressed and just not feeling like myself lately.
So when I was at therapy today ( yes, I go to therapy. I personally think that everyone should go,  especially if your insurance is going to pay for it, BOOM). So I'm talking to my therapist about how I'm just not feeling 100, and she was kinda like 'blah blah blah, if you’re not feeling yourself then do something about it!' and I was all like, 'true story'.
So here I am.
Back at the blog. I've been doing this blog for almost 7 years but it hasn't alway been easy. I never really wrote about the crappy stuff in my life.
Like my divorce 5 years ago.
Stuff like that. 
Not fun
But anyways, thats another story.
So I was thinking, what else do I know reaaallllly well?!!? My town!!
Obviously!
I mean I moved away for 10 years but I know this town and it has changed soooo much. I like to think for the good, but whatever. I miss all the farm land.
But the one thing I noticed was how many breweries there were now. I mean come on, I love beer, clearly. And one thing I learned from living in the city was good beer.
So I figured I would go on an adult beer crawl, with my children in tow. Because whats more fun than kids and beer?!!
Nothing, seriously it’s not that fun. Kids can be assholes sometimes, and thats why adults are allowed to drink! 

So the first place we decided to go was Evergrain Brewery in Camp Hill. I grew up riding my bike in the back parking lot when it was the Mercades dealership. So that’s definitely a good spot for me. 

So they are kid friendly if you get there earlier enough to be able to get a table. Otherwise you just have to stand around and coral your young. They don’t take reservations so it’s first come first take. HA. They have a ping pong table, and a cornhole games to play to entertain the kids, and yourself. I was having a pretty awesome game of ping pong when we went. Hahahaha. The beer is truly delicious and they have something for everyone. I love IPA so their Juice Joosey is one of my favorites. 

They also sell beer Togo in Crowlers or Growlers and you can bring your own Growler to be filled. 

They have a good window that you can get food from called Red Sky Cafe. Their pretzels 🥨 are amazzzing especially if you’re drinking beer. 

They also have free ice and water for everyone! 

So I would give them 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 

They just need more tables for every one and they I would love that place even more. 

Check it out!

XoxOXox 

Steph

Mini Philly Trip

I'm  usually busy during the week but I had a day free, so I decided to take a drive to Philly. I'm super obsessed with this new podcast, Dirty John, so it wasn't like i was driving at all. 

I wanted to get the new Madewell sweater they came out with. 

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE shopping online. especially late at night when everyone is asleep I can't fall asleep . HA.

But my body is weird from nursing Remy and eating like crap. So not everything looks good. 

I will put jeans on if I totally have to but they definitely need to be high-rise so it can suck all my mom stuff in. HA.

So Madewell has been my go-to lately, they have a 10" high-rise that I'm totally in love with! I can wash them over and over again and the quality lasts, so I keep buying them. 

So I'm driving and listening to my podcast and before I know it I'm in Center City Philly parallel parking my car like a pro. BOOM!

I was in and out the store in less than 30 mins. hahahahaha. I was deinitly in the car driving longer than I was actually in the city itself. Remy is awesome in the car, he just eats, talks, and then goes to sleep, its really amazing. Then we get to the stores and he pulls all the clothing all over the place. Ooooh Remy. 

All in all it was a pretty chill Monday. I got to watch Hocus Pocus with the kids and snuggle up in the awesome sweatpants I got. WIN!

XoXOxo

Steph

Mini Beach Trip

Ok so it's been a few days since we've been home from the beach, it took me a little bit to get my brain back from being fried in the sun but it was so much fun! We went to Ocean City Maryland for 2 days and let me tell you, 2 days was enough! Hahahah.
Dylan got all cut up from boogie boarding and by the second day I hated the sand. I'm still vacuuming  sand out of my car.
we got to go eat at Phillip's Seafood and it was soooo good. I was so full from seafood that I could hardly move after and Remy was eating ribs like a champ. He may not have any teeth but that doesn't mean he can't eat. Hahahaha

 

I'm defenitly more of a pool girl but the kids loved the beach. And it definitely didn't hurt that there were awesome outlets all over the place! It was amazing! Kate Spade, Levis', Alex and Ani, Build-A-Bear, GAP, you name it, they had it. The deals they had were crazy! Vans had buy one get on 50% off, so I bought the boys shoes. Lucky Brand Jeans had 30-70% off so I got these booties for $25!!! I should definitely go back for before school shopping 🤔

 

I would drive down just to shop. Just kidding, Dylan wouldn't stop talking on the drive home. almost 3 hours straight. I tried to pay him to stop talking and that didn't work. That kid would do anything for money too. HA. 

