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Chirag Diyora
Happy Friyay! This photo has nothing to do with this post, other than the fact that my little pumpkin is sitting with pumpkins and it makes me happy! So…speaking of things that make me happy, how about some ways to give back and make others happy! This post is a quick reminder that it doesn’t always take a ton of effort to give back. These are 3 easy ways to give back each day. Enjoy! 
- Use smile.amazon.com – The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile, their foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of the eligible purchases you make to a charitable organization that YOU get to pick! Below is a snapshot of the donations I have generated this month from ordering my normal things off of AmazonSmile. I care about animals, so you can see where I want my donations to go.
If you’re anything like me, Amazon has saved me on a number of occasions when running low on diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, gifts for birthdays/anniversaries/other events, and more. Why not have a bit of that purchase go to a good cause that you care about? It is a WIN / WIN! Go to AmazonSmile for more info and to get started - Click the PURPLE BUTTON to donate food to animals in need. One on the animal rescue site, bookmark the page and click the purple button once a day. That is a very easy way to give back and it literally takes 1 second a day. Food for animals in need is a big deal – and this is a very easy way to help out. If you want to do more, check out the rest of their site for opportunities to give back. They have other free ways to help – and lots of fantastic gifts where part of the proceeds are actual donations.
- Make a “Helping Jar” and fill it up! Skip that cup of Starbucks (make your own at home or at work) and put the money into the jar. Pick up coins off the sidewalk and put them into the jar. This is a very family friendly way to give back – kids will love it as well! If you have kiddos, have them decorate the jar so they feel more connected to it. Once the jar is full, pick something as a family to give back to. Use the money to get toothbrushes and other items that a local shelter might need. Donate the money to the food bank (they can really stretch each dollar). Look for ways to put that money jar to good use. It’s amazing how easy it can be to save up – and give back.
That’s it for today! I’ll be sure to share more ways to give back in the future! If you have other ideas or suggestions, please share them in the comments so I can add them to future lists. It is a great way to share the love!
In case you are looking for a romper like the one on Sofia – this one is super cute, and so is this one!
Happy Friyay and keep on putting good back into the world! xo
Leaves changing, crisp temps, pumpkin spiced everything, and Fall fashion. Need I say more? This time of the year is so much fun as we get out our hats, boots, blanket scarves, and sweaters. I’ve pulled together some of my fave Fall finds under $30 to help you refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank!
My focus for this post is Amazon.com because I love Prime shipping (which is on most of these items), the return process for me has been great in the past (when needed), and the prices are hard to beat. I’m going to do another roundup of Fall items from other fantastic stores – but for today – take a look at the crazy cute finds you can get for under $30 and treat yourself! I like a good deal…so this is my Amazon.com roundup!
Happy shopping cuties!!! xo
Scarves:
Hats:
Boot Socks:
For Your Feet:
Vests:
Sweaters:
Pants:
To me, Fall means many things. Family time, sweet treats, pumpkins, decorations, and family photos! I would say that I am a bit obsessed with documenting certain family traditions – and happy to admit it! My kids are growing so fast, and I want to make memories and have some fun photos to look back on. This post is all about how to make the most of these photo-rific moments during these cooler months that happen to be filled with holidays!
Before I jump in – let me say one thing. I’m using our Christmas photos as an example for this post, but this applies to any holiday. Easter, a first birthday, family photos with grandparents, etc. No matter what – these tips apply. Hope it helps! Read on!
Picking a Photographer
This step is very important because you are going to want to pick someone who has a style you like and can help you with your vision.
These are the things I look for in a photographer:
- Has great overall Yelp reviews (I always take Yelp with a grain of salt but it’s a good starting point)
- Has photo examples on IG, a blog, etc. that have a style you like
- Easy to communicate with via email and/or phone
- Has fun ideas and can help you with your overall vision for the photo shoot
- Is willing to look at photo examples that you like for the upcoming shoot
- Has recommendations for settings, props and more
- Has availability on dates and times that work for you and your family
Date & Theme:
- Book a date. Picking the right date and time is important when planning your photos. Select a date that gives you plenty of time to order your outfits and props, but also gives you plenty of time to order cards for your friends/family without paying for rush shipping. My kids still nap so I chose a morning slot to meet with Beth. We launched into photos right away to ensure our kids were in a great mood. It was busy but fun! Talk to your photographer about your ideal date and time to ensure it is available for you. Booking early is key!
