Being that it is germ season (which seems to go from bad to worse in the Fall if you have kids)…I want to share some of my fave loungewear. Even when I don’t feel awesome (like today), I still do drop off and pick up for Gabe as well as run errands with Sofia. Workout pants are often a go to item for me, but comfy jeans are a big win in these colder months.
Scroll down to shop my look. I’ve linked to some of my fave shirts, hats, jeans and other cozy must haves to make it easier to “do life” while sick or just exhausted.
Bottoms & Boots
I’ve linked to two jeans that I love above. The jeans on the left in the darker wash are the ones in the photos of me. Reviews say they run true to size, and I agree for the most part. They loosen as you wear them, so I personally would size down. I have a 0 on in the pics for size reference. They are crazy comfy, super soft, and really cute! Did I mention they wash and dry like a dream? Huge mommy win if you have kids or dogs and get messy a lot! Ha!
Tops
These tops are comfy, low maintenance, and still have a little polish to them. It’s a great combo when you want to feel like you’re in PJs but not look like it. 😉
Beanies
In the spirit of TMI – I am not great at washing my hair on weekdays. Yes, I DO take a shower every day…BUT – I don’t always have time to wash my hair and get it dry/looking decent. A braid, bun and/or hat are my go to’s when it comes to messy hair. Not to mention really great dry shampoo! Messy hair…don’t care! I’ve gotcha covered, literally!
Accessories
When I’m running errands in my cozies, my fitbit is my go to because it makes me feel productive. My fave is the amount of steps I gain while having dance parties with my pumpkins or walking my dogs. Those are FUN steps!
My new Fitbit is by far the best one I’ve tried! It tracks my heart rate, sleep, and even synchs to my phone so I can see texts when they come through. A huge bonus when I’m working out at the gym and don’t want to pull out my phone!
I replaced the black strap with a pretty silver one for under $10 that is magnetic! It fits like a dream and is perfect with jeans and dressier wear for work etc. The strap comes in several other colors like black and rose gold as well. Definitely worth checking out – and a serious deal for how cute it is! I’ve linked to it because even on “beanie” days, it’s nice to feel like you’ve been somewhat active!
Beauty Hacks
I’ve also included dry shampoo and bronzers -because they are my must haves on the craziest of days! These are considered “beauty hacks” because they will help you get out the door feeling a little more “human” without much effort or time required.
I think this easy go to outfit counts as a life hack! 😉 Have a wonderful day and please comment if you would like additional details about any of the products I’ve linked to.
XOXO
We had Black Friday, then Cyber Monday, and now it is time for my favorite of these special days…Giving Tuesday!
Yup, it is always good to give back 🙂 Being busy is in my mommy job description. I used to love to volunteer my time, but these days, donations are a better and easier way for me to get the job done. Yes, man hours are a great way to give back and also teach kids the value of helping others. That being said, my kids are 2 and 4, so many of the “in person” volunteer opportunities will have to wait until they are a little bit older.
If you are like me and are short on time, or have little ones that can’t volunteer as easily, donating on Giving Tuesday is a FANTASTIC option. It is also a favorite for me because there is an opportunity to make a larger impact. Every little bit helps, but many of the organizations looking for donations have matching programs on special days like today.
If you are looking for a way to get the most bang for your donation buck – look no further! I’ve put together a short list of organizations in various categories that you can give to and make a big impact. Most have donation matching today, so you are helping those in need even more! Yay!
If you’re looking for a more local organization to give to, check HERE!
You can also click HERE to see if your employer will match your donation – helping event MORE! 🙂
- Feeding America: $1 = 20 meals this #GivingTuesday
- UNICEF Back To School: Donate today and send critical supplies to kids around the world
- International Rescue Committee: Tax deductible and Triple your impact by donating today
- World Wildlife Fund: Tax deductible and worldwide
- Farm Sanctuary: Donate today with matching $1 for $1 up to $20,000
- ASPCA and Humane Society: Two fantastic organizations helping those without a voice!
- National Parks Conservation Association:Tax deductible and being matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000 if you donate today!
- Oceana: Saving our oceans – a worldwide effort and something we all need
- The Nature Conservancy: Tax deductible and Double your impact by donating today
For more information on what Giving Tuesday is, how it started, etc. – click HERE.
