Ready To (not) Wear

I have a friend who has made it a tradtion to get Stella a pair of PJs from Hanna Andersson every Christmas.  Since Stella has become rather persnickety with her clothes, we thought it would be wise to give her the catalogue and let her choose.  We looked through it together and it became very clear that everything I liked, Stella did not, and everything she liked, made me roll my eyes and bite my tongue.  

I was having such a hard time shopping for her this fall because I've liked nothing in the stores.  You're hard pressed to find tops without words, illustrations, tulle, and glitter.  And then you have to deal with your little ones preferances...Stella detests leggins right now, making it even more challenging.  I finally turned to the internet and went on a search for corduroy pants that weren't in dreary mauves and grays or some hard-to-match blue.  Imagine my relief when I fell upon...wait for it...Osh Kosh.  I know, a little crazy that I forgot about this true blue staple from our childhood.  Here is what is shipping to me now or soon to be in my cart.  Tell me...do you have any brands you always go to for your little ones?  And I mean for the day-to-day/nursery school wear.  Are boys easier to dress...do they get persnickety?  

 I plan on getting a big monogram on this one...

Cords in bright, cheery colors...

How cute will this be in the summer w/ Salt Waters?!

   

        

Just Because

I snapped a few pictures of Stella this morning just because.  Just because it was a good morning where we had no wardrobe-related meltdowns (although, I did beg for her to wear a warmer coat).  Just because she looked especially grown-up to me.  Just because she's 3 and a half.  Just because I love her.

How To Really Love A Child

This is a good reminder...

especially for me since I had one crabby three year old yesterday. 

And she didn't just have a moment. 

It was an all-day affair. 

Today?  Couldn't be sweeter.

Kathryn Whyte

I am so in love with the illustrations of Kathryn Whyte and especially those of her holiday designs.  Take a peek and maybe stock up on some cute tags for Christmas presents.

Think Pink

Kim, a dear friend of mine from high school, recently participated in the 3 day (60 mile) Susan G. Komen walk in Atlanta.  She has many family members who have had breast cancer so it was near and dear to her heart.  She documented her journey and I cried reading every single one of her entries.  These men and women push through blistered and bloody feet, aches and pains.  They all have very emotional moments during their walk.  They are true inspirations!  {I loved the sign Kim shared that she saw along her walk that read, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney}  So when I received a flier on my door that the Dallas route would pass by my house, I knew I wanted to do something to support the walkers.  My sweet husband made batches and batches of pink lemonade and we passed it out and cheered them on.  They probably thought Stella dressed up in her princess dress just for them...little do they know that she puts her dress on every single day.  It was so fulfilling to support all of these amazing people and Stella got such a kick out of those who dressed up as angels, in pink wigs, in tutus, etc.  One older woman who passed by looked down at Stella and said, "you are the reason we're doing this". 

 

DIY

When I was pregnant, I took on the most challenging DIY project of bringing a settee upholstered in four layers of fabric back to it's former glory.  So when my friend shared with me pictures of her DIY project for her baby-to-be's nursery, I truly appreciated her effort.  And I think she did such an amazing job!  In fact, I like hers way more than the original.   

She was first inspired by this Jonathan Adler chest...    

She then bought this...

and transformed it into the most adorable dresser/changing table...

Isn't it the cutest?!  I then spied this on Pinterest and shared it with

her since it reminded me of her concept.

I would have never thought of the multi-colored drawers

but now that I see it, I love it!

Fall Shoes

I adore these toddler shoes.  I think I'll order a pair for Stella because they seem to be out of them in the store.  Would you believe they are only $20 at Target?!  Oh, but which color?