l a t e j u l y i n s p o

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feels

^ Thinking that maybe this clock should find itself wrapped and under my tree Christmas morning. 

^ I've been scouring the internet for the perfect bread recipe. I may have finally found one.

^ I'm finding myself drawn to non-traditional christmas vibes lately. Love this little x-mas print.

^ Forever drooling over Pinterest bedrooms. This is one of my faves.

^ It's been an embarrassingly long time since I last had my hair colored, and only now am I feeling like a change. Feeling like I need a little blonde in my hair and just some pampering in general. Maybe something like this.

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1. I love the simplistic look of this clock. Lately I'm feeling very against the clock, like in a way where time is not on my side. Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months. Trying so hard to switch up my perspective on time and rather than focusing on it in a measurement that has escaped, I'm looking at events and memories made along the way.

2. I've been wanting apple cider donuts in the worst way. My parents made them early this year during a snow storm, and they were the best dessert I've ever tasted. I typically do not like donuts, but these were almost cake-like. I'm trying to convince them to make more. 

3. Reminding myself of this quote everyday.  Kids are only little once and time goes by so, soo very fast; so we're fully embracing Logan's sass, quirks, fashion sense, and silly interests. 

4. I am more than ready for all things layered, especially my bed. Pulling out the throws is making my heart dance.

5. I've been wanting to get back into a yoga practice, but I have been finding it difficult to carve out a specific time without distraction. I love inspiring photos like the one pictured above as motivation.

halloween inspiration

pumpkin.mummy.poster.wands.shirt.bats.

I love scouring the internet for inspiration as a new season begins. It's a prep of sorts for all the goodness to come. There is so much that I want to do, or buy, that realistically I could never tend to it all. I pulled a few favorites that set the tone of my Halloween dreaming. Because in this house, we've been doing a lot of it. 

Logan's costume has been purchased and delivered weeks ago. She is dressing up as Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. She could not be any more excited. I don't know if it's anticipation of the frizzy hair she insisted on rocking or the special wizard powers the character carries. She has a wand but I just loved the different colors and the feel of the DIY ones pictured above.

We are all about Holiday themed crafts and do several throughout the holiday seasons, Halloween being no exception. In fact, it may be Logan's favorite holiday to craft during. She is all about the uncertainty of spooky slimy gore. This cute little bat is definitely on our craft to-do list. So is the light-up mummy with the googley eyes. I love the simplistic look of both crafts.

This past weekend Logan painted her first pumpkin of the season. We do a lot of pumpkin painting in the fall. I love the brushstoke polka dot pumpkins pictured above. They are stylish and simple and any age can pull them off. We are going to use them for inspiration next time we paint.

Witch better have my candy. Enough said. 
I am loving all the Halloween inspired T-shirts. 
Hard to choose just one.

back to school business

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This whole school life is serious business.
There are so many necessities with too many options.
Where to begin?

Here I have documented a few things that I have either picked up already or am waiting on receiving, or ordering. Anyone is seeking ideas, or inspiration I have provided all of the links above.

When it came to school shopping, I decided to focus of simple, basic staples that would get us through a few years. I generally strive for quality of quantity, and would rather spend a few extra dollars on something durable and timeless over something trending and cheap.

I love love love Logan's new backpack, and am so happy that we decided to purchase it. It had the two most important things I was looking for in a backpack: lightweight and simple. It is easy to store + easy to clean-- couldn't ask for more as far as I'm concerned.

I went with practical and functional while shopping, only buying things that I know we would use as a family and that Logan would need in the classroom. That being said, I didn't buy the "Sorry I'm late, I didn't want to come" t-shirt for back-to-school night, but it is still on my list. ;)

I did buy a new bottle of vitamins to start our school year (as the humidity got to ours over the summer months and we needed fresh ones) and shampoo containing tea tree oil and lavender. The media has me paranoid about pesky hair bugs, so I am complying to all/any precautions recommended. Nature's Gate is usually my go-to brand for organic shampoo, but I am eager to try California Baby. I bought this brand out of convince. Target always.

