Friday, June 29, 2018

Summer Maternity Picks

By request, my current summer maternity wardrobe. I am just entering my 3rd trimester... crazy! All of these options have been late 2nd trimester bump friendly and expect I will wear the remainder of my pregnancy. It was much easier to dress and buy fewer maternity clothes during the winter when I was expecting Lexi. I lived in black leggings and tank tops with cardigans. She was born in April, so I really only had a month of "spring" and got by with just a couple of things.

These are all pieces that I currently own available online and wear in rotation along with cardigans and open button downs I already have. I can't even begin to tell you how many maternity orders I have sent back since most stores only carry maternity online.

If you are looking for office attire, I recommend checking out LOFT. They are having a 40% off sale for the weekend. (Tip - Since they don't accept maternity returns in store, contact customer service to credit you any return shipping charges.) Overall, Old Navy is my go to for basic tanks and dresses. Lastly, I have "splurged" on some shorts from Pea in the Pod - these under belly chambray shorts are my weekend staple.

Lastly, not included in the roundup below is this striped sweater. It's been great for chilly days and know I will get use out of it when nursing.



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Tuesday, June 26, 2018

10 Off the Registry Baby Gifts



I'm very excited to have a few close friends that are expecting in the next few months along with me. For showers I typically buy products on the registry but also like to add in something special or gift something separately not on their list.  I've thought back to what I loved most for Lexi off the registry and rounded up my top picks. They each hold their own as a single gift (oil, bow or teether would be perfect for a colleague or new friend), combine a few for that special mom-to-be.... or treat yourself and baby!

A couple of my friends are not finding out the gender, which inspired me to keep this almost gender neutral. Even though I am soon to be a boy mom, I always gravitate to pink and bows. 

I especially loved this wrap for around the house when Lexi was a newborn. I preferred the Baby Bjorn carrier when I was out and about since it was less fuss to put on and sturdier, but I did use this on occasional outings. The grey stripe is the perfect gender neutral gift (therefore always backordered.... don't wait until last minute). Available at The Tot or Solly Baby

A friend gave these to me at my shower and I ended up buying Lexi a new pair each time she outgrew them up until she was a year old. They truly do stay on and no socks required. My other favorite were Zutano booties.

I keep Lexi's on her bookshelf... they double as decor. Unfortunately this shop is discontinuing their blocks, find a similar set here 

By far my favorite product that I used for Lexi when she was a newborn. You can be assured that all the ingredients in these products are safe for baby! Beautycounter has a baby set that makes a great gift, but if I have to choose one product it would be the oil for after bath. You can place your order through me here or contact me for special pricing on your first order.

Like I said I tried to keep this roundup gender neutral... but couldn't resist my favorite new bow find. You really can't have enough options as a girl mom! The soft headband won't dent baby's head. The Splendid Bow Shop is another one to check out. Both brands have cute seasonal prints. 

I credit these pacifier clips and teethers as an Instagram find when Lexi was a newborn. I was amazed to see how much Loulou Lollipop has grown in the past two years from Etsy to it's own shop and several larger retailers, like Nordstrom

Can you really have enough stuffed animals? Never. This brand is so soft and carried at higher end department stores and boutiques. You really can't go wrong! There is one for every budget. The bunnies are especially popular - and if you have time can monogram the ear. 

One of my favorite gifts at my shower was a pink Tiffany piggy bank. The elephant and duck are gender neutral and the pig comes in blue and pink. 

I had this hoodie in every size for Lexi until she turned two. I especially love the seasonal stripe versions (surprise). A set would make a great gift, year round. 

Lexi's coming home outfit was Kissy Kissy... love this brand of Pima cotton. Also check out Sammy + Nat. While Lexi wore zip ups from Carter's 90% of the time, I did enjoy having a few luxe onesies in the mix. 


Do you have a go-to-gift for moms-to-be?

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Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Palm Beach Chic: Paige Gemmel

Cocktail Napkins: PinkLionDog. Tray: Target
Bottle Opener: Juliska (retired). Glass: Juliska. 2" Ice Cube Tray: Cocktailier

When I discovered Paige Gemmel through Instagram I immediately fell in love with her designs. Where have I been? If you love Chinoiserie and Palm Beach-esque decor then you have likely seen her work as well. I bought these cocktail napkins as soon as they hit her Etsy shop, PinkLionDog (and sold out quickly). When not in use they are displayed on my bar cart. Her shop has prints, pillows and more.





If you need Palm Beach decor inspiration, this One Room Challenge from The Pink Clutch will provide plenty.


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Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Scenes from the Weekend / Cape Cod


Missing the Cape! We spent a long weekend visiting Ted's family in Harwich. My sister-in-law, niece and nephew are visiting from Colorado for the summer. Depending on traffic (and how many stops we make) it takes about 4 hours from Connecticut. It can be rough but more than worth it once we arrive.

Pajamas: Roller Rabbit. Tote: Monogram Mary.

We left Thursday night around Lexi's bedtime... timing is key on these drives. For the ride back in the evening she napped and then watched Frozen on her Kindle. If anyone has Kindle suggestions for 2-year olds... please share.

Sweatshirt: The Black Dog. Shirt: J. Crew. Sunglasses: Quay

First order of business.... new Black Dog zip-up sweatshirt. Most of my sweatshirts are pullover and therefore barely fitting over my 26-week belly. These sunglasses are $55 and continue to be a favorite from last summer.

Lexi's Shorts: Gap. Shirt: Old Navy.

The weather cleared up on Friday so we could take in some of the beach before dinner. Lexi and I were twinning in our stripes... not unusual.

Swimsuit: Cat & Jack. Bow: Willow Crowns.

Love this little two-piece suit I found for Lexi at Target. Would also love any recommendations for durable beach toys... so many broke and the summer just started!

Maternity Shorts: A Pea in the Pod. Maternity Tank: Old Navy: Sandals: TKEES.

Dress: Anavini (Wiggles & Giggles in Darien). Bow: Wee Ones. Sandals: Salt Water.


One of my best friends was also on the Cape for the weekend. (She introduced me to the Cape when we were in college.... lots of fun nights at the Squire.) We stopped by to see her in Chatham before heading over to Main Street for treats. I have to laugh when Lexi says no photos.... get used to it, girl.


Lexi and her cousin Charlotte, 4, kept each other very busy over the weekend. It was basically impossible getting a photo of the both of them!

Would love to hear your favorite things to do in the Harwich/Chatham area. I think this is the first trip we didn't visit CBI!

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