Taking monthly photos of your child in their first year is no joke. By the time month 7-8 rolls around you are seriously questioning your sanity and why you decided it was a good idea to do monthly photos. I will tell you though to just stick it out because having photos to see and remember all of the changes they made in the first year is something so special to have. With Adelyn, I took her photo next to a stuffed animal each month and by the twelfth month, I was lucky if the stuffed animal was even in the photo. With Emery, I saw other mamas doing the monthly photos with flowers. I thought this was the greatest idea ever! Everything went smoothly until about month 8 when she started grabbing for the flowers and I had to remake the number about 10 times until I finally got a photo. It was hard work, but again totally worth it in the end.

I thought I would share some tips on how I got these monthly photos because I have had a few mamas ask how I did them and what I used.

First, I bought this white paper off of Amazon. It seriously was so easy to roll out, put together the flower number, and lay her next to the number for the photo. I then would clear off the flowers and roll it back up for the next month. After a few months use, I would cut down the paper to fresh new paper. I would highly recommend this paper for a clean and crisp background in your monthly photos.

Next, you want to decide what you would like to do for your child’s monthly photos to show their changes and growth. I went with flowers and would buy the flowers a few days before photos so I could enjoy them and then right before they started looking not so nice, I would trim them up and use them for the monthly photo. Sometimes I was even able to find nice flowers in the clearance part of the floral shop, so Emery’s photos did not end up costing a fortune and I was able to enjoy flowers in the house each month! Some other ideas are:

Baby Monthly Swaddle Blankets

Monthly Stickers

Monthly Toy Blocks 

LetterFolk Letter Board 

When it came time to taking the photo, I would make sure it was right after nap time, so that she didn’t fight having to take a photo. During nap time, I would make sure the flower number was ready and would lay out a few toys that made sound or light up. Before laying her next to the flower, I made sure that my camera was ready and that I had a toy in hand. This way I would quickly lay her down, put the toy above her head to get her attention and snap the photo quick. Usually she wouldn’t even notice the flowers next to her but the last few months were a little more difficult so I distracted her more by giving her a snack before laying her down.

These are just a few of my tips getting those tricky monthly photos. Did you do monthly photos or if you are expecting, do you plan on doing them? Share below how you decided to document your child’s monthly growth!

1// Becca Ombre Rouge Eye Palette:  I am always on the hunt for nice eyeshadows that are easy to apply and last all day. I have been using this palette for a few weeks and absolutely love it. I took it on my trip and during the day would just wear the first 3 colors and then at night when I wanted a more smokey look, so I would apply the last two shades. I love that this allows you to have a more natural “ombre” look or even a darker, smoky eye.

2// Nest Fragrance in Indigo:  – Moroccan tea, Kashmir wood, and black cardamom are enhanced with hints of wild fig and bergamot. This is hands down the best perfume I have ever used. I am not much for using perfume, but goodness this smells amazing and now I use it everyday. I also got the rollerball size for the last trip I just went on.

3// The Healthy Deodorant: Speaking of smelling good, I have also just found the best deodorant. I don’t know how many sticks of deodorant I have gone through trying to find one that lasts and has a nice scent. I have found it and I love it because I feel like I don’t sweat as much when I work out and it lasts all day. I own it in the scent of lavender.

4//Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation: I have been using this foundation for a year and love it so much. It contains SPF and has the nicest coverage, not too thick and not too thin. It is a foundation that you can put on with your hands for a quick coverage or with a brush for a nicer finish. I can’t say enough good things about this foundation. I am currently the shade warm sand in 2.5.

5// Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyebrow Pencil: If you have eyebrows, you need this, period. I use this every single day and does such an amazing job at filling in your brows. You will not be sorry with this purchase. I use the shade soft brown.

6// Anastasia Brow Gel: If you are going to use the brow pencil, you are going to want to use this gel to make sure your brows stay in place. We all know how eyebrows have a “mind of their own”. I know if I don’t use this, my brows end up looking all sorts of cray-cray by the end of the day.

7//Shaping Powder: If you are in the market for a great highlighting powder for the eyes or cheeks, I absolutely love this one.

8// Bobbi Brown Smoky Eye Mascara: I recently got eyelash extensions, see below, but before eyelash extensions, I was using this mascara and thought it did a great job at making my lashes thick and long.

