Last Minute Gifts

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Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Let us welcome our guest editor, my loving husband, Ian.  A man who is not shy about his opinions, and buys himself everything he wants, thus the perfect person to provide us with a helpful men's gift guide.  

1.  This one is actually all me- I got Ian a sous vide last Christmas and it blew his mind.  He is the chef in our house, and it totally changed how he cooks.  Like his steak is better then it is from the grill.  

2.  An old school sports sweatshirt- Skol. 

3.  "These Banana Republic shirts look good and got my wife to tell me I look sexy hot".  

4.  A stocking stuffer- the best golf balls.  

5.  "I am a bit a clean freak (note from Brittany: UM, A BIT??!!!)  and this also extends to my car. After four years of living with gross children I have finally found a solution to keeping the back seat of my beloved Jeep clean"

6.  "This thing is key for my office"

7.  "I’ve been on a bit of a Banana Republic kick lately mostly because it find it very difficult to buy pants that actually fit me. These do.  It's nice feeling like the circulation to my sack isn’t going to be cut off. " (Note from Brittany: inappropriate, I like to keep this blog PG).  

8.  "I use this thing at work. I spend a lot of time on the phone everyday, and I get up and balance on this.  Core strength, man.  Don't judge me".  

9.  "If I weren't already married, I would marry this thing.  Best appliance in my house.  If our house had a name it would be: Little Pieces of Shit Everywhere. This helps soothe me when I get in a cleaning rage"  

shop the post:

Thanksgiving Week Shopping Guide

The sales  start earlier and earlier every year, I swear. 

I will keep updating this post as more sales come in.  

Happy, happy, happy Thanksgiving week.  I hope everyone celebrates with someone they love and something delsh they love to eat.  

Here is your key to all the best deals.  

ASOS: 30% off everything with code BIG30

Love this and these.  

H&M: 30% off everything 

This is my favorite sweater and this is my favorite place to shop for Ralphie!  

Madewell: 30% off your entire purchase with code GIFTWELL

My fave store! These are my FAVORITE  jeans, and this bag is a classic.  

Amazon: Shop all the deals right here- 
I got this on Prime Day and highly recommend!  Lots of toys featured on the gift guide for babies, and the gift guide for kids.  
  

Beauty Counter: 15% off
All time favorite sunscreen!  

Target:  See deals here.  

My favorite cardigan ever is included.    

American Eagle: 40% off 
Such a pretty color.   

Abercrombie: 50% the entire store. 

I live in this guy.  

Gap: 50% off your entire purchase with code FOURTY + SUPER10. 

The toddler girl stuff is just too cute!  

J.Crew: 40% off your purchase with code WHYWAIT. 

I've wanted this guy for so long.  

J.Crew Factory: 60% off everything 

This is so dang cute.  

LOFT: 50% off almost everything on the site with code INDULGE. 

This is the best coat ever.  

Old Navy: 50% off everything  

The toddler boy dress up items are seriously adorable.  

Express: 50% off everything

I just got this tunic and it's PERFECT for leggings.  

World Market: 40% off everything
Everyone needs a jute rug and this one is perfect.  

Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

My favorite favorites, that would all make great gifts for the special gal in your life.  

1.  The best classic cable knit sweater. 

2.  My initial necklace- I have the initials of all my family members, and wear it every day. 

3.  The belt bag.  Made my life complete.  

4.  A harsh truth- people who say they don't like Uggs are not smart and wrong.  

5. This Tula eye balm is everywhere, but for good reason! 

6.  Initial earrings! I have R and O. 

7.  Pretty headband set- under $10.  

8.  The best cookbook, I'm convinced.  

9.  I love our kantha throw blanket- definitely something a little different then the usual one! 

10.  I got this camera last year and it's SO much fun. 

11.  Monogrammed ceramic mugs- only $7!

12.  Get their astrological sign, in a tee! 

13.  For the mamas- this one is a faveeeee. 

14.  My leopard joggers. 

15.  A cute portable charger- great for a teen! 

shop the post: 

Holiday Gift Guide: Babies

The best stuff for the littlest members of the family.  We have almost all of these, and they are big hits over here!  

1.  Ophelia and Ralphie are still obsessed with this tunnel. 

2.  Our favorite book for babes.  

3.  A stacker is essential.  

4.  For a new babe- a Solly wrap is a must.  

5. Cute little hat. 

6.  The Everywhere Chair is the perfect big gift. 

7.  A pretty baby gym.  

8.  A stocking stuffer- our favorite teether.  

9.  A baby for your baby.  

10.  We love our musical instruments- egg shakers are all baby's favorite.  

11.  A perfect size ball. 

12.  Cozy booties.  

13.  This push car is a staple.  

14.  Slide!

15.  Babies in bear suits are my weakness.  

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Holiday Gift Guide: Kids

I am SO excited to start my 2019 gift guides- they're always some of my most popular posts, and I always appreciate how many people tell me they were helpful!  I did want to make a note though- of course I don't think any child needs all of these things (let alone any of it!) and my children definitely don't get all of these things for gifts!  I've noticed a case of "the gimmes" lately with Ophelia, and I want to make sure she appreciates all the wonderful things she already has, and how fortunate she is.  My gifting mantra with my own children is: "something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read"- you can be pretty flexible with those categories, but it definitely helps to eliminate  an overwhelming gifting experience.  I am also planning to focus on ways to help make the holiday season about more than just presents- volunteering to help others, and family experiences.  

