We’re kicking off today’s Friday Favorites with one of the most up-and-coming blogs to follow. If you haven’t seen Rosemary and Lace, you don’t know what you’re missing. Blogger Michelle LaPorte takes fashion to a whole new level. She highlights affordable clothes and makes them look like they’re right off the runway. She proves that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to look good. I used to work with Michelle and she was always the best dressed.  It’s no surprise that she started a fashion blog and it has blown up. So much so, that she is going to be featured in a national magazine! Besides fashion, Michelle chats about home decor, beauty and fitness. You can also follow her onPinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Affordable and stylish clothes are great, especially if you have kids. Somehow all of your money goes to them. That’s okay though, they are well worth it! Speaking of children, I was recently in a waiting room where there is always a ton of kids. However, this was not your typical waiting room…the kids were playing basketball, listening to music, and reading books. Yup, no screaming, crying or bored kids. How is that possible? If you go to Yanni Family Orthodontics in West Springfield, MA (and soon in Longmeadow, MA) that’s what you’ll see. A fun, engaging office filled with kids and happy parents! Let’s be honest, braces are not fun, but somehow Dr.Yanni and her staff make it exciting for the kids. From contests and patient events to a solid relationship between the staff and their patients ….it’s truly a unique office. What I love about this office is that Dr.Yanni, a mom herself, can relate to her patients. There is something to be said about another mom helping your children. They just get it.

If you have kids, another must go to place is The Play Date Place in South Hadley, MA. Imagine your children playing in a make-believe city. Welcome to Sunnytown. There is nothing like it in Western Massachusetts, and it’s my two year old’s favorite place to go. Children 6 years old and under can play in a pretend grocery store, slide down a firemans’s pole, dress up, serve food in a restaurant, jump on a trampoline or perform in a theater.  For the adults, they can sit,  relax and enjoy a cup of coffee at the Parent’s Patio. Here’s the best part, it’s super clean. As a mom I’m a germaphobe, but my anxiety is put to rest when I go there. If you haven’t been to The Play Date Place, you have to check it out. Your kids will have a blast, I promise.  Go this weekend!

The Play Date Place

Have a wonderful weekend!