You guys! I can’t believe we are already coming to the end of 2018! It feels like it was the fastest year of my life!! With the New Year being so close to the rush and fun of the Christmas Holiday, I like to think ahead about our plans, so I’m not stressing over what to wear at the last minute! Whether you are headed to a fun fancy party, getting together with friends, or staying cozy at home with your little people, I’ve got you covered!
FEELING EXTRA FANCY :
As mom’s, opportunities to go full glam are few and far between! If you are headed out to a fun party to ring in the new year, I say go all out!! How often do you get to pull out that sparkly dress to rock?
KEEP IT CLASSIC :
In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a classic lace dress. I also love the timeless sophisticated look it gives. And the best part is its something you can wear all year round. This look would be perfect for a fancier date night dinner for the new year.
This is my go to look for getting together with friends or if a laid back date night is part of your plan to celebrate the new year. I love pairing a cute fitted jean with nice cozy sweater. It is a step up from my usual joggers or leggings, but I’m still comfortable which is a must in my book!
GO WITH COZY :
Also if you are like me and are ringing in the new year with your husband and your favorite little people, keep it cozy! I love grabbing my favorite joggers, comfy long sleeve, and slippers and just relaxing!
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Hopefully this helps get you feeling prepped for whatever festivities are helping you ring in the new year, so you can focus on the people and the memories! Happy Holidays!
T-minus one week until Christmas Eve and I can’t even stand it!! The excitement level in our house is out of control, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s not just the little people! When it comes to Christmas shopping, I always try to be really on top of it and can usually wrap things up with all the Black Friday Sales. But every year, stocking stuffers seem to creep up on me. I don’t know why but I always seem to leave them to the last minute. Since I’m sure I’m not alone, I’ve rounded up some of the best stocking stuffers out there for everyone in your family, and BONUS they are almost all on sale + ship free!
… STOCKING STUFFERS FOR BABY + TODDLER …
Freshly Picked Moccs : You know I love ALL things Freshly Picked, so some of their moccs always find their way into my babes stockings! They are amazing quality and the cutest colors/styles.
Playdoh: You can’t go wrong with Playdoh! I love that it can keep my kids entertained for hours and helps them use their imaginations.
Goldfish Crackers : The babies are constant snackers, so one of their favorite treats is always a must in their stocking!
Hot Wheels Cars : Houston is 100% at that age where he is obsessed with alllll the little cars. I love that these sets of 5 are inexpensive and he will die over them.
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… STOCKING STUFFERS FOR GIRLS …
Scrunchies: Can I just say how much I love that these are all the rage again? It is taking me right back to my childhood. I love these velvet ones and the amazing color options!
LipSmackers : Another flashback to my childhood! I used to collect these and had so many different flavors. Haha. I know Hayden would die over having them too!
Sports Bra : Yes you read that right. Haha. For some unknown reason, Hayden is dying to have a sports bra. So you better believe that when I found this one for only $4, it is definitely going in her stocking. Haha! I love getting necessities like that or undies + socks for stockings.
LOL Dolls : If you know Hayden, then I’m sure you knew these would make an appearance here! Like most little girls out there, she can’t get enough of them and they are the perfect size for a stocking.
Bath Bombs : Just like my babies, Hayden loves to spend time in the bath. They can’t get enough of the fun these bath bombs and, and they smell so good too!
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… STOCKING STUFFERS FOR BOYS …
Magic Card Trick Set: When I saw this it had Hudson written all over it. He loves things that really challenge his mind. Plus what little boy doesn’t love tricking people?!
Socks : Kind of a boring one, but I always try to put some necessities in their stockings too. And we love this brand of socks in our house!
Nerf Guns : These little nerf guns are the perfect size for stocking stuffers. I’ll probably even put one in Joe + Houston’s too so they can all play!
Boxing Reflex Ball : This one is allll Joe’s idea, but he is so excited about it. It is a little contraption that teaches hand eye coordination and is amazing for athletes. I’m not going to lie it does look kind of cool…and crazy hard!
Batting Glove : It wouldn’t be a holiday for Hudson without something baseball related. I love getting just a new ball or a batting glove to add as one of his stocking stuffers.
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… STOCKING STUFFERS FOR TWEENS + TEENS …
Lip Gloss : I’ve shared here before, but Hunter is 100% at the stage where she is dying to wear makeup. I’m not ready to go all in, but I’m ok with starting slow with some lip gloss! I love all things MAC and this set comes in a few different color options!
Beanie : It is no secret my girls and I have a love for beanies! We are always freezing, plus they make a great assist to not having to fully do your hair when you just don’t have time! They are for sure my favorite winter accessory, and you can’t beat $6!
Gel Nail Polish : Hunter LOVES having her nails done. Our favorite gel polish and the top coat are on sale right now so I’m snagging some of those for sure!
Face Wash: Along with all the fun stuff of tween/teen life, also comes the wild skin. I was actually so excited to get Hunter started on my favorites from Tula, starting with the face wash. If you are quick, I think you can still order in time for Christmas on their website with code KAILEE for 20% off! If shipping won’t make it, you can also get Tula products here!
Hair ColorShampoo : My girls are both SO obsessed with this stuff. Something about having pink hair is the best! Haha! I will say it is pretty fun and something I would’ve loved as a kid too.
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… STOCKING STUFFERS FOR WOMEN …
Jewelry : I would not be mad if “santa” snuck some of my favorite jewelry in my stocking! I love simple high quality pieces like this ring or bracelet.
Slippers: You can’t go wrong with some comfy slippers. These are my very favorites and could be folded up to fit just perfect in your stocking!
Tula : Just like for Hunter, I would not be mad if my whole stocking was Tula goodness. From the cleanser, to the toner, to the moisturizer, you can’t go wrong! If you shop quick you can use my code (KAILEE) for 20% off on their website, or shop without the code here for quicker shipping.
Workout Clothes : Who says clothes are too big for a stocking? I love the idea of rolling up a cute pair of leggings + a sports bra or tank for a girls stocking stuffers!
Lip Scrub : This lip scrub is one of my go to girlfriend gifts because I can’t get enough of it! It would make the perfect stocking stuffer addition too!