Now to plan our next little trip 😜✌🏽

XoxOXox 

Steph

The Dead and Co

So yesterday we packed up the whole family and drove to Philly for The Dead and Co show. Well we weren't really going to the show but regardless, we went to Philly. Hahahaha. 

I wanted to go shopping at Anthropologie and my friend was selling his tie-dyes and he told to come sell my indigo's! So I figured, why not!!? 

 

 

The kids had so much fun! 

I used to take Logan to Phish concerts when he was little and I was pregnant with Dylan. So this is nothing new to me but kids forget everything. So they ran up and down and sold tie-dyes. Hahahaha. I truly didn't think they would have as much fun as they did. 

 

We just hung out in the Volkswagen Van and had a great time. It definitely gives you a different perspective about concerts. I used to be the one getting drunk and not remembering the music but now it's different. I am able to enjoy the time with my family and be happy 😊 

 

Now I get to sit here and fold laundry while the baby sleeps. Perfect Monday afternoon 👍🏽

XoxOXox 

Steph

Jubilee Day

So Thursday was Jubilee Day, the longest 1 day street fair in the United States!! Woohooo! 

It also happened to be 3 blocks from where we just bought a house. So obviously I had to have a party 🎉 

It was mostly for the kids, that's all I really worry about anymore. The adults have done Jubilee Day before, they know what they are doing. Hahahaha. 

But I'm all about the kiddos. I had 2 pools set up, a bubble machine, and a ton of snacks. 

The kids had so much fun playing in the pool and it was a perfect day out, not too humid. And for it being the middle of June in Pennsylvania, that's surprising. Usually it's like walking outside with a fur coat on. You're sweating just putting the kids in the car. No wonder people go crazy in the summer! 

 

This little nugget hates the heat but he looks so cute all naked in his baby sling 😍😍

Jubilee day is all about the food to me. Crab cake sandwiches, giant turkey legs, kabobs, funnel cake, ice cream, ohmygosh I need to stop I'm getting hungry again. Hahaha. 

The kids road some rides with their friends and we got to see some live music. 

Logan smashed his face on the back steps of our porch so our little party had to be put on hold so I could rush him to the dentist. An hour later he was all fixed up and ready to go back and ride the rides. HA. Typical kid. 

 

This picture was taken after the face smashing incident and everyone was hot and cranky at that point. 😑🤣😂

It's Sunday and I'm finally getting around to posting this. HA. This weekend has been crazy! Birthday parties 🎉 and we are still unpacking 😑 

Here's to surviving through the week ✌🏽❤️

XoxOXox 

Steph 

House shiiiiiiiii..... you know

So everything is moved in and pretty much put away. Except for the fact that we need dressers and more furniture but I'll deal with that later. 

I was totally overwhelmed the first 2 nights here. I couldn't find anything and I felt like I was so busy that I couldn't even take a shower, I definitely wore the same  Dwell+ Slumber dress two days in a row. I have no shame. 

I was actually detoxing from my aluminum deodorant too. So I was dirty AND smelly. It was kinda the worst. I was an all around hot mess. I can't believe I got through it. Hahahaha. I've been in much worse situations, believe me. 

The boys were having a blast, setting up their new room and playing with toys that they forgot about. You know, kid stuff! 

 

But I had to get moving, literally, like unpack some shit. These book weren't going to unpack themselves. So I had to pull myself together and start with a plan. 

I would go and set up each room one by one. Starting with the baby's room! 

 Considering that almost every room need to be painted or wallpapered, I'm trying to make the most out of it. HA. I got this awesome letter board from a mama on the

Wildbird chitchat page. 

 

And it's definitely going in Remy's room. I just need to find the nails. 

So all in all it's coming along. I'm having a party in a few days so I need to get it together! 

Wish me luck! 

XoxOXox 

Steph 

P. S. I still don't have the internet at my house. I am currently sitting in a parking lot writing this. #reallife 😘

Day tripping

So yesterday with all the chaos that comes from buying a home, I drove to Manhattan in the middle of it all 😑

Why?! You ask. 

