Holiday Gift Guide: For the kids

This holiday season we decided to take a different approach. Shopping for our little ones can be fun, but also overwhelming. Being that I am home with my two babes most days, especially now that the cold has set in and I have an infant to care for, having quality toys that occupy my toddler and keep him excited throughout the day are important. I often rotate toys, moving them from room to room, as well as putting a few away and pulling them back out to re-excite him on long days spent indoors.

 When purchasing items for my children, I am a firm believer in quality over quantity. That is why this year we decided to go by the "want/need/wear/read" method that I found via It's The Little Things. I also added a "learn" category to this gifting philosophy, as well as, a few additional items to fill their stockings. I love the idea of keeping things simple, year after year. And this is a brilliant way to avoid the unwanted clutter of toys in your home.

Ideas for your toddler:

Want: Train Table

Wear: Patagonia Fleece

Need: Sleeping Bag

Read: Steam, Train, Dream Train

Learn: Transportation Puzzle

Stocking stuffers: Bath Toys, Play-doh, Coloring Pad

Ideas for your infant:

Want- Walker

Need - Luggage

Wear- Halo Sleep Sack

Read- You're Here for A Reason

Learn- Shape Sorter

Stocking - Plush Stacking Blocks and Stacker, Num Num Dips, Organic Snap-front Onesie

I am really looking forward to switching things up. I am hopeful that this new philosophy encourages my children to recognize their many blessings. I hope it enables them to comprehend the true meaning of Christmas... that giving to others is just as important as receiving.

Anyway, happy holidays folks! We are in full Christmas spirit over here! The tree is lit all hours of the day, the stockings are hung, and our holiday records are spinning on repeat. More importantly, both boys are currently napping (AT THE SAME TIME, it's a christmas miracle) and I have time to write a blog post in peace while sipping on HOT coffee. Cheers to that! And happy shopping!

A Few Favorites

In case you're in need of broadening your online repetoire, below are just a few of my go-to spots for inspiration. 

A few of my favorite blogs to read:

the little things

i really appreciate her positive, simple take on life

coffee + crumbs

a collaborative blog about motherhood

tales of me and the husband

she's a clever gal with lots of spunk

house tweaking

the makeovers, oh how I love the makeovers

A few of my favorite instagram accounts to follow:

thegraygang

a beautiful mom with a good story to match each photo

courtneyadamo

an account of one families travels across the world

taza

a family of five who never seems to live a dull moment in life,

plus her kids are probably the cutest

emhenderson

her home design is exquisite, very inspirational 

a few of my favorite online shops:

asos

for clothing

sole society

for accessories

dot + bo

for home decor

joe fresh

for kids clothing

enjoy!

Baby Prep

Nursery. Nearly complete, needing a few minor touches here and there. Tour coming soon.

Name. Got it, love it, yet saving to share until the his big arrival.

Pump. Ordered and should be arriving any day. I am excited to give breastfeeding another shot. The first go-round came with lots of challenges. From latching initially, to dozing during his midnight feeds... Al could just never seem to nurse long enough to fill his little belly. He was tearful, I was tearful, and so the unfortunate double breast-pump was our solution. It did the job, but it was more of a hassle than anything else. I was bottle feeding, pumping, washing bottles, repeat... it was three times the work and eventually, after about 5 months, I tuckered out. My supply dwindled during his recovery, mostly due to stress, but also because I headed back to work, which was an additional stressor. Towards my final month of nursing, I did breastfeed him some during the day here and there, and my comfort level did grow quite a bit. I started to kind of love and look forward to those quiet, special moments of bonding with my boy. I really pray this next time comes easily to both me and my littlest one. I know now not to put too much pressure on myself. I know to focus on his hunger cues as opposed to the clock. I know about 'cluster feeding' in the evening and how to prepare for it. I know that breastfeeding is beautiful and to not be overly modest about such a normal and natural thing. I'm ready to give it another go.

Hospital Bag. It's packed and ready to roll. Just the essentials.
For Mom - a button down pj set, slippers,  flip-flops (for showering), two nursing tanks, new (large, cotton) black undies, leggings, a loose tunic or two, and my go-to prenatal vitamins.
For Dad- comfy sweats, slippers, chargers, iPad, camera, and snacks.
For the Babe - a going home outfit, hat included (newborn and 3 months, just in case he's a chub), swaddles, a boppy pillow for nursing, pacifiers, and a soft blanket for the ride home.