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… STOCKING STUFFERS FOR MEN …
Amazon Fire Stick : This little gadget is SO convenient if you stream most of your shows. Whether you use Amazon Prime, Hulu, or Netflix, you can access all of them through this so it is a game changer. I love that you can swap it out to different tv’s and even take it with you when you travel!
Hydro Flask: These water bottles are a family favorite and the perfect gift for your guy. They keep your drinks icy cold for hours!
Portable Charger: This is 100% the gift that keeps on giving. I have it in the men’s idea, but it is the one gift that I think just about everyone out there would love. It can charge your phone I think 6 times before needing a recharge, so it has saved us so many times!
Bluetooth Ear Phones : These headphones are such great quality at an amazing price!! If you don’t believe me, check out the 5000+ reviews!! I love that they will be so used and make a great stocking stuffer!
Wallet : Also one of my favorite stocking stuffers for Joe is a new wallet with gift cards to his favorite restaurants or the movies. Such a simple way to amp up a gift card so it feels a little more special.
I hope some of these ideas help solve your stocking stuffer needs! For more awesome ideas, you can check out our gift guides!!
The holiday season is of course one of my very favorites! It is full of so many fun traditions and special family time, I just can’t get enough!! This year, we started what we plan to make a new tradition of taking a little winter staycation up at Montage Deer Valley. I shared all of the fun family things we did over on Instagram, and couldn’t believe all the questions we got! With how much we loved it and can’t wait to go back, I had to share all of our favorite things with you and answer all your questions! Believe me, you are gonna want to schedule your family trip asap once you hear all that they have for families!
If you have heard about The Montage at Deer Valley, you know how dreamy it is. Imagine your dream cozy resort tucked away in the perfect winter scene, and that is Montage. We had never been there and I always thought “oh that looks so dreamy for joe + I”…but never thought it was family friendly. I’m here to tell you I was so wrong! I’m not sure we have ever stayed somewhere so accommodating to families!
From the second we pulled up, I was blown away. Joe had to join us the next day, so you can imagine how crazy I looked with 5 littles + all our luggage in tow. From the sweet guy that helped us with our bags, to the check in desk, to the hotel concierge, every single person was so accommodating and friendly. We have stayed places before where they act like we are such a hassle and this was the complete opposite. They instantly got down on my kids level and treated them like the most important people in the world. If you are a parent, you know how that instantly puts your mind at ease. It can completely change the outlook of your trip.
The resort itself is incredible. It has 5 on site restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, a bowling alley (yes you read that right), and the coziest rooms. The rooms themselves were one of my favorite things, because they were so flexible to meet your families needs. Having 5 little people, it is hard for us to squeeze into one room, but we never really feel comfortable having the kids in a whole different room. We didn’t have to worry about that at all! Our room had a King Bed + pull out bed and then connected to our room through a door you could leave open or closed, was a second room that had to beds for the kids. It was PERFECT! I love that they give you the option to expand the rooms and join them together to meet the needs for your family size.
You guys, I feel like I could write an entire post just on all the family friendly activities Montage has to offer. My kids were seriously in heaven and have been begging to go back! We could’ve stayed for another week and never had to leave the resort because there was that much to do! I’ve outlined our very favorites below!
This place was seriously like it was straight out of a movie. Imagine swimming in the warmest water, surrounded by the most freezing cold snow covered mountain. It was so dreamy and the kids could not get enough. We spent pretty much every spare second we had here because it was just so fun. Montage has an Indoor Pool as well, but we loved the atmosphere and fun of swimming in the snow so much we didn’t even make it in there! And don’t even get me started on those matching mini robes!! Could they be any cuter?! The kids were obsessed and wanted to wear them the whole time, but they were so great to have to keep warm in to and from the pool.
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PAINTBOX :
If you plan on heading up as a family, this is something you are going to die over!! Paintbox is an on site kids area for anyone age 5-12. I hate to even say “daycare” because the set up is as far from daycare style as you can get, but that is the basic idea. Your kids get to do crafts, play Just Dance, go sledding, have snowball fights, watch movies…everything they could dream of.
Let’s say you and your husband or big kids want to go out skiing. You can drop your kids off at Paintbox all day while you are out. And believe me, they won’t miss you for a second! I came to pick my kids up 3 different times and they didn’t want to leave yet. Hunter who is 12, was a little hesitant it was going to be too babyish, but she loved it so much too! It was one of their very favorite things we did.
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SKIING :
Being in the beautiful Utah Mountains, skiing is for sure something you’ll want to take advantage of up at Montage. The views and area are breathtaking. Instead of having to wait in lines for gear once you get to the resort, you are able to get all your gear on site. And then take the resort shuttle straight to the lift. The 3 big kids went out for their first ski lesson with Joe and loved it! Everyone that helped them is so friendly and really made it so fun all their nerves to learn were instantly gone.
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BOWLING :
As I mentioned above, Montage has a bowling alley ON SITE. We were so stoked and it made for the funnest night! It is connected to one of the restaurants so it was perfect to be able to eat and keep the little people entertained at the same time. While we definitely need some practice, we had a lot of laughs and so so much fun.
MONTAGE MERITS :
If your kids are competitive or motivated by prizes like mine, you will love the Montage Merits program. Kind of like scouting with Merit badges, your kids can earn badges for completing different things around the resort and surrounding area. Things like bowling a strike, skiing a certain run, tubing, or riding the alpine slide all earn them one of the fun animal themed badges.
Along with the animal friendly theme, they have an on site “ambassador” named Monty that my people DIED over. He was the cutest dog and so so good with kids. They thought it was the best to give him a high five and shake his hand. Pretty sure the babies wanted to bring him home!
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… DINING …
One of our favorite things about Montage was that they have so many on site KID FRIENDLY dining options. I feel like most hotel restaurants are on the fancier end, and definitely don’t cater their menus to kids. The Montage dining options are completely the opposite. We ate every meal at the resort and loved them all! It was so nice to never have to load up the babies and drive into Park City. We loved being able to feel like we really got away.
