Fall Mama & Mini Style

red plaid // black ripped jeans // booties // little plaid // black leggings // baby boots

It should come as no surprise that one of my favorite things to do with P is twin. So whenever I find an occasion to match I seize it. Loving this little fall set with matching flannels!

It's only just beginning!!

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Dreaming in Neon

bangle set 1 //  bangle set 2 // bangle set 3
pink tank // red and blue tank // floral romper

I've always felt like Memorial Day was the kickoff holiday of the summer and it has me dreaming in tassels and neon. I can't wait to break into all of P's summer attire! And while her game is always strong in the outfits department, this mama's is lacking! These are all pieces that have been hanging out in my virtual shopping cart but I have yet to actually buy. (Then I get the annoying email that I "forgot" items in my cart). Tell me I am not alone on that one.

This all just reminds me that I need to shop for a new bathing suit...another day, another day. I can't even handle that thought right now.

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What I Wish I Was Wearing Wednesday

wedges // polish // eyeshadow // blouse // druzy earrings // druzy bracelet 
tassel bracelet // scallop shorts

You know what the best part about new clothing is? The way it makes you feel. Kind of the same way when you leave the salon with a fresh manicure or the hair salon with a blowout. So in honor of all those good feels I would be pretty happy if I was wearing this today (with a side of great hair and freshly painted digits). Gah - a manicure sounds like heaven right now!

Let's just call this "What I Wish I Was Wearing Wednesday". It may be a weekly reoccurrence.

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P's Christmas Wish List

carry home dollhouse // heart body suit // colorblock body suit // sweatshirt // moccasins
chow chow plush // teething ring // book // kick and play piano

Next week is Thanksgiving and I am already behind on my holiday shopping. This year we are only buying for the kids which does make things a lot easier! Since Presley will only be four months old this Christmas we will be doing it pretty low key. December 31st marks my first day back at work and I am just so sad about it. So cliche but where has time gone?

I am so excited to take some holiday photos (which the rain bumped to next week) and Presley's first photo with Santa Clause should be pretty comical.  If Presley could talk I am sure she would wish for any of the items above!

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Mama & Mini

 wedges // necklace // sweater //leggings // headband // dress // moccasins

Hopefully I am not the only crazy who has started thinking about coordinating outfits for the holidays? We will be spending Thanksgiving with my parents this year and Christmas with David's and I am so looking forward to dressing up for those occasions. Even though the holidays mean I return to work :(

We do things pretty casual around here and this outfit looks cozy and leggings scream out expandable. Which will be needed with all the food! I think I am finally going to get some Tom's wedges. My sister in law said they are crazy comfortable. Anyone agree or disagree? I think their ballet flats SUCK, so I am curious as to the boots.

Have a great day, Happy Friday Eve!

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Cozy Style

sweatshirt // sweats // hoodie (similar) // body suit

Northern California finally is seeing a break in the 90+ degree weather and overnight we were gifted with fall. I think the best thing about fall is those days when it's so miserable outside you're forced to bundle up and stay inside.
Light some good smelling candles, turn on the fireplace and sit down with Netflix. Being on maternity leave during the fall and holidays I am really getting to experience a sweeter side of it all.

There is truly nothing better than snuggling with a very sweet smelling newborn (and a not so sweet smelling furball). Right now I am all about floral and marled/heathered prints. So if you happened to pop over on any given day don't be surprised to see me rocking something cozy!
 

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Nursing Essentials

lanolin // shield // tanks // nursing pads // camelbak // nightlight

Lanolin: This stuff might as well be gold to new mamas. Those first two weeks of nursing are...umm..brutal? That's being kind honestly. Applying lanolin before and after every nursing session eventually got my ladies to toughen up. Maybe nursing will be a breeze for you - either way keep this on hand. It's better to have it then run out to buy it after baby has arrived.

Medela Nipple Shield: This is an item I had heard about and wish I had bought "just in case". As I said in my postpartum post my nipples ran the gamut as far as pain goes. Cracking, bleeding, losing layers of skin...on day two at home I had David (bless his heart) run to Target and get me a shield. The first time I used it - it filled with blood. To which my lactation consultant said "that's okay" Yikes! But then the next day my milk came in. I still use this even though I probably shouldn't but it's made nursing pain free and so much easier for both me and Presley.

