Holiday Season + Freshly Picked Giveaway!

 
And just like that, we're in the midst of the holidays! I hope you enjoyed your long Thanksgiving weekend. 

Thankfully, Thanksgiving was a success for us and for the second year in a row, we stayed local to San Francisco! All of that means the only driving we did was to see family and friends and that we enjoyed the quietness of the city.

Another highlight for us was visiting the Christmas tree lot. It's becoming a tradition for us to get our tree the day after Christmas and decorate the tree while we drink cider, hot chocolate and eat freshly baked cookies. 

Of course, compared to last year when little B was just a baby and just discovering the world around him, it was so much more fun to see him more interactive and curious. He is fascinated more than ever by the feel of the tree (still prickly to him) and the ornaments that hang ever so delicately on the branches. I'm curious myself to find out what happens when presents start showing up underneath the tree! 

As a first-time parent, I'm always appreciative of how much growth I see in little B. Even more so is seeing him grow physically. Although he's always been a little guy, when I see him growing fast, I am grateful that I can see it happen before my eyes. There's nothing like the value of having a happy and healthy child. 

This growth is a huge reason why I love companies and products like Freshly Picked. As most mamas know, these leather moccasins are a huge hit. They are easy for tots to walk in, easy to put on and take off, and best of all - they allow room for feet to grow. In fact, most parents choose soft sole shoes for those same reasons.

You may have caught my post on Instagram about the Cyber Monday sale, but there's more! As part of a fun collaboration with Freshly Picked, I'm giving one of my lucky readers a free pair of moccasins! See more details below for details to enter. Enter for you or enter for someone you know with a baby! I can guarantee these moccs are going to be a hit for the family. Good luck!!
 

GIVEAWAY TIME! 

To enter the Freshly Picked Giveaway, please:

1. Visit my Instagram page, follow AND like this photo
2. Follow Freshly Picked on Instagram too

Some extra details:

• Followers will be verified in order to win the giveaway
• Selected winner must not have won any Freshly Picked giveaway within the last 60 days
• US residents only at this time, please!
• Giveaway ends DECEMBER 3, 201

GOOD LUCK! 

Five Years Later...

Today is the FIFTH wedding anniversary for my husband and me. We have finally surpassed the number of years we dated (four, in case you were wondering).

To be honest, I had no plans to post. But, I realized, I would skip my personal tradition of reflection if I didn't write this. I love looking back at the old posts and seeing what I thought and what I learned from my marriage (year four, year three, year two, year one). While today's post may not apply to you or even be of interest, I hope you find some entertainment or some wisdom instead.

1. We care more about each other than ever before. Ugh. I know. Sappy. BUT, give me a chance to explain. Obviously, having a child changes dynamics between us. There's another human being that supersedes us in a lot of ways. But, the result of having a child means we have to take extra care about other things. We are more mindful when we speak to each other. We are more attentive to the conversations. We care more about each other's personal well-being (not just for the sake of taking care of our rambunctious toddler, but for our own mental health and identity). We didn't specifically plan this, but it happened organically as we discovered what we needed from each other. Time is precious. We only have so much of it (with each other) at the end of the day. So we have to treat our time together as two with as much care as other parts of our day when we're together as three.
   
   
2.  We're "getting old," but we're OK with that. Obviously, we have a (young) kid so we already skip a lot of late nights out with friends or parties or other things that we used to do.
   
   (Although, this lifestyle really isn't too far from our pre-parenthood reality).
   
   BUT, now, we're tired by 8pm, we would rather watch a re-run of The Big Bang Theory than pay attention to a movie we haven't seen, and our bodies are feeling the affects of getting older ("What do you mean we can't/shouldn't eat that entire piece of cheesecake?," "My hip hurts," "My allergies are slowly killing me.") But, hey, we're getting older together so we can ache together. And laugh about it, together.
   