As you probably noticed on Instagram, second maybe only to the pool, the kids favorite thing was the marshmallow roasting! Every evening between 4:30-5:30 they have guest marshmallow roasting around their fire pits. When I say marshmallow roasting, I’m not talking about your basic bag of marshmallows. I’m saying like 10 different kids of HOMEMADE amazing marshmallows to choose from. The kids LOVED this and I think they would’ve done this for dinner every night if we let them! It was connected to a little hot chocolate bar with all the toppings you could imagine. It really makes things feel so much more cozy and festive for the holidays
Whether you are local to Utah and can make this a staycation, or have to travel and make it a full on vacation, the Montage Deer Valley gets our whole families vote! It’s location and atmosphere truly gives you the ability to step back from all the hustle and really enjoy what is most important this time of year. The family time we got to soak in and all the fun memories will be something we cherish forever.
When it comes to my closet, I really try to keep it simple. I try to stick to pieces that fit two major categories. Timeless and Versatile. When your pieces fit those two categories, they can stretch a simple wardrobe into a variety of outfits. So today I wanted to share with you the one pair of boots you need in your closet, Hunter Boots, and the 3 reasons why they are my favorite. Believe me, you are gonna want them at the top of your Christmas List!
REASON #1 : TIMELESS
First up, and a super important quality to me, they are timeless. I have had mine for years and they never go out of style. They have such a classic look, that they will be your go to year after year. Whether you go with the classic tall or the short option, you will be able to wear them for years to come. My personal favorites are the classic black. I think they really add to the timeless look and can be such a staple piece in your closet.
SHOP MY FAVORITE CLASSIC HUNTER BOOTS
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REASON #2 : VERSATILE
Next is how versatile they are. When you think Hunter Boots, a lot of people think rain boots and that you can/should only wear them in the rain. SO NOT THE CASE!! I love my boots for the rain, but they are so good for the snow too and you’ll find me pulling them out almost all year round. In addition to being seasonally versatile, I love that they are versatile from outfit to outfit. You can dress them up with a nicer sweater and skinny jeans….or dress them down with some leggings for a quick on the go look.And if you really want to make more of a pop with your boots, these new leopard boots are so so cute and they come in the shorter style too.
SHOP MY FAVORITE STATEMENT HUNTER BOOTS
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REASON #3 : HIGH QUALITY
Last but definitely not least, I’ve gotta talk about the quality. If you are anything like me, you see the price and it kind of gives you a little sticker shock, so you hesitate. I am here to tell you they are so worth the splurge. The quality is out of this world. I wore my first pair for years and then passed them down to Hunter and they are still in like new condition. If you are like me and hate having to buy new shoes for your kids all the dang time, these are great boots to hand down from kid to kid. The yellow pair you see Houston in has gone through 1 maybe 2 other of my bigger kids and still, like new!
SHOP MY FAVORITE KIDS HUNTER BOOTS
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Like I said in the beginning, I really like my closet to be simple and streamlined, so I crave pieces that will transition easy from day to night and outfit to outfit. These boots have been my go to for years. I know with the incredible quality, they will be with me for years to come as well.
December is in full swing as is allll the crazy that comes with it! I love the holiday season so so much, but man it brings a lot of things with it! I feel like all the little people have extra programs and events on top of our usual crazy, plus trying to squeeze in the holiday fun and we are pretty much a mad house! With all the crazy, you are sure to need some great last minute gift ideas, and really anything is possible with my best friend AMAZON PRIME!
I love that at the last minute I can think of one more thing that will make a gift perfect, and it is 2 day shipping away from me! Since I know I’m not the only one that will need some more last minute gift ideas, especially ones that are affordable and quick, I’ve rounded up a few ideas for everyone on your list!
I love coming up with fun ideas for my closest girlfriends! These ideas are things just about every girl would love, free shipping, and affordable! Win win win! Be sure to check out my Women’s Gift Guide for more ideas too!
Tanning Lotion: What girl doesn’t like to look tan through these frigid winter months? Sometimes a little tanning lotion is the only thing to help you feel more alive. I love that this one is so user friendly, the color is really natural, and you can’t be the price! It would be cute to pair with some flip flops as an unexpected twist for Christmas!
Planner/Notebook: I don’t about you, but I am a total list maker. I love making lists, and honestly if it isn’t written down in front of me it probably isn’t going to get done! I love the idea of gifting your favorite cute notebook or planner, along with your favorite pens.
Lip Scrub: This one is a tiny bit more pricey to gift to a crowd, but would be perfect for your closest girlfriends. Unlike other lip scrubs, you don’t have to wipe it off after use. It is the perfect soft pink tint to it, and it makes your lips feel amazing! I cannot get enough of it and love gifting it!
Moisturizer: It is no secret that I’m obsessed with all things Tula, but with how it makes your skin feel, there really isn’t anything better! I shared this over on my Women’s Gift Guide but it is too good for your to miss. One of my favorite things to snag for gifts is the hydrating day/night cream because it is amazing for any skin type out there and something you are guaranteed to LOVE. (use code KAILEE for 20% off too!)
Book: You can never go wrong with your favorite motivating momboss or “you got this” kind of book. My favorites lately are this one, this one, and this one. Love that they give you such a new perspective on challenges that come your way and how to tackle them.
We can’t forget the men in your life! Whether it is something last minute for your hubby or dad…or that best friend your husband forgot to grab a gift for, we’ve got you covered with some awesome last minute gift ideas! You can check out my Men’s Gift Guide for even more creative ideas too!
Bluetooth Headphones: I don’t think there is a human out there that wouldn’t want some bluetooth headphones! I always like to have a spare pair in the car and at home so I’m never frantic looking for them when I need them. I love this pair because they are SUPER affordable making the perfect gift!
Portable Charger: If there is a gift out there that everyone can use, it is this charger. It has been such a game changer for us, that we have multiple in the house and the car. It can charge your phone like 5-6 times without needing to be charged itself, and has gotten us out of many a jam already.
Bluetooth Speaker: Right up there with the headphones, this speaker is definitely a crowd pleaser. It is water resistant so it’s great to use indoors, outdoors, or even boating. The sound quality is amazing and you can’t be that price!
Wallet + Gift Card: I shared this over on my Men’s Gift Guide, but one of my favorite fail proof last minute gift ideas, is to get a wallet and fill it with gift cards to their favorite restaurants or places to shop. Then you can turn the gift into an experience and go out to eat or shopping with them too!