Big Brother. Well, I'm not sure if he's fully prepared, but it's safe to say we have made a solid effort to prep Alec for this huge life change as much as possible. We've read about five books about becoming a big brother (at least 15 times each). We've taught him the importance of being mommy and daddy's big helper once baby arrives. We've purchased at least three new 'big bro' tees for him to rock when he visits his new little brother at the hospital. We have lined up my parents to watch him overnight for a couple days or so. They will be staying at our house, with the goal being to disrupt his routine as minimally as possible. We have put together a special big brother kit, consisting of some new toys, movies, games, and snacks to keep him occupied while we are away. I realize that no matter what we do to plan for our new babe's arrival, it will no doubt be a large adjustment for Alec. But I figure every effort to make the transition just that more gentle is worth it.

Baby Gear. Fortunately, because it's our second, and because it's a boy, we have most of what we need. We have the swing, the rock'n'play, and the pack'n'play. We have a play mat, a bumbo seat, and about a hundred swaddles, velcro included. We have bins upon bins of clothes that will hopefully translate into the appropriate season. We have three different baby carriers, an infant car seat with two bases, and three different single strollers. But although we have a ton of things baby, there were a few new things we needed to invest in.

A double stroller, we chose this one, currently on sale at Babies'r'us for only $239.99 (which is actually a stellar price). I was initially interested in this one, but after reading a ton of reviews and an actual test drive at the store, I was super happy with our choice.

A bassinet. I actually didn't have to purchase a bassinet, as my sister had one that she was willing to lend. I'm sure some folks don't think this item is incredibly essential, but to me it is, and I'll tell you why. Alec slept in the rock'n'play for his first few months of life. Because that darn piece of baby gear is so dang cozy, we literally had to wean him out of it. The crib transition was incredibly challenging, involving a wedge, a fleece blanket, AND a towel roll. Excessive I know, but it was about survival. Sooo, in an effort to avoid all the extra hassle, the bassinet is going to be my initial go-to.

An additional crib. We chose this one, super basic, but all we should need for the first six months or so. I just didn't feel like Alec was ready to go into a toddler bed. He has been sleeping so well in his crib, I figure, why disrupt the routine right before a huge life adjustment. So we will attempt the crib weaning, as well as, potting training after the hustle bustle of the holiday season. Hey, if all is well, why rock the boat?! At least that's my motto.

Some fresh pacifiers and a few bottles. I didn't go to town when purchasing these two items, because I remember going through lot of trial and error before we found the go-to pacifier and bottle that worked for Alec. Every kid is different, so I didn't want to limit baby number two to what worked for baby number one. I'll let him decide what he likes best, and take it from there.

A sound machine. A must in my book, especially now that we have two children. These handy little devices drown out just about every noise, and allow for a restful night's sleep, even when chaos is potentially brewing in another room of your home. That noisy trash truck, not a concern. Putting away dishes during nap time, no problemo. I also love the projector feature on this particular model. We didn't use it initially, but now gazing at the stars has become part of our nightly routine with Alec.

Anyways, that's the extent of our baby prep. I've done some intense cleaning, rearranging, and organizing as well. And at this stage in the game, I am feeling more than ready to welcome our new little babe into our home. I pray that labor comes easily. I pray that Alec adjusts well. I pray that God gives me the strength and patience to handle two little ones on my own each day. Wish me luck! And a huge shout out to all you moms out there doing your best to make it work each and everyday. Motherhood is quite possibly the most rewarding, yet challenging, adventure that I have taken on in my lifetime that is for sure.

I am so ready to experience this cuteness all over again. Bring on that baby smell, those snuggly warm naps, and milk comas galore. 

R&R

Dear Ocean,

Thank you for making us feel tiny, humble, inspired, and salty…

all at once.

If you follow me on insta you probably already know that we were away all last week. We spent a full seven days at the Jersey shore, Avalon to be exact, and it was every bit as glorious as I'd hoped it would be. We were fortunate enough to have some seriously beautiful weather, and so therefore, we hit the beach just about every single day. Alec was such a little water bug and it made me so full of joy to see his love for the ocean. Watching him play and run on the beach with his cousins reminded me so much of my own childhood summers. 

