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Sep 30

Being A Soccer Mom and Other Random Thoughts…

Sooooooooo there is no baby yet. My due date is less than a week away now and we’re all anxiously awaiting his arrival. I don’t have high hopes for an early appearance though- neither does the 18yrs old dude at the deli counter at BJs. He was quite an expert in all things baby! Letting me know I was still rather high and that I should makes sure I microwave my applegate turkey before I eat it. Thanks guy. How are you guys this week? Doing good? My pregnancy brain is in full effect with locking keys in the car at Target and over booking our morning this morning with like 4 things all happening at the same time. Thank goodness for Kev to the rescue on all accounts. Super Daddy for sure. Although I am pretty sure he quite enjoyed getting to bring Finley to gymnastics this morning and jumping into the foam pit with her.

We dove head first into the whole soccer thing this fall. It’s been super cute to watch and ooooh so hard to keep my mouth shut on the sidelines, which was a funny surprise to me. I just want her to get out there, knock ’em all down and get the ball. BE AGGRESSIVE. B-E Aggressive. B-E A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E AGGRESSIVE! Hahahaha. Who am I? It’s a competitive side I didn’t really know was in me. And not to play the Mom card here, but I think she’s pretty good. Did I write this already? I am having deja vu. If I did than I am blaming it on being 1 part proud Mom and 1 part pregnancy brain. That’s a thing right? Im totally using it as an excuse.

Anyone else’s littlest one regress a bunch right before a new baby came? Oh Finley. I love ya kid but the baby voice has got to go. She’s pretty much refusing to use words except this high pitched baby noise. She makes these baby noises and points at things she wants instead of talking. It’s not all day and when she is playing with Rowan she talks like normal but “baby Finley” comes out a few times a day in certain situations. I’m sure it’s normal and we’ve been trying to give her lots of extra love and attention to make sure she feels all the love but?? It’s super annoying when I know she can say full sentences and I’ve been trying to figure out what she wants for like 5 mins. Don’t judge me. hahahaha. She is lucky she’s so darn cute though. I just want to eat her up! This almost 3 age is pretty hilarious.

So I wrote this on instagram the other day but I am just going to full on copy and paste it here as well… “Schools been a tough adjustment for us. Anyone else? And not even really for Rowan. She is doing wonderful. She loves it (other than the early mornings). But it’s been harder for me than anything. Of course I miss her like crazy when she’s gone but its more this crazy strict schedule we all the sudden are on. Where everything in the day is dependent on the thing before it happening at the right time (wake up, drop off, bus , lunch, nap, dinner, bedtime, etc…). We’ve always been sooooo easy going. Never strict about nap time or bedtimes. Eating dinner at 8pm etc… So this new “responsible” parent thing has me a little stressed out trying to make sure everyone is well rested and happy and ready for school. I know it’s a good change. But it sure is hard getting into a steady routine as you sit and wait for a big ol’ life change about to happen. It definitely has been so awesome seeing her learn and become so big though. Why is it that as soon as they start school they seem years and years older all the sudden?”

Anyone else feel like this? Does the routine become easier?

Anyone watch the newest Brooklyn 99? I think that show is hilarious.

I’ve been craving making something lately. Some sort of craft project but I am not sure what it is that I want to make. I shhhhoooould probably finish the 2 skirts for the girls I started months ago or the handful of weavings left on the looms in my basement but why finish something when you can start something new! Now there’s a motto to live your life by (just kidding).

There is the sweetest (not like candy sweet but like totally awesome) picture of a bat that Rowan drew on the desk next to me right now. I kind of want to make a t-shirt out of it for the girls for halloween. Here is the picture.

Day dreaming lately of travel for next year. Which may be much harder with a 3rd but in my head I want to make it work. It’s also our 10th wedding anniversary and we have some big plans! Feeling motivated to train for a marathon again after this baby arrives and hoping to pick a marathon to run that’s also a fun place to go visit. Maybe… Vancouver in May?!?! It would be so awesome to go visit my sister out in BC.

