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

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

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!

Cold Weather Favorites

Its been chilly for several weeks in our neck of the woods so I've broken out all of our cold weather accessories. The kids needed a few new things and mama too! Pom hats never get old and I can barely handle Fallon in an infinity scarf. I'm grabbing my favorite cozy puffer vest in another color this year because they are just so perfect for a mom on the go. And I mean, you've got to have a little fun with your winter accessories so why not rock a light up unicorn hat or put antlers on your baby?! I've rounded up all of my favorites for 

mama + minis and they won't disappoint. 

Baby Jogger City Select Review

This post is sponsored by Buy Buy Baby. I was compensated in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions stated are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

Looking for a stroller, whether it's your first time or you are ready to upgrade, can be so overwhelming. I did a lot of research when I was pregnant with Fallon. We also visited our local Buy Buy Baby store to ask questions and to test drive some of their floor models in person. It was such a great experience and we left very confident in our decision to purchase the Baby Jogger City Mini single stroller. We've now had it for over 2 years and it's managed to go on all of our adventures but remain is great condition!

After welcoming Axton into our family I knew we would want to get a double stroller but I was in no hurry. I wore him in my wrap for months while Fallon rode solo in our trusty City Mini. But toward the end of the summer I knew it was time to upgrade and was SO excited and grateful to have the chance to work with Buy Buy Baby. We've been so impressed with the Baby Jogger brand and knew that it would be compatible with our Britax infant carseat. I had tested out the City Select with the second seat, asked tons and tons of mama friends and even embarrassed my husband by approaching strangers in public who were strolling with this model to ask them how they felt about it! When I was finally satisfied with my rock solid research, we went forward with our choice and waited excitedly to receive it. 

We have now had the Baby Jogger City Select in onyx with silver trim and the second seat kit for a few weeks and have taken it so many places already! Our family is fairly active so it's been to the park, the zoo, all around our neighborhood, a few pumpkin farms and even apple picking. All the reasons we chose the stroller have been justified and we are so happy that we went with this model! 

Obviously a double stroller is heavier than a single. It has support much more weight! But this one so light compared to many I've tested. The seats lift off with the click of a button and the frame is so easy to fold, just hold + push and it collapses for easy trunk storage. I especially love that the adapter pieces are so simple to take on and off and there are L and R markers to know which side to put them on at a glance. They can also stay on while the stroller frame is collapsed! One of my favorite features is the hand break. That may sound silly but wow does it make quick stops to put a pacifier back in or toss the toddler a snack so easy. The storage basket is spacious and can be accessed from both sides and the front when the stroller is only being used to seat one child. The handle is adjustable to suit all heights and both seats are the same size so there will not be any arguing over who gets one over the other! Did I mention that the fabric is removable and machine washable?! If you have a third child or just want the capability to stroll with three kiddos there is a glider board attachment. Lastly but arguably the coolest feature of all, drumroll please......with the Baby Jogger City Select there are 16 possible configurations for this stroller!

We are thrilled to have a stroller to push around both of our babies in on all of our adventures that meets all of our requirements and has so far lived up to our standards. Most importantly, the Baby Jogger City Select is Fallon approved, and she can be quite tough to please. The day it arrived she was so excited that she sat in it in our living room for so long that we thought she had fallen asleep! Now that my friends, is a stroller success story!

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!

Hilton Head Island: Our Family Vacation

This was our second year traveling to Hilton Head Island, SC for a family vacation and we are already planning to go again next year! We've now stayed twice at the SeaCrest hotel and it's the perfect location, right on the beach and across the street from Coligny Plaza where there are a variety of shops and restaurants. There is the cutest street just outside the grounds with gorgeous private beach homes that makes for a nice morning walk after grabbing coffee from Caretta Coffee. 

Our favorite family attractions are a short drive away in nearby Sea Pines and you can even rent bikes to get there. My sister left her phone at the Quarter Deck in Harbor Town, a restaurant right underneath a lighthouse with gorgeous sunset views of the marina and the Calibogue Sound. So we decided to bike back to get it the next afternoon and it was so much we did it again the next day with my dad, Chris and Fallon in tow! There are child seats and "princess houses" as Fallon called hers for little ones to enjoy the ride too. The scenery is beautiful and you may even spot a gator or two! We rode to The Salty Dog for a late lunch/early dinner but they have live music in the evening and some cute shops right next door. 

