Five Favorites on Friday

Happy Friday everybody!  This weeks edition of Friday favorites are all items on my birthday wish list!  My 32nd birthday is coming up next week and these are a few pieces I'd love!

1. I'm still hoping to grab a pair of these pajamas from J. Crew one of these days!  Every. Single. Time. I go to order them or finalize an order, they're out of stock!  
2. I'm in major need of a new pair of sneakers and I really love the Nike Air Presto style - I just can't decide if I want to make a statement with the melon color, or go for a more basic color combo like the black and white.
3. As much as I love the ankle boot trend, I have a hard time pulling it off.  I've been on the hunt for a new pair of black over the knee boots and I love this suede pair by Blondo. 
4. One of my goals for the upcoming new year is to be more organized!  I like to think of myself as an organized person, but lately I'm starting to realize I'm lacking in that department.  This planner is not only useful but so pretty!  They have many different styles to chose from and you can build it to your needs.
5. Lastly, I would love this sentimental bracelet to add to my daily stack! 

So there's my birthday wishlist!  I hope you all have a great weekend! 

Five Favorites on Friday

I can honestly say that I haven't purchased much for myself in a long time.  I'm a big online shopper, but lately, all of the items I've purchased have been for my son - mainly prepping his wardrobe for the fall.  Well, I've complied a list of favorites for this week that are items currently in my shopping cart. They are all fashion related in some way and are either for fall or late summer pieces that can easily be transitioned.

1. I cleaned out my closet before the spring and rid it of so many pairs of shoes!  I mainly stick to ballet flats in the cooler months and I've been on the hunt for a new pair of leopard print ones.  These illusion ballet flats by Steve Madden are so cute!
2. This cover up/maxi dress is a great piece for both summer and early fall.  I particularly love the olive color and can picture wearing it with sandals for the remainder of the summer and a lightweight cardigan and flats come fall.  
3. Speaking of cardigans, this tied sleeve one by Halogen is so feminine and a perfect staple item for the cool months.  I love the pink smoke and teal colors!  
4. When I first saw this blouse, the one thing that immediately came to mind was Thanksgiving!  The colors are perfect for fall and I think it would be the prettiest top to wear on Thanksgiving day!
5. Finally, I really would love to have a piece of jewelry with my son's name on it to wear on the daily.  This disc necklace is perfect to wear everyday and dainty enough for layering.

So there you have it... a few of the items currently holding a spot in my shopping cart!  I hope you all have a great break and are able to treat yourselves this weekend!  

The Registry Series: Extras

And here we are... the final installment of the series!  This last section is all about the extras!  These items are all pieces that you may not need right away, but will be so happy you have them when the time rolls around!

1. Car Seat Protector:  This item is one that I really get tons of use out of!  We installed this the minute we put Chase's car seat in the car and it really helps protect your seats!  I never realized how much of a mark/imprint car seats leave and if you have leather seats it's even worse!  This item is super sturdy and has a nice high back so it protects from kicking little feet!
2. Solly Baby Wrap:  This particular wrap is all the rage with mommy bloggers!  I completely understand why!  It is very lightweight, but very sturdy!  It supports babies from birth up to 25lbs and is easily folded to fit in just about any space!  As a bonus, they come in a variety of adorable colors and patterns!
3. Car Storage Organizer:  This item I use on the daily!  I have it on the floor right in front of Chase's seat and inside I always have extra diapers, wipes, a light blanket, and a few toys.  There are also spaces for two cups/bottles and lots of pockets for smaller items!  This organizer is highly recommended! 
4. Mommy & Baby Hook Duo:  These are great to have on hand.  I keep them both inside the car organizer for when I need them.  We use them from time to time for toys, bags, and small purses.  They're great to have!
5. Bumbo:  This is an updated version of the beloved Bumbo chair as it has a handy tray.  This seat acts as a portable high chair and a booster seat.  Chase got lots of use out of his! 
6. Boppy Pillow:  We love, love, LOVE the Boppy pillow!  This item is a dream because not only is it a lifesaver for a nursing mom, it also helps with tummy time, propping the baby up, and helping them learn to sit.  If you don't put anything but one item from this particular list on your registry, let it be this.. trust me! 
7. Bath Toy Storage Bin: We didn't use this for a few months, but once Chase started playing with toys in the bath, I was so glad we had this!  It holds several toys, can be mounted to the wall, and has tons of drainage holes to prevent mildew.  We love this storage bin so so much! 
8. Dockatot:  I really wish I had registered for this portable sleeper!  In those early stages, this would have been wonderful to have around!  At $165 it's a bit of a pricier item, but every review I've read has been wonderful! 

So there you have it... the final piece of the puzzle!  I really hope you all enjoyed this series and found it informative and helpful!  I was so excited to prepare this series for you all because these items really have been used and loved by us!  I hope those of you who are preparing to register for your new bundles of joy are able to use this as a helpful guide!

Fair Night

Summertime is truly one of the most magical times of the year!  Fair nights are something I look forward to the minute the weather gets warm!  We are lucky enough to have three large fairs go on close to us and we make it a point to go each year.  Last year the weather was awful and we got rained out of each and every one which made me look forward to them all this year even more!

Chase was able to experience the fair in all it's glory for the very first time!  He was captivated by all of the lights and the people, but more so than anything, he couldn't wait to get out and run around on the grass!  He made lots of new friends visiting tables and stopping to chat where people were eating all the fair goodies (sausage sandwhiches, gyros, funnel cakes, and fried Oreos just to name a few).

We went with my family and had a really great time!  It's always nice to spend time together doing things we all enjoy!  Chase decided he had had enough around 9:30 and passed out in the stroller, so unfortunately, he didn't get to see the animals.  I like to think he had a great time though :)

We have another one this weekend and it's near the water so I know he will love it for sure!

