#nsale Anniversary prep

If you've never experienced the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale than I get it. You're like, WTF is going on. Not only is social media set afire about it, but the store itself looks like it's a clearance center. Well, it kind of it. 

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale has been going on for as long as I can remember. During the sale, Nordstrom deeply marks down brand new merchandise for only 28 days. In the past, the merchandise that was marked down is all brand new, never seen before, fall & winter merchandise. Today, it's so much more than that. Nordstrom works closely all year with their top vendors to be able to provide exceptional products that you can "buy now, wear now" as well as your fabulous fall essentials...all at a serious discount. (**Did I mention beauty as well?**)

Here are a few of my "professional" tips...

1. Shop early. Things will sell out, and they will sell out fast. Yes, some items will be restocked but it's no guarantee. 

2. BECOME A CARD HOLDER. Nordstrom has 3 different types cards. A retail card, a signature visa, and a retail visa. You get rewards for every dollar spent and...YOU GET TO SHOP EARLY. 

Yes, as a Nordstrom card holder, you get to shop this sale 7 days early! Starting tomorrow, July 13th, any Nordstrom card holder can shop the sale. If you aren't a card holder, you have to wait until July 21st to get the best savings. 

3. If you see it, like it, and it's in your size...buy it. Nordstrom's return policy is by far the best. Which is, there is no set time frame for returns. Now, they might question a to coming back 3 years later but--there isn't a time frame. You could purchase a few things and ship them back or bring them back to the store. Not to mention: free shipping, free returns, ALL THE TIME. 

Now, as a tease, check out what's in the anniversary lookbook! 

#momhack things I cannot live without

When I was pregnant with Hadley I registered for literally everything under the sun. Come to think of it, I might have even tried to register for the sun. Vaseline? Throw it on the list. Butt paste scrapper? You got it, actually...I might need 2 of those. Every toy, rattle, bouncy thing ever made; currently in my basement. However, the most important things, the things that help baby SLEEP and STAY ASLEEP...didn't register for, didn't read about, didn't look into, didn't care. I wanted the cute stuff. The stuff that they like for about 90 seconds and it's as good as broken.

Now, with Hunter here, I am reminded of the simple things that I absolutely cannot live without. Some of the things, I have in multiple quantities...one for upstairs, one for downstairs. (Cause those stairs are a real bitch sometimes.)

Knowing very well that every baby is different and what worked for Hadley might not work for Hunter, I thought I'd share my mom necessities...

Angel Care movement monitor

Once we made scary move from bassinet by the bed to the crib, I found myself still not sleeping. Are they breathing? Did they roll over? Did someone sneak into the house and take them?!?! Scott dealt with that for about 3 nights before he came home with the 'Angel care'. Hesitant, I told him I would give it a try. You put a sensor under the mattress and if there isn't movement for 15-20 seconds an alarm goes off that would wake your neighbors. Believe me, IT WORKS. I'll never forget the first time it went off with Hadley. I don't think my feet touched the ground as I ran to her room. Come to find out, she had figured out how to roll over and scooted her way to the top of the crib. Therefore, off the sensor. Believe me, you need it.

Little giraffe Blanket

All hail the lovie that solves world peace. K, I wish. But, these little giraffe blanket's are the softest things you've ever felt and I've never met a child that didn't love theirs. The price can sometimes be shocking but keep an eye on flash sites like Hautelook, as well as the Little Giraffe website itself as they are ALWAYS running specials. Also, keep in mind that Nordstrom will always price match! 

Fisher Price Rock n' play

Neither one of my children had/has colic but neither one of them likes to sleep flat on their back. Who does, really?? This cheap (looks a bit crappy) rock n' play literally saved my marriage and life. As soon as I threw my hands in the air, said "mercy, and purchased this, they slept up to 8 hours in this thing. I will say, transferring them to a crib after sleeping in this was an adjustment but it really only took 1 night for them to be OK. I also waited to transfer Hadley to the crib until she could roll over. 

dockatot deluxe sleeper

Although I do not own one of these, I have never met a mother that didn't have tears in their eyes when you talked about the dock-a-tot. It's breathable, slightly slanted, and incredibly portable for any baby. It's won all sorts of awards for safety as well as helping babies to sleep better. Again, if my children would be OK sleeping on their back--done. No questions asked. 

Daydreamer sleep lounger

I will see you one dock-a-tot and raise you one daydreamer. After I was introduced to this and the rock 'n play, I really could have torched all my swings and million dollar jumparoo's. Babies don't need constant motion to sleep, they just need to be comfortable! This daydream went everywhere with me so I could simply put Hunter down while doing ANYTHING around the house (I might own 2 of these). Not to mention, it is incredibly reasonable when it comes to price. Just like the dock-a-tot it has a breathable shell but a sturdy base and sides to keep a baby from falling out. 

