Obsessed: mad for plaid

I’m blaming my newest obsession on the fact that temps are rapidly dropping and I’ve been looking at far too many log home interior decor photos on Pinterest. Those two things combined with my penchant for all things holiday and festive catalogs arriving on the regular, and it should come as no surprise that I want to live in a plaid world.

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Faribault for Target: I’ve been noticing a lot of these wool blankets used as comforters for log home bedrooms. So is it a coincidence that as soon as we bought our new house this collaboration is coming out? I think not.

Buffalo check rain boots: These would be the perfect fix for the unseasonable rain we’ve been getting lately. Plus, they’re just darn cute.

Uniqlo down coat: A packable puffer jacket in plaid. Say that three times fast.

Mossimo Supply Co. bag: Weekend at grandma’s done right with this plaid carryall.

Plaid for Everett: There is nothing cuter than a little boy in plaid, and Carter’s seems to always get it right. I have a feeling my little man will be decked out in their holiday shop gear for the next few months.

Pendelton tartan mugs: I have wanted these mugs since I first laid eyes on them last year on the Cupcakes and Cashmere blog. I may have to bite the bullet…

Lands’ End stewart plaid: I received their recent catalog and about freaked out about this plaid colorway. I. Want. It. All.

Xhilaration plaid baseball hat: The perfect plaid topper to cover up those bad (or in my case greasy) hair days.

 

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My little pumpkin

It was perfect fall weather this past weekend so we loaded up on festive fun, including:

A trip to the Downtown Farmers’ Market – train ride included.

A run in with a perfect little pumpkin.

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An outing to our local pumpkin patch, Howell’s, with the cousins.

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Ten months

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Evie’s faves:

standing up during bathtime
getting into literally everything (see above photo)
saying HEY with a wave
getting tickled under the arm

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Pirates and princesses

Last weekend we celebrated Sidney’s fourth birthday (crazy, I know!) with two of her favorite things: pirates and princesses. All kids parties should be dress up because they just look so darn cute!

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Not camera shy

It’s amazing what kind of connections you can make through your career path. Never would I ever think that I’d be working at a university in social media. That just never even crossed my mind when I was planning my future. But here I am.

I first met Anna when she ended up getting the position I had originally applied for at Des Moines University. Everything ended up working out and a month later I landed the job I have now which turned out to be a better fit for me. During her time at DMU, we collaborated on various projects between our two departments and I got to know her better. She is a delightful person who has an eye for beautiful things. So it came as no surprise to me when I heard that she is now starting up her own photography business (Facebook // Instagram).

After seeing some of her work, I asked if she wanted more experience with a younger clientele. Specifically, one that would challenge her in ways the others couldn’t. By not sitting still, crawling away, putting dirt in his month – you get the picture. She gladly accepted, and took some absolutely adorable photos of Everett. (Note: I had not intended to be in said photographs, but here I am in full mom glory, i.e. minimal makeup and greasy, pulled back hair.) Take a peek:

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We bought a log cabin

Sorry for the radio silence the past week, but we were busy packing up our current home and dreaming of cozy nights by the fire in our NEW FUTURE HOME!

We are so incredibly excited about moving into this dream home sitting on almost 10 acres outside of the city. You best believe my interior design wheels are churning as I type. Here is a little sneak peek at the place:

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Yep, that is a legit log cabin. Be prepared to see more log-filled posts in the very near future! Until then, it’s off to the in-laws we go for a few months. Stay tuned…

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Mommy mind: a timeout

For some reason, this week a few articles really spoke to me and where I’m at in my mommyhood. (Which I know is not far.)

With a little guy, work, home life, projects on the side, preparing to move and just buying a new house (more on that soon!), I need to remember to take time for myself. As the e-card states below, moms need timeouts too!

SomeEcards[ mother mag // mommy ecards ]

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coffee+crumbs // your heart is depleted ]

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[ mother mag // top 10 motherhood challenges ]

Have a great weekend and be sure to take a break for yourself at some point.

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New addition

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the newest member of the family:

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My absolutely beautiful niece, Brooklyn Marie Bryan, was born this afternoon. She weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds, 5 ounces and is 19.5 inches long.

I am so blessed to get to share this special time with my sister, brother-in-law and big sis, Sidney. Family is everything to me!

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I am already planning future outfits and her first trip to Target with the rest of the gals + Everett, of course.

Love you Brookie!

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Obsessed: fall for fall

Since today is the first day of my favorite season, I figured I’d share some of my autumnal obsessions with you. What are you obsessed with right now?

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Flannel shirts: I will have a few of these in heavy rotation during the crisp months ahead of us. They complete my fall uniform when paired with skinny denim and short boots.

Madison County Covered Bridge Festival: I went to this last year while preggers with Evie and am so excited to return. Such a beautiful time of year to visit one of Iowa’s treasures.

Spicy candles: Come to my house anytime September through November and there is a good chance that you’ll get a whiff of this bad boy. My absolute favorite scent and it’s a Wal-Mart find. Score!

Log cabins: This might have something to do with the fact that we have looked at two different log cabins as our potential future home. There is something so cozy and comforting about them, but will we call one home? TBD.

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Mommy mind: what’s in my [diaper] bag

I’m a sucker for the article in US Weekly where celebs open up their obscenely-priced purses to show us what they really tote around all day. Heck, I’ve even done a post about my bag’s contents in the past.

That was pre-baby and this is now. My “necessities” have drastically changed, so I thought I would share what I now haul around when out and about with the little man.

whats in my diaper bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs backpack (similar): I originally had a typical diaper bag, but have since traded it in for a backpack style. I find it easier to have both of my hands and arms free when schlepping gear and chasing down Everett before he can get to the nearest set of stairs.

BabyGap hoodie (similar): Iowa weather is so strange (and my kid usually runs warm), but you never know when it might rain or if someone will have their A/C blasting indoors. A hoodie in the bag does the trick in case Ev gets cold.

Skip Hop changing station: This is just a must have. Diapers and wipes tucked inside and a nice, large mat to lay out when changing on the go – like in the back of the car!

Distracting toy: Everett is quite the squirmer, especially during diaper changes. This goofy looking guy is our go-to toy to wave in his face during diaper changes. On a good day, it gives me an extra 3.5 seconds.

Aden+Anais burpy bib: I’m obsessed with these and have been since day one. So soft and has been known to double as a stand-in lovie.

Happy Tot pouches: When on-the-go during mealtime, I find that it’s easier to forgo the homemade puree route and sub in these tasty packs.

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