Stroller  //  Stroller Console  // Chase's Outfit - Shirt  //  Shorts //  Shoes

Five Favorites on Friday

Keeping with the "theme" idea from the last few weeks, this Friday's Five are all about adding to your recipe book.  I love finding new recipes to try out and lately, we've been experimenting with at least one new one each week.  Pinterest is such a great tool in finding new recipes to test out.  I've complied a list this week of a few that looked really appealing to me, but if you'd like to see a lot more, come over to my Pinterest boards and have a look!

1. Breakfast - I've been on a pancake kick lately and I found this recipe for pancake bread that sounds really simple and really tasty!  Plus, I think my son might actually give this one a try!
2. Lunch -  I like to have salads for lunch, especially in the summertime.  You can really jazz up a simple salad to make it into something extra special and I think this grilled ginger-sesame chicken salad does just that!
3. Appetizer - There is a chain restaurant where we live that sells blooming onions as appetizers and they are a favorite of my husband's.  These bite size ones are perfect for picking on before dinner or serving to crowds. 
4. Dinner - Dinners are typically made out on the grill in the summer, but I couldn't help but drool a bit over this one skillet savory beef tips with gravy recipe!  Any recipe that involves beef and red wine together is a winner in my book! 
5. Dessert - It's ice cream season and every time this recipe pops up for matcha coconut ice cream, I can't help but think how badly I have to try this! 

I hope you guys get a little insipration from this makeshift menu and try a few of these out this weekend!  See you next week!

The Registry Series: Gear

This is probably my most favorite of the "Registry Series" categories because these products are the ones we got the most use out of during those early months!  Looking at them really tugged at my heartstrings because I can picture a brand new little Chase and now he's just so big!  Time flies people!

Anyway, these are four of the main gear items that I feel are completely worth every cent!  They are not only extremely easy to put together (while my husband was putting together furtniture, my nine month pregnant self put all these together!), but even easier to use!

1. Rock and Play:  This item was honestly the most used item in our house when Chase was an infant.  He not only napped here, but he slept in this every night next to my side of the bed.  We never purchased a bassinet, so this did the trick (knowing about this bassinet now, I'd probably chose this for him to sleep in for a bit - maybe next baby). This particular Rock and Play model (there are a few to chose from) features 12 songs, 3 calming sound effects, and two different auto rocking modes.  This is a great item to have!
2. 4moms Mamaroo:  When I found out I was pregnant, this was one of the five items I knew I had to register for right away (followed by the high chair, play yard, stroller, and car seat).  Almost every mommy blogger I read and every new mom I knew personally, couldn't rave enough about this gadget!  It's perfect for giving mom a break because it mimics motions rather than just sway side to side.  It also features soothing sounds, a hookup for your phone, and 4moms has an app that you can use to control it from another room!  This is another favorite of ours!  
3. 4moms Bounceroo:  After the Rock and Play, this is probably the second most used item from when Chase was an infant.  I can't tell you how much I love this bouncer!  It's super light weight, portable, and easy to store away!  He's hung out in here while I cooked, showered, you name it - it's a mommy life saver! 
4. 4moms Breeze: If you can't tell by now, I have major love and appreciation for the 4moms brand!  All of their items are geared towards making babies comfortable and ease of use for parents.  The Breeze is a bit on the pricier side in terms of other play yards, but as far as ease, it's in a league all its own!  Breeze may be the name of this item but it also speaks volumes as to how easy it is to put together and take down!  We love ours!  I can pop it up with the baby in my arms and take it down just as easily!  Save yourself the headache of fighting with other play yards and register for this one... you will be so glad you did!

We are coming to the end of this series... the final installment (all the extras!) will be posted next week.  I hope you all have enjoyed it this far!  

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Summer Shades

Summer is in full swing and with the warm weather comes lots of sunshine!  One of my favorites accessories to wear year round - but especially in the summer - is a great pair of sunglasses!  There are so many great styles out there at a variety of price points.  I've complied a list of my favorites for all ranges!

LOW 

One of the most popular brands for affordable and trendy sunglasses right now is Diff!  You probably see them on celebrities and all over Instagram!  These Becky sunglasses are so pretty!  I love this black and metallic combo but they also come in gold and rose gold!  At $85 they're great buy!

These angular aviator style sunglasses are a total steal at only $12!  They remind me so much of the high end designer styles that cost upwards of $400!

MIDDLE

Ray-Ban is one of the first brands that comes to mind when I think of sunglasses.  Their classic styles are timeless and this wire frame aviator is a great investment purchase that will be sure to last for years to come!

A square frame is also a classic style and these gradient lenses by Marc Jacobs come in basic colors like black and brown, making them a wardrobe staple!

HIGH

If you are a fan of the HGTV show Flip or Flop you probably notice these right away as Christina is never without them!  These butterfly style sunglasses called the Anoushka by Tom Ford are so pretty and one of the many items on my wish list! They are an investment but you have lots of options as far as lens and frame color.

I saved my favorites for last!  I received these Bold 1 sunglasses by Saint Laurent from my husband as a 30th birthday gift and I can't tell you how much I love them!  They are a classic style and the quality is wonderful!  I highly recommend these!

Five Favorites on Friday

Since last week's favorites post all revolved around the home and decor, I decided this week I'd do another theme... fashion!  Here are a few items that I have been drooling over!

