TTD faves: festive and cozy 2019

Posted on November 20, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

Your halls are decked and your kiddos are too – now it’s time to focus on YOU! There is no better way to get into the holiday season than busting out some red and green. I snagged the buffalo plaid thermals to use as a base layer when shoveling, but have already worn them around the house a time or two. I also have my eye on this pair of pajamas that will be a part of Target’s Black Friday deals. The slippers below will be perfect for taking the dog out, but I also picked this mama bear set up to wear around the house.

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AEO fairisle crew socks // Universal Knitwears holiday throw
Pottery Barn plaid alphabet mug // Capri Blue Fir & Firewood Candle
Warm Essentials by Cuddl Duds Thermal Henley
Warm Essentials by Cuddl Duds Thermal Leggings
A New Day Cardigan Sweater // Athleta ribbed pom beanie
Sorel Out ’N About Slipper

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Little looks: Christmas jammies 2019

Posted on November 18, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

Our festive home begs for my boys to be running around in holiday jammies. We have already busted out a few of our favorites, and even have a few new pairs on their way to us now. If you see the boys on the weekend there is a good chance they might have a pair on while out running errands. They love them so much!

I’ve rounded up a few of my absolute favorites this holiday season. I hope your kiddos enjoy sipping cocoa in a pair!LittleLooks_ChristmasPJs2019

one // two // three
four // five // six
seven // eight // nine

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TTD home: holiday favorites 2019

Posted on November 13, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

Decorating for the holidays is one of my all time favorite things to do. Living in a log home that lends itself to the season definitely helps! The coziness of this time of year is something I try to replicate throughout our entire home. My new motto: let no room untouched!

If you are looking for a few items to add to your home decor this holiday season, why not start with one of these!

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Wondershop tree sign // Wondershop ceramic house // Hobby Lobby mini cedar wreath
Crate & Barrel candle // Sugar Paper for Target ribbon // Wondershop light-up star
Hobby Lobby grapevine tree // Holiday Time Merry Christmas sign
Hobby Lobby bottle brush tree // Sugar Paper for Target napkins
Ikea green cushion cover // Holiday Time throw pillow // Holiday Time 4′ flocked tree

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Beijing // part two

Posted on November 11, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

Back in Beijing and our trip was already coming to an end. We had a few last adventures, the first of them being a trip to The Wall. This time we visited the section of Mutianyu – complete with a ride up in a cable car, and a ride down in a toboggan. Definitely a highlight of the entire trip!China2019_86China2019_89China2019_91China2019_92China2019_93China2019_94China2019_95China2019_98China2019_99China2019_100China2019_102China2019_103China2019_104China2019_114China2019_115China2019_116China2019_117China2019_118China2019_119China2019_120China2019_121China2019_107
After our trek, most of which I carried Fitz, we stopped and enjoyed another family style meal. A few of us also sampled some baijiu. I passed…China2019_122
The next morning the crew headed to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City to take a look. I forgot our passports, and since we had already visited this area on our last trip to Beijing, we hopped in a cab and headed back to the residence. We made one final trek to the Pearl Market to pick up a few more goodies and then headed to the airport for our journey home. China2019_108
Since it was Halloween, the boys wanted to dress up. Let’s just say, they were a hit!China2019_109China2019_110
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Shanghai // part two

Posted on November 9, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

We were up bright and early to take on another full day in Shanghai. China2019_52
Our first stop was to Fuxing Park. It was full of people dancing, flying kites, doing tai chi and these cool Chinese characters written with water on the ground. China2019_53China2019_54China2019_55China2019_56
Our next stop was Tianzifang, and our goal was to not get lost in the alleys upon alleys of shops. China2019_57China2019_58China2019_59China2019_60China2019_61China2019_62
After a break for some Hunan cuisine in the French Concession, we were off to the Jade Buddha Temple. An absolutely beautiful place, just maybe not the best place to take Everett. Just ask Marcus…China2019_63China2019_64China2019_65China2019_66China2019_67China2019_68
After piling back into the van, we were off through a channel tunnel to visit the Pudong side of Shanghai. It is home to three of the world’s largest buildings – all built right next to each other. We took a quick ride up to the top and enjoyed the views for awhile. China2019_69China2019_70China2019_71China2019_72China2019_73China2019_74China2019_75China2019_76China2019_77
This day also happened to be my birthday, so for dinner that evening we popped over to the Waldorf Astoria for drinks at the bar, followed by food at Grand Brasserie.China2019_80China2019_81China2019_82
The following morning we hung out at the hotel for a bit and then headed to the train station for our return trip home. Everett’s favorite item purchased on the trip were these garbage bins, complete with sorting cards. China2019_83China2019_84
And another check-in with grandma and Fitzie back in Beijing: this little guy loved going to the market!China2019_78China2019_79

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Shanghai 2019 // part one

Posted on November 8, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

After spending a short time in Beijing, we hopped on one of the fastest trains in the world to head south to Shanghai. Moving at over 215+ mph, Everett was definitely in his element!

