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The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Toddler Boys!

November 21, 2016

Henry will turn 4 1/2 three days after Christmas. He loves what most boys love at this age: Ninja Turtles, Robots, Hot Wheels and make believe. For Christmas this year I have tried to only select things which I know will last him a while and that also don’t have 1,342 pieces (since they will be lost within a few days!) I’ve rounded up something unique for every toddler boy in this guide, so let’s get shopping!

1. Magnetic Farm Truck – Like most boys, mine loves anything that moves. This wooden, hand painted truck is simply adorable. I love how all the pieces are magnetic so they don’t fall off when your child is pushing it across the floor. I cannot tell you how many times Henry has been frustrated when his people fall off their vehicles. Anything that can prevent toddler meltdowns is a win in my book! $40

2. Space Station Tent & Tunnel – This is going to be a special Santa present to Henry. Since it will need to be opened and set up prior to Christmas morning, it’ll already be ready for him when he comes down to the living room. What most attracted me to this were the four tunnels attached to the space station. I love that the kids will be able to enjoy this together and Henry and his friends can use on playdates too. $139

3. Robot Backpack & Cup – Come January, Henry will be in desperate need for a new backpack. The one he has been using since August is getting so ratty and worn. Since he loves Robots, this backpack and matching cup will be perfect for school and lunch. $33, $25

4. Crayola Emoji Maker – Can I just put it out there that I have enjoyed this as much as Henry has. From mixing the colors to assembling the markers and stamps, it was so much fun to make all the emoji stamps. We got to spend some one on one time together playing with this while Evelyn napped. It is the perfect rainy day activity too. And you can’t beat the $15 price tag.

5. Barked Tree Building Blocks – When Henry was around 16 months old, he really started showing signs that he was a child who loved to stack and build. I am so glad that this still interests him. These wonderful handmade blocks are perfect for gross motor skills and expanding their imagination and creativity. Definitely a must for all the future architects out there! $30

6. Space Plush Toy Set – Just like the Fairy Cottage and Castle featured in my girl gift guide, this one is from the same amazing brand, Oskar & Ellen. Henry is learning all about space and planets in school and this set will really let his imagination run wild. $40

7. TMNT Battle Truck Construction Set – You may remember that Henry had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle themed party for his 4th birthday. He has been obsessed with all things TMNT for nearly a year now and is going to flip his lid when he opens this. If you have a ninja turtle lover in your life, this is the gift for them! $33

8. Wooden Parking Garage – I showed this to Henry a few months ago and he literally spent 30 minutes staring at the pictures and watching the video. I’ve probably said the phrase “You better stop hitting your sister or else Santa is not going to bring you the parking garage!” over two thousand times in the past few months. Since he already has so many different cars, this will be the perfect addition to collection and I know he will love lining them all up in their parking spaces. $109

Do you have a favorite toy I’ve listed above? I would love to hear what you would get for your little man! Let me know in the comments!

Unique Holiday Gifts for Toddler Girls

November 17, 2016

Evelyn would be totally happy if I put 1000 stuffed Minnie Mouse dolls under the tree. Since clearly that would be idiotic, I wanted to find some gifts to stimulate her imagination. I love searching for unique toys that don’t take up a lot of space, like those Personalized Stuffed Animals by Lavington Designs, and today I’m sharing with you my top 5 favorites. They all happen to be under $40 as well!

1. Monsieur Lapin (The Stuffed Bunny) – Evelyn is not into baby dolls whatsoever – perhaps in part due to her older brother’s influence. She has taken a liking to stuffed animals over dolls and bunnies are quickly making their way up the totem pole of favorites. This adorable bunny is 13 inches tall and suitable for birth+. How cute would this little guy be in a babies stocking too? I cannot wait for Evelyn to see him Christmas morning!

2. Bla Bla Kids Doll, Rattle & Book – We are long time lovers of Bla Bla Kids dolls. They are an Atlanta based company with commitment to fair trade practice. Their dolls are the best of the best and are so unique. The recently launched their board book collection featuring two of their dolls. I love the idea of turning their beloved dolls into characters in a book.

