Mom's Grown Up Christmas List

Whenever someone asks for my Christmas wishlist, this song gets stuck in my head...

Admit you, you thought about this song too, and if not, you will now.

I honestly don't have many wishes this year, and most of what I want actually counts as stuff for the house instead of just for me, and honestly it's a true wishlist.
I'd love a new living rug, one like this or this, since the kids have destroyed the one we have over the past 3 years.
 I'd love if the fence around my house actually went all the way around my house.
I'd love electric plugs in the basement.
I can't wait to tile our backsplash. I fell in love with the blue color of this glass tile, but so far it's a no go- this one might be pretty too.
I'd love a new sofa -- I'm particularly obsessed with beige 3 seat sofas but a standard Ikea Ektorp wouldn't be bad either.
I'd love a side board/server/hutch for my kitchen, that could go next to our desk. We have a great gallery wall and I'd love to have a piece to anchor and offer storage so I'm not always going down stairs for my fancier dishes, etc.

And I'm so hard to shop for clothes for. I'm so picky. However, I took advantage of great sales and just bought basically a new wardrobe-- new pants and tops and shoes! I spent under $150 for all of it so I'm happy to do it myself and get the things I love for super low prices! And did I mention I bought new slippers?! I can't wait for those to come in the mail!

I did say I'd come up with a few things I really want under my tree so...

A Kendra Scott Elisa necklace. Honestly, the one I want doesn't exist but thankfully, Kendra Scott allows you to use the color bar and create your own! I'd do a Rhodium plated with either the Dichroic glass or the Emerald Kyocera Opal. Both are so gorgeous!

Taylor Swift tickets. Don't judge me. I am loving her new album.  I saw her over 10 years ago and then stayed away but after Reputation, I'd love a seat as a Christmas gift!

A Heat Press or the Cricut Easy Press. I've been having so much fun using my Cricut machine to make shirts for Emmalee and Tyler, but it's difficult using the iron to apply as much pressure as I need. The Easy Press is new and people seem to love it, but it's only 9" by 9".  However, it's super portable and since I'm often carrying things up from my basement to the kitchen table to work-- it would be so convenient! There are so many heat presses on Amazon for around the same price (or less!), like this one, this one, and this one that have a bigger area, but I'd honestly be happy with either!

An Instant Pot. It seems like everyone has one lately and honestly, I held back since I love my crockpot but so many mornings I forget to set it up and then I'm scrambling for dinner. With an Instant Pot, I could throw in frozen chicken and still have a delicious meal shortly after!

A Kitchenaide Stand Mixer, either a classic or a mini, but honestly, the classic seems to be less than the mini everywhere I look! I'd love a silver or matte grey one to go with my kitchen, but I'm not choosy! My husband bought me a stand mixer a few years back but, unfortunately, the beaters didn't go down far enough in the bowl so if I only had a couple egg whites in it that needed beating, the blade didn't reach! I had to hold the bowl up in the air and that really defeated the purpose of having a stand mixer!

A hand lettering kit. I love hand lettering and would love to actually get better at it! Kits like this one and this one (and obviously some markers to go with) would be awesome to find under the tree!

However, there are a few things that won't fit under the tree that I'd love. I'm a big fan of experiences as gifts and I'd be so excited to find out I was going to have my palm read or would be able to attend a cake decorating class (like at Michael's), or a cooking class (either fun with my friends or romantic with the husband!), or a photography or hand lettering class. There are so many on Eventbrite, I'm sure I could find something local! Honestly, a night of free babysitting so Dave and I could grab a drink would be more than enough!

I know I'm getting old since I have such a boring Christmas wishlist but I kind of love it! What are you asking for?

xo, Heather

Getting Pretty with Top Tier Style

Dress provided by Top Tier Style, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

We've finally reached some cooler temperatures up here in New England. It was only 50 degrees this morning! I actually love the Fall, the crispness in the air and the colors of the leaves changing... I love it. However, my favorite part of Fall is the clothes. I am obsessed with Fall wardrobes. Give me cardigans, knee high socks, and Hunter boots and I am a happy girl.

As someone who is right in between a "normal" size and a "plus" size, it's not always easy to find clothes that fit the way I want them too.  Many XLs in "normal" stores are too small but the smallest plus size clothing is still too big. It's so frustrating.

Even more frustrating is bringing my kids to a store with me when I want to try on clothes. Seriously the worst.  It gets bad when I'm trying to look at all the clothes on the rack. It gets even worse when I'm trying to actually try on clothes and little voices start laughing saying "I can see your underwear!" and "Mom's butt is showing!"I always wonder who else is in the changing rooms listening...