This is probably the easiest category to be a little last minute, because there are always fun gifts that are sure to please your little people! I’ve shared a few for both babies + kids, but you can check out my Kids Gift Guide for tons more!
Baby Doll: If you follow along over on Instagram, you have seen how obsessed Harper is with her baby. I’ve had so many of you ask about it so here she is! It is the softest sweetest little doll. Harper loves that she can “feed” her with the bottle and seriously takes her everywhere!
Scooter: This scooter may just be the best gift we’ve ever given our little people. It is so easy to maneuver and the best for them to learn on. Houston loves it so much and Hayden still uses hers too.
Magnet Tiles: Ok I’m sure you have all heard of Magformers. My Kids (of allll ages) love them and could play with them for hours. I won’t lie, they are a little on the pricey end…until I found these! They are literally the exact same concept, and such a better price. They have over 1700 FIVE STAR reviews, so I think its safe to say they would be a win.
I hope these ideas help solve your last minute gift idea struggles. I’d love to hear some of your go to favorites to gift to add them to my list!
Our Holiday Bucket List + Gift Ideas from Kirkland’s
December is here so it has me in the best mood! I love the holiday season and all the extra family time we get celebrating together. The holiday season can be a super busy one too, so we like to sit down at the beginning of December and plan out our Holiday Bucket List. This list is full of our can’t miss favorite traditions and activities so we get them all in. We make sure each of our people get to add at least one item to the list so it is fun for everyone. I’m always looking for fun new ways to spend this special season so I thought I’d share some of our favorites with you, along with some fun ways you could gift these experiences to anyone on your list with our friends at Kirkland’s.
..COOKIE DECORATING..
Year after year, this is one thing that ALWAYS makes our list! We love being in the kitchen together, and the holidays make it even more exciting. The littles love decorating sugar cookies, and if I’m being honest…my whole kitchen. But seeing how proud they are with their creations makes it so worth it!
This year I found the cutest cookie decorating supplies at Kirkland’s that scream festive. From cookie cutters, serving platters, plates to deliver to friends, and even sets for Santa + his reindeer they have thought of everything! I think it would make the cutest set up for hosting your own cookie party with neighbor friends. Some of my favorite gifts you could give for a cookie decorating party or your favorite baker are :
:: This CUTE matching bowl + whisk! I think it would be so cute with some sprinkles and cookie cutters for a neighbor gift!
:: These matching little measuring bowls would be so cute for your favorite baker or for a bridal shower gift! Love that they are simple and match any style.
As simple as it is, the little people always have a countdown going for this tradition, because it officially means the holidays have begun! We love to turn the fun Christmas songs up loud, and dance around while we decorate! They were extra excited this year because they get to decorate their own tree in the basement! Kirkland’s has some really cute AND affordable options I loved for my little peoples tree this year. I think it would be so fun to gift cute ornaments to neighbor friends or newlyweds celebrating their first Christmas. Some of my favorites are :
:: They have so many felt garlands I love like this one. Such an easy way to decorate for kids and not worry about breaking ornaments.
:: The babies are obsessed with these and the fact that they light up. They may never stay on the tree, but they were a steal!
.. CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT ..
This one is one of my personal favorites. I love snuggling up as a family in our matching Christmas jammies and watching Polar Express with mugs of hot chocolate. It is so cozy and simple but always a favorite. I think giving the gift of just slowing down and enjoying the time with your people is such a good one! Some fun ideas could be:
:: Getting a cozy blanket, your favorite Christmas movie, and some yummy treats together for a little gift basket.
:: Gifting all the necessities for a diy hot chocolate bar. These Santa + Snowman mugs would be so dang cute with hot chocolate, candy canes, and some marshmallows!
.. CHRISTMAS LIGHT DRIVE ..
Second maybe to just the cookie decorating is this Christmas Light Drive. Maybe it is because it involves matching jammies again?! I can’t get enough. We all hop in the van, and drive around our neighborhood looking for the best lights we can find. I’ve even heard of friends putting a fun spin on it and giving a prize or trophy to the house they pick as the best.
.. 12 BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS ..
We have done this tradition for the longest, so it is one of my very favorites! At the beginning of the month I wrap up 12 Christmas Books. Every night counting down to Christmas Eve, my people get to choose a book to open and snuggle up to read together. It has been a great tradition to help us take the time to slow down.
These are a few of our family holiday favorites and I love the idea of gifting them to our favorites this year. I’d love to hear yours so we can add some new traditions this year!
One of my favorite things about the holidays is a good party to get all dressed up for! In the few years, we’ve been able to go to different holiday parties for Joe’s residency and it was so fun to get all dolled up. While we don’t have any grand fancy events this year, I love that these holiday dress ideas I’m sharing with you today, can be just as perfect for a date night out with friends, church, and even throughout the year! They are versatile + classic and something I think you will love as much as I do!
First up is the ever so classic Little Black Dress. In my opinion, you cannot ever go wrong with all black, so this is a win. It gives you such a timeless look and I love how you can really make it your own. If you want to dress it up and make it a litttle more festive, you can spice up your heels. I love something that pops like these red ones. Or add some fancier jewelry. My favorite thing about this holiday dress option is you can wear it all year round so you don’t feel like you are making an investment for a piece in your wardrobe you can only use for special occasions.
The next Holiday Dress idea I’m loving is lace. Lace dresses and tops are so on trend right now and i can’t get enough of them. I love that they add such a feminine touch to any outfit and again are so timeless. Whether it is a full dress or a cute lace skirt paired with a basic top, I love how you can dress it up or down. So once again I love that these can be worn all year round and aren’t a one trick pony. Plus can you even handle how fun + cute the matching is?!
Last but not least is the sparkle dress. When it comes to the holidays, you can never have too much bling right?! While I don’t have anywhere too fancy to go this year, this dress has been my go to party dress for over 10 years. So that proves to you it never goes out of style. My favorite thing is since the dress itself makes such a statement, you don’t have to worry about having super fancy hair and makeup or accessories to go with it. Who doesn’t love a chance to get their glitter on?!
SHOP MORE SPARKLE
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From a classic little black dress, to timeless lace, and the bling, these holiday dresses are sure to not only cover all your upcoming events, but be pieces you’ll turn to throughout the year!