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After arriving in Shanghai, we dropped our bags at the hotel and headed out along the Bund in search of lunch.China2019_16China2019_17China2019_18China2019_19China2019_20China2019_21
Jet lag can be rough, but the views out our hotel window are truly the best. At night, the Bund lights up and it is pretty spectacular to see. China2019_23The next morning, a few of us set out on a little excursion to try to see the Yu Garden, but it is unfortunately under construction right now. We did enjoy viewing a few older buildings nearby though. China2019_24China2019_25China2019_26China2019_27China2019_28China2019_29
After stretching our legs, we were off to experience one of the world’s best Sunday brunches at the Hotel Westin Bund Center. This is our second time and it does not disappoint!China2019_30China2019_31China2019_32China2019_33China2019_34China2019_35China2019_36
[Spiderman washed the windows while we dined]China2019_37China2019_38
[They even surprised me with a little birthday treat]China2019_39China2019_40
[the kids joined the DJ to spin some tunes]China2019_41
After the brunch, we were met by our tour guide for the next few days. Our first stop was to Nanjing Road for some light shopping, followed by a stroll through the French Concession area called Xintiandi.China2019_42
After that, we were off to visit the Starbucks Roastery. We enjoyed some pastries, flat breads and sipped on smoked butterscotch lattes. China2019_43China2019_44China2019_45China2019_46
At this point, we were definitely slowing down, but there was one last stop for the day – the Era Theatre for an acrobat show.China2019_47China2019_48China2019_49China2019_50China2019_51
The show was breathtaking and I highly recommend it. The performers were mesmerizing and the kids loved it!China2019_22You may have noticed that Fitz did not make this portion of the trip. He stayed back in Beijing with grandma and grandpa and had the best time going trick-or-treating!

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Beijing 2019 // part one

Posted on November 7, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

You may have noticed the radio silence around here lately, and that is because the Branstad family has been out of the country. We just got back last week and are desperately trying to get adjusted back to the central time zone!

While sleep deprived, I am loving going through our photos from the trip and can’t wait to share them with you!

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We had a layover in Detroit and decided to spend it in the attached Westin hotel pool. For $15/person, you can use the workout facilities/pool/showers. Great tip for those of you who have long layovers!China2019_04China2019_05China2019_06China2019_07
Another flight, and another cockpit photo. These boys sure were spoiled!China2019_08China2019_09
Upon landing in Beijing, we were off for a dinner at the residence, but on maybe an hours worth of sleep, I have no photo proof! The next morning we took a walk to a local park before heading to the Silk Market. China2019_10China2019_11China2019_12
In between the Silk and Pearl Markets, we made a pit stop for some xioa long bao at Din Tai Fung.China2019_13

After our shopping excursion at the Pearl Market, my jet lag (and lack of sleep) had caught up with me. I decided to stay back at the house with Fitz and missed out on the Peking Duck dinner that everyone raved about – BUMMER! But I did manage to get some sleep which was important because in the morning we were off on the next part of the journey: Shanghai.

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Friday faves

Posted on October 18, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

JackOLantern[they turned out great!]

Everett is just hitting his LEGO lovin’ stride, but if your child has moved on past that phase, I love this idea on how to get ride of them.

My birthday is later this month and I just love getting all the perks emails about discounts and codes. I put my $25 to Madewell to good use on these Roadtripper jeggings.

The boys are level ten obsessed with The Grinch animated movie that came out last year. They had these matching jammies a couple of years ago and I think they are absolutely perfect!

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TTD faves: travel essentials 2019

Posted on October 16, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

We are heading back overseas soon and I am on top of things this time around. Kids clothes are already laid out and I am finalizing my pack list. No clue if my kids are going to be total monsters on the long flight, but what I do know is that my tried and true carry on items and flight outfit are a no-brainer!

TTDFaves_TravelEssentials2019

headphones // These will come in handy when the kids finally fall asleep and I’m so wired that I just want to watch a sappy rom-com and doze.

clutch // When traveling with children, I always end up the “stasher of all things.” I combat this with packing within various clutches within my carry-on.

cute sweat pants // Long flights call for just a little bit more comfort, but I don’t want to look like I just rolled out of bed. These fit the bill!

jean jacket // When traveling, I am almost always wearing my trusty jean jacket. It is the perfect, presentable option.

hydrating mist // Combat dry skin on flights and after with this trusty mist.

brush // Hopefully my hair isn’t a complete mess upon arrival.

wet wipes // I scrub down all surfaces with these upon boarding.

sneakers // One of the bulkier items so it’s best to wear them on. Perfect for chasing kiddos around the airport.

t-shirt // Layering is key for long flights, or any flight really. You will be freezing one moment and sweating because your kid is being a monster the next. Best to be prepared to strip down.

salve // This salve is perfect to use on your lips, but I sometimes use it on my hands too if they are feeling parched.

compression socks // Yes, this may make me old. But it also might be a life saver during a LONG 13 hour flight.

scarf // I always bring a scarf with me when traveling. It serves as the perfect pillow, blanket, eye mask, fort…

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Friday faves

Posted on October 11, 2019 by tomorrowstodos

IMG_8825[all smiles for picture day this week]

I made the perfect fall soup last weekend. I know it was perfect because my husband went back for seconds, and that doesn’t happen often when I’m the chef.

Target is starting to roll out their holiday line, Wondershop, online and I love checking items out ahead of time. While I was browsing, I came across another holiday line that I love every year – the collab with Sugar Paper. It’s so good!

We are doing pumpkin carving with the boys for the first time ever this weekend. And it is in part due to this darling book. We have pretty much read it every night since the beginning of September.

 

 

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