Nightlight: When I first started doing the late night feedings I would turn on a light in Presley's room. Not a bright one, but bright enough that it would cause those little doll eyes to open right up. I learned that if I only have the nightlight on it helps her know it is still nighttime. It also helps my blind as a bat self navigate the house without my contacts in.

Nursing Pads: You can get these in disposable or washable it's all up to you. I prefer the disposable ones because I don't want to be washing my pads all the time (which if you buy more than two sets you can avoid that problem entirely). I often pump a bottle in the morning for Presley's night feeding. It seems to fill her up more and allows David to interact with her and mama to get to bed a little earlier! I find that because I usually skip that big night feeding these pads are a must for the next morning!

iPhone/Cell phone/Charger: Whenever I sit down to nurse and realize I don't have my iPhone on me I panic. You're going to be sitting for awhile so make sure you have everything you need. I use this time to catch up on social media, read my favorite blogs (I am reading! Just not commenting as much due to needy newborn!) and watch Netflix. My sister and I started Scandal while she was in town and I was able to kill seasons one and two within two weeks. #noshame

Nursing Tanks: I live in these most days and they are my favorite for sleeping in. In fact I just went and purchased five more - I might as well make the investment since I am hoping to nurse until Presley is one. These run in price from $25 to $45. I have some of each and think they all work just fine. The ones that I am not crazy about are the Target ones - the clasps just are not as well made. I also think my chest size is not made for them.

Camelbak: There is something about hearing your baby slurping down milk that makes you incredibly thirsty. Like parched, in the desert, need water now. I always try and fill up my water bottle and leave it where I know I will be nursing. Trust me on this one!

Another invaluable thing to a new nursing mom is support. I can't tell you how many of you awesome ladies, my mom, my siblings, facebook La Leche groups helped so much. It's always nice to know you are not alone in your struggles - and it's awesome to have some cheerleaders along the way. 

Also don't forget to enter my Mini Boden giveaway for your chance to win a Baby Boden Gift Set. Winner will be announced on Monday morning!

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Newborn Essentials

shampoo // boppy // sleepsack // swaddles // mamaroo // pacifiers // lawn // boppy changing pad liners 

Honest Company Shampoo: We have for the most part purchased/received all things Honest Co. for P. It makes me feel better when I am lathering her up with shampoo or lotion and she decides to eat her hand. Honest Company uses all non toxic materials so it's perfectly safe for baby!

Aden & Anais Bamboo Swaddles: I have a lot of swaddle blankets but the bamboo ones are the ones I find myself consistently using over others. They are so soft and just the perfect lightweight blanket for those late night feedings.

Mamaroo Swing: Ahh this swing has been a lifesaver. We were originally gifted the 4moms swing which is similar to this one but with only one setting. Little Pres did not like that one at all. Thank goodness for an awesome return policy to Buy Buy Baby and a 20% off coupon to swap it for the mamaroo was only an additional $20. With five settings like "car ride" and "rock a bye" it's a big hit (and big relief!) in our house.

Halo Sleepsacks: With all the worrying you already have to do about SIDS and every other frightening thing you can read on the internet blankets are a big no no. These sleepsacks help me know that Presley is warm at night while she sleeps next to our bed and yet can't suffocate on a blanket.

Boppy: I know not everyone is on the bandwagon of the boppy but I love it. It makes feedings so much easier and I find that because I am naturally large chested I don't even need to hold Presley up for feedings. Anything to make those nighttime wake up calls a little easier.

Mam Pacifiers: Another pick that is total preference but my little lady likes to suck and I can't be feeding her and her pacifier or she would never be off my breast! We bought a couple of pacifiers until we found the ones she seems to like best. These are a favorite because they glow in the dark - easy to find yet again for those...late night feedings. You see a trend here)?

Boon Lawn: With all the pumping and bottle feedings we are constantly hand washing everything and the little drying rack is awesome. Quick access and cute on the counter top, can't complain!

Boppy Changing Pad Liners: Saved the best for last. These are a time saver! I can't tell you how many times Presley has peed and pooped on the changing pad. This saves so much time when you don't want to change the cover. I started with three of these and quickly went out and purchased more!

Anything I forgot? What are your essentials?

