This week’s wish list is of course red and pink items for the month of February! The past few weeks I shared some Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her and for him, and today it’s just cute red and pink stuff for fun.

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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I have and love this fragrance, so I know the oil has got to be amazing. I love that it is a lower price point for those who want some of the scent for their own!

I have a few of these lipsticks and the packaging is the most gorgeous lipstick I own. I might be the only female who doesn’t have this lip mask, but it’s on my beauty list for the next time I have a Sephora order. Along with this self-tanner.

There are so many cute Valentine’s Day pajamas out there. These and these are my faves.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous pair of slippers, look no further. I’ve never seen anything as gorgeous as these, and I wish they were real shoes.

I have my first massage in years scheduled for today (a Christmas gift from “the baby!”), and I can’t wait. I have only had a 90-minute massage one other time in my life, so this is going to be a real treat. I can’t think of a better Valentine’s Day gift, truly!

Thank you so much for reading – XO –

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best chicken pot pie

ruffled pie plate | mini planters

Last week I shared a chicken pot pie I made for a friend on social media and how I made a few small changes to make it our family’s favorite. This gal has a newborn baby, so I took over a pot pie, salad with homemade dressing, mini bottle of champagne and some of Trader Joe’s “brookies.” Yum!

I snapped some quick photos so I could share the recipe with you guys here. The light was fading, so apologies they’re not the most beautiful photos of all time. But more importantly, let’s get to the pot pie…

the best pot pie

This is my foundation recipe – I mean, check out those reviews.

The small changes I make are:

1 | I add around 3/4 cup diced baby red potatoes.

2 | I cooked the chicken ahead of time in the instant pot with this seasoning and shredded it.

3 | I boiled the veggies in chicken broth rather than water.

4 | I bake at 375 for 45 minutes.

I think you can still cook the chicken with the veggies if you are short on time, but I would replace the water with broth and add extra seasoning.

I think this is such a great recipe to bring a family because it’s great warmed up and usually everyone (including small kids) will eat it. Double it, make one for your own family and it’s a win-win.

I’m always looking for good “take a meal to a friend” ideas, so if you have any favorites, please share! Another one I like is pesto tortellini with shredded chicken, parmesan cheese, pine nuts and fresh basil. So good, so easy, filling and warms up well.

Thanks so much for reading and find more of my favorite recipes under “home –> food & drink” at the top of this site! XO –

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maternity lounge set

tunic | matching pant | sneakers | ottoman | similar rug | lamp slips | light fixture

I decided to split these up into two different Q&A’s so those that were looking for pregnancy chat can find this post and those who are not can check out the other one (to be posted next week!).

Many of you are also pregnant (congratulations!) and have requested more pregnancy/maternity content, but I’ve also heard from those trying to conceive or not in baby-land right now how much they appreciate not feeling like pregnancy chat is all we are about. While my main focus for this site and brand is adult fashion and home, I did link some pregnancy and maternity content from 2019 when I was pregnant with Hudson that some of you may be interested in checking out.

SO, this post is for those who choose to find it.  Let’s dive right in with the most popular questions!

Are you going on a babymoon this time around?

We haven’t planned one. The last month my doctor wants me traveling would be this month and it’s so cold and gloomy outside. I also don’t feel great about travel at the moment with virus numbers, so I’d rather nest and plan a big, fabulous trip in late summer or early fall when the baby is on a better sleep schedule, I have energy and can enjoy a few cocktails.

In fact, we are planning something extra amazing for the two of us to celebrate both the new baby and our 10 year anniversary this fall. And I can’t wait to have something like that to look forward to!

Have you done a pregnancy skincare roundup?

I don’t and I intentally choose not to share many “pregnancy-safe” recommendations as everyone’s definition of safe can vary.  My San Francisco and Georgia doctors even have differing opinions about skincare, so it really depends on what you are comfortable with.

I discuss any ingredients I’m unsure about with my OBGYN and read the labels on my skincare to make my own assessments. For a shortcut, I have found it really helpful to look up items on 15 Minute Beauty.

When are you due?

