The Flight

We took a direct flight from San Francisco to Rome. If you can avoid a layover, DO IT. I am not sure there is data to back this up, but it seems like air travel in this day and age is usually delayed. I cannot think of anything worse than sitting through a delay with a real life energizer bunny to miss a layover! We experienced a three hour delay but didn’t sweat it because we were flying straight to Rome. If you have control over it, I also suggest an evening flight. It was approximately 12 hours of flying time from SFO to FCO, but Emilio slept for 4-5 hours. He has never slept on an airplane, but with the help of some Benadryl (I consulted my pediatrician on this before we left) he eventually fell asleep once he realized it was past his bedtime and his crib was no where in sight! This REALLY helped break up the monotony of being in the air. The last three hours of the flight felt the longest. Emilio has no interest in watching shows unless it is a music video on YouTube. Streaming doesn’t work 32,000+ feet in the air and he gets frustrated with screen grabs because he cannot tap and swipe to navigate a recording. Stickers (get the biggest pack you can find), window clings, and Trader Joe’s freeze dried blueberries SAVED me the last few hours. I made room in my carry-on bag for books, a coloring book and crayons, multicolored pipe cleaners, painters tape, and Play-Doh. Maybe those items would entertain your child, but they did not do it for Emilio. Before I conclude this portion of the article, I need to make it abundantly clear how invaluable the Baby Zen Yo-Yo stroller is. It folds so compactly that you can fit it in the overhead compartment, or underneath the seat in front of you on the airplane. Better yet, you can roll your little one right onto the plane and fold it in the aisle when you get to your seat! I am not sure of the dimensions on competing strollers that are marketed for travel, but I have never seen this done with another brand. 

When in Rome

We had a car service to pick us up from Rome–Fiumicino International Airport and drive us to the hotel we were staying in for the night. The same driver would drive us to the train station the next morning. I knew we would be falling over with luggage as it is that I made the decision to leave our carseat (and the giant backpack that accompanies it) at home. We requested that the car come equipped with a rear-facing car seat. This was definitely the right decision but I cannot stress the importance of double checking and re-confirming that the car will arrive with a car seat installed. Trust me, you cannot ask enough times. We stayed at the Hotel d’Inghilterra when we arrived and when we departed Rome. We REALLY like the location. It was not close enough to walk to from the train station (which is why we booked the same driver the following morning to transport us to the train station), but it sure was fun to explore the “neighborhood” and bop around the cafes and restaurants. Where there is cacio e pepe, there are the Kaplans. Being a Roman dish, it was only fitting to go out for a bowl or two. We enjoyed Dilla Ristorante for pasta on our way in. It is a quintessential Italian eateery with cute outdoor seating area and gourmet homemade pastas. On our way out, we dined at Antica Birreria Viennese. The beautiful floral facade totally drew us in. The food was not quite as “gourmet,” but the menu was more diverse and included pizza…Emilio’s request! My favorite meal in Rome, however, was breakfast at D’ Angelo! They served delicious egg dishes, coffees, pastries, and best of all Maritozzi. OMG. You cannot visit Rome without indulging in this delectable pastry. It is not heavy even though it sounds like it. It’s a light and airy sweet bread filled with cream. Literal heaven in your mouth. Now regarding the stroller and the cobblestone streets – totally doable. Emilio is a city boy and used to walking so it wasn’t necessary for our time spent in Rome, but we did notice multiple other families with Yo-Yos maneuvering just fine. 

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

Our first stop on the itinerary was the town of Amalfi. Technically you can drive, but there are so many high speed train options out of Rome. The train ride is about 1 hour and 10 minutes compared to a four hour drive. Traveling by train also allows you to avoid the whole car seat issue. We booked a direct train to Salerno (the closest station to our destination) but unfortunately a fire was obstructing the road from Salerno to Amalfi. We diverted to Naples at the last minute. There are two rail lines you can choose from and three ticket classes to choose from. If you are not ready to commit to a departure time in advance, you just take what you can get class-wise when you finally buy a ticket. We bought tickets less than 24 hours before on our way to and from the coast. I was not about to test Emilio’s patience (especially after a 12 hour flight and nine hour time change). The “Club” level was all that was left for both trips. This is the most “boujee” of the three classes. They were about 325 euros total, about $110 per person, and included complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and food. The Freeciarossa line was more luxurious of the two but they are both adequate especially for such a short ride. I arranged via the concierge at our hotel for a driver to pick us up from the train station in Naples and chauffeur us to the resort. It was a 1.5 hour windy and twisty albeit a beautiful ride. If you are prone to car sickness like I am, take non-drowsy dramamine! Yikes. I am so thankful Emilio did not inherit this trait from me! 

Hotel in Amalfi

I knew the first leg of the trip would be the most exhausting. I wanted us to be able to veg out and re-charge our batteries. A resort with all of the amenities was most suitable to do so. After much research I debated between Hotel Santa Caterina and Anantara. I chose the latter because by the looks of it, it just seemed more kid-friendly. Anantara was closer to Amalfi center, and the cutest little waterside playground! This one-of-a-kind property is built into the cliffside of an ancient convent. There are only 52 rooms, giving it a “boutique-y” feel with all the bells and whistles of a luxury resort. There is an impressive outdoor gym with panoramic coastal view, a lovely spa, several dining options, and a GORGEOUS infinity pool with breathtaking view. We really enjoyed spending the day at the pool and then strolling down to Amalfi center. Due to the cliffside architecture, you must go down some stairs to reach sea level and the center of town when on foot. Alternatively, Anantara offers a shuttle on demand and makes it really easy to get to and fro. Really there was not one thing I didn’t like about this hotel. I still miss our breakfasts with Marcelo and the delish omelets that were conveniently included in the room rate! The room was very elegant, and best of all, the AC was powerful (I cannot say the same about the AC in Rome or Positano). I would absolutely stay at Anantara again.