Angelcare bath support

Bath time. They love it once they can sit up but for my kids, hated it until then. It wasn't until I put Hadley in the Angelcare bath cubby in our actual bathtub that her attitude changed towards bath time. For the first few months we were just bathing her in the sink and it was torturous to us and her. This bath cubby has a silicon insert that keeps that baby from sliding down and keeps them in place. The holes allow for the water to come through but it doesn't totally submerge them. Not to mention, there is no room for mold to grown on it as once it's out of water, it's dry!

California baby shampoo & body wash

I'll admit it. When I had Hadley all I wanted was the outrageous, designer shampoo that would make my baby smell like a baby until she turned 18. $35 for a bottle of shampoo? Anything for my little one. It wasn't until I was introduced to the "think dirty" app that my mindset totally shifted. When you scan the bar code of a product in the think dirty app, it shows you, on a scale of 1-10 how toxic a particular product is for you. Well folks, the million dollar shit is gonna kill ya (not really but damn near close). I wasn't ready to jump down the rabbit hole of all holistic, organic shit but, if I could alter one thing that I put on my kids, I was going to do so. Not to mention, California baby is sold at target! It's a 3 on the scale (borderline perfect), smells incredible, and is made by moms. Take my word for it--WORTH IT. 

Nordstrom 'moonlight' PJ's

Finally, something for the mama's. A very wise woman told me a week before I delivered Hadley to be sure to bring button up pajamas as well as a night shirt (in case you have an unexpected c-section). Thankfully, I never had a C-section but the button up Pj's were honest to God, the best advice I was given. When you are feeding every 45 minutes to 3 hour...including during the night...the last thing you want to do is to have to completely undress at 2 AM to feed. These Pajamas's from Nordstrom are like sleeping on a cloud. Even after 100 washes...pure bliss. You will find yourself spending all of your money on your child. Go get something nice for yourself before the little one arrives! 

{Amy}

What's in a name

As I am *slowly* trying to keep my New Years resolution of blogging more, I figured it was time to write about my 2nd child, Hunter. I know I said 2 years ago that this blog wouldn't become a mom blog but the truth of the matter is; that's who I am. I am a mother to 2 young children and they are my world. Sure, I am still well versed in all things fashion and pop culture but, I clean more butts in a day than I ever thought possible and from time-to-time I catch myself singing the opening song to Caillou. This. Is. 30.

If you are reading this, you clearly have access to the internet so I am going to spare everyone a post on "Hunter's birthing story" (just google 'childbirth') and talk about something far more interesting...naming a baby.

When Scott and I got engaged 6 years ago we briefly talked about children. We both knew we wanted them and that was the extent of the conversation. Except the name if we had a boy. Scott required one thing--if we ever have a boy that he would have the initials H.L.M., after his Grandfather. Thankfully for Scott, I had one name picked out for a boy that wasn't up for discussion, Hunter. Naming a kid is HARD. Like, literally the hardest thing I have ever had to do. You don't want them to be made fun of, you don't want them to go through school as having to use their last name's initial to set themselves apart, and what if their initials spell something terrible? What if they google their name and there's a porn star with the same name?? Legit, all thoughts that go through parents minds. Hadley's name just fell in place. I kept tossing the name out there and it finally stuck. Her middle name was after Scott's mom who was battling breast cancer, it made sense. Hunter didn't have a "full name" until the day we were released from the hospital.

See, Hunter's first name comes from the strongest family I have ever known. When I was 11, we lost the most amazing man in our family. While helping a friend at work, on a farm, in Fairhope, Alabama my cousin was killed. 20 days before Christmas he was taken from us while helping out a friend when a tractor got stuck. When I say it was a freak accident, I mean freak. Watching my Aunt and cousin, Kit, go through a loss that is so unimaginable to me is something I have always drawn strength from. No one is born into this world equipped to handle the death of a brother and son. No one. Betsy (Aunt) and Kit are 2 of the kindest, gentlest, warm, loving woman you will ever meet and it is an honor to be able to call them my family. Gavin 'Gee' Hunter lives on in these woman and for the last 19 years I've never been able to shake the idea of naming a son Hunter after such an incredible soul. So, there is Hunter.

Gavin 'Gee' Hunter, Jr.

Hunter's middle name was figured out at 8 AM the morning we were discharged. We had been throwing around a few ideas but nothing really stuck. It wasn't until the night before we left the hospital that I couldn't stop thinking about my uncle, Bill. You see, Bill was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 20 years old. It was a lost cause, no cure, no hope. That was all until he woke up from a coma while a priest was reading him his last rights. Tragically, about 10 years ago Bill suffered a stroke while alone at home and was not found until close to 48 hours later. Due to this stroke he lost his ability to walk, talk, and really have any sort of "life" at all. He lives in a nursing home, has lived there for 10+ years, and is the youngest guest. I cannot fathom living in a nursing home when I am 40 and still having the most incredible outlook on life. He has had more girlfriends than I can count, reads accounting textbooks in his down time, has relearned how to speak, and is still the funniest human I've ever met. Liam is the Irish nickname for William and we couldn't be more proud for our son to share the same name as my Bill.

