Best loved. (kid stuff)

With a 3 and 1.5 year old, I'm by no means an expert at kid gear. But we've found a handful of things lately that we just really love, so I thought I'd share them. Plus, I got lots of questions when I posted my new diaper bag on instagram last weekend- so I'm linking that below :)

Diaper backpack (in Grey-2 option). I've been wanting a backpack for several months and a few weeks ago I finally found one I love/could afford. After lots (too much, probably!) of research and reading reviews on Amazon, I bought this baby AND. I. LOVE. IT. Justin's been laughing at me since it arrived because I talk about it a lot. I ordered the 'Grey-2' option, which is different than the others because while it is a backpack, the main compartment has a smaller zipper flap that doesn't zip from side to side (which would make stuff fall out!). It stands on its own no matter how full it is, has a fun pocket just for wipes, and also has an accessible pocket on the back for convenience. Bonus: Justin doesn't feel silly carrying it around, and it was inexpensive! Only $36.99. I found a small stitching defect a few days into using it and (even though it doesn't impact the function or anything) I contacted the Amazon seller and they're sending me a brand new one! If you're in the market for a good diaper backpack that doesn't break the bank, I totally recommend this one. (It's made by a brand I've never heard of, but I read TONS of reviews and it is highly rated and compares well to others in higher price points.)

Aldi snacks. Ok, so these aren't kid specific and you can find snacks anywhere. But I find that most products are the same quality at Aldi as bigger grocery chains, but for a fraction of the price. I'm loving the applesauce/fruit blend pouches and freeze dried fruits righter now. My kids are snackers and we try to have healthier options- especially when we're on the go. I like that these are organic, inexpensive, and tasty! My boys LOVE freeze dried apples and since they're so inexpensive, we usually go through a bag or two each day. Add to that the cinnamon apple straws and veggie chips, and our pantry is stocked for the week!

Beach/bath towels. I have mentioned these a dozen times before, but I honestly love them. Just added a couple more to my cart to stock up on for the boys! We use them at the pool, but also daily for baths at home. They hold up incredibly well, are thick, and the boys love the cozy hood!

Divided plates. I fully embrace kid-friendly, colorful dishes and these are hands down my favorite. They seem to hold up better than our other Ikea and Target kid plates. They're made from recycled milk jugs and you can find them at Wal-mart. Bonus- they're microwaveable! I like that they are small enough to fit on our highchair trays and big enough to have three separate compartments. The same company makes flatware and cups, too!

Laurie Bernker Band. Ok, let me preface by saying these music videos are cheesy. Aren't all kid songs? But my boys love love love them, especially the Dinosaur and Goldfish songs. We dance to them daily!

Favorite podcasts.

  Do you listen to podcasts? If not, I get it. They may seem odd or nerdy or just that they take up lots of time. I was skeptical about them at first, too.

  Sometime in the Fall of 2014, I found myself hanging out with my new-ish baby (instead of working full-time) and spending more time out and about in the car. More specifically, I remember taking a trip to my parents house on a weekday- I think to work on a project with my mom. I was sick of the radio so I googled one of my favorite writers to see if she had any good clips I could listen to on my drive. I stumbled one a random podcast and listened to about half of it before switching to The Happy Hour- which is now my weekly podcast go-to!

  I wouldn't say I'm necessarily into podcasts. There is only one I listen to regularly (it's become like a show I keep up with every week, but instead of sitting on the couch I listen to it while driving to the zoo or running errands or doing dishes). Besides that, there are a few others that I like to pop in and out of (Noonday's and this new-to me fascinating one!). Once in a while I'll binge listen to a couple- those are the stand alone series that are more like reading a book- you can't wait to get to the ending!

  All of this rambling to say, you should try a podcast! I even convinced Justin to try them and he was really into a couple of sports ones for a while. Truly, there is a podcast for everyone. And they just make your commute to work or drive to visit a friend or whatever a bit more fun! The radio is fine, but I like feeling like I'm learning/doing/laughing a bit more. Honestly, my one go-to has become just a favorite thing in general. It's encouraging, funny, challenging, and like sitting down with a friend for happy hour, like that name suggests! So if you have any sort of commute/spend time at all driving in your car or like to have something to listen to while you exercise or do stuff around the house (guys, that means I'm literally talking to everyone here)- podcasts are for you!