Where to eat in Amalfi 

La Locanda Della Canonica at Anantara was the best pizza I ate in Amalfi. The tables line the “Walk of the Monks” on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Taverna Buonvicino a hidden gem in the middle of town near the main cathedral – you will need Google Maps to navigate here. The cute courtyard and its twinkling lights is just SO inviting. You will not find pizza here, though the fried bruschetta could satisfy a craving for some ‘za. We ended up eating dinner here twice because the ambiance was so special. I must note, this is not the place to go if you are short on time.

Lo Smeraldino is not fancy, but it is right on the water, near the playground, and it opens at 6:30 – a little earlier than most restaurants nearby! This is a great option if your little one is craving a pizza. We ate dinner here, then hit the playground before finishing off the night with dessert from Savoia.

Savoia is your one stop shop for gelato or sweet treats. I went daily for the simplest, yet most delicious thing. A butter cookie with Nutella filling. Decadent. Jonathan was infatuated with what looked like a croissant muffin drenched in RUM.

What to do in Amalfi

Besides pool time and eating and indulging, you can easily catch a ferry to Positano, Sorrento, or Capri for the day. Since we were continuing on to Positano and Capri for extended stays, we went to Ravello for half a day instead. This town sits higher up the coast from Amalfi and is reachable by car – about a 30 minute drive. Just as you would imagine, the views are awesome. There are no cars allowed in the town, so you will be dropped off and then proceed by foot. You can definitely bring a stroller with you, but remember to take the path to the right when it forks. Otherwise you will be stuck with a bunch of stairs. We steered to the left and schlepped the stroller up several flights of stairs to Villa Cimbrone! Funny now, not so funny then! There we toured the lush gardens and enjoyed a snack at the cafe. If you stay till closing, eat dinner closeby on the terrace at Hotel Villa Maria. This spot was very kid friendly and even had a changing table in the bathroom!

Getting to Positano

The hotel concierge in Positano scheduled a transfer from Anantara to the hotel with this company. I highly recommend utilizing the concierge wherever you stay to assist you with booking of car services. It was an easy but twisty drive! We were in the car for 45-ish minutes. The time passed quickly because our driver Mario was kind enough to play Pepas the entire time! If you do not arrange for a private car, you can get there by taxi or ferry. We always choose the path of least resistance when Emilio is with us, and one major benefit of a private car is that they can pick you up right outside the hotel lobby.

Hotel in Positano 

Due to the cliff-like nature of Positano, many hotels are for adults only. I found Hotel Marincanto through a mommy blogger and I am very happy I did! Like I said earlier, we had a stay planned to the famous Le Sirenuse before Emilio was born in 2020. Sadly they do not allow children under five, so that re-booking had to wait. Marincanto is SO close by – only a couple of restaurants separate the two hotels, and the property is kid friendly. Hooray! I booked a standard room with a sea view and terrace knowing we’d only be there for the weekend, but long story short, we were going to have to switch rooms mid-stay so they upgraded us to a suite FREE OF CHARGE to avoid us having to switch. Now THAT is service. There are not enough words to describe how massive the Prestige Suite was. The terrace was enormous. The hot tub overlooking the water in the sprawling bathroom was ridiculous (for lack of a better word). The dressing room…I legit want it for my own home. If you did not see the room tour on my IG story, do yourself a favor and check it out on my Italy story highlights. The other thing that attracted me to Marincanto was that it is the only hotel with direct beach access. I knew we would not be spending time in the sea in Amalfi so getting into the water in Positano was a top priority! Now direct beach access in Positano comes with a lot of stairs…and I mean A LOT. Being from San Francisco and regularly climbing ginormous vertical hills, it takes a lot for me to remark about the steepness of something. This descend and ascend was HELLA steep. Don’t forget your water shoes or sunscreen in the room! But the reward is worth the effort in my opinion. I cannot even describe how invigorating the sea felt on a hot summer day. The room rate included a breakfast buffet with all the essentials, as well as made-to-order egg dishes. Marincanto checked all the boxes for us.

Insider tip: From my experience, room inventory in Italy is not always updated in real-time. It is always worth emailing the hotel of interest and and inquiring about a stay before “giving up” hope!

Where to Eat in Positano 

L’Incanto is where it’s at if you are hanging out at the beach. OH EM GEE we REALLY enjoyed the food here. The menu was extensive with appetizers, salads, pizzas and pastas, cocktails, and fresh fruit. We dined here two consecutive days for lunch. Our friends told us to order “Nerano” pasta as much as possible on the Amalfi Coast. This dish is actually named after the small Amalfi town where it originated. It is spaghetti in a light but creamy provolone sauce topped with fried zucchini. It was lip-smacking good and we were happy to see it on the menu at L’Incanto. Emilio loved the pizzas and the fruit platters were so refreshing after being in the sun. 