Happy #GivingTuesday xoxo
Holiday time means pops of red, cozy sweater dresses and festive accessories. For my angel face, I found these amazing red velvet pom pom shoes. I can’t even tell you how comfy and cute they are. Sofia is obsessed with them – and they are on SALE right now!
I’ve linked to Sofia’s entire outfit below. You can get her actual dress (on sale), a set of 6 cutie socks for under $15, a set of bows to match every outfit, and those ruby slippers (also on sale). Click below to snag this adorable outfit which is perfect for these colder months. Not to mention, those shoes will work perfectly to visit Santa!
I’ve also linked to some alternative items that are similar and absolutely adorable! Sofia has a little Tiffany necklace on in the photo, but the mommy and me cross set below is beautiful! The bunny is our favorite – and that is no lie! Her name is Bitsy Bunny and we have several of her in our house. We have 2 of these holiday Bitsy Bunnies, and 4 or 5 of them in the classic pink. Sofia will not leave the house or sleep without Bitsy, so I have extras on hand so I am able to wash them without issue. I highly recommend Bitsy for your little one or as a gift. Imagine how cute a holiday Bitsy would look peeking out of a stocking! Such a sweet and amazing bunny. You can see the size in the photo above – Sofia is holding one of her pink Bitsy’s.
Take advantage of these sales before everything goes back to normal. So many great deals right now – don’t miss out!
Have a Ruby Slipper week! xoxo
Suede has become a serious fave of the season. It is soft, versatile, and pretty much everything comes in this lush material. I’ve gotten suede and faux suede tank tops, crop tops, skirts, flats, cross body bags and more. It is trendy but can also be mix and matched beautifully with things you already own and love.
The skirt seen in the photo above is faux suede. It is soft, stretchy, opens via the buttons, has a very flattering a-line shape, and is under $20. It is beyond worth it! This cutie skirt also comes in 5 beautiful colors that will work for you all year round. They are Fall and Winter perfection with just about any top from a blouse to a chunky sweater. I find that this skirt runs pretty true to size due to the stretch, but if you want it to be slightly looser you could easily size up. For reference, I’m in an XS.
My black top that you can see paired with the skirt above, is under $15 and has the most lovely sleeves. It is a light weight material and has no stretch. I would say size up with this one for comfort, as it does seem to run small. For reference, I am in a size small. It washes well (I washed it cold and let it air dry), and it tucks in easily. I will be sporting this throughout the holiday season for sure!
My scarf is sold out, but I found two very similar options shown below. Click for details. One is a chunky solid in black, and the other is black and gray. Both are infinity scarves, which makes them incredibly easy to throw on for a warm and more polished look.
My exact earrings are below and are about $10. They are a perfect ohmbre tassel with jewels at the top. They are lightweight and easy to throw on with anything. I’ve worn them so many times already, with jeans as well as skirts and dresses. Each time I put them on, I get tons of compliments on them. They look a lot more expensive and they come in 3 color combos. Don’t hesitate and snag these for sure! I’ve also included two other favorite pairs that are perfect for the holidays, a steal of a price, and well worth it!
The sunglasses I have on are also linked below and are under $8 – need I say more? They have wonderfully chunky frames and are very flattering on any face. They are also great when on the go because you can throw them in your purse without worrying about them getting wrecked!
Although you can’t see my watch, due to my lovely sleeves, I’ve included two of my faves. If you don’t already have a DW watch, it should be on your Christmas list. Classics never go out of style. This gorgeous watch will work with every outfit, all year long. Check out their newest designs. Sleek and beautiful – perfect for any woman or man on your holiday shopping list.
The cutie booties on my feet are sold out. I’ve linked to a very similar style below, that are also on sale for almost half off! Don’t miss out on these amazing savings! Not to mention, they match everything!!!
Hope you find some fun suede and faux suede items to sport for the holidays! Now go girlie – and conquer the world! 😉
xoxo
Can we talk about how exhausting it is to be a woman these days..? Is it just me? The last 10 days have been a mixed bag of emotions. I’ve felt incredibly energetic and proud of my accomplishments. I’ve felt so tired that all I want to do is stay in bed and let the kids watch cartoons next to me, just so I can sleep (unfortunately that did not happen). I’ve felt motivated and ready to tackle anything that comes my way, and yet the next day the feeling switches to overextended because my to do list is way too long. Why does the list keep growing..? I’m knocking things off the list and for every one thing I get done, three more pop up! What’s happening?