1. Being the mother of a one year old doesn't exactly leave me with much time to get ready, let alone spend lots of time picking out an outfit!  I like to keep it simple and quick.. especially in the summer!  This jumpsuit is so cute and can be easily transitioned into fall with a jacket or cardigan making it a win, win!
2. Slide sandals have been on trend all season long and I'm a bit obsessed with these gold ones by Tory Burch.
3. I have a thing for lace and this black off the shoulder top is so pretty!  It would look great with some shorts or skinny jeans!
4. I've heard nothing but good when it comes to swimwear by Albion Fit!  How pretty is this one piece?
5. If you're into shoes that make a statement, these beauties are the epitome of business in the front, party in the back!  Love!

Happy Friday everybody!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Sweet Summertime Sleep Styles

I'm a total sucker for a cute and comfortable pajama set.  As I get older, I'm learning to appreciate nice sleepwear - rather than just an over sized T shirt and leggings.  These summertime styles below are my favorites!  They're not only stylish, but lightweight and practical for the warm months!

1. This set from J. Crew is such a super seller!  Almost every time I go to their site to purchase it, it's sold out!  Well, they just restocked it in a few sizes (mine is finally available) so run fast!  I just love the floral print and the billowy top is forgiving on many levels!
2. I recently came across this peplum tank and short set from Kate Spade and couldn't help but think it was almost too pretty to wear to bed!  Peplum tops are very much on trend right now and this is a first I've seen with sleepwear but I don't think it will be the last! 
3. This white eyelet set is easy breezy for the blazing hot summer months!  I love the cute cutouts!  
4. This gingham top and short from J. Crew is such a pretty pink color and a classic sleep style!

The Registry Series: Nursery and Bedding

When it comes to registering for your nursery, you can keep it simple or go big!  When I mean by "go big" is registering for basically everything - from furniture down to decor.  For our registry, we kept it relatively simple and down to a few basics.  I had purchased most items for Chase's nursery throughout my pregnancy, and my parents generously bought his furniture, so (thankfully) we didn't really need much.

These are the nursery items we registered for and all but one we still use daily with our little man:

1. Motorola Baby Monitor: There are tons of different baby monitors out there and I had one stipulation when it came to narrowing ours down.  I really wanted a monitor that had wifi capabilities.  I chose this monitor by Motorola and it's been wonderful.
2. Sound Machine:  Every single night and during each nap, we use my iPad mini as a sound machine for Chase.  We had originally purchased this one, but it turns out he's a big fan of Elvis and would rather listen to him instead 😉
3. Humidifier:  This is one of those items where you might not use it every single day, but you are super thankful you have it when you need it!  Since Chase has bouts with Asthma, we need this a bit more than we probably would have and this one by Crane is a great size and super cute!  Plus, they come in tons of different colors!
4. Wipe Warmer: We learned the hard way with this one in particular.  There is absolutely nothing worse than an ice cold wipe in the middle of the night when your little one wakes up!  A wipe warmer is a God send - trust me on this!!
5. Sleep Sack: The Halo sleep sack is a favorite for moms all over!  This makes night time less worrisome because it is suggested that you don't put blankets on your baby until they are over a year old.  This also keeps them swaddled which is super soothing to most babies and helps them (and you!) get a more restful night's sleep!

As for bedding, there is one brand in particular that I love and would highly recommend to everyone and that is Aden + Anais!  We use their products all over Chase's nursery and LOVE them all!  Currently, we use the Aden + Anais crib sheet covers on top of a waterproof mattress protector.  He sleeps comfortably at night with his dream blanket that is a perfect weight and super soft (it gets softer with each wash!).

We also used nothing but the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets when he was a baby.  Once I tried them,  all the others I purchased when right back to the store!  I appreciate the breathable fabric so much and their softness!

And finally, we use and love the changing pad covers as well.  He's just a month shy of a year and a half old and I've been using these since day #1!

Next up is some baby gear I think you will all love!

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Five Favorites on Friday

What a week!  These summer days just go by faster and faster!

I have put together a list of home favorites this week.  Towards the end of the summer (and yes, I know we still have over a full month left), I always think about revamping a bit of our home for the fall and upcoming holiday season.  Something about it just makes me very excited and keeps the house feeling cozy!

These are some items I've recently purchased, and others that are on my home shopping wishlist. If you're interested, I actually have a Home Shopping List Pinterest board where I keep a lot of these goodies and more!

1. I've had this large Jamie Oliver wood cutting board on my shopping list for a while now and last week it was on super sale for over 40% off!  I came two days after ordering (gotta love Amazon!) and I just love it!  I love how these larger wood cutting boards can also be used as serving boards too - I can't wait to put a festive charcuterie display on here for Christmas! 
2. This gold planter was also on my list for quite some time and I finally grabbed one last week.  Our living room has lots of golden accents and I have a small Christmas cactus plant that will soon call this little beauty home. 
3. I'm an avid iced coffee drinker but I also enjoy hot coffee from time to time.  I've been very intrigued by the whole French press coffee process and would love to try it out.  I think this pot, scoop, and creamer/sugar set are such a pretty way to start!
4. We recently ditched our clunky dish drain for more counter space and ever since, I seem to be using my dish towels much more frequently.  Anthropolige has the prettiest ones - almost too pretty to use!  This rose all day one and this vibrant floral print are faves!
5. Lastly, the Emma dinnerware from Pottery Barn is so simple yet elegant at the same time.  Very much on my home shopping wishlist.

Those are a few of my home favorites at the moment.  I hope you like them and have a wonderful weekend!

Chase's First Aquarium Visit

Two weeks ago, we took a trip down to our local boardwalk and paid a visit to the small aquarium nestled on the end.  It's a quaint little aquarium that consists of two floors but it holds quite a number of aquatic animals.

A group of eight of us went and prior to our aquarium visit, we had the most delicious brunch where Chase polished off an entire hot dog and several french fries.