  And podcasts are easy! Every smartphone (that I know of?) already has a Podcast app built in. Simply click the icon and you can search for/download any podcast for free. Once you download it, its on your phone. Aka you don't have to stream or use data when you want to listen to it! Maybe that's common sense? But I was so excited about that when I first discovered them- it made them perfect for drives in the car since I don't have a big enough data package to stream.

  If you want a place to start, here are my top (and only?) 5 podcasts that I truly think anyone will like:

The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey/ Ok, if you're a guy this one probably isn't for you. But I love it! I listen every single week and it truly feels like you're siting down to a happy hour with a good friend. Jamie talks with a new women every week and (as her tagline says) they talk about the big things in life, the little things, and everything in between. SO GOOD AND YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

Serial/ You've heard of this, even if you don't remember. The first season is FASCINATING and sort of like the documentary Making A Murdered, but not on TV. Actually, people say that show is a lot like Serial. So good! Great for binge listening to and you'll be so sad when it's over. Season 2 is good, too!

Missing Richard Simmons/ Just interesting. Everyone has heard of Richard Simmons (yes, the crazy exercise guy) and I don't know, it was fascinating to hear how he virtually disappeared one day 3 years ago and hasn't been seen since. Each episode is really short and there are only 6 episodes- so it's doable for anyone. I listened to this in a weekend while doing little things around the house!

S*Town/ Unless you live in a hole, you've heard about/seen this everywhere lately. And for good reason! I think it's being called the 'new Serial' because it is by the same creators and will have you hooked instantly. Even better, they released all the episodes at once so you don't have to wait for a new one each week. Really funny/fascinating and you'll be sad when its over! I usually listen to podcasts when driving around with the boys, but this one has quite a bit of profanity so I saved it for the gym or afternoons during nap time.

How I Built This/ These are short and fascinating interviews with different entrepreneurs. Each person gives their tips/advice for success at the end (really interesting!) and you'll just learn stuff you never knew about brands you've grown up with. My favorites are the Patagonia and Atari/Chuck E. Cheese episodes (did you know the same guy who created Atari also started Chuck E. Cheese's???).

Best loved. (January)

 I was trying to think of a catchy new way to title my infrequent 'favorite things' posts, so I googled synonyms for the word 'favorite.' Then I realized its silly to spend that much time for a silly blog post title at 20 people will read! So let's just go with 'best-loved' from here on out :)

  Anywaysssss. It's been forever since I've done one of these, but I always love reading posts similar to this and I have lots of things I'm in love with right now. I used to hate winter and dread the months of Jan/Feb because they tend to be blah and the holidays are over and we're all just dying to spend time outside again. But not anymore! I love these in-between months because they're an excuse to be cozy, get creative with how we fill our days, and eat a bit more comfort food. So maybe January is on my best-loved list right now? What do you think- do you dread/love January?? Here's what I'm really loving right now!

  This may be lame and cliche to say, but I love the ages 1 and 2.5. Especially 1! Its hard to remember how Caleb was at this age, so its like discovering all over again with Tyler. He's walking, jabbering, interactively playing, independently playing, and just so stinking fun. Also, a whiner. He's becoming a bit of a whiner, but that's not included in the things I love about 1 year olds!

 Somewhere in the last year, I started having a thing about the pens I use. My current favorite is this colorful set that doesn't bleed, is fine point, and comes in fun colors!

  I'm probably being overly ambitious with my goals to document life in 2017, because I want to try ALL THE THINGS (a video app, physical photo album, and maybe a digital weekly album??). Ok, I am being overly ambitious. But even still, the One Second Everyday app is my favorite and super easy to use and takes no time. A week in and I already love it!