Nobody tells you that being a mom really means being a million different things at once. “Mom” actually stands for boo boo kisser, storyteller, juggler, chef, maid, master lego builder, chauffeur, broken toy fixer, water cup holder, booger wiper, personal shopper, therapist, stylist, snack provider, snuggle machine and unconditional love giver. I am most definitely missing a few others on the list, but I’m too tired to care! Ha! 😉
The truth is, I love all the job titles that fall under being “mommy.” Finding some me time in there can be tough though. Truthfully, the only thing I wish I had more of is consistent energy. Man oh man, how I wish I was one of those people who jumped out of bed in the morning and was ready to take on the world (and that growing to do list). Instead, it takes some serious motivation (and coffee) to get me up. Instead of going to bed early (which I tell myself to do each and every day), I stay up and check email, pack lunches, do laundry and dishes, and then watch a show that makes me laugh but does not have Mickey Mouse in it.
Finding ways to stay motivated can be a challenge. My motivation is a mix of things. I want to be healthy, get stronger, feel better, and have that little bit of me time to be a the best mom that I can be. I find that making a little time for myself helps me to do all of those things. The kind of me time I’m talking about is working out. Yes, I would love a spa day or to sit and read a book uninterrupted. All of those things sound lovely and are included on my list of things I want to find time for. That being said, the little bit of me time that I carve out is for the gym. Because I want to be healthy, get stronger and feel better, I prioritize the gym. It is the way I keep my sanity – which makes me a better person and mommy.
I worked out at home for the last 4 years because Gabriel and Sofia were still little and I wanted to be home with them. We created a home gym in our garage and it worked great for me. I worked out during naps which was my window for a sweat session and shower. Haha! Now that Gabriel is in preschool, and Sofia is just starting, I actually have days where I can go to the gym. I LOVE it! I’m lifting weights and learning how to get stronger each time. It is amazing how much change I’m seeing in my body – and how much better I feel about myself. My back pain is gone and I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin. Yes, I’m still tired and lack motivation some days. But because I know how fantastic I’ll feel when I’m done, I push even harder to get up and go. It is worth it and I only hope that every woman out there takes a little time to do what they need to feel better. That “me” time is important and should be a priority.
What is your motivation? A reunion, wedding or other upcoming event? Long term fitness goals around overall health and wellness? The satisfaction of more energy and feeling good in your own skin? Whatever it is, I hope you find it and hang on to it!
Being that it was just Thanksgiving and we all most likely overindulged, I put together some of my current fave fitness items. This time of the year can be really challenging. People get busy with holiday parties, eating delicious treats, baking, and celebrating a little too much. To help balance things out a bit – and maybe even throw some motivation your way – take a look at the items below. Maybe you’ll find something you love and can use in your next workout. Personally, I plan to do some toddler yoga and other family friendly workouts with my kids to stay active during the holidays. The gym will still be a priority – but bringing a little bit of family fitness into the mix is a fun way to get everyone involved.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season everyone! xoxo
Pink isn’t just a color…it’s an attitude. My daughter loves pink, and I am happy to fully embrace it. It’s sassy, saucy, bright, and has this amazing power to it. Hot pink gives me a girl boss feeling that I love! It is such a fun pop of color for the holiday season.
This pink and black combo is the first in a series of holiday looks that I will be sharing over the next few weeks. It is a favorite of mine, and I hope you love it as much as I do.
I’ve linked the exact boots I have on below. If you’re a shorty like me (I’m 5’2″), know that these work well without overwhelming my legs. The heel height is around 4″ but they are actually comfortable to walk in being a little thicker heel. There is a tie at the top so you can tighten them. I found that the ties were helpful with both jeans on and a skirt. The boots stay up well and are overall very comfortable. They seem to run true to size as well as I purchased them in a size 7, which is my usual shoe size. These boots are a must have and if you get them in black – they will match everything!
My top has fun tiered and flared sleeves and looks absolutely beautiful on! It works with jeans and skirts, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the event. I am usually an XS and I got this top in a small due to the size chart. It was comfortable, easy to tuck in, and I was able to move around in it without it being too tight. I would size up for comfort unless you want it tight. It’s also under $15 which is a total steal for a top this cute and versatile!
