Category: friday i’m in love

Welcome back Friday!

{one} Miir’s One Year Anniversary.

As some of you probably saw over on Facebook and Instagram, Eloise got a new balance bike this week! We are really excited about it since we were already going to buy her one for her birthday. Now we just have to get her a helmet & wait for her to grow a few more inches, since, as you can see, both feet don’t quite touch yet!

And, I also want to give a shout-out to Miir whose one year anniversary party we were at. The company was started by an old friend of mine from home & it has the most amazing mission about philanthropy. Each product that is sold helps fund a project around the world, whether it be digging water wells, or giving children bikes. If you are in need of a new waterbottle, bike, growler, or bag, go check them out!

{two} Eloise & the Tugboat.

Earlier this week Eloise and I headed over to Bellevue to hit up Bellevue Square which houses my very favorite Nordstrom on the planet. I had a few errands to run & I thought we could make a morning of it! Because so much of the time we were out Eloise was stuck in her stroller, we made a special trip to the children’s play area which has it’s own floor in the mall. There are all of these big boat playtoys which Eloise LOVED!

The best part of this story is that I played on the same (or a very similar) tugboat when I was just a little older than she was! Back then, the tugboat was down on the main floor of the mall. Seeing Eloise play on that boat was the coolest! And now, of course, there is an entire fleet of boats to play on, including that ferry boat (the Meydenbauer) which she seemed to like the best!

{three} Love, Peace, and Charlotte Reece.

{via The Petite Flag Shop}

Our niece Charlotte had a successful surgery to remove the new tumor that was growing on her liver earlier this week. She is still in recovery and has 6 more rounds of chemo to go, but she is doing so well! Earlier this week I launched a special flag for Charlotte in the Shop; 50% of the proceeds will be donated to her Go Fund Me account and each flag will ship for free! Follow along with updates here.

What are you loving this week?

M

Be sure to check out this month’s Linky Party!

Welcome back Friday!

{one} The Everygirl: Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough.

The Everygirl has been on my radar for quite some time & I regularly peruse the articles that are posted. It has a good mix of travel, fashion, life skills, and interviews that I usually find interesting. I came across this article – Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough – this week & it really rang true for me. As a long-time blogger, new small business owner and lifetime perfectionist, it can seem really daunting when everyone else seems to have it together!

{two} #charlottestrong

We got our #charlottestrong t-shirt yesterday & had to take a family selfie to share. Charlotte is scheduled for surgery early next week & we are sending all of our love. As she heads into surgery, and a set-back in her AFP counts, we just ask that you send your thoughts & prayers!

{three} Peony for President!

{via Farmgirl Flowers}

It is SO cliché, but peonies are my very FAVORITE flowers! And, it is peony season! I just planted three peonies in our backyard with hopes that one of them will bloom this year, and until then, I am lusting after this beautiful peony bouquet (that is sold out, not a surprise!) and stalking TJ’s until it starts carrying its infamous $6 peony bouquets! YES!

What are you loving this week?

M

Be sure to check out our new May Linky Party below!

Welcome back Friday! Sorry I have been MIA the past week, but I unplugged while we were on Maui & it was awesome & much-needed!

{one} Non-aerosol spray sunscreen for babies.

{Babyganics Mineral Spray Sunscreen via Target}

From the time I became pregnant with Eloise, I have been a little, okay a lot, neurotic about sunscreen! Nearly all of the dry-touch and spray sunscreen was getting a bad rap for harmful ingredients, so I switched our household to all zinc-based sunscreen and we have been using it ever since. It has come a long way in the past few years, and I think I finally found a really great sunscreen for babies and toddlers: Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen Spray. Because it is non-aerosol, I feel comfortable using it on Eloise (and I even spray it into my hand first and then rub it on her most of the time) and it isn’t super sticky or white. And since we were putting on sunscreen last week at least twice a day, I had lots of time using this product and still highly recommend it!

{two} Oh Joy: How Motherhood Has Changed Me.

{via Oh Joy blog}

I have a great admiration for Joy who is the brainchild behind Oh Joy the blog and the brand. She is incredibly talented and has two adorable daughters! She just posted a great piece about how motherhood has changed her views, perspectives, and actions, and if you haven’t read it, go check it out!