Oh yeah! Rowan learned to ride a bike with no training wheels the other night. It was so out of the blue and she just hopped on and started riding just like that. So awesome! Listen to her cute voice at the end of this video!

Ok over and out for now. I am off to watch the new Project Runway from last week.
Peace.

Sep 17

My Maternity Must Haves!

Sep 17 | Maternity Style

Guys! I only have 2.5 weeks left. Holy cow. Well, I am sure it’ll be more like 3.5 weeks left but I am trying not to think about it like that (stupid always being late baby arrival). I thought since I was nearing the end of this pregnancy, I would share my must haves that’ve gotten me through the past nine months. These are staple items that can help you build a fun and successful maternity wardrobe. You don’t need a ton of maternity specific items but a few make life easier (and more comfortable) if you do invest in them.

1. Vim & Vigr Compression Socks: Totally helps with swelling and they look cute too! I would wear these almost every night before bed to help circulation after busy days on my feet chasing the girls around.

2. Maternity Tights: Especially now that fall is coming around, every pregnant lady should have a good pair of black maternity tights. Don’t try to fit into a non maternity pair- ugh! They will not be comfortable. I love that these sit up high over my belly. Thick and soft!

3. Honest Belly Balm: My skin gets so itchy when I am pregnant. Does yours? Love this belly balm from Honest.

4. Belly Bandit Post Pregnancy Wrap: Now this is something I actually haven’t tried but I did just buy it for after the baby is born. I never tried anything like this after Finley or Rowan’s birth but thought I would give it a go this time around. I’ve heard good things. We’ll see!

5. Belly Bandit Support Band: Now this! This is a life saver! Whenever I would be active (walk, hike, etc…) ooooh that round ligament pain would set in. This support band would allow me to continue exercising without much pain at all. Totally helps distribute the weight of your belly. I would wear it under my tank top so you wouldn’t even know I had it on. I’ve used this thing so many times!!

6 + 7. Speaking of working out! This active wear from Old Navy was hands down my favorite. There are some really expensive maternity active wear items out there but ultimately wasn’t something I decided worth the hefty price tag. These maternity pants and tank from ON were perfect though. Not bad on the wallet and perfect for what I needed. I wore the same size (medium) the entire pregnancy. So it’s worth the purchase.

8. SHAPE WEAR!! Ladies. Get yourself some pregnancy shape wear. You won’t regret it. I wore mine all summer long under tank dresses, skirts and tighter fitting maxi dresses. Just helps round out your already beautiful pregnancy curves. I’m telling you, you’ll love them!

9. Tank Dress! Get yourself some kind of neutral tank dress whether thats grey, black or striped. I promise you’ll wear it all summer, fall and winter. So comfortable and so easy to layer as seasons change. Make use of the non maternity clothes in your closet by throwing on a denim vest in the summer, an open flannel in the fall and a chunky and warm cardigan in the winter. Here are some other styles I love (HERE, HERE and HERE)

10. WORLD’S GREATEST LEGGINGS!! I’ve tried a few of the more expensive maternity leggings this time around and I have to say without a doubt that the Blanqi Maternity leggings are by far the BEST. Like seriously! THE BEST. Don’t even mess around trying out different brands. Spend the money- you won’t regret it! While you are at it… love their support tank as well!

11. So these are not maternity but I just love a good bralette. These ones from Aerie are by far my favorite. So comfortable and easy to wear. Looking for a little extra support while you sleep? These fit the bill perfectly!

12. JEANS! One of my top pieces of advice for pregnant ladies is to invest in good maternity jeans. You don’t need a ton. 1 or 2 pairs will do but seriously it will make all the difference. I am a big fan of the over the belly panel, extra skinny leg, with a lot of stretch kind of jean. These Joe Jean’s have been my go to’s. I wear them almost everyday. They are on sale right now and there is a sale on sale!! Buy one, get one 50% off. That is a pretty good deal on designer jeans if you ask me. Love this pair as well!

13. This Target white V-Neck has been my most favorite. So perfect to wear on it’s own or layered under something else. I like the fit and material of it. Its a rayon/spandex jersey knit so it’s thin and stretchy. Sometimes the cotton maternity tees seem so thick to me. I really like this one.