   
3. We still remind each other to do a lot of the same things. After living together for several years, and being together for almost a decade (!!!), you'd think certain things wouldn't need to be asked. But, you'd be wrong. At least for us. Sometimes, the full bag of garbage needs a friendly reminder to be taken out. Sometimes, a request to make the bed better needs to be said. And sometimes, even when we know the result of what will happen, we ask each other what we want for dinner where we know he'll say "what do you want?" and I'll say, "I dunno, what do you feel like?" and we'll stare at each other at how many times this same conversation has been had.
   
   
4. Savor the date nights. Because, as a group of three, without close family nearby, and a working family budget (where a babysitter may not be a financial option ALL the time), date nights are hard to come by. We haven't gone on as many date nights as we used to. In fact, I can probably count them on one hand. And as I perused my photos to see what photo of "just the two of us" I could use, I discovered there were hardly any in the recent months. So, we clearly need to work on this one in the upcoming year. But, really, they are treasured nights.
   
   
5. Laughter has always been, is, and will always be the best medicine. Life gets complicated whether you're married or not. But, being together for as long as we have means we have discovered a few things that help us get through some rough(er) waters. This past year, we navigated through some tricky times that we had to face together as a family unit (a huge factor as to the inactivity on this little ol' blog). But, after all was said and done, we persevered. We grew stronger and we appreciated what we had as a family even more than before. And having a good laugh about things certainly quells any negativity.

 

As I always say, my life is made so much more special with this man beside me. We have grown so much since we first met, as individuals and as a couple. I'm incredibly grateful for this time together. 

Happy Anniversary to the most positive, goofiest, humblest, most hard-working man I married.

Falling

 Suede Jacket: similar, T-shirt: Target, Skirt: H&M (similar), Sneakers: Converse, Sunglasses: Karen Walker

You guys, I'm a slacker (for lack of a better term).

I had dreams for this blog of mine. (Naturally.)

But, as life would have it I focused my attention elsewhere - despite my desire to post. I became "one of those" bloggers. You know the kind. The sporadic, apologetic, blogger who means well, but ends up falling off the radar.

Well, I won't say that I am going to "get back at it" since my life is at a transition point. I'm actually getting into another "new normal." I'm becoming a "working mom" rather than an exclusive "stay at home mom." Big news for my little world. 

I am going to figure out what all of this means. Yea, pretty cliché, but that's where I'm at nowadays.

Conveniently, my post coincides with the change from summer to fall. I realize we aren't officially in the fall season, but most of us can agree that once Labor Day passes we are in fall, right? My friend helped me feel better about my transition when she reminded me how all of life's changes are like seasons. We just transition from one season to another.

So, I have fears. I have doubts. But, I have excitement, too.

In the meantime, here's a fun, flirty, but simple look. Thanks to Stephanie Marilee Tucker for these shots from (what feels like) long ago days. But, the vibe is spot on with this post.

Mama Moments

When my sweet Baby B first arrived, the most challenging moments seemed like every moment. I was learning how to take care of a newborn, which included diaper changes, nursing, putting clothes on a tiny person and learning how to function with limited hours of sleep. Every. Single. Thing. Was. New. 

No matter how much I thought I was prepared, there was nothing like the "real thing."

But, as so often happens, I felt more confident and grew into a stronger person as time ticked on. 

Still, one of the biggest hurdles I faced during my baby's first year was finding time to take care of myself. Suddenly, leaving for just an hour or two wasn't as simple as it sounded. I was (and still am) a nursing mother so, quite literally, my baby relies on me as a food supply. 

Just like the baby had to learn to nurse, he also had to learn to take a bottle while I was gone. I didn't realize that the baby had a preference for bottles. And that preference makes the idea of spending time away that much more challenging.

Thankfully, bottles like Munchkin's LATCH mimics the feel of a baby nursing so moms (like me) looking to spend some quality me time don't have to worry as much while we're gone.

The bottle eases the transition from breast to bottle, creating a better latch and pumps milk like the breast. The blue valve on the bottom even helps reduce the symptoms of colic, which is one of those "baby things" where we don't realize how bad "bad" really is. Until it happens.

