Jordan & Co

Author: jordan

  • Newborn Survival Baskets

    So when Q was born, almost 6 years ago, and I was a brand-new, first-time mommy, I realized a few things very quickly in those early days at home alone:

    1. You spend a lot of time on the couch. Like, a lot.
    2. You/the baby are constantly in need of AllTheThings.
    3. Getting off the couch to constantly get AllTheThings is not fun.

    So, that first week at home, I marched myself right upstairs to Q’s beautifully decorated (and completely UNused) nursery and collected every last baby item that was so neatly and tidily put away and labeled in appropriate drawers and bins, threw all of it into a laundry basket and plopped that basket right on the couch next to me. It was like a hermit/hoarder’s paradise: baby in lap, and everything I/she could need right at my fingertips!

    Over time (and more babies) I learned to plan a little better in advance and spend more time on the practical necessities and less on making my newborn’s nursery bookshelf look pinterest-ready. (Ok, fine-so maybe my OCD nesting got the best of me and I spent a liiiittle bit of time on The Pin as well.)

    Anyways, when Cub was born, I had my newborn basket all set up and would bring it with me from room-to-room (aka my bedroom to my living room) each day. However, I quickly remembered how “tired mom brain” works and would often get all set up on the couch for the day only to realize I had left my basket of essentials in the bedroom. LIFE. ALTERING. TRAGEDY.

    This time around I’m really catering to my laziness and creating a little essentials basket for EACH room that I plan on spending any significant time in. I posted all about my baskets on my Instagram stories the other day but I’ve had a few people ask about them so I figured I’d compile all my basket items together here.

    The great part is, that most of this was purchased right from the comfort of my very favorite store: Living Room Couch (aka, the best invention ever: Amazon Prime). I think only 2-3 of these items were purchased from outside sites. So yay! The good news is, if you’re expecting, you can start your basket shopping right NOW…while still in your pjs!

    Hope this is helpful! ALL items are linked below, because I respect and appreciate your fellow laziness. Solidarity, sisters!

    (feel free to pin)

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    Items:

    Diapering: diapers (I really love seventh generation & earth’s best for non-toxic newborn options. Seventh Generation “Touch of Cloth” were my ABSOLUTE favorite, but they don’t make them anymore. Can we start a petition to bring them back?!), wipes (the only brand I use!), diaper rash cream (love everything about this brand and its EWG rating!), rash cream applicator (best thing EVER- buy  a million of these), peepee teepee (are these necessary?! I don’t know. Someone with a boy please fill me in!) Gathre changing mat (these are my FAVS but cheaper alternatives like THIS do the trick, too!), wooden rattle (for distraction as he grows, also because it looks pretty.)

    For Mom: bamboobies pads (love because they are machine washable & reusable, although these Medela disposables have my heart as well), lily padz, nipple cream (also THESE gel pads that I didn’t include are LIFE CHANGING…store them in the fridge, trust me.)

    Extras: binkies and clips (Loving these two brands!), nasal aspirator (get one that opens for cleaning, for God’s sake. Because, gross. Also these battery operated ones have saved my sanity before. But don’t even get me started on the ones where you suck out the snot through a straw. Just don’t.), hand sanitizer (for after-diaper-business and for all of those dirty, eager paws itching to touch your sweet baby), burp clothes (my FAV brand), newborn mittens (I mean, I have never ever actually used these before but always feel like I’m failing as a parent if I don’t buy at least one pair. These ones look nice. I’m using an unopened pair from when Cubby was born.), Honest Organic Healing Balm (I put that $%^& on EVERYTHING), baby brush (LOVE this super soft one- used it on all my babes…even though they were all bald.), nail clippers (although I technically keep these in my “bath basket”…see below.), extra swaddles (Love THIS brand!), and some extra change of clothes  (I really love these simple cross-snap shirts on itty bitty newborns. Especially if you are going to swaddle and/or are having a summer baby. Sometimes I feel like this is all they need under there. Plus, easy access!) Otherwise, I’m ALLLLL about baby gowns. Here are one, two, and three of my fav brands!

    Baskets (Got these on Amazon and they are awesome…and a great price!)

