Favorite Gift Guides

Tis the season to share a few of my favorite gift guides. I’ve loved diving through every single one for the hard-to-please family members of mine ;)

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image: Shades of Blue Interiors

  1. Jessica Garvin puts together a gift guide for him, her and little girls.

  2. Liz’s Christmas wish list from Pure Joy Home is another favorite. Lots of great ideas for your own wish list.

  3. The “older parent” gift guide from Chris Loves Julia saved my life! My parents are so hard to shop for.

  4. I look forward to Monika Hibbs gift guides every year. She has the best taste and everything is just sooooo pretty.

  5. Into all things pink? Rachel Parcell’s gift guide for the Pink Lover is total gem.

Happy Shopping! xo

What kind of mom are you?

Do you guys follow Ralphie @simplyonpurpose? She’s one of my favorite people has changed motherhood for the better.

She’s hosting an #iamthiskindofmom challenge right now and encouraging mothers to own the kind of moms they ARE instead of getting caught up in the kind of moms they wish they could be. I have loved scrolling through the #iamthiskindofmom hashtag. There are thousands of entires...

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Shannon at Plum Street Collective posted:

I am not the kind of mom who is good at getting on the floor and playing with my kids. I am not easy going or spontaneous. I raise my voice too much and get upset when they’re messy... but I am the mom who always shows up. I keep things running smoothly. I’m up early every day before them making sure they’re ready for the day. I bake treats for their successes and volunteer in their classrooms. I listen to them and praise their best traits. I am their biggest cheerleader. I teach them to be kind to everyone and build up those around them. I’m not a perfect mom - but I’m the best mom I know how to be!


Lauren of xoloveloxo posted:

I’m the kind of mom who lets the slow moments of life roll in. I’m the mom who doesn’t care if laundry takes an extra thirty minutes if he wants to help. I’m the kind of mom who puts those hand puppets on and talks in silly voices.all.day.long. I’m the kind of mom who reads the same book over and over and over knowing that he’s just trying to memorize it. I’m the kind of mom who lets him play until the bath water turns cold. I’m the kind of mom who lets him crack the eggs full well knowing I’ll be fishing out shells for a few minutes. I’m the kind of mom who lets the minutes pass and then at bedtime wonders why there aren’t more hours in the day to fit in one more tickle fight, one more belly laugh and one more “I love you”. I’m the kind of mom who lives for the slow moments. The long days. The little moments that are really the big memories.


Amy at The Essential Story posted:

I am not a playful mom - I'll wrestle and be silly for a little bit, but I need my space after a while. 
I AM a mom that loves to cook and bake with you. 
I AM a mom that loses my cool and yells sometimes. I am also a mom that apologizes for my bouts of frustration and gives lots of long hugs and kisses after time-outs.
I AM a mom who will never refuse a hug, and never lets go until you do -- even if that requires carrying you around when you're way too big to be held. 
I am not a build-legos-with-you kind of mom. But I'll do it for a hot minute because I want you to be happy. 
I am a strict mom. Like, no technology until you're 50. 
I am not a laid back mom -- I like order and calm. 
I AM a crafty mom who doesn't mind playdoh messes and glue -- but I draw the line at glitter.
I AM a mom who will lay in bed and be silly at bedtime, because that's our time to connect and talk about the day.
I AM a mom who will sing you the same song for 6 months straight, every night, because you love it. 
I AM a mom who will check on you every night before I go to bed. I am not the mom who makes a separate meal but I am the mom that allows treats. I am not the mom who goes all out for birthdays but I am the mom that goes buck wild all December-long. I’m not the mom who will sleep in your bed with you, but I am the mom who will insist you’re sleeping right beside me when you’re sick. 


What kind of mom are you?

Happy Thanksgiving

Feeling extra grateful today for all our loyal Mommy Mailbox subscribers. We launched MMB exactly 4 years ago! The support and love has been overwhelming and we have loved spoiling you each month. We are so grateful!

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A giant Thanksgiving hug from us to you. xoxo

All about the details

For the mom’s out there who love to feel chic, a great hair accessory adds the perfect touch. Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite:

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Your hair this holiday season deserves a little gift! Shop these and more at J.Crew and use code TOGETHER for an extra 40% off.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I love this time of year. The weather, the clothes, the falling leaves, and pumpkin everything. Today I’m sharing a few of my favorites.

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photo source

  1. Do you know what you’re wearing to Thanksgiving dinner? Feeling super inspired by the above photos.

  2. This sweatshirt takes the cake. It is so soft, washes up nicely and a stylish take on a normal sweatshirt.

  3. Please buy these mule booties. They are so cute with jeans and a sweater.

  4. Such a cute game to get the kids ready for Thanksgiving.

  5. This holiday home tour has me dreaming about moving to the city. So charming!

  6. Loving these PJ’s for the kids. Plus 25% off this weekend!

  7. Brrr, it has gotten chilly in my neck of the woods. Been living in this pullover.

Hope you have an amazing weekend!

Little Boy Style

When it comes to shopping for my little boys, Zara takes the cake. I love that their baby boy clothes range from sizes 3 months to 4 years old. It is one of the only places where I can buy matching clothes for my 2 boys. A few of my favorites this season:

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Shop these and more here.

Casual + Cozy Style

Basically my life goal is to look stylish all while being extremely cozy + comfortable. It really isn’t as easy as Pinterest makes it look. The oversized sweaters get in the way while I am doing dishes and not all leggings suck you in enough and still make you feel naked. Haha. But I will never stop trying to master it. Some inspiration from the lovely Julia Engel:

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Mommy Mailbox readers! Leaves are falling, the air is crisp and Halloween is less than a week a way. I really love this time of year. Today I am sharing a few things I’ve been loving:

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  1. Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter. Obsessed, so good on homemade bread.

  2. A good candle this time of year is a must. I have this Pumpkin Vanilla one in my office and it is perfect for the season.

  3. Ordered this sweatshirt and it is so cozy. My 4 year old niece told me I looked soft like a teddy bear, haha. Okay by me!

  4. Loving the stripe sweater trend. This one is at the top of my list.

  5. Crossing my figures this dress goes on a 70% off sale ;) So beautiful.

Have a great weekend!

Chic Halloween Doors

One of my favorite parts of October is decorating my front door for Halloween. I try to do something different every year. Let’s not talk about the one year I bought a giant bale of hay and hauled it in the back of my brand new car... yikes hay gets eevvverrrywhere.

I’ve even considering painting my front door black to achieve the perfect Halloween look. Haha.

How gorgeous are these decorated doors?

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Swoon…there is something so magical about assorted pumpkins.