That being said- these are some of our very favorite toys for kids!  I'd say this age range is 2-7.  

1.  Truck +  blocks = no brainer.

2.  Ophelia has been asking for a guitar for a year now! 

3.  These paint sticks are one of my favorite art supplies for kids, and make a great gift!

4.  This barn and play set is seriously so cute.

5.  Frozen 2 gifts will be all the rage this year.  I love this family set because its perfect for lots of creative, open ended play!

6.  A classic scooter.

7.  Candyland!

8.  My kids are obsessed with pretending to clean- why not put them to work?

9.  I can't wait to get this car mat for Ralphie!

10.  These ride on animals are so popular at our open gyms.  The kids are obsesed with them.

11.  My other favorite art supply, especially for the younger set.

12.  This one might seem strange, but I want a sensory bin for them!  Fill it with rice, water beads, cornstarch... the possibilites are endless.

13.  Kids love a little space of their own- how cute is this tent?

14.  This Baby Alive thing kind of creeps me out, but I know Ophelia would LOVE it.

15.  How perfect would this rollercoaster be all winter long?

16.  Nothing a little girl loves more then a tutu!  Make her Nutcracker dreams come true.

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Holiday Gift Guide: For The Leopard Lover

So, yeah, everything on this list I either own or want.  Leopard is life.  

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Holiday Style for the Littles

All the plaid and sparkles and suspenders.  Is there anything cuter then a toddler all glammed up?

Chambray top with bow tie // Black sparkle dress

Rainbow metallic // Bow flats // Red pom sweater // Corduroy overalls 

Reindeer puppy tee // Red embroidered dress // White pom pom dress

Lace dress // Brown oxfords // Cable knit sweater 

Bow tie set // Suspender set // Plaid top

Christmas Jammies

I know it seems early, but the best ones sell out SO fast- so here are some of my favorites out there!

Styling A Dress for Fall

Another Instagram styling session!  This time I'm teaming up with Amanda to style a dress for fall.  

I'm styling this leopard dress!  Simple, with booties.  

Added a sweater on top, and added tights + black booties.  

With a leather jacket.  

Added a turtleneck underneath and my favorite hat! 

My Favorite Jeans + Leggings

1.  These are a new arrival- I'm in LOVE with the new skinny jean from Everlane.  It's called the "curvy" fit- which I personally feel is perfect for moms.  In this instance, curvy doesn't mean plus size, it's a cut designed to have a little more stretch in the hips/butt/ and thighs.

2.  These leggings are just the best, the end.  I love the compression and the thickness of the material.

3.  I've raved about these jeans over and over again, but I just truly love them.  A comfy boyfriend jean,  they're flattering and easy to wear.  I have multiple washes!

J.Crew Sale

sweater // jeans // mules

everything at j.crew is 40% off today with the code GOBIG

shop my picks by clicking the pictures:

15 Fall Sweaters Under $40

You can imagine me singing Maui's song "You're Welcome!"  Because, I mean who doesn't like a good deal?

click the pictures to shop

Halloween Jammies

Last year's pair! Ralphie is a babyyyy!

I know it's only September 1st, but the good ones sell out fast and holiday pajamas make me so happy! Here are some of my favorites for Halloween 2019! 

1. Pumpkins
2. Spiderwebs
3. Pumpkins and Ghosts
4. Donuts
5.  Pink
6.  Witches

Mom Uniform Favorite : A Cute Sweatshirt

I know sweatshirts aren't exactly a novel idea, but there seems to be a crop of dressed up sweatshirts everywhere lately (maybe a nod to the nineties, like everything else in fashion lately?) and a cute sweatshirt makes mom dressing so easy! 

Toddler Boy Fall Fashion

One of the most searched terms on my blog are baby boy finds- I love that there are other moms like me wanting to dress their boys in something other then trucks and dinosaurs! Here are some of my finds for Ralphie this fall: 

1.  Fleece 

2.  Cotton overalls

3.  Sneakers

4.  Thermal pants

5.  Henley set

6.  Striped set

7.  Beanie

8.  Rainboots

9.  Jeans

Gap Friends + Family Sale

Everyyyyy thing at Gap is 50% off today- perfect for back to school shopping!

Use codes "FRIEND" and "SCORE"

click the pictures to shop!