If you are looking for dinner with a view, Ristorante da Costantino IS the spot. This family run restaurant sits at the top of Positano – request a window seat. Have your hotel help you coordinate a complimentary shuttle to and from the restaurant. You gotta try the cheese crespelles and let me know how they are. Somehow I did not do my research ahead of time to know they were a must-have item! I was dying for meat and opted for a steak. It was was served in an oil and garlic sauce that was so tasteful. I absolutely dipped bread to finish the remaining sauce. Licking your plate is not socially acceptable, but if it was…

Angelo Pasticceria is a great spot to grab and go, or enjoy a quick coffee. This standing-only cafe is diagonally across from Marincanto and we hit it up a handful of times. I appreciated the smoothie assortment, and Emilio loved the juice menu. It was this very spot where Jonathan and I ate our favorite sandwich on the trip – we picked the wrong day to share! It was a simple caprese sandwich on fluffy focaccia bread, but boy was it GOOD! 

Hotel in Capri

I absolutely adore Capri. It is a magical place. I could stay there forever. It was a small town feel, the people were friendly, it was chic, and the shopping was phenomenal. The store owners were greeting Emilio on a first name basis by day three. But I am certainly NOT the only person who feels this way! We met several people who have been visiting the Island annually for 20+ years. SEVERAL repeat travelers. With that said, book your hotel as far out as possible so that you are guaranteed the accommodations of your choice. We are SO spoiled that our very special friends from SF are from the Island. They gave us so many insider tips that guaranteed an unforgettable vacation, including where to stay. There are a few larger scale hotels on the outskirts of the island. But if you are like me and thrive in a metropolitan atmosphere, I recommend staying in the heart of it is all! Our friends recommended: Hotel Minerva, Hotel Mamela, Hotel Villa Brunella…if you look on a map, all of these hotels are centrally located and nearby each other. This trip was not planned far enough in advance so my first choice, Hotel Minerva, was already booked. I looked for other options in the same vicinity and came across Casa Morgano. I ultimately chose them over Mamela because the room had a bathtub. When you are traveling with a young child, these “minor details” become not so minor! I knew we would be spending the least amount of time in our room in Capri, so as long as the hotel was in the proper “zone,” had a sea view and a bathtub, I was happy. Casa Morgano checked all the boxes! The personnel was so kind, and we loved the location. It sits on Via Tragara – a beautiful street with immaculate villas and a gorgeous terrace with sweeping view.

Insider tip: From my experience, room inventory in Italy is not always updated in real-time. It is always worth emailing the hotel of interest and and inquiring about a stay before “giving up” hope!

Where to Eat in Capri 

Breakfast and Libations

Our room rate included a breakfast buffet but we were eager to do as the locals do! We ended up dining at Il Piccolo every morning. I genuinely miss it! We befriend the servers and they knew what to order upon our arrival. It felt so much like the neighborhood coffee shops we frequent in SF. Emilio eats a very balanced diet at home but he was on a carb-full meal plan in Italy! He LOVED a Nutella croissants and steamed milk for breakfast. We enjoyed the omelets and caprese sandwiches as well. But what I really looked forward to each morning was an iced cappuccino. I do not know how they do it. It tasted like chocolate. I asked several employees and it was made abundantly clear that there is not a “secret chocolate ingredient” mixed into their espresso. It just tastes THAT good. OH MY GOSH. Coffee in the states simply does not compare to the cappuccino in Capri. This little cafe is perfectly situated in the square – a great place to people watch and it is open all day. If breakfast is not your thing, hit it up in the evening for a cocktail while the sun sets. 

Gelato and/or other savory/sweet treats

Buonocore has established quite a reputation. The smell of freshly made waffle cones alone will lead you here. Brace yourself for the line at the gelato window…or wait till the last ferry departs and the streets clear of day trippers. But not only is the gelato divine, they offer a large assortment of pastries and savory snacks (pizza squares and sandwiches as well). We enjoyed the gelato of course, but on our last day on the island, Jonathan tried a cannoli and could not believe his tastebuds LOL.

Insider tip: skip the gelato line all together and walk inside for other savory and sweet treats.

Drinks

I already mentioned Il Piccolo, but it is a very special cafe in the square that transforms into a bar in the evening. If you are looking for something more unique, Capri Rooftop at Hotel Luna is spectacular. The view is sweeping. I couldn’t believe my eyes quite frankly. We got in without a reservation and were seated further from the view, but they allowed kids and we still had a great time. The Catwalk drink is SO refreshing and delicious. My suggestion would be to make a reservation so that you are guaranteed a table with a view, and enjoy a cocktail and snack before your dinner reservation. Another rooftop option but with a city view is that of Hotel La Palma. A hip atmosphere, catchy music, and great assortment of cocktails. If you follow me on Instagram, this is where I wore my new Pucci outfit – the same print Beyonce is wearing on tour!

Dinner

There are so many delicious restaurants in Capri. I wish we had more time to try them all. As most of Italy, many close after lunch service around 3:00 pm and then reopen at 7. Just throw your toddler’s schedule out the window! I will list all of our friend’s recommendations later, but we went to the following:

Villa Verde is where all the celebrities flock to who visit the island. There is quite an impressive photo montage on display of the celebs who frequent this spot. It is a garden atmosphere in the heart of Capri, where you will find all the pasta and pizza your heart desires. Everyone seems to genuinely enjoy working at this restaurant and Franco, the owner, is so hospitable. If you are a fan of truffle, the tartufo pasta is insane, and if you are a meat lover, the bolognese is the best I have ever had. But don’t let me get ahead of myself. You cannot dine at Villa Verde without trying the Buffalo mozzarella. 

