50+ Christmas Books for Kids

Halloween Books for Kids

Gift Guide: For Baby Boys

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Go Pod - We took this collapsable baby seat on our beach vacation a couple months ago and it's the perfect baby gear item for traveling! It folds down and comes with a bag just like a camping chair, easy to clean and great for pre-walkers.

Fruit Feeders - Ax man will have a set of these waiting for him Christmas morning! They have great reviews and sound like a winner with the fruit + teething combo.

Push Car - I have seen so many kids on walks with these little cars and thought it would be the perfect big gift for our outdoor loving boy.

Mittens - We have cold winters here in Northern Kentucky but mittens are tough to keep on wild baby hands. These have magnetic closures so they stay on and are super warm!

Shape Toy - Nearly all of Axton's toys have been passed down from big sis so he should get a few of his own, right? I love the colors on this one and the fact that it's meant for playing and chewing.

Trapper Hat - A cute, cozy hat is always a good gift idea for babies who live where it gets cold. They usually still have to be on the go and keeping their little heads warm is a must. 

Furry Booties - Parents everywhere rave about this brand and how well they stay on baby feet. I think they will keep our little man's toes nice and toasty all winter long!

This wooden walker with interactive features will also make it's way into Santa's bag for the chubby cheeked baby boy who lives here. He's going to have to learn to keep up with big sis! Cozy boots that pair with all the stylish outfits keep little feet warm and keep handsome boys up to stud status. Loving this neutral growth chart that would look so cute in any nursery and is a must have for growing babies. A soft, cuddly rattle is always a great baby gift and this raccoon rattle could be a long time friend. This truck touch and feel book could fill the "something to read" category or just be a nice addition to a growing little library. We had these reusable food pouches when Fallon was a baby and used them all the time! Fill them with purees, applesauce or smoothies and save on buying them at the store. We love this soft hooded towel that is big enough to go right into toddlerhood!

Gift Guide: For Toddler Girls

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Dump Truck - Fallon has had this girly toy dump truck for over a year and it continues to be a favorite toy. Every single time it makes an appearance in an Instagram story I am asked where it's from!

Magnadoodle Travel Size - This one has amazing reviews, is the perfect size for traveling or tossing into a drawer and the price point is the best part! 

Tassel Poncho - I keep coming back to this because it's just so dang cute but also very functional for the colder months, not to mention super stylish.

Frog Bath Toys - I love that these are great for developmental skill building + practicing colors and come in a container to store.

Scooter - This was an easy choice for Fallon's big gift this year. Amazing reviews both online and from lots of parents and she will love to join the other kiddos in our neighborhood when she gets hers!

Camera - Monkey see, monkey do. Mama is always taking pictures so of course Fallon wants to and this is the perfect way to let her join me! It actually takes photos but is a much better option than mama's DSLR!

Barista Set - For the kid who has been using her tea set to "make coffee" for months. 

Hunter Boots always make an amazing gift, bonus points because toddlers can put them on solo and they are nearly indestructible. A pom hat, sherpa pullover and fur hooded vest would be a perfect cozy gift set or great individually for that "something to wear" category. Unicorn slippers are kind of a no brainer for the little ladies who love these sparkly magical creatures. Fallon sleeps with her on her furry heart pillow every single night and it looks so cute when I make her bed! This adorable bamboo feeding set will also be under our tree for a certain toddler who wants all foods separated and appreciates pretty little things.

If your daughter is a little bit older, check out my girl Arin's gift guide for girls ages 5-10!

Thanksgiving Mini Style

The big feast is just one week away and I am determined to get a family photo before we stuff our faces. I have loved dressing a baby girl the last two years but this year I get to dress a boy too! Family or just sibling coordinating looks can be so easily done with a simple color palette and a complimentary print or two. I've linked up all my faves for little girls and baby boys and I own most of these items for my kids!

Warm & Cozy

There are few things I love more than being warm and cozy. And it's the time of year when, here in the midwest(ish) we spend a lot more time inside than outside so we may as well embrace it. Hot coffee always tastes better from a cute mug and I live in leggings with comfy sweatshirts. Slippers cover my feet about 90% of the cold weather months so a cute print means it's fine if I forget to change before I leave the house. Right?! The softest scarf would look super cute with flannel pjs for holiday pictures...or just to bake cookies in. Not that I would do that or anything. And our family's most favorite sweater knit blanket that we love so much we have it in three colors had to be on the list. I linked up several other warm + cozy things I'm currently loving too!

Fall Home Tour

I'm just another fall loving basic white girl, and I'm totally okay with that. So it's no surprise that there are pumpkins and mums on my front porch, buffalo plaid pillows on my couch and pumpkin spice in my coffee. But seasonal decorating actually has been a bit less fun and more stressful since having kids and I simply mean that I just don't have that much time for it. So this year I've gone much more minimal with my decor than years past. Less time, less stress, less money. More fun! And, as it turns out, I actually love the less is more thing.

