Lifestyle

Our Favorite Holiday Tradition: Gaylord Opryland Staycation

Posted on December 17, 2022

Our Favorite Holiday Tradition: Gaylord Opryland Staycation

Our absolute favorite family holiday tradition is our annual staycation at the Gaylord Opryland hotel. The hotel truly feels magical during the holidays and there are tons of festive activities for the whole family.

There are both indoor and outdoor activities. Inside the hotel there are elaborate light displays and decorations. You can stroll around to view them by foot or you can take the Delta boat ride which is always a hit with the kids!

There are tons of restaurant options inside as well. We like to have one really nice dinner at the Old Hickory Steakhouse. It is the most formal option, but feels very special at the holiday time. Cascades restaurant is near the waterfalls and that is a great spot for kids. We always do the breakfast buffet at Cascades as well.

Inside there is also a scavenger hunt and gingerbread house making. The boys have always LOVED the scavenger hunt and it’s a great way for them to burn some energy as well. Gingerbread house making is always a hit as well.

Outdoors is transported into a winter wonderland. There’s ice skating, tubing, bumper cars, snow balls, live holiday music and festive drinks. There’s also ICE! exhibit/experience. This year it’s Rudolph themed. Such a fun thing to put on the parkas and check out the millions of pounds of ice sculptures. At the of ICE! there’s a giant slide.

Between the tubing and the ICE! slide the boys had to have gone down them at least 100 times. So much!

Each of the activities you can purchase independently, but I’d recommend grabbing a holiday package.

Another tip for a really magical stay is to snag an Atrium room. It’s so peaceful at night to sit on the balcony and watch all of the sparkling lights. We grab a hot chocolate and sit out there and just listen to the music and watch the lights.

Anytime my kids are asked about what they want for Christmas, their favorite Christmas traditions, their favorite vacation, etc. they always say it’s Opryland. We have created some of the most precious memories there over the years. Hoping you can check it out with your family and feel that same magic we have come to cherish.

Lifestyle

2022 Holiday Gift Guides

Posted on November 20, 2022

** Click on any image to check out the product. These are affiliate links- when you shop through them I receive a very small commission at no cost to you. It comes directly from the retailer. I appreciate you shopping through me SO very much. Hope you have a great holiday season and find the perfect gift for your loved one.. or yourself! **

Fashion

Tory Burch Summer Capsule Collection Wishlist

Posted on July 29, 2022

Tory Burch has a dreamy new summer capsule collection which is a limited edition of signature pieces in exclusive colorblock and graphic prints. I’m sharing my favorites and can’t wait to add some of these into my closet. The quality of their pieces are always incredible and they are the types of pieces that will live in your closet for years.

Click on any of the names below to shop the item!

COLORBLOCK POPLIN TUNIC– This piece is stunning! It’s a subtle statement and can be partnered with the matching skort or worn on it’s own with a pair of denim.

COLORBLOCK POPLIN SKORT– Love the idea or wearing this piece over the swimsuit as a cover up. It can also be worn with the matching tunic. The matching set would be perfect for a resort vacation!

COLORBLOCKED TANK SUIT– Very flattering cut. The black keeps it a classic and the pop of color blocking on the straps makes it fun and more unique than a solid suit. Love it paired with the skort bottom as a cover up.

PRINTED JUMPSUIT– Comes in another colorway option as well. Made from a lightweight cotton which makes it perfect over swimwear as a cover up or paired with wedges to take it into night. Very flattering fit with the empire waist and narrowing at the waistline. I loved the tassel detailing and basketweave print. One of those pieces you can always grab when you “don’t have anything to wear.”

T MONOGRAM COLORBLOCK JACQUARD BUCKET BAG– This bucket bag is on top of my wish list! The coloring is stunning and can be paired with anything.

WOVEN DOUBLE T ESPADRILLE– I loved the pop of red on these. They can be mixed and matched with anything in this summer collection. I’d style these with a white t-shirt and white jeans and let these red be the “pop” of color. These work perfectly worn with the bucket bag as well.

Tory Burch has always been a brand I go to for unique yet classic pieces. Let me know what you scoop up from this stunning capsule collection and happy shopping!

Fashion

Nordstrom Sale 2022

Posted on July 6, 2022
nordstrom sale

Nordstrom Sale 2022

First of all, I wanted to start with saying that I know there is a lot of “push” for this sale. Don’t feel pressure to shop the sale, just to shop. I always find great staple pieces and wonderful finds, but never buy something out of “pressure.” The Nordstrom sale really pushes their credit card to shop the sale early. If a retail credit card is not the best decision for your family… DON’T DO IT!

If you’ve followed along in the past, you know this is like Christmas to me! It always falls on my birthday week so it’s become a tradition to shop it as a birthday treat. The big sale is a little different this year, but it’s still on and strong. This page will be periodically updated as more information becomes available, so be sure to bookmark and check back for the latest news and my style guides. I’ll be breaking down favorite finds in each category, how to style them and Nordstrom Sale best practices.

Since the stores are often extremely crowded during the sale, I wanted to make it easy to shop online this year from the comfort of your home.

 

WHY THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE?

