NOVEMBER 2025

What I’m Loving Right Now

The Before & After Mama Jacket from H&M

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a new mom in NYC, it’s that leaving the house is a full-on strategy game. Between the stroller, the carrier, layers for baby, layers for me, and whatever mystery item I inevitably forget… anything that makes getting out the door easier immediately becomes a staple in my life.

Enter my latest obsession: the Before & After Mama Jacket from H&M — the coziest fleece jacket with a removable insert panel that wraps right around baby while she’s in her carrier. Think: one jacket, two ways, and zero stress about keeping her warm in this unpredictable New York fall.

Why I’m Loving It

The insert panel is genius. When she’s in the carrier, I zip the panel in and she’s instantly warm and snuggled right against me. No bulky coats on her, no awkward wrestling with layers — she’s just cozy and happy. It converts back to a regular jacket. This is honestly my favorite part. If we decide mid-walk to pop her into the stroller, I can simply unzip the panel and zip the jacket back up like a normal fleece. No need to bring a second coat for myself. Perfect for NYC weather. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, sudden wind gusts — this jacket has handled it all. It’s lightweight, soft, and still warm enough to get us through crisp fall walks. It’s a lifesaver for baby-wearing moms. If you’re someone who loves keeping baby close, this jacket makes it easy without sacrificing comfort or warmth for either of you.

The Only Downside…

It’s sold out right now — which tells you how good it is — but I’m crossing my fingers H&M restocks soon because this deserves to be in every mama’s closet.

Between the convenience, the comfort, and how adorable she looks peeking out of the fleece… this jacket has become a must-have for us this season. If you’re navigating fall in the Northeast with a baby, add this one to your wish list immediately.

A Midweek Farmers Market Stroll at the New York Botanical Garden

This past Wednesday, I spent the morning doing something simple but so grounding — walking through the farmers market at the New York Botanical Garden with my mother-in-law and baby Ioanna. 🍎

It wasn’t a big, planned outing — just one of those let’s get out of the house for a bit mornings. The kind where you grab the stroller, throw on a sweater, and hope the coffee kicks in before you’ve even left the driveway.

When we arrived, the market had a calm, welcoming energy. Local vendors lined the path with tables full of fresh fall produce — apples, pumpkins, and squash in every shade of autumn. We took our time strolling through, chatting and picking out a few favorites to bring home.

Ioanna watched everything with wide eyes from her stroller, taking in all the new sights and sounds. It was one of those simple, everyday outings that ends up feeling really special — three generations together, enjoying the morning and each other’s company.

If you’re local, the NYBG farmers market is such a lovely midweek stop, especially during the fall. Whether you go for the produce, the peaceful walk, or just a little fresh air between busy days, it’s a reminder to slow down and savor the quiet moments.

One of the highlights was the free Van Gogh flower exhibit. The display was stunning—bright, vibrant blooms that felt like stepping right into a painting. It was the perfect backdrop for a morning stroll and some quiet baby-friendly exploration.

The gardens were peaceful, with plenty of space to wander and enjoy the beauty of nature. Baby Ioanna seemed fascinated by all the colors and textures, and I loved soaking in the sights while getting a little fresh air.

It’s amazing how even a short visit can feel so refreshing, and this exhibit is a must-see for anyone in the area—art lovers, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a calm, visually inspiring outing.

🍂 If You Go:

📍 Location: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 🗓️ Day: Wednesdays (seasonal schedule) ☕ Tip: Grab a coffee before you walk in — it makes the whole experience that much cozier.