When it comes to the must have baby essentials, I would say I’m pretty knowledgeable. After having 5 babies, I’ve tried just about all the baby things out there, and always seem to go back to my tried and true favorites. Now that my sisters are having babies of their own, it has been SO SO fun to share with them my must haves! Since I am throwing my sister a baby shower for her first baby (how many times can I say baby in one sentence?!), I thought I would share my tried + true best baby shower gift ideas with you and why I love them!
First on my list is one of my favorite gifts for baby girls. Shortly after I had Harper, my sweet sweet friend Mary sent these little bracelets over for me and all my girls, and I could’ve died. They are so simple and timeless and lets be honest SO DANG CUTE on a chubby little baby wrist. I think it would be the cutest gift to give for just baby, or matching for mom and baby. Just like everything Mary creates, the quality is out of this world. Harper never takes hers off, and it is still in perfect condition.
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know my go to for crib bedding is always 100% Oilo. The owner and my close girlfriend Annalisa helped me design Houston’s Nursery + Harper’s Nursery, and she just has such an incredible talent. All of her collection designs are so classic and timeless, and I always love her color choices. But on top of that, the quality is out of this world. The cuddle blankets are the softest thing ever. I wish she would make me one in adult size. I think they are the perfect price point for a baby shower gift. Plus use code KAILEE for an extra discount!
If I could only choose one thing to dress my babies in every single day and night, it would without a doubt be Kickee Pants. They are the softest little jammies out there. They stretch so well making getting baby dressed or diapers changed so much easier. The quality is unmatched. With the stretch I really fell like they last so much longer than typical onesies and jammies. I love them on my bigger babies too, because can you even handle that baby belly?!
It is no secret that I have a deep love for all things Freshly Picked. Susan is a genius. As a mom herself just gets what we moms crave and need to make life a little easier. My love for Freshly Picked started back with their moccs when Hayden was a baby, and I’ve loved everything she has come up with sense. Again all of the products are so timeless and classic, which I love, especially when giving a gift. I want to know it will last and be something they can use and love forever, and that is definitely the case with all things Freshly Picked.
My current favorite is of course their bags. Whether you grab the classic diaper bag (backpack style to keep mama hands free), or the tote (my current favorite), you can’t go wrong. You will be both stylish + organized enough to take on all things mom life throws your way!
This is another one for the baby girl gifts and a definite favorite! It should come as no surprise to you that we LOVE Baby Bling Bows. I think 99.9% of pictures I share here she is wearing them because they are just that good. My favorite thing is that they come in every color you can imagine, so they always match her different outfits. They are big enough to make a statement, but not so big that you can’t see the babies face. And they are SO SO soft. I tried other headbands and bows and she was not a fan, but these don’t bother her at all.
These changing mats are a must have for every mom out there. They will change your life. Haha. I don’t know about you, but I despised having to change my babies in public because it was basically laying their tiny bodies in germ city. Insert the Gathre Changing Mat. It is the softest leather that is completely wipe-able so it is easy to clean, while keeping baby clean wherever you need to change them. Their mats also come in bigger sizes that are amazing to have under the high chair for easy clean up, take to the park or beach, or to use for a craft day at home. We pull ours out ALL THE TIME and love gifting them.
I like to unofficially consider myself the queen of swaddling. After having 5 babies I’ve had a lot of practice and have pretty much mastered it. I’ve even shared my tips over in this blog post, but the key to a good swaddle job, is a good swaddle blanket and the Solly Baby Swaddles are just that. They are big and sooo stretchy, to make a nice snug swaddle your baby won’t squirm out of easily. On top of that stretch, they are buttery soft. Like so soft your baby will be in heaven.
On top of having amazing swaddle blankets, the Solly Baby Wrap is a mommy must have. They are the perfect way to keep your little one close but give you your hands back so you can multi-task or still care for your other little people.
Last but definitely not least is Pampers Pure Diapers + Wipes. When it comes to baby shower gifts, you can never go wrong with gifting diapers and wipes. I love Pampers Pure because not only are the diapers so soft and made from thoughtfully selected products perfect for babies sensitive skin, they are still the most functional out there. I was so shocked by their leak free performance I shared about it over here. The wipes are just as good and I find myself using them all the time around the house and on the go too, not just for wiping bums.
I want you to know that this post is in no way sponsored. These baby shower gift ideas truly are my tried + true favorites that I would (and am) gift my sisters and closest friends. They are each products that make a new moms life easier, comfier, and helps take away your stress so you can soak in that baby time a little longer. What are your favorite baby shower gift ideas?
Now that the mad rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, I feel like just snuggling up and enjoying my Christmas decor, and maybe never leaving my house. Haha! I love how Christmas decor can make your house feel so inviting and cozy. It is one of my very favorite times of year! I thought it would be fun to share some quick and easy things you can do so your house has a more festive feel without breaking the bank!
Christmas Garlands might just be one of my favorite parts of Christmas Decor. For me they are right up there with my actual Christmas Tree. I love having plants and greenery throughout my home, so a garland adds to that same feel with a festive flare. Depending on how fancy you want to go, you can find garlands for a steal! Costco sells one that I’ve had friends rave about so that is a quick and easy option. Mine is from Gatehouse. I DIE for their Christmas Decor. You walk into their store and it is so festive it feels like the North Pole. So So good. I love that I was able to kind of create my own by choosing the greenery and then adding the berries and ribbon.
One of my favorite things to do with my little people is read. It is one of the only times I can get them to sit still and snuggle up, so I definitely soak it alllll in. Christmas Books are some of my very favorites and we have quite the collection. A great and SUPER easy way to add a touch of Christmas Decor is to switch out your every day books for Christmas books. You could add a few to your coffee table or a basket near the couch for easy access. Not only does that make it more likely you will read them with your littles, but it also adds a cute touch to your decor.
It doesn’t get easier than just grabbing a super festive smelling candle and sticking it in your kitchen. They are usually red or green or shimmery to add that holiday flare. I paired mine with a simple vase with greenery/berries from the garland. And don’t even get me started on how amazing your house will smell. Whether you go with balsam or peppermint, walking into a room that smells Christmasy makes it feel that much more festive and fun, especially for guests, even if your decor is simple.