14. The perfect Maternity top. I would tell everyone to go get at least 1 or 2 nice maternity tops that aren’t just a cotton tee or tank. Something that makes you feel special and not frumpy or huge. I just got this lace one on sale and every time I wear it I get so many compliments.

15. The Maternity Midi skirt: I really didn’t find a whole lot I loved from asos maternity this time around. I really kind of hated the fabrics of everything but I did LOVE this skirt. It worked so perfect paired with all the cute crop tops that were out there this summer. The skirt goes up over the belly and then the crop tops would be the perfect match.

Sep 16

Little Artist Party | Happy 5th Birthday Rowan!!!

Sep 16 | Family Adventures + Travel

Rowan turned 5 on Saturday! What a big girl she is! For the past year, almost daily, she’s talked about what theme she’s wanted to have for her birthday. Her ideas changed every few days depending on what we did that day or what movie she just watched. She’s had a lot of ideas over the past 365 days! A few weeks ago we really started to think about her party and narrow down what she wanted to do. She’s been soooo into art lately so we sat at the computer one day and looked up artist themed birthdays on pinterest (get ready for all the rainbow colors if you do that). Anyway, she was hooked! she loved the idea of everyone having their own canvas and easel and getting to paint a picture they could take home. All in all it was a super easy and fun party to plan for (hello amazon prime!)- I didn’t go over the top or spend tons and tons of money. It was fun to let her be a part of the decorating and have a hand in her own party. We had a lot of fun! There are A LOT of ideas out there in pinterestland for artist themed bday parties. I wasn’t for all the primary/rainbow colored party ideas but I did find this post as my inspiration and then made the party fit us and our own ideas. I really, really love decorating for the girls birthday parties. It brings me a lot of joy!

Rowan made all the placemats for the table with watercolors and lots of splatters! We’ve since cut them all up and used them to make the thank you cards for her friends who came. Dual purpose!! Heck yeah! We ordered canvas boards, easels, paint brushes, aprons, paper cups and palettes from amazon (links below). I already had the craft paint. I just lined it all up for the girls to pick out the colors they wanted for their paintings. I kept the food simple. I made sugar cookies (from a box!) in shapes of 5’s and artist palettes (made with a heart cookie cutter). I made some individual fruit cups with all fresh berries, veggies cups with hummus and then the girls got a palette filled with lots of sprinkles and an undecorated cupcake that they got to go to town on decorating. You know, keeping with the artist theme and all. The girls had a blast and I loved the ease of it all. I made a few watercolor buntings with some painted papers. Just cut the shapes you want and run them all through the sewing machine. Super easy!

What a fun afternoon celebrating our little artist!

Sep 13

The First Day of School | Letting Her Go…

Sep 13 | Family Adventures + Travel

Well, here we are again. Middle of the night. I can’t seem to sleep. I got myself some hot tea and grapes (weird combo??) and I’m ready to type out all the random thoughts. This has been a big week for us! And well for a lot of people I am sure. The first week of school! Of real school! Like a legit kindergartner! Who’d of thought we would ever get here?? I mean I know we would be here but ahhhhh. How did 5 years go by so fast? I was feeling very anxious about it. Not for her sake but for mine. I know I’ve been very lucky to have gotten the last 5 years with her. I didn’t have to go back to work after she was born and we loved home schooling last year so she has been by my side for 5 years. Day in, day out. So the anxiety of letting go of that had started to build. And not to be dramatic but once they leave for school it’s like they are gone for the rest of their life. Hahah (yes, yes, I know that’s super over the top) but seriously! They will basically be in school for the rest of the time they live with you and then they will be gone. Elementary, middle, high school, college, move out. ALL THE SAD FACE EMOJIIS.

BUT

Then you remember how excited they are and how much you love seeing them learn and grow and well, your sadness doesn’t really seem to matter all that much in light of that.

We decided to send her to the most wonderful little classical school near us which we totally fell in love with. The teachers, headmaster, parents and kids feel like a big ol’ family all striving for the same goals and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of that. It really, really helps sending them off on their day when you totally support and trust the school they are going to. This is in no way a dig to public school or any other type of schooling. For us this is just where we fit best for this year. We decided early on that we would never make a decision and say this was it for all of school. Every year we will prayerfully ask where we are supposed to be. Anyway, nearing school I could tell Rowan was getting a little bit nervous. I knew she would love it but she also is very sensitive so after much hype all week (school picnic, kindergarten meet up, parent orientation, convocation) I could hear it in her voice when she talked that the unknown was starting to seem a bit scary. We talked through a bunch of stuff and I assured her she was going to love it and that no, you didn’t need to know all the presidents names to start kindergarten. Where she got that idea? School does start a bit earlier than we are used to in our house so that is almost the bigger challenge for everyone. The first morning I woke her up she looked at me and said “I didn’t know I would have to get up THIS early”. Poor girl. Me either sister, me either. Ugh. We are not morning people.

The first day went off with out a hitch. I went to pick her up on the first day but she was insistent on taking the bus home with her friends (ouch). Message received little one. She obviously didn’t have as hard of a time being away as I did. It was so sweet though, seeing her climb onto that little short bus with her buddies and head off for home. I just scooted home to meet her there. Poor girl has a bit of a ride though, she is the last one off but she doesn’t seem to mind. The bus driver calls her “Ms. Chatty”. I better watch what I say in front of Rowan now, she is airing all our secrets to the bus driver. Hahaha. I was really praying for a sweet older lady to be the bus driver. Don’t ask me why. That’s just what I wanted. Prayer answered! The bus driver is amazing- makes me feel a little more comfortable with her being on the bus so long.

Change is good. It can be tough but always helps us grow and our character to strengthen. So excited for this new year for her. You really can’t experience much more joy as a parent then watching your children learn new things and develop into these wonderful little beings. It’s pretty awesome. I just need to figure out how to be a responsible parent of a school aged child. haha. All the folders and papers and school things to keep track of. Oh man. I need some help 😉 Like seriously- how do you keep track of everything?

Wishing all your Mama’s with kids in school a very happy 2015-2016 school year!!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

p.s. she may have to wear a uniform (which I am convinced makes her look 1000x cuter. Not sure how that is possible?) but we found the best back to school items at T.J.Maxx for her. She was dead set on finding a purple backpack to match her uniform and because I wanted to stay clear of the ol’ character themed Elsa bag, I happily dug around the store to find the perfect one. They had a great selection of backpacks to chose from. I don’t know why but I just love the plain ol’ classic Jansport backpack. It’s so nostaglic. We also were able to find her the cutest shoes for fall and winter. She is feeling pretty grown up with a pair of her very own tall “leather” boots. So cute!

Sep 08

New Nursery Tour!!!! (It’s a…)

Sep 08 | Home Tours

Guys!! I’ve been keeping a secret from you for like 4 months!!!…

WE’RE HAVING A BABY BOY!!!

YAY!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!?! Kev and I both were positive it was another girl, so we were totally shocked when the tech showed us right there on the screen it was for sure not a girl. Hahaha. Kev let out a big ol’ holler. He’s very excited. We both are! I am so excited to finally share the news with you. I wanted to save it to reveal with a nursery tour of the baby’s new room. It just took me forever to finish it all up. I’ve never done a themed type nursery before and I wasn’t really planning on it for his room either but it just sort of happened. Space themed it was. I tried not to get too spacey or baby like. I like nurseries that have a bit more of an older kid feel. I tried keeping it pretty monochromatic with grey, black, white and blue but once all the toys and books got in there it ended up with other pops of color. I am pretty in love with how it came out. Like I mentioned in my post the other night, it’s the cleanest, most put together room in the house at the moment and I love just sitting in there on the carpet and thinking about him and all the things to come.