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Mom Style

sunglasses // earrings // shirt // shorts // sandals // bag // stroller

While I am already dreaming up fitting into more of my clothing. The reality is not lost on me that this top is so not nursing friendly. And probably 85% of the clothing in my closet is not. So let me dream a little.
I am so looking forward to 5.5 months off to spend with my little baby.
Conveniently where I live I am in walking distance to a shopping mall (hello Nordstrom!), parks, David's work and friends with babies on the way! So I am pretty excited to stroll the block with my stroller and babes in tow - Finn too. You know I wouldn't exclude him!
Hope you all have an awesome weekend! I am celebrating two more baby showers for the little miss and my sister flew into town last night. Looking forward to spending time with family and friends!

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New Dad Survival Kit

mug // body suit// diapers // wipes // pacifier

Since technically this is sort of David's first Father's Day I wanted to put together a cute little gift basket for him. He will be returning from a trip in the mountains on Father's Day and I think it would be fun to come home to a goodie basket of new dad essentials.

Mug: To be filled with lots of iced coffee and beer I am sure!

Diapers/Wipes: Self explanatory, it's 2014 you WILL be changing diapers! We are already signed up for the Honest bundles to be delivered to our door. Bonus Target will start selling this brand sometime this month!

Magazine: He can bring this while we are in the delivery room. David loves to fish and I don't know why I have never thought to subscribe him to a fun magazine like this one.

Hand Sanitizer: Newborn + Germs = no bueno

5 hour energy: For those late nights when mama pumps into a bottle :)

Snacks: Again for the hospital so he doesn't have to complain about the gross vending machine snacks.

Mask: For those diaper changes and blowouts!

Did anyone else celebrate dad's to be before your babe's arrival? Anything else I should include?

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Little Fashionista

1 // 2 // 3 // 4
1 // 2 // 3 // 4
1 // 2 // 3 // 4

You guys little girl's clothing is seriously addicting. You may have seen on Instagram that I already have quite the little collection assembled. This is about half of it!

 I haven't purchased any of these pieces featured above but how adorable are they?! We take an annual trip to the Trinity Alps every year for the 4th of July and I get so excited thinking about all the patriotic gear Presley will get to wear. These are some items I would purchase (if I hadn't gone crazy already!) Bonus: all the Nordstrom picks are a part of the women and kids half yearly sale!

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Nursery Progress

wire basket // dresser (Craigslist) // chair // rug // pouf // pillow // lamp // nightstand // curtain (old West Elm) // Darling print  Pet Silhouette // fox print // mobile (DIY) // sheets // crib skirt // crib // stuffed mouse // woven basket

So far this is a smattering of what I have for my vision board for the nursery. I think I am going to get started on it the week I begin maternity leave - which is 4 weeks before little lady is due. I keep waffling back and forth between the rug pictured above (a steal of a deal from Target for 79.99) or this rug from Pottery Barn Kids.

I saw the floor sample for sale last Saturday and I am sort of kicking myself for not purchasing it.

I am also unsure on the floor pouf - I think something lighter and furrier might be more fun in the space. Obviously I will also have a changing pad and all that good stuff but I am excited to see it begin to come together! The chair pictured above is the one we purchased from Buy Buy Baby - it's very comfortable. Although not as gorgeous as the Pottery Barn Kids wingback it was a good compromise.

What do you all think of either rug? Too busy? Should I go for a solid instead? Or should I drive 45 minutes away tonight and see if that floor sample is still available?

12 weeks, 4 days until we get to meet the littlest Parker!

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Last Minute Gift Guide

blanket // necklace // shoes // scarf

Just in case Mr. Parker feels like heading over to Nordstrom (which is a convenient 5 minute walk from our house). I thought I would put together a little list for him. From expensive to inexpensive this covers the gamete.

I already own the Maya Brenner necklace with an F on it...for who else? Finn! But considering I am about to have a baby I thought it would be cute to layer the longer 18" chain option with her first initial. Huge fan of Maya over here! This is not at Nordstrom p.s.

You all know my obsession with Little Giraffe. My friend Kerri very sweetly gifted us with a white LG baby blanket when we first found out we were expecting. I would love for little miss to have the pink luxe version as well.