{three} SuperMom Azaleas.

{via Proflowers}

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and there are lots of gift guides popping up on the interwebs. I have seen this cute face vase come up a few times and I love the whimsy of it! Also, if you need a gift idea for your mama, check out The Petite Flag Shop and use MAMALOVE for 25% off!

What are you loving this week?

M

This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome back Friday!

{one}  ThredUp.

Per my annual spring cleaning regimen (ha!) I did abig, and much-needed, closet purge. It started last fall actually when I stopped nursing since at that point I felt like I could dress normally again (not for pregnancy or nursing-friendly) and I went thru my entire closet (okay, closets) and took out everything I hadn’t worn, wanted to wear, or wouldn’t wear again, and I put all of those things in our office closet. And so, because they weren’t in my every-day closet, they sat waiting for me to make a decision about what to do with them. We give our fair share of stuff away to the Goodwill (drop-off makes it so easy!) but some of these were really nice, brand-name clothes, so consignment felt like a better option. And after making a call to a local consignment store and having to make an appointment (with a toddler, no thank you!), I knew there must be a better way! Enter: ThredUp, an online consignment store. I know this sounds like an ad, but it isn’t, I have just been really happy with the service!

So, I requested a clean-out bag which was mailed to me within a couple of weeks, and then I loaded it up with my old (but in excellent condition!) clothes, and a pair of shoes. And I had the option to drop it off at a Fed-Ex location or schedule a USPS pick-up, and shockingly, I did the latter. And off it went! While it took a little while for me to hear back, I was pleasantly surprised by the updated information on when it was received and how long it would take for me to hear back. So most of my clothes were assessed at an up-front value, a few of them were responsibly donated (though you can pay shipping to have the unwanted clothes sent back to you), and three were set up as an actual consignment (and I will get 60 to 75% of the price it is sold for)! Sweet!

Okay, so one thing to share about this consignment service is that they are picky about the brands you send in and pretty much only want designer brands. My “big ticket items” were a J.Crew jacket, a Kate Spade trench, and a Marc Jacobs jacket, while the rest of my bag was mostly J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Gap, and some Nordstrom’s brands.

And, lastly, if you want to shop instead of consign, use the code 20FORYOU at check-out for 20% off your first order!

{two} Felt Garden.

{via Lia Griffith blog}

Eloise is age now where she is starting to role play and pretend, and it is so, so fun to see what she comes up with! Her kitchen is a big source of pretend, and even though she has some IKEA felt food, I think it would be fun to make her a little bounty of felt produce that she could plant and harvest from a garden (since we hope to next summer have raised beds!).

{three} Chambray Joggers.

{via Gap}

Okay, I didn’t intend for this to be a super fashion and shopping-heavy post, but it is my favorites, right? I just picked up these chambray jogger pants last week at the Gap and I am so excited about them (especially for the 4+ hour plane ride this weekend with a “lap infant” – ha!). As you probably know, I have not jumped on the athleisure bandwagon and don’t ever intend on doing so (IMHO your lululemon belongs only at barre class!). So, when joggers first came out, I sort of sighed in disbelief that women were wearing pajama bottoms as real pants… but it is better than leggings, right? Plus, when I picked them it, it was just the perfect storm of things: they were on sale (and are right now too!) plus, someone had ordered and returned my size to the store (trickly since Petites have to be ordered online!). Like it was meant to be…

What are you loving this week?

M

Welcome back Friday!

{one} donorschoose.org

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4GMX0MJNYw]

{via YouTube}

If you watch Jimmy Fallon or Steven Colbert, you have probably already heard of the #BestSchoolDay DonorsChoose.org campaign. Donorschoose.org is this awesome organization that allows you to choose a classroom project to fund (submitted by teachers) and 100% of the proceeds goes to fund that project. Just in Seattle, there are 56 projects that are looking for funding. We will definitely be choosing a few projects this year to fund when we make our charitable donations for the year. There are projects all over the country, in every school district, that need funding, so go check it out! And if you are a teacher, you can start a project campaign too!

{two} Article: Baby tech gear is sold on fear, not practicality.