A while back I ordered Logan Converse sneakers in a fun cheetah print that would essentially go with whatever she would wear. We pulled them out of the closet today and to our surprise they fit. We started our morning with a lot of excitement, it was really sweet.

I definitely was most stressing the art of packing a lunch in sending my girl off to school for a 6+ hour day. I did not want to send her to school with a sandwich every.single.day and was feeling stressed out about limited options. I discovered the Yumbox and instantly knew it would be exactly what I would need for my veggies and dip, pasta salad, waffle and syrup loving variety girl. I love that it seals the food compartments individually. I no longer stress the nut mix turning into a yogurt nut mix, and other messes. Yumbox is a really brilliant design and one I am happy to have discovered. We are excited for ours to arrive. Until then, we are using a few different containers. Effective, but tricky, and a lot of wash. I also like that Yumbox is all one piece. So many pros.

An umbrella was probably in the top five on my back-to-school list. Logan will be a car rider to and from school, and on rainy afternoons while she waits for her ride home (outside of the school) an umbrella will come in handy.

Logan's school does a staggered entry for kindergarten where they wean the students into the rhythm of school with a few days long  process. Lo has been eager and ready since day one and was less than thrilled with all the staggering, just wanting "real school" to begin. She has really adjusted well. She  comes home humming tunes, reciting facts, and telling me about another new friend. I couldn't be any happier with her transition. Having never attended any sort of formal school, I was a bit unsure about how things would go over. I should never have doubted her though, she's pretty exceptional and easy going with everything she does. School the same.

Proud mom moment.

f r i d a y / / f i v e

 

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^ I have always loved reading inspiring words when transitioning into something new, weather it be a new season, new venture, or simply having to meet new people. This quote right now speaks volumes to be as I gear up to become a kindergarten mom. I don't know how we got here so quickly, but rather then dwelling in that, I am simply going to embrace this new phase of life, with my big girl.

^ Generally we think of  back-to-school as a closing of summer, but summer doesn't officially end until the 23rd of September. I'm thinking that means plenty of time for homemade popsicles, like these Mango Coconut Creamcicles.

^ In place of listing at all of things Logan and I will be missing out on with her in school 6+ hours a day, (sigh...) I'm focusing on the things that we can do and setting some ideas aside of simple DIYs for her and I to do on days off. 

^ I loving little style, and with Logan getting bigger, the little trends are only getting cuter. Looking forward to picking out some fun, simple pieces with her.

^ The end of this month we are going to be heading up north to Maine for a mini getaway. We have been dreaming about delicious New England seafood since we confirmed our dates. Drool.

my favorite things pt.3 || gift guide under $100

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I had way too much fun with this. My Pinterest has gotten so jumbled lately that I am loving having my wish lists clustered together in one spot for easy reference. This gift guide prompt was $100 and under. I wanted to share some cute inexpensive throw-in ideas.

1. I love the look of simple clean natural wooden toys for babies, especially when they're hip like this cute camera. Follow link for other grown-up toys for babies. Sewing machine, record player, shaving kit, laptop, keys, and wallets to name a few. Really neat stuff!

2. Perfect for any sports fan. I love Ebay for the biggest variety and quick shipping. Scott would die over this Patriots hoodie.

3. I think these coffee scoopers would be the perfect addition to a gift for coffee lovers. I picture it tied to a bag of Starbucks coffee in a beautiful holiday ribbon.

4. These are on my little Yogi girl's list. They would be a fun activity to keep any kid active and busy.

5. I love, love, love, this bag. I ordered this one a few months back for Logan and she loves it! It is such great quality and super handy for our outings and adventures. I'm swooning over this red one now. 

6. This wristlet is everything. It's sleek, simple, and more importantly practical. It comes in other great colors too. It's a want and a need all wrapped in one. 