 I had a bigger giftcard leftover from Christmas, so I treated myself to some new leggings. I've had this pair in a cropped style for a few years and know that they wear well (I wore them all through pregnancy and they never stretched out), so I've wanted some full length leggings to wear this winter. These leggings are crazy comfortable, lightweight but still warm, and are high waisted which is really flattering. I will 100% be wearing these 5/7 days this January- no shame.

  We haven't had cable for a long time, so streaming shows/antenna TV is super important in our house. I didn't even realize until I was talking about it with some girlfriends, but I am really loving the free PBS Kids app for Apple TV (and probably other similar streaming devices). Did you know you can watch a handful of episodes from EVERY PBS kids show via the app FOR FREE? You don't need a cable login or subscription. Google it! Its a lifesaver for us when we just HAVE to watch George or Daniel or (our new favorite) The Cat In The Hat.

  After really wanting it for awhile, I finally caved and bought a copy of Grace Not Perfection. I'm only a few chapters in, but guys. It's really good and really affordable and worth picking up if you have $12 (or less if you have Amazon Prime) to spare! (bonus: it's really pretty, too!)

  I sort of stumbled on these tops from Loft when doing some shopping for our beach vacation this month and then realized they were on super clearance, so I snagged one in each color. They came in the mail today and they are perfect- lightweight but not really see-through, mixed media, and it comes in three basic colors (cream, black, pale blue). Since I'm rebuilding my wardrobe, these seem like they'll be staples. They're less than $15 with the extra clearance! (If in between sizes, size down. They run a bit looser! I wear a small and could maybe get away with an XS if I wanted it to be less loose)

  I know everyone loves Spotify, but I'm super late to that game. I still use Pandora and the Jock Jams (for workouts) and Good Morning by Mandisa stations (and Toddler when the boys are playing) are my current favorites.

  Lastly, I am loving morning workouts. Like, really early morning trips to the gym by myself (or with a friend!). When I told Justin I wanted to start doing this as soon as Tyler turned one (aka was done nursing!), it was more as a loose goal and not something I actually thought I would be able to execute. But guys. It's so FUN! Maybe that makes we weird? I'm not obsessed with fitness and I only really get an hour in so I can be home in time for Justin to leave for work, but morning workouts are my jam right now!

Noonday Collection: Trunk show favs.

All photos c/o Noonday Collection

You've probably heard me mention Noonday Collection a lot over the past few years (I love it so much that I decided to become an Ambassador!). And if you haven't, you definitely have heard some of your favorites mention it (IfGathering, Jen Hatmaker, Rachel Hollis, Jamie Ivey, Honey Holden...just to name a few!). Basically, Noonday Collection is wonderful and it seemed about time that I share my favorite things about hosting a trunk show.

All photos c/o Noonday Collection

 My most favorite part of Noonday (and Root Collective and Milk & Honey Tees and Sseko Designs...) is that is gives you a chance to shop for good and with purpose- you are supporting Fair Trade artisans around the globe, contributing to family preservation, and potentially even raising money for a local adoption. All of that happens when you just shop on your own with Noonday or other ethically based companies. But when you host a trunk show, you spread the word and influence others to also shop for good and the impact is multiplied! Noonday Collection artisans depend on the marketplaces that women just like you create in their living rooms and backyards and local coffeehouses!

All photos c/o Noonday Collection

  Over the past few months, I've have had so much fun watching women gather their friends and family and coworkers at a ton of different trunk shows. I can't emphasize different enough. I've seen adoption fundraisers, living room trunk shows, coffee house meet ups, and happy hours in cocktail lounges. Huge groups of over 30 and small gatherings of less than 10. And all are perfect and a ton of fun!
  So anyways, if you've ever been curious about Noonday Collection Trunk Shows, here are my top 5 favorite reasons to host one! If you've hosted a Trunk Show- what was your favorite part?

All photos c/o Noonday Collection

All photos c/o Noonday Collection

A reason to gather. I love a good excuse for a girl's night and a chance to invite all my people to be together. It is so fun to see different circles of friends and family meet each other! I've seen this same thing with my hostesses- they love having their people all together for no other reason than to chat, eat, and shop! It never fails that a handful of women stick around late just laughing and catching up.