And if all else fails and none of these options are viable - well you know a trip to the beach always puts a smile on my face. Wouldn't it be even more fun with those new flip flops and scarf ;)

Speaking of that scarf it's too cute to pass up - can I use the pink version as a swaddle?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend celebrating (or remembering) your mama's!

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Baby Shower Attire

purse // ring // dress // sandals // necklace // bracelet 

Not only is dressing the bump difficult but me and this lucky baby have three baby showers to attend (four if you count work!). And while I would never want to repeat the same outfits to them I would like to buy some items I can wear post baby.

That is what I love about this dress. I already own it in mint but it comes in a ton of other colors as well and since it's 2014 I figured radiant orchid would be a great color to pair it with. I also treated myself to that J. Crew necklace which was on sale for $39.50 and then an additional 30% off with code SALESALE. I chose mint for that because I like the pops of color in my accessories.

And how sweet would it be to wear her little monogram as a bracelet? I have purchased from the etsy shop owner I linked above to before and she does beautiful work. Would make a great gift for a bride or new mama!

And while nothing else on this wish list is in my closet - I am talking to you Chloe bag, it sure would be fun if it was! My first shower is next month at a tea house. I am really looking forward to celebrating this little one all day!

Now what to wear for those other two...

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Off to the Theater!

earrings // bracelets // dress // shoes // clutch

The clock is ticking to Spring and with the first day of spring comes my birthday! David and I are celebrating by driving down to southern California to see my sister. I am pretty excited as we are also going to see Book of Mormon in Hollywood! Should be a fun night out I think I am going to need a mocktail or two!

I'm really loving H&M for tight little cotton dresses to rock the bump. I can thank Jessie James Decker for that! She is always wearing them, I love when a celebrity is down to earth. Pretty sure I could hang out with her all day.

Hope you have a great day!

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Baby Girl Nursery Inspiration

crib // chair // ottoman // dresser // print // hippo // dog // lamp (SOLD OUT!) // curtains

  sheets // rod // crib skirt // rug

Now that we know we are having a little girl I can finally start envisioning that sweet little nursery. It all started when I fell in love with the frayed voile bedding in petal from Restoration Hardware baby. From here I decided that I was going to do a theme of light pink and gray with mercury glass. It was hard to let go of my first vision of gold touches but mercury glass ties in better with gray.

You saw a lot of this in my last post for inspiration but now that we know it's a girl the real vision board is starting to coming alive. I think the hardest part of all this is we are not certain of where we will be living. I'm crossing every part of my body in hopes that we move to a larger space (we're currently in a two bedroom home) but if not we will make it work. The bummer would be losing the guest bedroom especially when I am hoping family will come in and help me!

I have fallen in love with the crib from RH&B as well and I am trying to find something similar with a smaller price tag. However since we are not purchasing that gorgeous Room&Board dresser you see above and instead buying one on Craigslist and refinishing it, I don't mind shelling out a little more for the crib.

I've jumped the gun a little but I have already started registering, this way when we head to the store in April it won't be as daunting. Also I already own the curtains above and currently have them hung in our family room. However my husband has never really liked them so I am going to relocate them into the nursery. Win/Win.

Anything I am missing (aside from the obvious of changing pad and all that)? Any recommendations for must have's for the little's bedroom?

And seriously I went to link the lamp and it's sold out...it better come back into stock!!

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Nursery Inspiration

dresser // lamp // dog print // chair // lion // rug // crib // love print

So without adding fun little boy or little girl accents (although that lamp is girly!) this is what I am sort of envisioning for the nursery. I am a girl who likes the color white - which I know is probably ridiculous since children are anything but clean.

I definitely want to  purchase a dresser as opposed to changing table. I would like something that will grow with mini. I am LOVING this Room & Board dresser but we will most likely be purchasing something and painting it ourselves. I swear the items that David has redone and painted for me look straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog so I have no qualms about this.

I would also love a really large piece of art and I have always adored Iris Scott's work. See that dog above? She painted that with her FINGERS! Incredible talent, you can watch a video of her work below:

                     

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Beauty Bag Essentials

My makeup routine varies day by day. Sometimes I really do it up, other times it's a quick swipe of mascara and I am out the door.

These are my day to day essentials that I feel give me the done but not overdone look.

