Mommy And Me Style: The Perfect Dresses For Spring And Summer

This weekend we had no set plans and I honestly can’t remember the last time that happened.  It has been really lovely to wake up and go at our own pace with no set agenda ahead. I have even been to the gym twice…who am I? So while my sweet little babe is napping, I am getting ahead of some long awaiting blogging. I wanted to share this Mommy and Me look that I shot with Willow some time ago. I have posted about it several times on my Instagram, and it is finally making it’s debut. With warmer days ahead these breezy dresses are the perfect fit for spring and summer.

Shop This Look:

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka Photography

 

How To Create Beachy Waves With A Straightener

As a Mother we don’t always have the time to spend fussing over our hair. I mean I rock a top knot courtesy of a little dry shampoo way more often than I should! I am always on the look out for new and versatile tools that can simplify the process of getting ready since I usually have a 3 year old hanging off me for most of the day. Now before Willow, I used to use a curling wand and a straightener to achieve a wavy look and these days…ain’t nobody got time for that! I recently found a styling iron that can straighten, curl, and create waves. Who doesn’t love a hair tool that serves dual purposes and looks as sleek as the T3 SinglePass LUXE?

I must admit I was a little intimidated by using just a flat iron to create waves, but the T3 has flexible beveled plates and a contoured body to glide smoothly through hair. See my steps below on how to create carefree waves using the T3 Singlepass LUXE.

1. Allow your T3 SinglePass LUXE a minute to heat up.

2. Take a one-inch section of your hair and bring the straightener up to your roots at a 45 degree angle.

3. Wrap the section around the front of the straightener, when you get to the back pull hair through the plates and clip them together.

4. Slide straightener smoothly down hair and release to reveal the perfect wave.

5. Run your fingers through your hair to separate the waves. Set it with your favorite hair spray or texturizing spray ( I love this one from Oribe).

6. Now pat yourself on the back for creating waves with a straightener and you should probably take a picture!

You can find the T3 SinglePass LUXE at T3, Nordstrom, Sephora, and ULTA

Shop more T3 products here:

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka Photography 

The Perfect, Kid Friendly Guacamole Recipe

Does your household celebrate taco Tuesday? Turkey tacos and guacamole is a constant in our house. One of my biggest cravings that I had when pregnant with Willow was avocados. It’s no wonder that she also loves them! As a Mom, I really appreciate finding easy recipes that I know the whole family can enjoy. I snagged this 5 minute recipe from one of my best girl friends, India and it has remained a favorite for the last several years. You can really make it two ways, one for your children to enjoy and one with a kick of jalapeños that really gives it a spicy kick.

Gather your ingredients:

4 Ripe Avocados (press them gently, they should give a little)

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 vine tomato, finely chopped

1/2 lemon

salt

 

Instructions:

  1. Cut Avocados in half, remove the pit. Score the inside of the avocado with a knife and scoop out the flesh with a spoon into a bowl. I mash the avocado just a bit, as I really like it stay chunky.
  2. Add chopped onion and tomatoes, mash again to mix.
  3. Squeeze half a lemon to add juice to guacamole and salt to taste. Mash again to mix.
  4. Serve immediately with your favorite chips, raw vegetables, or as a topping to your tacos! Enjoy!

*To make the spicy adult version, I add a 1/4 of a fresh, chopped jalapeño to step 2.

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka Photography

 

The Sweater You Need Right Now

This sweater from Topshop, had me at ribbon tie cuffs and powder blue. It is has a sweet and sexy fit, and it is a must have for your closet! I paired it with jeans and these amazing lace up ballet pumps.

*Remember Topshop’s US sizes are always sized down. So a size 2, actually fits like a size 0.  I am wearing a size 6 here, that fits like a 4.

Shop My Look Below:

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka Photography

 

New Year…New Giveaway

Hello my loves! I’m starting off January by thanking all of you for following along on my little blogging journey. To show you my appreciation, I’ve teamed up with a great group of shops & bloggers to give 3 lucky winners a chance to win their own BioDerma gift set!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive 5 entries per completion. This giveaway is open to US participants only and runs until 1/15. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Year…New You

I hope you all are having a wonderful beginning to 2017. I know that the New Year is supposed to be full of crazy resolutions, but I thought I would set some intentions instead. At times I feel like throwing around resolutions that may be easily broken can be a bit frustrating. So in choosing intentions rather than resolutions, I am making changes in my life by focusing on the process rather than the end result. Intentions make me feel like I am living each day to the fullest, and attempting to live primarily in the present. I also like to get really nerdy and pick a theme word or phrase for the year. So for 2017 my word is…. GROWTH.

I recently read an article on Chopra.com ( For The New Year, Do Something Better Than a Resolution) that stated, “by offering the universe an intention and repeating it everyday you will train your brain to adapt to a new way of thinking  and you will begin to identify with a higher vision of your life”.  This resonated with me so much! I also loved the articles four intentions:

  • I want a joyful, energetic body.
  • I want a loving, compassionate heart.
  • I want a restful, alert mind.
  • I want lightness of being.

I hope you all have had a wonderful start to your year! If you love the idea of intentions, repeat these four every morning while you have your coffee, before the kids wake up and you give yourself some time for you!

New Year…new stroller.  How sleek does this GB Maris 3-in-1 travel system stroller look? We have been using it non-stop, and Willow actually asks to get in it. Which is rare for a two year old right? I think she likes her new ride!

Photography Credit: Kate Hauschka Photography