March! I am so looking forward to a spring baby. Christian’s birthday is in March as well, so they will hopefully be fellow Pisces.

Can you recommend a great pair of maternity leggings?

I love these and these.

I also have a few pairs from this brand and they are so comfortable.

Do you share the baby’s name with friends and family before birth?  Trying to decide how to handle.

I don’t mind sharing the name with family and a handful of very close friends. But maybe it’s because we feel confident in our choice(s). With Hudson, we were back and forth between two names (the second name will be this child’s name if the baby is a boy), so I liked asking people I respected for their opinion so I could feel out their first impressions. I found it helpful, as a name is so often a first impression.

However, if you’re someone who is more sensitive or doesn’t want to be swayed, keeping it to yourself might be the most wise route.

What was that nursing/maternity bra that you liked?

This one – I have all three colors and followed the sizing chart. LOVE IT.

Which diaper bag do you plan to use?

I used this insert in a tote bag (Goyard, Louis Vuitton, whatever you’ve got) with Hudson when he was small.

Once he became toddler and was going to church nursery and such, I found a backpack like this one that fully seals was a better option.

I still use both and find both to be helpful.

Stroller link for toddler and an infant?

I don’t plan on getting a new stroller. We have four different strollers already – the Silvercross Jet for travel, the Doona for on-the-go, the Silvercross Comet Eclipse, and the Bugaboo Fox.

I also wasn’t sure if I needed a double stroller, and after doing my own research and asking other moms of multiple kids, I decided against it for now. I will buy a stroller ride board like this one or this one for Hudson for walks or weekend adventures. But at 2 and 2 months he already will only sit in the stroller for a short period before he tells me, “mama, I want to RUN!” or is begging me to get out.

So if we take a big trip that involves a lot of walking… I will likely just borrow a friend’s double stroller.

32 weeks pregnant

Do you plan to take maternity leave?

Yes! I will be taking a period of time off of contracted work. I plan to hop on the blog and social media organically when/if it feels right, but I am not going to be putting any pressure or expectations on myself. Then I plan to dip back into work part-time before coming back completely full-time in May.

I now know that I didn’t take enough time off with Hudson. But he was a difficult newborn experience and truthfully, some of that quiet time in my office was really good for me. It helped me to feel like ME. So if coming back to work earlier than May is out of a need or desire, I’m open to that too.

Just planning to listen to my gut and my instincts and am grateful for a flexible job that allows me to do so!

You’ve shared you didn’t enjoy breastfeeding the first time around. Do you plan to try again or no?

I did share my first breastfeeding journey in this post. I was able to nurse Hudson for 8 weeks. For anyone else in the same boat – we have only had one ear infection in 2 years, Hudson has never had the flu or covid and has managed to meet every milestone on time or ahead… so please do not beat yourself up about how you feed your baby!

To be transparent, I didn’t really want to share it because it felt really personal to me. But I was repeatedly asked about breastfeeding, which I didn’t see coming. I feel it’s an intimate experience that differs woman to woman. All babies are unique and experiences can even vary between your different children.

I do plan to try again and will be working to set myself up for success, whatever that even means!  But I also plan to follow my instincts and will likely keep my experience to myself this time around. Being asked and feeling like I had to address it put me in a position I wasn’t comfortable with and wasn’t prepared for. Live and learn!

Do you have any postpartum blog posts? Or postpartum style ideas?

I’ve been asked this before and I went and looked and… I actually don’t. I think like anyone else, that “fourth trimester,” was spent taking care of myself and Hudson as well as I could.  I also didn’t take much, if any, maternity leave and continued to work in various capacities, so time was limited all around.

Because I do plan to take more time off this time, postpartum fashion isn’t a topic I plan to focus on. I will likely be in loose, comfortable clothes from my closet until I feel good enough to put on pants with buttons. Although I did buy some larger sized denim last time around I’ll probably pull out. My hope is that by the time I come back full-time in May I’ll be ready to discuss fashion and style for all women!

