Currently Loving

Happy Wednesday! Hope everyone is having a great week. Just wanted to check in and share a few things on my radar...

J.Crew Arrow-Print Shift Dress

I am so smitten with this dress. It's perfect for summer. To me, a sweet little shift looks a bit more polished than a pair of shorts, and it's just so easy to toss one on and head out the door. That embroidery at the neckline and shoulders? Love, love, love. Pretty sure this will be making its way into my closet very, very soon.

New Balance 420 Tomboy Sneaker in Indigo

When I showed this pic to my husband, his response was, "Are you kidding with the running shoes?" I'm not exactly the sporty type, as I may have mentioned before. But as I explained to him, those aren't running shoes, they are cute sneakers. Duh. I mean, gingham, navy, AND lime green? Get on my feet. Now.

31 Bits Wisteria Necklace

Are you familiar with 31 Bits? Founded by a group of five college friends, the company works with women in Uganda to hand craft gorgeous beaded jewelry (made from recycled paper!). The women sign up to be part of a five year program. In addition to their paycheck, they also receive counseling, health education, financial training and business mentoring. Upon graduation, each woman has her own business AND business education. Pretty genius, isn't it? This necklace is part of their new summer collection. I can picture wearing it with a great maxi dress, or just shorts and a tee.

Jergens BB Body Cream

Anyone who's used self tanner has inevitably dealt with the dreaded oompa loompa effect. It happened to me a zillion years ago in high school, and I've been wary of any drugstore tanners since. So when I read about this BB Body cream, I was hopeful I'd found a better alternative. This stuff is great, guys! It evens out my skin tone and even firms a little. If you want to test it out, I found trial sizes in the dollar bins at my local Target.


Have a great week, friends! XOXO

Saving Face

Happy Saturday, friends! Hope everyone is having a good weekend so far. Almost noon and we're still in pj's around here!

So let's talk skin care. I've always tried to take good care of my skin--always wash my face before bed, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, the typical no-brainer type stuff. But I'm not getting any younger, and being on a budget keeps me from getting regular facials and the occasional Botox, so I've ramped up my regimen just a bit. After all, you can change your outfit, you can change your hair, but your face is what you present to the world every single day. Makes sense to be good to it, right?

Daily staples in my skin care routine...

1. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
I have used this cleanser for at least five years now, and I love it. It's just a great basic cleansing gel--removes every bit of makeup without stripping my skin. And it smells so good!

2. Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Moisturizer
I just started using this a few weeks ago, and I'm really liking it so far. According to the Kiehl's website, the moisturizer "addresses both the short-term visible signs and long term premature aging effect that stress can have on skin." I have noticed a difference in my skin's texture and it seems to help with redness. I will say that a little goes a loooooong way, so just a dab will do.

3. Mario Badescu Facial Spray
I'm the girl who used to think facial sprays were just a racket. But consider me a convert, especially when it comes to this one. I keep it in our fridge and spritz it on my face every morning after applying moisturizer, then let it all sink in before applying makeup. On non-makeup days, I love misting a bit on my face and the back of my neck to cool off and refresh. Does it really do anything to improve my skin? Debatable. Does it provide a teensy little bit of decadent pampering (rose water! aloe!)? Absolutely.

4. L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur
This product seemed too good to be true when I read about it, but a tiny sample in one of my magazines changed my mind. It does a bang-up job of filling in fine lines and camouflaging dark circles. If only it could do dishes.

5. Clark's Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream
Want to know when you've hit upon skin care gold? When you use it one time, and the next day a friend says, "Your skin looks great! Did you get a facial?" Seriously, that happened the day after I started using the marine cream. My dull, tired skin was suddenly glowing. I initially used it twice a day, but I found that too irritating for my skin, so now I apply it every night before bed. It's pricey, but worth it... if you're skeptical, check out eBay for sample sizes to give it a try.

6. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
We all have scars, and some of us have freckles. I was blessed with a double whammy for all the world to see: a crater-type chicken pox scar filled with a freckle, right between my eyes. I have always been a little self-conscious about it, but when a co-worker recently asked me if I'd injured myself, I knew I needed to do something. I've been using the Clinique dark spot corrector for several weeks now, and I can tell it's working. They key with this product, according to the lady at the Clinique counter, is consistency. You have to use it every day, at least once a day. I'm guilty of forgetting a day or two here and there, but overall, I'm happy with the results so far.

What are your staple skin care products? I'd love to know what's in your medicine cabinet! XOXO

Mother's Day

Happy Wednesday, y'all! Can you believe it's (practically) already May? Mother's Day is just over a week away. So to all my mama friends out there, you still have time to offer a few gentle nudges and hints to your husbands about how you'd like to spend your special day. Breakfast in bed... maybe a mani/pedi... heck, maybe just a nap!

As appealing as breakfast in bed sounds (my husband makes a mean omelet), I thought it would be fun to pick a handful of splurge-worthy gifts to share. You know, in case he's reading and decides to sleep in Sunday morning.

1. iomoi personalized stationery; 2. Catbird Grey Garden perfume; 3. Marigot Maya Check pajamas; 4. Nora Kogan 'Mama' ring

I know I just mentioned iomoi in my last post, but their personalized stationery is just about the cutest around. That zebra in the muumuu reminds me of Mrs. Roper from Three's Company, who I consider one of my fashion spirit animals.

Since I had H, I've only worn perfume a handful of times. I just opt for scented lotion most of the time. But when I read the description of the Grey Garden perfume from Catbird, I became so intrigued and enamored that I know I want to try it...

"For the lady who likes it spicy, mysterious, musky, sexy, decaying, rose-drenched, and a little off. This is for the alley cats, the late-night jazz records listeners, the bad girls in black. A scent to make you blush."

Cute PJs are my jam, and these from Marigot are pretty much perfect for summer. I love the men's style, and I seriously can't get enough gingham in my life. 

Nora Kogan's 'Mama' ring has been on my wish list since my first Mother's Day three years ago. I love the sweet simplicity of it, and the idea that the inscription is facing toward you and your heart when you're wearing it.

To all my mama friends out there, however you decide to spend your special day, I hope you enjoy it to the fullest.

Consider this a big hug from me. And a high five. Because you're awesome. XOXO

You Get a Basket! You Get a Basket! You Get a Basket!

Hi everyone! I am so excited about Easter. In my opinion, it's the loveliest holiday. Fabulous dresses and dapper suits, the pretty pastel colors, the abundance of chocolate, the abundance of chocolate in pretty pastel colors (I mean, seriously, who can resist Cadbury Mini Eggs?), and the freedom to wear white with abandon from now till Labor Day. There's a lot to love, am I right?

With Easter, Christmas, and birthdays, we try to follow this gift-giving mantra:

Something you Want

Something you Need

Something you Wear

Something you Read

Those Darn Squirrel books; Sneaky Snacky Squirrel game; Pottery Barn Kids basket; Eleni's bunny cookies; Gap denim shorts; Melissa & Doug Whittle World School Bus play set

H is always up for a new toy, especially one with wheels. If you read this post, you'll know we are working on social communication, and pretend play is a great way to encourage that. I think the little figures that come with the school bus will provide lots of entertainment. The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel game helps with fine motor skills, which we're also working to improve. And since the Adam Rubin books were about squirrels as well, I thought I'd keep with a little bit of a theme. I've heard lots of good things about his books. H is not much of a candy guy (he definitely did not inherit my sweet tooth), but he loves a sugar cookie. The bunnies from Eleni's are just adorable. And speaking of adorable, those Gap denim shorts? Yep, pretty darn cute.

In case the Easter Bunny is reading this, I have a few suggestions for a basket for the hubs, too...

Red Jacket  Hiroshima Carp tee; Pisgah Pale Ale growler (local brews rule!); Justified Season 4; Kettle Chips; The Art of Shaving After Shave Lotion and Shaving Cream

T is a huge fan of Red Jacket tees. They are seriously the softest cotton and they hold up really well. Pisgah Brewing is one of many local breweries here in Asheville, and we served their Pale Ale at our wedding. It's been one of our favorites since they launched in 2008. We are huge fans of Justified, but we stay a season behind. It's the perfect show for binge watching, though. And now that spring has sprung, my hubs will be shaving the beard he's been growing since Halloween. Everything from the Art of Shaving line smells fantastic, thanks to 100% pure essential oils.

