Rainy Saturdays at the mall aren’t my scene. The crowded parking lots, the sea of people- it just doesn’t sound like fun. Yet somehow, it’s just where we ended up on Saturday. It was pouring outside and I just wanted to get out of the house, so we loaded up and headed to South Park Mall in Charlotte.
The girls dressed themselves to reflect their excitement for Halloween. It’s all we talk about really, which is why Kaitlyn basically set up shop in Pottery Barn Kids when she saw the Halloween tablescape.
It was super cute, but then again, so is everything in that store!
The weather outside highlighted a hole in my fall/winter wardrobe and after trying on several pairs I finally snagged a pair of purple Hunter rainboots that I’ve been pining over.
I walked into Nordstrom completely set on buying the taller pair, but after multiple tries and opinions from friendly strangers, it was unanimous that short boots looked much better on my 5’1″ frame.
Of course now that I have them there is nothing but sunshine in the forecast! Hard to be mad about that though.
We bounced around the mall for a bit more, including spending a solid 20 minutes in Brookstone. I tell ya, they are just getting crazier with their massage chairs. The one above is a “zero-gravity” version and flips you completely on your back!
I also got to try on the jacket I’ve been eyeing for sometime.
I love that it is warm but folds tightly enough to fit into your pocket.
Dear Santa… wink.
As we were walking through Belk, representatives for Southern Proper were handing out beer. I didn’t even know you could do that??
Ok, point for the mall.
We didn’t hang for much longer and decided to hit up Taco Mac to watch football and extend our Saturday funday.
We hadn’t taken the girls out to eat in a long while, and while I hate to jinx it, they did pretty great. They colored and ate, then took off to the game room (right near our table) while David and I ate our wings and did the best we could to cheer Georgia Tech to a victory (whomp whomp).
Sunday morning we were back at a restaurant– notice a theme when I don’t get to the grocery store?
After eating at Sun Up Cafe in Langtree, we did a little family grocery shopping and finally I have food back in my house!
Most of the afternoon was spent cleaning out the garage, doing food prep (I’m hooked on mason jar salads) and playing outside. I froze my elderberry syrup into servings (1 tsp for each girl + 1 Tbsp for me) to defrost when we need it.
Fall is certainly here!
We had salmon Rockefellar with garlicky green beans and roasted fingerling potatoes for dinner
and I packed Hailey’s lunch at the same time in our PlanetBox Rover.
Despite being pretty tired at that point, I had to stay up for the debate. What a crazy country we are living in right now.
Now I’m gearing up for a full and wonderful week. I hope you are doing the same!
Malls- love or hate?
What’s your favorite way to fill up a rainy weekend?
John J. says
Enjoyed your mall experience, though I would have liked to have seen David upside down – especially with a beer in his hand! 🙂
sherry says
And I thought David was getting a pedicure 🙂
Nice boots (everyone)!
Candy says
Loving those rain boots! I have a red pair of Hunters, and even if it doesn’t rain often, I don’t feel guilty for buying them because they make for a cute decoration in a mudroom and they last forever!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m cracking up because I feel the same way- they’re just cute to look at ha! I do hear they last forever and I’m hoping to use them in the snow I’m crossing my fingers we get a little of this winter 🙂
Heather says
This might be a silly question, but how d oyou get your rolls ups to stay rooled up?
Brittany Dixon says
The first “secret” is an extra large tortilla. Then I cover with cheese and microwave and roll it up while it’s still warm to help it “stick” together. The ends never stay together (so I snack on those ;)) but the middle pieces hold pretty well!
Arielle says
Rainy weekends around here are for organizing, board games, and writing!
It’s been years since I’ve been to South Park mall. I need to go check it out again. Sans babies.
Heather Shoberg says
I definitely have a love/hate relationship with malls. Sure, they’re a great way to kill time and it’s handy to have everything under one roof, but I hate crowds and my kids tend to run amok and I end up being THAT mom. I wish more restaurants had play areas for smaller kids, though!!
SHU says
We hit the mall w/ both kids this weekend too – something we almost never do! I had a heart attack chasing Cameron through Gap Kids which he decided was his own personal obstacle course. But they both got new shoes (dress + sneakers!) so I’ll call it a success.
That coat almost (but not quite 🙂 ) makes me wish I needed one! super cute!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Love those boots! And your girls are so stinking cute!
Tracy says
Malls….hate, but We did spend a lot of time there on rainy/snowy days when my kids were little!
I hove that North Face jacket & LOVE it! I found it on super sale at Nordstrom Rack. They have North Face sales every now & then. Watch for it!
Tracy says
I just checked. They have some on sale right now if you’re willing to be open to different colors!
https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/search?query=north+face+thermoball
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh this is so tempting!! What color do you have? I’m hooked on the white but maybe I could be persuaded?
Tracy says
Mine is a light silver/gray but my friend has a bright pink that’s super cute.
Sheila says
Hi – can you share the recipe for the salmon? I am always looking for new recipes to try.
Thanks!
Kate @ Kate Lives Healthy says
Not sure if you are an REI member but they have some great deals on jackets. I picked one up last week for super cheap. I think that same model was on sale too!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, we are members- thanks for the heads up!!
Ragil (PRTGandmain) says
Sounds like a fun weekend. I am not a fan of malls but I wouldn’t say I hate them either. By the way, you should try the kids size of those Hunter Boots. I’m also petite and I read you can pull them off better than the taller ones. Xo
Chantal says
I’m totally getting my kid a Planetbox for her birthday. So excited!