baby registry favorites

when i was pregnant i wanted to make sure our little girl had everything she needed.  i asked friends and co-workers for advice on what i need and what they could live without.  advice you receive when you are pregnant can be so overwhelming!  i remember walking into a department store to start our registry.  i thought, i did this for my wedding, how hard can it be.  boy was i very very wrong.  i found myself questioning which bath i wanted to get my baby for 20 mintues!!  for being a somewhat decisive person i literally was questioning every item and asking myself if i needed this.  later i realized why it was so hard for me, i had no clue what i was going to need or what my baby would like.

since becoming a new mom i wanted to make a list of my ‘must haves’ for a registry to make life a little easier for you soon to be moms!

1. swing.  i have this as number one because this was the only thing my baby would sleep in and therefore the only way i could get some sleep!  i love this one from buy buy baby.
2. rock n play.  instead of a bassinet, we chose to use this rock n play.  it’s small, easy to move around and bring with us for quick weekend trips.  kennedy loves that it rocks!  can you tell there is a theme with her and wanting to be moving.
3. stroller.  i wanted to have a stroller that was easy to use but would also grow with our family.  this is the perfect one.  our dog even likes to ride in the bottom when he can’t walk anymore!
4. baby carrier.  i tried many different baby carrier’s and fell in love with this one.  with an infant insert, you can start using this when they are 7lbs.  perfect way to bond with your baby but also get things done around the house.  not only does it grow with your baby but can you resist how cute it is!
5. bath.  this is another piece that will grow with your baby.  i love anything and everything that will save space! this adorable aquarium bath has been perfect for us.
6. bath soap and lotions.  one of my favorite things to do is give kennedy a bath.  she absolutely loves her bath time and i couldn’t be more excited.  these are my favorite bath time products.  body wash, shampoo and lotion.
7. cleaning cloths.  don’t have time for a full bath but your baby spit up everywhere..these noodle and boo cleaning cloths are my favorite and smell so nice.
8. boppy.  this one is such a great support for when i’m nursing.  don’t forget a cute cover for it too.  this one i love.
9. bottles.  kennedy was colicky so i love these bottles to help her not take in too much air.
10. diaper genie.  this is a must have.  i have found this to be so convenient that i can’t imagine our life without one.  this one is cheaper than some other brands and does the trick great!
11. wipe warmer.  something i didn’t get because everyone told me not too.  however, if you have a baby in the winter, this is so nice for them so they don’t get fully woken up by a cold wipe.  remember, you are changing diapers all the time when they are little!  this wipe warmer i wish i would have had from the beginning.
12. diaper bag.  i love how versatile, and cute! this one is.  bonus, you can throw the whole thing in the washer!
13. activity gym.  as kennedy got a little older (as in 2 months) she loved her playtime on this mat!  it was so fun to watch her look at all the animals and colors all while listening to music too.  small enough to put in our living room and let her play while i cook dinner.
14. outfits and bows.  this was my favorite part.  honestly, i was so happy we were having a girl because of the variety of clothes and bows!  some of my favorites are here, here and here.  i also love these top knot bows.

 

xoxo

 

 

1 vest..3 ways

i love finding pieces that will 1. last me awhile but 2. let me create different outfits depending on my mood.  this army green vest does just that.  below are a few ideas of how to wear this vest for different occasions.

the first outfit is paired with jeans and is perfect for a casual event.  did you catch my weekend wrap up post here where i wore it for a bbq.

the second outfit would be great for a sunday brunch or running errands.  feeling bold? pair with a pair of sneakers like these!

the third is great for any working ladies.  i have it paired with black capris, a grey shirt, leopard belt and light pink necklace.

 

for the love of LUSH

i have an absolute obsession with lush products.  seriously, i could spend hours in this store!  there are so many different things to look at and enjoy.  anyone who knows me knows my love of this store.  i want to share a few, or quite a few!, of my favorite products.

bath

• avobath bomb leaves your skin feeling so soft
• sex bomb smells so nice!
• twilight bomb has lavender so its great to help you fall asleep at night
• a French kiss bubble bar is great to pair with a bath bomb

face

• cup o’ coffee i remember getting this one when i was with my mom one day.  she thought i was crazy because of the smell and color!  i fell in love with it after the first use.  it exfoliates and also brightens your skin.  fore warning, it does really smell like coffee.  i use it in the mornings because just smelling it gives me a boost in the morning!

• mask of magnaminty – self preserving.  one of my first lush purchases and years later i am still purchasing it.  i like the self preserving one because it has honey which is great for brightening the skin.
• 

body

• charity pot lotion – this is the end all be all of lotions!  my hands get so dry during the winter and now with breastfeeding.  this stuff works wonders.  a little bit goes a long way.
• cuticle cream – if you get hang nails this cream is wonderful!  i originally got this as part of a gift set and can’t believe how much i use it.  it smells so nice too.
• volcano foot mask – if you get tired feet this mask is something to try.  i especially loved it when i was pregnant and my feet were hurting all day long.
• buffy – i have yet to try but have heard wonderful reviews.  this is in my cart to buy.  post pregnancy i have developed acne on my arms.  i have heard this will cure it so i am excited to try it!

newborn pictures

when i was pregnant with kennedy i couldn’t wait to take newborn pictures with her.  i knew this would be the perfect way for us to remember every little thing about her (i don’t want to forget a thing!) i remember looking at pinterest, and creating a whole board, for different props and ways to dress her.  me, being the type a personality i am, contacted a local photographer a couple months in advance.  as soon as she was born the photographer was contacted and pictures were scheduled.  i couldn’t wait!  i had read enough about tips for pictures (i.e. turn the heater on so your baby feels nice and warm, don’t wait longer than 2 weeks because they sleep a lot during this time) that i thought everything would go smooth.