Once we got onto the boardwalk, we walked straight towards the aquarium building.  When we finally got inside, we all had our hands stamped and made our way to our first sight.  First up was a large shark tank that Chase and my nephew Myles were fascinated by.  Then came a sunken ship turtle exhibit (my favorite), followed by a few other tanks with lots of different species of fish and shellfish.

After we finished off the tanks, it was onto the penguins!  Most of them were right up against the glass, which was so great because we got to see so much up close!  After we finished downstairs, we took the boys upstairs to a small touch tank and to the seal exhibit.

This was the first trip to an aquarium for both of the boys and they just loved it!  I'm so glad they are close in age and get to experience fun like this together!  We can't wait to go again!

After our aquarium visit, we walked the boardwalk and got some goodies (ice cream and fried Oreos).  Chase also tested out his brand new walking abilities with Dad close behind!

We had such a great day and I can't believe I can cross yet another "first" off of Chase's list!

**I apologize for the grainy and somewhat dark photos.  We forgot to bring our camera so we used my iPhone which has such a delay lately!

Five Favorites on Friday

It's been a minute since I've complied a favorites list... but I have a few items together for this week that I hope you will all enjoy!

1. I've been reading some really great reviews on The Magic of Motherhood and I'm going to grab myself a copy this weekend!
2. I'm obsessed with this romper by Free People!  I love lace detailing and this is just too good to pass by!
3. Speaking of lace, I just got this sweet top that I can't wait to wear!  I purchased the pink and it's so pretty on and very flattering (more so if you have a bit of a tan - but I'm lacking in that department!). 
4. I'm thinking of refreshing our bedding this fall and I usually stick to white because it's easier for me to keep clean (hello one year old and two dogs).  This duvet by Anthropologie is a contender. 
5. Finally, I'm always looking for new recipes to try out (the easier the better at the moment) and this scallop pasta dish is on the menu next week!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  We are going to see Luke Bryan and Chase is staying at his grandmother's house - it's our first date night since he's been born!!  Needless to say, we are really looking forward to it!

Happy Friday friends! XO

Let's Update This!

Hey everybody!  Long time and no post!

I apologize for the lack in posting over the last two months.  A lot has been going on and I just haven't had much time to spend here.  I plan on getting back into my usual posting routine, starting with a Five Favorites on Friday tomorrow.

A few little life updates that have happened over the last few weeks:

1. Chase is now a one year old and a WALKER!  
2. We had to postpone his birthday party because he spent over 5 days in the ICU with respiratory distress.. more to come on that later
3. He has finally decided to sleep through the night for us and it is the most wonderful thing ever!
4. We took our first aquarium trip and little man just loved it!  I will be doing a post on this next week.
5. Chase spent his first night away from home at his first sleepover!  (Thanks to B for keeping him overnight for us!)
6. We finally did have his first birthday party in early June and he had a blast!

Those are just a few of the recent happenings going on over here.  Currently, we are just taking it easy and trying to enjoy doing some fun things together as a family before summer flies past us!  I'm going to try and get a few posts together each week from here on out!  Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read a bit on our family!  

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is right around the corner and I'm particularly excited about it this year because it's my very first one!  I missed it by a mere four days last year so this one is going to be very special for me!
I'm looking forward to spending the day celebrating with my husband, son, and our families! We usually do a brunch with my in-laws and spend dinner time with my family.

 As for gifts, I've complied a list of seven budget friendly items the mothers (grandmothers, aunts, sisters, mothers-in-law, etc.) in your life are sure to love!  Some of them are practical, some cozy, and some are little tokens of love.

phone case  //  slippers  //  robe  //  bracelet  //  charm  //  recipe tin  //  candle 

The gifts above are just a small sampling of how you can show your love to the special ladies in your life.  There are many other homemade ideas and sweet gestures that will also be greatly appreciated!  Below are a few sentiments that are sure to be enjoyed:

• Let mom SLEEP IN!  And when she wakes up, surprise her with something yummy for breakfast!  An extra hat tip to you if you serve it to her in bed!
• Manicure and pedicure pamper sessions are wonderful and a great way for mom to unwind!
• Clean the house! I tell you this is one I would love to have done for me!  I always feel so relaxed when I know the house is cleaned.
• Draw her a bubble bath with a nice bath bomb and pour her a glass of her favorite wine
• If all she wants is a little alone time, try to make that happen for her.  It's so difficult to find time for yourself as a mother, so let her know you will handle the kids, meals, etc. for a bit so she can relax in peace!

Five Favorites on Friday

Another Friday which means we are another week closer to Chase's very first birthday and I couldn't be more excited!  This week was a productive one for sure so we are looking forward to a bit of down time this weekend.  We still have some stuff to take care of for the party but other than that, we hope to get outside and enjoy the weather!

Jumping right into the favorites this week...

1. These flip flops have been on my wish list for a while.  I think I may have to buy a pair of black patent ones because I fall more and more in love with them each time I see them.  They're an investment but the quality is great! 
2. Seriously crushing hard on these melon colored Nike sneakers!  I'm not a sneaker person at all but I'm going to need a pair to keep up with a running toddler soon!
3. I love the color combination on this hoodie for the little man!   
4. I can't get enough of how pretty this serving dish is!
5. We make this broccoli recipe all the time and I'm seriously craving it with some grilled marinated steak this weekend!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Summer Reading and Recharging

I have never appreciated alone time more than I have in the last year.  Being a new mother is wonderful but it is also exhausting on many levels. You give so much of yourself every single day and it's very important to recharge your batteries!!

Finding time for yourself maybe difficult, but a "mommy time-out" is a wonderful thing!  Doing something like enjoying a cup of coffee while flipping through a magazine for a few minutes, going to get a pedicure, or sitting outside in the sunshine for a bit can help in the best of ways!

