We have all seen status updates like this before. You know, the ones that are so cringe-worthy that you actually take the time to get off the computer and call your friends to gossip about? Some of us have even been guilty of writing one or two. The biggest offenders tend to be new parents, drunk college students and that weirdo going through a bad break-up (it would be best to delete him altogether. It never gets better for that poor schmuck).

For today, we will stick to the topic of new parents. Luckily for my FB friends I already had my 2 kids before I joined. They didn’t have to suffer through status updates about doctor appointments, ultrasounds or god-forbid my c-sections. I recently sat with my mouth agape as I followed a thread of a friend’s mom giving the play-by-play of her granddaughter’s birth.  I found this both horrifying and fascinating. On one side of the coin, is nothing private anymore? But on the other side, how amazing is it that we are all able to connect and share so easily.

For me, FB was like a life preserver when I had baby Gray. Those first few months were among the hardest and most isolating of my life. I had a newborn, a 19-month-old toddler and thankfully, my laptop. I was able to laugh at clever updates, get offended by the political ones, take ridiculous time-wasting quizzes and post album after album of the most beautiful children in the entire world. Most importantly, I was able to feel connected. So, if the constant barrage of photos or baby-related updates irritate you give the new parents a break.  It does slow down.  How many albums of the 8 and older set do you ever see?  But if you are tired of looking at little Emma drooling at the camera every time you log in – you know what to do…

I had to share one of my all-time favorite Halloween pictures of my little one. We are currently in the thick of some major celebrating.  We have attended 2 carnivals, 2 class parties and 3 pumpkin carving play-dates and it’s only Friday. Frankly, I’m done. But because of pictures like those to the left, I will forge on.

Here are some fun Halloween-themed links for you to peruse…

Best & Worst Halloween candy…but really, who’s counting calories that night?

Lamest Halloween candy.  If you give out a toothbrush at least include a full-size Snickers.

A more fashionable twist on Halloween.

In the mood for a bit of a scare?  Top 10 scary movies of all-time.  Funny how the 70′s produced the majority of horror classics.

And of course…creepy cocktails…and Eat & Treats.

*Have a fun and safe holiday weekend*

Like it or not faux fur vests are everywhere right now.  It’s still 90 degrees in Florida so I had not seen this trend in live action until last week when the temperature briefly dipped a couple degrees. Every woman in Florida pulled out their boots and sweaters in premature excitement.  I even saw a couple brave ladies rocking the faux fur vest.  They looked pretty hot – both literally and figuratively.  In my search for the perfect faux fur I have noticed a few things you need to be aware of before purchasing:

1.  Avoid looking like a cavewoman.  If you go with the longer version select one that is more tailored. The vests tend to be bulkier

2.  Texture. As you know, faux is just a fancy word for fake. Do not buy online!  To avoid wearing something that feels like your grandma’s carpet go see the selections in person.

3.  Never overspend on a trend. I don’t see this one staying strong through next year. I would cap my purchase at a $100.

Here are a few ways to wear a faux fur vest this season…

Ultra glam.  Black on black tones down some of that the 70′s vibe. $69

Perfect for work, church or coffee with the girls. Belting the vest vastly decreases the bulkiness factor. $98

Take a little of the country out of this set and opt for this $98 version from JCrew.

Versatility at it’s best. Use the same JCrew vest and pair it with a long-sleeved tee, skinny jeans and boots.