Because my ex-husband still works and lives up there and my middle son, Dylan misses the city like no other child. So dad and son are having a little vacay together. 

Logan, the oldest, didn't want to go. He said he doesn't like the city anymore. "It's loud and when I'm trying to sleep at night there are always people making noise!" That's what Logan says 😂🤣🤣

So him, Remy, and I just strolled around Manhattan for a little before we packed it up and drove home. 

Logan loves to read so he wanted to stop at The Strand bookstore and let me tell you, it's AWESOME!! We could of looked at stuff in there for hours. 

 

Logan and I thought theses were super funny! Tiny hands 🖐🏼 

 

 

The trip was fun but the day was loooooong. We didn't get home till after midnight and now I need to start moving stuff into the new house. 

But sometimes it's nice to take a little break. 

✌🏽❤️🍪

Steph

World's kinda-worst Mom

I'm sitting here while I should be folding laundry but I'm too damn annoyed to do it. 

My kids are spoiled. 

There I said it. But the thing is, it's my fault. 

I give them everything they ask for, within reason, and they act like total jerks to me. And to each other!!

I got one kid asking me to order pizza EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. I'm not even kidding when I say this. It's the most annoying thing ever. 

Why? You ask!?

Because you can't feed your 8 year old pizza every night. 

1. You will go broke. 

2. It's seriously just not normal to eat pizza every single day. 

Conform. Try something new. 

Bread, sauce, and cheese and not the only ingredients in the world. Yes, they are amazing. And I do LOVE pizza but seriously. 

And then I have another kid that thinks the word 'no' is just an option. 

Case in point- 

Dylan- can I go to my friends house on a school night?!

Me- no, it's a school night. 

Dylan- (scoots away on this scooter 🏍) 

Me- 😑 (takes scooter away and makes him to go his room) 

Now they are both sitting in the living room in complete silence until bedtime. 

Well every once in a while one of them tells me "you used to be nice". HA. 

Yea, I used to be nice when you used to listen to me! Or "this is the worst night ever". 

Now I'm not expecting them to complete angels but come on. I have to tell them something 4 times before they listen. 

My mom used to make me sit at the dinner table all night if I didn't finish my dinner. Thank goodness my Grandparents raised me so I didn't have to do that too often. HA. 

Sorry for the rant. Sometimes it just feels good to get it out. And please let me know I'm not the only one with bad children. 

XoXoXOxo 

Steph

Fun time at the Library!

So there are soooo many things going on right now, I will post about that soon, but I took some time out and went to the library with Remy. I met my friend and her son there, they go all the time but this was my first. 

 

It was fun to hang out with my friend and other moms. She also did some pics for me 😂🤣😜

 

She told me I take the same boring pictures. So this is me waiving to a complete stranger on the street. Hahahaha. Heyyyyyy 👋🏼

It's always fun to have friends to tell you when you look stupid, or not 😒 hahahahahaha. 

XoxOXox

Steph 

Smithsonian Trip

Last weekend the whole family went down to Washington DC and went to the Smithsonian!!
It was so much fun!
My Dad planned it all and by 'planning' I mean, he did absolutely no planning and didn't even know what the weather was going to be like that day. But still he tried so I have to give him some credit. HA.
So we met him down there, he drove down with the big kids. Matt, baby Remy and I drove separately. And come to find out, PARKING IS FREE ON SUNDAYS!!
Yes!
So if you plan on visiting the Smithsonian sometime this summer, go on a Sunday!
All the museums are free to get in. They do a quick bag check and you're good to go!
We started at the Air and Space Museum.
 
The boys loved it!
 

There is a sculpture exhibit outside that was pretty cool!

 

Then we went to the National Museum of Natural History. Outside the building is a bird sanctuary, there is a bird nest in the dinosaur mouth.

 

 

Most of the museums are right around the Mall so you don't need to walk too far. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes AND socks! 

 

Dylan had a problem with his socks and then didn't want to walk anywhere. lol I bribed him with a milkshake from Shake Shack. It kinda worked, until he spilt it all over the floor of my car on the way home 😑 

This is how I cleaned it...... 

 

 Hahahahahaha. Juuuust kidding. That was down at one of the museums. 

But it was a super fun time. If you live close enough to take a day trip you should totally do it! 

Your kids will love it! And I'm so glad I brought my WildBird baby sling to carry Remy around in. No need for a stroller! 