Thankfully I discovered a new site called Top Tier Style. It has so much stuff. Like everything you might want to purchase as far as clothing is on that site.  While there is not a distinct "Plus Size" section, many of the styles run into the 1X, 2X and 3X sizes. My favorite of these items was this gorgeous floral dress I found!

Now I don't get dressed up often, but I love the versatility of this. It's simple enough to wear to work but fancy enough to wear out to dinner.  It's comfortable enough that I could even play and dance with Emmalee in it! I seriously want to order it in every colorway now and thanks to Top Tier Style's super easy and amazing return policy, it will be okay if it doesn't fit exactly as I hoped and will save me from a few more embarrassing dressing room comments!

xo, Heather

The bohemian dress in this review was provided by Top Tier Style. If you would like to purchase your own use the coupon code BLOG15 for 15% OFF everything on their store!

Getting Pretty at Salon V Beauty Lounge

Can I start off by saying I love that I have a job where I follow my dreams?
You may or may not know that I just took a super scary jump and changed from the familiarity of teaching English to high school students to being a Special Education teacher for those same kids! I've always wanted to get into Special Education, knowing that one day I want to be an administrator, but it's scary leaving something safe and comfortable for something unknown!

I'm super excited to announce that my friend also made a huge jump this year-- leaving education and opening up her own salon! Granted, she was a vocational teacher in the cosmetology department so it's not a huge jump... but owning your opening up your own business is crazy! This isn't like me and my shampoo, you know, where it's just me and my box of samples in my living room... her new salon is a full out brick and mortar and I'm obsessed for her!

Vanessa has been doing my hair for almost 2 years now. I fell in love with her and her love of color and haven't gone to anyone since.  She's turned my hair a gorgeous ashy brown, a super fun platinum blonde, and even put pink streaks in my girl's hair! I trust her more than anyone else I know so I was determined to be one of her first clients in her new space!

It's gorgeous to walk into...

It's calm and fun all at the same time.  Vanessa is a classy kind of lady but it really shows in her salon. I love how gorgeously understated it is. The studio has 6 chairs so you really feel like family chatting with everyone.  I joke that spending time with Vanessa in one of her chairs in the best therapy I get, and her scalp massage while washing your hair is to die for....

And the color... oh emm gee! Vanessa is amazing when it comes to color and this visit was no different! I apologize for the Snapchat photos, but seriously, how else would I take a selfie...

It's the perfect fall transition for my super blonde hair.

In addition to hair, Vanessa offers waxing and it's the best ever. With super sensitive skin, I usually have to get my eyebrows done, you know the 4 times a year it happens, when I have no other plans for the day because I get so red and splotchy. Not this time! I don't know what magic miracle wax she uses but I was amazed at how little red there was and how quickly that small bit disappeared! I may be getting them done more often now!

Vanessa has also hired an amazing staff who can give great cuts and manicures. Emma needs a cut soon and I imagine she'll love getting her nail done after!

Salon V is located in New Bedford and you can check the salon out online at the Salon V Beauty Lounge Facebook Page. Let her know I sent you!

xo, Heather

An Honest Review of Nectar Mattresses

If you're a parent, you know that in life, the kids end up with what they need, and usually want as well, before you end up with what you need. For the past year, Dave and I have been saying we need a new mattress. The mattress we have was purchased in January of 2010, making it almost 8 years old. Now most mattresses say they last between 5 and 10 years, but let's be honest- our moving in together decision was quick! WE had planned to stay where we were: me, living basically rent free with my family and him living in an apartment with a super low rent with one of his friends for a few more months so when we decided on a Friday to move in together sooner and signed papers on Sunday for said apartment, we grabbed a cheap mattress. It fell apart quickly.  There is currently a dent where each of us sleeps.  We can feel the springs, even though it has an extra padded pillow top. A full night's rest was no longer restful. Add in two kids who like to wake up at 5:30 am and crawl in for morning snuggles, it was time for a new, bigger bed.

Also, do you know how hard it is to bring kids shopping? Like I literally do all of my shopping online (minus groceries) because keeping the two kids in tow, without fighting is worthy of a trophy in itself, never mind adding in a room full of bouncy, jump on me mattresses!

I started researching online mattresses months ago.  I read reviews, watched videos, and compared specs. I mean, I did research. And then I fell in love with Nectar Mattresses.  It offered an affordable price point, gives you a 365 night trial, free shipping and a forever warranty. For under $800 I could be sure that we had a mattress we love. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and before you know it the money you were going to use on a mattress went to dental costs, back to school items, and new tires so you can imagine my excitement when Nectar reached out asking if we'd like to try out their mattress!

