Mommy's Minutes

When you have a wee one in your household, you don't always get the time for yourself that you used to. Who am I kidding? You hardly get ANY time! And if you do, it's usually mere minutes. So...what's a gal to do? You gotta eat, right? And maybe freshen up and try not to look like death warmed over... :) Well here are just a few of the products that save me time and make my mommy life a little easier. 

1. CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Ruby Twist

Red lips are very in right now and if you can find the right shade for your skin tone, a couple swipes can totally brighten your face. Keep one in your car and one in your makeup bag and then maybe you won't look like you had absolutely no sleep last night... 

2. Benefit Cosmetics Fine One One

Same idea here...couple swipes and instant glow. This new product from Benefit has a highlighter, cheek color, and contour color all in one convenient stick. Trust me, when you've got about 10 minutes to do your makeup in the morning, it will become your new best friend. Just swipe across the apple of your cheeks and blend. This is one of my favorite recent purchases! 

3. Apple iPhone 5

Ahhh...what did I do without my iPhone? What did all of us do? From my phone I can check my email, pay bills, check my bank account, and basically run my Etsy shop by uploading new item photos, adding new listings, corresponding with customers, ordering supplies, and basic accounting. Also, I have fun music and games for Luci, and a noise machine app that gets her to sleep in a jiffy! I know everyone is aware of all that an iPhone is capable of doing, but when you're a new mom it is your lifeline to the world!!

4. Chapstick Skin Protectant SPF4 Classic Strawberry

Another beauty favorite...I have 3 or 4 in several places around my house. I love the way it smells and it adds moisture and a slight touch of color.

5. BDG Double Buckle Backpack

This was a Christmas gift from my mom and I have to say it is the best bag I've used in a long time!! Right now it's doubling as a purse and a diaper bag. It's roomy and super convenient because I don't have to struggle with a purse when I'm carrying Luci in her carseat. That is enough to carry on its own! I sling my backpack on my shoulders, grab baby bear, and we're out! And bonus: backpack purses are really trendy right now and can be found almost anywhere.  

6. Nature's Own Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Toasters

When you and baby both wake up in the morning and you're both hungry and grumpy...what are you to do? Feed baby first right? Well yes, but you can at least throw something in the toaster for yourself! I just discovered these right before Luci was born and I'm so glad I did. Made with whole grains, oats, and fruit, and available in Cinnamon Raisin and Cranberry Orange, each toaster contains 4 grams of fiber, 20 grams of whole grains, 160 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. They pop out warm and delicious and are great by themselves or with cream cheese or butter. 

7. Amy's Organic Rice and Bean Burrito

So here's another food item that's quick, delicious, and relatively healthy. My favorite kind is the Cheddar Cheese Bean and Rice Burrito. It's an organic flour tortilla wrapped around organic pinto beans, rice and vegetables in a mild Mexican sauce, with cheddar cheese added. It has 7 grams of fiber, 310 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 15% of your daily Iron which is something I always need more of. 

8. TRESemme FreshStart Dry Shampoo

When I first saw this I thought it was some kind of miracle. If your hair takes forever to dry like mine does, this will  save you SO MUCH TIME! You can freshen up yesterday's hairdo without washing, drying, and styling it all over again. Just spray, wait for it to dry, and brush through hair. It will change your mornings forever!! 

9. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot

And last, every mom needs her coffee! And if you don't drink it, you're crazy. You must be taking speed or something... I'm just kidding. So I prefer my coffee iced...and my husband got me this awesome cold brew pot for Christmas. First, you grind your coffee, pour the grounds into the filter, pour water through the grounds, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, you will have delicious iced coffee ready to go! And even better, it makes several cups and will last 2-3 days. So in the morning all you'll have to do is roll out of bed and pour yourself a glass. Now...you can go take on the day!

Well that's my list of things that make my mommy life a little easier. You've got to maximize those minutes however you can! ;) 

Plaid Please!

I am really digging plaid lately. Lumberjacks may come to mind when you think of this classic print, but there are a lot of great modern and vintage takes on plaid out there! From clothing to accessories, there's a little plaid out there for everyone. Here's a roundup of some of my favorite plaid finds. 

1. Vintage 70's Plaid Dress from FiveStonesVintage

2. Plaid Hard Cover iPhone Case from ThemedHomeDecor

3. Plaid Boyfriend Button Up Shirt from Forever21

4. Pink and Orange Hair Bow by Azalope

5. Coral and Blue Plaid Cross-body Purse by DarlaVintage

6. BDG Plaid Backpack from UrbanOutfitters

7. Plaid Clip-on Bow Ties by OceanityHandmade

8. Plaid Tights from Forever21

And, of course, we can't leave out the little ones! Check out these adorable plaid booties from LittleEDesign.