William Louis Weldon

Hunter Liam is his own person and I am sure he will raise hell like Bill, be viciously loyal like Gee, and kind-hearted like H.L. and if/when he isn't? We will remind him of the men that he shares a name with. 

Hunter Liam Morris photographed by Lauren Pusateri

Hunter Liam Morris photographed by Lauren Pusateri

PROUD big sis, Hadley June & baby Brother, Hunter Liam. photographed by Lauren Pusateri

{Amy}

Dreams do come true

 Confession: I didn't paint this mural, nor do I know who did. It just so happens the previous owners of our house had a little girl as well and used this room for a nursery. This mural we never painted over "just in case". Well, it worked and we greatly appreciate the mystery artist.

You are my sunshine frame, similar here // My top // Scott's top // Hadley's Pants // Gunther's Bowtie, similar here // My Watch // My Bracelets: David Yurman, Tiffanys // "hello" print // Hadley Chair // 'You are my bucket list' print // Pink gingham pillow // White Linen embroidered pillow // starburst mirror, similar here // Owl Rocker // Rug // Changing Pad // Golden Retriever Plush // Hanging bird cage // Yarn spun 'H', similar here // Burlap flowers // Paper pinwheels: Click here for the DIY instructions // white wicker basket // 'Love you more' sign // Owl Piggy Bank // little boy statue // Bowl lamp // hanging hand mirrors; Similar here // monogram decal // Hadley's blanket 

I can honestly say that I never had any intention of doing a blog post on Hadley's nursery. However, I've had enough friends and family members actually get mad at me for not writing about it, so I figured I'd better write something. Not to mention my friend and talented photographer, Lauren Frisch, did call Hadley's nursery "blogger gold" so...hey, why not?

When I say that Hadley's nursery was on a budget,  I mean a "don't spend any money" budget. Aside from the necessary crib and dresser that you have to have, the idea of spending a ton of money on a 8 pound baby seemed a little silly. I might love one style but who's to say she isn't going to want a "Limited too-esque" zebra print room in a few years? (please God,  anything but that.) Hadley's room began and ended in a day. Of course, I had a few ideas, and Pinterest always helps to get those going, but it wasn't until I went into our basement and started going through Scott's and my keepsake boxes that her nursery started to come to life. That is the biggest advice I can give anyone who is trying to revamp any room in their house...see what you already have in your house, or even within your family, before you go and spend any money on decorations. Additionally, the things I wanted but couldn't seem to find, I ended up making myself. Yes, I got "DIYed" 7 months pregnant. 

A few items that are pictured were Scott's, or mine, as a child and my mother's as a child, so those I couldn't link to anything. (sorry.) But, these are the items you might find in your basement or your parents basement. Vintage books are the cheapest way to decorate, I have them everywhere. You could go to any vintage bookstore or even a garage sale and find them for a quarter. All of the Peter Rabbit china was Scott's as a child, and the rabbit lamp was mine as a baby. When you're wanting to redecorate a room, get inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, really anything. Then, before you go straight to Pottery Barn do a little shopping at places you never thought you'd go, such as flea markets, vintage stores, thrift stores. It's incredible what you can find (and make) with just a little inspiration. 

What is familiar

Jacket: Kate Spade // Tank: Patterson j. Kincaid // Jeans: Rag & Bone // Bracelets: Coordinate collection, J. Crew, David Yurman // Watch: Michele // Sunnies: Ray-Ban // Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner // Shoes: Christian Louboutin, similar here // Earrings: Lily Dawson // Moccasins: Minnetonka

Photo creds: Ryland Devero

Can we really act surprised? Scott and I come from a family of just girls. No, I am not kidding. I only have 1 older sister, my mom has 1 younger sister, my dad has 1 younger sister, my 1 grandmother only has 2 girls, and my other grandmother as 1 girl and 1 boy (my dad).  Scott is the youngest of 3 with 2 older sisters, with his oldest sister having1 baby girl,  his mother is a twin to a sister (and has a younger sister), and his father has 1 younger sister.

I mean, come on. As much as we would have loved to have a baby Scott first, I can't act like I didn't see this coming. 

The idea of carrying on the "firstborn girl tradition" was something I honestly feared. As much of a girlie girl as I am, I was terrified at the idea of bring a girl into this cruel, mean, caddy world. I wanted to change the tradition. Before you judge my parenting skills (before I even give birth) let me explain myself...