The hot pink skirt I have on is sold out, so I linked to two similar styles. They have that flattering a-line in hot pink, and the length is perfect for OTK boots. Both of these options are perfect for the holidays and can be dressed up or down depending on what you pair them with.
If you’re looking for something fun for your little one – I’ve got you covered! I linked to the exact skirt Sofia has on in these photos. It is currently on sale for under $13 and selling fast! The material is nice and thick, it has an exposed zipper on the back which is very pretty, and it washes like a dream (a must for toddler and kids wear)! Get it before it sells out! If you would like the exact black boots Sofia has on, they are linked below as well. Super cozy and can easily work for dressier outfits or with jeans and a cute sweater.
As for accessories – I linked to our exact sunglasses (under $20) as well as some other fun options. The bags are completely adorable and will work with any outfit, and you can twin it up with your little one!
Everything linked is budget friendly, and being solids, will work with many other things in your closet. Hope this first holiday look brings you some holiday cheer! Happy shopping!
xoxo
Shop My Look
Shop Sofia's Look
Happy Thanksgiving! What a year it has been. Like any other year, there were ups and downs. The kids grew, are talking more, are becoming more independent, and have more personality than ever. Honestly, they crack me up! Knock knock jokes are a big thing in our house lately – and I love it. If you are looking for a great one – give this a try!
You: Knock knock
Kid: Who’s there?
You: Bed
Kid: Bed who?
You: Better get to bed – right now!
Both: Ahahahahahaha!
Ok…that might have been a silly tangent, but it was so worth it. My 4 year old thinks that one is too funny! 🙂 Anywho – back to what the year has been like…
Just over a year ago, my grandma Eleanor passed away. She had a long life, lived it well, and was very loved. Last Thanksgiving was our first holiday without her (although I know she was keeping an eye on us from heaven). I made her famous rice crispy treats, mandarine orange Jello salad, and turkey casserole. The only thing I didn’t make was her lemon bars (I need to learn how). Grandma was a great cook and an amazing person. She was the cutest person in the world. She liked her coffee super hot, she always checked her receipts before leaving the store (very good at math), she had a strong love for pink and purple, she could harmonize beautifully, she loved going to church, had amazing taste in neck scarves, and loved her family to pieces. We miss her terribly, and I think of her even more around this time of the year.
Other events from the last year include selling our house (we are still house hunting…arg), moving to a new neighborhood that we absolutely love, sending the kids to a new preschool, and our big trip to Hawaii. Phew! It has been busy, and there are no signs that things are going to slow down. There is no perfect year…there is no perfect family…but I am so Thankful for the imperfect life I am living.
Each year brings new loss, new challenges, and new things to overcome. It also brings new life, new love, and things to be grateful for. This Thanksgiving, try to do something new as a family. For my family, I am surprising the kids with new board games. At ages 2 and 4, I had to look for games that I know they can both play and enjoy. My goal is to make this Thanksgiving all about family time. Yes, we will be eating lots of yummy food together, but it’s the quality time I want most for the kids. The memories we’ll make laughing and being silly together.
I’ve put together a short list of ways you can spend Thanksgiving together as a family, that doesn’t even involve food. Take a gander and look for something new to do.
- Play board games as a family. I’ve included the ones I found to play with my littles ones below.
- Do a fun craft. Click HERE for details on how to make a beautiful Fall leaf wreath for your window or door.
- Service. Giving back is a wonderful way to celebrate any day of the year. So many organizations are always looking for help. Nursing homes are a wonderful place to volunteer because many of the residents don’t have family to visit them. Bringing your family in to cheer them up with stories, games and laughs is a fantastic and easy way to give back.
- Go on a neighborhood adventure. Look up a new park or place near by and walk there (if you can). Being outdoors and going on an adventure as a family is fun and exciting.
- Get comfy, make a fort and watch movies! There are so many family friendly holiday movies out there. What a fun way to watch them as a family from the comfort of your own blanket fort! Building it is half the fun! Turning the lights down and snuggling up for a movie is the other half.
You can shop our family look, board games and other goodies below. Happy shopping! XO
There is always a good time for shades of gold and yellow, especially during the holiday season. You can pull together an outfit that has that autumn feel with jeans and boots, or pull on a super sassy velvet number with heels. There are so many fun options available right now, and at pretty much every price point.