Panorama just like its name alludes to, boasts a sweeping view and a great offering of pastas and pizzas. If you make a reservation ahead of time, you can request a table on the terrace. The fungi and Margherita pizzas were our favorite here. The vibe was pretty casual and the personnel was over-the-top friendly with Emilio! This was his favorite dining experience in Capri.

Insider tip: Add a ball of burrata to your pizza – you will not be disappointed. 

Da Paolino is a very unique experience reachable via taxi. Wine and dine under a lemon grove at this special Capri eatery! Try the mozzarella appetizer grilled in between lemon verbena leaves. We were there with another family and all shared plates and a lot of wine. Definitely save room for the dessert room! Yes, you read that right, a “temptation” room full of miniature desserts that you can fill your plate with!

Insider tip: request a reservation on the website here – you will need your passport handy. 

Bianca…this place really impressed us. We asked Antonella at the Pucci store where we should go dressed to the nines, and she suggested Bianca. After 10 days of pizza and pasta, we were pleasantly surprised by the meat and fish-heavy mediterranean menu! All of our meals were memorable in Capri for different reasons but this was our most memorable meal for food. Everything we ordered was SO good. We started with a burrata appetizer, but for my entree, I ordered a roast chicken and deep fried eggplant dish that came with a side of tzatziki. If this was available in SF, I would order it weekly. Jonathan tried the catch of the day which included hummus and pesto- two Kaplan favorites. He devoured it. We also tried a rice and chicken and fish side that was tasty too. The portions were not huge – you could easily share the plates family-style. Emilio was totally content with his “Not a pizza” Margherita pizza. The dough does not rise – it is cracker thin, but it will still satisfy a pizza craving.

Other highly recommended restaurants include: Le Grotelle, Aurora, Zagara (Anacapri), Il Riccio

What to do in Capri 

Like I said before, I knew we would be spending the least amount of time in the hotel room in Capri because there is so much to do and see! I am going to go in depth regarding the activities we participated in, but I’ll list more from our friends’ recommendations afterwards. The shopping is a given in Capri. The impeccably clean (and stroller friendly streets) are lined with some of the world’s most luxurious boutiques as well as local artists and retailers. I was immediately sucked into the children’s store Russo because I wanted to buy Emilio an Emilio Pucci item. Can you blame me?! After that, I found myself in the women’s Pucci store but THAT experience deserves a blog post of its own. Stay tuned! 

The shopping is great, and the restaurant and cafe hopping is fun, but if you have your mind set on taking a dip into the perfectly blue Mediterranean Sea, then you need to visit a beach club. Now these beaches are not your typical Floridian sandy beaches. They are rocky (do not forget your water shoes), but SO refreshing, all-inclusive, and actual paradise. We had such an incredible day at Lido del Faro (the lighthouse). I cannot recommend it enough. It is about 20 minutes by cab from Capri square, but well worth the travel time. You will walk down a winding path from the cab stand, but don’t fret – paradise awaits and it is stroller friendly. There you will have access to beach chairs, a saltwater pool, changing rooms and bathrooms, and a delightful waterfront restaurant. There is waiter/waitress service with many adult beverages, and virgin libations alike, flotation devices for lend, and they will help you call a cab upon your departure. Remember, this is not a sandy beach. You will reach the water via stairs. You will be treading water. I brought an infant life vest for Emilio and borrowed a “noodle.” It was an experience of a lifetime to immerse as a family in that heavenly sea. A reservation ahead of time is safest, but if you forget, have your hotel concierge call the morning of.

Insider Tip: the sun stays out all day on this side of the island. Plan to stay at Lido Del Faro till sunset. 

Other notable beach clubs include: La Fontelina, Marina Piccola (if you have kids you can wade into the water here), Marina Grande (another option if you have children since you can wade in), Gelsomina a lovely pool popular for adults and children alike. Contact your hotel concierge for transportation options. 

Fold the stroller and visit Anacapri by bus or taxi for a quaint little day trip. This town is just 10 minutes up the hill from Capri square, and has a plethora of stores and restaurants to tempt you. It is a little more low key than the town of Capri itself. Aside from a pleasant stroll, you can take a chairlift (just like a ski lift) to Monte Solaro at the top of the island. Here you can admire the view and jaunt down the Pizzulungo walk. Emilio was overtired and stubborn when we went to Anacapri (this only occurred once on our two week long trip) so we didn’t push it and ride the chairlift. But we did enjoy a light lunch at Il Solitario. Another notable restaurant in Anacapri is Zagara, and it is located across from a playground! Make sure you check the park hours – it was closed around lunch time. 

Rent a boat or visit the Blue Grotto. The water was choppy when we were on the Island. There was rain in the forecast a couple of days before our arrival. We did not get to tour the island by boat, although we felt totally satisfied with what we saw on land! Your hotel concierge can help arrange this for you. Some beach clubs and restaurants are more easily accessible via boat so it is worth looking into. We were disappointed that due to thee water level the Blue Grotto was inaccessible. This I hear is quite the unique experience. You legit paddle into a cave on a tiny boat. Think twice if you suffer from claustrophobia. I hear the water is incredible to swim in inside the grotto. Our friends advised us to go late – after 5 pm once the ferry traffic clears. This way you can experience it without the crowds. We will definitely make this a priority on our next trip…because there will be another trip – I loved it that much!

