New Necessities

 Before having our second little bean I had a list of things that I wanted to “do over” or try for the first time since having our first son. For example, I wanted to really try hard to breast feed Baby E, I wanted to do more baby wearing, or I wanted to be more aware of the products I used on baby and look for alternative solutions to certain ailments…The list goes on. I’ve been successful at meeting some of these wants, others I’ve found just don’t fit my lifestyle or are just over-ambitious for the time being with two littles. In the process of figuring all of this out, I’ve found some new favorite go to baby items that Im finding I couldn’t live without this time around. A couple post back, I posted my baby essentials (HERE) having gone through round one. Here are some of my new found favorites that I highly recommend:

:Clockwise:

1. Solly Baby Wrap in Grey Stripe: These carriers are so soft with the perfect amount of stretch. I’ve tried a few wraps and this one is the one he liked the best. It took me and Baby E a few times to get the hang of wearing in general but he loves this wrap and so do I. It doesn’t hurt that they have a wide array of pretty colors.

2. Doterra Essential Oils: Baby E has acid reflux, just like his brother did. I wanted to try an alternative to just giving him medicine since that didn’t help his brother a whole lot by itself. I remember looking into Essential oils when Myles was little and found a good baby blend for acid reflux (lavender+Roman Chamomille+Fractionated Coconut oil). From them on, I kind of got hooked on EOs and have found them helpful for other ailments.

3. Summer Infant SwaddleMe: We came upon the swaddle me by accident. We never thought we needed these because our swaddle game is pretty solid since our first born. However my mom and dad bought us a set and they tried it one day when they were babysitting. They said he loved it and his sleep improved…those were the magic words and we’ve never turned back.

4. The Happy Sleeper: I’ve read my fair share of baby sleep books. This was a big topic that I was very skeptical on trying to learn more about because frankly, it drove me insane trying to sleep train my first son and in the end, it was touch and go so my approach to sleep with Baby E was going to be different. I saw this book recommended and reviewed on the Oh Joy! blog so I thought I’d give it a try. Im so glad I did. The approach of this book is more realistic to me and they set attainable expectations for the different ages of your little ones. I’ve been experimenting with their processes with Baby E these bast month and a half, and he is doing really well! He’s not sleeping through the night yet, but I believe we are laying down the proper building blocks to help him self soothe and most importantly, Im still calm about the whole process!!

5. Wee Gallery Art Cards: The cute cards are Baby E’s favorite. My cousin introduced me to them and Im so glad I got a set for Baby E. He starts flailing his arms and legs and squeals once I start showing them to him. The high contrast art is so appealing to babies and they would make great nursery artwork!!

6. Honest Company bottom spray & body oil: My same cousin recommended the body oil as a safe alternative to the J&J baby oil. It smells so good and leaves his skin so smooth. When I bought the oil I also thought I’d give the diaper bottom spray a try too. Baby E really likes it when I use the spray on him. He feels so fresh and content after those changings.

7. Baby Gap Canvas Emoji Book:  How Cut is this book. I always have it in my bag for a little emergency entertaining when I tote along Baby E. The bright colors of all the faces always grab his attention. I can’t wait until he’s older and I can see him grab and tug on the book when he plays.

What are some of your unexpected baby faves?

xoxo

Anna

Two Months In

Its been Two months now to the day since our newest been “Baby E” has graced us with his presence. Now let me just come out and say it…in all honesty… contrary to what almost everyone has told me, “I do not have it all figured out!”

Ever since I started showing with baby E in my belly to this very day, conversations usually go like this:

person A: “Oh when are you due?” / “Oh how old is the little one?”

Me: Respective answer

person A: “is this your first one?”

Me: NO, I have another son at home

person A: “oh so you’ve got it all figured out!” / “Oh so you know how everything is done already!”

Me: (insert reluctant giggle and swift exit)

As supportive as those strangers were trying to be, those words always sent a piercing worry down my spine. I’d start questioning myself, do I have it figured out? Probably not! Why do I feel this lingering pressure that just because I’ve been down that road before that I should now know what to do? When in fact…truth be told…I didn’t know what to do .

I have a two year old with a new one coming and yup, I felt CLUELESS! Ok yeah i knew how to change a diaper and swaddle (somewhat) and all that stuff, but being confident that I could properly, care for, nurture, provide for, entertain this new little one? well that feeling wasn’t all there yet. And after two months of being with this little bean, I’ll be the first one to say that it still isn’t all there yet

But what I have learned from my first go around and dealing with the added pressure of people expecting me to know it all, is that its ok to not feel confident in all of that yet. I think that if you were completely confident in all your abilities as a new mom, or a second/third go around mom, and you weren’t worried about what lies ahead on your road of parenthood, then I’d be worried for you. This worry, this doubt in your innate abilities as a mom, in the end, is a sign that you care, that you want to make sure you do your absolute best for your little one and its what drives you to learn, to embark on that daily journey in studying your little one’s every move. The worry, the fear, its natural and what Im trying to be better at this time around is to use it productively and not let it cripple me.

