Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

December 22, 2016

This year was a heavy one, wasn’t it? I can’t stop thinking of the global sufferings that are affecting families and cultures across the world, my friends and family who have lost children, husbands, and fathers in recent weeks, and the many local shelters filled with the hungry and cold. It seems to be a time of year where we feel the ache for peace more than ever, and subsequently is a time when we need the hope Christmas brings more than any other time of year.

The light of a newborn King born in a humble stable reminds me that light in a dark world is simpler than it seems. That within our homes there is first chance to practice compassion, understanding, and love for each other. There are opportunities all around us to ignite more light in this world.

I have found so much hope in my children this year, and their eagerness to do acts of service this year renewed my spirit. They are all anxiously awaiting Christmas morning, and they make Gabe and I feel like big kids ourselves.

No matter what faith you are, I sincerely hope each of you gets a taste of true peace and joy this Christmas and, and I look forward to keeping in touch with you in 2017!

We will be back soon, but taking a small break to celebrate the goodness that Christmas has to offer.

Much love and many blessings~

Our photos were taken by Chelsey Heidorn.

P.S. Thank you for each of you that entered the Home for the Holidays giveaway. I wanted to send so many of you home for Christmas! We drew a winner and she is a very deserving gal who will hopefully share how she used the tickets very soon!

The Love Your Hair Campaign

December 19, 2016

Veronica used to say she wished her hair was straight and short like her brother Gabriel’s. I would have to try not to laugh as she told me through her sincere blue eyes. She looked up to her brother, and as far as she knew, getting haircuts was the cool thing to do. I would reassure her she was given such lovely curly locks that were a unique family trait passed down to her from her great grandmothers, and that she should be so proud of that.

Fast forward till today and she wishes her hair was long and dark like Rapunzel’s. A more accurate depiction of a 5 year old dream right? I work on confidence in her weekly. Reminding her that there are many types of beauty. Long hair isn’t as important as a kind and compassionate heart. Looking to help others or building up your siblings and friends with kind words is a far greater feature than exterior details. She is learning and responding more as she can now finish my sentences when I ask her, “What is more important than how we look?” Discontentment or comparing starts at such a young age, and I truly believe confidence in her self-worth can stem from catching her thoughts and changing them in a different direction.

(Wearing – Anna: Dress, Veronica: Skirt , Azelie: Bloomers)

A recent Dove study found that 82% of girls learn to care about themselves from their mother. I couldn’t agree more. As a mother, you can make an impactful difference on the way they view themselves. My own mother was such an encouraging voice in me and my own sisters, followed by a support system of other family members and peers who reinforced those values. It taught me how I would pass self-confidence onto my own girls.

This month, you can join us in Dove’s mission to promote hair (and whole person) confidence with a mommy and me #LoveYourHair selfie and tagging @Dove. Let’s show our girls how beautiful their hair truly is. Add a special touch to one of your photos with Dove by visiting LoveYourHair.Dove.com!

Thankful to Dove for partnering on this post, and spreading a message I strongly believe in. Thank you Morgan Blake, for these photos I will hold dear!

5 gift ideas for the last on your list.

December 16, 2016

For our very last gift guide of 2016 I had so much fun teaming up with Kate Spade New York to create some thoughtful ideas for gifts that won’t be re-gifted at the next white elephant. Here are a few combinations that will hopefully help you solve the puzzling hunt for the impressionable gift…

For the bestie – Grab a few of these rose gold dotty frames and put some uplifting messages inside to adorn your bestie’s room, and also remind her of just how valued she is. I found these quotes in my favorite magazines.

For your favorite couple – Whether it is your parents, a pair of newlyweds or your dearest friends, a fine set of rosy toasting flutes and a bottle of champagne offers them a night to celebrate …. even if it’s just a Monday.

For the holiday party hostess – Forget the bottle of wine, and go for the gold. When you want to bring a gift for the hostess of your holiday parties, I love this glam golden serving set duo that would be perfect for use over the holidays.

For the co-worker – It’s usually easier to play it safe with our fellow female co-workers and always land on chocolate or gift cards. Take a risk, give a little sparkle to add to her handbag, and include a matching card case to boot!

