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Fire Safety Awareness Month: How To Make Sure Your Family Is Safe & Prepared

fire safety awareness

Fire Safety Awareness Month

Thank you First Alert for sponsoring this post. October is Fire Prevention Month – practice fire safety in numbers to ensure your family’s super prepared too!

fire safety awareness

fire safety awareness

fire safety awareness

fire safety awareness

fire safety awareness

October is Fire Prevention Month! First Alert is encouraging everyone to practice “safety in numbers” to ensure you are “super prepared” when it comes to whole home safety.

We purchased our new home this past January, and this was a great reminder for us to create a fire escape plan. It’s also the time to sit down as a family to discuss fire safety, put a fire plan in place, and practice it!

Since our babies are so little, I started with the basics. It was a great time for Trey and I to discuss our plan as well.

I always encourage you to make education, in any capacity, fun for your littles. It allows them to better absorb the information that they are taking in. Luckily, Georgie’s school had firefighters and a firetruck come and talk to the students about it. This was a great way to open up the discussion in our home. We started by taking a stroll by the local fire department.

The First Alert Super Prepared Family Kit had a great coloring book with info for the boys. It also included four combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The alarms have a 10-year sealed batter which eliminates the need to replace the batteries for the life of the alarm.

KNOW THE STATS

* Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of fires. Mom life can be…distracting. Make sure to set aside time to give cooking your full attention! Also, have fire extinguishers on hand in your home.

* Less than 1/2 of homeowners have an escape plan. Make one! Discuss it as a family, and practice it! Let this be your reminder to talk to your family, and do a walk through today!! (Before your to-do list becomes a mile long and it slips your mind..because again #momlife.)

* 3 out of 5 fire deaths come from homes without smoke alarms. Make sure you have them, they are installed properly, maintained, and replaced when needed.

* Carbon Monoxide is the Number 1 cause of accidental death. Make sure your family is safe by having carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.

* Over 100 million homes in the US are not protected with smoke alarms.

* Alarms provide early warning in the event of a fire. Fires spread quickly, and there is not a lot of time to escape so every second counts.

* You cannot see, hear or smell CO. It is the #1 cause of accidental deaths in the US. Every year there are 80,000 CO incidents.

* 40% of homes do not have a single CO alarm.

WHERE TO INSTALL ALARMS

SMOKE ALARMS- One on every level AND every bedroom. Don’t forget about basements!

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS-
One of every level AND every bedroom.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS- One on every level. Also in the kitchen and the garage.

WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE YOUR FAMILY FOR A FIRE

1. Map out an escape plan, and practice it as a family.

2. Test alarms regularly and replace the batteries. (Most are every 6 months. Upgrade to the First Alert 10-Year Battery Alarm to eliminate this step as often.

3. Remember to replace your alarm every 5-10 years. (Depending on the model.) These don’t last forever!

4. Stress the importance of fire safety to your children!

5. Let them watch the video below.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Dining Room Decor Inspiration with Hudson Valley Lighting

dining room decor

Dining Room Decor Inspiration

dining room decor

dining room decor

dining room decor

sound wave wall art

sound wave wall art

dining room decor

dining room decor

dining room decor

dining room decor

dining room decor

How stunning is this Hudson Valley Lighting Astoria Chandelier?! It was such a beautiful piece that I wanted to keep the rest of the dining room decor simple to let it shine. (Literally..ha!)

We started with a bright natural grasscloth. It’s a great way to add some texture into the space.

The rustic dark wood table tied in the darker tones of the floor. This exact table is Restoration Hardware. I’ve found a very similar, but more affordable option HERE.

The white chairs make a nice contrast to the table, and make it fun. (I’m still thinking of changing these out, but they work for now!) These exact are from Restoration Hardware as well. I’ve also found a similar, but more affordable option for those HERE.

Texture is my favorite to play with in home decor. If you stick with a more neutral palette (like our home) it’s the easiest way to add interest and have a more styled look. The easiest way to instantly add texture to a room is by layering rugs.

