On our own turf

In years past, we’ve been able to experience some great cities for the NGA conference –MilwaukeeNashville and White Sulphur Springs to name a few. But this year, we were so excited to showcase Des Moines as the host city!

It’s always fun to play tourist in your home town and that is exactly what it felt like this past weekend.

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[lovely walk through the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden]NGA00004[under the golden dome of our state capitol building]NGA00002
[breathtaking law library at the Iowa State Capitol]NGA00003
[the only time Everett stood still all night]NGA00006
[behind the scenes tour at Meredith Corporation‘s HQ]NGA00005
[personalized door handles in the board room – SF for Successful Farming, their first mag]NGA00008
[quite the spread thanks to Traditional Home]NGA00009
[a little blueberry demo from the minds of Better Homes & Gardens]NGA00010
[Local? Be sure to visit the BHG Test Garden on Fridays, May-September from 12-2pm]NGA00014
[moody evening skies at Terrace Hill]NGA00011[new reflecting pool on the grounds – learn more about the history here]NGA00015
[live painting demo at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates]NGA00016
[nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair]NGA00018NGA00021
[face painting FTW]NGA00020[the whole fam with Three Dog Night]

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Life lately: nesting like woah

This past week it feels like the end of this pregnancy has kind of snuck up on me. I’ve been doing things here and there to prep for the arrival of our little one: packing my bag, packing a bag for big bro while he stays at grandma and grandpa’s and just setting things up in the house.

This weekend my sisters offered to take little man to the Blank Park Zoo with his cousins to give mama a break. Take a look at these photos, but I’m pretty sure he had the best day ever.

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While Ev was with the aunties at the zoo, we made a rather quick decision to trade in my old SUV for an updated version. We did not wake up that morning with that intention, so I am still in shock. But, I love it. It’s so shiny!

NewCar2016

I also did a little work in the nursery, getting a few last minute art pieces hung. Here is one that I whipped up. And if I think about it too long, I’ll start to tear up. Damn pregnancy hormones. I can’t wait for my boys to be brothers.

BroBuddy

Baby brother will not be lacking in the clothing department, I know no one is shocked by this. He definitely has a good amount of hand-me-downs, but due to the difference in seasons, it’ll be interesting to see how much really works for him. I’m just excited because I know I’ll get to purchase new holiday gear (my fave!) and an outfit here and there along the way. Which works out perfectly, because Target just announced that they are doing away with their Cherokee and Circo lines and replacing them with Cat & Jack.

The line isn’t supposed to start dropping until next week, but I’ve already seen a few items trickling out into stores. Just this weekend my mom snagged this outfit and I can’t even stand the cuteness. Definitely looking forward to seeing more from the new line.

BornWild_CatJack

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Little looks: mod baby

Can you tell I have baby B’s impending arrival on my mind? I’ve always loved the colors black, white and gray in general, but this pregnancy I have seen so many more cute gender neutral/boyish gear within this color way. I even have a few of the items below tucked into our hospital bag to bring our little guy home in. Can you guess which ones?

Thought I would round up a few of my faves in one place just in case you are looking for some mod gear for your new little bundle.

LittleLooks_ModBaby2016

Carter’s coveralls // Freshly Picked Black Licorice // Aden+Anais kimono one-piece
Aden+Anais burpy bib // Candy Kirby knotted gown // The W I L D onesie
Gap Welcome Home outfit // June & January knotted hat // SkipHop side snap
SkipHop cloud set // Chicco kimono onesie // Little Unicorn swaddle

 

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Download: Fourth of July 2016

Thank goodness for cooler temps and three-day weekends! I don’t quite remember the last few weeks of my first pregnancy being so tough. I think it has to do with the whole summer heat combined with my absolutely nutty 2.5 year old son. What do you think?

That being said, we had a great time at the lake house this past weekend enjoying fireworks, lots of food and family.

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How did you spend your Fourth?

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Hospital bag // round two

After you’ve been through the whole process once, you learn a thing or two about packing your hospital bag for the birth of your child. Although I feel like this time around I’m doing it a little later in the game. Pretty sure with Everett my bag was packed around week 20! You live and you learn, right?