The Nordstrom sale is so much different than your typical sale because it features heavily discounted brand-new, newly released items for Fall. It also features items that rarely ever go on sale. These NEW releases then go back up to full price post sale.

 

WHEN DOES THE SALE START?

July 6: Early Access for cardmembers with Icon status.
July 7: Early Access for cardmembers with Ambassador status.
July 9: Early Access for cardmembers with Influencer status.
July 15: Anniversary Sale opens to the general public.

 

HOW DO I KNOW MY STATUS?

You can check your card status, RIGHT HERE to see how early you can shop.

 

SHOULD I SHOP THE SALE EARLY ACCESS WITH A CARD?

One thing I always like to note (typically not discussed) is that if opening a store card is not the right financial decision for you and your family, DO NOT DO SO FOR A SALE!!! We do not have store credit cards and were able to do the debit card option when that was available. (You still receive points, but it is a card that is linked directly to your debit card.) While I absolutely find the best deals and love this sale, it’s never worth jeopardizing your family’s financial well being over a pair of shoes. Make sure you only sign up for a card or shop on a card if it’s right for YOU.

** Click on any of the below items to shop. I always appreciate you shopping through my links. I receive a SMALL commission on any items purchased at no cost to you. The percentage comes directly from the retailer. **

TOP FINDS OF THE SALE

WOMENS

I’m eyeing these for myself this year:

HOME

BEAUTY

KIDS

MENS

BABY

In all honestly, the baby finds were a little slim. However, there is a really great deal in the baby gear section. The Baby Jogger rocker/bouncer and high chair duo. I’ve written a whole blog post reviewing these items HERE.

Lifestyle

Baby Jogger City Bistro & City Sway- Best Baby Item Find This Nordstrom Sale

Posted on June 29, 2022

Baby Jogger City Bistro & City Sway- Best Baby Item Find This Nordstrom Sale

* This post has been sponsored in partnership with Baby Jogger. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. *

The Nordstrom Sale is quickly approaching and it’s something that I look forward to each year. It falls on my birthday week and I always treat myself to a little sale shopping to celebrate! Don’t worry, I always do the heavy lifting for you and sift through each and every page to find the best deals that are worth checking out!

This year, with our baby girl’s arrival landing right along with the sale, I put a heavy focus on baby finds.

My favorite find this year is by Baby Jogger. They have the City Bistro and City Sway combo as part of the sale. You can check it out HERE.

Baby Jogger thought of everything when it came to the City Bistro. I love that it breaks down and can be stored away at 80% smaller than when it is unfolded! We can fit it in our pantry while not being used. It’s not clunky or awkward to fold down and up either. It’s a two step fold and extremely convenient.

With this being our third baby I’ve learned how messy feeding time can really be. Cleaning is easy with this one because it has stain-resistant and machine washable fabrics. The tray insert is also dishwasher-safe.

We have also learned this third time around that you don’t want more baby items than you really need. Products that grow as the baby grows are key to save you both money and space. This highchair has four different height positions to do just that.

Travel is still a big part of our lives, even during the baby stage, so the City Sway is something I’m super excited about this time around. We did not have this with the boys and it would have come in SO handy!

The City Sway is a really lightweight (under 9 pounds) 2-in-1 rocker and bouncer. It folds completely flat and comes with a storage bag. If you have a small space or a frequent traveler this one is PERFECT. Like the City Bistro, it is made with stain-resistant and machine-washable removable fabrics.

There is a removable toy bar, battery-powered 2 speed vibration, 3 position adjustable recline and has adjustable calf support.

Having a newborn in this southern heat is no joke so I really appreciated that it features a plush infant insert featuring OptiVent™ fabrics allows your baby to stay cool and comfortable.
I was so excited to get my hands on these two items and share them with you. The convenience and usability are top notch.

Be sure to stay tuned as I continue to share more Nordstrom Sale finds throughout the week. Happy Shopping!

Lifestyle

Newborn Cart Essentials

Posted on June 26, 2022
newborn essentials cart

Newborn Cart Essentials

** Click on any of the below images to shop. **

This is the best hack for new mamas to keep newborn life a little easier and more organized-
a newborn essentials cart that can be wheeled around the house and you can visually see when any items need to be re-stocked.

I like to separate each tier by category, but you can organize however best works for you. The diapering tier I also use a diaper caddy. It’s easier to just take that out for diaper changes and you don’t need to move the entire cart.

Mine is organized like this:

Tier 1: Diapering
– Diapers
– Wipes
– Diaper Rash Cream
– Changing Pad
( I also out a tray with a bunch of pacis on this top tier.)

Tier 2: Feeding
– Breast Pump
– Haaka
– Nursing Pads
– Extra Nursing Bras
– Burp Cloths

Tier 3: Sleep
– Swaddles
– Extra Night Clothes (My favorite are gowns at night for easy access to diaper changes- we absolutely love this brand for gowns, easy access sleepers and sleep sacks. SO soft and well made. )

This would be the absolute best baby shower gift. Several people could go in together to stock a mama up on all the essentials and make her life easier!

Hope this is as helpful for your family as it has been for ours!