9// Amuse Bouche Lipstick by Bite Beauty: Anything by Bite Beauty is a favorite for my lips but with summer just around the corner, I am loving the shades Peachy Nude and Marshmallow Pink.

10// Mac Pro Longwear Concealer: This has always been a great under eye concealer for me. I’ve basically been using it since I became a mom, so if that doesn’t sell you on it…

These are just a few of my past/current beauty favorites. I know I mentioned above that I recently got eyelash extensions from A Good Wax, and wanted to share the before and after photo. Crazy right?!?! I have to say I loved these so much on our trip to the Caribbean. I felt like I didn’t have to wear much makeup, especially spending most days on the beach. It felt great not having to mess with waterproof mascara and waking up each day feeling like I already had “my face” on.

What are some of your current beauty favorites? I always love hearing what others are using so I can go check them out too!

Being a mother is an absolute dream come true. I remember as a young girl when others would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always reply, “A mom”. You could always find me playing “house” and being the mom growing up and when it came time to pick an actual career I choose a teacher because I knew I wanted to opportunity to care for and influence children (it was always the mama in me). Today, Mother’s Day, the moment of holding Adelyn (my first baby) for the first time continues to flash through my mind. The unbelievable moment of holding and seeing your child for the first time is absolutely nothing words can describe- it truly leaves you speechless. The first few weeks of being a mom (definitely had it’s rough moments) but I just remember feeling a new joy I had never felt before. I knew I had just accepted my dream job.

Words for my girls:

Adelyn, you are the kindest person I know. You are continually caring and looking out for all around you. If someone is hurt, you help them, if Emery is crying you hug her, if a student in music class doesn’t have a mat, you make sure to go seek one out for them. I love watching your sweet, nurturing personality develop and I pray that you always show others kindness when others don’t. Be brave & courageous, dream big, be gentle & confident, and always chase your dreams. I love you to the moon and back my Addie girl.

Emery Jane, you are simply the most tender, sweet, with a side of sass, lovely little baby. Although you may be only one, I can see exactly the beautiful little person you are becoming. You love to make others laugh and are always putting on some kind of silly show. Emery you radiate everything good and positive which came at a time our family needed most. I know you are going to do big things in life and I always want you to be ambitious, kind, always seek happiness, and know that you are so loved.

Details:

Adelyn’s Skirt & Emery’s Dress

My Skirt

Adelyn’s Top (dress)

My top/dress (sold out similar here) 

Emery’s Shoes

Floral Crowns

Girl’s Bracelets

Raising little girls is something so special. I always pray that they grow up always feeling loved, confident, cherished, and adored. These sweet, sweet sisters mean the world to me and I will forever love being their mama.

Photos by Liz Osban Photography

With spring here, the girls and I have found some new favorite books that we want to share with you. Some have a spring theme, while some are just books that Adelyn requests to read almost everyday. I LOVE children’s books (it’s the teacher in me) more than anything and finding ones that are engaging, with beautiful illustrations, and have a good storyline or lesson that I can share with Adelyn, are books I am always seeking. I hope you enjoy our current list and if you follow me on Instagram, I am giving away any book from our list just because I am so thankful for all of you that continue to read and support my blog!

And Then It’s Spring Again

Old MacDonald Had a Truck

Bloom With Mi

Spring: A Pop-Up Book

My Garden

The SheepOver

The Curious Garden

I Wish You More

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Adelyn wants to read this one almost everyday. It is a tear-jerker for sure, but such a beautiful message with illustrations that I just want to frame.

What are some of your current favorite children’s books?

Getting out of the house with children. Sounds like a chore, right?? While, I know it actually is almost a circus act to try to get out of the house with kids, today I want to share why I think it is important to do things outside of the house with your kids. I will also be sharing a fun list of ideas of things to actually do when you leave the house, other than a trip to Target. Except, a trip to Target totally counts as getting out of the house, and if you do it with kids you get bonus points.

If you have been following along with the Mama on the Go series, you know that each month I feature a “mama friendly” clothing line, a diaper bag company, and the Solly Baby Wrap. This month I am featuring the company Piper and Scoot and the Marindale backpack by Little Unicorn.