I think our favorite family friendly restaurant would have to be Coast. It's beautiful and looks like a pretty fancy place but there's an outdoor bar with beach access and you will find most people dressed casually. There is also live music, which Fallon loved dancing to and a great menu full of choices for everyone. A close second favorite is Skull Creek Boathouse which arguably has the best views in town. I love the twinkle lights strung under the big trees and the tables all look out onto the water. Fallon was most impressed by the light up cup that came with her kiddie meal!

But if hanging around the hotel is really your thing, you also will not be disappointed. The SeaCrest has 2 pools and a hot tub on beautiful grounds and direct beach access. We have taken both of our trips in late September, outside of the busy season, and really enjoyed the smaller crowd. There weren't so many people we were fighting for seats at the pool but not so few that it felt odd to be the only ones around. If it's possible I would especially recommend going around this time with little ones. It can be hectic enough just traveling with kids and it worked out nicely having a few kiddos around for Fallon to play with but so many that it was overwhelming. 

We had such a great time and made so many memories we will all fondly look back on for years to come. Getting back to reality is always a little rough but we are already looking forward next year's trip!

Cozy Cardis

I can feel fall creeping in, FINALLY, and that means it's sweater weather! Cozy cardigans are staples in my wardrobe, perfect for the end of summer to fall transition. Cool morning layers peel off for warm afternoons and then go right back on for evenings outside. I've linked up my current faves that I'll be wearing on repeat and styled a zillion different ways. Cozy is the new black!

Breastfeeding Bravely

This post is sponsored by Kindred Bravely. I was compensated in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions stated are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

If someone told me 3 years ago that I would breastfeed two babies, mostly exclusively, I would have genuinely laughed. I never thought I'd breastfeed at all let alone this much. And actually enjoy it. I fully supported my friends who breastfed before me, never batted an eye at women doing it at the park or at a restaurant, and have always found it to be perfectly normal and natural. I just didn't think it was for me. 

When I was about halfway through my first pregnancy something just changed. I knew without a doubt I was going to try to breastfeed. I still can't tell you why but I like to think it was all part of the plan to prepare me on some level for the way my daughter would arrive into this world. You can read her birth story here, but let's just say it was quite dramatic. I found myself not only willing to breastfeed but desperately wanting to be able to. We struggled hard in the beginning. Every day was a fight but that little voice inside me said to just keep going. After 6 weeks of putting my all into it, Fallon and I found our groove. So much so that she only wanted me from there on out. I fed her with my body alone for the next 13 months when she decided she was ready to move on. 

There is nothing anyone can tell you that will fully prepare you to be a mother or for the journey that is breastfeeding. Each story is so beautifully unique. But so many of us struggle in silence. Breastfeeding is tough! It's natural but does not always come so naturally. You and baby have to learn to dance together, find your very own rhythm. It's a brave thing to do. It's also just as brave to recognize your limits and do what is best for you and your child. Whether you breastfeed exclusively, pump and bottle feed, a combination of both or simply bottle feed with formula, you are brave for following your heart. But if you plan to breastfeed, there are definitely a few ways to help make it the most enjoyable experience possible. 

Get nursing clothing you love. Let me repeat that. Get nursing clothing you love. The first time around I didn't ask around. I didn't buy quality items and I didn't replace them when I realized they weren't very helpful. My second breastfeeding experience has been vastly different from my first. Axton latched immediately after birth and we didn't struggle in those early weeks like I had the first time around. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy peasy. There were tears and frustration, a lot of nipple cream and even more persistence. But what a world of difference it made to have a nursing bra I actually like! 