I had a unique experience when my first son was born. My Dad was gracious enough to spend that time off I had during maternity leave with me to help me out. Hubby wasn’t able to stay home because he had a new job at the time. But my Dad was there day and night (yes night time wakings too) and he was a great blessing! I was able to rest, get some stuff done in the house, step away when I needed to. In turn, my son still to this day is forever attached to my dad #bestiesforever (it is the cutest thing ever) but when my second little one came, It really felt like it was my first go around at this new parent stuff- doing it “all on our own”. My husband was able to stay home with me for the first month and a half, and as tiring as it was (and still is) it was so much fun trying to figure it out together. On top of that trying to figure out how to manage life with two kids (still work in progress lol). Hubby went back to work last week and I embarked on a new part of the journey – doing it “all on my own”. This is the first time I stayed home with bebe all by myself. Im a big girl-parent now! and as daunting as it still is, and as much as I am still trying to figure out, I look forward to it.

So yes, my name is Annaliese and I am a second time mom but No, I don’t have it all figured out and I wouldn’t have it any other way

xoxo

Anna

Art Feature: Parima Creative Studios

I Love discovering new original artist that have a great aesthetic and simple but pretty look and feel. I tend to gravitate to whimsy, pretty, somewhat abstract art with bold colors and patterns.

So of course I fell in love with Parima Studios’ creations when I first spotted them on Instagram.

I first spotted Patricia Vargas’ awesomeness when I spotted her flamingo print in someones IG post.  I instantly became hooked when I saw all her other creations. The best part is that you don’t need to break the bank for these original prints. They would add a great degree of classiness and POP to any gallery wall, desktop, or living space. Take a peek and snag your favorites!!

Her Inspirational Quote prints are great as well (above) as are her free desktop calendar downloads. I get mine every month! Here is the one for August

Keep up the great work Patricia

  

 

*All photos images are property of Partricia Vargas of Parima Creative Studios

xoxo

Annaliese

Bebe Season

bebe essentials

While most of you darlings are claiming “wedding season” …. I am declaring this Bebe Season!! I have gotten so much wonderful news from family and friends alike about little bundles of joy that are on the way for them. It such an exciting time for all of them and you know who you are =)

With all the recent baby news, Ive been getting asked about what some of my fave baby products are since Myles is now well into his toddler-hood (which I will save for another post)…more specifically, what were the items we couldnt live without. I realized that I never really got a chance to share that with all of you so I thought it would make a fun post to celebrate all the exciting news.

With that said, Myles is our first baby and with that came the stereotypical…”buy everything in the baby store syndrome”…we definitely did that! But hubby and I were very particular with some of the items we got for him and I of course was more particular on the style of many of those items lol. But out of all the knick knacks, doo-dads, random crap we got. Here are my picks for our favorite items. These things we definitely could not live without when we finally had the little nugget. Enjoy!!

Left to Right
1. Baby Bjorn Bouncer – Myles lived in this for like 6 months. He had silent reflux and this was the only position we could get him to eat in because he was so comfy.
2. Bringing Up Bebe – A fun read to add humor to your new journey of mama hood. also gives a different perspective
3. Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller – Glides so smoothly!
4. Freshly Picked Mocassins – one word “obsessed” Pefect first baby shoes but I still buy them for Myles.
5. Skip Hop Diaper bag – Lets be honest, I have a lot of “diaper bags” but this one is great because its classic and practical at the same time without looking too much like a diaper bag. The subtle Gold accents make it look a bit more special
6. Becco Gemini Carier – So comfy and you can wear it inward facing, outward facing, side hip and on the back. Myles still loves it.
7. 4Moms Breeze playpen – This to me is the play pen of playpends, its modular simple design lives up to its name because it is a breeze to open and close and move around. It also has an infant inset which myles slept in for the first 7 months of his life
8. Ubi Diaper Pail – No Stink and practical. It uses any trash bag and is barely even there.
9. Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddles– A classic Swaddle. To us these were the best swaddle blankets, Large enough to do different swaddles, Thin enough so that bebe wont be sweating up a storm and very versatile for othe uses.

Organized: Truffle-ing

I am a sucker for organizing and products make it that much easier for you. A bonus would be a product that looks good and makes your stuff look good too. That is why I love these One truffle pouches. Designed with your items in mind. These lovelies are popping up all over instagram with people showing off their Truffle stuffed with their goodies….usually well thought out items that when paired together with other cutesie items in your truffle, make for a cute little showcase…and instagram photo =)

On a practical side, these pouches are great with their durable construction and clear pouch, you can see what you need to get without shuffling through the deep abyss of your bag. With sleek dimensions and great sizes that are meant to fit tablets, documents, shampoo bottles, you can see why these pouches are so versatile and wont take up a lot of space in your bag. On their website right now, they are doing 25% off three pouches….you know whos headed over there right now to grab some?…THIS gal!

