Tales of Me and the Husband

holiday grays with Gap Factory.

{jacket: c/o gap factory}
{skirt (similar): asos}
{shoes: nordstrom}
{scarf: asos}
{necklace: vintage}
The weather has been warm here lately, and forecasts say 60 degrees on Christmas day! So… bare legs are an actual possibility for parties in New England (unless you’ve put your razors away for the winter which I totally get.).

Have you guys checked out Gap Factory? Some of the same great stuff you’ll find at it’s sister (mother?) store, Gap, but a few more dollars in your pocket. This jacket is great to throw over on a not too cold night instead of the normal I’m-going-to-bury-myself-in-snow parka that us Massachusetts people are used to. (I love this vest too.)

This post is sponsored by Gap Factory. Thank you for reading!

hunt christmas extravaganza, v.


A little over a week ago, the first Saturday in December, we had our fifth annual Hunt Christmas Extravaganza! French toast bagels and cream cheese and then off to the tree farm. Having it every year, on the same weekend, is such a great tradition. It forces us to attempt to predict how hard that winter will be on us. Last year it was snowy, this year sunny. Jackets hardly necessary. Does this mean this winter will follow suit? Snow will be scarce? Sun plentiful? Probably not. No rhyme no reason. Shame on me for thinking so!
We’ve been at this sign, taking this very picture, for five years now. Plus one kid, then plus another. It’s really special, and something I’m adamant about doing. William and Lindsey look less enthused this year than in year’s past, but they still play along. A mother must document the memories! Must! Parker was littler than Anders the first time we took it. Ah, now I’m getting all nostalgic-weepy.
This was Anders’ first year taking part in the tradition. Of course, he has no idea what’s going on. Why are we on a tractor? Why are you cutting down that tree? We narrate for him. But I like knowing he’ll be here year after year, part of the fun, part of the family. Such a sweet part. Even if he’s not always happy to be in the picture (evidence below).
It never takes us less than 15 minutes (maybe closer to 20) to choose a tree. We go back and forth. This one! No, bare spot. This one? Too tall. Too short. Too round. It’s a little bit funny, a little bit ridiculous. Whoever spots the winning one no doubt feels a little more special than those who’s tree was neglected that year. I think Lindsey might’ve spied the winner this year. Or both of us at the same time?
We came home, and decorated, listened to music, ate turkey clubs. At the end of the day, Steve and I plopped down on the couch, exhausted with a glass of wine. I’ve seen it change over the years–William’s a little less interested in the decorating part than he was as a little kid. I know it’s normal, but sometimes I wish things would just stay the same. That’s where my head’s at these days anyway.
I hope you’re enjoying these days leading up to Christmas. I hope that you’re feeling at peace, and counting your blessings. There are many. Merry Christmas to you!

Chai Latte and Hatchery! Giveaway below! :: CLOSED


chai latte

equal parts Dona Chai concentrate + milk
(hot or cold)
a zest of a cinnamon stick (optional)

sit back, relax, + 
enjoy!


Have you guys heard of Hatchery? It’s amazing. It’s like a foodie haven. Full of those things you’d find at one of those awesome specialty foodie stores with amazing imported cheeses and an unbeatable rosé and prosecco collection–you know the one! Anyway, you can find the coolest products in Hatchery’s Marketplace (like that apple pie drinking vinegar, or the handcrafted bourbon maple syrup below) or you can sign up for a membership which means once a month you get a tasting box of a few fun items to inspire your meal plans. All sourced from independent makers across the country! Not to mention, it’s all packaged perfectly. Great for a foodie friend for Christmas (or yourself, too)! The box comes with a great pamphlet with info on the various artisans, and recipes inspired by the items included in the box. This chai tea concentrate from Dona Chai had a Chai French Toast recipe that I’m eager to give a try. But it’s delicious alone. No regrets! 

Today I’m giving away one six-month membership of a Hatchery Box (U.S. residents only). Leave a comment below to enter! Closes one week from today.

And for those who can’t wait: use ITSAHUNTLIFE at check out ​on Hatchery ​and receive your first tasting box for just $10!

CLOSED: Danielle Alvarez is the winner! Congrats Danielle! Email me at itsahuntlife@gmail.com!

This post is sponsored by Hatchery. Thank you for reading!

weekend links.