My personal favorite right now is jeans and a slouchy sweater with OTK boots. I’ve included a snapshot of this look above. It feels comfortable enough to get through the day, yet classy enough to grab a drink after work. Below I’ve pulled together some of my favorite items so you can shop my look – and other looks that I love.
My exact OTK boots are linked below and I LOVE THEM! Under $80, the heel is great without being out of control, and they are easy to walk in. One thing I will point out is that I am only 5’2″ and these OTK boots work perfectly for me! I’ve tried so many different brands this season, and these are the only ones that didn’t overwhelm my body and take up my entire leg. They have worked for my taller friends as well – but for those shorties out there – these are the best option I’ve found and I LOVE them! My exact Chloe bag dupe is also linked below and is under $30. My exact sweater is sold out but I’ve included some other fab options that are either in my closet or on my wish list.
Have a gold studded, swanky, over the top holiday season! Happy shopping!
xoxo
The Fall Leaf Wreath activity is perfect for younger children. It is also a simple activity for adults to pull together with minimal resources. I wanted to do something fun with Sofia (age 2) while her brother was at preschool. I used a couple of items that were already on hand and we went on an adventure to find leaves in the neighborhood for our Leaf Wreath.
Sofia had no idea what we were going to do with the leaves, but she did know we needed to find lots of colors and shapes. I gave her a small paper bag and asked her to look for her favorite leaves to put in the bag. We walked around the neighborhood pointing out all the red, brown, yellow, orange and green leaves on the ground. She had so much fun finding really big ones, small ones, leaves with more than one color on them, crunchy ones, etc.
Once we collected the leaves, we went back inside for the activity portion. I made a “wreath” shape out of a paper plate. I gave Sofia some school glue and let her put some onto the “wreath” shape. Then she was able to pick which leaves to put onto her wreath. We spent time looking at areas that needed more leaves, where we needed more glue, and where we could use different colors.
It was a very simple activity that took a nice amount of time, combined outdoor exploration with indoor activity time, and really didn’t require a lot in terms of materials or cost. Plus – you can use a ribbon to hang your completed Leaf Wreath in a window or on a door. Super festive and a great way to show your little one how proud you are of their work.
I’ve put what you will need for the activity and simple instructions below. I hope you enjoy this fun and simple activity – and please comment if you give it a try! I would love to know what you think, how the wreath turned out, and what other activities you may want to see moving forward! Happy Fall!
What You Need:
- 1 Small paper bag
- School Glue (liquid glue works best for this activity)
- 1 Paper plate
- Scissors (safety scissors work well if your child is old enough to help cut the plate)
- Leaves in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes
- Newspaper or junk mail to protect your work surface
- 1 Ribbon to hang your leaf (roughly 1 yard long)
What To Do:
- Give your child the small bag and head outside for a “leaf hunt”
- Take your child on an adventure to find leaves of different colors, shapes and sizes. Take this time to help them explore their surroundings. Ask them to find leaves as if it is a scavenger hunt. Ask them to look for specific qualities…a yellow leaf, a tiny leaf, a really big leaf, a red and orange leaf, an old leaf, etc. Let them show you which ones are their favorites, and ask them why.
- Once you have enough leaves – and a good variety – head back inside for the activity portion.
- Put some newspaper or junk mail down on the table to create a work station and protect your table surface from the glue/mess.
- Take your paper plate and scissors, and cut a hole out of the center so you have a “wreath” shape. If your child is old enough to use safety scissors, they can help you with this task as well. You may want to help them make a small opening so they are able to cut more easily in the middle of the plate.
- Give your child the school glue and have them put some on about 3-4″ of the wreath. They can do this in sections.
- Next have your child select leaves for the wreath. You can do a scattered wreath where it is a mix of colors, shapes and sizes all over. You can also do an hombre wreath where you can start with the darker colors like the deep reds and work our way around to orange and then yellow. Depending on the age of your child, you can decide what is appropriate. We did the more scattered approach since she is only 2 and I wanted her to pick the leaves she wanted to put on it.
- Help your child find little spots that could use more glue and/or more leaves so it gets nice and full.
- Let the wreath sit flat to fully dry. You may want to keep some newspaper underneath to catch any glue drips.
- Once the wreath is fully dry, use the ribbon to hang it on a door or in the window. Your child can help find a special place to hang it, and even tie the ribbon if they are old enough and are practicing how to tie things like their shoes.
- Have fun and enjoy your new Fall Leaf Wreath!
