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20 Things To Do On Cold & Rainy Days With Kids

things to do on cold and rainy days with kids

10 Things To Do On Cold & Rainy Days With Kids

things to do on cold and rainy days with kids

things to do on cold and rainy days with kids

things to do on cold and rainy days with kids

As a family, we love to be outside. Exploring new places, hitting up the playgrounds and parks, eating outside. There is something so great about Vitamin D and the effect it has on our moods, but especially the kids.

Unfortunately, we have had day after day of rainy weather and cold days. We’ve been trying to not let that stop us from having some fun.

It’s so important for the boys to be stimulated in some way by learning something new or partaking in a fun activity at home.

If you don’t already, I suggest following “busytoddler” on Instagram. She has so many learning based activities using mostly items you most likely already have in your home. It’s my go to place to find fun things for the boys to do on our typical days at home.

We’ve also found some fun things that kept the boys attention and made for special family fun days indoors. I wanted to round those up for you so you could save them for a rainy day. Pun intended. HA!

10 Things To Do On Cold & Rainy Days With Kids

1. One of our favorites is to make movie night extra special. We would light a fire in the fireplace, get the boys sleeping bags, popcorn or a special treat. Then all snuggle up and watch a new movie we hadn’t seen before. P.S. How cute are the boys koala sleeping bags?! They are currently 50% off. You can find them HERE.

2. Build a fort. Use some chairs, blankets, make it the size of a room. The boys LOVE this one. You can grab some books and read or play in there.

3. Do a scavenger hunt or an egg hunt. (Since our boys are so young, I hid Easter eggs with little toys inside or post it notes with a shape or letter that they could practice.)

4. Play a board game. (We stick with Candy Land for now..)

5. Play dress up. We love this magician’s outfit and like to put on magic shows.

6. Use some bath time markers and draw in the shower/tub. We like to do shapes and letters to help them learn as well.

7. Make a “box house”. Use an oversized box, cut out a door. They can color inside of it on the walls or use stickers to put them on the box as well.

8. Make a meal together. Bake cookies, or let the kids help make dinner. (Ours love to stir!)

9. A dinosaur dig. Fill a box with sand (or cotton balls, or any other material you have on hand) and dig out dinosaur toys. (Our boys also love

10. Learn a new song and let the kids play on a child size piano or guitar.

11. Have a dance party! Hokey pokey, the gummy bear song…

12. Play Simon Says. Bonus points for having the kids take a lap around the house. Burns that energy!

13. Do a fun workout together. Jumping jacks, some yoga poses, streching. Georgie loves to do squats!

14. Draw a poster. I have a few extra large poster paper on hand. We use art kit and some stickers and draw together. With a big poster there is room for everyone to draw together.

15. Play in shaving cream.

16. Build a large obstacle course. Time how long it takes to go through, and see if they can beat their own time.

17. Fill the bathtub up with a bunch of balls. (We use the ones from our ball pit.) Put different small toys in there for them to dig through and find.

18. Bathtime fishing. (This kit is awesome!)

19. Twister!

20. Play with Playdoh.

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Shopbop Sale Picks

shopbop sale picks

Shopbop Sale Picks

Ahh the Shopbop sale is here! I’m rounding out my favorite Shopbop sale picks.

So this is a buy more, save more sale. You use code: GOBIG19 for 15% off orders of $200+, 20% off of orders $500+ and 25% off orders $800+. This is the time of year that I like to stock up on some spring essentials.

There are so many great finds this year, but here are some of my absolute favorites.

Spring Must Haves

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Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Stroller Review

Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Stroller Review

I’m thrilled to be working with Baby Jogger to review their newest stroller, the City Mini 2.

Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Stroller Review

baby jogger city mini 2 stroller review

baby jogger city mini 2 stroller review

baby jogger city mini 2 stroller review

baby jogger city mini stroller review

baby jogger city mini 2 stroller review

baby jogger city mini 2

baby jogger city mini 2 stroller review

As a mom of two under two, finding the perfect baby products can make life much easier and the day to day run smoother.

I know as a new mom, finding the best baby products for your family can seem overwhelming, so hopefully this can help you make the right decision for your family.

One of the things I pride our family on is that we love to “adventure” together. Trey and I make it a priority to still get out and about with our kids regularly. It’s paramount in our parenting strategy to teach our kids by experiences.

We are always traveling, trying out new places here in our city, and like to stay out and about. This stroller parallels that on-the-go lifestyle perfectly.