The drink choices at Sweetgreen. Yummmm.

What are you doing this weekend? I’m on a search for live garlands–waited too long and now everywhere is sold out! My fault. Sounds like an action packed weekend here at the Hunts!

What probably happened to the Love Actually characters after the movie ended.

This meme has been making me laugh out loud.

I feel like I could wear this every day, dressed up, dressed down.

Let’s choose to make this the first time we don’t glorify this tragedy with talk of rock and roll and the demons that, by the way, don’t have to come with it. Skip the depressing T-shirt with 1967-2015 on it – use the money to take a kid to a ballgame or out for ice cream. Scott Weiland’s ex wife writes a letter on behalf of his two children. It’s really good.

The Oh Hellos visit NPR for a Tiny Desk concert. They’re great.

Any of you spread cheer yet?!

Elf in GIFS.

Classic PJs.

Chicken parm stuffed spaghetti squash in video. So cool, so delicious looking.

I tried this pair of Kork-ease on recently and they really are comfortable.

christmas present ideas for the little kid.

this fireman outfit (or any dress up, really): this is one of parker’s favorites. he’s a big believer in the power of dress ups (you may have noticed his space commander suit that he’s been wearing almost every day since rome?) // a numbers baseball tee: because it’s adorable! // a perfect indoor game of bowling: bonus, it’s beautiful. and, if it’s anything like last winter, we’re gonna need all the indoor activities that we can get! // spot it jr.: my mom just got this for parker and it’s so great. it’s an easy game changer when moods are getting squirrely (and when you can’t commit to a really long, complicated game, this one is perfect. no time limits, easy to grab and easy to clean up.) // animal architects: a sweet book about amazing animals who build their own homes! // bug bingo: a pretty game of bingo // the ultimate book of vehicles: this is one of our favorite books; i got it for parker for… i think his second birthday? he still likes it. // shaggy lined hoody: i’ve owned two of these; one for lindsey years ago (she was probably five!) and one for parker. they hold up so well and are so cozy and warm. it’s a definite hand-me-down!

any ideas to share?!

lately.

We’ve been enjoying Chris Burkhard’s book The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth recently. (Do you guys follow him on IG? YOU HAVE TO RIGHT NOW.). It’s a beautiful book. Chris even signed it for Parker!
I’m back on a bulletproof coffee kick. With this handheld blender thing, I can get it FROTHY and I love it. I am such a realist when it comes to kitchen tools. If I am not going to regularly use it, get it out of my sight. I’ve already used this thing several times since getting it.
Parker made this gingerbread house (with some help from Lindsey and I). It’s my favorite one yet.
You can almost always find one of them in this little corner of our living room. Tearing apart the shelves–puzzles, books, cars. It gets cleaned up a thousand times a day. Anders’ mouth is constantly in this little “O” right now accompanied by an “Ohhhh!” sound coming out of his mouth. (Parker’s sweatshirt is from emoi emoi— Anders has a matching one in navy.)
I recently tried the new Soothe app — you can have a massage therapist come to your home and give you a massage almost immediately! Talk about indulgent. There are various options–type of massage, male or female therapist, etc. It was awesome. A good Christmas gift for your stressed friend perhaps?!

And that’s all for now. How about you?

Happy first birthday, Anders!

Anders turned one at 12:20 am. One year ago, he missed his due date by a mere twenty minutes. That night, December 6, 2014, I knew things were happening, changing. I put Parker to bed and felt heavy with the gravity of his world about to change, heavy with his baby brother in my belly. Excited, scared, more emotions than there are words for them in the head (and heart) of a mother-to-be. (More emotions than there are words for them in the head (and heart) of a mother, too.) Around 10 or so, we headed off for the hospital, where I gave birth to him, my little Anders. It’s all so miraculous, and still I’m caught off guard by it. I was just browsing Target’s candle selection the other day when I thought, “My body made a human? These humans?”

Anders! You’re a year old. You’re the brightest light. Last night I scrolled through pictures of you taken in the last year. Sometimes (most times) I avoid this sort of thing altogether because it makes me sad. But this night, it mostly made me happy. It is so sweet to be your mother, you are so sweet. Not long after I looked through those pictures, you woke up. There you stood in your crib and I scooped you up and brought you into bed and you had the hugest smile on your face. I had my fluffy white robe on and you hooked your tiny, chubby arm around mine and laid down on my chest, the smile never leaving your face. You laid there for about a minute, then picked your head up, looked at me and smiled, and put it down again. I began to laugh at the sweetness of it all. It was just too much, you’re too much!

