Friday, October 31, 2014

Ten Things

that caught my eye across the web…


  • I may just have to order these for myself, and probably these for the little one
  • Simple gold studs for the every day, on sale too!
  • A super cool chalk art DIY for Alec's basement playroom
  • I know I am jumpin the gun, but how cute is this for the mantle during the holiday season
  • Love this print for Alec's room, but I think I'll just try and DIY this for a much cheaper price
  • A hearty meal for a crisp Fall day
  • The neatest set of blocks (Alec got them as a gift from the awesome Jessi of what the what?)
  • I absolutely love this big kids room, the wall art is fantastic and the mix of prints & textures are just right.
  • A really interesting way to help soothe kids when they have a cold or runny nose
  • 30 unexpected baby shower gifts that are sheer genius. (14 & 18 are on my amazon wish list)

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Five Faves

…Alec's five favorite things currently...
Tegu Magentic Blocks: According to Oprah Magazine "embedded with magnets, these adorable, non-toxic, delightfully low-tech, wooden blocks are guaranteed to get your kids imagination up and running"... and I couldn't agree more. Seriously, this block set is awesome. Alec and I literally play with these at least once every day. They keep him occupied for up to a half hour and sometimes that's all the time I need to prepare dinner before Kiel gets home. 

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench: This specific toy is recommended for children 2+, but Alec has been playing with it for months. He mostly loves the wooden hammer. He carries it around almost all day. He uses it mostly to soothe his gums (teething is in full effect), but he also enjoys pounding it on the bench. The puzzles are also great. I, in general, love all Melissa and Doug toys. They are well- crafted wooden toys that promote hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe: Alec got this for his first birthday from Kiel's parents. At first, we had it in the garage and it was seldomly used because we didn't go out there much. So one day, we decided to bring it down the basement with the rest of his toys. It was a great decision, because he now uses it daily. He will literally get in and out 15 times in a row, and I will occasionally give him a wild ride full of vroom's and sharp turns. He loves it. 

Bright Baby Book Set: Alec loves these books. They are just his size and they fit easily in my bag. He mostly browses them in his car seat, or occasionally in his room before his nap. Sometimes, we sit together and go through each page, pointing and naming all the objects we see. 


Ikea's Circus Tent and Play Tunnel: Ikea is the best. I love their children's department. Everything is super inventive, and SUPER affordable. I wanted to get Alec a play tent, but I didn't want to spend over a hundred dollars, which many of them are. I found the circus tent at Ikea for under $20. It was a steal. I will admit it isn't the most quality product, but it gets the job done. We play peek-a-boo in this tent often, it's one of Alec's favorite games. And the tunnel was also a great buy. 

All of these items have something really important in common. Not one of them lights up, sings, or moves. Each one of these toys encourages imaginative play and I really appreciate that. I feel like most children's toys are super over-stimulating and what's funny is that Alec really gravitates towards his more basic toys. Does this mean that he doesn't have a singing Elmo, or a light up keyboard, absolutely not. He does and he likes those toys too, but they don't really hold his attention like these items do. 
It was always important to me that I do my best at keeping things simple. I don't want to have a basement filled with toys that are never touched, only to hear my child complain that they are bored. I want my kids to learn how to entertain themselves, how to use their creative mind to make regular things fun. I think I am doing an okay job thus far, but every now and again I have to reel myself back in. I have to remind myself to let go of my type A behaviors and just sit down and play with my boy. These moments don't last forever, so I am doing my best to soak them up as much as possible.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Over the weekend...

This past weekend was great. We rented a little house just a few blocks from the bustling boardwalk and celebrated Halloween amongst friends. On Saturday, we dressed up all the kids and lined up along the avenue for the annual Sea Witch Parade in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Alec was in awe of all the enormous floats that passed by. Our sly little fox had an absolute blast playing with all his friends and cousins over the weekend and all of us couldn't be more grateful to have had a little getaway. To finish off the weekend, we made a pit stop at Mom-mom and Pa-Paw Drake's Farmhouse for a visit. Alec loved all the animals, especially the horses. Needless to say, it was a great weekend away and Alec has been napping/sleeping quite well after all the excitement. The kid is totally beat, and it was all worth it. 


Monday, October 27, 2014

Lately

Reading: I just finished Gone Girl. I know, I know, I am way behind. I have had it downloaded on my kindle for quite some time, but I had a few other books I had been meaning to read first. Let me just say, it was incredible. I honestly couldn't put it down. I finished it in under week, which for me, is unheard of. (Not much time to read when you have a little adventurer to run after). Now I can see the movie, which I also heard was incredible. Next, I think I'll be moving on to…"The Girl You Left Behind" by JoJo Moyes. She wrote "Me Before You" which was so so good. Or possibly "This Is Where I Leave You" which was recommended by a friend and recently made into a movie. 

