Christmas and winter decor

October flew by and now we're heading towards the middle of November, crazy, just like 2020!  I love decorating for the holidays but I'm not one that generally puts a lot out.  Putting up the main tree is a big job in itself!  We have our tree in our living room, our tree for the kids, our fireplace mantle, a few outdoor pieces like a wreath and maybe some other bows, and I'll decorate the dining room table and maybe add another wreath in there.  With kids though, I find that we are decorating more than we use to, for every holiday.  We usually start bringing out the decor the day after Thanksgiving but I'm thinking of doing it the weekend before this year.  When do you usually put out your holiday decor?  I love hearing others traditions as well so if you have any to share, please do!  We usually put up the tree while watching a movie.  If it's cold enough, turning on the fireplace is nice.  Below, I've compiled some of my very favorite holiday decor pieces, many of which I have such as the bow wreath holder, the boxwood wreath, ribbon, and garland.   The sources for all are listed with the links for you!

Bauble Stocking: here | Red velvet ribbon: here | Gilded Pears: here | Boxwood wreath: here

Tray: here | Mistletoe ornament: here | Bells: here | Garland: here | Nativity: here

Painted ornament: here | Candle: here | Green ornament: here | Bow wreath holder: here

Fall favorites

   There's already Christmas and holiday decor out in stores and on store sites, as I'm sure you've seen, and while I love Christmas decor,  I'm still in fall mode over here for now.  Velvets, greens, browns, and cozy fabrics are among what I'm loving.  I've rounded up a few of my favorite items that I'm loving this fall to share with you.  Some of these items I already have and are using right now such as the Barbour jacket (which I scored for 1/4 the price brand new on Poshmark), the pumpkins, and magnolia stems.  The other items are on my wishlist and are from brands I've already purchased from and love!

Tea towels: here | Velvet pumpkins: here  | Pajamas: here | Slipper: here | Planter: here

Candlesticks: here | Pumpkin embroidery napkins: here | Throw: here | Decor ribbon: here 

Magnolia Bush: here | Monogram pumpkin: here | Hair bow: here | Jacket: here | Mug: here 

Rattan/Woven Trend

One of the trends in both fashion and home right now is rattan/natural fiber.  Almost every store I've seen, every decor photo, and every fashion website has a piece made from rattan or some other woven natural fiber such as straw or seagrass.  I've always loved this medium because it reminds me of the coast which I love. Right now in my own home you'll find woven tote bags, baskets, the placements shown below, the table shown below (which is super popular) and a rattan tray.  If the kids didn't already have play table chairs then I'd scoop up these darling chairs with the bow back.  Are you loving this trend as much as I am?

Placemat  | Dining Chair | Bow Chair | Bowl | Hair Clip | Earrings | Table | Lamp Shade | Clutch | Vase | Glasses | Picture Frame | Baskets

Back to School

August starts tomorrow and most schools will be starting a new year in the next couple of weeks, crazy!  The summer break flew by.  As we all know, this school year, just like last, will be a bit different for most.  Parents like myself and school districts have been faced with the difficult decision on whether or not to send their kids to school in-person or to have them attend virtually from home.  Mary-Grace's school will have only virtual learning for the 1st nine weeks.  It won't be easy to manage but we know she'll be safest at home. 

I have a lot of conflicting feelings about how things have gone lately due to the virus.  I feel sad for Mary-Grace when I think of the additional activities she'll miss out on.  She's had a great spring and summer (mostly at home) but I'm sad that she's missed out on playing with most of her friends, attending summer camps, field trips, going to museums, etc.  Every night after she says her prayers, I ask her if she's had a good day and what her favorite part of the day was, and she almost always tells me it was a great day which is reassuring for me.  She’s having fun just playing outside, riding her bike,  and watching movies with us.   Luckily for Benny, he's at an age where he won't remember much about these crazy times and has fun doing just about anything.

Even though Mary-Grace will be attending school virtually for the first quarter, she will still use many of the items that she would need if she were attending in-person.  I'm sharing with you some of our favorite back to school items that we have that are great for both virtual and at home schooling! 