Fashion

Revolve June Picks – Summer Staple Items

Posted on June 26, 2022

Revolve June Picks

1. Cream Feather Sleeve Silk Set– Where are my brides at?! This set is stunning. It’s comfy and easy, but makes a statement. I snagged this to wear for my birthday. The pieces will be great to wear as separates as well. Love the idea of this blouse paired with lots of gold jewelry and jean shorts/sandals for a vaca look as well.

2. Off-Shoulder Blouse– This piece will live in your closet forever. This summer I’ll style the white with white jeans and white sandals and the black with black jean shorts. It’s a great work piece as well.

3. Butterfly Earrings– Under $100 but look designer!

4. Summer Hat- This was a splurge, but the quality of their hats is just amazing. I wear them all summer and year after year so it was totally worth the $$ to me.

5. White Shorts- The perfect white shorts. Long enough to cover everything and NOT see through. The fit is great.

6. Black Tank Dress– Under $100 and a total staple. Can be styled so many ways. Quality is great… love the fabric. Easy to throw on and go for summer errands.

7. White Vaca Dress- The perfect vacation dress! Comes in other color options as well.

8. Polo Dress- Another easy throw on and go dress. The zipper is a tortoise look- loved that detailing. Super cute with sneakers or sandals.

If you have never shopped at Revolve.. you are missing out! It’s easily my favorite place to shop online. Everything ships super quick (typically 2 days), returns are incredible easy and they have the best line of brands.

With this being the end of pregnancy, I wanted to treat myself to a few items that I could wear post maternity wear. These are all staple items that will live in your closet for years. Pieces that are staples, but with a twist to make them a little more fashion forward.

If you ever have a wedding to attend or a vaca.. it’s the best site for wedding guest dresses and for all things vaca. (I get both my beach vaca finds to ski vaca finds at Revolve.)

You can find all my favorites from their site HERE. ( I always try to keep an updated list.)

This dress has been perfect for my end of pregnancy because it has lots of give to fit the bump, but is not maternity and will work well after. It’s currently $100 off and it’s made SO well. A current fave. You can shop it HERE.

They also have a wide range of beauty products.

This lip balm is a standout. It’s the prettiest neutral color and hydrating without being sticky. Great for summer.

Lifestyle

What I Am Packing In My Hospital Bag- From A 3rd Time Mama

Posted on June 9, 2022
hospital bag

What I Am Packing In My Hospital Bag- From A 3rd Time Mama

I will preface this post by saying you don’t NEED to bring anything (other than a car seat to be allowed to leave.) Everything you need as far as postpartum care supplies, diapers/wipes for baby, etc. are all provided by the hospital. Most of these items are for your (and babies/significant others) comfort. You could wear the hospital gown and baby the blankets from the hospital and be totally fine.

As a third time mama I’ve realized that you just don’t need as much as you think! With my first I brought all of the postpartum supplies… I will not be doing that this time. Be sure to have some ready at home, but it’s just easier to not bring all of that.

A lot of the hospital rooms don’t have a ton of extra room. So having a bunch of extra stuff can make the space feel too crowded. A tip with this is also the car seat. Leave it in the car until you are about to leave. Your significant other can run out and get it then. It takes up too much space in the room otherwise.

FOR BABY

I love these little newborn hats that look similar to the hospital version, but with a bow. They come in several color options. I ordered the white for baby girl and it’s adorable and super affordable!

FOR DAD

Keeping it simple for Trey this time too. He made sure to have loaded movies/shows on his computer so we could watch them and a good playlist ready on his phone too. You could add a little speaker if you wanted to, but we never used it the last couple times.

hospital bag

FOR MAMA

Keep in mind that some of these items are personal preference of what will keep you comfortable.
For example, if you need a sound machine to fall asleep then pack that! Some women really love a handheld fan, etc. I personally try to keep mine pretty minimal. With George I completely overpacked and never pulled out 75% of the items that I brought.

hospital bag

Fashion

A Week Of Bump Friendly Outfits- Maternity Fashion

Posted on May 23, 2022
maternity fashion

A Week Of Bump Friendly Outfits- Maternity Fashion

Maternity fashion can be tricky. SO many of the pieces that are labeled for maternity are just cheesy and not my typical style at ALL. I also really don’t like wasting money on too many pieces that are specific to maternity and can’t be worn after. These pieces are all mix and match and the majority of them (minus a few staples) are not intended for pregnancy, but can accommodate a bump! Steering towards these pieces are great because you can get more use out of them during postpartum day and beyond.

You can click on any of the icons on the collages to shop the items.

Need more bump inspo? (Including books, strech mark oil, etc? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered. More essentials HERE.

Home

Bump Essentials

Posted on May 2, 2022
bump essentials

Bump Essentials

A few staple piece clothing items that are carrying me through this pregnancy. I also included my favorite belly oil and some books that have been helpful!

Another stand out item that I’ve worn constantly are these before, during & after pregnancy leggings. They are the softest, most comfortable leggings ever. I have slept in them they are so comfy. You can roll the waist band up for more support on the bump or roll it down. It’s a bonus that they aren’t “maternity” and you can wear them pregnant or not. They will be perfect for postpartum as well.