And in case my husband the Easter Bunny is still reading, I threw together a few things for myself when I'm hopping down the bunny trail.

J.Crew Chambray Head Scarf; iomoi #whatshappeningnow #happybunny tote; Where'd You Go, Bernadette?; 10% Happier; The Ropes of Maine bracelets; French Broad Chocolate Lounge Peanut Butter Eggs

I've been trying to grow out my bangs for.ev.er. and they've reached that awful spot where they're too long to do a sideswept look well, but too short to tuck behind my ears. Ugh. A cute headband will (hopefully) help me maintain my sanity. If you aren't familiar with iomoi, go have a look around now. Their motto, "tradition with a wink" is my style to a T, and so is that tote! It would be perfect for tossing in a book and juice box or two for a trip to the park. Shana Ready's instagram feed makes me want to spend the summer sailing in Maine, but maybe a bracelet or two will give me a fix. And there's pretty much no place else that satisfies my sweet tooth like Asheville's French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Reese's ain't got nothin' on those eggs, y'all!

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend! XOXO

Life Lately

Well, hello there. Hope you all are having some great spring weather like we are here in Asheville. 70+ degrees all week? I'll take it! 

So, I'd like to share what's been going on in our world lately, and one of the reasons for my lack of posts. If you read this post, you know the hubs and I have had some concerns about specific areas of H's development over the past year, and we shared these concerns with our pediatrician at H's annual check up last fall. Let me just take this opportunity to say how important I think it is to have a pediatrician who is more of a listener than a talker. Ours is amazing. He let me do the whole paranoid mama prattle, and his response was a perfect balance of professionalism and candor. He referred us to our local children's hospital for an evaluation with their Development & Behavioral Program. 

Fast forward five months (and LOTS of speculating/worrying/hand wringing/reading of developmental horror stories on the internet) later, to the long-awaited appointment on March 20. The director of the program evaluated H and diagnosed him with high functioning autism (HFA). This shed some light on things that have seemed a little unusual, like how H flaps his hands and wiggles his fingers when he's excited, or how he sometimes repeats a question back instead of answering. And it gave us a starting point from which we are moving forward.

Our doctor is recommending speech therapy that will focus primarily on the social use of language. We hope to combine that with the therapy services offered at H's preschool to maximize his treatment. Once school is out for the summer, I'm hoping we can utilize other services for at-home therapy sessions. With such an intensive regimen, our doctor feels confident that H will be off the autism spectrum by the time he's 5. It's very encouraging! He also commented on what an exceptionally bright child H is, for which I take full credit (just don't tell the hubs). 

As we've shared the diagnosis with our family and friends, we've been asked a lot of questions...

What is the autism spectrum, and what is high functioning autism (HFA)? 
'Autism spectrum' is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals who are 'on the spectrum' have varying degrees of difficulty with social interaction and verbal/nonverbal communication, and may or may not exhibit repetitive behaviors and/or narrowly focused interests. Umm, yeah. Try to wrap your head around all that. At one end of the spectrum is high functioning autism (HFA). Individuals with HFA have average or above average intelligence, but may struggle with issues related to social interaction and communication.

Do you believe vaccinations triggered H's autism?
No, but in absolutely no way am I discounting the many families who maintain their children's autism was triggered by a vaccine. With H, there was no sudden regression in speech or motor skills following any of his vaccinations that would suggest a correlation. Rather, as he has grown and developed, a few skills haven't progressed as others have. Every family has their own approach to treating autism, because every autistic individual is unique. I have nothing but respect for anyone who is working in the way they deem best to help their child.