 

XoxoXOxo

Steph

Back to work

So I've been back to work now for about 3 weeks. Not full time. It's about 20 hours. I wanted to go back to work. I needed to get out of the house and away from the big kids, who can drive me nuts sometimes. But then I quickly realized I needed to be back at work. 

Bills needed to be paid, diapers would need to be bought, and I still needed to go grocery shopping every week. Let's be serious, I am the WORST with money. I make it and I spend it. I never save. My family has always yelled at me about this. It's the problem with being a server, cash just comes and goes. 

So I go back to work, 6 days after I had Remy. I'm Wonder Women, I'm telling you. My body is supernatural. But everyone is trying to make me feel bad about being back at work so soon. 

Oh no! 

No you didn't! 

This is my vagina! Not yours! 

If I want to be here then I'm going to be here! Keep your judgy judge pants to yourself. I'm almost 31 years old. I have 2 other kids. Don't tell me what I should and shouldn't do. And you don't pay my bill!! 

I'm not in the type of work that gives me maternity leave, and that's ok, I chose this type of work. But I don't agree with people judging others. Especially new moms. We are going through enough as it is. 

It's hard to leave Remy at night but luckily I'm only gone for 4 maybe 5 hours. And I know he's with my fiancé (his dad) and has plenty of boobmilk in the fridge 😜

Everyone knows what's best for them and we should stick together as women and mothers. Raise one another up instead of bringing one another down. 

And if there is anyone out there struggling, know that you are not alone. I'm trying to survive everyday. Just today Dylan took the rest of my cheesesteak and ate it! I can't even eat my food! That's another reason I went back to work 50% off food! HA. 

XoxoXOxo 

Steph

Baby Remy

Oh my goodness I can't believe its been so long! Things around here have been a little crazy, to say the least. 

The new baby is here!! Yay! 

Remy Thorne was born on September 19th at 6:30 pm. So now I have two kids with the same birthday! I don't think Logan's ever been so excited in his life, he definitely thinks he got a baby brother for his birthday. 

I can't believe it! 

I have 2 kids that are in elementary school and then a newborn! Luckily Logan and Dylan and super helpful. Logan is constantly asking to hold Remy and to help change his diapers. I don't really think he would be too helpful with the diapers though. HA. 

But overall things are going smoothly, Remy sleeps through the whole night and it is glorious. I'm big into co-sleeping so that probably helps, a lot. I co-slept with both my other boys and it was probably the best thing I've ever done. I got the much needed sleep that you need when you have a newborn (how are you so tired when that's all they do is sleep all day?) and they sleep more soundly. 

Now I just need to figure out the baby sling. I have the ergo-baby  3-way and I love it but I really want to get a ring sling. I'm really short so the ergo is kinda big on me. Does anyone have any tips or recommendations?!

I missed you all so much! 

XoxoXOxo 

Steph 

Dylan's 6th Birthday

I can't believe it! My little baby is 6!! Ahhhh!! Stop growing, seriously! 

He's smart, sometimes too smart for his own good. Not to mention, he's hilarious.  He's great at climbing things, future mountain climber maybe?! He likes his hair "spiky like a mohawk". He's curious and loves building Legos. I'm so glad I get to spend everyday being this kids mom 😍😍

Today I told him we could go tubing in the creek. So that's what we did. It was a little bit of a mess at first but then we got it! 

Yes. That is Dylan sitting in his tube on top of Matts inflatable swan. Lol. 

 Logan said it was the "best day ever" and he just wanted to sunbathe. Hahahaha. 

Then Dylan finally flopped on his belly and floating the rest of the way. 

Luckily we went on a super short float. I don't think they could of handled anything longer than 40 mins. HA. 

The day has been so much fun. Sometimes I need to take a whole day off work and just relax. I've watch every Indian Jones movie ever made, not by choice, but still! It's been awesome! 

Now to enjoy this amazing cake! 

Clearly Dylan can't wait, he's getting the plates ready! 

XoxoXOxo

Steph

Farm Show 2016

I totally forgot that I didn't post about the Farm Show!! It been crazy busy around here and everyone has been sick, ugh. 

That and I was trying to forget the insanity that the Farm Show was. 

So 2 things first. 

1. I've been going to the Farm Show since I was born, so this is nothing new to me.

And 2. I've lived in 2 large city's for 1/3 off my life so crowds don't bother me. 

Well let me tell you, I have never been around so many rude, pushy people in my life. 