I've been eyeing this Plaid Dress for Mary-Grace for the fall.  It would also be the perfect back to school dress in my opinion!

This sweet monogram Collared Shirt would be so cute under a jumper, paired with a skirt or with pants.  

These apple Socks are so cute for the fall.  They'd look adorable with the collared shirt I mentioned and a skirt.

Both Mary-Grace and Benny have this YETI Water Bottle.  It's the best. I love that it keeps their drinks (especially milk) cold all day.  It's easy to clean (dishwasher!) and to carry around.  I plan to get them each an additional bottle.

I got this Pennant for Kindergarten last year and I used it for the first day of school and last day of school pictures.  I plan to get one to use for first grade as well.

Unfortunately masks are the new norm right now.  Mary-Grace has a Snow White mask that was gifted to her and is adorable (if a mask can be adorable?).   I really like how this White face mask has a monogram option so that everyone will know it's hers.  I've seen the idea of putting the mask on a lanyard for kids so they don't lose it or have to set it down if they remove it for minute which I think is so smart.

I got these exact Name Labels for Mary-Grace last year and loved them.  They stuck on everything for the whole year, even after being washed.  I still have some leftover labels for this year to use.  I stuck them to everything- notebooks, water bottles, lunchbox, pencil case, tags on her coats, etc.  

For the past 2 years Mary-Grace has used a set of plastic food containers with snap-on lids that I got from Home Goods to carry her lunch to school.  I really love this Food Container that has great reviews and I think she'd love the fact that it's pink!  I'll plan to get Benny one also so he's not left out.

These Red Kids are just a classic and is such a great color for summer through winter.  They will hold up well on the playground and look cute with almost anything.  They come in other colors and look so cute on both boys and girls.  I got Benny a red pair and I found a blue pair second hand that looks brand new that he can wear next year.  

I bought Benny these alphabet Pajamas when they were on sale last week.  I'm keeping an eye out for when Mary-Grace's size is hopefully restocked.  They love wearing matching pajamas. Even though Mary-Grace has been really into wearing nightgowns I think she'll like these so she can match her brother.  

Pandemic or no pandemic, hand sanitizer is always a must in schools.  I love this Sanitizer Holder that can be hooked to a book bag or lunchbox for easy access and it won't get lost.  

I bought this Lunchbox for Mary-Grace before she started preschool in the light pink color and had it monogramed in navy.  It's held up so well (even through the washer a few times).  It comes in several fun colors and there are dozens of monogram options.  

How sweet are these Memory Page inserts to help remember information from each school year??  It would be such a special gift for your child when they graduate. 

Mary-Grace was gifted this Blue book bag in the bright pink color.  It's just right for her size and is very durable.  It comes in a few other color choices as well and can also be monogramed.

We got these Headphones for her to use in kindergarten last year.  For the price they have worked out well.   I'm sure once we start virtual learning she'll use them even more than she did in class.  I'm thinking of getting Benny the blue ones for him to use to stay busy and quiet while Mary-Grace is involved with her Zoom or Google class meetings.  

A Wet/Dry Bag is a must for preschoolers and kindergarteners to store a change of clothes if needed.  It would also work well for older kids who may want to carry around a few things like a hair brush, chapstick, facewipes, etc.  

Another cute mask option is this Seersucker face mask.  

Picnic Necessities

One of our favorite things to do as a family is to go on a picnic together.  We've been lucky this spring with some cooler days to enjoy.  It's the perfect chance to get outside to do something where it's easy to social-distance.

There's a beautiful park close to our new home that has acres of green grass, magnolia trees, paved pathways, restrooms, and manicured garden areas.  Sometimes we switch it up and go to State's empty campus or to a different park.  We pack our meal or pick up something to-go along with a few "necessities" to take along.  I've gathered these items below to show what we usually bring with us.  If we pack up to go to a playground we'll pack sans toys since there's the playground to entertain (before Covid).