Wanting: the "Petty" Bootie in black velvet, this checkered scarf, these leather striped leggings, & these amazing flannel pajamas. Seriously, the list could go on and on. I clearly want a lot of things. 

Eating: Milburn Orchard apple cider donuts & honey crisp apples, and lots of lots of chicken noodle soup from Costco

Drinking: spiked apple cider, malbec, lemon water, & salted caramel mocha lattes

Enjoying:  I have really been enjoying Alec's music class. We go to a montessori school once a week and we sing cheesy songs and dance super silly and Alec grins from ear to ear the entire time. The class is great for us because Alec gets some interaction with other kids his age. It allows him to socialize at a distance, which is really important, especially this time of year. Each child has their own set of instruments and nothing is shared so germs aren't spread like wildfire. I don't want to completely shelter my kid, but when you have a serious heart condition, a little cold to others can be really serious to us, so we have to be super careful.

Wearing: my newly purchased navy minnetonka slippers, and lots of flannel

Listening: "Shut up and dance" by Walk The Moon. One of my favorite bands currently. I am anxiously awaiting their new album. The single is so upbeat, even Alec can get into it. Also, "Take Me To Church" by Hozier. 

Watching: The Americans on FOX. We are behind, so we are watching on Netflix. It's a really interesting show, unlike anything else I have ever seen on TV. And I love Keri Russell, since the Felicity days. She reminds me of a good friend of mine.

Wishing: This beautiful weather sticks around for a while. Our Fall afternoons have been filled with long walks and park visits and we couldn't be happier to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors before the long winter arrives. 

Capturing: Obviously, lots of pics and videos of Al. I don't want the poor kid feeling as though he has a camera in his face 24/7, but it's important to me to capture these precious moments because he is only this little for so long. And he is just the biggest ham. How can I resist.
"Oh, hey there."
 "Okay, I see what you're doing."
"Sure, sure, I'll give you a cheese."

Friday, October 24, 2014

Ten Things

...to give a new mom after the birth of her little one


  • the coziest, softest swaddle blankets out there
  • the only baby booties that will stay on her little one's feet
  • a warm home-made meal, with a loaf of italian bread
  • dry shampoo, because let's face it, some days you just don't have the time to wash your mop
  • a nursing tank and nipple balm to make breastfeeding a bit more bearable
  • the ultimate parenting guide, thank the Lord for the five S's
  • a basket/cooler of hearty & healthy snacks; trail mix, granola bars, fresh 'pre-washed and cut' fruit
  • a monogrammed tervis tumbler to help her stay hydrated
  • cheek and lip stain, a quick way to brighten up her face on those extra exhausting days
  • an everyday piece of jewelry, monogrammed with their child's name or initial 
So many of my girlfriends are either new mamas, or are currently pregnant. In spirit of all of the new baby excitement, I decided to step outside the box this week, and dedicate a post just to them. The initial transition into motherhood is not easy, and anything you can do to make her life just a bit easier is monumental to her day. 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Jump Start

Reading a national bestseller by Harvey Karp to discover how to make Alec "The Happiest Toddler on the Block (how to eliminate tantrums, and raise a patient, respectful, and cooperative one- to four-year-old)".
We have entered the beginnings of toddlerhood and I am doing my very best to prepare myself for what's to come. Currently, Alec is still pretty cooperative. He goes with the flow rather easily and only usually puts up a fight when he's tired or feeling under the weather. Though things are going pretty well now, I am starting to see glimpses of the little opinionated person he will soon become. Since he began to walk, he has become a bit more inpatient during outings. He absolutely hates being contained in the car seat or stroller for longer than 20 minutes and he's very vocal about his feelings, always has been. I've also noticed a bit more resistance when it comes to doing things he isn't interested in doing; such as napping, or sitting on mama's lap for story time. He just wants to wildly explore and practice his newly acquired skills. With that being said, I am trying to get a bit of a jump start on things. I really loved Harvery Karp's "The Happiest Baby on the Block" and found many of his methods super helpful with Alec during those first few clueless months of parenthood. I am really hopeful that this next book will be just as helpful in guiding us through this first go-round of toddlerhood. Wish us luck, I'll let you know how it goes.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Snapshots

He carries a wooden hammer wherever he goes. It is his favorite thing, other than his lovies, of course. We like to think he will be a carpenter one day, or possibly a judge. Look at him loving his reflection, he gave himself about ten kisses before moving on to the next naked adventure. 
A new Fall wreath to spruce up the entryway.

Mr. Dog doing what he does best. Our child exhausts him.
 Some new, navy Minnetoka slippers for the chilly season.
Fall fun as a family. Playing at the park with our boy has never been more fun, or beautiful.

