Monthly Archives

May 2017

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Baby Must Haves & Go to Products for the Second Baby

With Georgie we thought we needed every product on the market. I’ve realized there are some staple items you really need, and some things you don’t. Here are some of my baby must haves for our second round!

I’m so lucky to have friends that have asked us some things that we need for baby #2 and want to help us stock up on those for baby #2. I’m currently working on building a registry with Gugu Guru . You can put items from any website, and you can fill out a survey of your lifestyle and it guides you on what you need. That will be coming very soon!

Until then, here are some things that we learned are complete baby must haves!

First off, one of my favorite places to go for all things baby is The Baby Cubby. If you are about to be a first time parent and overwhelmed with the millions of options out there, then this is a great place to start. The team is made up of parents, and they test out every product. (Example, tons of stroller testing.) They price match (even amazon), they only carry high quality products that they researched and tested, and they offer free shipping on orders over $49. They are also offering a discount code right now for 15% your order. (Valid 5/5-5/8.) So run on over there and stock up!! USE CODE: beauandarrownashville15

They carry my FAVORITE blanket/swaddle/towel company, Little Unicorn. We did buy a ton for G, but for me it’s important for each of our boys’ to have a few of their own. G cuddles his quilt every night, so I thought it would be great to get them each their own. Same thing for the hooded towel, and the swaddle. It’s important to me that G doesn’t feel left out, and if we start using all of his things for the new baby I’m afraid he would feel that way.

Another thing we learned the first go around; when they are newborns gowns are much easier at night. I didn’t buy any for G at first, because I thought it made him look girly. Silly me. Luckily, we were gifted a few and they got their fair share of use. In the middle of the night..CONVENIENCE IS KING. Bring on the gowns! Baby Cubby carries L’ovedbaby organic and that brand really held up well last time. So I wanted to stock up on some additional ones this time.

They also sell DockATot™. YOU NEED THIS. My friend Ashley (the babe behind the blog, Nashville Wifestyles ) introduced this to me. Georgie had horrible sleep issues, and I know that I caused them. I held him for every nap, and he didn’t like his bassinet. She tried DockATot with her second baby, and she uses it nonstop. When she told me this, I really started looking into it, and come to find out TONS of my friends swear by them as well. I do NOT want to repeat the same sleeping mistakes, so this was a baby must have for us. Do yourself a favor, and just grab yourself one the first time around. They are breathable and made with 100% all natural cotton. There are two sizes the deluxe and the grand. The one shown is the deluxe (0-8 months.) Perfect for frequent travelers like we are as well. You can read more and check out all their different options HERE.

Having two babies under 15 months is NOT going to be an easy task. I haven’t even thought about how I’m going to accomplish other tasks. If I start to think too much about it my anxiety spikes and I’ll break out in hives or something. One of the things that will be a complete baby must have will be baby carriers. I loved the prints and the fact that these Tula Baby Carriers can fit a baby 7-45 pounds. This is perfect for me because I can use for Georgie now, and the new baby as well.

I really liked a soft baby wrap for the newborn stage and early months. We had this with G, and it was SO great for traveling! I prefer the Solly baby wraps. They have the cutest prints and are custom-made from certified lenzing modal, which is a lightweight, buttery soft and sustainable fabric sourced from the pulp of Austrian beechwood trees. They are also crafted in the USA. These are a great price point to use as shower gifts. (Been my go-to gift lately and a one of the true baby must haves!)

Speaking of go-to gifts for a new mom, the Gathre Mats are another one of my favorites. They are leather and adorable, but also wipeable, non toxic and waterproof. Also, the company is mama founded and run. (I love to support other entrepreneur moms out there.) Pictured is the changing mat. It’s easy to throw in your diaper bag, and then just wipe off. I also have the high chair mat (it will be pictured in an upcoming post I’m doing this week.) They also have play mats. (I plan on getting one of those to bring to the park this summer.) These are one of those baby must haves that you don’t even realize you need until you start living your day to day with the babe and realize it makes life so much easier!

How adorable are the matching onesie and t-shirt for G and baby #2 (I can’t wait to be able to replace this with a name p.s.)?! These are from https://www.urbanbabyco.com/ This company uses 100% organic, Fair Trade cotton, recycled materials, and biodegradable packaging. They are super soft and just have the cutest little sayings.

In no way to I consider myself an expert, but I do feel like having two so close together I have a pretty good grasp on what worked for us and what we need to adjust or add as some baby must haves the second time around. Hope this helps!!

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Denim Skirts for Spring / Summer Outfits with Express

Denim skirts are one of my favorite trends for spring/summer! I’ve teamed up with Express to show you an easy way to style the new trend.

Two-Tone Denim Skirt | Denim Trucker Jacket | Desert Graphic Tee | Tassel Bracelet | Studded Booties | Six Row Beaded Bracelets

I don’t believe there is such a thing as too much denim. I like to style my denim skirts with a graphic tee and a denim jacket. It’ s the kind of look that is so easy to put together and throw on, and can easily transition from day to night. Throw on some stacked bracelets and you are good to go!

I’m so impressed with how soft this denim trucker jacket is. It feels like it’s an old favorite you have washed a ton of times. The lighter wash makes it easy to pair with a wide range of colors, and is the perfect staple piece to add to your wardrobe.

When looking for a graphic tee, finding one with a little more character is key. This desert tank really spoke to my wanderlust spirit, and the choker neckline and v-neck make for a more modern take on the trend.

Booties are easy to run around in, and the studded detailing and embellished buckles on this pair adds interest to any outfit.

If you are looking for one must have piece for the spring/summer season, this two tone denim mini skirt is it! Denim skirts are versatile and you can pair it with a sweater or sweatshirt this fall when the temps cool down.

As a new mom, blogger, and frequent traveler I search for pieces that can transition from any type of event that may come my way. I wore this to coffee with a friend, then ran some errands with my baby, and grabbed some dinner with my family that night. Denim also packs extremely well, so it’s great to bring along on your summer travels.

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Summer Fashion Staple Piece – Free People

The temps are heating up quickly, so I’ve partnered with Free People to bring you one of my go to staple pieces for summer fashion!

Free People has been one of my go to brands to fill my wardrobe for quite some time. I love the boho vibe of their clothes and the quality is great for the price! I’ve had most of my items for years and years.

One of my go to’s for summer is a maxi dress. They are breezy, easy and work for any occasion. I was drawn to this one because it’s basic enough to style several ways, but also had pretty ruffle and lace detailing to make it special.

You can dress this up with some wedges and dainty long layered necklaces, or pair it with a denim jacket and flats.

Maxi dresses are one of those summer fashion staples that you can keep in the closet and pull out whenever you don’t really know the dress code for an event. It can look dressy and casual at the same time. Not many other pieces can do that!

My friend Chelsea and I headed out to Shelby Park in East Nashville the other day and we snapped these pics. She was showing me the new nature center, and if you live in Nashville it’s a great place to go! They have “under the star” nights where there are tons of telescopes that you can go check out to see the stars. Would make a perfect and inexpensive date night idea! When Georgie is old enough I plan to take him out there to check it all out. For now, we can stroll around all the trails and he can watch all the puppies. He loves that!

I’m excited for summer and being outdoors more, and the easy lightweight summer fashion that comes with it.

Photography Credit: Chelsea Rochelle Photography