BringingHomeBaby_PackList

FOR ME
Clothes: 
Pink Blush robe // Gap nursing tank (similar) // Gap maternity leggings
Gap stripe tank (similar) // Splendid foldover pants (similar)  // Gap cozy cardigan (similar)
H&M Mama boy shorts // nursing bra // Tory Burch flip flops (similar)

Tolietries (all tucked into my Kate Spade cosmetic case):
Kiehls’ travel-sized tolietries // Burt’s Bees facial wipes // Lanolin
Embryolisse Lait Creme // Palmer’s lip balm // deodorant
toothbrush & toothpaste // makeup

Extras:
iPad mini // iPhone + charger // Camera + charger // baby book pages for prints

FOR BABY B
Going home outfit* // Boppy // June & January basic blanket // car seat carrier

*Want to help pick out what Baby B should wear home?
Head over to my Instagram account (@mrsbranstad) and weigh in!

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Little looks: fourth of July 2016

I can’t believe it will be July in one week! Hello due date month, how the heck are ya?!

We will be spending our fourth at the lake enjoying some family time and fireworks, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have all sorts of patriotic outfits already planned for our little man. I’m pretty sure he will be decked out in red, white and blue for a full week prior.

Still looking for some cute Americana gear for your kiddos? Here is a good round up of some of my faves:

LittleLooks_FourthofJuly2016.jpg

America tee // patriotic glasses // stripe dress // swim trunks
plaid button down // starry headband // swimsuit // flip flops // romper

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Camp Branstad 2016

We held our second annual Camp Branstad last weekend for all the cousins. Much like last  year, the kids had a blast and the adults are still in recovery mode.

Everett and our nieces (minus Brookie) were the best campers and we can’t wait to add one more boy to the mix next year! We spent the afternoon outdoors trying out our new slip’n’slide, having a water balloon fight, going on a nature scavenger hunt and tie-dyeing shirts.

Exhausting at my current state of pregnancy, but definitely worth the memories that these cousins are making together!

CB_ChalkArtCB_CampTeesCB_ScavengerHuntCB_TractorCB_TieDyeCB_WaterBalloonsCB_EverettCB_BeautySalonCB_FourWheeler

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Life lately: pregnant and hot

Yep, that pretty much sums up how I’m feeling right about now. At almost 34 weeks, Mother Nature has decided to play a cruel trick on my pregnancy that has been swimming right along just fine: 90+ degree weather. Brutal.

We headed to the lake this past weekend for a little relaxation, but let me tell you, it’s a little hard to relax around open water with a toddler while sweating and swelling.

Everett didn’t seem to mind that mom was “bakin’ like a toasted cheeser” on the boat while he experienced his first tubing ride with his Aunt Allison.

This kid loves the water, but has yet to learn the boundaries needed in order for mom to feel comfortable with it.

LakeLife

TrunksandNatives[Ev kept cool by rockin’: Target swim trunks // Native Howard loafers]

My lake uniform for this trip consisted of as much flowing clothes as possible, lots of SPF50 and topped with my new favorite panama hat that I scored from Wal-Mart (of all places!) for less than $8.

PanamaHat

The real fun about all of this is that the heat is going to continue without a break in sight for the 10-day outlook. Woof! Add in that this weekend is our annual Camp Branstad and you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster. I know, I know, I will do my best to rest and stay hydrated. Might be a little difficult with seven campers around…

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10 Father’s Day gifts

This is your annual announcement that Father’s Day is approaching (Sunday, June 19) so better start thinking about what you’re going to be gifting that special guy in your life. Here are my top 10 gift ideas for Father’s Day this year.

GiftGuide_FathersDay2016

Columbia PFG Bahama II shirt // antler opener // TheOystersPearl tee
Warby Parker sunglasses // J.Crew braided belt // Tommy John underwear*
William-Harrison wine // Coach camo wallet
Vineyard Vines sandals // State Bags Bond Packable

*Tommy John is offering 20% off their Father’s Day bundles which include their famous no-adjustment men’s underwear, and every purchase gets a free pair of athletic socks. Best of all…no code is required!

 

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Little looks: summa summa summertime

Summer is the perfect time to have a uniform of sorts for your little one. I know for us that usually means some sort of t-shirt and shorts combo paired with my favorite summertime boy shoes, Natives. Stinky little boy feet are no match for these puppies. Bonus: at the end of the day I throw them in the sink and wash away all the dirt and grime that has been collected from the front yard and beyond.

Do you have a summertime uniform for your little? Here are a few ideas on what that could look like for boys and girls:

LittleLooks_Summertime2016BOYS
Tribe is Alive tee // June & January lounge shorts // Native Howard shoes

GIRLS
GapKids tank // Garanimals shorts // Target sandals

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