7. I pinned these a while back. They are adorable. What kid wouldn't love one of these?! Heck, I'd love one myself!

8. Mustard on babies is these best. It's gender neutral, and so much cuter than your generic pink and blue. These made to order leggings come in sizes from 0-5T. They are $19+ shipping, which is cheaper than most handmade leggings on the web.

9. These shoes are another item I have pinned way back. Each time I went to order them they were either out of budget or sold-out. Figures.  The green, in fact, are no longer in stock right now too. I again love that they are gender neutral. 

10. Another want and need combo. Hair ties pretty enough to wear as bracelets. Logan would love these.

11. Another great gift for my little Yogi. At her age, I don't know if she necessarily needs this one per say (as it retails for $54+) but it's definitely one to keep in mind, especially if she stays interested in it.

12. This site had THE BEST temporary tattoos. They have the biggest variety of the most unique things and phrases.

13. We have this hat and it may be my favorite one Lo's ever had. This style is vintage meets clasic  Perfect for young and old.

14. When shopping for someone who you may not know their color preference or style, black -and-white is always a safe bet. As are geometric shapes. This frame is perfect. Everything in the shop is. I could make a wish list from there alone. 

Happy shopping! I hope you have found some inspiration here for your gift giving this year.

Remember less is more. 

Unless you're giving cash. 

THEN, more is more. ; )


See my other gift guides from this link-up series.
My personal wish list HERE.
Stocking Stuffers inspiration for Me, Scott, and Logan HERE.

my favorite things pt.2 || stocking stuffers

Logan

1. A meaningful print to hang in her room-- rolled up, would fit perfectly in Lo's stocking.

2. Logan loves using the iPad at night when we watch some TV, her current pair of headphones are MIA at the moment, so a new pair may be needed.

3. I've had this pinned forveverrr. It would look adorable peeking out of Lo's stocking. This doll in particular is not available anymore, but the other dolls in this shop are just as adorable. 

4. This girl loves chocolate. We always love to try new kinds. I never bought this brand before, but after reading about the company, I was instantly sold. Check it out!

5. To have her very own nail polish would be everything for this girl.

6. These I also had pinned for too long. I love their cute little size and Waldorf inspired look. I will definitely be ordering a few of these for Lo.

7. Stamps are always too much fun for my girl. They keep her busy for quite a while too. A win for both her and I.

Scott

1. I love the look of this packaged soap-- classic, clean, manly. And sea salt anything is the best. I know Sco would be happy with this.

2. Beard oil is all the rage right now. We're curious to try it out. A stocking must!

3. Boston is both mine and Sco's favorite city. We've liked this map poster for a while now.

4. I like unconventional things for stockings and think this bag, rolled up, just may fit in Scott's. If not, it can go under the tree. Sco needs a new bag for work and I'm loving this blue.

5. Anyone who knows Sco, knows he loves coffee-- needs it to function, in fact. This shirt was made for him.

6. A Starbucks gift card: to support his habit.

7. Winter in PA is rough on the skin. I've read great things about this chapstick. We're going to give it a try.

and just for fun--  me ;)

1. I adore these shades. I never ever buy myself expensive sunglasses, but I may just spoil myself this spring. The top two are my favorite.

2. I pinned this a while back. It's so simple, but so not. I would love it on my wall.

3. This is my favorite shampoo, ever, for both myself and Logan. I used it on Lo's hair since she was a newborn, but as her hair grew longer, I stopped buying it because it was a lot pricier than our other go-to, Panteen. Now that her hair is a lot shorter, I'd love to bring it back into our shower.

4. I recently reinstated my gym membership, and I've been going to the gym regularly for the past couple of weeks now, with anticipation of continuing to exercise weekly. I bought a pair of cheapy $5 ear buds at the store next to the gym and they have broke on me already. 5 bucks, I didn't have high hopes. But, now I'm feeling like a good pair may be a staple for gym days.

5. This past summer I read a book, that wasn't from the kids section, a first in way too long, and I loved it! Couldn't put it down. I actually had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading. This book is by the same author. I'm not sure I can wait for christmas though!

