I admit I was slightly eager to pack away the maternity clothes in the record hot Altanta summer, and more than a tad excited to pull out the fall layers. The good news: we have officially landed in my favorite season. Bad news: it is still 90 degrees. However, this didn’t keep me from an inaugural pie bake with my sister on the first day of autumn, and the annual fall closet transition. Here are a few layer-able and interchangeable staples I either had from last year or added to the lineup this year. I will probably using these 7 fall wardrobe staplesthe most this season!
I am hoping this report on finding the right white paint for your walls saves some of you grief and tears. Short story: A few months ago I made an impulse decision to select a white paint at 9pm at night, and proceed to buy 5 gallons for the painter to use the following morning. I did this against my own better judgement, but took my risks because I was too lazy and in a hurry to test colors on our walls. Well as you can imagine it didn’t end well. We left the house to the painters for the day and when I got home, I found my walls to be practically baby blue versus the creamy white I was certain they would be. Lesson learned. Shotgun decisions no more!
Here are a few tips for testing paint colors, and finding the right shades of white…
With a new baby, I am keeping the expectations real low around here for a fall bucket list, but autumn being my favorite season, you bet your bottom I am still making one! Even if it takes till the end of November to complete;) I asked my little ones to help me come up with some ideas. Here are our top ten:
“Rake a big pile of leaves and jump in them!” – Veronica, 5 yrs.
Apple Orchard visit
Find costumes for all 5 kids before halloween (big goals, little steps) – Me
Backyard bonfires with marshmallows “and fire!” – Max, 3 yrs.
It feels like a whole new experience getting to have a baby girl again. Forgot how fun the little details of sugar and spice and everything nice are. As we settle into a family of 7, there is little I have been doing than holding babes, feeding, napping, and somehow getting them all dressed and fed;) I will have to write a post soon about the best things you can do for a new mother, because my friends and family have taught me some lessons in that the last few weeks!
These are a few items for wee ones that are either new or long time favorites:
Free Babes Bows – It is so hard to find bows that fit newborns, let alone premies! These little bow headbands from Free Babes fit Azelie perfectly. They have sailor bows as well for big sisters.
Blabla dreamcatcher mobile – Loved how plush this is, and it actually makes for a really sweet wall hanging!
Little Unicorn Security Blankets – Found these at SugarBoo and Co. They have the satin lining that my children love that are small enough to tote around everywhere. After my son Max attached himself to a queen size duvet, I figured I would jump the gun and force a mini size attachment blanket on Azelie;) This line also carries my favorite swaddles. *They are offering a 15% discount of your purchase with code IHOD15.
Munchkin latch bottles – I have written about these before. Still my favorite for newborn through toddlers.
Briar Bonnets – Purely for my own enjoyment. I can’t resist a baby in a bonnet! Briar carries the best prints in all sizes!
Alimrose mini doll – Veronica saved this doll for months to give the baby in case we had a girl. She has the large one. These are handmade and such good quality.
Pacifier Clip and Natursutten pacifiers – A winning combination. Azelie doesn’t use this yet, but Rocco is currently very attached to this combo!
Seventh Generation shampoo and diaper cream – Can’t get over the scent. It’ll make your babies smell edible. The ingredients are safe and effective!
Ring Teether – My sister just started making these! These beads are the only type teether Rocco liked, and they are safe and easy to clean. You can email her: triciasimpson2 (at) gmail.com to snag one for $14. She can make girl, boy, or gender neutral!
Sollybaby Wrap – Never have I needed a babywrap more! With a 14 month at my ankles and a newborn in need of mama time, this has been used to death these last few weeks! Dying to get my hands on their Rifle Paper Co design.
Sleep hat – My sister in law sent this gift and thought it was too cute not to share. Goes over their eyes, and had me laughing at the mini Audrey Hepburn sleep mask it resembles.
Any baby favorites you swear by? Happy almost weekend! *Artwork behind the items is by Max Wanger
Not sponsored by any of the above companies. Just genuinely love to support small businesses and share products that we appreciate!
This past year I have been slowly converting to I guess what you would call a clean freak. I read labels, watch all the documentaries, and read articles that help me become more aware of the products I am introducing to my kids. You can say it’s the mother bear in me. I don’t trust many brands these days for full disclosure so I try to read up on my own and ask the advice of friends and family who are also in the clean freak category. (wink wink) Everything from the contents of our medicine cabinets, cleaning supplies, fridge, and pantry have been evaluated. I still have a ways to go, but there are some simple things we have changed around here to move in the right direction. We have had such a good experience so far with the Seventh Generation products, that I knew I would have a similar experience with their new laundry detergent packs.
I am so thankful to the ever so lovely Leslie Musser of One Brass Fox for guest posting today. She has an incredible eye for detail, and I thought these little cakes couldn’t be more fitting after the arrival of our little flower Azelie. I especially love that they are box mix easy. Read on for the easy how to and recipe for these mini layered naked cakes!
This was my last pregnancy style post scheduled to go up before Azelie made her early debut:) I looked at getting dressed with a baby bump as a challenge that sometimes defeated me, and other times was enjoyable to battle. This summer pregnancy was difficult to be honest, so wearing something fun was a good distraction on the waiting game.
I have been keeping it super simple with accessories. I find a few pieces I really like and and wear them on repeat. Lately it’s been this crescent pendant and bar necklace combo, with climber earrings. As far as handbags, this Kate Spade Byrdie bag c/o goes with just about every look, is compact in size but spacious enough to fit all of the necessities. My favorite aspect is that it’s scratch resistant! (#canigetahalleluiah #canigetanamen) Here is another way I styled it.
Can’t believe we are midway through september and my little babe is here with us. Loved having her in the womb, but much happier having her in my arms. Have a great start to your week!