Closing Remarks:

I am still dreaming about our vacation…it was truly extraordinary. And if you follow my recommendations, you too can experience a trip of a lifetime! Just remember, when you travel to a country that is not your own, take a deep breathe and trust the process. There were a few times especially with our luggage where we thought, “well this would be handled way differently in America…” but everything ended up working out. If you are traveling with a toddler, remember they are resilient. They will adjust when they get home if bedtime is 3 hours hours later than normal. If they miss a nap, squeeze in a catnap in the stroller. Every time I think I am ready to publish this article, I remember another detail that could be helpful to a family traveling to the Amalfi Coast. If there is something that I missed and you’re dying to know, just leave me a comment below, and I will gladly make an edit. Safe travels!

The post Vacationing in the Amalfi Coast with a Toddler appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

The Process

Emilio Pucci, aka the “prince of prints” had impeccable taste in color. I picked some of my favorite Pucci hues and created a vision board using Canva. Regardless of the theme, this party planning practice will make your life waaaaay easier when you approach vendors. I simply sent the balloon artist and cake designer my palette, and they color-matched the two perfectly. As for the poochi part, we tied in (no pun intended!) puppies by incorporating twisted balloon dogs. Sticking to the scheme of things, I added pops of shimmering gold, a photo backdrop, and pastel floral arrangements. I LOVE how it turned out, but more importantly, Emilio had a very sweet day. I am already brainstorming Emilo’s Poochi Party 2.0 – can you tell I am a first time mother?! LOL.

The Outfits

As for our attire…it is shockingly difficult to find little boy’s pastel clothing – maybe it is just the time of year. I discovered “Dad and Me” outfits on the Children’s Place website, and the quality surpassed my expectations! I chose lavender gingham shirts for the boys and oxford dress pants for Emilio. This will not be the last time I order from the Children’s Place. They looked adorable if I say so myself! Finally, the time has come…I’ve been waiting for a special occasion to invest in my very own Pucci piece. I decided on a scarf because they are so versatile. You can tie them into a top, wear them in your hair, or adorn a purse with one. I tied my latest prized possession into a halter top (tutorial coming soon) and paired it with periwinkle flare pants. For years to come whenever I wear my Pucci scarf it’ll remind me of Emilio’s special day.

The Vendors

No birthday party is complete without balloons and cake. I used Sparky’s Balloons for my 30th birthday celebration and they were reliable, so I hired them for this event too. The online ordering process was very easy. If I can avoid a conversation with someone and do it all myself your business will have my patronage for life. They outdid themselves with this assignment, and three days later the number one column is still standing and cuter than ever. As for the cakes, I cannot say enough about Shiva Cake design. She was able to accommodate me with relatively short notice and she DELIVERED! Not only were the cakes works of art, but they were SO delicious. This was the first time Emilio indulged in a sweet treat and it lived up to the hype. His “smash cake” was vanilla buttercream flavor and featured whole banana slices. The adult cake was the same except we opted for chocolate. I’ve been eating cake all weekend and never felt “stuffed.” Somehow these cakes are light and fluffy but PACKED with flavor.

Shop the Post:
They Boys Outfit: Baby Shirt | Adult Shirt | Emilio’s Trousers | Jonathan’s pants

My Look: Scarf | Pants

Emilio Pucci Party Decor: “1” Cake Topper | Crown | Custom Plates and Napkins | Sequin Table Cloth | Gold Letter Balloons | Water Color Letter Banner

The post Emilio “Poochi” Party appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Guest List & Invitations

Paperless Post is home to the internet’s most glamorous “e-vites.” I use this service to send out invitations for business and personal events, and it always impresses me how user-friendly it is. Aside from the large assortment of artwork, the consumer dashboard allows you to easily track your RSVP list, and send out reminders. They hit the nail on the head with this cute New Mama theme and colors!

Day of Agenda

1. Introductions
2. Game 1
3. Present presentation and nursery tour
4. Game 2
5. Goodbyes and photos

This is the schedule we followed and it made for a very smooth party flow. We started with intros. My friends are scattered across the country so our format was this: name, connection to mom-to-be, location, and parenting piece of advice. I’ll go into more detail about the games later but after the icebreaker activity we delved right into emoji pictionary. Shortly after that I did a quick showcase of Baby Bae’s gifts, and then took my guests on a tour of the nursery nook. We played another game after that, said our goodbyes and screen-grabbed a group photo! We were done by 2:45 PM and the party began at 1:00. The time of the party will likely depend on the number of attendees – the introductions took up the longest portion of the shower, and was my favorite part!

Decor & Treats

Kelly and Elise went above and beyond to make the day special. I always knew that I would incorporate Instagramable decorations because DUH. But what I didn’t know is that K&E would surprise me with a beautiful bouquet of balloons that perfectly matched the artwork on the invitation (and my balloon garland)! How thoughtful is that?! And to make the day even sweeter, they sent over my favorite donuts and gorgeous blue flowers. They spoiled me rotten!

Games & Gifts

Gift giving and receiving is fun and always appreciated, but is not mandatory. Truthfully, the company of close friends is the best gift a girl can ask for! However, Babylist makes it super easy and flexible for moms-to-be to register for must-have items online. Like you can add any item from any store to your Babylist with the click of a button. We did not allocate time to open gifts. Instead, we opted to display Baby Bae’s new wares and save the time for games! Emoji Pictionary: pure genius! Based on the featured emojis, you guess the title of the Children’s book/movie. See the Goodnight Moon example below. My generous hosts rewarded the winner with a Starbucks gift card. I cannot recommend this activity enough!