Can H be cured?
As a neurodevelopmental disorder, autism cannot be cured in the way that a disease can be cured. But because we've identified it so early and H will be hitting therapy hard from the get-go, we believe he will acquire the communication skills he needs to overcome his challenges with social interaction. Our hope is that he can be re-evaluated in a couple of years and he won't register on the spectrum. 

What will his therapy be like?
We're still learning what H will be doing in therapy. Mostly, from what the doctors have explained to us, it will be a lot of playing to encourage social engagement--games that require a call-and-response type interaction, role playing, or even actual board games. At home, we are following the Greenspan Floortime Approach to foster an interest in conversation through play.   

Just last week, the CDC released a report with startling numbers: one in 68 children in the US is on the autism spectrum--a 133% increase since 2000. The good news is that many government officials, both state and federal, have responded to the data by calling for an increase in funding for research AND assistance for those affected by autism. In my opinion, both are necessary for progress. And that's as soap-boxy as I'm willing to get right now. 

April is Autism Awareness Month. And I'm sharing this with you all today, specifically, because April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. And because I am a magpie, after all, I thought I'd share two sparkly finds that raise money for autism awareness. 

Stella & Dot Visionary Bracelet (All net proceeds benefit the HollyRod Foundation)

Alex and Ani Piece of the Puzzle Charm Bangle (20% of sales go to the National Autism Association)

My Arm Party

 

After putting H to bed a few nights after the diagnosis, my husband and I were talking about the journey we've started, and he said something that I've held in my heart since. "He's the same boy," he said. "He's the same sweet, smart, funny kid. The diagnosis didn't change him." And that is so true. The diagnosis didn't change him. It just gives us a better understanding of the incredible little boy we are blessed to raise, and a new direction in our adventures together.


XOXO

Checking In

Hi there. I am wishing so much that I could carve out some time for this little blog of mine, but it's been so hard lately. I did want to check in and share something that's been resonating strongly with me lately. Thinking it may be meaningful to some of you, too...

Hope everyone is having a great week! XOXO

Rikshaw Design Spring Collection

We've made it to the middle of the week, y'all! It's amazing how much faster the week goes by when you aren't confined to your house with a sick little. And the weather the past few days has been so, so, so wonderful. Of course, rumor has it (and by rumor, I mean The Weather Channel) we're in for another cold snap starting tonight, but I refuse to let it get me down. How can I when Rikshaw Design released their spring collection?

Love. It. All.

Y'all, those punchy colors are giving me a serious case of spring fever. If you aren't familiar with Rikshaw Design, founder Catherine Benson launched the company in 2008 with a line of baby bedding and accessories. Each piece is crafted from the softest, most ridiculously comfy cotton voile--the kind of comfy that makes you wish every shirt in your closet was made from it. Hand-blocked prints give each piece a one-of-a-kind feeling without being too precious.

I have a kurta from a couple years ago that is a summer staple, but these new prints have me itching for another. And don't even get me started on the kids line. H has outgrown his kurta, so a new one is most definitely in order. There's really nothing cuter that a little boho boy...

I mean, come on.

My favorites from the new collection:

Classic Kurta in Darjeeling Violet

Embroidered Sleeveless Top in Geo Pink

Children's Kurta in Turquoise Seahorse

Good news for those of us who missed the boat on the Gold Tuxedo Kurta after it sold out last year--it's back! If you're looking for a fab gift for a mama-to-be, check out the play blankets and burp & bib sets. And mamas of baby girls? One word: bloomers. XOXO

(FYI, this is not a sponsored post, just my opinion, which is pretty rad. But if RD needs an east coast ambassador, I'm up for the job!)

On My Radar

It's been another crazy week at our house. H woke up Saturday morning with a low-grade fever and cough that worsened throughout the day, so we spent the evening hanging out at the ER. Fun times. The doc on duty diagnosed it as croup, so the only Rx was lots of rest and popsicles. Of course, when a babe is sick, mama gets very little rest, so I've been running on empty. Lots of big projects and fast deadlines at work didn't help much, either. But H is feeling better, so that's really all that matters.

Although I haven't had time to do much other than wipe noses and snuggle a little boy this week, I wanted to share a few things on my radar...