I am going to get up onto my Mama soapbox for a minute, so if you disagree, no hard feelings. Parenting is this amazing thing because it allows you to do exactly what you want, but sometimes there are hard decisions to make. This article about baby tech gear on The Verge really resonated with me (& it was a bonus that it supported what mine & Aaron’s thoughts are, for the most part, about all of the baby tech). Technology has done amazing things to our world and allows us to be so connected and receive so much data about, well, everything! But, I draw the line at over tech-ifying our babies and children. Yes we use a webcam in Eloise’s room, but that’s pretty much where we stopped. Any anxieties that I had or have just won’t be lessened by a “smart” sock/mat/onesie/etc. While I appreciate that some (many) parents find comfort in these devices, it saddens me that the marketing for these products is based on fear! Parenting is scary enough, let’s now dwell on all of the terrible and horrible possibilities. {off my soapbox}

{three} Baby Name Popularity.

Finding the right baby name can be super stressful. Honestly, I feel like we won’t be able to come up with a name as good as Eloise for any future child, (Sorry second kid!) so it is something that I think about quite a bit! This name game, if you will, over on Time magazine’s site is pretty fun though as it will tell you what your name would be if you were named today (based on the popularity of your name when you were born)!

So for me:

• Misha was the 752nd most popular name in 1985.
• My name today would be: Anneliese.
• My 2000s name is: Trista.
• My 1990s name is: Anisha.
• My 1980s name is: Tesha.
• My 1970s name is: Lula.
• My 1960s name is: Synthia.
• My 1950s name is: Dell.
• My 1940s name is: Madlyn.
• My 1930s name is: Aleen.
• My 1920s name is: Emeline.
• My 1910s name is: Madgaline.
• My 1900s name is: Leaner.
• My 1890s name is: Nezzie.

What are you loving this week?

M

Don’t forget to join our Linky Party all month long!

Welcome back Friday and Hello April!

{one} April Fool’s Day Prank: Googly Eyes.

{via Pinterest}

I hate pranks and tricks (I think because I hate surprises!) so April Fool’s Day has always been pretty low on my list of favorite holidays. But, when I saw this googly eye fruit basket come up on my Pinterest feed a few nights ago, I couldn’t help but laugh! I will have to remember this for when Eloise is older!

{two} Madewell Denim Recycyling.

{via Madewell}

I have waxed poetic about my Madewell Skinny Skinny jeans (and I am still in LOVE!) and this week I have to share an incentive to try them out: if you bring in an old pair of jeans, you get $20 off! All of the donated jeans will be used as insulation on houses – cool huh? And, if you are in Seattle, we are getting another store downtown!

{three} Christian Louboutin Nude Flats.

{via PopSugar}

If you weren’t already convinced that you needed a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, you may be now! The high-end shoe company just announced that it is releasing two new “nude” colors to it’s line-up bringing the grand total to seven. Cool, huh? As a kid that didn’t match the “flesh” color in the crayon box growing up, it’s sort of a big deal. Now, time to save my pennies!

What are you loving this week?

M

P.S. The April Linky Party has been slightly delayed and I will update as soon as I can, but in the meantime, go check out March’s Linky Party here!

This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome back Friday!

{one} The Petite Flag Shop’s Grand Opening!

As many of you know, I launched The Petite Flag Shop on Wednesday! Thank you to everyone who has texted, emailed, & placed their orders, I am definitely feeling the love! The launch went well and I am working on getting my first batch of orders mailed out on Monday as well as sketching out a few custom designs. If you haven’t ordered & want to, be sure to use the code SHOPOPEN at checkout for 15% off your first order!

{two} Misha and Puff Outlet.

{via Misha and Puff}

It isn’t a surprise that I love a children’s store with the name Misha and Puff. What’s not to like? Beyond the fact that the hand-knit clothes & accessories are made from Peruvian wool, an outlet was just launched! I am dying to get Eloise one of these Popcorn Sweaters or this Popcorn Sweater Vest! {And you can see Eloise in the Sunsuit in her six month photos!}

{three} Marimekko + Target Collab.