Our trip was full of adventure. Lots of morning beach play, outdoor showers, afternoon siestas, and evening ice cream dates. We spent a day in Cape May, checking out all the historic sites. We even made not one, but two, trips to the county zoo. (Which was actually amazing, and FREE. Can't beat that.) We visited Morey's Pier one evening, in Wildwood, and Alec was in awe of all the rides and bustling activity. We beach hopped over to Sea Isle City for a day in the sun with family and friends. Our time away was nothing short of amazing and filled with some much needed R&R. I feel so grateful  to have had this time together with my boys. So many wonderful memories were made that I will cherish for years to come.  

Anyways, get ready for picture overload. And these are just a few of the many photos I captured on the big cam while we were away. 

 Thanks for visiting! I hope your summer has gotten off to a great start as well. Hooray for sunshine and time spent by the sea.

A Food Post...

So, if you know me, you are well aware that I am no Paula Deen; however, I am going to give myself a little bit of credit lately and say that I have been doing a decent job in the kitchen. I have been hosting lots of get-togethers over the past month, so I have been whipping up all sorts of dips, sides, and hearty entrees. Amidst all these gatherings, I have been noticing a bit of a trend. If there is one thing that I always seem to have, my one go-to appetizer… it's cheese. I LOVE me some cheese. And I make one hell of a cheese platter. So, in the event that you want to wow your dinner guests, I thought I'd share my favorite little starter with you all.

To begin, I normally select about 4-5 cheeses per plate, any more than that may be a bit overwhelming.  Always best to keep it simple. I get most (usually all) of my cheeses and spreads at Trader Joe's. They have the most amazing selection of cheeses, and their prices are unmatchable in my book. They also has a vast variety of cracker assortments, but I will be honest… I like to go basic with my cracker, Club or Ritz. You really can't go wrong. Both are sturdy and simple, sure to not distract from the powerful taste of the cheese. I prefer to display my cheeses on a solid wood cutting board. All cheese served at room temperature and thickly sliced.

I hope you find this little platter to be as appetizing as I do. And it is sure to be a hit at your next party. Below are my top selections of cheeses, spreads, and sides. And a few suggested pairings. Enjoy!

Cheese:

A simple Fontina or Manchengo

Boursin Garlic and Herb 

A soft Brie (thickly sliced)

Italian Truffle Cheese 

Blueberry Goat Cheese

Spreads: 

Honey

Pepper Jelly

Sides:

Grapes

Sliced Grannysmith Apples or Asian pears

My Suggested Pairings:

Blueberry goat cheese + honey + ritz

Fontina or Manchengo + pepper jelly + club

Brie + honey + apple

The Garlic & Herb and Italian Truffle are best when paired with a cracker or alone. They are rich enough in flavor without adding any additional spread into the mix.

18 Month Must-Haves

1.2.

3.4.

5.6.

7.8.

1. The GYRO bowl. It's a non-spill snack bowl. We use this just about every afternoon after his nap. He likes to enjoy some cheerios and milk while we shake out the cobwebs and catch a bit of Daniel the Tiger on the tube.
2. Books, specifically bright baby books. First 100 words is a current favorite. I feel so proud (and nervous) when the room goes quiet, and I find him sitting in the corner of the room flipping through a good book.
3. Elmo's World dvd's & Daniel the Tiger on Netflix
4. LEGO my first number train. This will keep him occupied for 20-30 minutes and it has the added benefit of teaching him how to count to ten and color differentiation.
5. Melissa and Doug Animal Magnets. Let's just say, he now knows ALL his animal sounds. He will sit at the base of the refrigerator and 'moo' away while I prepare dinner.
6. Mini iPad and velcro car holder. Judge me all you want, but this bad boy has saved us a many times. Long car rides are now a breeze, and tears during Alec's cardiac tests are minimal. We only break this out when absolutely needed, and when we do, it's a true life saver.
7.  Chunky Wood Puzzles. Mickey is our favorite, of course.
8. Circo Smoothie Cup. A special sippy cup used only for his daily smoothie. Without this little guy, I'd never get Alec's heart meds in. I crush them, and sneak them in daily. I also use it to sneak more fruits and veggies into his diet.