1. Dhurrie Chair

 

 Traditional shape + non-traditional fabric = my favorite look. Thank you, Anthropologie, for always providing plenty of  items for my lust list.

2. Shredded Kale & Brussel Sprout Salad via Just a Taste

Photo by Just a Taste

I've hopped on the kale bandwagon big time. Smoothies, chips, soups, you name it. This salad looks super easy, super tasty, and within my limited kitchen skills... God, please don't let me chop off a(nother) knuckle.

3. Gap Sateen Fit & Flare Dress

This looks like such a perfect LBD. So crisp with that kicky pleat! I could easily wear it to work with a cardigan, or dress it up with heeled sandals and some pretty jewelry (like this) for weddings/parties. We have two weddings coming up this spring (H is the ring bearer in both, and yes, I am nervous), so this could be an option for rehearsal dinners or receptions. It's gotten mixed reviews online as to fit, so I know I'll have to go to a brick & mortar to buy. Let's just hope it's still in stock once the quarantine on our house is lifted.

4. GardenFort

H is totally into forts right now, so this would be fun for spring/summer. It also looks like the perfect place for mama to hide out with a nice glass of vino.

5. Monogrammed Converse All Stars

My Pinterest is littered with pics of effortlessly cool chicks in Chucks. I'm still not sure I can pull them off, but if I get brave enough to try it, you better believe I'm going to monogram the sh*t out of them.

I'm off to catch up on work and the snot dripping out of a little nose. Kleenex and the Inmans say bless you! XOXO

What to Wear: Now & Later

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Work was completely nuts and I've been trying to unplug more at home, but I'm hoping to make it up to y'all with something good today!

Around this time every year, I start to hate everything in my closet. I'm tired of bundling up, tired of sweaters, tired of boots, tired of flannel. So apparently I'm tired of being an 82 year old man, but you know what I mean. Add to that the fact that it's that tricky stretch between seasons, and I feel like I am dressing like a bona fide wackadoo. But I found something this weekend that might save my sanity, friends.

The magic tunic.

Have you ever bought a shirt, a pair of jeans, some article of clothing that is not only flattering, it makes all your trouble spots (real or perceived) seem to disappear? I found my miracle piece this weekend. This tunic nips in just enough at the waist, hits at just the right place to minimize my thighs, and it's just the right weight that I can wear it now in cooler weather and later when spring finally arrives. It's the Goldilocks of tops! I thought I'd share a little styling inspiration to show how I wear it now, and how I'll wear it later.

J.Crew Factory Chambray Tunic; Stella & Dot Phoenix Necklace and Various Bracelets; Flash Lens Ray-Ban Aviators; Michael Kors Turquoise Hoops (on sale!); Gold and Gray Wood Bracelets; Chan Luu Skull Bangle; 7 for All Mankind Slim Illusion Jeans; Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals in New Nude Leopard; Essie Polish in Geranium (my all time favorite!); Michael Kors Watch Hunger Stop Watch; Old Navy Booties (no longer available); J.Crew Leggings (amazing fit!)

Happy weekend, friends! XOXO

Five on Friday: On My Shopping List

TGIF, friends! Hope everyone's had a great week. The hubs decided to lay the budget smackdown on our household this week, and I am not faring well. Am I the only one who sees retail therapy as a logical way to deal with it? Probably so, and probably why we really, REALLY need a budget. But that sh*t's boring, so this week's Five on Friday post is a roundup of some items that may or may not be in numerous online shopping carts of mine at this very moment.

Ray-Ban Aviator Flash Lens in Green

Online Calligraphy Class with Melissa Esplin (you can see more of her incredible work and read her super fun blog here)

Amanda Catherine Designs "Work Hard & Be Kind" Pencils

J.Crew Toothpick Jeans in Tux Stripe

Graham & Brown Beadboard Wallpaper

Hope everyone's weekend is amazing! XOXO

Spring Style for Little Boys

Happy Monday, friends! Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. I caught up on some work Saturday, and Sunday I slept in until... wait for it... 10 a.m. Y'all. IT. WAS. AWESOME. Best Valentine's gift my husband could have ever given me!

