Happy September ~ Letter From The Editor

I am in total denial that it's the first day of September. I mean, seriously, where did this summer go? I have mixed emotions about sending my kids back to school. Part of me needs them to go back so that I can stop spending all my time in the kitchen making meals. Anyone else feel like as soon as breakfast is cleaned up, it's time to make lunch??? The other part of me wants it to be an endless summer of pool and beach days, day trips, and mile high ice cream cones.

It's not all bad. There is so much to look forward to in the fall including crisper weather, comfy sweaters, pumpkin and apple picking, and here at the Jersey shore, no more crowds!! This month on the blog will be a wrap up of my summer posts that are lingering in my drafts folder and a brand new set of fall inspired posts.  I have quite a few posts ready to go including a 4-day diary of my trip to Rehoboth Beach to come this weekend.

As you wait for these stories to hit the front page of the blog, take a look at what readers loved in August.

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Looking for a "can't put down book"? Ohhh, you are going to love Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. Check out my review.

Still hunting down the best back to school must-haves? The search stops now! Check out my picks for BTS musts.

How about a fun and healthy snack for when the school day ends. Here's a snack that the kids will love making just as much as they'll love eating.

Delicious snacks aren't just for the kiddos! When you're in need of a quick but tasty snack to pair with a glass of wine, try this puttanesca bruschetta. You can thank me later.

Back to school means packing lunches. It can be a total hassle if you aren't one of those fancy, creative types who never runs out of ideas. Don't miss my tips for avoiding the dreaded lunch packing rut and a yummy new snack from Justin's.

Lastly, DO NOT forget to enter to win this incredible 11-day trip to Italy to experience all the glory that is Italy.

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SEPTEMBER MUST-HAVES

Transitional wardrobe pieces are key this time of year when the weather can be tricky to navigate. I like sweaters that are either lightweight or can be layered for those days when it's cool, but turns warmer, and then back to cool again. This pointelle sweater is ideal for temperamental weather.

It's not quite bootie weather, and it's not quite sandal weather. So why not wear a shoe that combines both? This peep toe bootie from Sole Society is the perfect combination of bootie and sandal.

One of my favorite outfit combinations in fall is a basic t-shirt with a scarf and my favorite pair of jeans. I love how a scarf like this stripe wool wrap one dresses up a tee and adds a light layer for fall.

One of fall's hottest colors is sharkskin, which essentially is gray. You'll want to add at least one gray item to your wardrobe this fall. It can be a pair of jeans, a sweater, a top, or a pair of booties. Whatever it is, make it gray! I love this gray cowl neck pullover. It's a steal at only $39, and it can be worn with jeans or leggings. It looks so comfy...perfect for my weekends whether I am lounging or running errands.

FOLLOW ALONG!

Are you following along on Snapchat? It's been my social media channel of choice lately where I post my day-to-day happenings. Scan the photo or add me: "piecesofamom".

Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest too!

NOW GO GRAB SEPTEMBER BY THE HORNS!!