My best advice is to try to put on a little bit of makeup each day, spend 5 minutes on your hair (even if it’s just a neat ponytail) and put on something that isn’t pajamas if you can.  Even just drawstring pants and a cardigan.  Anything that makes you not feel embarrassed to answer the door is a win! When I do that, I carry myself with more confidence and when I catch my reflection in the mirror I don’t feel sad or blue. That’s what it’s about – how YOU feel about yourself.

Did you get stretch marks during pregnancy?  Any tips?

I didn’t get them with Hudson and am using a belly oil daily on my breasts and belly.  I also just got this stretch mark cream in from Nemah and am trying it out.

I start using belly products as soon as I have a bump and continue through postpartum.  I don’t have any other tips other than crossing my fingers, hoping my genetics does me some favors and saying a prayer!

What will you do the same or different with this baby?

I haven’t thought much about what I plan to do differently.  I think children are unique and what works for one baby may not necessarily work with the other.

For example, Hudson was a fussy baby and very challenging during the day. But I think he exhausted himself being so unhappy during the daytime, so he slept like a champ. Sleep training was a breeze (we followed Moms on Call and Taking Cara Babies). He was in his crib that he sleeps in now by 8 weeks through the night.

BUT this child may a beast to sleep train – who knows! I plan on following my instincts and getting to know the new baby before making any big plans or assumptions on what they will be like or how it will go. I’ve learned to try to walk into new situations with little or no expectations and it makes it a lot easier not to get frustrated or feel as overwhelmed.

What did you buy for baby #2 that you didn’t already have? Or products you used with Hudson and plan to use again! Anything you’re changing for the next baby or that you didn’t love with Hudson?

I haven’t bought much, if anything, for this next baby. We were fortunate to have a lot for Hudson – bassinets, rockers, swings, clothes, bottles, bottle warmer, bouncer, toys, car seat, etc.  I liked what I used with him.

I do have this little play gym/tent that was gifted to us by Lalo that I look forward to using. And we received this precious busy bee Dock-a-Tot as a gift.

I also know how quickly those first few months go by and you don’t need that much. You just don’t. Personally, I think it’s worse to have too much and feel like there is baby stuff everywhere. It can make me feel quickly overwhelmed.

How did you get in the mental place where you were ready for another baby?  

I am in my 30’s and want our kids to be relatively close in age.  So it was less about being ready and more about math and reality. I also want to leave space for a third baby which meant… the show had to get on the road.

This baby and Hudson will be 2 years and 4 months apart. I won’t lie, my lower back is in a lot of pain from the weight of a toddler while being pregnant. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it again with this close of an age gap!

How do you manage living far from family? Struggling with this with a 2-year-old and currently pregnant.

It can be hard sometimes. A lot of my friends have parents within two hours, or even in town, and I just can’t relate to that.

But rather than focus on what I don’t have I try to focus on what I do have. And I make sure to have friends whose parents are also out of state. We get each other, and it’s nice to feel like you’re not the only ones who can’t drop off the kids on a whim and go have an easy adults-only vacation.

Also? Be proud of yourself. You’re doing a lot and you’re learning how to do it on your own. That’s impressive! I hope you are proud of yourself for seeing what you’re capable of – go girl!

When is Hudson moving to his big boy room?

When we think he’s ready or when we need his crib for the baby.  The new baby will be in a bassinet for a while, and I’ve talked with our pediatrician about the transition for Hudson to his big boy bed and room. We will start with naps in the big boy bed and room and once those are going well, make the full transition. Hudson has shown us to handle transitions pretty well, so I feel good about it!

I would recommend consulting your pediatrician for their advice as every toddler is different and may be ready at different times.

Going home from hospital looks?

I will probably be in anything loose. We didn’t take any memorable photos or anything with Hudson on the day we went home. I just wanted to be comfortable and not have anything too tight considering what my body had just been through.

Comfort wins in the fourth trimester! ASOS has some really great options like this and this.

Can you share baby names? I’m due in March and haven’t found our name yet!

I don’t have a long list of names, unfortunately.  I have one boy name and one girl name (both happen to be family names and were options when I was pregnant with Hudson) and not much extra on the list. In fact, we still have to finalize the boy middle name!