- Talk to your photographer. Reach out to your photographer about theme and photo ideas. Our fave family photographer is Beth from Dekker Photography. She and I talked about various holiday photo ideas and she had a great one that included a white background and making it look like the kids taped us to the wall! Ha! I loved it and ordered red and green tape from Amazon to make it happen. Your photographer has experience – so it’s worth talking to them about what ideas they have. Beth had a great idea and I’m in love with how our photos turned out!
Getting Organized:
- Keep it simple. Don’t overdue it. Taking photos with kids can be tricky and if you have too many outfit changes – they may get cranky (trust me)! For our holiday photos this year, we picked 2 outfits (formal and casual) and went for it! That left more time for taking fun pictures vs. taking lots of time changing outfits and making my kids mad.
- Pick colors that work with your theme. For our holiday photos I wanted to play with black, red and white. That made picking outfits fun and easy. Try seeing what you already have on hand and add to it with the small things. My husband has a tux from being in several friends weddings, so I ordered him a red holiday bowtie from Amazon – for cheap! I had a black lace shirt and ordered the red skirt and belt from Amazon. I got the shirt and dress for my kids from Kidizen for a serious deal (details about the Kidizen app coming soon in another post)! I already had the shoes and pants – so big win for mommy! For our casual photos I picked some super adorable matching family PJs from Sleepyheads. They are comfortable and so much fun! Not to mention we will use them throughout the holidays for sleep and snuggle time! Honestly, you don’t need to spend a ton to look good in your photos!
- Pick props. This is super fun and a moment to get creative. Again – you don’t need to spend a lot of money on great props! Etsy is always a fantastic resource for ready made props and even some bargain print outs. If you want to get crafty, you can make your own props. This year, I used cardboard and a sharpie to make a fun sign for the kids to hold for photos. I also purchased some large canvas letters and red paint from Michaels which ended up being perfect for our NOEL photos. They were $7.99 per letter and Michaels always has great coupons so I totally got extra $$ off my total! It was so much cheaper than purchasing them online, and painting them red was easy and fun!
- Special items make for great memories. Sofia has a bunny that is her absolute favorite in the world. For Christmas last year, I found her bunny in a red holiday dress. I brought it with us for the photos and it is not only cute, but it is a special memory that she will be able to look back on when she gets older.
- Relax and enjoy the moment. We got some silly photos of the kids playing around that were completely unplanned and unscripted. We sat back and let them get silly while Beth took photos. Those are special moments between siblings that make for perfect memories.
The Day Of:
To help ensure the day goes well, try these tips…
- Full belly = happy kids. Give your kids a snack before you leave the house. A glass of milk, some cereal with fruit, string cheese, etc. Get some yummy snacks with some protein into their belly to help tide them over and put them in a good mood.
- Have fun! Sing songs and play games in the car. It helps to keep them happy until you arrive at the location for your photo session.
- Pack toys and snacks. This sounds silly but is a MUST! Kids need distractions and snacks. My advice is to pack snacks that don’t get super messy (you don’t want to stain their photo clothes). Cheerios and crackers work well for my kids. Snacks are also important in case any of you have a hubby who gets “hangry” like mine!
Bring water to keep them hydrated (and if it spills it will dry without a mark). A special post photo session treat is great as well. We used lollipops as a bribe as the kids started to get tired. It totally helped get them excited and ready to smile so we could get the last photos done. Once we got them into their casual clothes, they got the lollipops and were SUPER happy! Beth had toys on hand (big win) – and I brought our ipads and some favorite toys for both kids.
I hope this helps as you plan your own holiday photos! Direct links to shop my outfit and other fave items from our own photo shoot are below. Comment with any questions. I’m happy to help! xoxo
To connect with Beth from Dekker Photography, you can reach out via her website. She is amazing and has worked with us for years. She has literally taken photos of our family from the start when it was just Dan and I. She is fun, caring, and professional. Not to mention incredibly talented! Our kids now call her auntie Beth – and she has helped us document some very special moments in our lives.