1. Beautyblender: This is one of those products that as soon as I started using it I questioned what took me so long to purchase. Before I was using this Sonia Kashuk sponge from Target that seriously pales in comparison to how great the beautyblender is. Yes, it sucks to shell out $20 for a small sponge but heck it's worth it. In fact I accidentally ripped the tip off my old one when I was cleaning it. Didn't even hesitate to go spend another $20 to replace it. 

2. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30: I am not a huge fan of foundation, I never think it is a good look when someone has it caked on. This provides the perfect amount of coverage for me. I wear the color St. Moritz and with the sponge I feel I can get a lot of use from a small dab out of the bottle.

3. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner: What I love about gel eyeliner is it's not going anywhere until you wash it off. This little pot lasts a long time. I tend to alternate between my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner and one by Lorac that is now discontinued.

4. NARS Blush 'Orgasm': This  blush compliments everyone's skin tone and I usually never leave the house without it. I like to contour my face layering this with a non-shimmer bronzer like this Sephora one.

5. bareMinerals Eyecolor 'Nude Beach': Once I saw the beautiful Emily Maynard rocks this color I decided I needed it as well. Perfect subtle shimmer. Another bareMinerals favorite includes Queen Phyllis - described as glimmer/soft sunlight.

6. Benefit They're Real! Mascara: I am always switching up mascaras to try and make my itty bitty lashes longer. Ever since I found this I haven't strayed, pair it up with Origins Underwear for Lashes and you will notice a difference.

7. Benefit Erase Paste: Sadly the older I get the more I realize I need concealer under these eyes of mine. I like this because it tends not to crease. After I apply bottom eyeliner I make sure to pat on item #8.

8. bareMinerals Mineral Veil SPF 25: I have had this for quite sometime but never really used it. However I was tired of always seeing my makeup fall under my eyes. Now after I complete my whole routine I pat this on under my eyes. My makeup tends to stay in place all day. This can be used on your whole face as well.

9. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer: Now I don't wear foundation but sometimes I like to use this first. Partly for moisture and partly because of its illuminating effect. It's a nice lightweight barrier between my tinted moisturizer and skin. I also apply this with my beautyblender.

10. Smashbox Artificial Light 'Flash': I touched on this lightly yesterday but ohhh ladies. I lurve me some artificial light! I am all about looking dewy and this does the trick - and it also photographs really well!

So there you have it my day to day routine. Is there anything I am missing? 

If you only took one thing away from this I hope it's this

Buy the beautyblender - you won't regret it!!

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Friday's Fancies: Sweater Weather

sweater // jeans // iPhone case // watch // flats // purse

How did I not know that yesterday was the start of the Nordstrom Half Yearly sale?

Rag & Bone/JEAN are 25% off! Including the classic Skinny Stretch in Kensington. That's a deal!

This weekend I have my book club (womp,womp I didn't read the book again!) and I am planning on a quick trip to IKEA for a fun kitchen island makeover. Natasha stayed with us last weekend and suggested the idea of an island and I can't believe I have never thought of it! Paired with a cute makeover I saw on Pinterest and we are all set. Contrary to popular blogging notion that IKEA is awesome...I actually hate it. So I am going to go in through the back to avoid everything but that one item. No stopping for food, no browsing - in and out as fast as possible!

This weekend doesn't have too much planned but next weekend is our 7th annual girls trip to Lake Tahoe and I am so looking forward to it!!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Linking up with Liz.

Also wishing one of my besties a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy Birthday JoJo!

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Friday's Fancies: What's in my Bag?

If you were to stop me any day on the street this is what you would typically find in my purse. My husband complains I never have cash on me - hello look at all the other stuff I have crammed in there! #aintnobodygottimeforcash

 The not so glamourous side...doggie bags and a tick tool remover, one must always be prepared!

 Also you would be surprised just how often having a small wine bottle opener comes in handy!   Contact wearers you feel my pain, I always have to carry a spare pair just in case mine decide to act up. I carry the Motrin, wine wipes, nail polish wipes and tampons in a small makeup bag that I transfer from purse to purse. This way I am never without them.

Anything I am missing that I should have on me at all times?

Hope you all have a great weekend! We are headed to a Halloween party tonight and I am pretty sure that I am going to go as Sandy from Grease...I am still trying to talk David into being Danny Zuko!

And like every Friday linking up with Liz!

 

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