My favorite part of this stroller is the ease of folding it down and popping it up. It’s got a one hand fold, and is lightweight. I can easily do it with a baby on my hip. (Ha! Most important for #momlife.)

Another thing that I really love about this stroller is how easy it is to maneuver. It’s really great for crowds and tight spaces. You can push with one hand and be in control completely.

The fabric is premium quality and is easy to keep clean and durable. (With two boys this is important to me!)

Georgie LOVES his glider board. He calls it his “skateboard” and has such a fun time riding along. It keeps him entertained and is very easy to pop it up when he isn’t riding.

We have been loving the ease of this stroller. It fits in perfectly with our families lifestyle, and I highly recommend it for families that like to get out and about a lot and want a no fuss stroller.

Thanks Baby Jogger for providing this stroller for review.

You can find more information including specifications and safety info HERE.

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Trends from New York Fashion Week: Fringe

what's trending from new york fashion week

Trends from New York Fashion Week: Fringe

what's trending at new york fashion week

what's trending at new york fashion week

what's trending at new york fashion week

what's trending at new york fashion week

what's trending at new york fashion week

One of the top trends on the runways this New York Fashion Week was fringe. I’m totally here for it!

It can be styled so many different ways, and adds that extra flare to any look. To keep it simple pair it with a simple sweatshirt and white booties.

It was seen anywhere from blouses, to the bottoms of pants to full blown head to toe maxi dresses in fringe. It’s really versatile, and a bit unexpected.

Since this is trending as we go into spring there were lots of fringe in lighter colors. Here’s a $22 skirt option in a pretty light color that’d be the perfect way to dip your toe into the trend without breaking the bank.

Trends from New York Fashion Week: Fringe

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Best President’s Day Sales

best president's day sales

Best President’s Day Sales

I love a good sale, and President’s Day has become a weekend known for good deals.

After searching high and low, I’ve found the best of the best deals on the internet.

Click on any of the below retailer names to be taken to their site to shop. 🙂

Best President’s Day Sales

American Eagle/ Aerie– 20-60% off EVERYTHING.

While you are there, snag the leggings that everyone has been talking about. They are almost identical to the Lululemon Align pant for a fraction of the price. (They are on sale for $13..shop them HERE.

Anthropologie– Extra 40% off all sale items.

Boohoo– Up to 80% off everything!! This $20 lounge set  is too good to pass up.

Bloomingdale’s– Up to 70% off!

Express– 40% off everything! This bodysuit has become a staple in my closet. It’s on sale for $20, and comes in four colors.

Forever 21–  Extra 50% off sale! Use Code: EXTRA50

Goodnight Macaroon– 50% off pre-spring items. Use code: GMSPRING This spring dress was an instant “add to cart” for me!

J Crew– 40% off your entire purchase. Use code: YESPLEASE

Lou & Grey– 40% off current favorites.

Macy’s– 20-60% off sitewide!!

Madewell– 30% off sale items. Use code: BRAVO

Nasty Gal– 50% off of everything!!! I scooped up this $20 dress  and will be wearing it with sneakers all spring.

Neiman Marcus– $50 off every $200 using code: LOVENM. If you’ve been thinking about a pair of Golden Goose, or a designer item. Now is your chance! (Also, for my favorite Golden Goose by them and sizing..you can read my full post on that HERE.

Old Navy– Up to 50% off sitewide!

Lulu & Georgia– 15%-25% off sitewide. More you spend, more you save style. I picked up this

Payne’s Gray– One of my favorite places to home shop. 20% off.

Pottery Barn– Up to 70% off sitewide!

Pottery Barn Kids– 20-60% off! I got the boys these adorable sleeping bags.

Sak’s Fifth Avenue– Up to 70% off designer steals. Don’t tempt me with a good time…

Ulta– $3.50 off your qualifying $15 purchase using the code “762939

Urban Outfitters– 30% off BDG jeans.

Wayfair– Maybe my favorite sale.. big blowout up to 75% off. Also, so many of the Restoration Hardware dupe items I’ve found are even more deeply discounted. You can read that post HERE.

West Elm –  20% off your entire purchase + free shipping using the code “WINTER“, 20% off all markdowns, Up to 30% off sofas, sectionals, and chairs, Up to 40% off select rugs .

William-Sonoma– 20% off your order plus free shipping. Use Code: WINTER. UP to 55% off Le Creuset. I grabbed this one.