    *Side Note: I also made a separate “Pumping” basket filled with all of the (dreaded) pumping essentials (i.e. extra water, snacks, breast pump, bottles, burp cloths, nipple salve, nursing pads, etc.), a Bath Time Basket filled with all baby’s bathing goodies, as well as a handy “Postpartum Care” basket for my bathroom. So if you’re wondering where all THAT fun stuff is, now you know.  😉

     

  • Nursery Sneak Peek

     


    When Ryan and I first met, about 15 years ago (holy crap!) we were attending college in Southern California. I was a fresh “New Jersey transplant” and he was the epitome of a California surfer boy, through-and-through. He wore Rainbow sandals exclusively and surfed in lieu of going to the gym. One would almost never guess that was the case if you met him today in his embroidered belt, tucked-in button down shirt, uttering the word “ya’ll”. Yep, my Cali boy has turned Texan. Which is pretty awesome too…by the way.

    But, when we moved here 10 years ago and started talking about starting a family, I always said that if we had a baby boy one day, I’d love to bring Ryan’s Cali-surfer-boy style into the nursery. Well, shockingly…here we are…a baby boy on the way and surfer-boy nursery underway!

    This nursery has been a labor of love, and it is still NOT finished. The OCD side of me really wanted to wait until it was all done before posting, but the impatient side of me really couldn’t wait any longer. I figured I’d been sharing enough snippits and purchases on my IG stories, so why not just put them all together here?

    The colors and overall vibe of mixed media have been my vision since day one, although with such a difficult/awkward room to work with, I’ve had to compromise a bit with the overall layout and furniture pieces/placement. All-in-all I’m really loving seeing it all come together. It’s actually pretty surreal.

    So here is a tiny sneak peek of Baby Boy’s Modern Surfer-Boy room…probably the only surfer boy in Texas! 😉 There are still some finishing touches to add…including linens and some framed photos from “the olden days” of his daddy, in-action, surfing.

    I can’t wait to see our babe grow up in this space, to hear the stories of his Daddy’s California adventures, and to actually get to use the tiny board his dad picked out just for him. But for now, Cubby will take over & pretend this is her second bedroom…

     

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    The wallpaper is from Hygge and West and I had been eying it for a while.  When we found out this babe was a boy, I purchased it that same day. I do love me a good accent wall! 😉

    The gorgeous Tulum beach print is from Max Wanger. Don’t you just want to jump right in that water with a cocktail?

    No?

    Just me, then.

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    Finding a rocker that was comfy & deep but compact enough to fit into this tight corner was a challenge (and several were purchased & exchanged), but then we found this one from Land of Nod and it is EXACTLY what we were looking for!

    The sweet globe below was custom made for us from this little etsy shop, Le Marigny. I got to pick the paint colors AND the quote. I’m pretty much obsessed with  how it came out.

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    If you’ve been watching my instagram stories, you know all about my obsession with Babylit books. They are so adorable & educational…and I love the pops of color!!

    Also, can we talk about how adorable that kiddie surfboard is?! And if this little man isn’t into surfing, I have no doubt his sisters will gladly take it for a spin or two! 😉

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    That’s it for now! I’ll be sure to do a FULL post once the room is ALL finished, complete with links to everything. But if there’s anything else you’d like info on in the meantime, just leave a comment below & I’ll do my best to answer it!

    Thanks for checking out our little man’s space…and for sharing our excitement!

     

     

     for your pinning pleasure…

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  • Friday Favorites

    Friday Favorites

    So, one of my favorite parts about Friday, aside from it being FRIDAY, is scrolling through (ahem, shopping) all the “Friday Favorite Round-ups” on all of my favorite blogs (that’s a whole lotta favorites, right there.)

    So I figured I’d jump on the bandwagon because:

    1. I’ve found so many awesome things lately, I thought It’d just be selfish of me not to share and

    2. I thought rounding up all my favorite things that make me happy, would take my mind off of all the other junk going on.

    So here it is, my very first Friday Favorites! Grab your coffee, or wine, or mimosa or whatever beverage suits your time of day and enjoy…

    Let’s start with this sweetest little dress from the new Tea Collection. It’s a hi-lo dress, which I love and the pattern just makes me think of spring and happy things. Plus, the little girl in the catalog is wearing Frida braids and playing with a real koala bear, so really, how can I NOT buy this dress? Bonus: There is a matching “baby version” for all those  twinning sister duos.

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    Next, I have only two words for you: ROSE GOLD. Salt Water Sandals are a summer staple in our house, mostly because of their durability and the fact that they can get wet. Well, my friends, SWS just stepped up their game a few notches by introducing their newest color. These are already purchased and sitting in both girl’s closet. Go out and getchu some!