3. Mini Farm Rollers – Evelyn has just started showing an interest in things that move. She is currently playing with her older brothers Hot Wheels and I think it’s time for me to get her something more age appropriate. These Farm Animal Rollers are so adorable, gender neutral and great for learning. She is definitely in an animal phase and can’t get enough of cows and horses. I have a feeling Henry will be playing with these too come Christmas morning.

4. Fairy Cottage – This plush play set is perfect for getting your little ones imaginations flowing. The cottage comes with a unicorn, carriage and two fairies. Oskar + Ellen is a family owned business in Stockholm who created soft toys that were easy for traveling and transporting (so they wouldn’t disturb fellow passengers on an airplane). I’m sure many parents can agree with how peaceful plush toys are, especially during those evening witching hours! I love that the small pieces easily fit into the cottage so they don’t get lost.

5. Pink Medieval Castle – Another amazing plush set from Oskar + Ellen. This cheerful and colorful set include a prince, princess, horse, dragon, witch, and treasure chest. Like the Fairy Cottage, all items store easily within the castle to avoid missing pieces. I love that these toys are self containing and can easily be carried by kids since they are so lightweight.

What Christmas ideas do you have for your kids this year? Have they started asking for anything in particular? I can’t wait to hear your answers!

Living The Good Life

November 15, 2016

Hot days are officially behind us here in Georgia which means we can actually enjoy being outdoors. Luckily our backyard is super spacious and kid friendly and Henry & Evelyn love to run around playing pretend. I had been on the lookout for something that could replace the outdoor water toys now that the temps are cooling down. It can be hard keeping kids entertained in the off-season and I was so excited when I stumbled upon this VW Camper Play Tent by The Monster Factory.

This adorable indoor/outdoor tent is perfect for my kids (ages 4 and almost 2). It easily folds up and fits nicely in a round tire shaped bag and is extremely lightweight. When we have it inside, they love to put everything they can find in it and make it their own little fort. They throw pillows, blankets, 500 different toys and even the cat into the tent and there is still room for more. The material is waterproof, fire retardant and has UV protection when using outdoors, making it ideal for the beach. The price point is very reasonable and how cute would any of these colors look sitting under the Christmas Tree?

You know I love coordinating the kids without being too matchy and these adorable The Good Life tees from Funky & Little are perfect for playtime. They are super soft, unisex, and black and white so they live up to my monochrome dreams. Evelyn is also wearing her brothers old Adidas sneakers and I am so glad I saved them. Who knew they could look so cute on a girl? I might have to get some Adidas Ultraboost sneakers for her next!

VW Tent (c/o Monster Factory) The Good Life Tees (c/o Funky & Little) Knee High Socks (June & January)

So, if you’re wondering what I want for Christmas, I’ll take one tent and one tee – in adult size of course. Because, why should kids have all the fun?

Playground Style

October 27, 2016

Now that the weather has finally cooled off and I don’t melt every time I step outside, we have been spending more time outdoors. We are lucky enough to have a big yard for the kids to play in and Henry loves to spend hours out there after school. We have a swingset, sandbox, and two hot wheels so there is plenty for the kids to do to get some energy out. Evelyn is finally old enough to sit in a bucket swing and not the infant one and loves to be pushed. All. day. long. I swear I need a robot to just stand there and push her. In all seriousness though, how could I ever say no to that happy face?? buy effexor online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/effexor.html no prescription

It can be hard to find for us girl moms to find cute playground clothes. I don’t want to sacrifice style just because my daughter wants to play outside and I also want something that is durable and comfortable. Recently I came across an adorable line of cotton rompers by Young & Free Apparel. They are so perfect for climbing, running, jumping, etc. I love how the romper is full body and completely covers Evelyn’s legs so that she doesn’t get any scratches from branches or rocks. Also, it comes in black (my favorite) and easily hides stains and spills.