Oh wait! Except when the Phillies won the World Seires and they had the parade in Center City Philly. The Farm Show was in comparison to that. Except the people at the parade were drunk!!! 

I mean, they have great deals on stuff that's maybe otherwise hard to find but seriously, it's awful. 

They did have some cool stuff for the kids. Dylan loved the skeletons. 

I had to wait in line for mozzarella squares for 20 mins. Then go in another line to eat something else. Craziness!! The mozzarella bites were awesome though...... 

Logan and I were mushroom superheroes. 

Luckily the kids loved it but other than that I probably wouldn't go next year. 

XoxoXoxo 

Steph's 

Old Faithful

All through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Until I heard "Ewwwww"!!! 

And as I ran into the kids room Dylan was projectile vomiting onto the floor. 

"Seriously" I think as I'm about to throw up on the floor myself. 

Just then my night in shining armor (my amazing boyfriend) runs in and takes care of the situation. 

Dylan puked on Logan so they both needed showered. 

It's 12:30 at night, mind you. 

Changed the sheets and PJs and got them back into bed. Just to have Logan puke on the floor in my room 3 hours later!! 

What is going on?! 

Is this an epidemic? 

Am I next?!!!? 

Luckily we got through the night without anymore casualties, thank goodness. 

So needless to say my house was like Yellowstone and old faithful was going off in a timely fashion...... 

Now for another 10hour day at work. Please, baby Jesus, let me get through this day. 

XoxoXoxo 

Steph 

I'm baacck!!!

I know, I know. It's been almost 2 years, y'all probably thought I died. It kinda seems like I did sometimes. But no, I'm alive and well!! Yay!! 

There is a lot to fill you in on but that's for another post. We are going to keep this one short and simple. 

We are over the holiday season! So I have been taking down the decorations in my house. 

A new house, I guess we should get to that. 

I sold the house in New Jersey and moved back to Pennsylvania. My house now is a lot smaller than the last but I like it just the same. It's a fixer upper and I've been doing a lot of fixing. 

But needless to say the boys had a great Christmas and I can finally say that I saw the 'wrench drop' for New Years Eve in my town. 

So it's a new year and I have a ton to post about!! 

I missed you :)

XoxoXoxo 

Steph

Bernatos Wedding

Well it was another craaaaazzyy wedding weekend! My cousin Tony got married this weekend and it was out of control crazy awesome!!! Hahaha. Tony is only 2 months older than me so he is like my big brother. Our moms would dress up alike for pictures growing up :) 

I am so happy that he found someone to share his life with. And I'm even happier that she's super fun and totally beautiful, you're a lucky guy Tony ;)

They are so cute!!! I love it! 

The wedding was held at the Valley Forge Military Academy, so it was filled with these adorable guys... 

Hahahhaa. It was so much fun!! And what is better than celebrating with your family.... Oh I know, open bar and a photobooth! Boom! 

It was pretty amazing and her friends are soooo much fun!!! 

The night was epic, especially when the night ends with the bride riding a mechanical bull.....

But I was quickly reminded, the next morning, why I don't party like that all the time, my body can't handle it ;)

Congrats again Tony and Jess! You guys are a beautiful couple and I'm glad I could celebrate your special day with you. And Jess, I welcoming you to our family, I hope you can handle our craziness ;) 

XoXOXxo 

Stephanie

Beach Life

Well it's been a looooong week at the beach and I'm totally ready to go home. We stayed at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach, it was right on the beach so it was perfect for the kids. Here are a couple of my favortie things from my time here :)

The best thing ever is having Candy Kitchen right across the street. 

Yes, that is Dylan opening the door. He thinks this is the most amazing place ever, I'm not gonna lie, I thought the same thing at his age :)

It's like a candy heaven. 

And for amazing seafood, go went to Tom and Terrys Seafood Market, they have everything seafood. We got a dozen crabs and for $45 they will steam, season and give you some brown paper for your table :) and they were big and delicious!

And on every Saturday they sell BBQ chicken and ribs at the fire station. They ran out of ribs by the time we got there, but the chicken was delicious. 

Those old guys know what they are doing ;) 

Now we have two more days to explore and play. I definitely want to go to the Dogfish Head Brewpub! So hopefully the kids will calm down long enough to go to an actual restaurant. Fingers crossed ;)

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

XoXoXOxo
Stephanie


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