I plan to use them as a great go to pouch to throw in my bag with some baby essentials making it easy for me to switch between bags. How would you use it?

BTW these make awesome Christmas presents or stocking stuffers for the organizer, traveler, or big bag hoarder in your life…just saying!

xoxo

Annaliese

• One truffle website: here

• And follow them on Instagram to see the styled photos im talking about!

Brrr its cold in here: Sweater Roundup

Its not officially winter yet but it sure does feel like it already. And this Cali girl is freezing her buns off! I usually just want to wrap up in some really warm sweats, a cozy sweater and fuzzy slipper….alas, since I can step out of the house like that. some comfy crew neck sweatshirts will have to do. I have a ton of favorites…too many to count so I wanted to do a little round up on my favorite and fun, accessible sweaters. Go pick them up now!!

I love how sweaters are definitely a great go-to piece to just throw on with some jeans or even a skirt! and you don’t have to feel like your are skimping out on style. Have fun with it! and with places like forever 21 and target having a lot of cute affordable options…there’s no reason to choose. you can get one of each (well that’s my theory anyways)

1. Celfie sweater

2. Girl on Fire Sweater

3. Oh la la

4. C’est La Vie Sweater

5. Lips Sweater

6. llama sweater.

xoxo

Annaliese

Wedding Trends 2013: Ombre Cake

Well hello Loves!! How is everyone enjoying their summer? I hope you didnt think I forgot about L+K… and most importantly, about the third wedding trend of 2013. Sorry for the Hiatus, I switched jobs and had to take care of some Childcare situations for the bebeb.

Today’s trend is mouth watering goodness…yet too pretty to think about eating. If you’ve been looking at the same stuff I have, there is no mistake that Ombre cakes are a big hit this year. Can someone say “trend alert” ! Bakers are getting very creative and their creations are absolutely beautiful. They range from elaborate ombre layering, to minimalistic or geometric details. Either way, I’m a big fan. You can see my Ombre Roundup above….these are just some of my faves.

And of course, I always love to offer a modified version. If you are not into the ombre look on the outside of your cake, you can always go ombre “inside.” Guests will have such a pretty looking suprise when your servers place that cake plate in front of them and they see those wonderful hues of cake.

Have any of you had an ombre cake for your wedding or party? please share!! I would love to see it!

Cheers

xoxo

Annaliese

Wedding Trends 2013: Braided Tresses

 

Happy Friday Everyone!

I hope you had a fabulous week. I am super excited for this weeks Wedding Trend and have been waiting all week to share it with you. I love love braids and I love how they are becoming a main staple for wedding hair in 2013…they’re all over the place! Braids are so playful and delicate, whimsical and dainty, it’s no wonder they are so popular for weddings. There are many ways you can incorporate

There are many ways you can incorporate lovely braids into your wedding tresses. Check out some of our favorite inspirations.

{photo boards by me on Polyvore}

Til next week…for our next wedding trend of 2013

xoxo

Annaliese

Weekend Wardrobe Roundup

Hello Lovelies!
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and ready for what I hope to be a splendid week ahead. It’s a big week for me as I head back to work after 4 months of Maternity Leave.

So the hubby and I def tried to make the most of this weekend especially with the awesome weather. On the Agenda: Dinner night out with my two boys Friday night, a fun play date out with some of our friends and kiddos, and then brunch time with my sissy. Hope you enjoy the outfits!

Outfit Deets:
1) Green skinnies: Joes Jeans, Gap striped t-shirt, Forever 21 cardigan, aerosoles sandals, Kate spade bag
2) Cynthia Rowley anchor blouse, H& M jeans, Necklace from random Jewelry boutique, Steve Madden Gladiator Sandals, LV tote (aka diaper bag)
3) Tory Burch Cardigan, Forever 21 Coral Blouse, Joes Jeans, Nine West Sandals

Xoxo
Annaliese

Wedding Trends 2013: Mint

 

Spring is in full bloom and along with it comes Wedding Season!!…Which is why this months theme is Wedding Trends! I am in love with all the fresh Minty inspiration popping up in the wedding scenes. So cool and classy, you can showcase the minty hues in modern, vintage, or classic styled celebrations. It can be your main color throb or a fresh accent. However you choose to use it, this color is definitely here to stay all year long!

Need a little inspiration? Check out a few different ways you can whip up a little mint into your wedding.

 

Stay tuned next week for another Wedding Trend here on the blog!

xoxo

Annaliese

{Boards made by me on: Polyvore : Pictures from Pintrest}