BUT a few names I love that we aren’t using:

Lola, Seraphina, Liv, Rosie, Philippa or Pippa

Hampton, Sawyer, Leo, Crew, Alexander (Hudson’s middle name)

How many kids do you want?

I’m not really sure.  We are both from families of 5 (total), so I think we always assumed we would have three. But we are also open to having two if that’s what is meant for us. I think we would be happy with two children, but we both loved growing up with more than one sibling and want to give that to our kids. I think we’ll just have to see how we feel.

On my side, we are all 2 years apart and on Christian’s side, the kids are a little more spaced apart. He has said he wished they could have been closer in age, so we worked hard to ensure at least two of our littles would have that. More about trying to conceive here. This time around took twice as long as Hudson did, so they could have been less than two years apart. I think God knew what He was doing giving us a little more time. All is well that ends well!

maternity top and pant

A few more baby-themed blog posts for those who are interested:

Hudson’s Nursery Reveal – nursery isn’t changing other than a pink rug if baby is a girl

Hospital Bag Packing List – my bag this time will look very similar

Pregnancy Essentials & Why

Third Trimester Q&A

Second Trimester Q&A

My 5 Most Chic Baby Items

10 Things That Helped My Mindset While Trying to Conceive

Thank you so much for sending these questions in! Big hugs – XO –

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Last week I shared some Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her here, and this week we are onto the guys. Truthfully, Christian and I usually just share a nice meal and some chocolates, but when I told him I was working on this, his response was, “wait – so you’re saying guys get gifts on Valentine’s Day?”

Ha. Ha. Ha.

Some of these items listed are things he loves, and I’ll get into it more at the bottom of the post. To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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I’ve shared before that I discovered this brand for workout clothes for Christian a year or two ago. He likes fewer logos and more simple pieces that don’t necessarily have to be worn for exercise. Almost a middle ground between lounge and fitness so it works for lots of different kinds of activities without being blatant Nike shorts. Since then, I’ve bought him more pieces and also got my dad a few pieces for Christmas. A win all around!

When it comes to joggers/tees/underwear, Tommy John always takes the cake. Their pieces are so soft and hold up really well. We are both BIG fans.

Christian bought himself these adjustable dumbbells not too long ago and they’re a great long-term investment that don’t take up a ton of space.

I bought this wooden drawer knife block this week and can’t wait for it to come in.  One less thing on the counter is a win for me.

You know how I feel about Mexican Train Dominoes.  A fun game and a bottle of bourbon = perfect gift.

Christian has and loves these sneakers. They have some cool color schemes but know they’re not for actual sports sports. He wore them to play pickleball recently and blisters ensued.  Moreso a sneaker for living life rather than exercise.  I can’t see C wearing these high tops but I love them. How cute are they!?

Would love to hear what your Valentine’s Day plans are this year. Lay low or dinner out? Gifts or chocolates? Let’s give each other some ideas! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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maternity black turtleneck dress

dress (old) – similar styles here and here | coat (old) – similar style here | boots | hat (old) – similar style here and here

We have some seriously cold weather ahead of us, and I thought I would round up some of my favorite ways to pass the time on the weekends when we are all trying to stay entertained and warm.

Back when this pandemic first started, I put together this post of 10 At-Home Activities to keep us entertained… when I thought it would be a few weeks/months of time at home.  Granted, this post is more of a cold-weather theme (or maybe a brief quarantine theme), and some of these may sound repetitive.  BUT I’m going to try to get a little more specific here with this shorter list!

Dominoes, Scrabble, Card Games

My new favorite game is Mexican Train Dominoes.  It is so fun and easy, and you can also watch a show or movie while playing.  I love games like that that don’t require 100% of your attention so it can be more lighthearted and social.

Tea Party with Hudson

Hudson just turned 2 in November, and it’s been so fun watching his imagination develop.  Over Thanksgiving, my mom had a little tea party for him and his 3-year-old girl cousin.  He loved it.  So now I will often turn afternoon snack time into mini “tea parties.”  We will lay out the different snacks (crackers, gummies, fruit), and I will serve him “tea” in an espresso cup and saucer (which is actually water or lemonade) at his mini table and chairs.  Sometimes stuffed animals make their way to our tea parties.