…fast forward to the day of.  the photographer arrived and we were as ready as we were going to be.  kennedy was crying and i was running around like a mad woman trying to finish getting myself ready and to nurse a newborn so she was nice and full.  well boy was that heater on!  my husband and i were sweating the entire time during pictures!  i thought kennedy would definitely fall asleep soon…she never did.  needless to say we only got pictures as a family, including our dog buster, because i couldn’t put her down without her wailing.

even though it was crazy behind the scenes, i still love the pictures she captured.

 

xoxo

 

date night accessories

lately we haven’t had too many date nights, beings we have a newborn at all, but the other night we went out for a casual dinner.  i love wearing staple pieces and then sprucing up my outfit with accessories.  i was so excited to go out this night without lugging around my diaper bag!  this is one of my favorite springtime purses because of the color.  there are so many different outfits you can pair with it too.  here’s to hopefully enjoying some future date nights with my hubby and this purse! hope you have a great weekend!

 

{purse, similar sandals here}

xoxo

 

workout because you love your body

“workout because you love your body, not because you hate it” 

working out has become such an important part of my life.  my love for working out came in college, after gaining more than the freshman 15.  i wanted a way for me to lose some of those pounds that i gained during that first year of college.  not only did it help me lose some weight but it also gave me so much more confidence about myself.

my view of working out now has definitely changed as it’s not about losing weight anymore (even being in my post pregnancy stage of my life).  i have come to realize that my body probably won’t be the same after having a baby but, i am ok with that.  i remind myself that i housed a baby for 9 months and that is truly a miracle!!  i now workout to be healthy and strong, something that i want my daughter to see while growing up.

my go to workout for the last three years has been crossfit.  it’s a high intensity workout for a short period of time.  now that i have a baby, i need something that’s going to be quick and efficient.  crossfit lemoore is a fantastic gym and, bonus, i get to bring kennedy with me!  she hangs out in her stroller in the corner while i workout.

i love having a group of people that hold me accountable for going to a class but if you are the type of person who likes to workout at home here are some crossfit type workouts you can do in your living room.

 

xoxo

3 month old picture

my baby girl is 3 month’s old..already!  she officially is considered an infant now instead of a newborn.  i really can’t believe how fast it has gone.  people always tell me to enjoy every bit of it because it goes so fast and they are SO right.  i have so much fun just hanging out with her.  to be honest, i really didn’t think it would be this much fun.  i was worried that i wouldn’t really know what to do with her in the baby phase but just talking and singing to her makes her so happy.  i can honestly say that i have never been happier.  when she smiles at me it absolutely melts my heart and we are so lucky to be her parents.

{Kennedy’s jumpsuit, sold out, similar one here, headband, moccasins, monthly stickers, similar ones here}

xoxo

weekend wrap up

this weekend was spent having fun with family, bbq-ing and birthdays.  it was beautiful weather so we had a good time relaxing and enjoying family.  weekends like this are so nice and help you re-energize for the week.

my weekend look was casual and included some of my go to pieces.  i started with the necklace on and then ended up having to take it off because i had to nurse kennedy.  necklaces aren’t the most nursing friendly but i couldn’t help myself!

{similar top, vest, similar shoes, similar necklace}

hope everyone has a great week!

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

transitional workout clothes

i don’t know about you but i love finding good workout clothes.  i think that looking good will somehow make me work harder.  i also love things that can easily transition into running errands after i’m done working out.  these pieces are perfect for those days.

{my top – under $25, pants, sports bra, shoes, baby carrier}

other pieces i’m eyeing are this pullover, sweater, and sports bra.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

xoxo

GAP – 40% Off Ends Today

there’s something about GAP that i just love.  always classic and timeless pieces that will last years.  not only do i love their things for myself but i love, i mean LOVE, their baby clothes.  GAP was the first place i went to buy kennedy’s first set of clothes.  they hold up so well through all the spit up’s and washing.

today only, you can get 40% off your entire purchase by using the code SHINE at checkout. 

women’s

• i’m loving all things denim lately.  this halter braided dress is everything! can easily be worn for a casual event or dress it up with some jewelry and wedges.
• linen v-neck top – another piece that is so versatile and can be dressed up with jewelry.  love all the different color options.  my favorite is this mosaic blue..pair with a bold teal necklace for more of a dressed up look.
• denim tank – told you i am obsessed with denim!
• sweater vest – great for layering now that we are between spring and summer seasons
• sandals – these come in multiple colors..loving these fuchsia ones

baby favorites

• welcome home outfit – gender neutral
• basic white onesie – perfect for sleep and play.  i have several of these for kennedy and she wears them all day long! i usually add a pink bow of course 🙂
• american bow onesie – you guys..this is seriously too cute.  and at 40% off how can you not buy this!
• chambray ruffle onesie – me and kennedy could match!
• for the boys..love this never crabby onesie and stripe v-neck.  perfect for the upcoming summer months

happy shopping!

xoxo