I used to be an avid reader!  I would read as often as possible and couldn't get enough of suspense novels.. still can't - but I just don't have the time like I used to.  Chase usually takes one good nap a day for me (sometimes he naps twice but usually its a one time a day kinda thing!) for about two solid hours.  Since the summer time is coming and the weather is warming up, I've made a promise to myself to take a little me time each day.  I've made a summer reading list and during nap time, I'm going to attempt to enjoy an iced coffee and a few chapters!

Mommy's Summer Reading List

Murder House - James Patterson

While You Were Sleeping - Kathryn Croft

Into the Water - Paula Hawkins

The Stranger - Harlan Coben

The Couple Next Door - Shari Lapena

As you can see, my crime and suspense novel obsession is real!  I cannot wait to open one of these babies up and dive in!  Now it's just deciding which one should be first ;)

The Registry Series: Medicine Cabinet

I know medicines for babies can be a bit controversial but all of these items above, we've used with Chase and have discussed them and got approval from out pediatrician.  I am in no way a doctor or medical professional, these are simply items that I've found worked for us and I hope will work for you as well.

1. When Chase has a stuffy nose, nasal spray is helpful in getting the tough stuff out!  This formula is made by the same company that makes Boogie Wipes and it's gentle for sensitize little noses!

2. I had never heard of this miracle cream prior to having Chase but I'm so very glad I know about it now!  In Chase's whole year of life, he's had only one minor diaper rash when he first came home from the hospital.  I contacted our pediatrician late one night and they recommended this cream.  We ran out to get it that same night and by the next morning it was just about gone!  After that, I used it with each diaper change as a preventative measure for a bit.  It's a little on the pricier side but it's worth it's weight in gold!

3. Vick's Baby Rub was also recommended by our pediatrician when Chase had his first cold.  We used it sparingly but it definitely helped with his congestion.  It's a great item to have handy!

4. Boogie Wipes are a favorite of ours!  I have them in Chase's nursery, my car, and my diaper bag.  I like to use them over regular tissues because they never dry out his nose.

5. We have this thermometer and love that it's a noninvasive product that can be used on newborns and adults alike.  It's very easy to use as well!

6.  It's always good to have some sort of pain reliever in the house - especially when it's teething time!  We love both Infant Motrin and Infant Tylenol.

7.  The idea of the Nose Frida nasal aspirator may be very unappealing and might actually deter some from purchasing and using it but honestly, this product is amazing!  It's much more effective than a traditional aspirator and it's easy to clean.

8. This outdoor duo pack from Babyganics has both mineral based sunscreen and natural insect repellent - both very important to have!

9. The First Years American Red Cross Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit has all of the essentials for your baby.  It's a 17 piece set that includes a nasal aspirator, digital thermometer with case, soft-tip medicine dispenser, comfort tip medicine spoon with cap, brush, comb, scissors, nail clipper, fingertip toothbrush, emery boards, and a rattle.  It all comes in a handy zippered case for easy storage.

Next up is nursery and bedding essentials!

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Chase's First Birthday Inspiration and Wish List

Our little man will ofishally be one on May 12th and it's really hard to believe!  It seriously feels like just yesterday I woke up with pains in my stomach and we met him a few hours later!  It's been such a whirlwind of a year and the fastest one of my life for sure!  I get a little emotional thinking about it all, but I'm so excited for the future because of him!  I can't wait to see him do everything and anything!

I've had his party theme set in stone since November and I slowly purchased decor items and pinned away a ton of different ideas.  We decided on a fish themed party since he's infatuated with water and sea life. Above are some of the photos I found on Pinterest that inspired me!  I can't wait to see everything come together for him!  We aren't having a huge party, but rather a small gathering at home of family and friends - who we lovingly refer to as his fan club ;)  I'll share more photos of Chase's big day in the next few weeks!

As far as his birthday wish list, he really has all that he could possibly need.  I've put together a list for him of items that he could have fun with, but also things he could use as well.

1) Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark - The weather is getting a little nicer everyday & we've been trying to spend as much time as we can outside.  This water table is sure to keep him occupied and cool on those warm days!

2) Paw Patrol Staw Bottle Thermos - We could definitely use this to keep his drinks cold as he's outside playing!  And we love the Paw Patrol at our house ;)

3) Janod Alphabet Puzzle - It's never too early to start learning the ABCs!  Chase loves blocks and this puzzle is perfect because the pieces are similar to the blocks he loves to play with.  I've read great reviews on this item.

4) Yikes Twins Shark Hooded Towel - I really wanted a shark robe for him but all the ones I could find were for up to 9 mos.  This towel is adorable and the quality is great!

5) Yikes Twins Shark Slippers - Matching slippers for the towel that are almost too cute to handle!

We are really looking forward to celebrating our little man in a few short weeks!  I still can't get over the fact that he's going to be ONE!

Five Favorites on Friday

Happy Friday friends!  This week went way too quickly!  Chase's first birthday is only three weeks away and I'm in full on party prepping mode!  In preparation for his party, I'll be spending the weekend getting all of the miscellaneous projects completed around the house and making sure we have everything we need for his cake smash photo session that's coming up!

Here are my favorite finds of the week!

1. I'm really loving the idea of copper kitchen accents... the trend is so pretty and classic! I came across these wire baskets and couldn't help but notice not only how nice they were, but also how practical they would be for storage! They come in several colors so if copper isn't your thing, there are other colors to choose from!
2. I'm doing a bit of a revamp of our bathroom and I love this coastal shower curtain!  I may run out and grab it this weekend.
3. These jeans at Express are great for the summer months!  I'm obsessed with the bottoms of them!
4. I made this slow cooker pulled chicken recipe this week and it was so delicious and so simple!  I served it on toasted rolls with honey mustard and chopped white onion.  They were great!  We are actually adding them to our menu for Chase's birthday BBQ!
5. Seriously obsessed with these Victoria Beckham flat top visor sunglasses - hello birthday wishlist!