 

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Balancing Mom Life And Work Life- “AND not OR”

new york street style

Balancing Mom Life And Work Life- “AND not OR”

new york street style

mom life work life balance

new york street style

“AND” not “OR”. Ok, stick with me here for a second.

Since I’ve become a mama I’ve had this notion that to be a “successful mom” I had to be with my boys at alllll times.

Guilt consumed me any time I would leave them or even look away to do anything for myself.

Ya’ll I have peed holding a baby. Multiple times actually. Not proud of that one, but it happened. The attachment is real.

I had this spark in me that wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I put water on that flame. I thought I had to choose between the two. Mom or business lady. “OR” not “AND”.

After lots of soul searchin’, podcast listening, scouring blogs, I found that is simply not the case.

How does one pour everything into their kids while also pursuing a career? (I’m talking stay at home mom life for me….) HARD DANG WORK. It can be done. It might take staying up late, missing out on some fun times to work, and a few tears here and there. BUT. IT CAN BE DONE.

The key to this is learning how to be intentional and efficient with your time. (The amount of things I can cross off a to-do list could win a dang award!)

Be where your feet are. When you are with your children, give them your all. Same for work time.

It’s important to be an example to our kids of what hard work looks like, as well as loving them hard.

You can be a great mom AND run a great business.

So cheers to chasing crazy kids AND crazy dreams.

We got this.

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Valentine’s Day Date Night In- The Best Fondue Tray

best fondue tray

Valentine’s Day Date Night In- The Best Fondue Tray

best fondue tray

best fondue tray

best fondue tray

best fondue tray

best fondue tray

Valentine’s Day is such a fun way to celebrate love with the ones closest to us. I’m all about making holiday’s special and spending QT with loved ones. As much as we’d love a fancy dinner out, restaurants are crowded for Valentine’s and babysitters are hard to come by.

I’ve got an easy (but really memorable) date night in idea that is easy and inexpensive. This is the best fondue tray and would be fun to do with the kids or the next time you are entertaining a crew as well.

The Best Fondue Tray

* Serving Tray- Find an oversized tray to serve the dessert fondue. It really makes it look impressive. I put ours on this marble tray. It can be used for so many things and is very inexpensive for a raw marble slab. (P.S. it’s available on Amazon Prime for a super fast ship!)

* Serve with wine or champagne to keep things festive.

*  I kept mine simple this time with a chocolate fondue. You could get extra fancy with a cheesecake, white chocolate or speciality flavor.

SIMPLE FONDUE RECIPE:

Melt chocolate chips with splash of cream in the microwave on 50% for 2 minutes. You can keep it warm in a fondue pot.

WHAT TO PUT ON A DESSERT FONDUE TRAY:

  • Pretzels
  • Donut Holes
  • Angel Food Cake Cut Up
  • Marshmallows
  • Pomegranate Seeds
  • Funfetti Cupakes (I made them heart shaped with this silicone tray HERE.)
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Rasberries
  • Bananas
  • Cookies
  • Graham Crackers

You can serve with these fun fondue sticks.

This simple idea can be ready in minutes and is sure to be a different and special Valentine’s Day night (fuss free!)

I’ve rounded up tons of different Valentine’s Day finds… HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Best Amazon Finds- February Edition

Best Amazon Finds February

Best Amazon Finds February

1. The $30 sheets that broke the internet! Ha! Slightly kidding, but these sheets have so many amazing reviews about how soft, durable, and wrinkle free they are. We bought them and replaced our Restoration Hardware sheets for these. (They were 10x the price..) SO. GOOD. Tip.. if you size up you can really tuck them in and they won’t slip off the bed at all.

2. Turkish Towels– This set of two is so soft and comes in several colors for under $20. Makes the perfect hostess gift!

3. The perfect Valentine’s day sweater that isn’t too cheesy and can be worn all year round. Comes in several colors and is $25. You can find that one HERE.

4. This chopping knife is $23 and perfect for making chopped salads and as a pizza cutter.

5. Girl, Stop Apologizing. By the author of Girl, Wash Your Face. That book is life changing!This is a pre-order, at $14.99. You can purchase now and you will receive the day the book comes out.

6. Marble Board. Price is dependent on which size you choose, but it starts at $21. It’s well made and multi functional. We use ours as a display board for charcuterie, chopping board, etc. LOVE IT!