And since we're being real here, as any nursing mother knows, nursing pads are a MUST. So Munchkin LATCH didn't leave any mama behind with these pads. I have never had to worry about an embarrassing situation while out and about. They are thinner than other nursing pads I've tried, which really make more of a difference than I could ever know. 

So while I had the fortune to try Munchkin LATCH with surprisingly good results, the ultimate goal has always been to make sure that baby and mama are BOTH happy and going to be OK. 

It's OK to take time out for yourself to do things for yourself. 

It's OK to feel selfish.

It's OK to feel like you need a break from being a mother.

And for me, that time is (always) well spent with my BFF, coffee, and a good book. 

I can't wait for my next date with the two of them. Knowing the baby boy will be well taken care of is half the battle.

Thanks to Munchkin for partnering on this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nitty Gritty

 V-neck tee shirt, Denim: J. Brand, Boots: H&M (similar), Accessories: Karen Walker sunglasses, Forever 21 hat

When it comes down to basics, this is it. I've been in a major minimalist mood for the past year or so. Basically since my baby boy was born. If you knew me before, I was all about the special accessories. But, there's nothing practical about statement necklaces, silky anything or tripping over strappy heels. At least not when you're around a grab-anything-put-it-my-mouth kiddo all day. (I'm sure this will change once the kiddo is less interested in his mommy and I'll miss this time of my life.)

The funny thing is, I used to think I would never change my style. But, perhaps the style evolution is about the evolution of my life and as a result, I'm adapting my style towards my new life. I'm more aware of my sense of self and my body (even though that's changing too since I'm nursing and still feeling a bit "soft" from not working out as much as before) and trying trends that really work with my wardrobe, rather than forcing trends to fit my wardrobe.

Don't get me wrong, I still love the eclectic vibe. But, I'm more selective about what I do. I'm willing to invest in long term pieces rather than paying for fast purchases that I see in the stores as I walk by. Hence, that whole capsule thing I talked about - we'll get there I'm sure.

The great thing is I have this blog to see my evolution. Even cringe at them. And continue to grow and change. 

photos by Stephanie Marilee Tucker

Weekend Wrapup

"My weekend felt way too long," said no one ever.

While my weekends (and hell, my weeks for that matter) are not earth shattering exciting, they are filled with family and friends that make my world go round.

I have spent many a thought wondering why my life didn't look like another's and I always end up at the same place - realizing how ungrateful I sounded and how my life is (actually) quite wonderful in its own way.

I spent this past weekend:

• doing laundry
• working out
• running errands
• meeting friends
• grabbing groceries
• eating takeout
• cleaning and tidying up
• not cleaning and tidying up 
• watching Snapchats for way too long than I care to admit
• surfing the web

I mean...what more can I ask for, right?

I've walked by this block SO many times, but just recently appreciated its beauty 

So I "stole" this shot from my own Snapchat, but really...there's something so charming about this view, don't you think? 

I never tire of a coffee shot - especially when it shows off a Le Creuset mug and saucer. 

Who doesn't want a photo of their dessert? 

Does this even need a caption?

Keep It Off The Shoulder

 Dress: Who What Wear x Target (similar), Denim jacket, Flats: Chanel, Accessories: Karen Walker sunglasses, Tory Burch cross body

Frankly, when it comes to style and shopping, I've been quite the frugal fashionista. I was on my quest to build a capsule, but that process has actually been a slow one for me. My body isn't in the shape I want it to be in (yet) so I haven't felt the urge to invest in any clothing that I may not want to wear later.

However, I "splurged" when it came to this off the shoulder dress in the recent Who What Wear x Target collection. Availability seems to come and go in the stores, but I bought mine earlier during its release. 

With my current lifestyle - chasing after a toddler, wiping drool and catching drool everywhere - I need things that I don't need to fuss over. The fabric is 95% cotton and 5% spandex, which is a huge plus since that means it's low maintenance, breathable and easy to wear. Plus, it's that trend that keeps on trending - the off the shoulder look. 