I saw the constellation painting idea on A Beautiful Mess when they redid one of their bathrooms and totally fell in love with the idea. I think that’s what started off the whole space themed idea. I printed out pictures of constellations and just free handed them on the wall with a ruler. Most of them are actual constellations but not in any particular order. I just filled the wall so that it would be aesthetically pleasing. I cut a star shape out of linoleum to make a stamp for the wall. I used some craft paint to stamp on the wall. My Dad is an astrophotographer (and a famous one at that!) and I really wanted to incorporate some of his pictures of space in the gallery wall. Makes it so special for us (more on all that in another post)! When it came to a dresser, I had a really hard time finding one. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money, so I actually just used one of our expedits that we weren’t really using and turned it into a dresser of sorts. I added baskets on bottom shelves and got the coolest change pad for the top. I’ve always hated those mattress ones with the cover. It just makes extra laundry- love that I can wipe this down quick and easy (thanks Amy for helping me find this!).

I tried to just reuse a lot of stuff from Finley’s or Rowan’s nurseries. I loved Finley’s mobile but really didn’t like the peach colored shape for baby boy. I ended up just pulling it off, spray painting it blue, and then popping it back on. Perfect for the room now! I also spray painted the lamp base the same shade of blue. I really had a lot of fun decorating for a boy for the first time. Everything has been girl, girl, girl for so long. Which of course I’ve loved but I’m really happy with how his nursery came out! Now he just needs to get here already so I can dress him in all the cute boys clothes I’ve been buying. Everyone keeps telling me girls are way more fun to dress but guys!! i’ve been having so much fun stocking up on little boy clothes!!

I can’t believe that we’re going to have a sweet baby boy in just a few weeks!!

SOURCE LIST:

Our friends at Land of Nod and Minted were super sweet and thoughtful by helping us decorate the room. Thank you!

Sep 07

A Day in Nolita with Roots!

Sep 07 | My Everyday Style

Anyone from Canada out there? How much do you love Roots? Wasn’t it your childhood staple growing up? I don’t think there is anything (clothing wise) that’s more nostalgic to me. Still to this day anytime I wear Roots sweats or cabin socks, I can’t help but think about being around a bonfire at a cottage in northern Ontario. Anyway, for those who don’t know what I am talking about- Roots is an amazing Canadian clothing brand, steeped in history and love. All of their leather goods are designed and made right in Toronto. They’re well known for their awesome sweats, chunky knits and great flannels but all the other clothing they offer is so beautiful and totally my style. Love the outdoor, yet effortlessly cool feel to it all. When the Roots team invited me down for the day to visit there new flagship store in Nolita (NYC), I was literally jumping with excitement. It’s not everyday the brand you’ve had a 30 year love affair with emails you. They have a few stores in the US (2 in LA, Park City, and Birmingham, Michigan) but this is the very first East Coast store.

If you haven’t been to the NYC before, Nolita is such a great area to walk around and explore. Lots of cool shops and yummy food. Roots Canada totally fits in down there! I had such a fun day shopping and styling some outfit with my favorite Roots items (I wasn’t going to let this giant baby bump stop me!). These outfits are perfect for exploring the city in style. Easy, laid back and cool!

First up… I paired this super comfy cardigan with a Roots tee and knit maternity skirt. I feel like you could dress this up for work with some heels/booties and maybe some jewelry or play it down for a walk around town. Don’t even get me started on how much I love using backpacks for purses! Roots leather products are perfection.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Sandstone Cardigan | Raw T-Shirt | Petite Pack Super Prince

The next look I paired this awesome flannel over a grey maternity dress. I’ve only had this flannel for about 2 weeks and I’ve already worn it far too many times. It’s perfect snapped up or left open over a tee. It has these great side pockets that are perfect for holding my phone. Is it weird that pockets totally make my day? Love the fringe detail on the cross body bag.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Hazelwood Flannel Tunic | Sedona Saddle Tribe

For total comfort you have to try out some of Roots sweatstyle items. Anything that looks cool yet is totally comfy enough to by my pajamas is A+ in my book. Love this terry dress (of course tunic over a giant pregnant belly) paired with jeans, a scarf and super cute clutch. Perfect for running errands and going to brunch on the weekend.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Quary Terry Dress | Caraway Shawl | Zip Around Phone With Wristlet

The last look is my perfect fall outfit. Chambray shirt, jeans, totally awesome jacket and sneakers. Top that with a hat that has a maple leaf on it and I am a happy girl. #canadarules

SHOP THE LOOK:

Shoreline Smock Jacket | Dorset Snap Back Cap

Here are a few more shots from around the store. How amazing is that cape?