I started early, went through everything I already had and bought very few new things, with purpose. It was so helpful to me to put out what I wanted to use then only buy things with a specific spot to put them in mind. This worked out much better than my usual approach of going nuts on everything I like and trying to stuff it all in my house later. It was fun to use my open kitchen shelving to add decor with things we actually use like cups and bowls. And simply putting a pumpkin or fake bats pretty much anywhere suddenly makes it look like fall! 

I decided to stay classic with mostly orange, black and white and that helped to streamline the decor throughout my house. And I didn't worry about differentiating between "fall" and "halloween". Halloween is my most favorite holiday and Fallon is really getting into it this year too so we just went a little fall and a little spooky from the beginning. And after the 31st I'll just ditch the bats and probably keep the rest until after Thanksgiving. Make your own rules!

4th of July Style

The biggest patriotic American holiday is upon us, one week from today! And why not celebrate in style? Cookouts, parades and fireworks are best enjoyed in the colors of the flag. I love putting together red, white and blue outfits for myself and it's even more fun dressing my cute little babes. I've rounded up all my faves for mama and the minis and we will be rocking several of these exact pieces next week! 

Easter Basket Goodies

Easter is already less than a month away! It also happens to fall just a few days before my due date. I am hoping and praying that I don't end up missing Easter with Fallon but either way, I'm making sure her basket is all ready to go now. Last year she was only 9 months old and just showed up for the food. This is the first year she will be excited and able to hunt for eggs and find her basket so picking out the goodies to fill it was really fun. Okay, who are we kidding, she's still showing up for the food. 

I've rounded up some sweet spring basket fillers for your little bunnies to go with all that sugar. I mean plastic eggs are a must and these gold ones are just too cute. Board books pretty enough to use as decor get bonus points and floral pjs absolutely double as an outfit if you ask me. Heart sunnies + a striped ruffle swimsuit because summer will be here before we know it. Bubble wands and egg shaped sidewalk chalk for warm weather outdoor fun. The most gorgeous little rain boots to splash through April showers and Jellies to walk among the May flowers. Some pretty plates for all the picnics to come. And of course a soft, cuddly lamb doll. What will be in your little one's baskets this year?! 

Check out my friends' picks here!

Arin
Chelsee
Navy
Michelle

VDay Mini Style

We are 1 month out from the big day of love! I love holidays because I love a reason to celebrate and decorate and now dress my kid in festive attire. But with the whirlwind of holidays from Halloween - New Year's it's nice to have an itty bitty break in January. And then I get itchy for all heart shaped things. We don't do a lot on the home decor front, just some pink and red sprinkled throughout the house, but you can bet I dress up my baby because she's still young enough to let me. I've scoped out the latest holiday clothes and linked up all my faves so girl mamas, get ready to deck out your mini Galentines!

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Gift Guide: Toddlers

If I had to walk the aisles in stores looking for gifts for Fallon I would either come out with everything or nothing. I've always loved shopping for Christmas gifts, finding that perfect thing for each person on my list. Having a child to shop for has just upped the ante and now that she's old enough to get excited, I was a little overwhelmed with all the gift options. So I asked my toddler mama friends to shoot me straight on the best toddler presents and this is what we came up with. 

Boots / Blocks / Doll Bed / Wooden Popsicles / Teepee / Table + Chairs / Hooded Towel / Play Kitchen / Coffee Maker / Shopping Cart / Tea Set

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

It's easy to get carried away with buying a bunch of little things for kids. Or maybe that's just me! The last holiday before Christmas has now passed and the Christmas season is officially underway. All the stores are offering discounts and it's hard to stay focused. So in an effort to keep from going accidentally overboard picking up all the fun little things, I picked only the cutest and well priced stocking sized items. Now get stuffing.

Gift Guide: For Toddlers, Small Shops

I'm a big fan of shopping small but I know handmade items come at a higher price. So Small Shop Saturday is the perfect time to finally snag something you've been wanting to get your little one at a discount. It's easy to be overwhelmed by all of the makers out there so I'm sharing a few of our very favorites. These are all Fallon approved so we hope your babes love them too!

Rain Boots / Quilt / Doll / Book / PJs / Bow / Baby Wrap / Play Mat / Slumberkin

Gift Guide: For Men

Is it just me or are the men the hardest to buy for? Chris and I don't exchange gifts  anymore #becausekids and instead put money toward something mutually beneficial, like new floors. But I did sit him down and get him to spill a few reasonably priced items for this gift guide. I mean if you're really generous he is sure your husband or brother would love a new 60 inch flat screen, a years' supply of beer or tickets to the super bowl. But if you're on a slightly smaller budget, maybe these are some better options. 

Gift Guide: For Women

Woman in general tend to be the easiest group when it comes to gift giving. So it can quickly become overwhelming to walk into a store or click on a website when presented with so many options. Enter gift guides. The holidays can be stressful enough so let's keep picking out the gifts for the women in your life simple and fun, as it should be. And if I don't have you covered, hop over to see what my friend Chelsee picked for more easy shopping.