Wet Ones: you can find everywhere! | Food storage: here | Water bottle: here | Tote bag with utensils and glasses: here 

Straw Hat: here | Blanket: here ( I also have last years version but got this one too for more room) | Kids cap: here | Sunglasses: here

Ball Toss Game: here | Kids sunscreen: here | Boat tote: here | Soccer ball: here

Spring dresses

With the warm weather here to stay, dresses will be a large part of my wardrobe.  I love easy to throw on dresses that pair nicely with flat sandals for on the go.  Any of the options below would work great with sandals or dressed up with a pair of heels for a more formal occasion.  All of the dresses I've rounded up happen to be floral which is a coincidence.  I guess I have a type this spring!  I'd wear any of these dresses (post virus life) to church, out to eat, shopping, visiting with friends and family, or to a shower/party.

 Floral shoulder tie: here (low on stock, also found here | Floral balloon sleeve: here | Libery print dress: here | Floral print midi dress: here | Lemon print: here | Eyelet: here | Floral Puff Sleeve: here | Yellow Floral: here

Recipe- Blueberry Lemon Cake

It’s been forever and a day since I’ve baked anything homemade so I thought since today was a gloomy day here I’d whip up this blueberry lemon cake I came across.  It was so easy to make and turned out delicious!  I followed this recipe except I substituted the yogurt for sour cream since I didn’t have plain yogurt on hand.  I made a basic sugar icing using 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of water.  If you decide to try it, let me know what you think!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Even though we've been cooped up at our home most days, April actually seemed to fly by.  It seems like we just had Easter and now Mother's Day is less than two weeks away.  At this point in time, it doesn't seem like I'll be able to spend time with my own mom but I still will make sure to give her a call and drop off a present for her to show my appreciation and love.  It's still not too late to ship a gift either and many businesses are offering free shipping.  I've gathered some gift ideas below, many from small businesses that I'm sure any mother would love to receive.

1. here | 2. here | 3. here | 4. here | 5. here | 6. here | 7. here | 8. here | 9. here | 10. here | 11. here
12. here | 13. here | 14. here | 15. here | 16. here

Home Gardens

  Having our own back yard now and spending so much more time at home has me dreaming of planting a garden.  I have absolutely no green thumb but I still love the thought of growing our own fruits and veggies, and teaching my kids about how these foods grow (while trying to keep them alive).  Ideally we'd like to put a fence around our back yard first, which we're hoping will be some time this year so the plan for this garden is for next spring.  I'm picturing a couple of raised beds to start off with.  There are several tutorials out there on how to build your own and I've also seen several affordable ones on FB marketplace built by locals.  I also like the idea of using a plant stand and pots for some smaller crops.  It would be perfect for a porch or large balcony if there's not a yard for raised or fenced-in beds.  I might get one this spring for some flowers to put on our back patio.  

  Below I've shown some examples of what I'm picturing with the raised beds and some examples of stands.  Do you have a garden at home?  I'm planning to do a lot of research before I invest and would also love some tips from you all!

here

here

here

here

here

here

here

Easter Outfits for Boys

Today I've rounded up some ideas for boys Easter outfits.  Like with the girls outfits I posted here yesterday, these can be worn all spring and summer, not just for Easter and the majority are from small businesses to help promote them.  There are so many cute boy clothes out right now!  I wish Benton could still fit in sunsuits and bubbles, but I'm still going to put him in Jon Jons/shortalls as long as possible!

Sandals: here | Smocked bubble: here | Shirt and Diaper Cover Set: here | Blue Embroidered Bunny Jon Jon: here

Blue Check Jon Jon: here | Blue and seafoam sunsuit: here | Bucket Hat: here | White Oxford shirt: here

White Bunny Romper: here |  Duck sweater: here | Suspender Shorts: here | Pants: here

Gingham Bunny: here | Short Set (blue shorts): here | Colorblock bunny shortall: here | Bunny bubble: here

Easter Outfits for Girls

Even though we're planning to spend Easter in self-isolation, I know many of us are still trying to plan a special day with our children... more thoughts on that here.  No one will be seeing them except for us so wearing anything is completely acceptable, but we can still FaceTime others and take pictures if we choose.  Many of these "Easter" outfits I've shown below can be worn all spring and summer, not just for one day.  I've mostly chosen pieces from small businesses to help promote them and support them during this difficult time.  Many are having sales right now so it's a great time to take advantage of snagging new spring and summer clothes if you're able.  Tomorrow I'll be posting some adorable boy outfits!