He asks for tea parties all the time now, and though I tried to rebrand the experience to “tea time” in an effort to make it a little bit more masculine… Hudson very much still prefers tea parties.  So tea parties it is!

“Mama, I want tea paaarr-ty.”

At Home Pilates

We are at the place where being on the treadmill or bike is too risky with Hudson around because he will get too close to the machine or put something on it… I digress.  It doesn’t work for us at this current time.

BUT I can do mat workouts with him nearby without a problem.  I will pull up YouTube for a class or use the OpenFit classes available on my MYX bike (blog post about bike here).  Andrea teaches some killer pilates classes on there!

Read a book… and set the scene.

When I say read a book, I don’t just mean read a book.  Set the scene.  Turn on the fireplace video on YouTube, grab a blanket, elevate your feet, brew a cup of tea.  Really make it an enjoyable, relaxing, indulgent experience.  Even just doing this for 20-30 minutes can make a big difference in my attitude and tension level.

I’m currently reading this book.

Organize a closet or cabinet.

We tend to overestimate how long it will take to tidy up a hall closet, drawer, or cabinet.  A lot of times it just takes an hour… maybe even less.  And that feeling of productivity and pat on the back is tough to beat.  I recently did this with our hallway closet, ordering a few sets of these baskets and acrylic risers (for toddler shoes).  The start-to-finish took me less than 30 minutes and the impact it has on my happiness is much more than that.

windowpane coatblack turtleneck dress

For more small happy hacks, I have two other posts worth checking out.  These are some of my own happy hacks, and these are some reader-submitted happy hacks.  I LOVE small changes like this to bring a little moment of joy into your day.  It all adds up!

If you have some favorite cold-weather activities, I’d love to hear.  Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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natural deoderant

– impressed with this new gel deodorant

metal bird house

– the squirrel-proof bird feeder of my dreams that Christian ordered for me –

haverhill

– layering rings, including this one from Haverhill –

where is frances art

– getting back this framed pieces from Frances Moreno

wooden tea set

– this wooden tea set that Hudson can’t get enough of (bread basket | rattan play house) –

Cheers to Friday! This week flew by but I must admit, after a whirlwind November and December I really do value these slow weeks of January.  I think I really needed them and I have enjoyed the quiet. Anyone else?

I think the nesting is slowly beginning (finally!). I’ve pulled out all the bottles and 0-3 months clothes that need rewashing along with some postpartum things I used last time (that part felt a little PTSD, but it will be ok). I am both so ready and also not ready at all. But isn’t that how we always feel getting ready for a new little person that is joining the family?

We have more cold weather ahead of us and next week I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to spend these super cold weekends when everyone we know seems to be under the weather (omicron has been sweeping our city).  In the meantime, I hope to keep allowing myself the rest that I know I need. I’ve been so much kinder and gracious to myself this time around about lying down, elevating my feet, reading a book, etc. I am really proud of myself for that.

We watched Don’t Look Up last weekend and it has really sat with me. A crazy movie about a crazy situation that isn’t entirely… unbelievable? Maybe it’s the hormones but it was both powerful and nuts. Who else has watched it?

I don’t have much to report other than stay warm, give yourself rest and y’all stay healthy out there.  Big hugs – XO –

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A little early but… not really?  Valentine’s Day is ahead of us and it’s always fun to gather some sweet lady things ahead of the holiday.  Truthfully we usually just like to go on a dinner date, but for those of you exchanging gifts, I have some ideas to throw in the ring.

To shop, click directly on the time or find its associated number below the collage.

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I love a home or beauty gift for little holidays like Valentine’s Day.  For the home, this candlestick holder caught my eye,  along with the bestselling blanket (also this one) everyone can’t get enough of and the wine chiller (on sale) that is the summer hosting must-have.