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    Ok, let’s talk pjs. My girls are on a nightgown kick, which means the only pjs in our house that don’t cause bedtime meltdowns are our nighties from Plain Jane and Kickee Pants. They are both SO comfy and so adorably sweet. Plus, I thought I’d mention that Kickee Pants is currently have a sale on all of their green pjs to get us all in the St. Patty’s Day spirit. And if I can’t drink any green beer this year, I might as well deck the girls out.

    Disclaimer: I am totally not sharing this picture just because it features a baby Q & A.

    (I totally am.)

    Baby Time!  There are SO many new products out now that were NOT around when Ardyn was a babe- I could do a whole post on just baby stuff (lightbulb!)…

    Anyways, I have grand plans to “carry” this next babe 24/7- you know, as in baby-carrying with the sweet fabric wrap carrier thingys. It sounds and looks heavenly in my mind, but in reality I’m the mom in the parking lot, playing human origami with several yards of beautiful fabric that is somehow supposed to come together to securely hold my tiny infant. Yeah. So, I have a back-up plan this time. Enter the LaLaBu. You guys, it’s a shirt with a pouch. So all I need to do is know how to put on a tank top (check.) and all of a sudden I’m a human kangaroo.

    Sold.

    As in, this is literally already in my closet.

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    Ok, books. Maybe it’s the past-teacher in me (or maybe it’s just the huge nerd dying to get out) but our house is like a library. We’ve got books in every room, categorized by author, holiday, and theme. Then I’ve got boxes of chapter books in the attic from my teaching days that are organized by reading level for when the girls get older. I’m obsessed. But I’m also obsessed with books that are just plain pretty. And these books fit the bill. Ok, so we all know and love BabyLit books, right? (if not, hurry up and go google…we’ll wait.)

    Well, did you know that Babylit has these “decade” themed alphabet books now? Cause I didn’t. I bought the midcentury one for Baby Boy’s nursery and it is chalk-full of roadsters and letterman jackets and drive-in movie theaters. It’s basically like Grease the Musical in alphabet book format. Love, love, love. And now I’m thinking I also need the roaring twenties one as well. Ok, I just need all of them.

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    BlaBla Dolls have a special place in my heart. I bought one for both girls when they were born and they STILL sleep with them every night. Plus, they are just SO darn cute! BlaBla has some new friends out that I’m pretty sure are going to make their way into Easter baskets this year. Plus, Baby Boy needs one or twelve for his room as well…

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    Ok, call me crazy but I’m a freak about stationary. Everyone in our house NEEDS to always have personalized stationary on hand. Because snail mail and hand written thank you cards never go out of style. 😉

    Anyways, I was browsing Tiny Prints to restock our supply and I came across these CUTEST EVER summery thank you cards. Since Q has a summer birthday I’m thinking these are a must have for sure. Otherwise, we’ll be sending all of her friends “thank you for being awesome” mail this summer! Either way, we WILL find a reason to use these….

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    So this past weekend, Q had her very first sleepover at my sister & BIL’s house. They brought her and Ardyn to a super fun restaurant and then Q got to have her very first (non-grandparent) sleepover. She was SO excited to pack her bag…until we realized that she doesn’t really have an overnight bag of her own. I had to lend her my nice designer rolly-suitcase and made a mental note that a. sleepovers are AWESOME and should occur more often 😉 and  b. girlfriend needs her own over-nighter. I found these adorable ones on Pottery Barn and they come in two sizes, several adorable designs, AND can be personalized. My favorite is the aqua mermaids, but both girls insisted on the rainbow one, so I still need to do some negotiating. I’m thinking Ardyn may have some wiggle room…

    Anyways, I’m pretty sure these will be Easter gifts for myself…I mean, the girls this year!

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    Next up are these genius little trays. Please tell me you’ve seen them?! They are called the Snap & Shop and Ladies, I’m telling you…they are going to revolutionize the Target Trip Experience. You basically snap it on to the cart handle, fill it with snacks to fill your little one’s yapper, and viola! A quiet(er) shopping trip experience. Everyone who shops in a store needs one.