The base layer is this chunky jute rug. I can never deny a faux cowhide, and this grey version is at a great price point too! I’ve recently loved adding vintage turkish rugs into our home and the dining room decor was no exception! The prints are unique. This one was found at this Etsy shop HERE.

The curtains are velvet to continue with the texture play throughout the space.

My favorite part of the room is this one of a kind Sound Wave wooden art piece my dad made for us. It is off the sound wave of the song lyric by the Avett Brothers, “Always remember, there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name.”

When you share a meal in this dining room, we wanted it to feel like family. It’s the most important part of my life and this piece is just so meaningful and special.

I’ve found a really similar one you can purchase HERE.

Fashion

Golden Goose Sneakers: Sizing, Sales, & 10 Best Golden Goose Dupes

Golden Goose Sneakers: Sizing, Sales & 10 Best Golden Goose Dupes

golden goose sneakers

nashville blogger

nashville blogger

nashville blogger

golden goose sneakers

fall outfit inspiration

fall outfits

Nashville Fashion Blogger

Nashville Fashion Blogger

 

Denim Jacket | | Sneakers

 

Golden Goose sneakers are all the rage these days, and I totally get it! They are so easy to slide on and go. Style them with a dress or a t-shirt and jeans. They have that effortlessly cool factor to them, and will quickly become the most worn item in your closet.

For this look, I threw on a pair of black denim, a snakeskin blouse, and another fall wardrobe capsule item, this denim jacket. Easy peasy!

Now, I know they are an investment. For me, I am in sneakers the majority of the time. I can have a toddler on each hip, slip them on, and still leave the house feeling stylish.

Golden Goose is an Italian brand founded by Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo in 2000. They considered themselves “outsiders” in the fashion world, and never played by the rules. Perhaps that’s why they have become such a cult favorite; their authenticity and boldness paved their own way.

SIZING

Since they are an Italian brand, the sizing is in the Italian standard. (Example: 36-42.)
For reference, I am a standard US 8.5. I wear a 38 in Golden Goose. A general good rule of thumb with Golden Goose is to order a 1/2 size down. So a 38 would be an 8 which is 1/2 size down from my typical 8.5.

SELECTION

One of the things the brand prides themselves on is being extremely particular about who they let carry their shoes. Their branding must align, and it gives it more of an exclusive feel. They do smaller size runs of each style as well. (Meaning if you see one you like, scoop it up! They will sell out quickly.)

A few of the places that I have found to have GREAT selections of Golden Goose sneakers are:

* Intermix -(This is where the pair pictured were purchased.) They always get a unique selection, and occasionally will go on sale as well.

* Net-A-Porter – They have a wide selection with tons of sizes always in stock.

* Revolve – If you are wanting a payment plan type of option, this site offers Afterpay.

* Nordstrom- If you are a Nordy Club member it’s great to add up points to get a note. (Be sure to use a double point day on bigger splurge days to make the most of your reward $$.)

* Shopbop– They keep a good stock and often have exclusives.

* SSENSE– A HUGE selection. A few times a year they will have Golden Goose go on sale. I always update this page and the sale styles as soon as it goes live.

SALES

The best news yet…. you can find them on sale! There are a few places that frequents putting these beauties up on sale.

Far Fetch has frequent Golden Goose Sales as well as SSense. Revolve does as well.

THE TEN BEST GOLDEN GOOSE DUPES

** I’ve updated this post with additional pairs. We are always adding to this list as new ones come out or as others sell out. You can bookmark this page to check for sales, new dupes and exclusive pairs. **

If you aren’t ready to commit to a pair… I’ve rounded up some really awesome dupes! A great way to get the look for less!

 

 

 

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5 Fall Tops Under $50

5 Fall Tops Under $50

Polka Dot Blouse | Open Knee High-Waisted Jeans | Snakeskin Booties | Handbag

Fall fashion is just the best! I love the layered look, and mixing prints and textures. While it’s still a little warm you can wear these tops on their own, and as the temps drop layer them with cardigans, moto jackets, coats, scarves, etc.