These are few of my favorite things...

Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter. It smells so amazing that I almost want to eat it. AND it nourishes your winter chapped skin like no other.
Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Cologne. My Mother-In-Law got this amazing little bottle of heaven for me for Christmas and I couldn't be more grateful. I'm in love. It smells floral with a hint of citrus. It's the bomb.
Eucalyptus. You can buy a bundle at Trader Joe's for $2.99. Two little bundles are just enough to make every room of my home smell and look amazing. I'm obsessed.
The French Press. Kiel got one of these bad boys for Christmas and let me tell you, it has been a game changer. I'm a total convert. Coffee has never tasted so strong and fresh.
Home Workouts. Sean T and Jillian Michaels have been making an appearance about three times a week in my basement and it feels damn good to be doing something physical again. I miss the outdoors so much, and I can't wait to get running again once Spring rolls around.
Wild. Kiel and I just watched this movie and it was seriously amazing. Reese Witherspoon totally killed it. I feel so inspired, like I want to do something that really challenges me and makes me step outside my comfort zone… but then I remember that I'm a first-time mom and that can be challenging enough sometimes.
iPad Mini Velcro Headrest Car Mount. This thing is a gosh darn life saver. Judge me all you want, but long road trips with a one and a half year old are dreadful without some sort of distraction. We uploaded a few Elmo videos onto the mini and Al has the best ole time in that backseat watching them from time to time. I refuse to use it for short trips, but honestly it really comes in handy when we are venturing for over thirty minutes or so.  I'd recommend it to anyone.
Homegoods. I know this one is obvious, but it really is one of my favorite places of all time. I went on a little hiatus from home decorating during the holiday season. I hadn't been to a Homegoods in probably over a month and I've recently been at least twice in the last week alone. So many good finds for the master bedroom, dining room, and soon-to-come beach bedroom. I seriously feel like a hit the jackpot each time I visit.

4/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Alec Charles and his Lala, a love story.

Ten Things

that caught my eye across the web…

1. A beautiful calendar to start the new year

2. A eucalyptus bundle to clear the mind and open the mucous membranes

3. A book for everything life throws your way

4. Your ultimate guide for what to buy every month of the year

5. This amazing yoga tote courtesy of Free People

6. This Beatles mug set from Urban Outfitters

7. This heavenly perfume that my MIL got me for Christmas

8. A cleaning calendar to help you start the new year off right

9. An easy One Pot Pasta from damn delicious

10. A DIY for under $10, an arrow jewelry holder

 Numero dos goes out to everyone who feels under the weather these days. This winter season has been full of bugs and none of us can seem to shake the cold we've had for weeks. Here's hoping there's some truth to this.

Happy Friday ya'll.

Snapshots: holiday home edition

 This is how we do Christmas at our home...

Kiel took a few pictures of the outdoor decor the other night. Alec is enamored with all the christmas lights. Lots of "wow's" paired with big bright eyes and smiles. It really is the cutest thing.

Our tree WAS stunning, but lesson learned… maybe don't buy a tree the first weekend of December… or maybe water your tree every now and again. Because our beauty of a Christmas tree is wilting away and will most likely not be making it to New Year's.

Alec inherited his papa's old table and chairs. They are just his size and he loves them so. My brave little climber is making me nervous though. I can't take my eyes off him for one second.

Lots of eucalyptus and berry arrangements to spruce up the table for Christmas Eve supper. And lots of booze to make the holiday extra joyful.

The table is set. It is my year to host and the total head count is twenty five. Here's hoping we can pull this off so they let me host again in the future.

Ten pounds of potatoes for Christmas dinner. It's a true labor of love, yet I couldn't be happier to do it. The holiday just wouldn't be the same without Grandmom's make-ahead baked mashers.

Did you know that fake poinsettias are not just a decoration… they are also the perfect toy for a sixteen month old babe. Al has been carting this thing around for days and tears flow when I force him to part with his little flower. 