Having female relationships was never my strong suit. I have always felt most comfortable around men and hanging with the guys. I have just a select few girlfriends that I talk to on the regular and even though I was in a sorority, I wasn't the one that had all the friends. the backstabbing, bad-mouthing, cattiness was something I physically could not handle. My sister and I are deathly close but we weren't always that way. We actually hated each other until I was abut 18. My parents would have to get babysitters for us into our teens for the fear of us killing each other was too real from them to ignore. We fought like hell, and we were cruel to each other. It went past name calling and hair pulling, it was deeper than that. We truly, hated each other with all of our beings. Times have changed and my sister is my closest confidant. It wasn't until my sister confided in me the deep dark 'secret' she was keeping that made her who she was. It's amazing what happens when you set YOUR truth free. My Mother and I are extremely close. At times, I question if we are too close. However, we have our issues like any mother/daughter duo. We have both been through enormous amounts of changes over the past few years and it's hard changing your ways after being in the same routine for 21 years.

Yes, boy or girl, I am scared. But, isn't that what motherhood is all about? If I wasn't scared I don't think I would be able to say "I'm going to be a great mother". Scott and I are thrilled to be having a girl. I can only imagine how she will have Scott wrapped around her fingers and how I will now have a new forever best friend. But, the truth is, it's scary. It's scary to be a woman in this world, to have gone through all the challenges and triumphs that I've been through and not be scared to bring a baby girl into this world. But we are. And in my eyes, she will be perfect, every single inch of her. No matter what any pre-teen, caddy girl says. 

{Amy}

Goodbye to 2013, Hello to new Beginnings

After months of putting it off, I’ve decided to jump head first into a blog that I have been thinking about for years. I’ve always wanted a place to share my thoughts, ideas, fashion, and just life adventures. If you know anything about me, you should know that my life is a bad Bravo reality show that holds no punches. My family is one white tent short of a full blown circus. I’m perfectly impatient in every way possible. I wake up anxious and fall asleep anxious. Surprises scare me almost as much as circus clowns and I actually take “neurotic” as a compliment . I find solace in fashion and look to the big man upstairs when I need peace. Alabama is where I call home and the simple sound of “Dixie” makes my soul smile.  So, take a seat, strap in, and enjoy the ride.Yes, I said I was starting a fashion blog but of course, my first post will be an adieu to 2013. In order for you to really understand my intentions of 2014, we have to recap this last year.

2013 was a roller coaster. My husband, Scott, and I started our year off with buying our new home in Kansas City.  After moving in the first week of February, it seemed like our lives were consumed with decorating, shoveling snow, fixing a few things, shoveling more snow, and well, shoveling more snow. In April we took our long awaited Honeymoon to the beautiful country of Croatia and it was something straight out of planes, trains, and automobiles. Anything that could go wrong; did. but being able to see a part of the world few ever will, is a memory we will never forget. 2 months after returning home from Croatia it seemed as if the dust was just starting to settle when Scott got an opportunity of a lifetime to move to Taiwan for 4 months and assist in building a nuclear power plant, I stayed back in KC. 4 months doesn’t seem like a long time, unless you’ve been dating your significant other for 10 years…we’ve never spent more than 1 month apart; saying I was terrified was an understatement. But, 2 months after he left we met for a BEAUTIFUL week vacation in the paradise islands of Hawaii. No matter where I go in this world Hawaii is still the most beautiful place on this earth.  After he returned on October 10th, we had both agreed that this overseas work was not going to work for us so Scott started on his job search as I, too, was searching for a new career path. Scott landed a job right away and he is thrilled in his new role. I accepted a position with a big company based here in Kansas but, of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. A day after I interviewed I found out that Scott and I were expecting our first child together. Within a 3 week time span, Scott got back from Taiwan after 4 months, we both changed jobs and we find out that we are expecting. Stressed and Anxious aren’t even words I would use to describe this. But the underlying emotion was sheer joy. We went through Thanksgiving and Christmas together and told all of our family members, everyone was so excited about the new addition that they even started to purchase for the new baby. It wasn’t until the day after Christmas that Scott and I got the heartbreaking news that our baby did not have a heartbeat. An emergency surgery had to take place the next day.

I am determined to take on 2014 with a full heart and the patience to know that everything happens for a reason, knowing very well that there will be good days and bad. I will feel all different emotions but they are my emotions. In 12 short months Scott and I bought a house, moved into a house, traveled to Europe, Spent 4 months apart, traveled to Hawaii, changed jobs twice, had the joys of becoming parents, and finally, feeling the pain of losing a child.  But, with every heartbreak there is a rainbow somewhere to be found. I will welcome 2014 the same way I welcomed 2013, hand-in-hand with Scott and a full heart of hope.

{Amy}