Print mixing is a favorite styling trick of mine. It adds so much interest to any outfit! This polka dot blouse is the perfect coloring to mix with a animal print (that’s hot for fall!). I paired it with these snakeskin booties. (They are on mega sale!) It would also look great paired with leopard print.

These busted knee high-rise jeans are an absolute staple closet item. They are $78, come in multiple colors, run true to size, and are the perfect high-waist to pair with crop tops and not bare any belly.

In the fall it’s great to invest in jackets and coats that can take you from season to season. Good booties, bags and sunglasses are other things that when you factor the cost per wear, good quality is worth it. When it comes to tops I like to stick with trendier/more affordable options. Partner that with a few higher quality pieces and the whole look is elevated.

Fall Tops Under $50

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Best Of The Shopbop Sale

shopbop sale

Best Of The Shopbop Sale

The Shopbop Sale is HERE! It’s 4 days only and the good things sell out FAST! So stock up before it’s gone! How it works is orders under $500 are 20% off and orders $500+ are 25% off. The best time to stock up on designer items or closet staple items at a great discount. USE CODE: STOCKUP18 to get the discount.

This year there are a LOT of Golden Goose Sneakers on sale. I practically live in mine. I’ll be seizing the opportunity to snag these on sale.

shopbop sale

Golden Goose Sneakers | Snakeskin Booties | Booties with Back Lace Up Detailing | High-Rise Skinny Jeans | Pajama/Lounge Set | Free People Skirt Set | Lace Bodysuit | Turtleneck Sweater | Plaid Bomber Jacket | Plaid Jacket | Leopard Blazer | Down Coat with Fur Hood

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How To Style Western Wear – Fall Trends

new york fashion week

How To Style Western Wear- Fall Trends

western wear

western wear fall fashion trends

western wear trend

western wear nyfw

new york fashion week

Western Lace Blouse | Tan Leather Skirt | Snakeskin Booties | Sunglsses | Gucci Belt

Western wear is so hot for fall and I’m LOVING it! There is a way to style this trend in a chic way that doesn’t look like you are headin’ to the hoedown. I’ve got ya covered on how to pull it off effortlessly!

This lace blouse is the perfect nod to western with the piping and pearl snap detailing. The lace keeps it feminine and chic. (Note, it does run a little small. I went up a size.)

You can pair a western blouse with just about anything. A maxi skirt, wide leg pant, jeans or faux leather skirt. The coloring of this tan leather skirt is perfect for fall. You can find an almost identical skirt option at an affordable price HERE and HERE.

Animal prints are another top trend this fall. A snakeskin bootie can act as a neutral and pull any outfit together.

How To Style Western Wear

* Choose one or two western themed items, and partner with more neutral or chic pieces. If you wear a western piped blouse, cowboy boots, a fringe skirt and a cowboy hat, it comes off as a little cheesy. Keep it simple by letting one or two items stand out.

* Go “space cowboy” and pair a western item with a modern metallic. For example, this outfit shown, with a metallic silver skirt would be great! Kasey Musgraves has been rocking this trend for awhile now. She pulls it off flawlessly every time!

* Look for items with a modern edge as well. For instance, instead of a typical cowboy boot; look for some that have a pull on tab side, or a western script detailing, but with a more modern silhouette. You can find an awesome pair for under $100 HERE or my favorite white version HERE.

* For more traditional items (like a true cowboy boot) pair with feminine floral print dress, or skirt and lace top.

* An easy way to slowly incorporate this trend is with turquoise jewelry or accessories.

Check out what else is trending for fall with my post on the top fall trends HERE.

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How To Style A Duster – New York Fashion Week Look 2

how to style a duster

How To Style A Duster – New York Fashion Week Look 2!

new york fashion week street style

new york fashion week street style

new york fashion week street style

new york fashion week street style

Fringe Duster | Black Booties | Under $20 Black T-Shirt | Spanx | Sunglasses

Are you a perpetual “I have nothing to wear” type of gal? Get yourself a duster, friend! It’s the easiest item to pair with just about anything and complete an outfit.