We are all new at this and there is no right or wrong way to host a virtual event. This is the format Elise and Kelly followed and it was so organized and SO fun! I could not have asked for more thoughtful hosts or a more special group of attendees. I was not exaggerating when I said they spoiled me rotten! What was your favorite activity at the last zoom “party” you were apart of? I would love to hear! Thanks for reading this article – feel free to forward it to a hostess with the mostess.

Shop the Post:
Dress (did NOT size up to accommodate the bump) | Earrings | Shoes | Balloon Arch Kit | Sequin Table Runner | Watercolor Letter Banner (available in-store) | Emoji Games

The post How to Throw a Virtual Baby Shower appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

33 Things I am Hopeful/Looking Forward to in 2021

1. Meeting Baby Bae. I am officially 52 days away from my due date and it’s hard to think about anything else! Will he look like a mini version of Jonathan?! What will his personality be like?!
2. While we are on the topic of babies, I cannot wait to meet all the covid babies in my friends group! Never in a million years did I think we’d all be parents the next time we saw each other. A lot can happen in a year.
3. I hope to celebrate my dad’s life in the most colorful way possible. When he passed away last spring we were at the peak of the pandemic. Funerals, memorials, or any “social” gathering with people outside of your home were strictly prohibited in Connecticut. He deserves a party.
4. I cannot wait to get the Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes available to me and experience a sense of normalcy again.
5. Leaving the house without a mask…the day that can happen will be one for the books. I am hopeful it’ll happen later this year.
6. To Worry less. I know what you are thinking…when you become a mother you always worry. While I understand where you are coming from, this is different. I am sick of worrying about everyone else. Will Jonathan contract the virus at work from an asymptomatic carrier? Will my mom choose the checkout line with the cashier who is unaware they are shedding the virus? Worrying about the last person to touch the doorknob…the list goes on.
7. Speaking of my mom, I cannot wait to see her again. We’ve been on separate coasts since May and Baby Bae needs his Bubbie!
8. Flying on an airplane will be a delight. It will be an “event” like it was in the olden days…so I hear!
9. I fantasize of relaxing on the beach in Hawaii. My definition of paradise.
10. But before we travel outside of California (after being vaccinated of course), I cannot wait to enjoy city life to the fullest. It has been months since we’ve been able to dine inside of a restaurant, or meet after work for happy hour.
11. Wine and dine in Napa Valley. No explanation needed.
12. I look forward to the day it is safe enough for us to introduce our son to our siblings and extended families.
13. Entertaining houseguests. When we moved to SF it was important to me to have a guest bedroom. We live across the country from our families. When they come to visit we like them to be close! Same goes for out of town friends – you know who you are!
14. Witness GG become the best big sister!
15. Attend in-person events and meetings. Zoom is great but I am OVER IT.
16. I do not mean to come off as vain, but if regular manicures are in my future I will not take it for granted.
17. Wear Lipstick…I miss it. The mask-life doesn’t really allow for it.
18. I never thought I would say this, but I look forward to the day I shop for my own groceries. Delivery is so convenient but I lack inspiration with my dinner menu when I’m not walking the aisles.
19. Simply put, shooting blog pics with a photographer will be luxurious!
20. I am hopeful I’ll be able to play field hockey next fall.
21. Resuming Spanish lessons. It is very important to me that Baby Bae is exposed to his latino heritage and that he learns to speak the language.
22. Callin’ Baton Rouge. I cannot wait to go to Tiger Stadium for a LSU football game. GEAUX TIGERS!
23. I think this goes without saying but here’s to visiting and double dating with friends when it is deemed safe to do so!
24. I cannot wait to wear my quirky outfits to more than just the living room. This HILARIOUS TikTok video is a perfect depiction of my thoughts exactly. Insert laughing emoji.
25. Dressing my baby boy – bring it on!
26. I would love the opportunity for more TV time aka on-air experience!
27. Diversifying my small business. I am looking forward to delving into a new vertical and sharing the baby products I cannot live without.
28. Joining a mom group. I can only imagine how many valuable resources would be available to me!
29. Meeting new friends. The more the merrier.
30. Attending an in-studio workout class.
31. Hosting a dinner party.
32. Eating a deli sandwich….I prefer salads to sandwiches but now that I can’t have one, (pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming deli meat because they are more susceptible to food borne illness), I crave subs constantly.
33. Wearing my high heels. If I’m rocking heels it means we are back to regular scheduled programing. I dream of the day, and I imagine you do too!

Shop the Post:
Dress c/o (Get 30% off with code GLAM30) | Earrings | Makeup – Eyeshadow and Lip Color (Get 10% off with code KELSEY) | Press-on Nails | Flower Crown | Balloons

A special thanks to Bump Biddy for outfitting me for my birthday!

The post 33 Years and 33 Birthday Wishes appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

My parents are the most remarkable individuals I have ever known. We’ve always been very close. They have always been my biggest fans and supported my dreams and aspirations at every cost. Growing up I was one of those kids who’d rather attend one of my parent’s dinner parties than a “kegger” one of the high school cliques was throwing down the street. When it came time to apply for college, and all of the universities on my wish list were out-of-state, my parents never made me feel guilty about leaving home. Instead, they were excited with me. From 2006 onward, I lived across the country from my family.

My dad and mom were older than my friends’ parents…the adoption process was painfully slow in Colombia in the 80’s. Their age did not make a difference growing up, but for the past decade I lived with a perpetual fear of something happening and being too far to swoop in and help. We operate on a three hour time difference….I’d get an adrenaline rush whenever my phone would ring or ding at an “off hour.” Regrettably, February 20, 2020 my fear became a reality. Doctors discovered a lesion in my dad’s left lung after he began experiencing sudden weight loss.