Thanks for stopping by. 
xo, L

Monday, October 20, 2014

Shop Mango

 
I've known about the shop, Mango, for quite some time, but I had forgotten about it until just recently. I came across that stunning brown leather jacket on Pinterest and clearly had to know where it was from. What is even more amazing is that Mango is having a promotion from October 16th through the 22nd, 30 % off coats, cardigans, and sweaters. Sighhh, if only there beautiful scarves were included, because let me tell you, that plaid scarf on the top right, has my name all over it. Christmas wishlist I suppose. 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Ten Things

…that caught my eye across the web


  • I am loving this online kid shop; Alec needs this and that
  • It's safe to say I need these boots in both black, and putty, for this upcoming winter season
  • This bedding is to die for. If only I had a an extra $328 to dedicate to the spare bedroom
  • Some classic arm candy, one & two, from bauble bar
  • 12 Happy-Sad moments every mom experiences
  • I've got to hurry and finish this book so I can see this movie (ben affleck, you dreamboat)
  • Speaking of Ben Affleck, his wife is seriously amazing and here's why
  • I am obsessed with Trader Joe's blueberry vanilla goat cheese, and this cheese is just as good
  • I absolutely LOVE this costume idea for Halloween
  • I need this garland for the upcoming holiday season
 Fall is quite beautiful around here lately. Enjoy the weekend weather. 


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Today was a good one.

Today, we played. He literally ran circles around me. My little walker is really enjoying his new-found freedom. And to be honest, so am I. It is so nice that he can finally get around on his own (with me shuffling very closely behind).  Every milestone that he reaches is so monumental for us. The pitter patter of his little feet nearly brings me to tears. After all we were told, after all we have been through… to see him thriving, like a normal child, is all we could ever really ask for. And our prayers are being answered and we feel so blessed. 

Geometric Shelving: For The Master

In my attempt to spruce up the master, I have been on the search for some DIY shelving ideas. I found a few via Pinterest that I am hoping Kiel will like and be willing to work on for us. (The man loves a good project, so let's put those carpentry skills to work!) For our master, I particularly love the honeycomb shelves on the top right, painted white, of course. I have the perfect spot already picked out.
I also love the two units on the bottom row, and they can both be found on Etsy, via The 807, for a super reasonable price.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

My People.


My Husband. My sweetheart. Creative mind. Good at Everything (except skiing). Big Dreamer. Naive. Old soul. Good Heart. Loving friend. 

My Son. My little one. Ginger top. Strong-willed. Sweet as pie. Captivating. Snuggle bug. Bright. Sensitive. Inspiring. Brave boy. 

I love you both so damn much. Sometimes you both make my heart swell so big I am afraid it might burst. I thank God everyday for the family that I am a part of. From my devoted parents down to my wild clan of nieces and nephews… all of my folks are pretty darn amazing. I have a solid crew that I call family and for that I am so incredibly lucky.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Pinspiration: Master Bedroom

Now that most of the main living space in our home is furnished and decorated, I am getting the itch to do something with the upstairs. Alec's room and one of our guest bedrooms are mostly complete, but the master and our fourth spare bedroom are a bit disastrous currently. I am not interested in spending too much time or effort on the spare bedroom, as of yet, because I am hopeful that in the next year we will be planning for second little one. The spare will then be upgraded to Alec's big boy room, and his current room will remain the nursery. So with all those potential plans in mind, I have decided to focus my attention on our master. 
Our bedroom is currently very traditional... beige walls,  cherry wood furniture, and a basic paisley duvet from Pottery Barn.We have heavy tan curtains that were left by the previous owner, and because I work nightshift and often sleep during the day, I just haven't been able to get rid of them. But, on a regular day, I can't stand how dark this space is. It's definitely time for a change. If there is one thing that I wanted for our new home, it was to move away from the dark tones and traditional vibe. My new goal is to create modern, bright, simple spaces that feel fresh, clean, and comfortable. I have been searching for some inspiration via Pinterest and these five rooms really caught my eye. All are very basic with some eclectic touches here and there. I am loving all the neutral tones and variety of textures. I dig all the rustic wood, greenery, and eye-catching light fixtures. I am really looking forward to this master bedroom overhaul, and I am hoping to have it complete by the holidays. Here's hoping Kiel is on board with all the changes I want to make. 



Friday, October 10, 2014

Ten Things

...that caught my eye across the web


  • This tee couldn't be more perfect for my kid
  • 10 unexpected ways to decorate your walls (I especially love no. 11)
  • A knotted baby turban tutorial (I need a girl next)
  • A recent purchase or two: for the bedroom
  • A DIY 'get-well' gift for a friend during this dreary flu season
  • Some of the best home 'before & after's' can be found here
  • Fall finds for me: one & two
  • I know that summer is long gone but I just can't seem to let go
  • Another perfect way to eat up all my orchard-picked honey crisps
  • An unbelievable story that will encourage you to seize the day