When I was planning outfits for fashion week, I had a hard time choosing pieces that would be unique and special, but also practical and wearable outside of NYFW streets. This duster was the perfect item! These faux leather leggings are a wardrobe staple must. The $98 price tag does seem a little steep, but they are that good. They are made by Spanx and hold everything in (super flattering!) while also being comfortable.

How To Style A Duster

* Don’t be afraid to get it tailored. It’s hard to buy one straight off the rack that will be the perfect length. If you are petite, you can tailor it to hit at least a few inches above your ankles.

* Petite girls.. if you are worried about it overwhelming your smaller frame choose a lighter fabric that fits closer to your body.

* Pair it with a silk dress. Love this combo! It can easily pair with dressier items and the high/low difference creates interest.

* Throw one over a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. The easiest way to look more put together, and also add a layer for warmth.

* Pair with over the knee boots and skirts. This is a way to get more use out of your shorts or skirts going into the fall and winter. Add a duster and some booties or over the knee boots.

* Don’t shy away from a print! Plaid, houndstooth and leopard are all BIG trends this fall season. A printed duster is great to have on hand to add a trending piece to lots of looks you already have in your closet.

SHOP THIS LOOK

SHOP DUSTERS

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Positive Parenting – Simple Tips To Be A More Patient/Positive Parent

Nashville blogger

Positive Parenting – Simple Tips To Be A More Patient/Positive Parent

Positive Parenting

Let me start by saying, mom life is hard. It’s that simple. Putting someone’s needs before your own 100% of the time, dealing with mom guilt, and feeling overwhelmed is just plain hard. However, you can make an intentional decision to practice positive parenting and patience. This can be beneficial to everyone involved!

There is sometimes a misunderstanding that positive parenting equates to children that are not respectful or not accountable for their actions. It’s actually quite the opposite! Instead of belittling children with yelling, you talk to them in a calm and respectful way.

Children mimic the actions and words of their parents. You can tell them how to act all day long, but at the end of the day they will emulate your actions. That’s some powerful stuff when you stop to think about it!

Every family and child is different and what works for one family may not work for another. These are some practices we use in our household that work for us!

 

10 Tips To Positive Parenting-

1. Try to understand why your child is acting out and acknowledge their feelings first. It’s so hard as a mom to deal with temper tantrums (especially when they are in public.) I try to remind myself that it must be so hard for them to have all of these feelings, and not understand how to properly express them. Start by saying, “I understand it must be so hard to ______.” This teaches empathy and understanding.

2. It’s ok to step away. Sometimes it just seems too much to handle. Instead of letting the problem escalate, step away. Take a deep breath. Re-access the situation and then walk back in the room to handle. So simple, but works!

3. Talk, don’t yell. I’ve found anytime I yell, they hear nothing I am saying. It reverts their focus to the yelling. Simply talking with them and helping them understand is far more beneficial.

“Yelling silences your message. Speak quietly so your children can hear your words instead of just your voice.” – L.R. Knost

4. Before bed each night we make a point to fill the boys up with positive affirmations. Letting them go to bed feeling proud and loved is so powerful. Here are some simple ones:

– I’m grateful for you.
– You are so loved.
– I was so proud of you for sharing your toys with your brother today.
– You are so creative and did a great job coloring today.
– Great job being so patient at the grocery store.

5. Start each morning with positive affirmation/gratitude.

– It’s going to be a great day!
– I’m so grateful to get to play with you today.
– Let’s be kind to our brother today.

6. Replace negative language with positive language. (This one is hard at first, but once you’ve made the switch it comes second nature.)

Example:

“No running!” = “Walk, please.”

7. Surround yourself with like minded parents/children. This is like the age old saying, “You are who you surround yourself by.” Finding other parents who are positive and surrounding your children by them is crucial! If they are seeing discipline that contradicts yours regularly, they find that to be the norm.