For everyone else – Being a devoted lover of both coffee and color, I swooned over these initial monogram mugs. This should cover just about every unsolved person on your list. Fill it with a few holiday trees and christmas ornaments, and you have a thoughtful and fun loving gift.

9 more sleeps till Christmas! I can hardly wait!

A Christmas tour around our home.

December 14, 2016

I remember as a little girl my mom would leave no room untouched for Christmas. Even if it was something as simple as Christmas mice candle holders or a red dish cloth, these things reminded us that something significant was coming. I want to create the same atmosphere in our own home for my children, so for the past few weeks, I have added a wreath here, a garland there, and a million ornaments in between.

I decorated with them in mind so that it would become a place that felt full of wonder through their eyes. Our first Christmas in our first owned home called for more holly and lights than I would normally scatter. We are hosting this year as well, and staying put for the first time in years so I am taking my responsibility of Christmas cheer very seriously…

front door info in this post, trees from whole foods and pottery barn kids, car from an antique market

Bar cart, 12 days of Christmas print (by my friend Jessica), pine garland, lights, copper mule mugs, ice skates and mistletoe mugs, hot chocolate sticks, matches and lantern, felt garland c/o potterybarn, record player

Birch star c/o, nativity scene (found at Hobby Lobby), glass jug, pillar candles

Our beloved blue spruce with all kinds of heavily laden branches and tacky ornaments, tree skirt (Pottery barn out of stock), stag longhorn throw via In2Green c/o, side wooden table, stack of old Christmas books, rug (IKEA)

Village houses (Out of stock), white felt trees, eucalyptus, glitter wreath, fair isle stocking, birch logs and lights, floor lamp, cableknit throw, tufted accent chairs, sheepskin (found mine at costco!), dorado rug, moroccan poufs, the baby was a free gift from heaven..;)

Wooden tree shelf (sold out from PBK), thrifted peacock chair, pillow, faux sheepskin, red and white felt tree

Knitted advent calendar c/o (I filled this with ornaments for the boys to decorate their tree), nativity scene c/o, mini tree (Gabe and I’s very first tree from our first year of marriage still going strong!)

An accurate depiction of Christmas with little ones.

We started working on our unfinished basement and bedrooms are turned upside down at the moment, but I made the most of the space we mainly live in. I look at these pics and chuckle a little knowing that around every corner there are stuffed socks in drawers, bottles under the couches, and cars in the tree branches. Signs of living as we like to call them.

Are you traveling or staying put for the holidays this year? Since we are staying put I am hoping to use that extra time to do some of the service ideas we have been brewing. The kids are getting so excited for Christmas morning. I’d say it’s a tie between seeing all 7 stockings hanging on our mantle and hearing Veronica sing Christmas carols at the hop of her lungs that is giving me the Christmas spirit in the deep down tingle your toes sort of way. Children bring so much hope to the world. “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.”

Wishing you all a warm and peaceful week leading up until the best day of the year!

3 Holiday Looks: Velvet, Sequins, and Pink. Oh My!

December 11, 2016

Here we have within this post a combination I never in my wildest dreams thought I would allow within my wardrobe. Pink + Sequins. Or how about fur + velvet? I don’t know what is happening to me ladies, but I do know I would have bet $50 ten years ago when I was living in my snap down adidas pants that you would have never caught me in sequins. Pigs have flown today friends. I usually try to buy pieces that can work multiple ways, but then I end up with a closet of neutrals. Where is room for the fun stuff? So I thought I would show you 3 pieces that can work 3 ways for multiple holiday occasions!

Look One: Sequin dress (similar one) // Blush Velvet Skirt (sold out, but here is another option I loved at a super affodable price) // Nude heels or blush pink heels // Necklace // Rose Gold Barrette

Look Two: Blush Velvet Skirt (already sold out, but here is a similar one available in all sizes) // Ruffle Trim Turtleneck // Nude Heels // Furry Clutch

Look Three: Sequin dress (sold out, but here is a very similar one) // Blush Velvet Sneakers // Furry Clutch

Sometimes it’s just fun to try something completely unpractical I admit. Like pink velvet sneakers. There is nothing that can justify that purchase except for the fact that they make me feel like I can moonwalk;)

Enjoy these type of posts? Let me know! I am working on content for the New Year!