Something as simple as adding a thicker cozier looking throw to the end of your couch can instantly make a room feel more festive. In addition to doing that, I will even switch around my pillows or add in 1 or 2 that coordinate with my tree to help give it a little pop. Such a simple touch that can change the whole feel of the room.
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I hope these simple little Christmas Decor tips helped you see that decorating doesn’t always have to be cheesy and over the top if that isn’t your style. I for one can’t stand a lot of clutter, so I like to stick with the statement pieces and then add really subtle touches around my home. I’d love to hear your favorite ways to bring the season into your home!
Cyber Monday is here!! I hope you all survived the craziness of Black Friday, and were able to soak in allll that extra time with your people! Cyber Monday is one of my favorites because its all the amazing sales, from the comfort of my bed! Free shipping galore and deals that are sometimes just a good or better than Black Friday, yes please!! I’ve rounded up the best of the sales before and picked out my favorite items from each! Happy Shopping!
. TIPS .
First up lets talk tips! I promise you by following these two super simple tips, you will be saving both time and money!!
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1. SAVE $ on FREE SHIPPING + RETURNS : When it comes to Black Friday + Cyber Monday, some of the most wanted and best deals sell out FAST, so you have to be quick! You really don’t have time to think about if you reallllly need it. Honestly, I say buy it and sort through the must haves and impulse buys after. The KEY to doing this is FREE SHIPPING AND RETURNS!! Take advantage of those and make sure the stores you shop are offering them! I’m sure you all already have a love affair with Amazon Prime and their 2 day free shipping. Their return policy is amazing too. Nordstrom is my other favorite with Free Shipping + Returns.Why pay shipping when you could be saving that money or putting it towards another gift on your list?!
2. USE GIFT GUIDES TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR SHOPPING LIST : Whenever I have a lot of gifts to buy, and especially in cases like this where I need to act fast and don’t want to over buy, I consult gift guides. These are roundups of the best of the best for everyone on your list, so you can easily make a list of what you need for each person. Below you can check out each of my gift guides for this year + last year to help finalize your plans for even the trickiest people on your list!
Now let’s get shopping! Below I’ve broken it down into categories and shared my favorite stores deals, as well as some of my favorite items you can shop! Good luck and happy shopping!!
.CYBER MONDAY DEALS IN WOMEN .
NORDSTROM : up to 60% off everything AND spend $250 get $50 back!!
FREE PEOPLE : 50% off select styles, extra 30% off sale
We are t-minus 3 days away from Black Friday and the transition to all things Christmas! I can’t believe how fast it has hit! If you didn’t have a chance to see, last week we started sharing our annual gift guides! First up we shared the ultimate gift guide for alllll the guys in your life. From the practical gifts, to the experiences, to the things worth splurging for, we covered it all. And on Friday we shared the ultimate tip to making your kids THE EASIEST to shop for on your list! I’m telling you it’s a game changer.
So that leaves the ladies for today. I don’t know about you but I feel like I have so many different types of women on my shopping list! I thought it would be a fun spin on the typical gift guide to break it down into every type of girl you might be shopping for and the gifts I’m loving most, so I hope it helps!
the BEST leggings :These leggings are my favorite! Buttery soft and hold you in in all the right places so you get a super flattering look.
yoga mat :A good yoga mat is a must for working out! I’ve recently been using this new line from my friends over at Gathre Mat and loving it! This one is a fun pop of pink too!
the BEST meal plan + protein powder : If you follow along over on Instagram, you know I started using a new meal plan from Clean Simple Eats. You guys…I am the first to admit that I am PICKY, so usually meal plans just don’t work. But I am LOVING this and my family is too! Their line of protein powder is my go to every single day for breakfast because it is just that good. You can use code KAILEE for $15 off.
apple watch : Now that I’ve been working out regularly, I have been LOVING my Apple Watch. It tracks my time, calories, distance, everything!! If you workout or are trying to get into a better routine, this is a must have so you can see your progress!
cute tank : If you saw my blog post on how I stay motivated to workout, you know one of my best ways is a cute outfit to do it in. In addition to the leggings above, I love a cute tank to pair with it. It is the perfect option for the fitness guru on your list!
my favorite tennies :These tennies are my tried and true FAVORITE shoes! They are so comfy and go with everything. I love them for working out and running errands with my little people.
water bottle : I don’t know about you, but I struggle to drink enough water like I should. Having this big water bottle constantly by my side has been a game changer. It keeps my water icy cold for hours, making it way more doable for me.
magic bullet : Every morning for breakfast I have the super yummy protein shake I mentioned above. I absolutely love that this little gadget makes it so quick and easy to measure out what I need and throw it together fast.
baseball hat : After a workout or on a busy day, I’m all about throwing on a hat and going. I love a cute baseball style hat like this one and this one.
the BEST face cleanser :I love this cleanser and use it every single day! The gel texture is the best! My face feels so clean and refreshed, but it doesn’t leave you with that tight dry desert face feeling after using it like a lot of other face washes. And it is full of probiotics so it nourishes your skin.
the BEST moisturizer :This moisturizer is amazing!! I love that it is not too heavy feeling, but still gives you all the moisture you need. You never have that greasy shine that a lot of hydrating creams do, just a nice clean glow. It is such a favorite that it I gifted it to my mom and sisters last year and they are just as hooked!
exfoliating pads :I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like taking the time to wash my face and then exfoliate can be such a pain. Insert these AMAZING exfoliating wipes. Yes wipes. They make it so quick and easy and your face feels incredible after!! YOU CAN USE CODE KAILEE to get 20% off all 3 items above + anything else on the site including these fun holiday bundles at amazing prices!
nail polish : You can never go wrong with a cute nail polish for your girlfriends. I love this one for an at home gel option, and it comes in so many cute colors!
curling iron : I get asked all of the time how I get my curls, and this is the magic tool. It holds the curl so well and is so easy to use.
pressed powder : If there is one product I can say I know is good it is this pressed powder. I’ve been using it for over 10 years and love it! I usually get it in a shade darker and use it as a bronzer. My number one reason for using it is additional sun protection. Its a great way to finish off your makeup with a little glow + know you’ve got another layer of protection.
