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Monday, November 25, 2019

My Favorite 2019 Christmas Book Finds

There's less than a week to December now, which means it's officially time for one of the things that sparks the most joy around here--children's Christmas books. Below are my absolute favorite finds from this year, all of which are illustrated beautifully and display almost like decorations in the boys' rooms. We have them out in baskets by their beds, easy to grab and flip through any time they want. For all of our other favorites, check out prior year posts here and here.



1. If Santa Didn’t Have His Sleigh: A sweet question and answer book about what would happen if Santa didn’t have his sleigh. 

2. The Story Orchestra: A beautifully illustrated, musical retelling of the Nutcracker. Press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the ballet’s music.

3. The Worst Christmas Book in the Whole Entire World: I thought this one would be right up Oskar’s alley, and I was right. Think “The Book with No Pictures”, but with pictures, this book had us both giggling when we read it.

4. Finding Christmas: A story about giving, bringing the Christmas spirit to life.

5. The Tree That’s Meant to Be: the prettiest book about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.

6. Tough Cookie: this sweet little story celebrates the joy of being accepted for who we are.

7. Samurai Santa : A story about an epic snowball fight, and whether the main character, Yukio, will land on Santa’s naughty or nice list this year.

8. How Santa Got his Job: a story about using all of your unique and special talents that make you YOU. 

9. Dasher: from the creator of Red and Lulu (one of our FAVORITES), a story about a reindeer with a special wish.

10. How to Catch Santa : We love this author, so I know this book is bound to be a hit. A New York Time’s best seller that’s a Christmas must-read.

11. The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold: the roles are reversed in this silly book about Santa not believing in a little boy named Harold.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Christmas Pajama Round Up

It's the most wonderful time of the year...matching Christmas pajama time! If you know me, you know my (and my boys'!) love of all things comfy cozy. Some of us don't even make it much past the front door before stripping down to switch into their favorites (looking at you, August). I rounded up my very favorite finds from Amazon, some of which we already have that have been handed down from big brother to little brother as they've both grown. Those Hanna Andersson for Amazon pajamas are really calling my name this year, so you might see us decked out in whimsical stars very soon.



1. Red Stockings: I love everything about this sweet set from Burt's Bees.


2. Rudolph Nose: Everyone's favorites from year to year. I can't wait to put a baby girl in these so very soon!


3. One-Piece Polka Dots: How adorable are these? Something about bigger kids in one pieces gets me every time.


4. Waffle Knit Pine Trees: The waffle knit takes these up a notch in the cozy scale.


5. Moose Pajamas: Very Scandinavian feeling, these remind me of Mini Boden.


6. Green and Silver Stripes: Neutral cuteness. 
      

7. Snowy Trees: Great for all winter long.


8. Whimsical Stars: My picks for this year!


9. Classic Plaid: Cue all of the Home Alone Feels.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Holiday Gift Guide for Him: 2019

One of the trickiest gift guides to put together--at least in this house--I enlisted the help of Matt to pick some of his favorite things, all summarized in a pretty picture, below.




1. Smokeless Firepit: This has been raved about in all corners of the internet, and I must admit, its SUPER intriguing. A smokeless firepit for the patio. S’mores, hot dogs, cozy wine nights outside, without smelling like smoke for days.  


2. G Shock Watch : It’s back, baby. This G Shock is at the top of Matt’s wish list this year.

3. Growler Set : Perfect for tailgates, or in our case, the cul de sac.

4.Crewneck Pullover: Matt already has this in blue and is wishing for the same thing in black. Looks great layered and paired with jeans or by itself with sweats.

5. Snow Joe: A huge help for tackling heavier snowfall for driveways and walkways, this machine will cut your shovel time down to minutes.

6. North Face Vest: Tried and true favorite. This is thrown on way more than a coat around here.

7. Shampoo: a great opportunity to splurge on a nicer shampoo. This one comes with amazing reviews.

8. Chukka Boots: Amazing quality, waterproof and warm. These UGGs will last for years to come.

9. Dad Jokes: I thought this would be fun for Matt and Oskar to laugh through together.

10. Bloody Knuckles Hand Cream: Being in healthcare and using hand sanitizer dozens of times a day, Matt's hands are a mess. Fragrance, paraben, dye, and phthalate free, this gets a gold star from me. Bonus: a portion of proceeds benefit U.S. Veterans.

11. Meat Thermometer : scooping this up this year to use when grilling.


 
 
 

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

2019 Holiday Gift Guide for Her

'Tis the season, I don't care what anybody says. The bigger the boys get, the earlier and earlier I want to start all things Christmas because everything is just so darn magical when seen through their eyes. I've been slowly putting lists together of my favorite finds and who to give them to, naturally starting with what I know best: a holiday gift guide for her. Some of these I have, some of them I want, all of them I love. Hopefully this can give you some gifting inspo, too. You can hop back to 2018's guide if you're still short an idea or person, it's all good stuff.



1. Hunter Boots : I finally pulled the trigger on a pair for myself this year, and find myself throwing them on with just about everything now that the weather is colder. 


2. Champagne Tumblers: pretty and unbreakable, and keeps your champagne (or wine) chilled for hours.


3. Luggage Set : The set that everybody raves about in all of the sizes you’ll ever need for your travels.


4. Lipstick: Featured on the Today show as being universally flattering and a go-to for everybody.A holiday must-have.


5. Face Masks : for some moments of zen, these are always a welcome gift.


6. Disk Necklace: The prettiest layered necklace with etched disc accents.


7. UGG Slippers: The comfiest, coziest slippers you’ll ever put on your feet—I live in mine since I work from home.


8. Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Engineered to perfectly fit within your fridge shelf, this cold brew coffee maker is the best of the best with a super reasonable price tag. 


9. Hand Lettering Book: Move aside adult coloring books, hand lettering is relaxing and just downright pretty. This book will teach you all you need to know.


10. Quilted Bookbag : For hands-free trips out of the house, a bookbag is a must-have with littles, and I love this quilted pattern in black for the winter months.


11. T3 Curling Iron: the much coveted Rolls Royce of curling irons, this one comes with two interchangeable heads for bigger or smaller curls. I have the 1 1/2 inch barrel and have never used anything better.


12. Marula Oil with Jade Roller: the best gift, because it’s SO GOOD, but also a bit of a splurge. This has totally transformed my skin. Use it with the jade roller to reduce puffiness, improve elasticity, and to allow your skincare products to penetrate better.


13. Silverware: I’ve been wanting to switch over to gold silverware forever, and a new set is at the top of my wish list!


 
 
 


 

 
 

 
 
 

 
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