Time to be creative. The ideas for fun Trunk Shows are endless! Gone are the days of a boring, standard trunk show where women hear a spiel and walk around a decorative table and then call it a night.  Play date with a purpose, happy hour, brunch, mother- daughter tea, wine night, garden party, Noonday and Nachos, NoonDudes (guys hosting for their friends to Christmas shop for the women in their lives), and then there's the traditional party where the hostess gathers her people every season for a regular trunk show (I have one who hosts a show every year around Christmas to help her friends cross names of their shopping list!). So many great ideas and just truly fun ways to get people excited about your Trunk Show. I've seen a ton of them (happy hour with some rowdy elementary teachers may have been my favorite so far!), but still have a ton I want to try out.

Spread the passion. I love fair trade. I love making a difference. I love encouraging others that they don't need grand gestures or huge life changes to create an impact across the globe- and that's what Trunk Shows do. They spread that passion! My most favorite part of every Trunk Show is seeing ladies catch the excitement of being able to purchase with a big purpose!

Help a friend. Know someone adopting? Noonday Trunk Shows can serve as a fundraiser for any domestic or international adoption! In the last six months, I've helped friends raise over $3000 for different adoptions and that sort of gives me goosebumps. How amazing to be able to take part in helping someone build their family!

And, honestly, get free stuff! Fair trade and adoption and time with people you love are all pretty wonderful. But it's also pretty wonderful to just get free stuff! It's so fun watching hostesses flip through the catalog and fold over pages when they find something beautiful and creating their wishlist. It's even more fun to be able to tell them to start marking stuff off their wishlist when they've earned enough product credit to snag that leather tote or piece of jewelry that was way out of their personal price range!

Ok, surely one of those was reason enough to convince you to start shopping with purpose, attend the next Trunk Show you're invited to, or (even better!) host your own! Let me know if you do!

But in the meantime, don't forget about Mother's day- Noonday has rounded up some good deals and steals for you and any mom in your life.

Winter faves.

shoes//hoodie {similar}//polish//tea//earrings//journals//

  Did you you know that Spring officially starts in three weeks?? I always love this time of year. Actually, I say that with every new season. But whatever. Spring! It's been a crazy mild winter (not complaining!) and we're already having days in the 60's. Either way, I'm getting super off track and talking about the weather, which is sort of one of my pet peeves.

  Its been forever since I've done one of these (summer, I think?), so here's what I've been loving this summer!
  Justin went rogue and surprised me with these amazing flats for Christmas and I can't say enough about them. As an Ugg/ankle bootie-hater, my winter shoe game is lame. I live in flats and these are the most comfortable and durable things ever.
  Having a baby at the very beginning of winter has meant a lot of lounging around the house or just in general living in what I believe the fashion police call 'athleisure.' Ha. While I haven't done a ton of actual working out besides walking the track at the gym, I have lived in this hoodie. It was gift and a total splurge, but its amazingly comfy and warm and I love it.
  Ok, so I haven't had a ton of reasons to leave the house or get dressed up this winter. But just painting my nails makes me feel a bit more put together even if I haven't worn a real bra in a month. This color is my absolute fav right now. Another easy way to just feel a bit more put together? These earrings are everything. And that is coming from a non-earring girl. These butter-y leather beauties are SO comfortable, I don't even remember I'm wearing them. And they seem to go with just about everything. Plus, they make me really trendy since some of my favorites wear them, too!
  And you know I love a good tea. On the good mornings that I'm able to get up before the boys, a mug of this and some time with my favorite journals make for the perfect start to the day.
  I literally tell anyone who will listen about these journals. I've been using them for almost two years, and they are just a part of my morning routine now! I love the content so much, but the size and how they fits so perfectly into my planner or bag might be my favorite part right now. Less clutter lying around!
  It's funny that I'm writing this just as Spring is starting. Before Tyler came, I was dreading being couped up all winter long with two kiddos. But you know? It's been sort of wonderful. We certainly have lots of toddler tantrums and nap battles with the baby and all that not fun stuff. But having an excuse to lounge around and snuggle babies and this mild winter have all made these past few months pretty fun. But still, I'm ready for less layers and open windows and adventuring outside of the house more. Come on, Spring!