The Longest Fight of My Life

On March 6th I booked a one-way ticket to Connecticut. I knew this visit was not going to be fun, but I did not know that I was about to embark on a real-life NIGHTMARE. My dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer right as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded. The Tri-state Region was the epicenter and he was in and out of the hospital throughout it all. I could not believe this was my life. Every television in the medical center was covering the pandemic. We went from staying the night in his hospital room, to being limited to one family member at a time, to being abruptly kicked out because of the virus. As the CDC released COVID-19 safety guidelines we were right there to experience them. We went to hell and back, and the virus affected our situation in ways I did not even consider possible.

Would my dad undergo chemotherapy, or was it too risky to compromise his immune system with aggressive treatment – knowing there was a virus spreading like wildfire that directly effects the LUNGS?! As the world went into mass hysteria, medical supplies became scarce, and my dad was suffering from pressure ulcers. Trips to the wound care clinic were out of the question out of fear of exposure. We needed to change bandages and rubber gloves were unavailable. WHAT WOULD WE HAVE DONE IF I WAS NOT MARRIED TO A PLASTIC SURGEON WITH TRAINING IN WOUND CARE, AND A MEDICAL SUPPLY CLOSET STOCKED WITH GLOVES?! All I wanted to do was give my dad a huge hug…but I was too scared. What if I was an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19?

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

What I just described was sadly only a small sliver of the anguish we were faced with. March, April, and May were the most emotionally and physically EXHAUSTING months of my life. Despite the devastation, it was MY DUTY to ensure my dad’s comfort and care during the remainder of his life, as he has done all 32 years of mine. On the night of May 12th I lost one of the most admirable people in my life, my beloved Daddy. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh

The Circle of Life

The grieving process has reminded me just how much I value family. Your family members are like a built-in army. They are there to defend, protect, and offer support through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Today marks our NINE year wedding anniversary – it’s been over 11 years since we first met! Every day we spend together I am grateful our lives crossed paths. We see the world through the same lens and make a dynamic duo! In fact, one of the reasons we are so compatible is because Jonathan values family as much as I do. He comes from a big one (speaking of armies!), he is the youngest of seven siblings. We always agreed that if we were to raise a child one day, it would be a mini version of me. We’d own every matching “mommy and me” set available, and be the best of friends just like me and my mom. She’d learn field hockey at a young age, and enjoy dressing up and getting manicures. She’d instantly steal her daddy’s heart.

Through all the heartache, this year has been a learning experience to say the least. But the biggest lesson is yet to come...I found out I was pregnant exactly one month after my dad left us. In my heart I knew a mini-Kelsey was not growing inside of me. I consider it an absolute honor to have the privilege of raising an exemplary little man, like both his maternal grandfather (the “Zaydee” he will never meet), and his compassionate father. I cannot wait to give him that hug I was SO yearning for before my dad passed. BABY BOY KAPLAN is due the end of February. I had no idea I needed this. We needed this. My family needed something joyous to look forward to and we got it alright. We are SO excited to take you all along on our journey into parenthood. Thank you for your endless love and support.

Shop the Post:

My Outfit: Dress (Buyer Beware – You cannot launder) | Shoes | Earrings
Jonathan’s Outfit: Shirt styled by Gene Hiller | Blazer | Trousers | Slippers – Stubbs & Wooton
Onesie by MamiOrigami

Photography by Alexis Estrom

The post A Year of Heartbreak, Solitude, and Pure Joy appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I remember first hearing about this from a college friend at least 10 years ago. Ironically enough, Wednesday was my first time taking the “love quiz!” Although 14 years apart, and from very different backgrounds, Jonathan and I are very alike. This is the best and most challenging part of our relationship. We are almost always on the same page, have the same reactions to situations and conversations and enjoy many of the same activities. So when we don’t see eye to eye our collective stubbornness…well I’ll let you imagine how that goes!

Anyway, I took the quiz and was fascinated by the results. “Quality Time” came back as my strongest love language and “Physical Touch” was a close second. I had Jonathan take the quiz later that night, and sure enough our results were spot on. His highest score was physical touch and quality time a close second. I never doubt how compatible we are. It is quite the opposite, actually! It never ceases to amaze me how many stars had to align for an adopted girl from Bogota, Colombia to cross paths with my soulmate, my other half, the male version of myself in 2009 during my senior year at LSU, AND know that he was “the one” instantaneously! If that isn’t fate, I don’t know what is! Happy Valentine’s Day friends.

Shop the Post:
Dress | Shoes – Louis Vuitton| Earrings | Purse (similar)

Photography by Bailey Luna

The post Happy Valentine’s Day: What’s your Love Language? appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Take an Exercise Class

Couples who sweat together, stay together! Show your partner that you’re genuinely interested in his/her favorite physical activity. Whether that means going for a brisk jog or hitting the mats at the yoga studio, you’ll feel accomplished afterwards and it’ll be fun because you are together.

Movie or Netflix

The Oscars were last night…you probably already have a list of movies on your “watch list.” If you prefer a trip the theatre over your couch, go see Parasite while you can. If Netflix and chill are more your jam, consider binging the award winning comedy The Marveleous Mrs. Maisel, or the gratuitous thriller You.

Cook Together

Maybe Friday is the night you finally try out your Home Chef subscription and prepare a delicious meal together. Or, maybe Valentine’s Day is the day for your roles as chef and sous-chef to reverse. These recipes are easy to follow and immensely flavorful.