And, you can't really hate on an outfit that you can feel put together in with a classic denim jacket and some classic Chanel flats, right?

photos by Stephanie Marilee Tucker

Hello, It's Me

Hello.
Bonjour.
Hola.
Ciao.
Ni Hao.
Aloha.

It's a bit strange for me to write right now. I took such a long break from the blogging world that I almost feel like an old person trying a young person's game. 

Social media moves fast. 

I sit here wondering where to begin. Do I explain where I've been? Do I ignore the fact that I last wrote months ago? Do I keep on going as if things are just as they were?

Quite simply, I took a digital detox. Part of this was accidental and part of it became intentional. The break first began with personal/family issues that came up and literally took my attention away. Then, when things settled down, I felt like I needed a complete reset. 

I didn't like that I kept focusing on the negative (of my real life and my virtual life). I felt like I was forcing myself to do something that I used to enjoy. I felt like I had to "keep up" in order to be relevant. And this was just the superficial side of things. 

It was exhausting.

I wouldn't categorize this as "burn out" though. It wasn't like I was running at full force before this detox. But, I felt like if I didn't allow myself to reset then I would burn out. 

Despite what sounds like a clear struggle, I am in a better place and I am managing my expectations a lot better, too.

This better place in life really has to do with my detox. The break from the virtual world allowed me to refocus and to literally live my life without thinking about capturing everything in order to write about it. I stopped thinking about living and just started living. 

I also found my inspiration again.

I had a lot of ideas running about what I would do with this blog. I still do. 

As for the future posts, I hope you'll enjoy them as they come along. I've still got those goals in mind and some fun outfits ahead. 

See you soon!

xo

The Year of the Monkey

Uncle Goose Chinese blocks, Baby Gap pants and onesie

Last year, I celebrated Chinese New Year with baby B growing on the inside. Now, he's a budding baby with growing opinions and a growing curiosity.

 

I gave him his first "lai see" and he was instantly intrigued. He fumbled with it between his hands and put the envelope in his mouth. He looked at it for a long time. And then he threw it. It was so funny.

 

I know I won't have the answers to all his questions about the Chinese culture, but what I don't know we can learn together. And that actually sounds pretty fun.

Happy Lunar New Year!

P.S. Those baby toes though...

Superheroes

 Vintage black coat (similar), H&M Kids chambray shirt (similar), J. Brand waxed denim, Nike sneakers, Accessories: Mirrored aviator sunglasses , plaid blanket scarf, Mansur Gavriel tote

Here we go...the second month of the new year. 

I know...I roll my eyes at myself over how much I lament on the passing of time, but somehow I never get over the fact that time moves ever so quickly. I feel like all I do is stay sane enough to "keep up." Do you ever feel like that?

I got quiet on the blogging front when the family came down with the case of the cold. One by one, we were all taken out. The last of us to catch it was baby B. As a new mom, this was my first time dealing with an ill baby. And it wasn't even bad! A slight cough. Runny nose. Cranky attitude. Overall, it was nothing compared to how I hear it could be. BUT, the caveat was that I was also sick. And...welllll...that's a whole new ball game. The days of just lying in bed, watching Netflix and sleeping whenever I want are simply memories now. Like the commercial says, "moms don't take sick days." Now, I have to hatch a new battle plan for sick days. 

All this "down time" in the house left me pondering on many thoughts. On the blog. On my views on parenting. On my life as a whole. Even though I'm more than halfway through baby B's first year of life, I'm only just getting the mother title down. It took all of my energy to roll out of the house, throw on this blanket scarf and feel put together...let alone look it. I trust that I'll get to a balancing act that will work for me. Hopefully sooner than later. But, until then please bare with me.

Looking at some blogging moms, I feel like they're heroes. They seem to "do it all." 

{some of my faves: Oh Joy, Love Taza, The Daybook, A Cup of Jo}

Oh yes, I realize the moments posted are moments filtered. But, it's still admirable.

And the moms who I know personally who care for more than one baby, who work and take care of their babies and those who have to do it on their own...well they're my superheroes.

Simply put, you all rock. If I'm half of what I see in all of you then I'm on the right track.