8. Acknowledge when you are wrong. Let’s be real, we are all going to slip up. If you do yell or snap, be sure to acknowledge and apologize. They will mimic this when they are in the wrong. “I’m sorry mommy yelled, I know that isn’t kind and is disrespectful.”

9. Empower your children and teach them to empower others.

Phrases like, “I know that was a hard tower to build, but you stuck with it and did a great job!”

10. Show your child respect. Seems simple, but we often don’t think of children to deserve respect in the same manner as adults. When we are respectful and nurturing to a child, not only do they learn this behavior, but it helps them with learning, coping with stress and even memory.

I HIGHLY recommend the book The Gentle Parent: Positive, Practical, Effective Discipline . Also, the TV show “Daniel Tiger” on PBS (based off of Mr.Rogers) is great on showing positive behaviors and kindness. I have another blog post on raising kind kids that you can read HERE.

P.S. We LOVE these Rowdy Sprout band tees. As a music business family we totally respect that they ethically receive the rights to the band’s logos. They are so soft and cozy! USE CODE: “IMYOURBEAU” for 10% off on their site!

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Top Fall Fashion Trends – New York Fashion Week Edition

top fall fashion trends

Top Fall Fashion Trends- New York Fashion Week Edition

top fall fashion trends

top fall fashion trends

top fall fashion trends

top fall fashion trends

top fall fashion trends

Sunglasses | Leopard Blazer | Leopard Shorts | White Booties

There is something SO magical about New York Fashion Week. So many dreams are coming true for so many, and the energy is amazing!

I loved strolling the streets, taking on PR meetings, meeting other bloggers, and finding so much inspiration in the street style.

For day one I decided to go with fall’s HOTTEST trend…animal print! We hit the ground running as soon as we arrived in NYC. This leopard blazer and matching silk shorts were great for meetings as well as more informal gatherings. Each of these pieces can be worn apart and extremely versatile. These were a bit of a splurge, but I’ve found several similar options that are a bit more budget friendly as well.

The exact blazer can be found HERE and the exact shorts HERE. You can find a more budget friendly option ($32!) HERE. These sunglasses are a chloe dupe, and an under $20 find!

HOW TO STYLE ANIMAL PRINT

*Treat it as a neutral. No, really! You can mix it with other prints or patterns. It can go with any color you wish as well.

*This trend isn’t just leopard (even though I’ve been seeing a TON of that!) Think tiger print, snakeskin, anything animal inspired!!

*Go BOLD! Head to toe animal print! For this, I prefer a neutral shoe.

TOP FALL FASHION TRENDS

1. Animal Prints- (YAY!)

2. Shades of White- Break the rules. White after labor day is totally allowed. This fall it’s even encouraged. 😉

3. Bold Shoulders- Last year was all about the cold shoulder, this year is all about the bold!

4. Saville Row- Houndstooth, Plaid, etc. Anything with that great texture!

5. Western Wear- A modern approach to western wear. Also, seeing a more “space cowboy look.” Lots of western wear partnered with metallics and modern touches.

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Fall Fashion Outfit Inspiration with Nordstrom

fall outfit inspiration

Fall Fashion Outfit Inspiration with Nordstrom

Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I may receive a small commission from items purchased from affiliate links.

I love that on Nordstrom’s website when you are looking at an item you can scroll down and see style suggests on how to wear the piece. Luckily, they had me style some looks for fall that are now live on their site! Each one of these are items you can get a lot of wear out of, but are also on trend for this season.

CASUAL COOL

fall outfit inspiration

Sunglasses| Leopard Joggers | Biker Jacket | Belt Bag | Star Sneakers


Effortlessly Chic

fall outfit inspiration

Silk Dress | Hooded Jacket | Fendi Bag |

Effortless Athleisure

fall outfit inspiration

Moto Leggings | Ear Crawlers | Crop Hoodie | Faux Leather Jacket | Sneakers | Handbag


Monochromatic Tan

fall outfit inspiration

Top | Pants | Crossbody Bag | Tortoise Hoop Earrings | Neutral Heel