Being a “mama on the go”, means comfort especially when you have multiple children because you know you will be chasing, lifting, and carrying constantly. If the weather permits, I like to wear a comfortable and easy dress. I recently discovered Piper and Scoot, and they have made all of my “mama friendly” clothing dreams come true. Most of their clothing is nursing accessible, (including the dress I am wearing) completely in style, and all very reasonably priced. When looking for clothing, I do look for reasonably priced, but I am also willing to pay a little more for quality which Piper and Scoot offers. Piper and Scoot also carry shoes and I have been eyeing a couple pairs, because it is currently their anniversary sale, meaning the whole site is 20% off!!

My on-the-go-bag needs to hold a few important functions: durable, lots of pockets, comfortable to wear, and of course the most desired by mothers– that it doesn’t look like a diaper bag (but is a diaper bag). This all perfectly sums up the gorgeous Marindale backpack by Little Unicorn. I love how sturdy it is while I wear it, and with just the flip of the magnetic flap, you open to a wide open diaper bag that can hold a lot, organized with 7 pockets that even includes a protective iPad pocket. I love that it also has a nice changing pad and stroller straps for times that I don’t wear it but hook it to my jogger. The Marindale backpack holds all the functionality I need, but also the look of it is fantastic. The buttery look of the vegan leather in combination with the blue/grey canvas is so good. I also think it gives me a cool, young look, like “hey, I’m not going to school , I’m a mom, but a cool mom”.

Last, I am wearing one of the new spring colors from Solly Baby wrap, succulent, with my youngest daughter, Emery, who just turned one! When we are going somewhere and I know I will use the wrap, I will make sure to “pre” wrap it so that I’ll have to do when we get the place we are going, is stick her in the wrap. It saves time and I don’t drag the ends on the ground while wrapping it around me. Wrapping took practice and committing to do it a few times a week so that she felt comfortable with wrapping, but it was completely worth it, especially being able to wrap her for a couple hours on the go without her wanting to get out.

I know it takes a lot of work to get out of the house, but it is so worth it in many ways. You are giving your child the ability to experience and see the world around them, and you are also giving yourself a change of scenery. I know for myself, I am fine staying home for a couple days in a row, but by the third/fourth day of being cooped up in the house, I am ready for some fresh air and to get out. I feel when I get out of the house, I am able to focus more of my time on the girls because I know if I am at home, I am trying to do a load of laundry or pick up the house. Getting out gives you the ability to not have to focus on the house chores, but just to do something fun with your kids! Right now, we do library story time on Tuesdays, music class on Thursdays, and dance on Saturdays. Those days, are our days to get out and do something and I feel like it nicely breaks up our week to getting out but also having a few days at home.

Here are some ideas of things to do. Some are just simple, but as moms we all know that if we got out of the house, that was an accomplishment in itself.

Dance Classes (We do the mommy/me classes)

Music Together Classes

Gymnastic/Tumble Classes

Library/Story Time

Picnic in the Park

Going for a Walk in the Park

Beach

Nature Walk

Going through the Car Wash

Going to the Store (seriously my kids love Target – so win!)

Fly a Kite in the Park

Children’s Museum

Local Petting Farm

Apple Orchards

Going out for Ice Cream

Aquarium

Playground at the Park

These are just a few ideas. If you have any to add, please comment below! These photos were also taken at our local outdoor Children’s Village. Just researching online to see what your city has for children, will actually probably amaze you at what your city offers.

Mamas, you’ve got this! It may take over two hours to finally get out of the house, but the feeling of actually getting out and doing something feels good! I hope you might consider the companies I mentioned above to help with your adventures out and about! If interested I am giving away a prize package of something from every shop on my Instagram!

 

 

I can’t believe that my baby bunny is O N E! We had such a nice time celebrating her this past weekend with just a few close friends and family. It was so fun to do a rustic/woodland bunny theme right after Easter because I was able to find so many things for her party in the month of March and on clearance after Easter! So many loving hands went into making this party such a dream including my Mom, who made the gorgeous sign behind her high chair, and my friend Mel, who made Emery’s beautiful (and tasty) cakes. I was too busy enjoying myself (for once) at her party that I didn’t snap many photos but here are a few that I did.

