Weekending

It was a big weekend in the Parker household and that's mainly because we finally were brave enough to initiate the "Paci Fairy". P doesn't have anything she loves so much as she loves her pacifiers. Not a lovey or a stuffed animal nothing can charm this girl the way that little piece of silicon and plastic can.

So we have been putting it off for many, many moons because honestly I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready for the whining and crying and the all out tantrums. But I knew that it needed to go because she was getting older and I didn't want to see her teeth get all out of whack.

So Friday we decided was the day. We had been talking about the paci fairy for about two weeks now. Read a book about it many times (replacing the word binky with paci leaving no room for confusion!) We found all her paci's around the house and put them in a bag with a letter to the fairy. Off into the mailbox they went. Cue the mama anxiety.

And wouldn't you know it? P did freaking awesome. She was actually excited and really only fussed over the pacifier a couple of times. I was dreading the transition but she handled it with ease and I am so proud of her!

We rewarded ourselves by taking a trip to the beach to escape the 90+ degree weather at home on Sunday. Only problem was that 90 degrees at home translated to 55 at the coast + heavy fog. Just a little cold! Let's hope this next week goes fast and we can roll right into that three day weekend! A nice warm and sunny one!









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Ice Cream Dreams

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Mother's Day 2017

What's a holiday without a recap (says every blogger everywhere) We spent Mother's Day up at my in laws this year as we do most years. My mom is always in Aruba this time of year so I haven't spent a Mother's Day with her in ages! However I don't think she is complaining too much. We had a pretty low key day and P and her cousin Hana were so fun to watch together, definitely going to be future little trouble makers! Hope your day was special and spent with those you love!



















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Motherhood

Motherhood. One small word - so much meaning. I could tell you a million things about the way these images make me feel. But above anything else they make me feel love. Loved. I'm not perfect. It's hard juggling being a wife, a mother, a full time worker, a blogger and run a small business (heck it's tiring just to type it all out!) But this lady and her smile let me know we are all doing just fine.

I am so grateful that I got to spend a morning getting prepped and prettied by Lisa to have our memories captured by Meg. As someone who knows all too well the importance of photography and being in the frame. I'm grateful to have heeded my own advice for once.

For every mama on this Mother's Day I wish you the happiest most special day.

all photos by Meg Sexton
hair and makeup Lisa Teller
florals Fringe Flowers
P's dress Autta Lou
my dress













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All about that rug

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Lorena Canals rugs in exchange for product. As always thought and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support Happily Ever Parker.

As most parents know, once you have a child - especially a toddler, things don't stay as neat and clean as they once did. Food gets dropped on the floor numerous times, things that shouldn't get flushed down the toilet do and artwork winds up more often than not everywhere but the paper it was intended for.

When I was planning P's nursery I wanted to warm up her space with a large area carpet. So I did just that, I went and purchased an 8 x 10 Moroccan shag rug to go into her room. At the time I loved it and the way it made the room all come together. But quickly after placing that rug in her room I soon knew it would pose a problem. Mostly because it was white and since I spent most of P's early days and nights in there - so did my loyal dog. While I love that loyal dog, he can dirty up a rug quick!

So out went that rug and in went a little fluffy runner. Which also served its purpose for some time until I decided mama wanted it in her room instead. Sorry P, you can't have all the nice things! Once I swiped that rug from under her feet (literally) her room still needed something. But finding the perfect fit, that was both stylish and functional, would be a quest.
Enter Lorena Canals rugs. Which honestly deserve a moment of love and applause. Not only do Lorena Canals rugs come in a multitude of shapes and designs - they are machine-washable.

I know. Someone hold me.