Birthday. {wish list}

1// 2// 3 (with this upgrade!)// 4// 5//

  It's already August {um, excuse me what?} and that means it's my birthday month! I don't get particularly excited about my own birthday, but I love the chance to sit down and make myself a little wishlist. I don't shop much in general, so holidays and birthdays mean taking time to window shop and find new things to love and share with others! My mom asked me over the weekend if there was anything particular I've been wanting or needing and I couldn't think of a single thing! I figured it would be fun to sit down and make a little list.
  So, here's what I'm crushing on right now. Home decor, colorful stationary, candles...do I sound like I'm nearly 30? Ha! I'm also really wanting some new roll down yoga pants to replace my favorite ones that my dog ate {literally}- but I can't find any relaxed fit ones with a wide waistband. My last pair were like 6 years old from the AE outlet, so it seems like they're irreplaceable. Thanks, Murphy. Other than that though, my list is looking a little wimpy! What else should I add??

What are you loving right now? I want to know! I'm getting a super head start on my Christmas shopping too, so I'm taking any and all ideas!

Summer favorites. {3}

shoes// shorts// stamps// book// muffin// sandals {Target, last summer}// polish// mason jar lid {gift}

  I love these little lists of favorites. This summer I live in comfy clothes. I bought these maternity shorts two weeks before Caleb was born last summer with a gift card and it's nice to get more use out of them! If I'm not wearing those, you'll find me in some running shorts or my swim suit. Heyy summer! And if I'm not barefoot, I'm wearing my favorite $5 clearance sandals that seem to go with everything or my super comfy {and CUTE} Nikes. 
  In other news, the second trimester seems to have brought with it a deep, deep love for baked goods. I would love some Starbucks pumpkin loaf every day, thankyouverymuch. But I'll settle for some $2 box-mix muffins! And water. Girlfriend is back to drinking water like its my job and I don't hate it. My sister got me this snazzy mason jar lid/straw for Mother's Day and it goes perfectly with my favorite glasses {from our wedding registry!}. 
  I'm also getting back into reading {Summer Reading Program season!} and want to pick up any and all beach books. I got this in the airport last month and am just starting it. Look for a summer reading post soon! 
  I had been on the hunt for a really perfect pale pink polish a few months back and my favorite brand (the only one that works on my nails!) finally stocked it. You guys. I basically keep it on my nails 24/7 and am halfway through the bottle already, I love it that much. 
  My friend Lauren and I have gotten into the habit of mailing books to each other and another friend and I just started sending monthly letters. I love mail so much. I'm trying to send out a couple pieces every week or so and it's just too fun. Postcards are my current favorite, so if you see any cute ones- point me in that direction!

 A usual staple on my summer list are my garden zinnias, and even though I'm this close to having some blooms, we're not quite there yet. Soon! Also left off the list? The water park. I'm crushing hard on it this year. Especially because it's free with my gym membership and they have shaved ice there. Bonus? Caleb sleeps like a rock after a day in the water. 

Ps. See my summer favs from 2013 and 2014!

Baby favorites. {nursery}

drawer organizers// glider// crib// nightlight// monitor// dresser

  You've just been dying to dive in and hear about my baby must-haves, right? Ha. But for the three of you that care...here we go!
  When we were setting up Caleb's room in our house, I heard a million times that we'd probably never use it for the first six months or so. I think that's true for a lot of {most?} families! But that wasn't the case for us. Here's where I should say that I knew, before he even arrived, that we wanted Caleb to sleep in his own room from the beginning. Before I get a million hate emails about being a terrible mom, let me say I had my reasons! First of all, it's safe, which is most important. Our dogs also sleep in our room, Justin went back to work quickly, we don't live in a mansion and its about 10 steps to his nursery from ours, and I just wanted to keep our room a place for the two of us. See? Reasons! Having said that, I know that you should never say never, so I was open to the possibility that new-mom me would change my mind. Thankfully, that didn't happen!
  So, I knew from the beginning we'd use the nursery a ton. Caleb slept in his crib from his first night home from the hospital. And it quickly became a really important space in our house. Obviously there are a lot of things that go into a nursery, but I'm just sharing my 5 essentials {and one splurge!}. We of course have a changing pad and hangers and crib sheets and blah blah blah- but I don't have any real favorites of those things.