I learned from my daughter Adelyn’s first birthday, not to spread myself so thin on this first birthday. I was so glad that I scaled down with the invitee list, only did a few fun decorations, and did a simple spread of food. It was the first party, I was able to visit with everyone, not stress about all the details, and just enjoy myself. So if you are finding yourself in the mist of planning a party currently, maybe reading this will help you to look at what you feel is really important to have at the party, and to ultimately know throwing a party is to celebrate your loved one. Just make sure that there is plenty of cake. Because let’s be honest, cake is the best part at a party. (As shown above)

A few of the details:

“One” Cake Topper & Confetti

Liberty of London Paper Goods

Cake Stand

Tutu Dress

Floral Headband

My baby girl has turned one. Silly, sassy, and so so sweet. I want to remember every moment with this little bundle of joy and I am so thankful for all the photos and videos I have taken this year. Emery started walking at 11 months, loves to eat (especially cheese – girl after my own heart), and play with her older sister. She loves to dance and listen to music, she waves, claps, and says “Uh-Oh” all day long. (Which always means an “Uh-Oh” has just occured….) Her facial experiences are something I just want to bottle up forever, my favorite is her scrunchy face with a huge gummy smile. Baby girl, you are just the “bees knees”. Life just seems like you’ve always been here, we just can’t imagine it without you.

Here is her birthday video by the very talented Liz Osban. I love the option of doing these videos instead of photos as I will always have these recorded moments as the perfect keepsake. Emery’s “coming home” newborn video is also at the end if you missed that blog post. So grab a kleenex (if you are anything like me), and enjoy!

Song by Birdy “White Winter Hymal”

Music: “Communion Cups and Someone’s Coat” by Iron & Wine

Videos: Liz Osban Photography

First off, before you read this, please no that I am by means absolutely no expert and really have no idea what I am doing when it comes to working out or eating right. So before you go on reading this, just know that I am sharing my heart on fitness after having my second baby and what works for me now.

top // shoes // double stroller // leggings // sweatshirt

Becoming fit. That is what I am currently striving for. Not losing weight, but becoming fit this time around. And to actually take care of my health and body because I love the body that God has given me. Ever since I was in high school I feel I have been on some weird, fad diet, or trying the latest and greatest workout dvd. I am so done with all of that, and hope that I can always keep this mentality.

After I was done nursing Adelyn, I just remember starting the Whole 30 diet which I loved when I was on it, but when I finished I didn’t really know how to eat. I love bread, and so this diet wasn’t a lifestyle for me. It has always been a love/hate relationship with food and all of this yo-yo dieting, but after having Emery, I feel like my thinking has all changed about working out and dieting. No more diets, and no more crazy workout plans.

So with the start of the new year, I made a goal, to not make a weight, food, or fitness goal but to start by truly wanting to eat and workout because I want to take care of this body that God gave me. So I eat what my family eats (rather than making something else for myself), and I workout (when I have the time) to get fit and take care of my body rather than focusing on the scale number.

 I want to share some working out ideas that I have found effective and that I love to do! Especially being a mom, it has be effective and fun because it’s usually done with a child climbing on our back or one yelling that they are hungry etc. I wish I could get up before my kids to workout, but it rarely happens, so I have to find things that I can do with them, or sneak in a quick one at nap time.

Stroller workouts: I love to take our jogging stroller to the park and run around the lake on nice days.  After jogging around the lake once or twice, I will do a few reps of some “stroller workouts”. Yes, I feel like an idiot doing them, but they work and I get in a nice workout even with my kids being present. I usually do a couple rounds of 15 reps of calf raises, reverse leg lifts, stroller squats, and not pictured is lunges. (P.S. I love how Adelyn is peaking out on my squat photo.)

BBG: I recently downloaded the “Sweat with Kayla” app and have done a few of the workouts from the BBG. I do like them for a quick and easy workout but they do get repetitive. I get bored easily so this is something I just like to do a few times a week, but I have heard that if you fully commit to it, it can produce amazing results. I do like the ability to take the workouts with me on trips as the guide is on your phone.

DVDs: Ok so my tried and true way to workout is by DVD’s. My workout DVD selection is insane, and so I am only going to list the ones that I love to do and feel like they are effective.