P takes everything into her room. Food, Play Doh, markers you name it. Especially if I am chasing after her to hand it over, her first (and maddening) response is to chuck whatever she is holding right into the middle of her room. Which always, always, always leads to a spill or stain of some sort. With the Lorena Canals rug I can simply gather it up, all 5 x 7 of it and put it straight into my washing machine. It's so easy and convenient.
And because I like to test out things and make sure they are as awesome as I tell you they are. I have indeed already washed our rug. Because my toddler is a stain inducing tornado and between her and our dog I can only handle so many spots before I go mad. So I bundled up my rug and with ease machine-washed and dried it. So simple. While my lint trap did adsorb a good chunk of fluff I assure you that my rug was no less fluffy than when I put it in. It didn't warp or fade and came out clean as when I first unpackaged it. Bonus: Lorena Canals rugs are made from all natural dyes, handmade, economically friendly and contain no VOCs like most carpeting and rugs.

Want to love them even more? A portion of Lorena Canals proceeds support the Sakula project, and provide schooling for children in India.

I never thought I would have so much to say about a rug but I promise you it's all true. Anything that makes my life a little easier as a mom deserves the credit! If you're on the market for a new rug Lorena Canals is currently having a sale (only twice a year they have sales so act fast!) 15% off now until May 17th.

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At Home with Ring

Full Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Ring in exchange for all products mentioned. As always thoughts and opinions are my own. 
Thank you for supporting brands that support Happily Ever Parker!

 Over the years my little town has gone from small to a real bustling city. It's a one stop shop for almost everything you need and the addition of multi family homes popping up everywhere is evidence of such. Being that we live right downtown in such a busy area I oftentimes worry about the safety of where we live. More people more problems, right?

So when a representative from Ring reached out to me I was almost immediately on board. Until I realized, well...I don't have a doorbell! Fear not, this system can work with or without a doorbell. Which works perfectly for us because the location we chose to set it up is actually on the outside of our gate. Delivery drivers take heed - I am now watching you as you throw my packages over the fence!

So how does it work? With Ring someone is #alwayshome. When the doorbell is rang or senses motion, you will get a notification on your Ring app. You can answer your doorbell from anywhere and talk directly to the person at your door through your phone. It also will record a video of the interaction when you connect with the person at your door. As well as record any motion it detects at your door. Which my husband and I have been having a little too much fun with!
Ring was incredibly easy to set up and since we didn't hardwire to an existing doorbell, we will need to charge it. However, the brochure states Ring can hold a charge for 6 months to a year. We also installed a Chime Pro to aid the signal strength of the doorbell and a solar powered security sign that we proudly stuck in front of our house.
When you're a parent anything that can give you an added layer of security is always a good idea. I like knowing that not only is my Ring Doorbell a potential deterrent to bad people, but also that on nights I am home alone, I can simply look right at my phone to know who is at my door. You can't put a price on peace of mind. Between our dog and Ring, I feel fully protected!

See below for a little video of Ring in action!


Plus I have a special treat for you today! Ring has shared a $25 discount code with me that’s good for the purchase of any Ring device, valid from now until May 14th. If you have a mama in your life, this would make a great gift for her for Mother’s Day! Simply make your purchase through this link or use the code “THANKSMOM” at checkout.
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Mother's Day Gift Round Up

It's not always easy shopping for a mom but if you're looking for ways to celebrate the special mama's in your life I have rounded up a few ideas. While gifts are always a nice touch, spending the day with family and some homemade gifts from the littles are even better. Oh and maybe let mama sleep in that morning? And then when she wakes up breakfast? Just sayin'!

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Life Lately

I can't believe just how quickly this year is going. Somehow between January and now I have managed to enroll my baby into preschool and started booking fall client sessions...for the holidays. Whaaaaat? The year is simply flying and watching this feisty, stubborn little brunette grow right up along with it is crazy.

I'm suddenly thinking about teaching her how to ride a bike and watching her have real conversations. I mean wasn't it just nearly yesterday I cried through those first raw days of motherhood? I remember thinking that all those moments seemed like they would never end. I was so so tired, in pain and madly in love. I would hum her our wedding song as she fell asleep in my arms.

These days I get the boot out of her bed. She plays on her own giving her princess characters different personalities. We find her giggling to herself and simultaneously giving her self acclimations in the mirror. Her hair gets bigger by the day, right in stride with her personality.

Time you crazy beast!

I'm going to try and be more present around these parts cause ya know - I miss it!

xo




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