STATEMENT EARRINGS

Mood BoardAs a mama, getting myself dressed is usually something that takes place in record time. When we have somewhere to go – whether a birthday party or running errands around town – I never have as much time as I once did before children. I’ve learned to simplify my wardrobe, yet up my accessories game. On most days you can find me wearing a blousy t-shirt (usually white) and jeans (skinnies or cutoffs depending on the season). While the combination is fairly simple, it’s in the accessories that I like to play up the look – earrings especially. Earrings are such a great way to elevate your mama style. They add impact in such an easy way. I’ve completed a round-up of some of my favorite statement earrings. You can see Mignonne Gavigan and J.Crew are obvious favorites!

Shopping Details: Mignonne Gavigan Polly Earrings // Mignonne Gavigan Double Pom Pom Drop Earrings // J.Crew Beaded Flutter Earrings // MISA Ombre Tassel Earring // J.Crew Arty Sculpture Earrings // Mignonne Gavigan Mini Madeline Earrings // Bauble Bar Gabriela Fringe Drops // J. Crew Leather-Backed Sequin Petal Earrings // Mignonne Gavigan Rayna Earrings // Mignonne Gavigan Burst Earrings // Mignonne Gavigan Mary Hoop Earring // Elizabeth and James Stevie Earrings

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Outfit DetailsMignonne Gavigan Polly Earrings // Le Papier Studio Tiny Silhouette Charm Necklace // J.Crew Ruffle T-shirt (in store) // Gap true skinny jeans // Rose Gold Superga Sneaker

SPOTLIGHT: EVERBLOOM

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Have you ever tried leaving the house when your little has a queen-sized meltdown because errand-running can only happen in her finest costume? Cue Everbloom. If your little girls love to play dress-up, and often want to leave the house in their costumes, then Everbloom may be your new favorite brand! The collection allows the best of both worlds – whimsical accessories and clothing with amazing details mama can appreciate, yet pieces that still feel like magical costumes to your littles.

Everbloom is a charming collection of accessories and clothing each uniquely hand crafted. Every accessory is made in small batches or one-by-one using the finest materials new and old. Soft bamboo felt, wool felt, colorful wood beads, tiny cotton prints, ginghams, plaids and soft cotton jersey for tops and bottoms. Washed cotton styles with fine embroideries or embellishments add an element of surprise to the collection. This whimsical collection has been a staple in our house for a while now.

Outfit Details: Everbloom pompom headband // Everbloom dot capri leggings // Everbloom wink tank // Everbloom Lola skirt // Everbloom pompom headband // Everbloom dot capri leggings // Everbloom star tank // Everbloom Lola skirt // Everbloom tassel necklace (similar)

 

 

SUMMER BUCKET LIST

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Eloise and Charlotte Cate are officially finished with school, and summer is upon us! Today we wrote out our first-ever Summer bucket list, and we are ready to start checking things off the list! Compiling the list got the girls excited and helped to add some fun to the monotonous rainy days we’ve had over the past week. If you haven’t made a bucket list with your little ones, I highly recommend it!

I can’t believe Charlotte Cate will be starting Pre-K soon! I am trying to soak up every last minute of having the girls home together before they are both in “big” school. Even when they get sick of each other, we are going to make this the best summer yet!

 

SUMMER FUNOutfit Details: Everbloom Girls Cotton Sundress // Everbloom pompom headband // Everbloom dot capri leggings // Everbloom panda t-shirt // Everbloom Lola skirt // Everbloom pompom headband

MAMA+ME: RUFFLE SKIRTS

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Ruffles, usually a staple for little girls, have been popping up in mama’s fashions lately. It started with fluttery, cascading sleeves and has made its way to nearly all pieces in womenswear. One of my favorite trends right now is the ruffled midi skirt. It’s an easy piece to wear as a mama as it allows you to easily chase little ones while still elevating your style.

I love how the feminine, ruffled skirt pairs well with a variety of tops – from poplin button-downs and off-the-shoulder statement tops to simple graphic tees. The look also goes from day to night with a quick shoe change – sneakers to heels. Ruffles are so fun to wear right now! I love the playful, girly touch they add to classic pieces. This look is here to stay!

Shopping Details: Who What Wear for Target Women’s Ruffle Wrap Skirt // J.Crew Collection Ruffle Skirt in Striped Shirting Fabric // ASOS Wrap Midi Skirt in Cotton with Ruffle Hem (Khaki) // ASOS Tall Wrap Midi Skirt in Cotton with Ruffle Hem (Light Pink) // ASOS Wrap Midi Skirt in Cotton with Ruffle Hem (Pale Pink) // J.Crew Ruffle Wrap Skirt in Cotton Poplin

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IMG_2285IMG_2280Outfit Details: Dondolo Striped and Floral Bloomer Short Sets // Gold Salt Water Sweetheart Sandals // Gold Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lo Sneaker // ASOS Pink Ruffle Skirt // Gap White Poplin Shirt (similar) // Mignonne Gavigan Mary Hoop Earrings // Rose Gold Superga Sneaker // Le Papier Studio Tiny Silhouette Charm Necklace 

SPOTLIGHT: DONDOLO

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IMG_2285IMG_2280Dondolo has been one of our favorite children’s clothing lines for a while now. Their pieces are timeless and classic with the sweetest details you’ve ever seen – darling appliques, delicate ruffles, sweet bows, and some of the best floral fabrics around!