As promised, I'm sharing my picks for H's spring style. Shopping for boys can be a challenge... there are a LOT of bad graphic tees, knit shorts, and cargo pants out there. But thankfully there are a few shops that make it much easier to find classic pieces for little guys. Seriously, what did mamas do before crewcuts?

The whole coordinating color scheme was a happy accident. I love navy, and it looks so great with a punchy shade of tangerine. I snagged this tee at the J.Crew clearance store today because it works so well with the other pieces. 

Heathered Sweater; The Dude Baseball Cap; Anchor Kurta; Plaid Bow Tie; Anchor Bow Tie; Navy Gingham Button Down; Chino Shorts; Chambray Shirt; Hooded Jacket; Chambray Roll-Up Pants; Polo; Sneakers; Wellies; Flip Flops

Where do you mamas of little boys shop? XOXO

Make This, Wear That - Valentine's Day at Home

Hello from the frozen tundra of North Carolina! Today is day three of no school, no getting to the office, no sanity. Heaven help us.

We're not big on Valentine's Day celebrations around here... maybe a bottle of champagne and a handmade card, but that's about as fancy as we get. The hubs is working on Valentine's night again this year (I think this makes 4 years in a row?), so it looks as though H and I will be having a quiet evening at home--at least as quiet as an evening with a 3 year old can be. We'll have our usual Friday night movie (probably Despicable Me 2, as it's been in heavy rotation lately--gotta love Gru and his chip hat!), but I'd like to make a special treat. I'm thinking this might be perfect...

Old Fashioned Pink Popcorn from Cooking Classy

As far as what to wear for Valentine's Day, I'm not a typical red dress kind of gal. I much prefer the idea of a soft pastel like lavender paired with just a splash of red. And I guess I'm in denial about the fact that winter is sticking around for a while, because I am ready to start wearing spring clothes. Snow storms be damned!

Margaret Elizabeth Cube Studs; J.Crew Merino Tunic Sweater; Old Navy Sweetheart Distressed Skinnies; Minnetonka Back Zip Booties; Essie Polish in Fishnet Stockings; Gold & Gray Medium Wood Stretch Bracelets; Rikshaw Design Lulu Scarf

I am loving the new merino tunic sweaters from J.Crew... they're like the swing sweater 2.0. And though I will admit I was a skeptic, I am here to tell you, Old Navy's Sweetheart jeans are pretty much perfect for those of us with more voluptuous posteriors. Great amount of stretch, and they're high-waisted, so they suck in the muffin top really well. I can't recommend them enough. And if you need another reason to give them a try, they are on super duper sale right now. Like, such a crazy good sale I'm thinking of ordering a size down so I can have them when my current ones are too big.

If you are looking for fun bracelets at a fabulous price, check out Gold & Gray. I have three of the wood bead bracelets and I just want more. So fun! And this necklace is at the top of my wish list for spring.

Rikshaw Designs founder Catherine Fitzsimmons has southern roots, but her bohemian flare is what I admire most. I have a Rikshaw classic kurta that I wear non-stop in the summer, so I think adding one of the scarves to my wardrobe is an obvious choice. And for you mamas reading, they have a children's line that is pretty much the cutest ever. H outgrew his kurta at the end of last summer, so we'll be ordering another for this year.

Whether you're big on the "Hallmark holiday" of Valentine's or not, I think it's a perfect opportunity to tell those you love how much they mean to you. Not that any of us need a holiday for that, but sometimes it's a good reminder. XOXO

Spring Style: Skater Chic

Hello, friends! Hope you all are having a great week so far. We are bracing for the snowpocalypse here, which is expected to hit tomorrow. yaaaaay. Yesterday we had about three inches of "pre-snow." This was the view from our back porch earlier...

So pretty! So peaceful! So f&@king over it!

To maintain my sanity and keep cabin fever at bay, I've been doing some online window shopping for spring. I've already picked out some fun things for H (which I'll be sharing later this week!), so I started browsing for myself last night. I'm not ready to buy any clothes yet (still trying to shed a few pounds I packed on over the holidays--damn you, Christmas cookies!), but shoes always fit, right? And since my piggies haven't seen a nail salon in far too long, I figured I'd start with something other than sandals.