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    This next one’s for the Mamas. It’s no secret that I’ve been a little stressed lately and when I’m stressed I either cry, eat ice cream in the bathtub, or turn to my oils. Sometimes all three at once. Anyways, I’ve got my fair share of diffusers at the house because I’m one of those anti-chemical/toxin freaks and so we use them for EVERYTHING (sickness, sleep aid, in lieu of candles, etc.) but recently I came across the Aria Diffuser from Young Living and it is a game changer. Mostly because it’s just so beautiful to look at, but also because it has a light feature, a sound/music feature, allows you to plug in your own music, AND has a remote control. This puppy is going to be put to some good use, let me tell you. Lavender & Lime are my favorite oils to mix & diffuse for a cleansing/relaxing vibe. It’s a bit pricey, but in my book- if you are an oil lover like me- totally worth it.

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    Ok, and last but not least, let’s get down to business. Ice cream and me are kind of besties these days (see above). Well, yesterday one of my other besties (<— a real live person this time…I promise. Click the link if you don’t believe me.) sent me the most gorgeous and delicious delivery of Jeni’s Ice Cream. I’m currently on pint #2 which is THIS Ultra Marine Blue that I opened and ate for breakfast this morning. It might be the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted. I promise you need some. Or send some to a friend in need, and then some to yourself just because, well- it’s FRIDAY!!!

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    That’s it for today. Happy Shopping, friends. And if you’d like to see more Friday Favorites in the future be sure to let me know. Otherwise I’ll just keep spending all the money all by myself… 😉

     

  • An Update


    Yesterday was one of the hardest days of being a mother that I’ve ever had. Maybe that means I’m really lucky; that I’ve made it through six years of being a mom without any sort of extreme interference or worry, or maybe I’m just super dramatic. Either way, yesterday sucked. I have had challenging days of motherhood, sure; days of pure exhaustion, you bet. But yesterday was different, it was the culmination of the past few weeks- a bunch of bad news dumped on our heads all at once-and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t completely overwhelming.

    Backing up a bit…

    We found out a while back, at our 20 week anatomy scan, that our little man had dilated kidneys. We were told it was common for boys (in utero) and that it’d most likely self-correct before he was even born. This is probably right about where the tiny little “snowball of worry” formed. Fast forward almost two months, and lots of doctor appointments and meetings with specialists later and we’ve learned that it is a more serious issue than we originally thought, and is not something that is going to self-correct. Yesterday we were told the ONE thing I did not want to hear- that it’s looking like a newborn surgery is going to need to happen. Immediately my snowball of worry morphed into an avalanche.

    Of course I understand that these are kidneys we are talking about, and that this is not a life-threatening issue.  That this is fixable and that our sweet boy is going to be OK. I get that and I am SO grateful for all of those things. I also know that things could be much, much worse, and that in the big scheme of things we are INCREDIBLY lucky, to be pregnant at all, to have made it this far, and to have the prospects of hope and correction that come along with modern medicine. So I really hope I don’t sound like a drama queen or like I am being in any way ungrateful for the blessings we’ve already been given.

    BUT.

    I’m only human…and a mom on top of that. I can’t help but let my mind wander and let the anxiety and worry build up when thinking about handing this tiny baby- MY tiny baby that was so wanted and prayed for, that beat all the odds, and that almost never was- over to a surgeon. No one wants that. No one wants that worry for their children- ever- but most especially at the very beginning when they are so fresh and helpless, when it is supposed to be a time of pure joy and happiness. It absolutely breaks my heart and fills me with more worry and anxiety than I think I can handle.

    We were also told yesterday that my entire birth plan- the plan I had carefully and thoughtfully and excitedly set for my very last pregnancy ever- was being thrown out the window. New hospital, talk of NICU care levels, surgery units, a team of specialists, induced early labor, and potentially not even having my own doctor being able to do the delivery…these were all things thrown at us yesterday. Typing them out now, they kind of seem like silly things to be upset about. But yesterday, it was all too much.  My excitement and eagerness surrounding this birth and my perfectly laid plans were all ripped out from under me and replaced with fear and so much “unknown” in one single afternoon. It felt like the earth was crumbling right out from under my feet.

    I spent the majority of yesterday crying it out, talking to THE most amazing support system of family and friends, and praying really hard. (Also, eating a pint of Halo in the bath tub- which is totally underrated as a very substantial form of therapy, by the way.)  I told myself last night as I scraped the bottom of that cardboard tub, that The Pity Party needed to come to an end. That, in the morning, I needed to wake up and move on.