                 

A Downton Abbey Valentine's Day

Alright guys and gals. Valentine's Day is just a few days away! Hopefully you've already thought about what you're getting for your funny valentine. But if you need a little inspiration, these Downton Abbey inspired gifts will certainly give you a few ideas! Because, I mean, who on planet Earth doesn't like Downton Abbey? 

1. "My Heart Bates Only for You" Valentine Card by PineandParcel

2. Dowager Countess "What is a Weekend?" Tote Bag by OneWildOat

3. Victorian Style Gold Post Earrings from BustedTrumpet

4. Downton Abbey Vintage Book Page Print by LittleVintageChest

5. Sterling Silver Green Chrysoprase & Marcasite Ring by FieldTripVintage

6. Art Deco Beaded Headband by JillsBoutique

7. Vintage Art Deco Rhinestone Hair Comb from AmoreTreasure

And, of course, I had to include a little gift for the babes. Take a look at this adorable onesie from FunnyBabyOnesie. So sweet!! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

       

                       

Gold Dots 'n Spots

Good afternoon everyone! Today I'm in the mood to write about another fun design trend I've been "spotting." Sorry. I couldn't help myself. ;) If you haven't noticed polka dots everywhere lately then you've been living under a rock, but I want to talk about the fairest of all the dots: the metallic gold ones!! Let's face it. Polka dots are just better when they're metallic and gold! Am I right? 

Here you are. Delicious dots in gold for home, crafting, partying, and for your wardrobe! 

1.  Gold Polka Dot Vinyl Wall Decals from UrbanWalls

2. Vintage Serving Bowl from HomeGirlGoods

3. Pair Of Polka Dot Ceramic Cups from VillarrealCeramics

4. Burlap Gold Polka Dot Pillow from HouseofPillows

5. Gold and White Polka Dot Washi Tape from ModernTape

6. Gold Metallic Dot Wrapping Paper from SupplyHouse27

7. 80's Vintage Polka Dot Blouse from KooKooKachooVintage

8. Metallic Stripes and Dots Wooden Utensils by SucreShop

9. Tissue Paper Pom Pom by PomLove

10. Linen Screen Print Polka Dot Clutch by MilkhausDesign

And last, another baby find to go with the theme! ;) Check out this adorable spotted bib for the babes. How cute. 

Gold Polka Dot Bib from IttyPrettyBird

                 

New Year - New Life - New Fun Finds

Hello and Happy New Year! It's been quite a while since my last post because my husband and I welcomed a beautiful little baby girl, Luci Jane Manix, on October 29, 2012. We have been adjusting to parenthood and are finally in the swing of things! And now I have been able to carve out some time to blog about the things I love! Yay!

First, of course I have to share a photo of our lovely Luci.

Now onto a fun little trend I've been noticing. It's something I would call "old lady cool." Ha! No offense if you consider yourself an old lady or if you know any! From succulent planters and doilies to mason jars and milk glass, these are all things you'd find at Grandma's house that are making homes everywhere oh so lovely.

1. Embroidery Hoop Wall Art at FlameLilyPhotos

2. Vintage Milk Glass Collection at JennasBeachRetreat

3. Mercury Tarnished Mason Jar Vase by TheCoralNest

4. DMX Hand Embroidery Hoop Art by OooohStitchy

5. Doily Imprinted Catchall Jewelry Dish by CakeandLace

6. Mason Jar Wall Organizer by OldNewAgain

7. Mason Jar Succulent Planters by LumberjackLad

8. Burlap Doily Pillow at LoveliesShop

And lastly, since I am now in full blown baby mode I had to include this adorable onesie with old lady reading glasses from kakabaka! So cute! 

              

Luci's Lovely Little Nest

Well...I think it's complete. Luci's nursery is finally finished. All that's left is for her to get here in roughly two and half weeks. Oh my goodness!

I wanted to thank some folks for their contribution to the nursery project:

- My sister and brother-in-law for the crib. It's so sweet that Luci will slumber in the same crib that both of my nieces slept in.

- My awesomely handy husband for helping me put together the rocker and ottoman and being willing to help me move stuff around multiple times. :)

- My mom for helping me figure out some better ways to get organized and helping me wash all her linens and clothes.

- Linda Niles for the handmade diaper bag and adorable "I Love Luci" burp cloth seen hanging in her room. This is just a couple of the many wonderful things Linda made for me.

- Tina Dulaney for the monogrammed pillow in Luci's crib.