Time is flying by and this crazy month of December feels like a complete whirlwind. How is it Christmas already? I am thrilled, yet sort of depressed to think that all this will all be here and gone so quickly. I don't know about you, but the Christmas season is my absolute favorite time of the year. I, for one, love gift giving. I truly love it. I love decorating my home and baking cookies. I LOVE spending quality time with family and close friends. I love watching Christmas movies and crying at Apple's amazing collection of holiday commercials. And this year has been especially great because I get to experience all the joys of Christmas through my child's eyes. There really is nothing cooler than that. 

1. Step2 Lil Helper's Shopping Cart. Alec loves A. push toys and B. grocery shopping. He seriously lights up when I put him in front of the grocery cart. Lately, he's been adding a few items to my cart on his own accord… so I figure why not get him his own push cart and let him shop all around his play room every day.

2. Ikea Plush Veggie Set to go with the shopping cart. I chose a vegetable set because I am really trying to broaden Alec's diet. He is a super, super picky eater and usually only prefers cheese and carbs. I get most of our veggies in via organic baby food pouches, which is fine, but I would love it if he would start to eat a little more of what Kiel and I eat with our meals. Maybe a little imaginative play with his new shopping cart and veggies will help convince him into to try a few new things. 

3. Bear Slippers from Baby Gap. A must-buy in my book. Not all toddler socks have quality grip on the bottom so these are nice for traction while running around at home without shoes on, especially since we have mostly hardwood floors. (Plus they are pretty adorable.)

4. Melissa & Doug Animal Rescue Shape Sorting Truck. We love Melissa & Doug. Alec really gravitates towards the toys that they make. I picked out this particular item because we are working on our animal names/sounds and I figure this would be a fun and different way to explore and learn.

5. Ikea Smock for crafting. Alec and I made some home-made holiday gifts for his grandparents and, boy, would a smock have come in handy! We both had green all over.

6. Ikea Sidewalk Chalk because who doesn't love sidewalk chalk, especially at $1.99 a box.

7. Washable Fingerpaint. As Al gets older, I am excited to begin crafting/coloring/painting together. Might as well take this opportunity to stock up on supplies so when the time comes, I'll be ready. 

8. Ikea 20-Piece Train Set. I really reaaally think this one, in particular, is going to be a winner. "Choo-Choo's"are becoming a really exciting thing around here these days. And side note: Isn't IKEA amazing? All of the items listed above are below $10. #winning 

9. And not pictured… board books! We are avid readers in our home and although it has been more difficult to keep my little mover on my lap for a whole story these days.. we continue to browse a good book as much as we can. A few of our favorites include; Giraffes Can't Dance, Goodnight Train, and (both versions) My Mom/Dad Loves Me. 

Here's hoping this gift guide gave you an idea or two for the little people in your life! Happy Shopping!

1.Jo Malone. Need I say more. The most amazing smelling perfumes/candles/body oil… you name it. You can't go wrong, and the travel perfumes are the perfect size to pop in your purse. I particularly love the 'Peony & Blush Suede" scent.

2. A Seasonal Candle. Mrs. Meyers makes some seriously great stuff for a seriously great price. I am also a huge lover of the 'basil' scented hand soap. Another great place to purchase seasonal candles is Anthropologie. I love the Good Nature Soy Holiday Candle in Balsam and Cedar. 

3. Quality Hand Lotion. Every girl loves a good hand cream. Your hands take such a beating in the winter. The lotion above does wonders for my chapped knuckles. It's such a great winter staple. 

4. A light-hearted read that will make her laugh all winter long. 'Yes Please' is currently on sale at target for 30% off, where I also picked up Orange Is the New Black on paperback. Target's book section is seriously on point. 

5. Minnetonka Slippers to keep her toes cozy and warm. I have two pairs and they don't come off my feet from Fall to Spring. 

6. A Plaid Scarf. They are all the rage this season and Mango has a great selection. I also saw a couple great ones at Target and Forever21 for a steal.

7. Sleepwear. I especially love all the sleepwear at GapBody. Plus they are always offering 30-40% off around the holidays to card holders. You can't beat their deals. 

Happy Shopping! 

1. A French Press. My man has become a serious coffee lover over the last few years, especially since having a little one. Sleep is minimal at times and a good cup of coffee can really make or break your day. A few gents I work with swear by the french press and after trying a cup,  I am a believer. 