I’ve also partnered up with Sleepyheads.com and we’re doing a fun giveaway! You guys – I love their stuff! They have the cutest PJs for pretty much every holiday! Who wants to win some super comfy and crazy cute PJs for their fam? I do! I do! For details – go to my Instagram for details and entry! Hurry – don’t delay!
Links to shop:
Mommy –
Daddy –
Family PJs –
Props –
Fall is such a fun time of the year. It’s time for sweaters, booties, pretty much every possible food and drink in pumpkin flavor, and baked goods! Personally, I love to make treats for my family and friends. It’s such a warm, comforting and delicious way to say I love you. I’m also a total sucker for a fun Fall activity. To combine the two, I’ve come up with a semi-homemade cookie activity that is easy, fun, and delicious.
What You Need:
- Pumpkin shaped cookies – yay! I found fantastic ones in the bakery section of my grocery store that were fresh, not decorated, and only $5 for the whole container. Yes, you can make your own, but you don’t have to. This is a simple and fun decorating activity – so it’s nice to have a short cut!
- 1 – 12oz container of cream cheese frosting (vanilla works as well)
- Orange food coloring (mix red and yellow if you have those on hand)
- A variety of sprinkles – My grocery store had candy eyes, little candy skulls and bones, and tiny candy pumpkins that were super fun for the kids to use
- Black and green gel frosting in a small tube for the details
- Parchment paper
- Tape
What To Do:
Put 1/2 of the frosting into a small tupperware container. Mix in your food coloring to your favorite shade of orange. Start slow and add more as you go. The bonus of mixing the orange frosting in the tupperware is that you can easily store it if you have any left over.- Cut a large piece of parchment and tape it to the table. This will be your workstation with the
kids – to help control the mess. - Depending on the age of your kids, you may want to spread the frosting yourself. My kids are 2 and 4, so I spread the frosting for my 2 year old and let my 4 year old give it a go.
- Spread a couple cookies with white frosting and a couple with orange. Orange sprinkles work well on the white frosting. The orange frosting doesn’t
need sprinkles (don’t let that stop you) – but are great for the other decorations. - Let your kids have fun decorating their pumpkin cookies! It should be fun, silly and messy!
- Eat and enjoy!
Fried rice is such a fantastic meal! It is comforting, delicious, and complete. It is hearty, has veggies, protein and yummy scrambled egg! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like fried rice! That being said, I don’t love the calories or salt involved in take out fried rice. So…I started making cauliflower fried rice! I’ve tried several recipes and eventually combined my favorite parts of them all to get this recipe! Yay! Give it a try It’s delicious and healthy! Not to mention easy and makes for yummy leftovers! Did I mention my kids love it too..?
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 – Large organic eggs
- 1.5 – 2 cups – Protein of choice. Shrimp, chicken, boca…you pick!
- Sriracha to taste (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray your pan with olive oil spray (or spray of choice). Add your 2 large eggs and quickly scramble. Once eggs are scrambled and cooked, put on a plate and set aside.
- Spray your pan oil again and add your minced garlic and ginger. You don’t want to burn your garlic and ginger so be sure to stir constantly for roughly 1 minute.
- Next add the peas and carrots (I usually throw them in frozen), scallions and riced cauliflower. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are cooked through.
- Now for the sauce! Whisk the coconut aminos and sesame oil together in a small bowl. Pour over the cauliflower and other veggies and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the scrambled eggs to the mixture and gently stir.
- Add your cooked protein of choice. I usually use what I have on hand. A rotisserie chicken works great if you want to use cubed chicken meat as your protein. When I have cooked/leftover shrimp in the fridge, I cut it into pieces and throw it into this dish. Boca chickenless chicken is another fantastic protein that I love in this “fried rice”. I usually put 2 boca chicken patties into the microwave for 1 min 20 seconds. Then throw it into the toaster oven for another minute or so to get crunchy. Dice it up and throw it in! Delicious and vegetarian! Get creative and clean out your fridge!
- Garnish with a little more fresh scallions and sriracha to taste!
- ENJOY!
I love chambray! It’s comfortable, versatile, and perfect in so many forms, for so many seasons. To celebrate chambray, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite pieces, many of which are on sale, and others that will help you easily transition into Fall (meaning it’s really an investment – wink).
Women’s As U Wish Smocked Chambray Off The Shoulder Dress
This cutie chambray swing dress has optional straps that let you change the look easily depending on your mood. It also has sweet sleeves and a playfully smocked neckline. Currently on sale for under $30! Get it before it sells out in your size!
Women’s Kate Spade New York Chambray Patio Dress
This pretty midi has three tiers and three shades of chambray. It is very retro-chic and has beautiful embroidery around neckline. The mocked back allows for comfort and a better fit. Did I mention it is by Kate Spade and it’s on sale right now for under $200?!? Yup…just sayin’
Women’s 1.state Bell Sleeve Chambray Dress
This chambray dress is a total wardrobe must-have! It shows just enough, has perfect statement sleeves, and is versatile enough for the office, parties and weekend wear. It also works with summer sandals and can easily transition into Fall with some cute booties and a blanket scarf!
J.crew Chambray Off The Shoulder Top
Made for the end of summer and going into fall, this pretty off-the-shoulder chambray is perfection! AND it’s on sale for under $40 right meow!
J.crew Everyday Chambray Shirt
I can’t do a blog post on chambray without including this classic shirt! Dress it up or down, add a scarf, shirt and boots, and make the look your own! Super comfy, true to size, and very versatile. Under $80 for a total classic!
Kate Convertible Strapless Chambray Maxi Dress
This perfect strapless chambray maxi is laid back but has a perfect polish to it. The flounced hem and a waist-defining sash are beautiful details. You can dress it up or down with accessories, and it comes with detachable straps. It’s currently 40% off – so get it before it sells out of goes off sale!
Chambray Band Floppy Straw Hat
This wide-brim floppy straw hat will keep the sun off your face and your heart happy with a chambray band to complete the look! Plus – it’s under $30!
Rosie Pope Ruffle Chambray Dress
Looking for a baby chambray outfit for a mommy and me moment? Look no further! Under $40 for the outfit – and beyond cute for your baby girl!
I hope this helps you get your chambray on! Happy shopping! XO
Happy Labor Day Weekend! It is crazy HOT in San Francisco right now so everyone is in full Summer clothing mode, including me! Below is my outfit breakdown, which includes some fun accessories that are versatile and will fit any budget! Happy shopping lovelies!
DRESS:
This Float Like a Butterfly Maxi dress is light, flows beautifully, and is perfect for a hot day. It also packs incredibly well for vacation. The colors are rich and the straps are adjustable. It is one of my all time favorite summer dresses and it is only $50! It does not have any stretch, but it is loose NOT form fitting and can be adjusted at the top of the neck and the strap that tightens under the bust and in the back. For reference, I am wearing an XS. You can see the front and side of the dress in the image of me above. The straps are shown in this photo of the back.
BAG:
This cutie Snails Nest Tote Bag is a deal at under $20 and usually has free shipping! It is made of rattan and straw, silver hardware on the bottom and it the cutest floral lining inside! It is a serious bargain and looks a lot more expensive than it is. Check it out before they are out of stock!
SHOES:
These Faux Leather Sandals are my go to these days! Yes…I love shows. Yes…may have a shoe problem But you guys – they are under $10 and come in 4 colors!!! They are also super cute, very comfortable, and they pack like a dream! I already have them in all 4 colors and am going to get more for when they wear out! Not kidding – people think they are from JCrew and other more expensive stores all the time!
SUNNIES:
These Enameled Sunglasses come in nude/gold and black/silver. They are super cute on and they are only $12! Get them from Nordstrom before they sell out! I have them in one color already and you better believe I plan to get them in both because they are going fast!
Happy shopping and happy long weekend! xoxo
I have to say, I’m feeling pretty ready for fall. I’m enjoying the last of the sunny days and plan to sport dresses as much as I can – but I have some fantastic Fall finds from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that I’m impatiently waiting to wear!
TOP :
One my fave fall finds is this sassy plaid shirt by Treasure & Bond. The material is super soft, is has a nice relaxed fit, and the cuffs are long with 3 buttons that give it a little something extra. My favorite part of the shirt is the open back. You can definitely wear a regular bra with this shirt (I did), but if you want to throw on a fun bralette, it’ll look super cute showing through the opening. It comes in Blue Shadow and Red Baroque – and both are beautiful in person. Perfect for fall! It is relaxed fit so you can get your true size and it should have some room. I got the red in XXS and the blue XS to compare – and I like them both. Definitely a perfect fall staple!
BOTTOMS:
My jeans are the Donna Ripped Crop Jeans by Kut from the Kloth – but they are currently sold out. When they are back in stock – definitely snag them! They are crazy comfortable and super cute! They have a ton of stretch and run a little big in my opinion. I got them in a 0 but they feel more like a 2 to me. I would size down if you want them tight. These are two other options that are just as cute and perfect for fall!
Women’s Kut From The Kloth Connie Step Hem Ankle Jeans
These run a little large like the ones I have by Kut From the Kloth above – so size down if you are between sizes or want them on the tighter side. I kept my size 0 jeans because they are super comfy around the waist, not crazy tight, but they are still skinnies. These have raw step hems and come in this beautiful dark blue wash with golden topstitching. They are under $90 and have free shipping!
Women’s Articles Of Society Sarah Skinny Jeans
These jeans have a vintage feel but you don’t need to break them in! Super comfy with a good amount of stretch – and the perfect amount of distressing. These fit more true to size in my opinion. They do stretch a bit from wear so you could size down, but I think they fit pretty perfectly and a good wash is all you need for them to bounce back. Raw hems make these super on trend and will put you in the perfect position for fall. These jeans are under $65 and a total steal!
SHOES:
Now for my shoes! You guys – these Halogen Corbin Slide Loafers are everything! I wear them all the time and love them. I’ve already ordered them in the other colors and can’t wait for them to arrive. I got them in black because I wanted something classic – but I’m super excited that they also come in Silver and a beautiful Wheat color. You can see me sporting them in the photo at the top of this post – but this close up should help as well. Don’t hesitate – get these loafers! They are under $90 and so worth it!
Time to get ready for Fall! Happy shopping! xo
Who doesn’t love cute and SUPER comfy sandals? I posted the photo above with my daughter the other day and got lots of questions about where I got my sandals. The answer is Nordstrom – and they are on SALE!
The Rosaria Sandal by Sofft in Black is shown on me above – and shown in the stock photo to the right. It has extra cushioning under the ball and heel of your foot so it is nice and squishy. It also has multi-textured straps and a low, walkable wedge. I’ve included the photo where I’m sporting them in black, but I have them in both available colors and love them! They are incredibly comfortable, and easy to run around in for errands, or if you have active kiddos (like me)!
I pack these for vacations, but also use them regularly with sundresses, skirts, shorts and jeans. Ladies – these are beyond comfy but the straps add a little sass which is nice when you’re on the go!
The Rosaria Sandal in Metallic is beautiful and very versatile. When I need a lighter sandal but I know I’m going to have the kids with me – these are my go to! So pretty and also so practical. The straps have a neutral tone but they are sort of a mixed media – so there is a metallic tone with varying shades. They are so pretty and an absolutely must for mommas! Not to mention they are under $50! You are basically getting both colors for the price of one…how can you say no?
The Nolan Strappy Wedge Sandal by Hinge comes in 4 colors, shown below. The heel is only 2 1/4″ which is pretty perfect – and the straps are on point! Overall – rave reviews when it comes to comfort and style. They are also on SALE for under $40! Total steal for these beautiful and very stylish momma friendly! Going fast so hurry and check them out!
Time for some sassy flats! These Halogen Molly Pointy Toe Flats come in 5 gorgeous colors shown below – and they are crazy cute! Go spicy with red, classic with nude or black, or soft with light blue or grey. These comfortable flats are a perfect transitional shoe from summer to fall.
They can be dressed up or down, and work perfectly with jeans as well as dresses. Some reviews say to size up, though I feel they are more true to size. If you have a wider foot, you may want to go a half size up, otherwise I would order your actual size. Another perfect pair on sale for under $50! Sizes are going fast so snag them now!
I hope these help you chase your little ones in comfort and style! Happy shopping! xo
Finding the right pediatrician for your baby and your family can be very stressful. There are so many factors, and truthfully, it all depends on what you feel is most important. Every parent has their own method, this is mine. I hope it helps guide you in the right direction as you look for the pediatrician that best fits your wants and needs.
Step 1:
Make a quick list of what you are looking for in a pediatrician. I call this the list of musts. My list of musts is below – in no specific order. You can use it as is, or let it inspire your own.
Mommy Lexi List of Musts:
- Close proximity to my home
- 4-5 star reviews on yelp
- Great reviews on doctor websites
- Referrals from friends and colleagues
- Relationship with delivery hospital and/or OBGYN
- Accepting patients
- Great bedside manner (makes me feel comfortable, is caring, listens, asks questions, doesn’t rush me, etc.)
- Easy to get in touch with via phone and email
- Has after hours contacts for emergencies
Step 2:
Ask your network (friends, close colleagues, neighbors who have kids) for their pediatrician of choice. Facebook and Nextdoor are my personal faves for this task. Will they all meet your list of musts? Most likely not. Will it give you a great list to work off of? Absolutely!
Step 3:
Look at Yelp reviews. Is Yelp the most reliable source in the world? No. Does it help in this process? Yes! I think parents take things very seriously (myself included). Reviews by parents are often times emotional and have a lot of extra detail. That helps when looking at pediatricians (and other kid related things like schools, daycares, play places, dentists, etc.). Yelp is a great place to look at pediatricians in the area very quickly. You can do a search based on your current location (home) which I love because I don’t want to travel far with my kiddos if I don’t have to. Close to home is best as it means there is less of a chance we’ll be late or miss appointments! A MUST!
Step 4:
Look at doctor review sites like the ones listed below. It’s worth looking at more than one for more perspective.
Please be careful when it comes to reading through the reviews on these sites as well as on Yelp. As previously mentioned, parents can be emotional about things that involve their kids ( yes…I am part of that group). Read the reviews and take them with a grain of salt. Each pediatrician has their strengths, and as a parent, it is up to you to figure out what is most important to you. For example, if promptness ranks at the top of your list, keep that in mind if there are bad reviews about wait times. If bedside manner is #1, keep that in mind as you read reviews about how the doctors interacted with the parents and kids.
Our pediatrician has a great bedside manner and we adore her. The practice overall has mixed reviews when it comes to wait times / promptness. That has nothing to do with our specific doctor, but it is something that was in her reviews as part of the overall practice. She is very prompt but other doctors in the practice can run behind. Keep things like that in mind as you review these doctors, and if you got a referral, ask your friends about their personal experiences. It makes a big difference when you know who is giving the review.
Step 5:
Cross off the pediatricians that you didn’t like from your research to form your short list. Call your short list to see who is taking new patients. That will further shorten your list. Some practices that are very full do a lottery system to keep it fair. We experienced this first hand and got picked right away (at random)! It was so worth it and I would not let something like a lottery of sorts detour you. Give it a go – you may win a fantastic pediatrician!
Step 6:
Of the remaining pediatricians who came recommended, passed your online research, and are taking patients – see what their process is before and after delivery. Our pediatrician has a great relationship with the hospital where we had our kids. She showed up the day our son was born, did the same when our daughter was born, and has been a fantastic doctor to us for the last 4 years. She knows our kids well and I love how much she cares about our family.
Step 7:
Trust your gut. At the end of the day – this doctor has to fit your family and you. If you feel like they are too structured, not holistic enough, running late all the time, bedside manner could use work, or anything else – decide if you can live with it and move on if you can’t. Find the right pediatrician and trust that you know who that person is. It is a process – but it is well worth it!
I hope this helps and that you find the best pediatrician possible for your family! XOXO