tanning machine : I think its safe to say every woman feels a little more confident and put together with a nice tan. But of course, I don’t want the damage of the actual sun. So I’ve been using this spray tan machine and LOVING it! It is so easy to do myself or have joe help me. I love the look it gives and how long it lasts. If you need something a little simpler for a girlfriend or stocking stuffer, this cream is a game changer too and I love the results.
lip scrub :This stuff is so so good. It is the perfect girlfriend gift. Unlike most lip scrubs, it doesn’t leave a gross looking film after you use it. It has a subtle tint, just like a lipstick and leaves your lips feeling amazing!
bathpack brushes :This may just be the ultimate girlfriend gift. At only $5 dollars, you cannot beat the price!! They are the best brushes with the softest touch, so I love using them on my girls! You can use this link to get free shipping!
the BEST bag : I’ve shared about this a million times, but it is THAT good! This has become my go to bag! The pockets, the functionality, the quality, they cannot be beat! I love their new clutch and crossbody for on the go trips by myself too! I can’t pick a favorite!! And even better, if you joinTHE FRINGE, you get 20% off on top of any sales. And GUESS WHAT, this guy is going to be on sale for Black Friday THIS WEEK! Plus you can use code KAILEExFP to get your first month free which means another $10 off!! You will not regret it!!
cute hat : If you are constantly on the go like me, sometimes getting all the way ready just isn’t going to happen. Insert my favorite mom hack…a cute hat! These are my go to hats. The quality is so good and I love the cute classic styles.
phone case :I don’t know what I’d do without my Loopy Case! With two babies in tow, I love that it keeps me hands free so I can hold them AND it protects my phone. It is totally a game changer. And bonus, you can use code KAILEE10 for 10% off or KAILEE15 for 15% off two or more.
basic tee :You can’t go wrong with a basic tee. I think we all love and they are great to throw on as part of your ever day momiform. Pair them with cute jeans or these joggers and you are set! I love gifting these to girlfriends because I know they will be a favorite.
slippers : We have a strict no shoe policy in our house, so cozy slippers are a must! These would be the cutest girlfriend gift and I promise they are so comfy!
portable charger :We could not live without this charger and it is one of my favorite things to gift because everyone can use it!! It is so convenient to have in the car or on trips and can charge your phones multiple times before needing to be re charged so you are never left with a dead battery.
accent pillows : It should come as no surprise that I’m obsessed with pillows, so I had to include them here. I love the pop it can give to your space, and that they can be changed so you can give the room a whole new feel. I love gifting these pillows to my girlfriends that love home decor and modern design.
my favorite bowls :I have loved and collected these bowls for years. I love that they come in soooo many colors and make such a fun statement in your kitchen decor. They are the perfect price point so you can gift them to your girlfriends with a favorite treat!
candle : You can never go wrong with a yummy smelling candle. This one has always been my favorite and makes for a great gift!
When it comes to shopping for the fashionista, you can’t go wrong gifting them an identical option of something you are obsessed with in your own wardrobe!! I’ve linked some of my favorites below that I get asked about most, so you can shop what I would for sure gift to my girlfriends!
my favorite sweater : you guys have been asking about this every time I wear it!!
From super mom, to workout queen I think we’ve covered it all so I hope we made your shopping a little easier!! If you have a go to girlfriend gift I missed, I wanna know so I can add it for everyone to see!
When it comes to shopping for my little people in can be a little overwhelming. Like any kids, they want allllll the things. And to be honest, we really don’t need anything else!! They have plenty of toys and the last thing I want in our house is more clutter. So this year Joe and I decided to try a new spin on really simplifying Christmas and not overbuying, which I think we all find ourselves doing. We narrowed it down to 4 simple categories to focus on for each of our kids. They are WANT – NEED – WEAR – READ… and I’m actually kind of loving it! Since it is helping us simplify so much, I thought I’d break down my Kid’s Gift Guide the same way!
Is there anything my little people don’t want this year?! I swear every time we walk through a store there are a few more things they’ve changed their mind to! Since I can’t just say “all the aisles of Target”, I’m sharing their top asks, as well as our tried and true favorites!!
SLIME : Is that basically a swear word in your house too?! Agh as much as I realllly don’t like it, my little people love it!! So we set some strict Slime making/cleaning up rules and are slowly easing ourselves back into it. I loved these kits to get you started…and I know the girls would die over this one!
LOLZ : These little dolls are taking over our house because Hayden is obsessed. Anyone else totally getting flashbacks to their Polly Pocket days?! They really are the cutest toys and I love how much they make her use her imagination. She is dying to get this giant set this year.
SCOOTER : These little scooters have ALWAYS been a family favorite for us. Something about the babies feeling like they can keep up with the bigs is their favorite. They are so easy for them to control and balance, and you can’t beat the price point for the quality!
MINI BIKE : When I shared this little mini bike over on Instagram, you guys completely blew up my Direct Messages asking where it was from. It has been so fun, and the babies love riding it back and forth in the house on these colder days.
JEWELRY : Hunter is officially a tween and loves all things girly. She has started “borrowing” my jewelry and begging for her own. I wanted to get her good quality pieces that were simple and timeless, so of course I turned to my girl Mary over at Made by Mary. My favorites are this simple initial necklace, this dainty gold choker, and this heart necklace. My girls and I all have these little matching bracelets too and I love the special connection it gives us. The perfect idea for your daughters or granddaughters.
LEGOS :Lego’s have always been a family favorite. Hudson could do them for hours if we let him and the girls have really started to get into them more too. Joe and I love them because it gets their minds away from screens and encourages them to be creative. We love buying these big buckets so what they build is completely up to them.
NERF GUNS : Joe might love these just as much as my kids, but I kind of don’t blame him! They love when we make it into a family game and all have our own gun running around dodging little foam arrows. Something about getting the whole family involved makes them so fun! Whether you want to go fancy or just get a simple set for the family, they are so fun! And if you aren’t a fan of things flying around your house, they even made a laser tag version that looks so fun!
PLAY STORE : And I thought our toy kitchen was the cutest thing I’d ever seen! The babies would DIE over this adorable play grocery store. You can scan your groceries (with a real beep), open the cash register, bag them and everything. I can picture them playing this for hours with these play groceries.