Pink bow socks: here  | White Embroidered Set: here | Blue dress with yellow embroidery: here

White Bonnet: here | Blue smocked dress: here  | Pink Dress and bloomer set: here | Cross Dress: here

Bunny Set: here | Bunny Ears bonnet: here | Duck Bubble: here

Pink Bunny Romper: here | Pink Bunny Smocked Dress: here | Yellow Dress: here | Socks: here

Easter Basket Ideas

Easter is one of my favorite holidays.  It seems as though it's going to look a lot different this year.  We won't be going to church, egg hunts, or having an Easter lunch with family.  We can still celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at home, still have egg hunts, and still have lunch, it'll just look different.  I still want to try to make it special for the kids though as I'm sure you do with yours.  I bought some Easter eggs and candy for an egg hunt in our own yard.  It'll be different but hopefully just as fun.  We'll plan to have a nice lunch here at home just the four of us.  It really saddens me that we won't see family but that's the way it needs to be to keep everyone safe.  I'm also putting together the kids Easter baskets, which is one of my favorite things to do!  I love putting together Easter baskets every year.  It'll be something special for the kids Easter morning and provide some normalcy.

I'm sharing what will be in Mary-Grace and Benton's baskets along with a few other ideas.   Asides from what is below, some other fun things to include could be bubbles, finger paint,  bath toys, a small coloring book, a small puzzle, bubble bath, pajamas, and fruit or fruit snacks.  I try not to include too much candy.  I usually do a chocolate bunny (or other animal) and fill a few plastic eggs with some jelly beans or other small candy.

What are your plans this year?  Will you start a new tradition while at home?

Peter Rabbit sound book: here | Chocolate Chick: here | Shoes: here | Umbrella: here | Country Bunny Book: here | Basket: here | Bunny Ears: here | Peter Rabbit Book: here | Egg chalk: here | Garden Kit: here | Rattle: here | Bunny Necklace: here | Hair bow: here | Eggs (to fill with jelly beans or little candies): here | Bunny Ducky Toy: here | | Bunny: here | Pens: here | Bracelet: here

Uncertainty- COVID-19

One microscopic organism (?) that we can't see has changed our worlds almost overnight.  Schools in our state are shut down for at least 2 weeks, perhaps it will be longer.  Restaurants and bars here were ordered to close except for take-out and drive-thru services.  Grocery store shelves are barren and remind me of hurricane preparedness.  My husbands office is closing starting Thursday and he'll have to work from home.  Our hospitals are starting to feel the effects of the virus.

Through all of this craziness though, I've seen with my own eyes kindness for fellow citizens.  As scary as the uncertainty is right now with whom this virus will sicken and if or when our economy will bounce back, it warms my heart to see communities come together.  I was at the grocery store with Benton last Friday trying to get a few things for our "social distancing" and hoping to be able to snag what we needed before everything was gone.  The lines were long and carts were full, but everyone was pleasant and the woman in line behind me even left her cart to go help the cashier bag the groceries.  Our neighbors on our community Facebook page have offered a helping hand to those who may need it.  On social media I've seen people sharing ideas of how to help others, how important it is to distance yourself, promoting local and small businesses, and offering ideas for how to stay busy with your children while schools are closed.  I try to always have a positive perspective but it can be hard knowing people are struggling through this time financially and physically.  I believe that God has a purpose for everything that is going on and we have to trust him.

I've found it helpful with my anxiety to write a list of activities that I can do to help myself with my kids to stay busy and have some fun while home.  Mary-Grace received a packet from school that we'll work on along with these ideas that we came up with together.  This list includes several things we already do weekly since the kids are home (Mary-Grace is in kindergarten but home during track-outs).  I thought I'd share our list in case anyone else is looking for some ideas.  Please feel free to also share your ideas!