Current Shopping Bag

Sweatshirt // Shorts

I'm holding on to summer with all my might, but fashion wise-  we’re in that awkward period at the end (NO!) of summer where it’s still hot outside, but you don’t want to buy summer clothing that you won’t be able to wear for much longer!  The only thing that is consoling me about summer ending is the onslaught of new fall clothes arriving at all my favorite websites! 

1.  A traditional crossbody- this screams fall and back to school to me!

2.  The cutest mom jeans. 

3.  Love the sleeves on this leopard blouse!

4.  A button down white top on it's own now, and under a cardigan later. 

5. Coziest knit cardi.  

6.  A classic sweatshirt. 

7.  I'm obsessed with these velcro white sneaks!

8.  Neutral mules to go with everything.  

The Books I'm Bringing to the Beach

Getting ready for our annual beach vacay to Seaside and the item that's most on my mind?  A good book.  I have been struggling lately finding something I'm into!  Like, I've had a string of DNF-ers... books I "did not finish" they were so bad.  I asked for recs from you guys on instagram and got some great ones.    

1.  Three Women- I feel like everyone and their mom is into this book right now.  It's nonfiction, which isn't my usual bag, but I'm a sucker for hype.  

2.  Sometimes I Lie- A good thriller with an unstable narrator is right up my alley.  

3.  The First Mistake- Another thriller, and one of Reese Witherspoon's book club picks.  

4.  Lock Every Door- Okay, one more thriller.  

5.  City of Girls- This is another one that's on all the lists, and I've been resistant to try it for some reason.  I didn't love this author's last fiction book (she's the famous Eat Pray Love gal) but I'm going to give it a try. 

6.  A Nearly Normal Family- I love a courtroom drama, and this one gets GLOWING reviews.  

Amazon Diaper Bags

I got some requests for more Amazon finds- so I thought why not roundup a mom staple?  

1.  This one gets amazing reviews and is basically an exact dupe for the Fawn bag. 
2.  I love this canvas crossbody that could work as a diaper bag or an anything bag!
3.  Love the leather handles on this  neutral canvas pick. 
4.  LOVE this tote- comes in a whole bunch of colors!
5.  This is the number one diaper bag on Amazon- it looks hugeee.
6.  I adore this canvas backpack!

Amazon Prime Day Mama Deals

I will keep updating as they keep coming! 

Here are all the current baby deals.  

1.  Freshly Picked Mocs under $30!

2.  Melissa and Doug Barn

3.  Honest Company Diaper Bag

4.  Stand Walker

5.  The new Hanna Anderson onesie and pajama line- Amazon exclusive! 

6.  Convertible car seat

7.  "The Amazon Coat"- I got this.  

8.  Raved about leggings

9. Fawn Diaper bag

Kid's Summer Favorites

We are seriously digging summer over here.  Like, I'll take all the heat and humidity you can give me.  Here are some of my little friends' current faves:

1.  This after sun hair spray has been SO helpful for keeping Ophelia's curls intact.  Okay, I'll be honest- I use it too because I hate that chlorine crunchy feeling!

2.  If you haven't used a Reader Me before- GET ONE.  It reads a set of books to your child- perfect for road trips... or anytime you want to be a little lazy. 

3.  This is our favorite sunscreen.

4.  Ralphie is (as I've said before!) obsessed with his car.  He misses it as soon as we go inside, and does this sad little outstretched arm towards the garage, "CAR??"

5.  These short rainboots!  They're both cute and practical- other, taller rainboots are so hard for Ralphie to walk in.  Come in this cute floral print, and a star print. 

6.  Collapsible beach wagon- such a genius idea! I got this for our upcoming beach vacay!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Fall on top, summer on the bottom! 

Hat// Scarf

Woohoo!  It's that amazing time of the year when Nordstrom puts brand new, fall clothes on sale before they've ever been seen before. 

For those of us living in the North, I personally think it is a great time to stock up on your Patagonia or North Face gear, especially for kids! 

It opens to cardholders (apply here- you can get a debit card that hooks up to your regular bank account, it doesn't have to be a credit card! ) today, and everyone else next week.  It kind of feels like Christmas in July- brand new things we will use all winter, at prices we won't see after the sale ends.  Here are some of my first picks!  If you're not a cardholder, check back next week and get the scoop then.

1.  Okay, first off- if you are pregnant the Zella maternity leggings are included!  

And if you're newly postpartum- or, um, just a regular person who wears leggings- the Zella high rise ones are AMAZING for holding everything in place, and the Spanx leggings everyone is obsessed with are included! 

2.  The Ugg slippers are part of the sale this year- would make a good gift idea!

The store was absolutely insane today, and almost everything was sold out in my size, but I did find some things I want to share! 

Cowl neck sweater // Flecked sweater

Pink sweater // Wrap sweater

Heart leggings // Heart top // Spanx leggings

and the rest of my picks!