The mattress arrived a full week earlier than I was expecting, which to me was both amazing and stressful since we didn't have a bed frame for it yet! A quick order to Amazon for a simple bed frame and two days later we started to set up!

The mattress itself arrives rolled up and compressed.  The mattress felt heavy at 89 lbs, but the packaging does tell you to team lift and with the help of my husband, I was able to move it.  

Set up is a breeze. I mean, probably the easiest I've ever dealt with.  Because it is packaged up so tight, it was easy to maneuver down the hallway and into our bedroom.  Honestly, with the angles we have, I'm not sure any other mattress would have made it in!

We removed the outer packaging and laid the mattress as flat as we could get it on the bed frame. Then we took off the next set of packaging - super carefully! We even used the awesome tool they included so we didn't nick the bed. I was really impressed with the fact that there was no gross, chemical foam type smell that can be associated with these types of mattresses. I was a bit concerned at first though, because even though the packaging says it can take up to 3 days to fully get back to its original shape, it was looking a little flat. I left it alone for a couple hours and took the kids shopping. When we got back I could not believe how different it was! The mattress was thick and so comfortable!

I like firmness to my mattress but I also like the feeling of sinking into my pillows and Nectar gave me exactly that.  It's a medium firm mattress but the soft foam is so comfortable.

The idea of ordering a mattress online, without ever trying it out was petrifying but I am so glad we did! I literally get the best sleep I've had and it's so ridiculously comfortable. Now that we have a new mattress, we needed new bed sheets, so now we're looking at paint colors- so I can't wait to share a full bedroom overhaul soon!

Be sure to check out Nectar mattresses and order one for yourself! With the 365 night trial-- you have nothing to lose! Click through on my affiliate link and be sure to let them know where you heard about Nectar mattresses!

xo, Heather

Have a Girl's Day Out at King Richard's Faire

I was provided admission in exchange for my review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

It is definitely Fall now.  Sweatshirts at night, a chill in the air in the morning, and the leaves are turning colors.  One of my favorite Fall things to do is to go to King Richard's Faire in Carver, Ma.

It's turned into a tradition to go to this fun and unique Renaissance Faire in the woods! We've gone as a family for the past few years after our first trip 5 years ago and it's such a fun escape! There are performers, games and rides, food and drynk, and so many crazy costumes! King Richard's Faire is a great family day trip, but this year, I left my family at home.

Emmalee was not happy but David told me I should head out with some girlfriends to celebrate my new position at work. I just switched departments at my school, changing from an English teacher to the Special Education department and I am so thrilled. I don't think I'll ever say no to girlfriend time so I called up a couple of my best friends and we were off.

We were immediately greeted by the King and the princesses, singing us a song!

I love strolling through the Faire, looking at the little shops and seeing what the vendors have to sell. From left handed mugs, to walking sticks, to floral headbands, there is literally something for everyone, all based on the time period.

Even though I was content ducking in and out of shops all day, we made our way to the Big Cat show.  They are huge, and even though the audience was told multiple times to not move during the show, seeing the cat eyeing that one dumb audience member who started walking was so scary!

After the show, we made our way to the jousting because honestly, if you don't watch jousting, did you even really go?

By then, it was noon time so it was perfectly acceptable to order a drink... or 2...

A few strawberry champagnes and a little rose was just what we needed!

And add in some fried dough and literally the best new job celebration meal.

We spent the day watching shows, shopping, and drinking which is a completely different experience than going with two kids who don't want to sit still longer than 10 minutes and who want to touch all the items in all the stores. 

I love that King Richard's Faire allows you to create the experience you want based on who you're there with. Each weekend has a different special event or theme and with weekends that highlight Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and even a weekend for Princes, Princesses, Pirates, and Fairies, everyone will find something they love! Literally, you can even get married there!

You can purchase tickets in advance or buy them (with cash!) at the gate and be sure to bring spending money for food and drinks, games of strength, and/or the extras like a tarot card reading.

King Richard's Faire is open every weekend until October 22nd!

Huzzah!

Florals for Spring

I love love LOVE florals. I've been wearing them throughout the Winter, but Spring is like the green light to go full out floral.

Here are a few pieces that I'm obsessed with right now...

I love that there are gorgeous one piece bathing suits, like this Mink Pink Strappy One Piece ($49.99),  the Senna Floral Lace Halter One Piece ($39.99), the Billabong One Piece  for $85 or the Black Floral Tankini (Top Only - $39.99), that I could mix with any black bottom.