2. Urban Outfitters Pic Pod Mount. "Panoramic pics are cool, but they're kinda hard to get right...until now! The Panoramic Pic Pod Mount works with your panorama-compatible smartphone to create the perfect panoramic image. Just attach to your phone, wind up the pod, put it on the included tripod (or on any flat surface) and let it do its thing. The result is a optimum-quality panoramic image." With the amazing picture quality of smart phones these days, this mount could really come in handy, especially for travel. 

3. J.Crew Camp Socks. My husband is in love. He wears these bad boys all winter long. Great quality for a relatively good price, you can't beat it. 

4. A Nixon Watch. My man always rocks a watch. He has a pretty serious collection that has accumulated over the years, a watch for every occasion. He has at least three Nixon watches, all of which he and I both love. So classic looking, and a great quality product. 

5. A Good Read. Almost any man can appreciate a good by Stephen King and this one was on the best seller list in 2014.

6. Boots. Kiel and I don't have lots of extra money laying around for Christmas, but we each agreed that we were both in dire need of some boots this holiday season. I obviously picked out this pair, and he went with the pair linked above. Boots are such an everyday wardrobe staple. 

7. Slippers. I got this pair for Kiel two years ago for Christmas and I don't think he's gone a single day without wearing them yet. He is obsessed. He even wears them in the summer months. It's insane.

8. The Cone. 'The cone is the first music player that thinks. It listens to your requests, picks up on your habits, and learns your tastes to create the perfect soundtrack for any mood or moment'. Who wouldn't love this for Christmas?

Just a few thoughts...

Good morning beautiful and happy Monday! I hope your weekend was filled to the brim with fun. My post today is a collection of random thoughts/ideas that I've compiled over the last few days. Pardon me if I don't make much sense. I am just a tad sleep deprived from working nightshift this weekend...

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I want to go on vacation. I've always really wanted to go to Big Sur, and I definitely wouldn't mind staying at the Treebones Resort. Amazing, right? I have just recently decided that I want to visit Seattle when the weather gets warm. I particularly want to stay at this Hotel, but to be completely honest, I really wouldn't mind staying at any one of their seven amazing locations.

Last year, I made a photo album on Shutterfly for both sets of grandparents for Christmas. This year I am leaning toward these custom photo wall calendars from pinhole press. Albums are totally great, but probably seldomly looked through. A wall calendar is a fun idea because you have a new photo on display each and every month.

I just recently discovered this adorable little Etsy Shop. I love this decorative pillow and this organic fitted crib sheet. I will definitely keep this shop in mind when we have baby numero dos.

I am hosting Christmas Eve this year and I have been on the search for some yummy holiday beverages. Our bar is stocked with an abundance of red wine so I am thinking about making a batch of mulled wine this holiday season to spice things up. I am also interested in this little cocktail for an after dinner treat… um yum.

And one more thing… I don't know about you, but I didn't realize that Williams-Sonoma shipped food products to your home. A co-worker brought in their Christmas Catalog this weekend and I just about died and went to heaven while I flipped on through. I am thinking about ordering some of these croissants to last us all winter season, and possibly a few peppermint cremes to gift this holiday season. Plus they are currently offering free shipping and 10% off your order over $49. Happy shopping!

That's all folks. I hope your week is ahead is both enjoyable and productive. We have our first official holiday party this week and I can't wait to get all jazzed up with my man for a fun night out.

MY Holiday Wishlist

This holiday season I will be posting a holiday gift guide every Friday in place of my standard Ten Things posts… I hope you enjoy them and maybe even get a few ideas for those that you love (or yourself).

1. Gap Pure Body Leggings. I don't know about you, but I LOVE the Gap. In past years I wasn't an avid customer, but once I became pregnant I truly fell in love with this store. The Gap's Maternity line was my go-to spot for all my basics during my pregnancy. Once I opened a gap card, the deals started rolling in and my cart is constantly full of clothes for the whole family. I particularly love their leggings because they are reasonably priced, incredibly slimming, and, best of all, they don't fade after several washes. I already have a few pairs of leggings, but you can NEVER have enough. Especially when you spend most of your time at home running after a one year old.

2. Happy Handmade Home. An awesome book including tons of cheap, DIY projects for your home, brought to you by the amazing girls of A Beautiful Mess. Kiel and I are always up for a good DIY project that is budget friendly and these girls offer just that.