Thanks to Roots Nolita for having me down to visit!

Sep 04

4:30am Stream of Consciousness…

Sep 04 | Pregnancy

Well it’s 4:30am and I’m up again for another “restless, I can’t sleep, get this baby out of me” kind of night. What better way to pass the time and take my mind off the fact that I am not sleeping and super uncomfortable then to sit at the computer when all is quiet and totally word dump into a post. I’m sure it’ll be random about all kinds of things going on. You ready? Alright, let’s do this…

1. Pregnancy. Oooooh if I am honest with you I do not like being pregnant. It’s a very real struggle for me. I know I need to keep things in perspective because there are millions of women struggling with loss and infertility and those totally trump silly feelings about actually being pregnant but the feelings are real nonetheless (if you are one of those women, I pray for you, I hear you, you are not unnoticed. If you want, please roll your eyes at this part and skip over. I totally get it). I think it’s the loss of control of your own body that really does me in. It’s very weird to feel like a stranger in your own body for so many months. The little person inside takes over and you’re left with weight gain you don’t want, sleepless nights, exhaustion, discomfort, weird appetite aversions, swollen everything and the handful or other super pleasant (not) side effects. I feel like I handled them all better with my other pregnancies but this time around it’s just been plain difficult. Is it age? Is it the fact that there are small children I am trying to keep up with? I don’t know but this pregnancy has been tough. At the beginning, I was really struggling with the weight gain. I know it’s so trivial but it was so frustrating to be eating so healthy, working out quite a lot and just keep seeing the weight come on. I’ve come to terms with it a bit. Excepting my body just needs the weight I guess. I don’t understand it but I am trusting it as best as I can. I am just not someone who gains like 20 pounds. I am at 37 pounds with 4.5 weeks to go. I am proud of my body and the work it has done, don’t get me wrong. Birthing a baby is quite a superhero feat but still. It can be difficult. Am I alone? Do you love being pregnant? Do you struggle? I have friends that love every glorious minute and I love that about them. There are moments I love but I am just really looking at the finish line.

2. It’s my birthday today! I am 33. Ahhh!!! I have so, so enjoyed being 30 so far. They’ve been my most favorite years so far but I will be honest and say 33 sounds quite legit as an adult. hahaha I still picture myself as a 24 year old. Yesterday especially, I was on the eve of my birthday, had kindergarten orientation, Rowan’s first soccer practice (that I pulled up to in our minivan), and had a midwife appointment for our 3rd baby. Ummm, hello? How did I get here?? Aren’t we still newly married, running around Hawaii without a care in the world? I LOVE everything about this stage of life. I really do, but it was one of those weird surreal moments like “what? this is just blowing my mind today”. Anyway, Happy Birthday to me!

3. Change, Change, Change. Our house feels a bit chaotic lately. I feel like we are lifting up the house, shaking it all around and waiting for it all to settle again. Nothing’s bad but there is a heck of a lot of transitions going on around here. I feel like everyone is feeling them too. Especially sweet, sensitive Rowan. Poor girl. 1. Finley is pretty much potty trained- but we’re still in the “we need to find a potty every 2 seconds when we go somewhere” phase. Bending down almost 36 weeks pregnant in every public restroom from Target to the gas station has been super fun. There is no room for being a germaphobe. Like literally no room… picture a toddler, a huge pregnant women and your above average size 4 year old all in a single stall together. Are you laughing yet? You should be. We are like a circus side show act everytime we walk into a bathroom 2. We’ve moved Finley from her crib and her room into Rowan’s room to share the bunk bed with her. Bedtime has been such a dream since. Sarcasm. 3. KINDERGARTEN!!! is starting on Wednesday (hold me). 4. This baby is coming soooooooon! 5. All September activities are starting up again (dance, gymnastics, Mom’s group, soccer, etc…) how does one keep up with all the schedules, emails, etc… I need a secretary for my life please.

