2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Ladies

Alright this one goes out to the fellas who are still stumped on what to get their lady friend. Every woman is different but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this list will at least point you in the right direction. When in doubt {for the most part} you can't go wrong with something from one of these stores, Kendra Scott, Kate Spade, Tory Burch. Some of my other favorites are, Sephora, Bauble Bar, J Crew and Pottery Barn. {Don't forget the stocking stuffers, starbucks gift cards, personalized or fun tumblers and spa gift cards are a few examples} The following post includes affiliate links.

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This one is a no brainer! I get tons of compliments on it every time I wear it. If this amazon link doesn't have the color you fancy Kendra Scott "Starstruck" Elisa Platinum Drusy Pendant Necklace Kendra Scott's website has several different options. Platinum Drusy is my favorite and the one I have but I'm also loving the Bronze Drusy. If this necklace is on the low end of your budget these matching earrings are the perfect add on Kendra Scott Platinum Drusy Stud Earrings.

TWO

A beauty box subscription {or any other subscription you may come across} I personally recommend Birchbox because I've heard nothing but good things about it and several of my friends of recommended it to me.  As a matter of fact I actually signed myself up for it this morning as a gift from my husband. l will have to remember to tell him what he got me. Haha! I tend to be horrible to shop for because I can never wait for anyone to buy me what I want. But back to the birchbox, I mean what girl do you know that wouldn't be thrilled to get one of these every month?!?

THREE

I'm loving this Smashbox Palette and I'm also a huge fan of the Urban Decay Naked palettes. I'm currently eyeing this one from Sephora. Palettes are perfect for the busy girl who needs something portable and easy. They are a go to for me with my makeup routine each morning! While you're picking up makeup don't miss out on this Beautyblender & Cleanser Kit it is my favorite makeup applicator EVER and I love the finish it gives on my foundation every time. {I also love how much foundation I save by applying it with this blender}

FOUR

SUNNIES!! I am obsessing over these fancy Marc Jacobs Sunglasses but the more practical side of me is loving these in black and ombre.

 FIVE

Running shoes. If you're not a believer in tennis shoes specifically for running I highly suggest you visit your local retailer and get fitted for a pair. Great running shoes has improved my running experience 100%. These Brooks Women's Running Shoes are some of my favorite and I'm actually in need of a new pair just in time for Christmas! 

GUYS...in the end don't make it too hard. Put a little thought into it, ask her friends and family for help, look at her pinterest account and go from there. You can also take a look at my fall wish list here for a few more ideas. In the end, it really is the thought that counts. Ladies, help these guys out and share what's on your wish list below!

2014 Toddler Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of year again and if you're anything like me you still have a lot of shopping to do! At least I'm hoping that I'm not alone in my procrastination. I might be behind in my shopping but I have my list ready to go. Today I'm going to focus on what to buy for the toddlers in your life. This is such a fun age to shop for and there are some great new options this year. Be sure to tell me what is on your list in the comments below! {Affiliate links are listed below}

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Toddlers love all things outside and anything that puts them in motion. Toddler parents love things that grow with their little ones. So much happens so quickly during this stage that it is important to buy things that will adapt right along with the toddler. This Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike is at the top of my list for Amelia and I know she's going to love it!

TWO
Time for your check up! Doc McStuffins is everywhere and our house is no exception. Doc is about the only TV Amelia will entertain for longer than a minute. Disney Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile I probably should've ordered this one last week as it seems to be sold out on Amazon at the moment. Hopefully they'll get it in stock again soon! This is one of the "it" toys of the year and for good reason, it comes with tons of little tools and and compartments and all in all seems like a great educational and fun toy. 

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Melissa & Doug Toys are some of Amelia's favorites and I have a few on the list for her this year. I especially love this cookie set because it comes with a canister to put the cookies in. And if you know a toddler you know they love to fill things up and then dump them out again! 

FOUR

I'm calling thE Fisher-Price Doodle Pro  a must have for the car. I stumbled upon this on someone's Facebook feed and they were raving about it for traveling with a toddler.  

FIVE

Last but by no means least is the Little Partners Learning Tower this one is actually my favorite. So much so that I couldn't wait until Christmas to get one. It is perfect for your little one who is climbing up your legs to see what is going on in the kitchen or any other high place. It has really saved Amelia and I both some heartache and frustration during dinner time or while I'm trying to get the dishes done. I just set her up with her own activity in the tower and I'm able to get some stuff done while she watches and plays! I can't say enough good things about this one!

Here she is making some cookies and whipping up some "cheerio soup" ;) 

Okay your turn...what's on your list for the toddlers in your life? What am I missing? 

Christmas wishes for my daughter

December 1st?? Say it ain't so! Whether I'm ready or not we are here, it's the most wonderful time of the year and I actually believe that. In my opinion there is no better time of the year. I love it all from celebrating the birth of our Savior to every cheesy Christmas movie ever made. I hope to write several posts before the big day but before I get started on the light hearted and fun posts I wanted to write one that is a little more heartfelt. 

This is Amelia's second Christmas and the first one that she will be more aware of what's going on around her. She is catching on quickly already. All it took for her to learn the word Santa was one quick trip into Lowe's. She was immediately captivated by a giant inflatable Santa and each time we've caught a glimpse of him since then, she has stopped everything and said, "tan ta." ADORABLE! I'm curious to see how she will do this week when we visit our first Santa with my local moms group. I hope she's not scared of him but if she is I hope I get a great picture and that we can look back on it and laugh. With toddlers that is all you can do sometimes.

I will be sure to keep you all updated on "Santagate" but for now here are my Christmas wishes for our sweet girl.

all things october

I seriously love all things October.  The football, the cooler temperatures, my birthday, Halloween and the holidays being within arms reach.  This past weekend my husband and I took off work Friday and had a fun filled fall weekend.  

Up first was Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo.  We had a great time and I loved seeing Amelia dressed up for the first time this year.  My mom made her costume and we got so many compliments on how cute she looked.  

{I think those back molars will be here any minute}

{she was not a fan of the hay}

{but she thought the turtles and ducks were pretty alright}

Next we checked out a local trunk or treat event where we all stole the show in our family costumes.  My husband definitely deserves an award for all the things he does for me.

{best dad ever, my mom made our costumes as well #lucky}

{she picked up on trick or treating really fast and I was chasing her like this most of the night}

Saturday morning we put a cat costume together at the last minute and headed to the Stroller Strides Halloween themed workout and play date.

{her favorite part was climbing the stairs as per usual, love her little button nose}

We rounded out the fun filled weekend by visiting a local pumpkin patch and doing some carving.

{she wouldn't look at me because I told her she couldn't climb on the pallets, mean mommy} 

{she wouldn't let me carve unless she was sitting in my lap}

All in all it was one of those weekends that you wish you could freeze time. Where's my pause button when I need one? Speaking of wanting to stop time...check out some of the fun we had in October last year!

Happy Halloween everyone!