I also love the idea of chic board games!  For some girls, a handheld vacuum may not be a great holiday gift, but for me?  BRING IT.  I am intrigued by this one and it’s gotten some amazing reviews.

As for beauty, I’ve heard a lot of great things about this brush.  When my current one gives out, it’s on my list.  I have this magic cream and it is, in fact, magical.  A chilled eye mask has never been as sophisticated as this one.  I also think any eucalyptus anything from Necessaire is a winner.  I can’t have enough silk pillowcases and this essence has been a highlight of my morning and night skincare routine lately.

A few things on my beauty wish list right now are more tan luxe face drops, this lip mask and this tanning mousse.  If you are crossing your fingers for anything in particular, I would love to hear!  Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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mini toddler book

– still living off the high of Georgia winning the national championship –

brass record storage

– pulling out two of these brass vinyl storage cases from my grandparents and going through them with Hudson –

potted pink jasmine

– picking up this lovely pink jasmine at the grocery –

blue newborn sets

– telling myself I need to start washing clothes for baby barnes –

amazon heels

fuzzy heels from Amazon that really bring some extra fun –

This week has flown by!  With Hudson back on his usual, non-quarantine schedule I’ve been able to have lots of make-up calls, meetings, appointments and catch up on deadlines while everyone is (crossing fingers) healthy and well.  I hope all of you are able to stay safe and healthy right now.  It’s a jungle out there, that’s for sure.

I found the little pink jasmine plant above at the grocery this week, and I can’t wait to watch it do its thing.  I also got the above fuzzy heels in, which is not something I would usually go for.  However, I thought they were FUN and would be a great addition to a basic outfit for a girls night or festive party.  Time will tell how much use they get!

The buzz in Athens has been all about the championship game and win on Monday night.  WHAT a game.  I’m not a big football gal, and I stayed up past midnight watching that game and the celebration that followed.  Boy, was it worth it.  So happy for the team, the wives of coaches that I know and of course, the university and town.  It’s an exciting year to live in Georgia!

I have a somewhat busy day today and then a relaxing weekend ahead.  We have a parade to celebrate the big win, and I know lots of people are coming to town to celebrate.  I hope to see some familiar faces!  I really need to start nesting.  Only two months to my due date and I have done… very little if not nothing.  I need to get down some of the newborn goods from the attic and then it will feel REAL.

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Ah, polished athleisure.  The only thing most of us want to wear the majority of the time, especially during cooler months.  I live in sweatshirts and leggings (particularly while pregnant/in the third trimester), and I love seeing how other girls layer and accessorize athleisure in a way that certainly doesn’t limit style.

To shop, click directly on the items or find their associated numbers below the collage.

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If you can swing it, I love matching sets.  You can obviously wear them together or separately, but you get so many looks out of two matching pieces.  This half-zip sweatshirt and matching pants are calling my name.

I have this sports bra and sweatshirt from Amazon and love and wear both regularly.

These sneakers have been raved about online by so many people, I hear they are incredibly comfortable, and I love how many colors they come in.

These leggings are some of the best leggings under $30 you’re going to find and I love the thigh pocket.  I can’t have enough sweats, and I’m having a hard time not stretching out some of my favorite pairs right now!  Love these and these.

If you have any athleisure purchases you’ve made recently and love, do share!  Always looking for fresh recommendations.  Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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ruffled bowl

– still holding on to our holiday cards in one of my favorite bowls

shell planter

– catching one of the orchid buds in bloom this week (I always miss it!) –

amazon handbag dupe

– this little $30 designer dupe bag arriving, will be fab for spring/summer –

loom and co runner rug

– still loving our Loom and Co. rug so much –

black and white baby portraits

– trying to find a place for some of the things I gained in my parents move… like my baby portraits –

The first week back to work for most of us… how are y’all feeling?  I was able to get three good work days in before Hudson had to quarantine for a covid exposure.  But I’m honestly grateful to have gotten what I was able to get in beforehand.  With the case numbers looking like they do right now, I knew it was a matter of time before we were affected.  We have remained healthy throughout winter so far (which is shocking to me with how many have been sick), so I know to count my lucky stars!