7. No Show, No Slip Socks. They are very thin, but they don’t slip at all and are a true “no show.” I love wearing these with my Golden Goose sneakers.

8. Vanilla Collagen Powder. I’ve been putting this into my coffee every morning, and it’s been GREAT. It’s really helping my skin. Highly recommend this brand.

9. Heart Shaped Silicone Mold. You can make cup cakes or even our favorite egg muffins to make this month extra special for the kids.

10. 10 Piece Food Storage Set . Perfect for pantry organization and BPA free. It’s air sealed and keeps everything fresh.

11. Wooden Bead Garland Decor. Love this little decor accent. They are $6 and we have them scattered all throughout our home.

12. Ultima Replenisher– It’s a natural electrolyte hydrator. Safe for kids, pregnant woman or anyone. Done with dry January? Great. Because this is magic for hangovers. HA!

You can also find the January roundup HERE. It’s got a great mix of some of my all time favorite Amazon buys and organizational finds.

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Nashville Travel Guide: Best Murals & Photo Spots In Nashville

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

Best Murals & Photo Spots In Nashville

Perhaps the most famous… The I believe in Nashville. Location: 12th South Across from Edley’s. 2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204.

Ya’ll have been asking for Nashville Travel Guides and I’m finally delivering! I’m so grateful to live in such a fun and thriving city. It’s become the hottest bachelorette trip spot, and makes for a pretty unbelievable weekend getaway.

Let’s be real, we all want good pics that are Insta worthy when we go on trips. I got ya covered!

Each week I’ll be adding to the Nashville series with best places to eat, drink, stay, & things to do. First up, picture or it didn’t happen!

BEST MURALS & PHOTO SPOTS IN NASHVILLE

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

 

Location: The intersection of Charlotte and 28th street.

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

 

Location: Off The Wall Nashville. There are several different ones in a row, and they are often changed. Great spot to see several murals in one location. 3020 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209.

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

Location: Fido in Hillsboro Village (Grab a coffee while you are there!) 1812 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212.

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

Location: Behind Frothy Monkey in 12th South. My ultimate go to coffee spot. (Warning, this is in a parking lot.) 2509 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204.

 

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

Location: Epice in 12th South. 2902 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204.

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

Location: Baked On 8th (Go in and try some cookie dough! It’s so good, and there is an adorable sign inside as well.) 1512 8th Ave South Nashville, TN

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

Location: 2028C Lindell Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

Location: Barista Parlor in Germantown (The other side is has big open garage style doors with vintage motorcycles. Very photo worthy. The bourbon vanilla coffee is one of my favorites in the city! 1230 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208.

best murals and photo spots in Nashville

A notable thing about Nashville is the friendly residents. (In my experience living here..) So this is a special way to capture that!

Location: Germantown. On the building where Juice Bar and Little Donkey are located. 1120 Fourth Avenue North.

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Positive Parenting: Daily Affirmations For Your Child

Positive Parenting: Daily Affirmations For Your Child

positive daily affirmations for kids

mommy and me photos

mommy and me photos

daily affirmations for children

nashville blogger

daily affirmations for children

mommy and me photos

mom and son photos

“Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become.” – Brooke Hampton

Mom life is hard, but one thing that truly helps me remain patient is knowing the gravity of my actions on the boys life. How you parent in the early years is shaping the way they will act, have relationships, and learn for the rest of their lives. WHOA. That’s some serious stuff.

If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend reading, THE GENTLE PARENT: POSITIVE, PRACTICAL, EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE .

A simple way you can practice positive parenting, is by giving your child daily affirmations.

The simplest things can make the most profound difference.

Every night, as I carry the boys up the stairs to their cribs, I make a point to tell them things I love about them. Great things they did that day, how proud we are of them, etc. The goal is to fill their minds with positive thoughts before they fall asleep.

In the morning, right when they wake up, we do the same thing. “It’s going to be a great day!” or “I know you will do such a great job sharing with your brother today.” It really starts the day on a positive note.

Again, they are just simple things. The important part is that they believe what they are told at this stage. Imagine what they can do when they are pumped up with positive daily affirmations?!

On the long list of daily “to do’s”, this is the one thing I make a point to NEVER forget. It’s just that important.

Daily affirmations for children has amazing benefits. Positive thoughts create positive actions.

What better gift can you give your child than confidence and self-belief?

Let’s raise a generation of positive, empathetic, strong, resilient, dreamers.

ON GEORGIE:

ON ME: