1. Crib bedding from Land of Nod compliments this nursery perfectly.
2. DaVinci Emily changing table in white- add a few colored baskets underneath the table for organization and voila!
3. Add in a soft detail like this pink and white stripped rug.
4. Serena and Lily was chosen as a Cribsie Awards Finalist for storage and organization. I can see why- these bamboo baskets are not only adorable but functional.
5. Track the growth of your little on this bright chart from Giggle.
Meet Ryan {8}, Maggie {7}, and Frankie {5}- three incredibly adorable sisters. They love Littlest Miss Shop, drawing, sweet treats, and they adore their family and friends. Equally amazing, Allison, their mother is one of the most energetic and inspiring moms I know.
I met Allison during my junior year of high school. She needed a babysitter for Ryan who was just six months old at the time. I couldn’t have asked for a more fun family to work for. Allison’s energy and positive attitude is contagious. She gives life to a dull room. And of course she had to have an abundant amount of energy. She had three babies in three years!
A little Q+A with R, M, & F:
What do you want to be when you grow up?
R: Singer
M: Artist
F: Artist
Favorite Famous Person?
R: Selena Gomez
M: Danielle Baker
F: Lady GaGa
Favorite Movie/Book?
R: Tale of Despereaux is my favorite book. Movie is Secret World of Arrietty. (We just saw it!)
M: Heidi Heckelbeck, Secret World of Arrietty
F: No favorite book, Secret World of Arrietty
Favorite Outfit?
R: Sparkly stuff, dresses
M: Flowerly things
F: dresses
If you had a magic wand, what would you do?
R: I would buy as many clothes and shoes as I can with the wand.
M: Make everything come alive!
F: Make my toys come alive!
Meet Allison
How have your children changed you? I’ve learned to be patient. Also, my priorities have changed. Things are more important when you have children, even the most simple things, like recycling.
Guilty Pleasure- Having a babysitter come over for a couple of hours each week. Just taking a couple hours a week for yourself will rejuvenate you.
Parenting Motto- Days are long, years are short.
Especially when you are sleep-deprived, each day is like Groundhog Day. In that moment it is hard to appreciate the simple things. But you’ll look back on how fast time actually goes. Appreciate the moments!
Top 5 Tips for Moms-
1. Have a babysitter once or twice a week.
2. Practice patience.
3. Pre-mommy advice: Don’t read all the books. {or just stick to one} It can become overwhelming reading all the books before baby arrives.
4. Be in pictures with your kids! Try to not always be behind the camera. Get in the shots- your kids will want that one day.
5. Follow through with discipline. No empty threats.
Breakfast in a jar? Perfect! It is a healthy substitute to other choices you may make when rushing out the door. Make it your own- add in granola, different fruits, and vary the flavor of yogurt. I prepared my jars on Sunday so that I’d be set up for the week.
Ingredients + Materials:
Strawberries
Blueberries
Non-fat yogurt
Granola {to add in the morning}
+ Mason Jars
I added the strawberries at the bottom of the jar, then the yogurt, then blueberries. It is your own parfait! Enjoy.
1. Colorful macaroons anyone? Impress your guests with your skills in the kitchen with this recipe from Delicious Magazine.
2. For a different take on paper cups and glasses, try mason jars with stripped straws. It’ll be a party favorite!
3. Shop Sweet Lulu has the stripped straws you’ll need and more. Like these cupcake wrappers.
4. DIY Pom-Poms via Martha Stewart.
5. Martha is full of ideas. For flower bouquets, make them not only for decorations but also as party favors. Clever!
1. Decorative pillows in different styles {and colors} always add to a room. For this grey + yellow room this chevron print and giraffe print complimented the room. I love Etsy when it comes to accents.
2. This changing table and dresser from Pottery Barn fits perfectly in any nursery. And after taking the changing pad off it looks great just as a dresser for a toddler room.
3. A cute print for the walls. Also from Etsy!
4. Wall decal’s are all the rage now. They are easy to apply, take off, and a great addition to a blank wall. WeeDecor has an array of decals to match your nursery. Bonus- the decals are eco-friendly.
5. The crib is an ultimate statement piece. StorkCraft Tuscany 4-in-1 is the crib of choice for this room- it is safe, stylish and can be used as your baby grows.
6. Pop of color- a fun aqua rug from Land of Nod.
Join in on the celebration and toast with the rest of them with these party-perfect drinks. Especially in the spirit of Valentine’s Day! You can raise a glass to your honey {even if you are pregnant}. Packed with nutrients for expecting mothers- these are just the drink for you. Fresh strawberries, juices, and ice. That easy! Let’s get to mixing..mocktail style.
Blender
Glasses
+ Ingredients
Ingredients: (For 2 servings)
6 Strawberries
2 Cups of Ice
Splash of Lemon Juice
Lemon for Garnish (great baby shower drinks!)
Cranberry Juice (1/2 cup)
Pineapple Juice (1/3 cup)
The first step is to cut up the main ingredients, the strawberries. Next, place the ice and the cut-up strawberries in the blender. For best results- blend first. Then use the ‘pulse’ on the blender to get the strawberries completely mixed. Then add the cranberry + pineapple juice + lemon juice to the mix. Once all blended, pour in and enjoy! Cheers!
Photography by: Richard Moore
This all-natural teether is perfect for Baby’s First Valentine’s. Too late to get it in Valentine’s Day? Little Alouette has an array of wooden teether’s in different shapes & sizes.
An outfit is never complete without a cute pair of socks! My go-to for stylish socks is Trumpette. They even have tights!
The best way to take your lunch- whether you are a kid going to school or going to work. It’s organic, washable, and adorable!
Budding artist in your life? Soy, heart-shaped crayons is a fun alternative to ordinary crayons!
appleseedandsprout 