I am VERY thankful it’s been beautiful and sunny outside so we can play in the yard.  When he was home during Christmas break and it rained for 5 days in a row – that was rough.  I’m typing this as he plays tee-ball in the backyard – gotta count your wins where you get them.

Now that Christmas is a wrap (not ready for the season to be over), my mind is slowly easing toward preparing for this baby.  I need to get all the newborn stuff down from the attic, start the sanitizing/clothes washing/postpartum prepping.  I know it’s going to be here fast.  But I am amazed as I become more uncomfortable, I will feel more and more ready.  It’s a privilege to grow this little baby, but it’s also wonderful to have full ownership of your body again.  Trying to enjoy and appreciate both!

We don’t have any big plans this weekend.  We’ll be testing Hudson for covid over the weekend which will determine the next few days, so laying low until then.  I hope everyone is staying warm and healthy!  Thanks so much for reading!  XO –

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home organization

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January means different things for different people, but getting organized in some shape or form is usually on the list for most of us.  It may just mean organizing your holiday decorations before storing them (I bought this and 10 of these and LOVE them), or it may mean a full pantry/fridge cleanout.

I do have a fridge and pantry organization post here, but I can’t 100% attest that having a pantry or closet that this beautifully organized can not only be a happy hack (more about those here and here) but also prevent you from overbuying because you can actually see what you have.

Our kitchen is currently in a pretty decent place however my closet… is not.  It’s mostly because I have incorporated maternity stuff that I don’t really have room for, which has resulted in stacks of clothes on the floor.  And it does not bring me peace.  Not one bit.

I think drawer dividers like this and this are GAME CHANGERS.  I don’t ever wanna live without them.  I also bought a few kits like this when we first moved into our house and I love them so much.  Highly recommend.

Are you organizing anything in your house and if so, what?  After cleaning out my closet, organizing for baby #2 is next up.  I am both ready and not ready.

Thank you so much for reading and sharing!  XO –

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vision board example

all images via Pinterest

In late December 2019 I made a vision board for the first time for 2020.  I’ll be honest… it felt a little cheesy.  Almost like I was a jr. high girl clipping from YM magazine (who else remembers YM?).

I found images from google searching or pinterest-ing words, quotes and inspirational photos online and put them in a Photoshop collage.  You could also use Canva or even old school clip them from magazines and glue/tape to a sheet of paper or poster board.

I set it as the backdrop of my desktop computer as well as printing it and taping it to the back of my closet door where only I would see it.  And I’ll be damned if at the end of 2020 I didn’t look at that board and realize nearly all of it had actually come true.

So I did one for 2021, and about 80% of it came true.  And now I’m almost done with my board for 2022!  I found some example vision boards from Pinterest to share with you guys because mine are intimate to me and I don’t really show them to anyone (other than Christian, and I maybe only showed them to him this year – ha!).  But I create them each year with intention and the hope to “manifest” some of my goals.

If you’re a visual person – this might be more helpful than a traditional resolution list.  Or it might be something that’s worth trying to see if it’s more effective than a list.  I do think having it somewhere that you’ll see it periodically is helpful though.  Don’t just make it and allow it to disappear.  The visual reminder is a part of the process!

vision board exampleshow to make a vision board

The beauty is that this is entirely yours.  So you can create it however you wish – only images, words, quotes, whatever.  I usually try to hit a few categories – professional goals, family goals, relationship goals, personal goals, spiritual goals and sprinkle in a little long-term hope for the future.

When thinking of what you might want on your board, imagine your life if certain goals were already your reality.  Envision yourself living in the picture you chose and think about how you feel.  THAT is what goes on your board.

Comment with any questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer!  I’ve only done this for 2020 – 2022, so I’m a newbie, but it’s something that has taken place of a resolution list for me.  Once the year is closing, it’s pretty special to review your board and say… “wow, of what came true – that’s kind of amazing.”  And maybe what didn’t come true goes on your next year’s vision board too.

Thanks so much for reading!  Can’t wait to hear what you guys come up with – XO –

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