MINI BACKPACK : My girls are growing up fast and LOVE to go shopping. They aren’t quite in to your typical purse, but love having their own bag to keep their things in. So you know with my love of matching that I’m dying to get them these little mini versions of my bag?! They are so cute and I know the quality is amazing, like all of their products! You can use code KAILEExFP to get your first month of Fringe FREE!!
RUBIK’S CUBE : If you follow along over on Instagram, you saw Hudson’s obsession (and incredible skill) with solving the Rubik’s Cube. He got so good at it and wanted another challenge. Little did I know you can get other similar puzzles in more complex like this pyramid or ball.
RACE TRACK : I think this little glow in the dark race track has been on my gift guides for three years now, but it is that good. It has been Houston’s favorite and he never gets sick of it! I love that its easy to store when he’s not playing with it to, unlike most bulky tracks.
BASKETBALL HOOP : If you know Houston, you know he loves alllll the balls. But Utah is cold in the winter so we have to think indoors. Love this fun hoop and could see him playing for hours.
GAMES : I love how much more interactive typical board games are these days. We LOVE this one for a good laugh, and this one to get the whole family into it. They are perfect for extended family parties too! I’ve seen a version of this one on Ellen and think I would be peeing my pants!
When it comes to what my little people “need”, the thing that comes to the top of my list is TIME. They need and crave that one on one time with Joe and I. I’ve shared about our Kid Dates here, and we thought this was the perfect category to get things to help us spend that time together.
CLASS SIGN UP : A friend of mine had this idea and I loved it! Each of my kids have different interests and I think they’d love taking a class, especially if it was something we could do together. I just did a cake class and I’m dying to take Hunter back on a date with me. You could also do a paint class, dance class, cooking class, anything you know your kids love!
COOKING SUPPLIES : My little people LOVE time in the kitchen with me, so I know they would die over their own mini baking supplies like these. We are obsessed with these aprons and oven mitts too!
SEASON PASS : I love the idea of getting season passes for the whole family as a Christmas gift, because you are giving the gift of memories and time together! Some fun local ideas could be Hogle Zoo, Living Planet Aquarium, Thanksgiving Point, This is The Place, and Lagoon. It makes it so much easier to just head over when you have a break in your scheduled and not have to think about what to do. My kids would love it!
DATE NIGHT : Our typical kid dates are pretty simple. It could be walking the aisles of Target and then heading for Ice Cream. Or going to play mini golf and to their favorite restaurant. We love giving our people gift cards for future dates to get them excited and planning!
MOVIE GIFT CARD : Family movie night is a fun one too! My little people love going to the theater (probably partly for all the snacks), but even buying a favorite move or getting a Netflix subscription would be a great family gift idea!
TOP GOLF : We love going to Top Golf as a family. It is such a fun atmosphere and the perfect place to teach your little people. Houston loves it so much we even got him his own little set of clubs! The perfect gift if you have a golf loving little one.
LESSONS : Have any of your kids been begging to try a new instrument? Or maybe start taking karate or dance? A friend had the idea to gift her son a guitar and lessons and I thought that was so fun!
TRACKING/PHONE WATCH : If you’ve been around here for a little while, you know I am pretty against my little people having a phone or any kind of device. That being said they are busy and away from me a lot, and I still wanted the peace of mind being able to reach them and see where they are. These watches have been a life saver and the perfect solution for us!
Whether they like it or not, Christmas is the perfect time to stock up on some of the clothes your little people are in need of. Whether it’s a few things to help them keep warm, or in my case a bigger size because I swear they won’t stop growing, Wear is a must have category on our list, and doesn’t always have to be boring!
SHOES : If there is one thing my little people grow out of FAST it is shoes!! I swear they are always needing new ones. I love getting all their shoes at Rack Room because they always have great deals, and the best selection of shoes my little people and I can both agree on. We are all on a major Vans kick right now and I’m dying over these for the girls and these for the boys.
COATS : Northern Utah winters are CHILLY and it is already kicking in, so keeping everyone bundled up is a must. I about died when I saw this coat for Harper and Houston and had to have them. I found some great options for the bigger kids here and here.
BEANIES : While it may just be another way to keep warm, there is something more fun for the littles about getting a new beanie. Love these cute girly ones the most!
SLIPPERS : We have a no shoes in the house policy, so slippers are always a favorite over here. This sparkly option for my girls is so dang cute, and as cheesy as they are, I know my boys would be obsessed with these.
SOCKS : Fun patterned socks are another easy way to liven up the wear category.
BOOTS : We are boot lovers over here. You’ve probably seen Houston rocking his boots with any outfit he can throw together. The girls love wearing them with jeans or even with a dress for a fun pop.
PAJAMAS : I talked about our favorite pajama tradition last week, so we are always guaranteed to get those. Whether you want to go more holiday festive or traditional to wear year round, there are so many cute options!
BASICS : And last but not least is the basics. New headbands for Harper…jeans for the boys…cute outfits for my big girls…whatever helps keep the kids closet simple and transitional gets my vote.
This might be one of my favorite categories. I love seeing my kids start to catch the bug and love for learning. They are just really getting into chapter books and it has been so fun. In addition to just books, we made this category include all things that are a little more “educational”, aka the parent favorite!
BOOKS : I love getting my kids new books to read! They have all really gotten into reading this past year so I’m excited to get them a few from their favorite series. Hunter is loving Sticks and Stones. Hudson has been flying through the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Hayden loves the Katie Woo books, and the babies can’t get enough of these little animal books that I love for baby gifts.
ART SUPPLIES : My little people love drawing and coloring so an art kit like this would be a favorite!
PUZZLES : Puzzles can entertain my people for hours and they will actually work together!
MAGFORMERS : All of my little people love these! They are so fun to create and really use your imagination to see what you can come up with!
OSMO : I love that this promotes creativity and using your imagination with technology instead of getting lost in the screen.
. SHOP READ IDEAS .
I think that wraps up alllll the ideas! Hopefully you found something perfect for all the little people on your list! I wanna know what other must haves I need to add!
my dress + heels + similar clutch || harper dress + leggings + headband + cardigan