6. I need a new sports bra. This one looks perfect and has received great reviews.

7. This bag is the exact one I posted for Scott but different in color. I don't really need a backpack, but I love, love, love bags. Plus how cute would it be to match my guy. 

8. I haven't worn a watch in years... I think it may be time. See what I did there... ;)

9. I've been using an organic pumpkin face scrub for the past month and I am loving the way my skin looks and feels. I would love to try out some different scrubs. This one looks great! They are a few DIY recipes on Pinterest I may try out as well.

***Disclaimer: Though I would love to buy e v e r y t h i n g  on these boards, they mostly will serve as inspiration. See more on my Pinterest boards.

my favorite things || pt. 1

We have planned out a rather simple Christmas for ourselves this year. We've decide to focus more of our energy (and our money) on experiences rather than things. We have a couple of overnights planned out of town, along with a few other seasonal things. We are excited to focus on each other and spend time living in the moment, together, without distraction. Every year, Christmas build up is so exhausting, and then in a day, it's gone. I'm hoping to gain a more meaningful grasp of what the season is truly about: life, love, faith, and hope.

In keeping with the spirit and the joy that it brings, I thought it would be fun to group together some things I've been wishing for. 

1. This canvas tote has been sold out for entirely too long-- I'm hoping it gets restocked in time for Christmas ;)

2. I love the look of classic burberry, but this pink version has me swooning.

3. I have a bit of a blanket obsession, and every time I see this one, I find ways to justify why I need one more. Christmas should be reason enough ;)

4. I think this beautiful reminder in print would make an excellent addition, framed, to the shelf over my bed.

5. I've needed new glasses for way too long. I'll be spoiling myself tomorrow with new ones tomorrow. These are my inspiration.

6. Ever since I smelled this perfume in a magazine at my sister's house, I've had it on my list.

7. I've become a daily coffee/latte drinker and I would love a pretty mug (that's all mine) to drink from. I love the sprinkles on this mug and the handmade feel it holds.

8. This pillow is exactly what my bed needs. Like yesterday..

I'm linking up here to share my Christmas wish list. 














Add your own to the link-up or browse through for some inspiration for yourself or for someone on your list.

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^ Love, love, love this chair-- the colors, the design, the legs, everything.

^ White on white is my favorite "color" these days-- add pops of wood...swoon!

^ Getting inspired from DIY tablecloths like this one.

^ I always love photos of collections, and this camera one is perfection.

^ The font of these numbers and the brass finish. Beautiful.

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^  I think we may be trying out this recipe for these delicious Baked Apple Cinnamon Doughnut Holes

^  Is this not the sweetest place setting ever? I'm in love.

^  Roasted zucchini  The link to this photo send you to tips for roasting all different kinds of veggies

^  I have had creating a play camera for Logan on my DIY list for over a year I'm sure. 
    This one is so inspiring.

^  Painting leaves has also been on our list since last september. 
    I just picked up some new paints so hopefully we'll get to that soon, too.

summer || dreaming, loving, wanting

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^ there is something about a beautiful bike-- i lovee this one.
^ floating in a still pool-- reflecting on internal and external balance,
^ beach days: gorgeous ones with an oversized hat, a god book, and a cold drink.
^ reading more-- have this, this, and this. I hope to finish all three by september.




I love being inspired by beautiful images.
What inspires you?

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Things i'm loving right now...

^ positive thoughts
^ longing for saltwater hair and sandy feet
^ veggie pizzas and experimenting with new combinations
^ random beads of different shapes and color
^ metallic meets leather clutch

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Five things I am loving at the moment:

^ shades of blue paired with a sunny day.
^ the power of positive thinking.
^ wooden blocks. how cute are these little houses?! oh, the possibilities...
^ unique silverware-- these especially!
^ fresh flowers wrapped in paper. fresh flowers in general, really.



Linking up here.