Time to go get my shopping lists together for Chase's party!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

The Registry Series: Bath

Other than playtime, bath time is definitely Chase's favorite part of the day!  We've been using these items since we came home from the hospital and he could take his first bath!

1. & 2. Just Bath by Just Born Hooded Towels  and  Just Bath by Just Born Washcloths - I'm a little weird when it comes to bath towels and washcloths for Chase.  I really dislike the ones that are silky soft and tissue thin because they don't get much of the job done (in my opinion).  These Just Bath by Just Born towels have the perfect amount of weight and texture, as do the washcloths.   J.J. Cole is another brand we are fond of at our house.

3. Spout Cover: 4Moms - There are a lot of different spout covers on the market and we have two that we really love and would recommend.  The first one is this 4Moms cover.  This will give you a piece of mind when you are filling up the tub for your baby as it has a heat sensing element that will notify you by sounding an alarm and flashing bright red if the water is too hot.  If it is just right, it will stay in the green zone.  It also displays the exact temperature.  The 4Moms cover does double duty by acting as a thermometer and barrier from the metal.  We also love the Boon Flo - we recently purchased this and like it a lot!  The Flo has a bath bubble dispenser and the bottom comes out to help was soap away, all while protecting your child.

4. Bath Seat: Angelcare Bath Support - After seeing how gross baby tubs can get, I read wonderful reviews on this seat and am so glad it is ultimately the one we chose.  This is such an easy item to clean and it doesn't get moldy or disgusting.  We love that it supports your child from birth to 30 pounds.  A must have!

5. Aveeno Baby Bathtime Solutions Set - Chase has super sensitive skin and he also has infant eczema in certain areas.  We tried Johnson & Johnson products and they would irritate the eczema so we talked with our pediatrician who recommended the Aveeno Baby product line.  We currently use their bath soaps, lotions, and eczema relief products.  They have helped his skin tremendously!

6. Nuby Tear Free Rinse Pail - You can always use a good old fashioned cup to get this job done, but we love our Nuby rinse pail because it perfectly contours to the baby's head so nothing gets in his eyes.

I hope you find these items worth looking into!  Next up are medicine cabinet must haves!

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Easter 2017

Happy belated Easter everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your loved ones!  It was a bittersweet holiday over here because it was Chase's last first holiday, but boy did he enjoy it!

Saturday while he napped, I put together his basket and filled his eggs.  Since he's still so little, we decided not to do an egg hunt but instead fill a few with his favorite snacks.  I put Cheerios, Puffs, and yogurt melts inside of them which worked out great because he munched on them throughout the day.

I set everything up in the living room on the coffee table for him (which is now his favorite place to stand against) but before he saw his basket, we ate breakfast.  His mouth is bothering him so much lately with his molars trying to pop through so he has been giving me such a hard time eating.  One of the few things he will actually eat are frozen waffles that are just heated through enough to be a little mushy.  He ate a few pieces in his highchair but then started to stop so I brought him outside in his little police car and thankfully, he ate the rest out there.  Afterwards, he tore through his basket and eggs - his favorite item was his little egg sorter set!

After he played, my husband took him for a walk and then he napped as we both got ready for Easter dinner at my grandmother's house.

When he woke up, we got him dressed and ready to go but before we left to spend time with the family, we had to take his first Easter pictures ;)

We had a wonderful day celebrating with my family!  It's amazing that just two years ago, my niece Kylee was the only little one... she had the egg hunts and baskets all to herself!  This year, my nephew Myles was big enough to have an egg hunt as well.  My parents did separate ones so each of them could do their own and we wouldn't have any fights on our hands.  Chase loved watching them!  I can't believe last year he was still in my belly and next year he will be out there running for eggs with the others!

Five Favorites on Friday - the Easter Edition

Since Easter is this weekend, I thought I'd round up a festive Friday favorites list for this week!  Lets hop right in - pun intended ;)

1. I know many kids are gearing up for the big egg hunt that will be happening this weekend!  Here are 11 interesting ideas that will make Easter egg hunts even more fun!  
2. This bunny cake is so pretty and it can do double duty on your table by serving as both the centerpiece and dessert!
3. These cupcakes are another festive dessert option and I know everyone (especially the kids!) will enjoy the sweet surprise!
4. I absolutely love this idea of Easter sundaes on Easter Sunday!  
5. And finally, ladies we can't forget about our big kids on Sunday!  Here's a great "How To" article on how to make the perfect basket for the man in your life!

I hope you all have a blessed Easter with your loved ones!  Have a wonderful weekend!

**Image via Pinterest**

Chase's Easter Basket

I've been slowly collecting items to fill Chase's very first Easter basket for a while now.  Since he's still so little, we won't be doing an egg hunt with him this year so I went a little extra with his basket.  I did purchase a package of 8 clear eggs and I'm going to fill them with Puffs, Cheerios, and yogurt melts for him and put them on the floor in our living room - kind of like a mini egg hunt for our mini man ;)

Last Easter I ordered this wire basket from H&M (I ordered a copper colored one as well for future a sibling one day - yes, thinking WAY ahead!) for him knowing that I would use this for years to come as his main basket.  I love this because it's large enough to hold all of his goodies!  I'm going to purchase a more traditional basket for him to do his egg hunts with since this one doesn't really have handles that would be practical for such a thing ;)

We always had a tradition growing up where we would get one gift on Easter (usually we would find it with a series of clues), and we'd also get a basket with goodies.  For Chase's "big" gift, I purchased this awesome bath toy by Yookidoo and I can not wait for him to open it!  He's such a huge fan of bath time so I know he's going to LOVE this!