3. Dark Olive Weekender Bag via Birdling Bags. A compartmentalized bag for travel, with innovative interior dividers and ample pockets. A weekender bag that actually keeps your things organized, check it out. Pretty amazing, right?!

4. Not That Kind of Girl. "A young woman tells you what she's learned about falling in love, feeling alone, being ten pound overweight despite only eating healthy food, having to prove yourself in a room full of men twice your age, and, most of all, having the guts to believe that your story is one worth being told." I love Lena Dunham. I love her hit show, Girls. I will probably love this book. 

5. A new set of sneaks! This pair, in particular, look like they would go with just about everything in my closet. I love new balance. I have a pair of grey 405's that I have been wearing for the last year or so that are pretty worn. It's time to up my game and splurge on a new pair to add to the collection.

6. J.Crew Factory Printed Flannel Pajama Set. As we are gearing up for winter, I am coming to the realization that Alec and I will be spending much more times indoors. I, for one, already attempt to stay in my pj"s for as long as physically possible, throughout the day, and now that the cold is upon us I am really wanting a few more comfy pajama sets to add to my collection. I love this set in particular. The print is fantastic and J.Crew never fails at making a quality product.

7. A yearly family membership to Longwood Gardens. I have only been a few times as an adult and I was amazed even then. Sooo much to see, soooo much to do. This would be a perfect place to take Alec during the week to get out the house and break up the day. We are always looking forward to a fun adventure. Their Indoor Children's Garden is great in the winter and they have an outdoor play area, called the Children's Corner, that I know my kid would totally love. Plus they really do it up for the holiday season and for a kid who loves lights as much as Alec, a membership really seems worth the price. This item is my ultimate holiday wish this year.

I know, I know. It's a little early to start thinking about holiday party attire… but is it? I feel like the holidays are so insane and who wants to scour the busy mall for an outfit, last minute, when they could easily get a sweet deal online, way ahead of time. Either way, one of my favorite online shops is having a party promotion and all holiday party attire is 25% off. 

Since becoming a mama and cutting back my hours at work, I always feel pretty guilty spending money on myself. However, I think I can splurge on one fun party dress this season, especially for under $100. ASOS has some really affordable finds and because they aren't your standard store at your local mall, you know your dress won't be the same as someone else's at your next Christmas party. Above were a few of my favorites, but there are many more fun, affordable options on their website. Happy Shopping! and Happy Thanksgiving Eve! Be safe! 

Ch-Ch-Changes! Good Morning Beautiful has a new look for the holiday season! Just a few subtle changes to keep things fresh around here. Hope you like the updates as much as I do.

Now, I will confess, I may be a little MIA over the next few weeks. For starters, the holiday season is among us, which means, we are busy busy busy. Tons of fun gatherings to attend and lots and lots of shopping to do! But hey, busy is a good thing right? I can't wait to catch up with family and friends over the next few weeks and ring in the new year with a bang!

Also, I recently purchased and downloaded the PHOTOSHOP + DSLR BUNDLE from A Beautiful Mess. I have been following this blog for quite some time, and I find it so incredibly inspiring. The co-founders, Emma Chapman and Elsie Larson, are seriously dynamite and their careers have really taken off over the last year or so. You can read more about them here. Anywho, I have really been wanting to hone in on my photography skills for quite a while now and when I saw they were offering online lessons for a decent price I jumped on it. Not only is this program affordable, but it's also all online and I can go through each lesson at my own pace (which is a must when you have a wild toddler to look after!). As you can probably see, my photos are quite amateur and I have tons of learning to do. My husband has been super helpful with teaching me the basics of photography and our camera, but I am super excited to truly learn how to take a quality photo in manual mode. I am hoping all this online education will raise the bar a bit and enable me to make some serious upgrades with the blog.

I am going to do my best to stay on top of things amongst all this craziness, but I make no promises. Cheers to the start of an awesome holiday season. I hope you all pack in as much fun as possible!

And one more thing, I recently discovered the Afterlight app and it's an awesome way to upgrade your iPhonography. It offers 56 unique filters, 66 natural textures, and 128 frames. Check it out, it's worth the 99 cents I promise.

Below are a few pictures I took and manipulated with the app.

xo- L

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.

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."