    Because there is no “pause & fall apart” button when you’ve got two other kids to take care of. There is still dance class and gymnastics, and a little blue-eyed Bear Cub who turns THREE in two days! There are still mouths to be fed, stories to be read, and little faces who look into yours and want to see a smile and reassurance that everything’s ok, even if deep down that snowball is still rolling downhill at an alarming speed. Because, even though you want to hide, life does NOT; it’s right there in your face, forcing you to keep moving. Which is probably a good thing, in the long run.

    Thursday we will meet with another pediatric specialist. The one who will be prepping us for what to expect once this little man arrives, and who will be caring for him once he does. We’re hoping for more answers and a clearer picture of what’s to come. I’ve got so many questions and I’m beginning to realize that most of them may not be answered until this little man is Earth-side and that’s something else I’m going to have to deal with.

    So today, I am positive. Or at least trying my best to be. I am trying to surrender and let go, because I know there is absolutely nothing more I can be doing and that the very best thing I can do is remain strong and healthy for this tiny babe. I’m sure there are going to be bad and scary days in the remaining two months and I’m sure a few more once he is born. But the most important thing- aside from birth plans, and change-of-plans, and unexpected road bumps- the MOST important thing, is making sure our baby boy is ok and in the best hands and best care possible.

    This was certainly not how I wanted to end this pregnancy, the very last pregnancy I will ever experience, but I don’t have much of a choice. It all still feels very surreal and it doesn’t seem fair or understandable, as many things in life don’t. But, I sit here staring at the 3D sono picture we were given yesterday of our sweet boy’s face, and I imagine holding him in my arms and kissing his (already chubby) cheeks, and  I have faith. This baby is big. He is strong, and a fighter…and he was meant to be ours. I can’t really explain how I know that without going into a whole other story- but, I know it. And for now, that is enough.

    That, and ice cream.

     

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  • Happy Heart Day

    It’s February, folks! And we are determined not to let Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter get us down. Here’s some happiness to get you in the “Love Day” spirit!

    (All shops and vendors tagged below!)
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    We took it upon ourselves to throw a fun little Valentine’s Day party, just to, you know- get in the spirit. But mostly because- cute stuff and donuts.

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    Hilariously enough, Cubby was obsessed with the sprinkled-mallow pops, Q thought they were “ah-scusting”. There was a copious amount of baby wipes used…in case you were wondering.2017-02-03_0007

    And, hello! Can we all just say: Cutest Valentine Idea EVER for the little ladies in your life? We are pretty much obsessed with these hair clips on the daily, but creating Valentine’s with them? Genius!2017-02-03_0008

    Cub legit thought it was Christmas morning…2017-02-03_00092017-02-03_00102017-02-03_00112017-02-03_00122017-02-03_0014

    And, I mean…a tshirt with your child’s life motto on it can be passed by. My little Sour Patch kid…. 😉2017-02-03_0013

    Garlands and Banners: Pearl & Jane

    Valentine’s Hair Bows: Ellia May Designs

    Q’s Dress: Handmade Consignment Score!

    A’s Outfit: All older/out of stock items from Gap, Zara & Kickee Pants

    Valentine Clips: Ryan & Wren

    Heart pjs: Gap

    Letter Board: Letterfolk Co

    Hilarious Tshirt: Chatterboxx Threads

    Yellow Bow Headband: Cute Bird Accessories

  • Daddy Daughter Dance 2.0

    Can you believe it’s already time for her SECOND Daddy-Daughter Dance? I feel like I was just crying sappy tears about her first one five minutes ago! Or maybe those were just the tears I shed while compiling this blog post.

    Either way- although a whole year has passed, the cuteness factor of their “favorite special day together” remains. This year, Q insisted upon choosing her own dress (thank the Sweet Lord I escaped the glitter & sparkles for another year!) Although she did chose the ONLY dress they didn’t have in her size, causing us to drive all over town to find a store with “THE ONE” in stock. I’m chalking this one up to practice for her pre-teen years. Please God, let the time slow down. My heart (and nerves) are just not ready for that quite yet.

    Luckily she’s still only five, and it’s still pretty much the cutest day ever.

    And to think…next year he’ll have two little ladies on his arm!2017-01-30_00012017-01-30_0002new2017-01-30_00032017-01-30_00042017-01-30_00052017-01-30_00072017-01-30_00082017-01-30_00102017-01-30_00092017-01-30_00112017-01-30_00062017-01-30_0012

  • Mini Boden $500 Giveaway

    Spring is here!!!