The old school slip-on sneaker trend seems to be getting stronger... I found a pair last summer that I wore constantly, but I have my eye on a few more that would be perfect with skinny jeans now and shorts later. Please, Lord, let shorts weather come soon.

Sam Edelman Becker; Sperry Mariner; Vans Chambray Dot; Vans Bronze Metallic

What trend is on your radar for spring? XOXO

Five on Friday - Things I Heart Right Now

Happy Friday, friends! Thanks and praises be for a week with no school closures--seriously, I thought we might be on the verge of a revolution last week being cooped up in the house so much. Tensions were high. There was much unrest. H started referring to himself as Che. OK, not really, but you get the idea. Very grateful for some improvement in the weather, although I don't think we're completely past the polar vortex just yet. Ugh.

Anyway. I wanted to share a handful of things I'm loving right now, in real life and on the interwebs...

1. Weleda Skin Food

Winter weather absolutely wrecks my hands. It doesn't help that I tend to leave the house without wearing gloves--not because I don't have any (I do, including a gorgeous pair of cashmere-lined leather ones my mom gave me for Christmas after seeing my chapped, dry hands at Thanksgiving one year), but because I consistently forget them or I'm in such a rush to get out the door that I can't be bothered. Enter this amazing cream. It's pretty much the only thing keeping my hands from looking like something out of a horror movie. I get mine at Target, but you can also find it online at places like drugstore.com or Amazon, or in health food stores.

2. Coola Liplux in Peppermint Vanilla

Like 99% of women, I have more lip balms than I can count, most of them used once or twice then tossed to the side when I find a new one to try. But Coola's Liplux has become my staple. As in, I keep one in my purse, one on my nightstand, one in my makeup bag, and one in my desk drawer at work. It's smooth (read: not waxy like so many lip balms out there) and the peppermint vanilla scent (flavor?) is just right (read: delicious and ever-so-slightly tingly, not at all cloying). You can find it online here.

3. Catbird NYC Elfin Studs

 

Lately I've been obsessed with the idea of getting a third (and maybe fourth) hole pierced in my left ear. These teensy studs would be just the thing I'd want to wear. 

4. Greythread "Do Small Things" Tee

I've been looking for spring clothes for H (which I'm planning to blog about next week!) and I went down the etsy rabbit hole and came out with this adorable gem. And the best part? They have a brick & mortar storefront in Georgia--in the same town where my mom lives! Like we needed another excuse for a weekend trip to GiGi's. Also, this shirt will soon be on heavy weekend rotation in my wardrobe. Embrace messy hair, y'all. 

5. The Ultimate Anna Wintour GIFs (via The Cut)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Winter Olympics started today, but for many of us, the games take a backseat to the high holy days of New York Fashion Week. I mean, who needs ice skating when you have the Ice Queen herself? The mavens at The Cut pulled La Wintour's best withering gazes via this collection of gifs for our viewing pleasure. Enjoy, and in the true spirit of sportsmanship, remember: "If you can't be better than your competition, just dress better than them." -AW

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! XO

J.Crew Final Sale - Make it Snappy!

I'm writing this as quickly as I can. I guess with Snowmageddon, people are cooped up at home and doing what I've been doing--online shopping. And apparently we are all trying to take advantage of the final hours of the J.Crew 'Extra 40% off Sale' Sale. I had a couple things in my cart earlier, stepped away to start H's bath, and when I came back they were sold out. I hate it when that happens! First world problems, right?

Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my picks that are (as of right this second) still in stock. But you better hustle!

Stay safe and warm, y'all! XOXO

Gold Stripe Dress - Extra 50% off!; Dean Midshaft Boots - Extra 50% off!; Double Cloth Sabrina Coat - Extra 50% off!; Embroidered Peasant Top in Green Plaid - Extra 50% off!; Keeper Chambray Shirt

Sweet Dreams

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a good weekend. Ours was very quiet... I really appreciate the luxury of being able to sort of shut out the rest of the world and hibernate with my little family for a few days. As long as we have snacks and wine. I'm not a total cave woman.