If you've been following along with my story you know that this time around I have talked about only one brand of nursing attire that I actually felt was worth sharing. Kindred Bravely is a company that believes living every day as a mom is an act of bravery. And I whole heartedly agree. So when I was contacted for the post, I jumped at the opportunity to work with a brand that I already loved and want to continue to support. The Marvella Luxe bra is my hands down absolute favorite nursing bra ever. It doesn't even seem like a nursing bra. It's very comfortable and supportive, looks great under all my clothes and easily folds down out of the way with one simple motion. I'm also loving the French Terry Racerback bra to sleep or lounge around in. Comfort is key, especially in those early days and I barely even know I'm wearing this bra, it's so light and soft. And the most versatile piece I own is the Simply Sublime tank. I can sleep it in, throw a cardigan or jacket over it to wear out or wear it underneath not so nursing friendly tops that I may not even wear otherwise. 

Breastfeeding is beautiful. However you do it, wherever you do it. You do you mama. But allow yourself to feel all the feelings that come with it. And don't be afraid to share your struggles! We all need a tribe to support us through those lows and cheer with us during those highs. You do not have to do it alone and whatever you're struggling with, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 

Make your breastfeeding experience as good as it can be with comfortable nursing wear by Kindred Bravely. You can use code HILARYKB20 for 20% off your first purchase either here or here. We want to hear your story! Share it on Instagram using #breastfeedbravely and tag @hkpfeff523. You are so brave mamas!

Summer Staples

I know a lot of you have back to school on the brain, but summer is still in full swing around here. And being home all day with two little ones means I've learned exactly what we need to survive these dog days. A good bag is absolutely key to being prepared for all of our summer outings whether we're hitting up the park, the pool or the sunflower fields. I've been loving this oversized carryall that's completely wipeable and fits all of our stuff! And if you know me it's no surprise that I always have one of our favorite play mats, sunscreen of course and something soft for the baby in there. I linked these and the rest of our summer staples right here for you! 

Motherhood Unplugged

I love being a mom. I'm grateful for 2 healthy + amazing kids. I fully appreciate how hard my husband works so that I can stay home with them as my full time job. But I'm losing my mind and I've got to tell someone about it.

They say the days are long but the years are short. I'm sure I'll find that to be true sooner than I can imagine. But right now, I'm in the trenches. Navigating daily life with 2 little ones, mostly still fully dependent on me, is kind of like walking through a minefield. One wrong step and the shit is going to hit the fan. I don't know how many times I've looked at the clock and been floored that it's 2PM and I've yet to get dressed, and not by choice. Or realized it's 9PM and the day is somehow over and I have no idea how I spent the last 15 hours. Because they certainly weren't productive and not really all that fun. It sometimes seems like EVERYTHING is a struggle. Simple tasks that would take me 10 minutes to complete take an hour with the constant interruptions. I can't even brush my teeth without stopping! Someone wants to be held, someone is hungry, someone has to go potty (3 dogs!). My to-do list gets so long that I just start taking things off all together, realizing that there will never be time to get them done. 

I constantly find myself facing dilemmas about how to spend my time. Do I have Chris take the kids while I speed through those chores that have been put off for too long or do something as a family? Work or play? Plan an outing that will most likely sacrifice nap time and my sanity or stay home and feel guilty about it? Exercise or relax? Fallon wants me to play cars with her but Axton wants to nurse. The toddler is sleeping and the baby is giggling when I tickle his toes but the bills need to be paid. And when was the last time I shaved my legs?! There are lots of things that can wait, but they cannot wait forever. I just want to shower in peace, remember to make the grocery order before we run out of food, wear something that doesn't double as pajamas more than once a week. 

There are so many things I've given up on trying to accomplish while the kids are awake because they aren't worth the extra time they take and stress they cause. But I have so little time that both kids are asleep it feels like I'm racing the clock and never using the time I do get wisely enough. I feel guilty if I get something done while the kids are both content, because I should be using that time to play with them! But I'm anxious if everything is left until after bedtime, because that means I'll have to choose between getting it done or taking time to relax. I would actually skip lunch if I wasn't breastfeeding simply because it's one more thing on the list.

I spend all this time planning and packing for a fun day out and the stress of actually getting there already has me exhausted. And it's super hard to chase a toddler who fears nothing and apparently also hears nothing (unless she wants to) while wearing a baby. I can't keep him out in the sun + heat too long, climb on the playground or go down the water slide. Yet I also can't just snuggle my teething baby all day, because I have a toddler who needs my attention too. 

