Tis the season for holiday parties! Not sure what to bring for the host? Here are some go-tos. Pro tip: keep extra on hand for last minute gatherings!
cocktail napkins | dish towel set | candle | cheese knives
penguin towel | cheese markers | chocolates
And of course, there’s always the bottle of champagne option 😉
Happy Holidays!
xoxo
December is here, elf is on the shelf, and it’s time to get festive! To get you in the mood, take 50% off with code HOLIDAY at Juniper Lemons!
That means…
reindeer slippers only $10!?!!
penguin slippers only $8!?!!
necklaces for $20!?!!
reindeer sweater only $18!?!!
And more! Hurry though, sizes are limited and we want to get your goodies shipped stat!
xoxo
ash+aj
We had Bella Life take our first family photos with baby Lawton a few weeks ago and I’m loving how they turned out! Choosing coordinating outfits for pics is tough. And it was especially challenging this time since I don’t yet fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes. I thought I’d share some helpful “rules” that I follow when picking out group photo outfits.
Since you probably planned the photoshoot, you should feel happy about what you’re wearing! In my case, I was feeling self-conscious about my post-baby body and nothing fit. I found this charcoal midi dress at Zara used it as my starting point.
Stick to mostly solid color outfits. Different textures are fine, but mixing multiple patterns can make the pics feel busy. I fell in love with Denton’s sweater and so it became the one patterned piece.
The outfits should color-coordinate with each other, but not be matchy-matchy. In this case, I used the colors from Denton’s sweater as the palate. The rust color shows up in my shoes, Lawton’s blanket, and Pavel’s shoes and belt. The cream is repeated in Lawton’s onesie, and the light-gray in Pavel’s sweater.
Consider your surroundings. Don’t wear a sundress in the snow, or a ski outfit to the beach. And similarly, don’t have one person in shorts and a t-shirt and another in a sweater and jeans.
A few days before the photoshoot, make sure the outfits are clean and set aside. This will make sure they’re ready to go for picture day! It sounds silly, but when trying to get everyone dressed and out the door on time, you’ll be glad you did.
And then enjoy your beautiful photos!
xoxo
-ash
It’s gift-giving season!! YAY! Don’t know what to get her? Whether “her” is your mom, sister, girlfriend, wife, or dinner host — here are some ideas for inspiration. Remember: gift giving should be fun, not stressful!
hat | luggage tag | candle | sweater | makeup palette | shower cap
uggs | cheese markers | hair dryer | cozy throw
HAPPY GIVING!
xoxo
-ash
reindeer sweater | hat | boots | sweater onesie
Another year, another trip to Rancho Siempre Verde tree farm! This was our third visit to RSV, and it never disappoints. See past posts here(2017) and here(2016). The weather wasn’t great, and the toddler and newborn presented new challenges; but we found our perfect tree and made some new memories.
That said, I learned some things and now have some tips for tree ranching with kids:
It was raining off and on, and mud was everywhere. By the end of the visit our toddler wasn’t the only one looking a mess. Take group pics when you arrive while you’re still looking somewhat fresh!
I really thought I was on the ball packing a change of shoes for Denton (19 mos) and myself. What I failed to realize is that toddlers don’t stay on their feet. By the time we left the farm, Denton was so soaked with mud that he rode home wearing nothing but a clean diaper and a blanket.
The hat was a happy accident for me. It’s hard keeping your balance sliding around in mud while holding a newborn and chasing a toddler! Add in the intermittent sun and misty rain and it’s a real challenge. Having a hat to keep the sun, rain, and hair out of my face was YASSS!
We had planned to stop for a late lunch at one of our fave restaurants on our way back to the city. However, by the time we left the farm, we were tired from toddler chasing and Denton had no clothes. Next year we’ll pack a picnic so that we can sit and eat while the kids roll around in the mud.
I brought spare shoes, but no bags to put the muddy ones in– let alone Denton’s soaked clothes. Oops.
Ever since Denton started trying to feed himself, I have had an OxiClean Gel Stick on the washer at the ready. As soon as we got home from the farm, I used the oxiclean on his little jeans and they’re good as new. It also works wonders on tomato sauce and chocolate.
***
Next year we’ll be more prepared! And please let me know if you’ve got any pro-tips I’ve missed!
xoxo
-ash
One month down! It seems baby Lawton’s first month flew by way faster than it did with baby Denton (who’s now 19 months!!). In some ways caring for a little seems waaaay easier this time around. I’m definitely more confident and comfortable with a newborn now, and with a toddler we’re already in parent mode so there’s less of a “oh —- what have we done!?!” feeling. And I’ve got my fave baby items…
Max + Moose
Halo
Max + Moose blanket | Halo sleepsack
Max + Moose makes the coziest swaddle blankets. They’re the perfect size with just the right amount of stretch to keep your little all snuggled up.
The Halo sleepsack is what we use for nighttime sleep. It’s great for growing babies because you can swaddle their arms down when their tiny, and let them free as they get older. And once they start rolling around at night, the sleepsack keeps them warm and cozy all night.
Baby Gap
Zara Kids and Mini
sweater one-piece | sherpa booties | reindeer sweater
Gap has been a go-to for almost all of Denton, and now Lawton’s, clothing staples. Their long-sleeve onesies are super soft, and their denim is adorable. And it seems like Gap is pretty much always having a great sale!
As Denton has gotten older I’ve been buying him more clothes at Zara Kids. Their sweaters are irresistibly cute, and now there’s a Mini line for little babies!!
Uppababy
Babyzen
Uppababy vista | Babyzen yoyo 0+ | Babyzen yoyo 6+
I’ve got all of these strollers and I love them! The Uppababy vista converts to a two-seater for growing families, and has a compatible bassinet and carseat. And the basket is big for shopping!
The Babyzen yoyo is light-weight and folds down super small. It is the absolute best for traveling! You just need to buy one stroller frame, and then add on the bassinet and/or seat kit.
One month and counting…
xoxo
-ash
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