Turkey Day Tummy Pleasers

It's Thanksgiving week and we all have food on the brain. I'm certainly looking forward to using the eating for two excuse and I'm sure Fallon will actually eat for two. My mom hosts the big day for our family so I just bring a dish. I hope to do the whole shebang at my own house one day but currently the thought of making an entire meal overwhelms me. So until the whole menu is my call, I'll stick with picking one fun side to make. Whether you're running the show or just showing up with your lone creation here are some recipes for inspiration that have my mouth watering. 

Cranberry Orange Bread

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Butternut Squash

Cranberry Brie Bites

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Nut Crumble

THANKSGIVING MINI STYLE

We are just one week away from Thanksgiving and I'm just wondering where this year has gone?! Fallon was barely eating solids this time last year so I am so excited to see her take part in the meal this time. My little turkey loves her food so it will be a sight to watch her dig in, I have no doubt. Of course in true girl mom fashion I am also looking forward to dressing her up all cute for the holiday and taking pictures she will cringe over in 10 years. The jury is still out for her outfit but I'm sharing some of my top picks for the occasion. 

Pom Sweatshirt / Bootie / Tights / Navy Dress / Tulle Skirt / Berry Dress / Yellow Cardigan 

Grey Vest / Mary Jane / Grey Swing Top / Sweater Leggings / Chambray Dress

Halloween 2017

Kitty Ears / Bodysuit / Skirt / Tights

As I sat down to write this post it occurred to me that I never did a Halloween post last year. WHAT?! It's not a secret that Halloween is my favorite holiday. I mean I love any cause for celebration. Birthdays, anniversaries, allllll the holidays. And Christmas is an extremely close second, but Halloween just has my heart. So how I forgot to post my first baby's first Halloween is sort of mind boggling. But I'll just chalk it up to the whole new mama thing, toss some throw back photos in here and move on. 

I made a list of all the things I wanted to do with Fallon before the big day this year. So thank goodness Halloween is literally the last day of the month. We shopped for all the pumpkins and all the mums and all the decorations. Hit two different pumpkin patches, baked pumpkin things, read spooky stories and watched Hocus Pocus on repeat. We wore Halloween jams + socks, all the festive clothes, kitty ears and witch hats. And then the morning of the 31st my sweet little girl tossed her Halloween breakfast right at me and all over the kitchen. She threw tantrums all day long, fought naps and made messes like only a little monster disguised as a toddler could. I text Chris and told him he was coming home to Nightmare on Our Street. 

But we managed to squeeze in one kitty costume photo complete with face paint, get the candy ready and head out to trick-or-treat. And guess what? That Halloween magic finally happened. We watched our cute little kitty walk from house to house with her bucket charming all the neighbors with her little wave and "hi" and picking out pieces of candy (for mommy and daddy). She even helped pass out treats at our house. The night ended watching Hocus Pocus one more time in Halloween jams and snuggling in the way only sweet little kitties do and she went right to sleep, all traces of that little monster vanished. 

4th Of July Pie

Every year for the past several years I've made this sweet summer treat we call 4th of July pie for its namesake holiday. It's a totally made up dessert that's quick + easy and can require ZERO baking. It's served cold but tastes just as great half melted in the summer heat and we cannot get enough of it. Last year I was 39.5 weeks pregnant and ate nearly the entire pie by myself. #noshame

Food photography is not my strong suit, clearly, but my hubby insisted I share this little recipe. The fruit colors make this dish perfect for all the patriotic summer celebrations but really you could use any toppings your little heart desires. So if your skills are lacking in the baking department, you need to throw something together for a party really fast or you just want a delicious pie to treat yo' self with, here you go!

Crust 

I make my own crust but you can certainly go the no bake route and buy a premade one. 

1.5 cups crushed graham crackers

5 tablespoons melted butter

1/3 cup cane sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix together and press into a 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 375 for 7/8 minutes. 

Filling

12 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup cane sugar

6 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat with a mixer until smooth.

If you made your own crust, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Then pour the filling over the crust in an even layer. Top with whipped cream and garnish with strawberries and blueberries. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 

Happy 4th fellow Americans!

V Day Style

As a lover of themes and holidays, dressing Fallon in festive duds makes me a stupid level of excited. I know a lot of people are not fond of Valentine's Day because it reminds those who do not have a significant other of that fact. But to me it's a day to celebrate love and that's something I don't think we should pass on in this world. My dad was my first Valentine and Chris will get to be Fallon's this year. I joked with him that we should call it Fallontine's Day. He didn't seem to find it as hilarious as I did. I'm going to go with it anyway. So if you're looking to dress your little Fallontine, ahem, Valentine, up in the colors of love then look no further. Grab these goodies from some of our favorite stores or go for something personalized like Fallon's hoodie with HandMade by Hillary.

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