Even better, Dondolo is making a huge impact on mamas in Colombia. When you purchase their high quality pima cotton clothing, you are doing so much more than giving your child a timeless look. You are providing jobs to single mothers in Colombia, who stitch the clothing by hand. Proceeds from sales through Dondolo provide articles of clothing to children in Colombia who are deeply in need. Together, Dondolo and their customers are empowering motherhood.

Learn more about Dondolo’s mission here.

We adore these Dondolo striped and floral bloomer short sets for so many reasons. The details are impeccable – pink and white stripes, dreamy floral print, sweet bows, and buttons down the back! I’m a mama who loves a good sister set, and as my girls grow older, these sweet sets are harder and harder to find. I love the bloomer shorts because it gives me the bloomer look I love, while still feeling like shorts and appealing to my growing girls. The sleeveless top is perfect for our hot summers, too – keeping my girls cool and comfortable. Not only are these bloomer short sets precious, but also so practical! We love you, Dondolo!

Outfit Details: Dondolo Striped and Floral Bloomer Short Sets // Gold Salt Water Sweetheart Sandals // Gold Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lo Sneaker // ASOS Pink Ruffle Skirt // Gap White Poplin Shirt (similar) // Mignonne Gavigan Mary Hoop Earrings // Rose Gold Superga Sneaker // Le Papier Studio Tiny Silhouette Charm Necklace 

OUR FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS

IMG_3836We love books around here – board books, picture books, chapter books, fiction books, nonfiction book, the list goes on and on and on. Our love for children’s books really comes as no surprise as Eloise was named after the main character in one of my childhood favorite’s, Eloise.

As a preschool teacher, picture books and board books have always been important. I’ve always loved that my girls can sit for what seems forever to read and look through them. As Eloise has grown as a reader, it’s been fun to watch her share her love of reading with her sister. Often, I will find her reading to Charlotte Cate.

Story time has evolved in our home, and as a mama it makes my heart smile big. What once was a time led mostly by me, has turned into a time shared between my girls and me. It’s amazing to see them self-select books, read predictable texts, decode new words, make real-world connections, etc. Oftentimes, Eloise will fully lead story time now; it’s incredible to see her interaction with a book, and her ability to bring books alive for her sister.

I’ve completed a round-up of some of our favorite books throughout the years.

0-2 board2Shopping Details: Pantone Colors // First 100 Words // Goodnight Moon // A Night Night Prayer // Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? // Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? // This Little Piggy Went to Prada // You Are My Cupcake // Big Girl Panties // You Are My Sunshine // Teeth Are Not for Biting 

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Shopping Details: Jesus Loves Me! // Llama Llama Red Pajama // Press Here // Once Upon a Time // When Sophie Gets Angry — Really, Really, Angry // Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox // Baby Beluga // Down By the Bay // My First Book of Girl Power // Even Superheroes Have Bad Days

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Shopping Details: Little People, Big Dreams Coco Chanel // Madeline // Eloise // Chloe, instead // American Girl: Ultimate Visual Guide // The Bear Scouts // Pete the Cat Too Cool for School // Elephant and Piggie The Thank You Book // Henry and Mudge the First Book // Junie B. Jones First Grader (at last)

Here’s a video clip of Charlotte Cate “reading” Big Girl Panties, one of our favorites for zero to two-year-olds!

I’m always on the hunt for more books to build our little home library. Do y’all have any great recommendations? I’d love to try them out! Please share your favorites in the comments.

 

 

SPOTLIGHT: GUNNER & LUX

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Let me introduce you to LITTLE LUX, if you haven’t already heard of them. Dad [John] and daughter [Riley] are a precious duo who design and hand-create the cutest kids jewelry.

John began collecting vintage jewelry for Riley when she was born. He knew there would come a time when she would want to play “dress up.” Since neither of her dads wear jewelry, they began collecting a treasure chest full of amazing jewels. As Riley grew and developed her own fashion sense, she began picking out the jewels she wanted to keep.

John decided to craft his first one-of-a-kind adult necklace in early 2013. Riley watched, and soon was helping John create the first Gunner & Lux necklace. His first necklace was a success and began selling on-line and in local boutiques. Riley soon began helping dad craft necklaces. Dad thought it was great for fine motor development too – learning how to tie knots, use pliers and tweezers [as a preschool teacher, I, too, second this!].