Bedtime calls for this super soft Gillian O'Malley Pajama Set, only $19.99.

Work appropriate clothes call for a Pleated Skirt ($22.90) or this gorgeous Floral Crochet-Back Cardigan, only $21.99.

If you're going out, you can still incorporate florals with this super fun Wrap Front Romper ($39.95) or look fancy in a Floral Lace Body Con 2 piece Dress ($46.99).

Not everyone is confident enough to pull off full out florals, but this gorgeous Royal Garden Purse ($39) from Charming Charlie's is a perfect pop of flower without being too much!

I can't wait until the flowers start popping up out of the ground, but until then, I'll be fancy and floral over here!

xo, Heather

The NEW Redesigned LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Toddler Carrier!

Hooray for a newly redesigned LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn carrier! I love LÍLLÉbaby, and honestly, it's not a secret.  Between older posts, like when we went to Disney and got to try out the Essentials carrier, and instagram posts, like Daddy wearing at Ikea, littles wearing littles, a sleepy boy at Disney, and a regular Target trip, I promise you've seen my LÍLLÉbaby Carriers before!

While both of my kids still fit in the LÍLLÉbaby COMPLETE carriers, we've really been grabbing our toddler-sized CarryOns more lately. You can see a comparison of the COMPLETE and CarryOn here, but Lillebaby took all of the feedback they received from their customers and redesigned their CarryOn!



It's easy to see in the above picture how different the fit is! The Donuts and Sprinkles carrier is the newly designed one and you can see that it is not quite as wide and a bit taller than the older model CarryOn. The CarryOn's deeper seat and tall torso (tallest one available) are specifically designed to secure and support children size 2t pants and taller. The new panel is 20.5" designed to support even larger children.

Lillebaby shortened the straps for a closer fit, which you can see here. The newly redesigned CarryOn is the light gray!  You'll also notice that the waist band is more curved. The wider waistband supports larger children and  makes it easier on you. I carried my 5 year old, who is 40 lbs, in it on a walk this weekend with no back pain!



Lillebaby's breathable mesh is perfect for all weather, whether it's a hot day in Florida, or a with a  few layers during a cold day in New England.

The newly redesigned Carry On still offers all the things you love about the Original CarryOn as well!

The LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow Features:

• Two-way adjustable straps with Perfect Fit Adjusters for near-limitless fit customization
• Three comfortable, ergonomic carrying positions - front, hip, and back.
• Straps may be worn crossed or backpack style.
• 100% cotton border on the torso for added support and durability.
• Our soft, moldable 3D mesh for maximum air circulation and breathability
• Adorable new patterns and color options
• Accommodates children 20 - 60lbs, size 2T pants and taller

It's already love for us and our newly redesigned LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn. I mean, seriously, who doesn't love donuts!?

Did I mention they are launching TODAY? You can head over to Lillebaby's website and grab one now, for only $150!

Be sure to let me know if you grab a Donuts and Sprinkles one, or one of the other gorgeous patterns!

xo, Heather

Pure Vida

Disclaimer: I was provided bracelets to facilitate this review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I feel like 95% off the packages that show up to my house are for the kids so I was beyond excited when these gorgeous bracelets showed up last week. I've seen Pure Vida in a couple of local boutiques so I looked into the company even more after they arrived.

I love the premise of them: two guys go on vacation and fall in love with the culture. They ask locals to create 400 bracelets to take home with them and the entire line is created. Each bracelet is hand crafted and amazing quality, plus each bracelet supports local artisans.

My jewelry box still holds beaded bracelets from my service trip to Belize so it got me right in the heart. 

The Pura Vida Charity Collection was created to give back to different causes all over the world. Pura Vida is partnered with over 190 charities and have donated more than $935,358 to date. Some of my favorites are Anxiety Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, Depression Awareness, Autism Awareness, and Mental Health Awareness. They also donate 1% of their annual net revenue to environmental organizations worldwide. The goal to continue to expand the charity line and support as many causes as possible.

Random Act of Kindness is one of my favorite causes. This world can get so ugly so I try once a week to do a Random act of kindness and part of me really wants to stock pile these bracelets to give away...

I am seriously so in love with the aesthetic and the message. While the company doesn't say the offer a Zen quality, for me, they remind me to slow down and ponder...

You can check out Pure Vida's full selection of bracelets on their website as well as their accessories and clothing line.

The real question just becomes, do you buy them for yourself? Or as gifts?

xo, Heather