For his basket fillers, I did a mixture of his favorite snacks, useful items, educational items, and some fun toys!

-  For the snacks, I picked up a tin of Gerber Lil' Crunchies and a pack of colorful Goldfish crackers.
- For useful items, I grabbed him this festive shortie PJ set, a new tooth brush (the boy loves to brush his teeth!), and this fun little silverware set (Paw Patrol is a favorite in our house).
- For the educational items, I love to get him a holiday book for each passing holiday and this board book is a classic.  This egg toy is not only festive for the Easter holiday, but it encourages dexterity and helps kids recongize shapes and colors!  Fisher Price makes great toys for every age and this alphabet tablet has three levels for development and helps kids learn letters and words!
- For the fun items, he has the VTech Go! Go! Police Station already so I got the fire truck to add to the road!  A teddy bear will be in the basket too - it's seriously the softest thing ever and I can already see him cuddling up to it - heart melt!  And finally, these bath drops are going to be fun to use during one of his favorite times of the day!

The Registry Series: Playtime and Toys

This section of the Registry Series can be considered optional because it's all about playtime and toys. Some of you will not find it absolutely essential to register for toys and that is fine - to each their own.  However, those of you who would like to add a few playtime items to your registry, I've broken this list down to essentials and extras.  All of these items I've used with Chase and some he still plays with (most actually).  Here we go ;)

I think all registries should have a jumper, playmat, and walker on them which is why I've listed these three as my essential items.  You will use these relatively quickly and for a pretty long period of time.  These three items are Chase's favorites!  He still uses them all to this day - the police car gets the most use right now because he's always on the go!

1. Play Mat: Infantino Grow-With-Me Mat & Ball Pit - This was one of the first "large toys" Chase played with.  We love this in our house because it gets more and more fun with each stage.  At first it is an activity mat and it converts into a ball pit!  It's a multipurpose item that is sure to get a lot of use!

2. Jumper: Disney Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Jumper - We love this thing!  I'm talking a deep deep love!!  We purchased this for Chase over the summer and once he went in, there was no getting him out!  This jumper is highly interactive and will stimulate almost all of your baby's senses!  There's so much color, lights, sounds, textures, and tons of  toys to play with!  It has three different height settings to grow with your baby. It's just so awesome!  Chase is quickly outgrowing it now and I think it's about time to box it up - although I have to admit, I'm going to miss seeing him bounce around in it!

3. Walker: Combi Police Car Entertainer - Play time gets more fun once your little one is ready to move!  This police car walker is adorable!  It is definitely Chase's most favorite at the moment!  It has a padded seat, a little steering wheel that honks and plays melodies, adjustable height, and a snack tray.

For the extras, I wanted to include some of the items that my son has loved and used for a while.  We are going on 11 months and almost all of these toys are still played with daily.

1. Jacques the Peacock was the first toy we ever played with and from time to time now he will pick it up.  This is a great starter item!

2. The WubbaNub isn't necessarily a toy per say, but for an infant it doubles as a toy and pacifier!

3. We have both the Sit to Stand Learning Walker by Vtech and the Little Tikes Light N Go Activity Walker and they are both wonderful!

4. Our beloved Sophie has had a bit of a bad rep lately but if you use her carefully and follow the guides/instructions, she's wonderful to have when the baby is teething or just looking for something to squeak ;)

5. The Sassy Link Ring is another great beginner item - and as a bonus, you can take it apart and use the links to extend other toys!

6. This Baby Einstein ball set was in Chase's Christmas stocking and he just loves it!  All of the balls have different elements inside of them that keep him occupied and curious!

So there you have our playtime favorites from birth to the first year!  Now don't get me wrong, there are lots of other items that he plays with now, but all of these have been kept in rotation and played with over the last 11 months.  We love them all and hope you and your babies will too!

Next up is bath time - our favorite!

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Easter Sunday Best

Easter is one of my favorite holidays.  I love spending time with family celebrating each holiday and Easter is always a special one.

As we look forward to any oncoming holiday, there is always so much to prepare for!  Easter is a big one, especially if you have children!  Not only are you planning menus, baskets, and egg hunts, you also have to find a sweet little outfit for your bunnies!  I've had Chase's first Easter outfit since the end of February (yes, I'm turning into one of those moms that plan for everything in serious advance!), but below, I've rounded up some style inspiration for kids that are very budget friendly!

Dress // Headband // Bunny Flats // Plaid Shorty // Straw Hat // Bunny Sneakers

The Ten Month Update

It's hard to believe that Chase will be eleven months old on Wednesday - only a single month away from being a whole YEAR OLD - what??!!

Ten months has been a ton of fun!  It's definitely the most mobile month we've experienced so far!  All he wants to do is either be in his police car cruising around or pushing his activity walker around,!  Chase also wants to stand a lot and is now pulling himself up from just about anything!

Here are some stats from month 10!