Mani Pedis

Practice a little self-care this Valentine’s Day weekend with a trip to the nail salon. If Jonathan came home from work and said, “let’s go get mani pedis” I’d be V impressed…just sayin’. Hint hint. It may be your first time in one of those plush back massaging chairs, but I can assure you it won’t be your last!

Go out for Dinner

I get it..it’s Friday night and after a busy work week the last thing you want to do is prepare a meal. Make going out to dinner an adventure in itself and arrive on two wheels. Take a scenic detour and ride bikes or scooters to the restaurant. Tip: throw a compact hairbrush in your purse (or don’t and arrive with windblown hair).

Shop the Post:
Jumpsuit | Purse | Shoes

Photography by Bailey Luna.

The post Five Valentine’s Day Date Ideas appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

32 January 4ths ago, my 16-year-old biological mother gave birth to me. She named me Marina and very courageously gave me up for adoption. I was cared for for the first five months of my life at Los Pisingos orphanage in Bogota, Colombia – my city of birth. My mom tells me each baby received incredible one-on-one around the clock care. We were even fed home made (Spanish-style) baby food. I practically came out of the womb with a plantain addiction!

Mom & Dad

My adoptive parents (this is the only time I am going to refer to them as that because they were put on this earth to be my parents – we might as well share blood) are the most worldly, accepting, self-less people I’ve ever met. My mom grew up in Jersey (was high school classmates with Meryl Streep!) and my dad was raised across the river in NY. They were both American and the children of two loving families. My mom lived abroad in Paris in her early 20s all by herself. I honestly don’t know how she lived that far away from home…snail mail was the only form of communication. The number of times I call or text her in a day is slightly embarrassing. But she always dreamed of experiencing the Parisian culture so she made it happen and returned to the states fluent in French! My dad studied abroad in Spain and fell in love with the Spanish culture. He learned Spanish fluently and was determined to land his first “real” job in an industry that would allow him to use his new language! Long story short, my parents met on the job in NYC. They had a short engagement (ours was only five months!) and were married by June of 1972. This year will mark their 48th wedding anniversary!

Just as he had hoped for, my dad’s career relocated him throughout Latin America. He and my mom moved to Puerto Rico as a young married couple. My mom picked up Spanish very quickly – apparently the French she learned in Paris was a huge help. Three years later they were placed in Caracas, Venezuela, and while my dad sold elevators, my mom taught JEWISH school children (how ironic!) English! At that point my parents were in love with Latin America, but their families were all in North America. So every summer they’d return to the states to visit family. One of those summers my mom found an article in the New York Daily News featuring a NYC lawyer who was facilitating adoptions out of Colombia. Once they returned to the states for the foreseeable future in the late 70’s, they decided to seriously pursue adoption.

Bogota, Colombia

Colombia in the 80’s was pretty “sketchy.” The drug cartels were out of control. There was a lot of criminal activity. But like any other couple going through the adoption process, the adoption agency performed home inspections, background checks, and took finger prints. Their paperwork was held up over and over again because the Colombian government was tending to more pertinent issues. It took them almost five years to finally adopt my older sister Kyla in 1984. We are from the same orphanage but from different biological mothers. I cannot imagine how frustrating this must have been, BUT I am so grateful it happened. We could have ended up with another family.

Evidently one Colombian baby would not suffice so they adopted my sister a sister (me!) four years later. It was a much smoother process the second time around and I literally HIT! THE! JACKPOT! To clarify, I HIT THE ADOPTIVE PARENTS JACKPOT. What are the chances that two Colombian babies would end up in the home of Americans who were not only fluent in Spanish but who embraced and loved the culture?! SO MANY STARS HAD TO ALIGN…and it gets better. During my childhood, my dad’s company relocated US to Puerto Rico. It was those 3.5 years of my life where I was immersed in the Latin culture, language, and food. This is where my love for “tostones” (friend plantains) began! I met my very best friend to this day, Megan, the first week I was there and she was a bridesmaid in our wedding. I left the island with a very strong grasp of the Spanish language and an immense appreciation for my Latin heritage.

The Next Chapter

This Colombian adoptee (LOL) went on to spend most of her adolescence in Connecticut, before attending LSU where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Textile and Apparel Merchandising – surprise, surprise! Eventually I met and married Jonathan (but that’s a book for another day), and a few years after moving to San Francisco, I returned to Colombia for the first time in 30 years. It was wonderful and I got a kick out of Jonathan’s new Spanish vocabulary. #BlessHisHeart. I went to Colombia for one sole purpose: to see with my own eyes the country where I was born! I had no ulterior motives. But visiting Los Pisingos felt like the right thing to do during my time in Bogota. I brought a suitcase full of women’s clothes and children’s toys (items on their donation list) and had a great conversation with the assistant administrator of the facility, Gloria.

Gloria was fascinated and proud of my life in the US. We shared photos and stories as well as a book of thank you letters from the newly adoptive parents. As I leafed through the book, my mom’s handwriting immediately stood out to me. It hadn’t changed A BIT and neither had her voice or sincerity. I immediately felt emotional. My parents definitely shaped me into the person I have become today and I am forever grateful. They are always supportive of my dreams and aspirations. I cannot imagine my life without them. A match made in heaven. Thank you for reading my adoption story.

It wouldn’t be a birthday without a celebration dress! Shop the look here:
Dress c/o | Shoes c/o | Earrings c/o

The post More than a Birthday: My Adoption Story appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.