Riley later developed her own line of necklaces for little fashionistas called LITTLE LUX. Not to mention, Riley is only seven, y’all. Riley and John, we love you!

PS: Their packaging is AMAZING. Talk about Happy Mail! With your order, Riley and John send a hand-written note, stickers, and other fun swag. To order, visit www.gunnerandlux.com. You can follow Riley and John’s adventures on Instagram @GUNNERANDLUX.

Outfit Details: LITTLE LUX necklaces // Cat & Jack for Target white tank (only $6) // Cat and Jack for Target pink eyelet shorts // Egg by Susan Lazar light wash denim pom short

 

PHOTOGRAPHING MY GIRLS

PHOTOGRAPHING MY GIRLS

Many of you have asked, “How do you get such great photos of your kids?” Trial and Error. I’ve always loved photography, but learning a DSLR takes lots of time and lots of practice. Especially with moving objects such as young children.

What camera do I shoot with?

I have a Canon T6i. I’m obsessed with its ease of use, and the wifi capability is a game-changer! Using the Canon app, I’m able to upload photos directly to my iPhone. This feature is especially helpful on vacations or special events when I need that instant gratification and the ability to share with others quickly.

Previously, I had a Canon XTi, which I loved, but wanted some updated features and capabilities that the T6i offered.

While I do think the camera is important, the lens is equally, if not more, important. I do not shoot with the included kit lens; they just don’t give me the photos my heart desires. Good lenses are investments. But keep in mind that your lenses can be used with future cameras. I suggest investing in a lens that stays open at 2.8 when zoomed in. It’s pricey, but that’s what it takes to achieve the results you want.  Continue reading “PHOTOGRAPHING MY GIRLS”

SPOTLIGHT: MACK + RO ILLUSTRATIONS

SPOTLIGHT: MACK + RO ILLUSTRATIONS

Mother’s Day seems like the most appropriate day to introduce all you mamas to Mack + Ro Illustrations. As a mama, precious artwork that reminds me of my girls gives me all the feels! Thanks to Instagram, I stumbled upon her artwork, and it was love at first sight! She is super talented, y’all.

Artist Jen is mother to two boys – Macklin and Ronan. She says, “Creativity has always been my life source. It motivates me, gives me energy, and fills my heart and soul. My hope is that these illustrations bring you as much joy as they brought me while painting them!”

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How does it work?

Before placing your order, you’ll need to pick out a photo of “your people”.

Some tips when it comes to your photo:

  • It is helpful to have a “full length” photo where everyone’s whole body is included (head to toe).
  • The picture should have people dressed in the clothes you want painted.
  • Don’t worry about the setting – it will not be included in the painting.
  • If you’d like to send Jen your photo before placing your order to make sure it works, please send to: mackandroshop@gmail.com. She is able to complete everything over email, which is super helpful for busy mamas!

All paintings are on professional watercolor paper sized 5.5 x 8.5″.

Jen has created a special code for all Mama etc. readers! Use code MAMAETC for 10% off your purchase. 

I absolutely adore the two portraits she did of my girls (You may recognize their suits from my sister, sister post). Thank you so much, Jen! And Happy Mother’s Day!

KALE YEAH

IMG_0121Would you judge me if I told you I’ve eaten the same thing for dinner for eight weeks? Good. Because I’d guess I’ve eaten the same kale salad 5 out of 7 nights a week for the past eight weeks. And nine weeks ago, had you told me I’d be eating kale salads as much as I have, I’d laugh in your face and roll my eyes.

Eight weeks ago, my sister-in-law challenged me to start Kayla Itsines’ #bbg. That’s for another day, but the challenge did influence how I eat. I’ve been much more thoughtful with what I put in my body. Luckily, I had recently been introduced to this delicious salad and homemade dressing from a friend just weeks before starting #bbg. I knew if I added it to our meal planning, I’d be on the track to healthier living.

I’m about to let you in on how good this dinner is. Y’all, it’s on another level of good. It will make a kale eater out of all you non-believers. Believe me, I was on team anti-kale a few weeks ago.

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IMG_0104Lemon Honey Dressing

  • 1/2 cup on freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice (2 medium sized lemons + 2 small limes // lemons and limes can be substituted for any citrus)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  1. In a pyrex measuring cup, squeeze lemons and limes.
  2. Add honey, salt, and pepper.
  3. Whisk.
  4. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and continue whisking until emulsified.

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(Do you see those sweet little Eloise hands? She loves to help us in the kitchen.)

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Kale Salad

  • baby kale
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 cucumber
  • handful of sunflower seeds
  • handful of dried cranberries
  • lemon honey dressing
  1. Chop baby kale, avocado, and cucumber.
  2. Add handful of sunflower seeds and handful of dried cranberries.
  3. Pour lemon honey dressing and stir until combined.

We always have a protein sliced and served atop this salad. Ideas range from chicken breasts, shrimp, salmon, red fish, steak, etc. Really there’s no bad combination. Enjoy, y’all!