• As far as his height and weight, we didn't have a doctors appointment this month so if I had to guesstimate, I'd say he's at least 25 pounds now and he's getting taller by the day!
• He's still in size four diapers but he fluctuates so much when it comes to clothing!  He's in mainly 18 months but he can get away with some 12 month shirts and he's also in a few 24 month and 2T pieces (mainly jammies)
• He finally started to put his knees down when he crawls - he's been doing the "inchworm" or army crawl for a few months now so this is exiting!
• I think his beloved Nemo bouncer is officially going to retire - he does not like to be in anything stationary anymore
• Chase tries to imitate EVERYTHING - whether it be a sound or a motion, little man is sure to try to copy whatever you do!
• Words are starting to form now - he says things like Mama and Dada, but he also calls for his cousin Tyler (Ty Ty) and Myles (My My), and he says buh-bye when you leave
• If you ask him, "How old is Chase man going to be?" he will lift up his pointer finger ;)
• He had his first taste of Sunday dinner at my grandmother's house - pasta and meatballs - and loved it!
• We've finally broken a barrier with table foods!  He eats mainly what we are eating now (but getting molars has set him back a bit, so he still does the purees from time to time).  Some of his favorites are banana pancakes, blueberry waffles, fresh fruit, american cheese, oatmeal with fruit mixed in, grilled cheese, pasta, potatoes of any form, eggs, and homemade chicken soup.  Breakfast items are by far his favorite!
• Tubby time is his favorite time of the day for sure!
• Sleep is still a mystery - some days he does really well but most we battle to fall asleep and wake at least once (or he's asleep all night but up with the chickens in the am)
• Chase loves to be outside!  We had the cop car and his Raptor out finally and he loved the fresh air!  Come on spring/summer!  
• Little man is weary of people he's unfamiliar with and definitely makes connections when I tell him we are going to see people that he knows well
• He strongly dislikes whenever mom leaves the room!
• As far as toys, he loves anything for the bath, his new activity table that he can stand around, his push walker & police car, blocks of any kind, and his Vulli fawn teether when he's in the car 
• We are beginning the weaning process with him and he's doing very well - he's down to three nursing sessions a day now.  I feel the night/bedtime session is going to be the hardest one for both of us to stop :( 

Those are just a few of the moments of the month!  We've had such a good one (although the night thing kills me most days) and I can't wait to see what his eleventh month has in store for us!  

We just love you baby boy!

Five Favorites on Friday

Well the first week of April has come and gone in a flash and here we are at yet another Friday Favorites post!  I can't believe how fast this weeks fly by!

We've had a very productive week over here and are really looking forward to the weekend.  I can't wait to start my spring cleaning and purging the house of items we aren't using anymore.  Something about cleaning and organizing makes me feel calm... odd to say but honestly, my stress levels go way down when I know the house is in order - something that's not as easy to do now with the little guy!

Here are some things I'm currently loving...

1. I just ordered these black and gold pajamas and I can't wait to get them!  I love a good PJ set and this one was too cute to pass up!
2. I'm an avid iced coffee drinker but this creamy coconut butter coffee recipe I found on Pinterest sounds delish!  It's a must try for me this weekend!
3. I have a bit of a crush on Harry Styles and I was really excited to find out he was putting out a solo album.  His new single, Sign of the Times, came out today and it's already on repeat!
4. Gap has some adorable shoes for the littles out for spring/summer - these shark shoes for the boys and these jelly sandals for the girls are just too sweet!
5. And finally, for those of you boy moms out there, I found this article and I think it's a must read... it will certainly tug at the heartstrings a bit!

Well, that's my extremely eclectic list for this week!  Hope you enjoy the weekend!

The Registry Series: Feeding

I hope you all enjoyed the first installment of the series!  For today's post, I am going to discuss some feeding essentials for a new baby.  Just to let you know, I did not include my nursing favorites in this section.  I am going to devote an entire post to nursing favorites at a later date.  I will also do a post on toddler feeding favorites once I get a list going - Chase is still new to eating solid table foods so we are still experimenting with products now.

1. Spoons:  Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoons - We have gone through several different types and brands of spoons but these are by far my favorites.  They are sturdy, soft enough to not bother teething gums, dishwasher safe, and very inexpensive.  We also really like these spoons by Munchkin (they tell you if the food is too hot)  and Chase really loved these by Beaba when he first started eating solids (they are super soft and are great for teething gums).

2. Boon Lawn Drying Rack - This seems to be an essential item on any registry I've come across!  It is wonderful for all of the little bottle parts, pump parts, sippy cups... you name it!  It fits all shapes and sizes!  It also comes with an array of different attachments (we have this one) for extra space and is easy to clean as it's only two pieces!  I was originally going to return the lawn, which is the largest size, for the grass but I'm so glad I didn't!  It's amazing how much this holds and it doesn't take up as much space as I thought it would (which was my reason for wanting a smaller one).  This is a must!!

3.  High Chair: Peg Perego Siesta - This is one of the pricier high chair options but it's an example of you get what you pay for.  This is also a wonderful investment piece for babies because your child can use it from birth throughout toddlerhood.  It has 9 different height positions and 5 recline positions.  It also has a 5 point safety strap and lock buttons for the wheels.  There is a double tray that stacks on top of each other and each piece is dishwasher safe.  It's easy to clean and my favorite feature is that it is one of the slimmest folding chairs on the market!  I love this chair and highly recommend it!  Well worth the money!

4.  Bottle Set: Philips Avent Infant Starter Set - This is a great set to register for because you get a little bit of everything - 5 bottles of various sizes, a soothie pacifier, a dispenser, and a bottle brush.  This is also a great set for both breast and formula fed babies - my son has been exclusively breast fed and loves these bottles and I also have a niece and a nephew who were both formula fed babies and they used them as well.  For a breastfed baby these are great because they have a breast shaped nipple which helps to prevent nipple confusion.  We also have these bottles and love them too!

5.  Bibs - The amount of different bibs on the market is amazing!  There are so many different fabrics, styles, and brands out there.  For infants, I love these by Frenchie and these by Tommee Tippee because they have a neckline that prevents leaks.  We have both and love them!

So these are a few of my essential feeding items for little ones.  Like the items in the previous post, we own all of these, love them, and use them on the daily for Chase.  I hope you find this information helpful!  Next up is playtime!

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