    …ok, maybe not just yet. But spring CLOTHES, however, have certainly arrived. Maybe it’s the cabin fever or the grey rainy days but I am SO ready for Winter to make its exit stage left. I don’t know about you, but shopping for “next season’s” clothes is always so much fun, and the perfect way to get me out of my “Whatever-season-it-currently-is Slump”.  This time, it’s #MiniBodentotheRescue with their cutest Spring line of superhero and rescue character prints.

    Last week we had an unexpected few days of pure sunshine, so we got all dressed up in some of our new spring clothes and headed to the lake. The girls had a blast “pretend fishing”, watching the boats and ducks…we saw some real ones, too-promise ;),  and exploring nature. We had such a fun day, we even capped it off with chocolate milkshakes (…but that was mostly because lè bump was having a crazing.) We blame everything on the baby bump these days!

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    We are SO ready for all things Spring that we’ve teamed up with a group of fellow Boden-lovin’ mamas to offer one lucky winner a $500 Boden Gift Card. Hello!?! (Can I enter my own contest??) 

    Be sure to visit all of  their sites for more cute styles and heroic fun. The Chirping Moms have a DIY cardboard rescue boat & super hero accessories. To go along with the accessories, Lay Baby Lay and Hello Baby Brown have DIY super hero capes. Hello Happiness visited local heroes to say thank you and I Love You More Than Carrots has a yummy rescue themed snack & hero masks. Seven Graces is sharing why her kids are her heroes. And for some great spring style inspiration, visit Style Smaller,  Fancy Ashley and Walking in Memphis in Heels. I’m pretty sure you’ll be inspired and fall in love with them all!

    AND- added bonus- we’re also offering ALL of our readers an amazing Coupon Code!! 

    For an extra 15% off regular priced items at Boden this week until 1/29/17 use the code 2E9T. 

    Ok, and now on to the big stuff!!! (Helllllllo $500!) Entering is super easy…just scroll down to the bottom of this post and click on the link to enter. I’ve also tagged all the pieces the girls are wearing in the pics below, in case you are interested.

    Thanks so much to Mini Boden for this opportunity and GOOD LUCK…I’m pretty much jealous of the winner already. 😉

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    Q’s outfit:

    overalls

    shirt

    cardigan

    booties (similar)

    A’s outfit:

    tee

    skirt

    sweater

    shoes

    $500 Mini Boden Giveaway Entry:

    Click HERE

  • Little Blue…and Pink Chickens

    So I just wanted to share a little bit about my recent collab with the fabulous Pink Chicken.

    These clothes are so classic and adorable, and the fabric is just the most comfortable ever. I kind of wish the girls and I wore the same size…maybe one day. 😉

    Here are some pics from our shoot for Pink Chicken‘s Early Spring 2017 line.

    Go out and get you some!!

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  • Christmas

    Christmas is pretty much my favorite…ever. The outfits, the lights, the chilly weather, the anticipation, the gift wrapping. Ok, so gift wrapping it totally not my favorite, but you get the idea! Unfortunately, come November, everyone on my instagram feed was Christmas-ready with trees lit and cookies baking and I was over here trying to remember how to to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving. (And I wound up accidentally cooking it upside down. Don’t ask. I don’t cook.)

    Anyways, it took me a little longer to get in the “holiday groove” this year. While everyone else was blasting Mariah Carey’s Christmas station on pandora, we were singing along to the Moana sound track 24/7. I’m totally blaming my laziness on being pregnant and tired, and on my lack of caffeine and alcohol. But hey, we got there eventually…

    untitled-1It started with our yearly visit to see “The Big Guy”. This is the girls’ (and my) favorite thing to do each year. My sweet friend runs these adorable mini-sessions out on a farm and she is always kind enough to allow me to crash and take photos. The girls brought their very specific Christmas lists and boom…Christmas Card pictures done! Check that one off the list! 😉

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    And in case you were wondering…yes, he really is the REAL Santa!

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    My girl and I were then off to see the Nutcracker. Not my personal fav but she had been begging all year- so off we went. She left with my similar sentiments about the show (“It would have been better if they were talking and singing, Mom.” Can’t say I blame her.) but she also came away with an unbridled love for nutcrackers. So there ya go. Worth every penny…?