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{headband // romper (c/o) // shoes}

Are there any clothing companies you love for outdoor play? Share in the comments below! buy flomax online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/flomax.html no prescription

Bloom + Kind Baby Wipes

October 21, 2016

Happy Friday, everyone! Can someone please tell me where October has gone? I cannot believe my favorite month of the year is almost over. We have some exciting things going on this weekend: tickets to Taste of Atlanta on Sunday and a Halloween parade on Saturday. It’s is going to be filled with a ton of candy, hayrides, farm animals, etc. My kids are going to get filthy so I will be bringing my must have item that I can’t leave home without, baby wipes. I usually always forget diapers, but never baby wipes. Today I am sharing my love for a new brand of wipes which I know you will equally love.

Bloom & Kind Co. creates products in the USA that are safe for baby and easy on the planet. Their wipes are made from natural fibers, are produced using wind energy, biodegradable, and are never tested on animals. Their facility is also nut, wheat, and gluten free. The soft packaging comes in handy when fitting into a diaper bag and the opening easily opens and closes while keeping the wipes fresh. They are effective for diaper changes and extremely durable for wiping my kids’ hands and face. They have an excellent coverage area and don’t rip like other brands. buy lipitor online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/lipitor.html no prescription

Like most mothers, I am a stickler for what products I use on my kids. Babies skin is more delicate and prone to dryness, so I love products that are moisturizing. I appreciate that Bloom + Kind wipes contain no perfumes and are safe for rash and eczema prone skin. They also last forever! I have been using this box 640 wipes for over 2 months now. Since the wipes are so large, I really only need 1 or 2 per diaper change, which is amazing since no one wants to spend a ton of money on something that goes in the trash. buy nexium online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/nexium.html no prescription

Conveniently, you can purchase these at your local Target or on Amazon (genius move, since us moms live for Prime and Target). If you have already tried Bloom + Kind, let me know your thoughts the comments below! buy nootropil online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/nootropil.html no prescription

*Bloom +Kind provided me with a free box of wipes to review. As always, all opinions expressed are my own*

Newborn Must Haves

October 14, 2016

I am so excited to share all these must-haves for a new baby today. They make me almost want to have another one. ALMOST. I am giving away some of my favorite items that are essential to those first few newborn months. Everything is gender neutral so they will work for anyone who enters. Without further delay, let’s get to it!

Finn + Emma make the sweetest and softest clothes. They use only the finest 100% organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes. Everything is produced in fair trade settings that focus on economic independence, especially for women, so that they can provide for their families in a safe and fair environment. They offer a wide range of gender neutral options and all their toys are made with natural wood. buy abilify online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/noprescription/abilify-no-prescription.html no prescription

Milestone Baby Cards – Oh how I wish these were around when my babies were small! This set of 30 unique cards can be used to capture your babies first year in memorable moments. The cards are printed on thick card stock and can be framed or placed in a baby book after the first year is up. This is currently my go-to gift for all new moms!

DockATot was created to mimic the womb and its comforting environment has helped many babies suffering from reflux or colic. It has a breathable mattress pad with air flow, in addition to all parts being 100% breathable, making it safe for when babies start to move around. The DockATot is wonderful for safe co-sleeping, play time, supervised naps or tummy time, or just a comfortable spot for your baby to relax in. All parts are fully washable and have exchangeable covers that you can order to suit your style. buy amoxicillin online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/noprescription/amoxicillin-no-prescription.html no prescription

All Lovely Made wooden teether with silicone beads. Around 4 months, babies start doing more with their hands. They will grab anything within their reach (including your hair. OUCH) This small elephant is the perfect size for tiny hands and it’s safe enough for them to chew on. It doubles as a toy and teether once they start getting teeth. The silicone beads are 100% food grade and free of BPA.

Itzy Ritzy Car Seat Canopy – When you take your newborn out into the big world for the first time, you want them to feel safe and protected. Since Evelyn was born in the winter, having a car seat canopy was perfect for blocking wind and germs from her tiny face. This canopy has a universal fit for all infant carriers, is machine washable, and comes with two toy loops to hang your baby’s favorite toys.

Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock – I discovered this when Evelyn was a little over 3 months old and I wish this brand was around when Henry was a baby. It makes shopping a breeze especially if you have multiple kids. The carrier easily attaches to the shopping cart and holds babies up to 6 months (or 50 pounds) and can even hold an infant carrier. The hammock easily folds up and takes little room in a purse or diaper bag. This is a game changer when it comes to “Why didn’t I think of that?” products. PS: how cute does my baby look and when did she get so big? buy amoxil online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/noprescription/amoxil-no-prescription.html no prescription

Dwell Darling Blanket – Every baby needs a security blanket and this is one of the softest I’ve ever felt. The geometric design and polka dots are eye catching and the minky fabric is perfect for cuddling up to. They are all designed and made in the USA and you know I love supporting small shops!

Please be sure to check out all of these amazing brands featured here. They are truly wonderful companies who make amazing products for our babies!

The winner will receive ALL of the following:

Milestone Baby Cards

DockATot Delux in White (0-8 months)
All Lovely Made Wooden Elephant Teether
Itzy Ritzy Car Seat Canopy (Fletching Arrows Print)

Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock (Triangles Prints)

Finn + Emma Unisex Kimono Top & Pants (size 3-6 months)

Finn + Emma Mini Rattle
Dwell Darling Minky Blanket (Geometric & Polka Dots)*Giveaway runs Friday, October 14 until Monday, October 17th at 11:59pm EST. The winner has 48 hours to respond to me by email with their shipping information. No purchase necessary, US shipping addresses only* GOOD LUCK everyone!

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October Favorites

October 6, 2016

October is undoubtedly my favorite month of the year, mostly because Halloween is my favorite Holiday. I decorate the last night of September so that I can enjoy the Halloween decor all month long. My house is currently decked out in all things black, white, purple, and orange. The weather in Atlanta is finally cooling off so it’s been nice being able to enjoy the outdoors again. With a new month comes new favorites, and I’m excited to share some things I’ve been loving lately.

You know how much I obsess over June & January basics. They make the most amazing pieces so that your kids can coordinate without being too matchy {see more here and here}. Their black and white pieces are perfect for October.

I really look forward to transitioning from my bright summer bag into a fall bag with a softer color. This peach hobo goes great with all the neutral colors I wear during the cooler months.

Fall baking and eating is a must in my house. Give me anything apple or pumpkin flavored and I’ll be happy. I am dying to make this donut milkshake and these pumpkin cinnamon rolls. We visited an apple farm last weekend and came back with over 40 apples. I’ve been making a ton of yummy recipes this week. buy elavil online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/noprescription/elavil-no-prescription.html no prescription

I’m loving an Earth tone lip color. I have several friends who swear by LipSense so I finally gave them a shot. They have a vast selection of colors to choose from and my favorite so far has been the Pink Champagne. It goes nicely with my skin tone without being too overpowering. Just like the brand claims, it really does last all day long. I can eat, drink, kiss my husband, etc and it doesn’t fade or rub off and it is waterproof. I love that you can create your own color pallet by combining shades. buy flomax online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/noprescription/flomax-no-prescription.html no prescription

This pumpkin candle has been burning non-stop in my house. The smell is not too strong and these candles last forever. They have the best fall scents and the Halloween packaging is so cute.

I know you have all seen the adorable Cat & Jack line at Target for kids and I cannot rave enough about the pieces. The prints and patterns are so unique and fun and I love that the clothes have a 1-year warranty. This pom pom skirt is so fun and I cannot wait to style it on Evelyn. buy fluoxetine online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/noprescription/fluoxetine-no-prescription.html no prescription

On Henry: tee // shorts {sold out, similar pants}

On Evelyn: bat headband // dress // socks

This weekend we are finally hitting up the pumpkin patch which we visit every year and I cannot wait to get my hands on some white and pink pumpkins. I’ve been spending way too much time on Pinterest lately and I am finally going to tackle my “Fall front porch” goal so send some Pinterest-win magic my way! Happy Wednesday, everyone!

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