I'm so happy that all the art hanging in her room was created by and purchased from small home-based businesses and crafters. Support small businesses people! Not that I'm biased or anything. ;) The only exception are the initial canvases behind the chair and ottoman. I covered both in adorable Parisian inspired fabric from Hobby Lobby. Then my husband painted the wooden initials (also from Hobby Lobby) in the same green as the walls and we glued them to the canvases. Voila!

The chair and ottoman were purchased from Walmart online. Considering how much overstuffed rockers usually go for- I got quite a bargain. I'm really happy with how it looks in the room and it's surprisingly comfortable. The blush flower pillow is from TJ Maxx.

The pennant banner was made by me as well from simple scrapbook paper. The paper lanterns were purchased from Hobby Lobby for roughly two dollars a piece. Cha-ching! Decor on a budget!

The dresser is from the 1920s and was purchased from an awesome shop on the square called Simply Southern Marketplace. It's fantastic! I could spend so much time and money in there.

I love how peaceful the room feels. I've sat down in the chair a couple times now and almost fallen asleep. Hopefully Luci will feel the sleepy, peaceful vibes too. :) It's minimal and clean, but beautiful. The green is light and airy, but there's just enough pink to know this is a little girl's room.

                              

Shower Power!

I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed the baby shower that my mom and sister threw for me this past weekend!! I was overjoyed by the number of people that were able to attend and overwhelmed by their love and generosity. I can't believe the haul I took home!! It was unbelievable!! My husband and I were like kids at Christmas when we could finally take a moment to survey all the wonderful things we received.

And the food was amazing!! The shower was held during brunch hours so there was a mix of breakfast and lunch items: warm chicken salad, ham and swiss croissants, breakfast casserole, fruit, poppyseed bread, chocolate chip muffins, chicken salad (with grapes!!) croissants, and apple walnut pastries. For drinks we had coffee, pink lemonade, and citrus grove punch (a mix of grapefruit, lime, and orange juices with ginger ale). DEE-LIGHTFUL!!!

The beautiful wreath that was hanging on my mom's front door for the shower.

My mom's lovely home. 

The food!

Our cake, from Julia's Bakery in Murfreesboro. People kept asking, "Where did you get that cake?"

Lovely little things!

We did it!! The watermelon baby!!

We played silly games, ate, and then my mom pulled out the Baby Blessings!! Each person in the room got a blessing with a scripture to read for the new baby. I highly recommend this if you have a baby shower you are throwing for someone, but be forewarned: you need to have lots of tissues on hand!!!! I was a blubbering mess, but really felt touched and uplifted by my sweet friends and family reading these beautiful blessings for little Luci!

I am so grateful to everyone that helped and all those who were there to make it so special for me!! 

Baby blessings!

The Sweet Bar!!

Thanks again everyone!!!

Taking Some Pictures

I have been going back and forth on whether or not I wanted to take maternity photos for some time now. I wanted to do them, but I wanted them to really capture my husband and I and stray away from cheesiness and overdone poses and such...you know what I mean. ;) Anyway....I am so glad we let Blue Dahlia Photography out of Nashville do our maternity photos!! They totally listened to what we wanted and really helped us get some great photos of our first home and our first little Luci!!

Here is just a sampling of the session....I am so happy with how they turned out.

More baby blogging! A nursery sneak peek!

There's little more than 8 weeks to go until we meet little Luci and her nursery is coming along quite nicely. I wanted to share a few photos with those of you following our progress. There will be more as soon as we get all the final details in place. I promise! But for now, here are just a couple sneak peeks!

"L" is for Luci

In a previous post I blogged about nursery inspiration for our little girl due in October. Now here's round 2 of happy nursery ideas for our little Luci Jane. That's right, I officially let her name out of the bag. ;)

I just put this print up in her room to get inspired and get the process going....

From MayDetails at Etsy.com.

Now, to the inspiration....

I really love the color choices in this nursery and the feel of it works with the color scheme I already have going in Luci's room. 

I'd like to use this yellow chevron rug from Urban Outfitters, instead of a solid one. It's more interesting and playful!! 

Next, I need a good chair for feeding and rocking. I'm torn between these two IKEA options:

POÄNG ROCKING 

CHAIR

PELLO CHAIR

I'm leaning more towards the first option because it's an actual rocking chair, but it is significantly more expensive than the Pello chair. We'll see....What do you readers think? Should I stick with a traditional rocker? Will I regret it if I just purchase the chair? 

And last for today is an adorable handmade mobile...I'm thinking this would be really sweet above her crib. 

That's it for now. More to come....