We love you, we love you, we love you.
Happy birthday, Anders.

{Anders’ birth story}

weekend links.

What are you guys doing this weekend? We’re getting our tree! I can’t wait. The two little ones both have a cough too. Our house smells of oregano oil. Like a permanent pizza factory. Nutcracker will be playing all weekend, and I’ll be wearing sweats. 
A Christmas present for the man in your life, Steve’s favorite slippers. (He wears them every day.)

Time to revisit the wintertime essentials! Stay away from me, flu!

Thanksgiving drama plus Adele’s new song. (You’ve probably already seen this.)

My favorite jeans are on sale. (I wore these to death in Europe.)

“How big were the bowls? How many bowls were there? Were the cigarettes boxed, or merely thrown pseudo-casually into the bowls together, butts akimbo, menthols intermingling with cloves, American Spirits sidling up to Camels, Parliaments soiling Virginia Slims?” Bowls of cigarettes at an Olsen twin wedding. Laughed at this one.

Move over wifi, now there’s lifi.

I’m sharing our weekly meal plans on my Facebook page now. Please share yours (if you have one).

The most beautiful ice skating rinks in the world. I’m all about that one in Banff.

Last day for Damn Good Face Wash orders if you want it by Christmas!

I wish this were an Onion article. It broke my heart.

Have a good weekend, friends.

Spreading cheer in the middle school cafeteria like the Rockstar Mom (that I am not).


Okay, so there was a time when I volunteered at Lindsey’s school. I was pregnant with Parker, and I volunteered an hour at a time (a couple times, people!!) to make copies for the teachers. That’s sort of PTA-ish Mom of me, right? Oh! And I was a cross country coach at Nathaniel and Jordan’s school (we’re going way back now) for a season. So it’s not like I’m the antithesis of a PTA-Mom, but I just feel like I’m out of my element in that world. Like the other bonfide PTA-Moms can smell me out: “Oh she doesn’t belong here. She’s not even wearing a cardigan! Where is her minivan!?” (For the record, I do drive a minivan and own more than one cardigan.) Maybe it’s my age? That I was always quite a bit younger than the other Moms so I just felt out of place? I’m really getting off track here. This is about spreading cheer and not a walk down memory lane.

Anyway, the reason I started down that road is because I’m so not the Mom who sends snacks in with her daughter to school all, “Give some out to your friends!” That’s what the PTA-Moms do. I’m the Mom who gives almonds accidentally as a snack in a nut-free zone (true story, but I learned and did not make the same mistake twice!). So when I told Lindsey we were making sugar cookies and she could bring them to give them out at her lunch table her face nearly fell off. Whatever Lindsey! I make a mean pot o’ chili!

So here we are, making them. Parker has flour all over his face and clothes, little pieces are getting smooshed into the rug below such that you’ll need an actual scraper of some sort to get it out, Anders ninja-grabs a chunk of raw dough (pretty sure that picture above catches the moment, but oh my word are his hands cute up there) and throws it in his mouth with surprising accuracy for a baby, and I’m reminded why cooking with children is a challenge. But we press on! Parker is getting more interested in helping in the kitchen all the time, and I daresay his entire persona is different when he’s given adult responsibilities. So, if you’re just carefully wading in the realm of kids in the kitchen, this made it pretty simple. An egg and butter was all I needed to add. (This same night, we ordered pizza for dinner. I was really living up to the simplicity theme that day.)

Lindsey’s pretty thrilled to be the bearer of sugar cookies (with icing! And crushed candy cane! Only the best cookie ever. Back in the day I used to eat sugar cookies with cream cheese icing on top. SO GOOD.) at the lunch table. And who doesn’t need some cheer more than a lunch table full of 13-year old girls? (What? You don’t understand? Do you know even one 13-year old girl?) Parker got to eat one too, don’t feel too badly for him. So try your own (maybe those Christmas tree pops at the bottom; they are cute.) Now go and spread some of your own cheer! (How about for your postman? I think they could definitely use some this season. He’s next on my list.)

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