furniture:: I'm not a fancy person and we don't have fancy taste and we definitely do not have a champagne budget. Maybe you're the same? If so, this basic crib and dresser from Ikea is perfect! The crib is only $119 {and meets ALL safety standards, what else do you need?} and the dresser only $149 = $270 TOTAL!!! We just put a changing pad on top of the dresser to make it a changing table and it works- that seems to be the trend these days. Bonus:: they were both crazy easy to put together and will grow with him as he gets older!

diaper pail:: I know the Diaper Genie is to go-to diaper pail, but we love our Ubbi . It's pricier for sure, but makes up for it ten-fold. First, it's made of powder-coated steel, which is just a fancy way of saying it DOESN'T RETAIN THE POOP SMELL! Second, you can use regular kitchen trash bags. Super convenient, cheaper, and again, holds in the stink better. Third, {and my favorite!}, it can be used as a regular trashcan once the diaper days are over.

nightlight :: Honestly, I don't remember if this is the brand we have? Before Caleb was sleeping through the night, I would nurse him in his room. His lamp and overhead light were way too bright, so for awhile I would turn on the hall light and leave his door cracked so I could see around but not enough to wake him up fully. And then, {I'm really slow about these things} I finally realized I could just put a nightlight in! There's an outlet right by the glider and on a wall adjacent to the crib, so it doesn't bother him while he's sleeping but is perfect if we need to go in his room at night without waking him.

monitor :: Ok, so we've only one monitor. But we love it, so that means something right? I wanted an audio monitor {cheaper!} and Justin voted video; we had extra gift cards so we splurged on the video. Since Caleb was in his own room from the beginning, it was nice to have the video to peek in on him. For the first couple of weeks I think we even slept with the volume on High and the screen on {silly first time parents!}. Now, we keep the volume super low and the screen off unless we need to see what he's up to. We have this motorola monitor and it has great quality, shows the room temperature, and works all around our house. Bonus: we can add another camera for kid #2 some day. 

drawer organizers:: I'm somewhat obsessed with these cheap and awesome Ikea Skubb drawer organizers. They're perfect for all those baby-sized things. And only $7.99/set of 6. In fact, remind me to pick up a couple more sets on my next Ikea trip, mkay?

glider:: Ok, so this is a splurge and not really an essential. Because of some royal screw-ups by Buy Buy Baby {that they never really made up for}, we didn't get our chair until Caleb was two months old. And we didn't die without having a rocking chair until then. Once it did arrive, though, it was awesome! The model we bought {it was a really generous Mother's day gift for me} rocks, glides, and my favorite-reclines! It's so comfy and perfect for nursing, reading bedtime stories, and hanging out in. It's definitely not in everyone's budget, but if you can swing it {or pool some giftcards! and use a coupon! We did both}, totally worth it. Bonus:: our's really just looks like a plush recliner, so we can easily transition into a family room when the baby days are over. {notice a theme with my purchases?}