P.S. Just a few days left to enter the airline voucher giveaway to get home for the holidays!

Photography by Morgan Blake

Items Featured:

Gift Guide: Little Finds

December 7, 2016

1.Pom purse – It’s tough to find little purses for girls, and Veronica is really into gathering up all kinds of things to stuff in her own bag. I instantly fell for this mini purse from Shop Bitte. Just the right size.
2. Apron and tools – Gabriel asked me to teach him to make eggs and Veronica and Max beg to help whenever I am making them. It takes patience to cook with little ones, but giving them little responsibilities and teaching them boundaries in the kitchen pays off. Little aprons with mini tools are a great way to start!
3. Maple rattle – Wooden toys are much easier to maintain, are always good teethers. Loved this little maple rattle for Azelie!
4. Pom bonnet – I cannot resist hats for babies. I may have a problem. All I know is Azelie’s squish factor in a pom bonnet would be too much for me to handle.
5. Logging truck – for the 1-3 year olds this is such a good busy work toy that I know my Rocco will love. He likes to stack and dump so I think this covers it!
6. Maps Book, Shine a light Winter Book, Paper Dolls – Usborne books offers such a wide range of classic, learning, and activity books for kids. Also loved this map book for my adventure loving boy.
7. Magna tiles – Easily my children’s favorite activity to date. Every one of them has loved these. They are so good for working with the hands, construction problem solving, and color matching. They keep my kids occupied for hours! We are getting another set this year.
8. Art Jar – If your little ones are on the creative side or just enjoy making messes, art supplies always make wonderful gifts. Land of Nod has so many fun gift ideas, and I really liked this bundle of supplies in a jar. My little ones go through supplies fast because they are doing art projects daily.
9. Classic Guitar – This is a really good size and sound for the jammers;) Musical instruments are always good for little ones to engage in.
10. Fishing game – This is made in Hungary! Such a cool magnetic wood game to do with toddlers. Can’t wait to give Max this set from Shop Bitte.

Good grief, this was THE hardest gift guide to assemble! I get really jazzed about good finds for little ones because you have to wade through a ton of sites to find good options. We just do three simple gifts for each child to keep things less focused on gifts. We have steered away from battery operated toys for Christmas because ain’t no body got time to change batteries! I also gravitate towards toys I know will stand the test of time in a house of 5 kiddos. These items above are things we have gotten our little ones in the past, or hope to gift them this Christmas from Azelie (3 months) all the way up to Gabriel (7 yrs.). If we are able, I love supporting small businesses, so have found a few of these from favorite shops.

My children also love Melissa and Doug wooden games and toys as well as Leap frog letter factory for learning to read activities. They have proven to be a hit with all of them. My boys are really into the Young Explorers, and we have found some really great finds on there as well! I hope this helps narrow down the hunt and search for you.

What small shops are you supporting this season?

Mini + Me Holiday Look

December 5, 2016

I wanted to capture a few pictures with my girls while Azelie was so little, and it was a really good excuse to spend some time with just them. Azelie has been an incredible peace maker in our home. She brings out the best in each of my children. They all have a soft spot for her and turn to mush when they see her…even Rocco. Gabe still can’t believe he has two girls, and I find him staring at her completely mesmerized.

And me….well I never want to put her down. She is true flesh and blood proof of divine providence, and I carry within me an overwhelming gratitude for the gift of her life.

I never thought I’d be the matchy mom type. Shoot. Oh well, here I am in tulle and flower crowns. What is happening to me?

Wearing:
Anna: Tulle Skirt, lace tank (similar), nude heels (also love these), watch, necklace
Veronica: Gold dress, Ballet slippers
Azelie: Dress, Gold moccs

V’s floral crown was from when she was a flower girl in my sister’s wedding, and I just used eucalyptus to may mine and Zelie’s.

And while this is rarely what motherhood looks like at home, it captures the essence of what these girls bring to my life…an immense amount of joy.

I’ll be sharing one more mother-daughter holiday look next week if you need some more ideas for Christmas, so stay tuned! So happy to support a fellow mompreneur Ele Story in this post. Thank you Morgan Blake for capturing these photos.