4. Raise the roof (heck yes, I just said raise the roof) for time away with your husband. Kev and I just got back from 5 days away in Florida together. We were hoping to head up to Nova Scotia but decided for something more relaxing and laid back and just headed to my parents house down there on the coast. The girls went and spent some time with both are parents out in Massachusetts. We had such a wonderful time. We had no agenda, no plans, nothing. We read, we ate out a ton, we took naps, we lounged around, we went to the bookstore, we went to the beach, it was glorious! It’s always hard leaving your kids. I totally get it but I can not say how important it is enough to get some time away (every year if you can) with your spouse. It doesn’t have to be fancy or far away- just something. You realize once you’re there how much you missed just connecting with each other away from everything else. Of course there is lots of talk about the kids- it’s natural but then you start joking and talking about everything else you fell in love with over. So grateful for the time away. Boy, I sure love Kev. What a good man he is!

5. So I got this comment the other day on the Target/Stride Rite post along the lines of “how dare you pimp your children out for something you would never buy” sort of thing and it totally made me laugh. I don’t ever feel the need to justify what I do here on the blog. Maybe years ago I did, but not now. However this comment was just so funny to me I feel like I wanted to write a little something about it. Why are some people always so offended by a sponsored post? Out of all the stupid PR emails that hit my inbox, I rarely say yes to any of them. I chose very careful who I work with and who I don’t. Free stuff is very rarely worth my time and energy. I stated very clearly that it was a sponsored post. I wasn’t hiding it. I never in that post wrote that they were my personal favorite shoes or even cute for that matter (although I do think Rowan looks adorable in that post). I wrote very honestly. Were the shoes my taste? maybe not but they’re still very well made shoes and I accepted that sponsored post because I love my daughter. I knew Rowan would die over getting the chance to pick out her own shoes and get her very own post. I don’t force my kids to always wear everything that’s my taste just for blog pictures sake or for some fake image I want to keep up. Yes, they’re little and I still have a say but I love letting Rowan express herself. She has her very own opinions and thoughts on what she thinks looks good and that just happens to be pink and purple sparkly shoes. She put those shoes on and said she thought she could run faster than ever before and has worn them nonstop since. That’s what matters to me. The end (drops mic, walks off stage).

5. I finished the baby’s room! It’s so freakin’ cute. I can’t wait to share with you guys. I just want to make a few little stuffed animal things and then I’ll take some pictures and show you. It’s the cleanest, most put together room in our house right now and some days I just sit on the floor in there and take a few deep breathes away from all the crazy. hahahaha

6. I picked up my birth pool yesterday! Oh boy! Home birth #2 here we come!

7. I just want to say a big ol’ thank you to all you wonderful readers. Some are new and some are like old friends now reading since before Rowan was even born. Thanks for sticking around with me. It really means so much and your support and encouragement never goes unnoticed. I am so very grateful for all of you!

8. I’ve fizzled out. I think all my thoughts have been drained, I am feeling empty on what to say now… Here ends the random middle of the night post.

Outfits Above:
Black dress: Stitch Fix Maternity (similar)
Birks: Nordstorm
White Top: LOFT (on sale!! non maternity!)
Jeans: Stitch Fix Maternity (similar)
Sandals: H&M (similar)

Motherhood

Lifestyle

Fashion

Do It Yourself

The Chronological Archive

Being A Soccer Mom and Other Random Thoughts…

My Maternity Must Haves!

Little Artist Party | Happy 5th Birthday Rowan!!!

The First Day of School | Letting Her Go…

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

New Nursery Tour!!!! (It’s a…)

WE’RE HAVING A BABY BOY!!!

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A Day in Nolita with Roots!

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4:30am Stream of Consciousness…

Hi, I'm Jen!