In case you're interested. {baby favorites}

  A lot of my favorite things I have because someone told me about them. Word of mouth goes a long way for me, and you can tell. Our realtor was recommended to us {and we've referred her to other friends now}, I found my living room curtains on one of my favorite blogs, my camera is a total copycat of photographers/friends I love, and most of my favorite music was shared with me by others. 
  There are lots of people I look up to, whether it be for design or cooking or whatever kind of inspiration. And you know when you see someone who you can just relate to? The kind of people that you see yourself doing things similar to? My friend's Kate and Carmen are both easy going and personable, so when they both recommended the same pediatrician, I decided to chose her for Caleb. We had lots of other friends recommend doctors, but I just felt like I related to them the most, so I went with their recommendation. With so many different personalities and ways of approaching things, it's always encouraging for me to see people who I can kind of relate to and hear how they do things. And, in the most flattering way, copy it. 
  So, in case you're like me and love hearing how others do things and are curious about how I go about things {namely: parenting a baby}...I'm doing a little mini series! I loved seeing all the baby must-have lists floating around and sifting through them to see what I thought might relate to how I approach parenthood. I 100% embrace Amy Poehler's 'good for you, not for me' attitude, and won't be offended if you read through this series and think that very thing! 
  Before the series starts, I should preface with this: Without meaning to, I've become a sort of minimalist parent. We don't have tons of extra stuff hanging out and we kept our registry basic and bare. This surprised me a little, though it shouldn't. I'm kind of a simple person anyway- I don't have tons of clothes or accessories, so by default, Caleb doesn't either. Just enough and what he needs. But what he does have, we love and use the heck out of! 
  Come back tomorrow {and the next 4 Tuesdays} for some of my most favorite baby things- from nursing and sleeping to traveling and day-to-day. There may just be a little giveaway at the end of it all! 

Winter essentials.

cozy sweater {with elbow patches!} {similar}//sunny notecards//Anne of Green Gables {all three!}//a winter candle {similar}//a good tea//chapstick//a good book

  Oh heyyyy winter. With a few inches on the ground and schools cancelled a few days last week, it's probably about time I acknowledge that my least favorite season is here {but I'm coming to appreciate it more!}. I don't get super hung up on the temperature outside and don't really love talking about the weather {what's the point?}. But, I can't really ignore it either. So in an effort to embrace winter, I'm rounding up all my cold weather essentials. Cozy sweaters, books, chapstick, and handwritten letters. I'm finishing this for book club this week and on the hunt for next month's book- any suggestions? Also- DID YOU KNOW FRIENDS IS ON NETFLIX NOW? Yup. So that's going to taking up an afternoon {or 10} over the next few winter months. What can't you live without this time of year?  

Summer favorites. {2}

 It's been awhile since I've taken stock of my current favorites, so I figured it was time! I'm so predictable. The same candle from last summer made it on the list again {because seriously, it's amazing} and I'm loving those Old Navy tees more than ever {nursing friendly!} even though I didn't include them this time around. Also, I'm clearly obsessed with tea because it always shows up in some form. But here are a few of the things I've been loving this summer...

1// I just started this Bible study with friends, and while I'm not far enough in to really know how great it is, I really just love intentionally doing Bible studies with friends.
2// Justin bought me these new shoes as part of my anniversary gift last month and They. Are. So. Comfy. {and they're on sale!}
3// I was so unprepared for how hungry I would be with breastfeeding. You guys. I want all the food, all the time. These crackers are pretty much a staple during Caleb's nighttime feeding.
4// My sister gave me this cute necklace in the hospital right after Caleb was born. It has a little stamped C on it and I just love how subtle and simple it is. I wear it just about every day.
5// Justin seriously spoils me. Another part of my anniversary gift was this gorgeous watch. Also, I think I'm getting really, really into Kate Spade. And our bank account is on lock down. 
6// And we all know how much I love this candle. One of my top three favorites. That reminds me, I have an Anthro birthday reward burning a whole in my pocket. Guess who's stocking up on Volcano candles?
7// Last year I was obsessed with my garden zinnias. And while I still really love them, it's the cosmos that I can't get enough of this year. They have totally taken over my flower patch and they last forever as cut flowers.
8// I bought this vintage mason tumbler from Erin last year and it's my favorite for drinking iced green tea from...
9//...speaking of green tea! This one is my go-to. I love it hot in the colder months and iced in the summers. It's the same that Starbucks sells {or sold? Didn't they switch from Tazo?}
10// And, because you know I'm a binge show watcher, here's my current fav. Dawson's Creek. I know, I know. It's so 1998, but guys. It's kind of awesome. I never watched it when it was on TV and Netflix has the whole series and we don't have cable and I'm a stay at home mom = perfect storm. I'm almost done, though, so I'll be on the hunt for a new show soon enough. Suggestions?

What are you loving this summer? Have a favorite Bible study or show I should try out?