{via NY Mag}

Target collaborations have been a bit over-hyped recently (in my opinion) as there is always the comparison with the crazy Missoni + Target launch that set the world spinning! But, I am still really looking forward to the Marimekko + Target collection that hits stores on April 17th. The big, bold prints are so much fun & have me super excited for warm and sunny weather – c’mon summer! I have been browsing the Lookbook online & have my eye on an outfit for me (top + shorts), an outfit for Eloise (tank + shorts), a carafe + glass set, and the bocce ball set!

What are you loving this week?

Be sure to include your Friday loves all month long!

Welcome back Friday!

{one} Link Up: New Light Rail Stations!

This coming Saturday two new light rail stations are opening in Seattle – Capitol Hill and Montlake – which is really exciting! We are missing the Grand Opening, but are already planning on a trip down to see the new stations. This is just a precursor to greater things to come, mainly that in a few years, the Roosevelt Station will be opening right down the street! This means we will be just a train ride away from Husky Stadium, Downtown, and the Airport.

{two} Little Green Notebook Room Reveal.

{via Little Green Notebook}

Jenny Komenda, the genius behind the Little Green Notebook, has revealed a new room update that is amazing & will also bring you to tears. Lucy, the sister of Joanna from Cup of Jo wanted/needed an update to her living room & dining room as part of her grieving process of losing her husband. Lucy’s husband Paul recently passed away of lung cancer & wrote a book about facing death. Go check out Jenny’s reveal!

{three} The Petite Flag Shop Update!

{props & set-up for shooting – or attempting – flatlays for the Shop site!}

As most of you know, I am working on opening up an online store called The Petite Flag Shop, & it is so close to being ready! I have been working like mad during all of Eloise’s naptimes to see if I can get this thing off the ground, & it is looking like next week is it. Stay tuned for sneak peeks, a discount code, & an official launch date over on The Petite Flag Shop’s Instagram page!

What are you loving this week?

M

Be sure to include your Friday loves all month long!

Welcome back Friday!

{one} Gap Friends & Family Sale.

{via Gap}

Now thru March 14th is the Gap Friends & Family Sale – 40% off and free shipping! If there is anything you have been eyeing, you should snag it now since there aren’t any exclusions (even on GapFit which hardly ever goes on sale!). I have my eye on these chambray shorts & gFast leggings for me, and these chambray pants & this floral bubble tank for Eloise.

{two} PEPS Luncheon.

I co-hosted a table with Amanda at this year’s PEPS Annual Luncheon on Tuesday & it was so fun! It was wonderful to see all of the amazing things that PEPS is doing around our community & it’s fundraising goal was thoroughly exceeded! If you are a soon-to-be mama & live in Seattle, go check out PEPS!

{three} The Petite Flag Shop.

Earlier this week I made a big announcement that I am opening up a shop this spring! Go follow The Petite Flag Shop on Instagram (a FB page is coming soon!) to get sneak peeks, updates, & discount codes (yay!). Thanks for all of the support this week!

What are you loving this week?

M

Be sure to include your Friday loves all month long!

This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome back Friday!

{one} Notorious RBG coloring pages.

{via Mashable}

I just talked about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last week and here she is again, this time in the form of coloring pages! Eloise is super into coloring right now, so I think I need to print these for her.

{two} diapers.com: The Great Baby Sale.

Right now diapers.com is having its Baby Sale. There are tons of brands & practically anything baby-related you can think of, so if there is something you need for your kiddos or for a shower gift, you should go check it out. I have a few things in my cart, but the best thing that came out of the sale this week is that I got Nordstorm to price-match a pair of Salt Water sandals I had already ordered for Eloise. Score!

{three} Update on Charlotte.

{via Facebook}

We received news earlier in the week that our niece Charlotte’s cancer has relapsed, and she is being scheduled for surgery and more rounds of chemo. My heart is breaking for this little one. She is just 9 months older than Eloise. How does this even happen? It is difficult for me to wrap my head around. She is being treated by some of the leading doctors in Hepatoblastoma which is the type of cancer she has at the Cinncinati Children’s Hospital. It is a long road ahead of Charlotte & her immediate family, especially since her doctors are out of state. Please continue to keep Charlotte in your thoughts & prayers.

What are you loving this week?

M

It’s March, so that means a new Linky Party! Be sure to include your Friday loves all month long!