I spent most of yesterday deep cleaning my house. Lots of scrubbing, scouring, rinsing and repeating. I love starting the week with a clean house, but I admit I also had other motives in mind. I'm clearing the way for a revamp of our master bedroom. Right now we have hand-me-down furniture with old bedding, a rug that no longer worked in the living room, pictures that don't seem to work anywhere else in our house, and laundry baskets (yes, plural) with clothes waiting for me to fold and put away. Très chic, no? 

My goal for the room is a space that is cozy--a little cocoon where we can snuggle up with H for movie night (a Friday tradition in our house, complete with popcorn)--with equal doses of sophistication and humor. I guess it's the Gemini in me, but I love design with duality. Spaces that strike a balance between two extremes (masculine and feminine, traditional and modern, boho and classic) are always what I'm drawn to. And I think in a space like a bedroom, balancing the tastes of the people sharing it is especially important.

The jumping off point for the room was the bedding. I became enamored with shibori after seeing countless Pinterest and Instagram pics, and when I found the Vera Wang duvet cover on eBay for a steal, I knew it was meant to be. After I saw the deep navy pattern in person, I felt the perfect complement would be pink, but I was hesitant. I didn't know how to pull it off without it looking too Preppy Handbook, knowwhatimean? 

Enter one of my favorite bloggers (and total girl crush), Chassity. If y'all don't already follow her, hop on over there right now get yourself a little dose of fabulous. She shared a post yesterday about adding pink to your decor. If someone as stylish as Chassity recommends it, it's reassurance enough for me! 

This board is part inspiration, part reality. There are pieces I've already collected (bedding, table, top throw pillow), pieces that are on my shopping list (rugs, prints, hurricanes), and pieces that I will most definitely be searching for in a lower price range (that gold feather pillow? I mean, come ON. If someone has $500 to throw down on something like that, I have a big honkin' list of worthy charities that could put that money to much better use). Anyway, I think it strikes that balance I'm seeking. Just enough sophistication to look like a "grown up" room, just enough humor to keep it from being too grown up, just enough pink that my husband will allow without protest.
 

Benjamin Moore Pink Opal paint; Bottled Liquors print; Peony prints; Lalita rug; Sheepskin; Navy tufted chair; Faceted hurricanes; Gold feather pillow

How do y'all navigate decorating a shared space? I'm curious how others do it. XOXO

On Mommy Guilt

Happy Friday, friends! I had no less than 10 post ideas for what I'm sure was my long-awaited return to blogging (hahaha), but this has been one of those days, so I thought I'd just spill my guts instead. Stick with me, though, because there will be some pretty pictures at the end. Because blogs are supposed to be pretty, duh!

We had a parent-teacher conference at H's preschool today. There was just enough good in her evaluation that the hubs and I all but fist-bumped over our rock star parenting. We are effin' AWESOME at this sh*t, is the exact thought that went through my mind (which is probably not what you should be thinking at a church preschool). But my inner victory dance was short lived, because there were areas of concern. It's kind of like the parent equivalent of an elephant tranquilizer. You sit stunned, yet your mind is still racing, thinking through every possible second of your child's life since conception where you potentially (maybe, likely, most assuredly) screwed it up. I effin' suck at this sh*t.

Mommy guilt is a powerful thing. I've been wearing it around my shoulders for most of today (and many days prior for a countless number of things both real and imagined, truth be told). And while capes were in this season, I have no desire to continue sporting this one on a regular basis. Because it isn't healthy. Because it hinders my ability to be in the moment with my son and my husband. Because it puts the focus where it shouldn't be.

So I'm going to keep this short (for me, anyway) and say that one of my so-called resolutions for this year is to silence the mommy guilt when it starts to whisper, and focus my energy on doing my best for my son, for my husband, for my family, for me. Less inner critic, more inner cheerleader (right, Alicia?).

And now, a few of my favorite pics of mamas and babies...