My husband works an odd schedule and long hours. I am the head of household. The mom. The maid. The chauffeur. The chef. The accountant. The wanna be photographer + blogger + social media influencer. I found something that allows me to fuel my creative fire and get paid for it, working on my own terms while staying home with my babies. But I can't justify the time I spend doing it if I'm not making a certain amount of money. And the time and effort it takes to make that certain amount of money is often more time than I have. It's a constant struggle for balance that I've yet to achieve.

There isn't currently much of a "we" as in my husband and me. We're a hell of a team but we don't get to spend much time together just 2 of us. He works long overnight hours then comes home to tag in while I clean the house or does yard work or tries to make progress on one of the many unfinished projects we have going on. One of us has to be with the kids while the other accomplishes something, we can never work on anything together. And by the time either of us has finished, we choose to use the remainder of our time together as a family. He often stays up for over 24 hours because napping would take away more time. There are so many times he takes Fallon up to bed on those nights he is home and falls asleep next to her. And I don't have the heart to wake him just to watch TV together. 

When people tell me to soak it all in, this time with my kids so little, I often want to laugh sarcastically. They mean the snuggles in my arms, the little hand pulling mine, the bedtime stories and the sloppy kisses.  But it does give me hope that once I'm out of this stage I will actually look back and miss it. Because it seems like it's pretty easy to forget how incredibly HARD it is. The stress, the frustration, the eat you alive guilt. Sometimes I'm even angry. How am I supposed to enjoy my kids when I'm too busy just trying to meet their needs? It feels like treading water. Survival mode.

I count down till bedtime. I dream of being alone in a quiet room for just long enough to drink my iced coffee before all the ice melts. I pray for patience, for mercy and for forgiveness daily. Sometimes I actually go into a closet to scream.

BUT

I get to comfort my kids when they cry. I get to witness their first milestones. I get to put them to bed every night. I know them better than anyone in this entire world. I'm the one who kisses boo boos, sees those sleepy just woke up from a nap smiles, watches them learn new skills and teaches them to be kind. I have the privilege of being with my children as they grow in real time. 

And every night when they are asleep, I miss them. I watch Fallon cuddling snuggled in her bed on the monitor and Ax so cozy in his DockATot beside me. I may be completely exhausted, feeling totally tapped out with scrambled eggs for brains. Yet somehow I feel happy. Fulfilled. I see those sweet, perfect little faces before I close my eyes and all is right in the world. Losing my mind and living my dream all at the same time. Motherhood unplugged. 

DIY Perfume with Essential Oils

When I was pregnant with Fallon I ran out of my favorite perfume. I thought a quick google search would show me where to find the best deal on a new bottle. But that lead to me an article that scared me straight. I had no idea that I was dousing myself daily in a multitude of toxic chemicals. And, this part really gets me, subjecting my unborn baby to all of them as well. Essential oils weren't even on my radar at the time but I felt strongly enough about the research on store bought perfume to ditch mine completely. 

I was always the girl who liked to carry a cloud of scent around me, leave a trail in my wake and imprint on anyone I hugged. So when I started using essential oils I absolutely loved being able to wear scents again without worrying about nasty effects on my body. I've now made several of my own natural, safe perfumes that smell amazing! And the best part is knowing that when my babies snuggle into my neck they are not breathing in harmful chemicals. 

What you need:

4oz glass fine mist spray bottle (like these or this)

3oz vodka

1oz fractionated coconut oil (or other carrier oil)

50-70 drops essential oils

Add the essential oils and carrier oil to the bottle of the spray bottle then top with vodka. Shake to combine then let the oils meld together over the course of a few days and allow the alcohol scent to dissipate. You can leave out the alcohol all together and use witch hazel or just carrier oil in its place. The alcohol just seems to combine the scents much better. I also have a few rollers I've made up to throw in my diaper bag and would be great for traveling. I just use a third of the ingredients. 

Creating your own perfume blends can be a really fun process! Commercial scents are created using base (10-20 drops), middle (20-30 drops) and top notes (10-15 drops) and you can do the same with oils. Use one or several of your favorites from each category to customize a scent that's perfect for you.