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    When you don’t live near a tree farm, it’s Whole Foods to the rescue. You’d be surprised at the quality photos you can get from a grocery store  tree lot! 😉

    One of our favorite new traditions this year was decorating their teepee together. I let the girls take the lead and set it up however they wanted. We strung up lights, put antlers on the unicorn and filled it with their fav Christmas books. It was so much fun and they really enjoyed playing in it all month. Something I think we’ll definitely do again next year!

    A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Musical at our local children’s theater was a hit. Cubs was obsessed with Snoopy and asked if we could keep him!


    Kelly’s Kids


    Mommy’s dress from when she was two!

    Matching dolly jammies from Dressie Jessie Smocking

    We baked, we snuggled, we decorated, and we wrote copious amounts of letters to Santa. With the wish lists changing and expanding each time. I eventually had to tell them that Santa’s mailbox was FULL, because seriously…Amazon Prime can only do so much. (I refuse to shop in stores during the Holidays because, people.)

    Decorating these tiny trees for their rooms is another favorite tradition of ours. We’ve been doing it since Q was a baby and the girls LOVE collecting tiny ornaments and getting to decorate them “However I want, right Mom? I don’t even need to leave spaces!” Plus they serve as like the cutest night lights ever…and come with a timer which means I don’t need to hike my lazy butt up the stairs every night to turn them off. Win-Win!

    (Nutcracker obsession continues…)

    Our good old elves Starfish and Sparkles (who usually don’t appear until mid-month but HAD to appear earlier this year because- “ALLLL my friends’ elves came already. Why won’t ours?”- got old real quick.) We had a few “touching” mishaps, (ahem, Cubby) and lots of tears and finger pointing (::cough:: Q!) but all in all, these little guys really were magical and we were all sad to see them go on Christmas Eve. Fly away, home elves…see ya next year and not a day earlier!!! So so sad.


    Shooting the cutest collab from The Emry Shop and Zozu Baby


    Reindeer food making is another tradition we absolutely love.

    I did a separate blog post all about it HERE.

    reindeer food tossing


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    Until next year, Christmas. You were pretty good to us this year.

    But really though…I need a nap!

  • Reindeer Food

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    This is a tradition that dates waaay back to when I was a little girl. I believe one of my grade school teachers gave us a baggie labeled “Reindeer Food” as our favor at a class Christmas party. I remember excitedly toting this mysterious bag home and explaining the attached directions/poem to my parents. Then on Christmas Eve, out I went to the front lawn with my sister and brother to scatter our bag of oats, in hopes that Santa’s reindeer would stop for a snack. I’m pretty sure we made Reindeer Food a few times after that, but it wasn’t until I became a teacher in my 20s that I brought the tradition back. I started by giving out baggies of pre-made Reindeer Food with the cute little poem attached to my students and then eventually started making it in class with the kids during the Holidays. It was something that had such a magical impact on the children and I knew I one day wanted to hold on to the idea for my own future family.  In the years between, I made this little craft with cousins, family friends, kids that I babysat, basically anyone who let me….and now I get to do it with my own girls!  What started as a simple baggie of oats has developed quite a bit over the years as the girls have helped add ingredients to the list. I love the ever-evolving ingredient list and hearing the girls’ reasoning behind why things like “sprinkles” and “rice krispies” are a necessity. I may eat my words, but I think the concoction we currently have is a winner! For this year, anyways. 🙂
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    Magical Reindeer Food
    Sprinkle this on the lawn at night,
    The moon will make it sparkle bright.
    As Santa’s reindeer fly and roam
    This will lead them to your home!
    Our Ingredients:
    Oats (“Cause dats what dem reindeers eat.” -A)
    Nuts (this year it was sliced almonds)
    Cereal (cheeries, rice krispies, granola, or whatever is currently on hand usually goes in!)
    Sprinkles  (“to make the boring oatmeal taste yummier” -Q)
    Brown Sugar (because, sugar. duh)
    Large Glitter Flakes (“To make our grass sparkle so the reindeers can see it up from the sky and know there is food down there. It prolly doesn’t taste very good, but how else will they know it’s there?” -Q)
    Pixie Dust (aka extra fine white glitter. We got a vial of said “pixie dust” at a performance of Peter Pan a few years back and Q has saved it and sprinkles a dash into our reindeer food every year. You know, “In case they get tired from all that flying.” Think of it as a deer version of a Grande Americano with an extra shot!)
    Anything Else in your Pantry (The sky is the limit with this one. Which is of course what makes it so fun!)

    Cutest nightgowns by Shop Plain Jane !