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred – I have used this one for years and it’s cheap, like $7.

Turbo Jam – For when I get bored of any workout DVDs, I will whip this baby it. It’s totally cheesy, but fun and upbeat.

T25 – I actually did this right before I got pregnant with Emery, and I loved it. It’s quick and it works.

Xtend-Barre – If you like Barre workouts, this one is good. Its great to work on toning and flexibility.

Jillian Michaels Yoga – I do really like the Jillian Michaels DVDs, and by the reviews on Amazon, so do others. This is a great yoga DVD.

Turbo Fire – And I really like Chalean Johnson. These DVDs are intense but will give you a workout that you will feel for the next few days.

One other thing that I have found to be helpful in working out, is nice workout clothes. A great pair of leggings that stay put while working out, and help my backside look toned is what I have always been searching for. I recently started wearing Albion Fit and love, love, love their leggings. All of their workout clothing are so well-made and perfect to workout in. I’ve been loving these leggings, this sweatshirt, and this sports bra. If interested, I am giving away TWO $25 gift cards on my Instagram, so make sure to go enter so you can try Albion Fit for yourself!

Top // water bottle: similar here

I hope you can find some of this helpful! I always like to read what others are doing, so maybe you might find one area of insight. More than anything from this blog post, I hope you workout and eat right because of your desire to be healthy, take care of your body, and to feel good. I think once I changed my mentality on how I wanted to get fit, it actually started working. It is all about how you think and talk to yourself that becomes the most effective tool. YOU are perfect, strong, and brave. Don’t just tell yourself that, but truly, truly believe it.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corintians 6:19

With my sweet, sweet Emery’s first birthday next week, I thought it would be fun to finally reveal her nursery. It has taken honestly almost a year to finally complete, just in time to start thinking about a big girl room. (kidding) Over this last year, it was nice to just take my time and find exactly what I was looking for rather than just rushing to have it completed. What I love most of all, is all the hands that went into making this room beautiful. By shopping small, it created the opportunity to have handmade pieces in her nursery that were all skillfully, carefully, and lovingly made.

When I began designing her room, I started by making the letters above her crib. I took the colors from the flowers, and tried to coordinate pieces into her room. I made her floral name with the hope that the letters can continue to be used in every “stage” of her room from toddler to teen.

My dream was to create a room that was whimsical, feminine, and fun. Here is just a small peak into her nursery. Everything you see will be linked below – Enjoy!

“Hello Darling” Sign

Custom Loom

Leather Tote

The “Ellie” Quilt

“Emery Jane” Clay Dwelling

White Round Rug

Wall Weave

Tubby Todd Baby Products

Floral Bibs

White Grand Dockatot

Floral Painting

Floral Blanket with Fringe

Bear & Bunny Doll

Bambi Deer Doll

Crib no longer available – similar here

Fawn Clock

Sunburst Mirror

TeePee

Faux Leather Pouf

Crib Sheet

‘E’ Throw Pillow

Heart Clock

Cat Hamper

Sheep Throw Pillow

Peg Expanding Rack

I am also giving away an entire prize package from 14 shops that I used in her nursery over on my Instagram. Make sure to head over there this week to enter!

In just a couple weeks, I will be throwing my second baby her 1st birthday party. As much as I want to be sad about it, I am just so excited to celebrate her and this special day! I am rounding up just a few of my party favorites that I will be using at her party. I will be revealing the theme of her party next week on the blog! I have been able to purchase all of my party supplies for her birthday from Shop Sweet Lulu and Alexis Mattox Design. Below are just a few of my favorites from their shop!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

I love these Alexis Mattox Design cake toppers and they have so many to choose from. You can even get a custom one made to say whatever you would like. I am giving away a cake topper of choice on my Instagram today too, so make sure to head on over there!

Also, I just discovered the melamine tableware from Shop Sweet Lulu. Aren’t these forks and cake servers the cutest?!? I also decided to use the Liberty of London paper goods for Emery’s party. I feel like the two Liberty of London floral designs choices they have could really go with about any party you are having. Even a little tea party would be so fun to use these at. They are all so pretty!

Do you have any special occasions coming up? Make sure to check out these two fabulous companies to shop all things party!