Our 10 Favorite Baby Items

April 2019

I’ll admit, before having Jude, we got a LOT of “stuff” for the baby. After having Jude, Blake and I quickly realized you really don’t need all the gadgets that the Internet tells you to buy. In fact, you don’t really need that much “stuff” in general to have a happy, well taken care of baby. My mom went with me to do my baby registry and she was pretty adamant about what we’d actually use vs. what is more of a trend (…and a waste of money…). I sort of feel like the baby industry is very much like the wedding industry…you prep and purchase “all the things” because you think you need them, but then once you have the baby or finish the wedding day, you figure out very fast what is necessary and what’s not. So! These are the 10 things we swear by for Jude. Every baby is different and what works for us may be entirely different from what works for others…but here are our top 10 favorite baby items…

Transitional Favorites with Backcountry

March 2019

Hello, transitional weather! We’re inching our way to spring and it’s making me so excited about spending more time outside – and also adding a few key pieces to my wardrobe. Lightweight jackets, a cute new backpack (…that could also double as a diaper bag these days – and Blake could wear it, too), the comfiest sandals (I own both of the pairs of Birkenstocks featured above and OMG they’re the best) and more everyday accessories. A new season is reason enough to scoop up your favorites!

1. PATAGONIA MICROPUFF HOODED JACKET / 2. PATAGONIA RADALIE INSULATED JACKET / 3. NORTH FACE THERMOBALL JACKET / 4. ARC’TERYX ATOM LT JACKET / 5. COLUMBIA LAKE 22 DOWN JACKET 6. SEYCHELLES ANKLE BOOTIES / 7. FREE PEOPLE ROYALE FLATS / 8. PENDLETON BLANKET / 9. NIXON WATCH / 10. RAY BAN SUNGLASSES / 11. BRIXTON FEDORA HAT / 12. GRANADA BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS / 13. YARA BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS / 14. FJALLRAVEL BACKPACK 15. FILSON RANGER BACKPACK

A big thank you to Backcountry for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.

Lemony Spring Pasta

March 2019

By Jessica Lee

I’m the type of person that brings a list to the grocery store. I plan out my week of meals and buy exactly the ingredients needed. I feel anxious if I don’t have a list. What if I forget something? The last thing I want to do is go to the store again.

But I am open to adjusting my list if something catches my eye at the store. I wasn’t planning on buying asparagus, but it just looked so good, and it was on sale, so how could I not? Anyone else ever feel this way? Just me?

So plans changed, and when I thought of what to make with the asparagus my mind immediately landed on pasta. I love the versatility of pasta because you don’t need a ton of ingredients, usually just a veggie or two, the pasta (of course) and maybe a cheese or some herbs (or both!)…

Valentine’s Day Cocktail Idea

February 2019

By Jessica Lee

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and while everyone else is celebrating with chocolate and sweets, I’m much more inclined to toast to love with a festive red Negroni cocktail.

I was first introduced to the concoction of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth when I was living in New York City and helping recipe test a cocktail book. It didn’t take long for it to become my go-to cocktail of choice. Not only is it super easy to make, but it also just looks so classy. Win win!

Backcountry Semi Annual Sale

February 2019

Y’all know I am a HUGE Backcountry fan and have been shopping with them for years, so today is extra exciting because they’re hosting their Semi Annual Sale!! SO MANY of my favorite pieces are now up to 30% off… sweaters, jackets, shoes, accessories…time to stock up on your favorites from brands like Sorel, Patagonia, Backcountry, Alo Yoga and more! Sharing some of my favorite pieces featured in the sale…

SHOP MY SALE FAVORITES

Baby P Nursery Reveal

January 2019

Ohh my heart! …Bursting with all of the emotions as I write this post. This nursery has been a slow and steady project filled with thoughtful pieces from family and friends. Every corner has items with meaning or memories associated…from hand sewn blankets to books from Blake’s childhood and beautiful artwork created with our little guy in mind, this space is a true sanctuary in our house and provides so much joy already! I am 38 weeks today and lately it feels like we are just twiddling our thumbs over here, patiently awaiting his arrival. Until then, I’ll rock in that cozy glider and daydream about what big changes the next few weeks will bring…

I want to thank y’all for your shared excitement as we begin this new chapter! It’s been so fun to connect here and via social media with fellow mama-to-be’s and current moms throughout my pregnancy. I’ve had such great feedback as we’ve furnished the nursery and I’m thrilled to finally share it!! I’ll be linking as many details as possible at the end of this post, so stay tuned…

crib – WAYFAIR / rug – WAYFAIR / rocking chair – OVERSTOCK / side table – WORLD MARKET / lamp – WORLD MARKET / bookshelves – IKEA / curtain rod – TARGET / diaper changing pad – KEEKAROO / moses woven bassinet – DESIGN DUA / crib sheet – SPEARMINT BABY / swaddle blankets – SPEARMINT BABY / mobile – ETSY / natural wood frames – TARGET / safari illustrations (set of 4 or individual) – ETSY / accordion hanger – AMAZON

Miso Pesto Ramen

January 2019

By Jessica Lee

When I posted this recipe to my Instagram Stories one night, I got more DMs than I’ve ever gotten. A lot of people had seen the recipe on Bon Appetit and were curious what I thought of it. Others were like, “What is that, and how can I make it right now?” I knew I had to share the recipe with you guys ASAP.

A friend of mine made it for her boyfriend the day after I sent her the recipe and he has taken to calling them “Smoothie Noodles”. While that may sound odd, it actually makes sense as almost the entire recipe is made in a blender with the exception of the noodles. As Ina Garten would say, “How great is that?”

12 Things To Increase Work Productivity

January 2019

As we inch our way out of January, I’m still on a “let’s make the most out of 2019!” kick over here. In the midst of being very very pregnant, one thing I am still finding joy in is my work. Though it’s getting more challenging to sit for lengthy periods of time (…pee breaks every 20 minutes…leg spasms…all that fun pregnancy stuff), I am still spending a few hours each day at my desk. Whether I’m sitting down to photo edit (spent a few hours editing the baby nursery pics yesterday…that post is headed to LL this week, yay!), research new content ideas or simply tend to my email inbox, a few trusty things are helping me keep my head in the game (HSM reference, ya feel me? 😉 ), and make me more productive in my work! Sharing 12 items that can come in handy when you’re ready to throw in the workday towel…

Babydoll Dress

January 2019

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! Not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been MIA on my blog and social media lately…we are renovating our master bathroom (meaning contractors in and out of the house) and honestly, pregnancy pains have been pretty unbearable lately (ligaments stretching = ouch!) …so I’ve been laying low trying to focus on our house and overall just staying sane and healthy. I shot this look with my sister a few weeks back and am finally sharing it…! This babydoll dress is DARLING whether you’re pregnant or not, and I love it worn over a chic black turtleneck.

DRESS / TURTLENECK (non-maternity option HERE) / LEGGINGS (maternity) / BOOTIES / HANDBAG / SUNGLASSES

3 Books to Inspire You In 2019

January 2019

Refill your mug of coffee, throw on your comfiest lounge pants and cozy up to a new book that will change your year for the better. (…I mean, that’s the goal here!). The older I get, the more I enjoy inspiring reads that force me to self reflect and make positive changes in my own life. Though I love a good fiction novel, a few self-help books have been on my “must read” radar for a while now…and I’m diving right in! I received the new Michelle Obama memoir for Christmas and recently purchased Girl, Wash Your Face after seeing rave reviews flood my Instagram feed. I should also note, The Power Of Now completely transformed my year in 2018 (truly, if you read one book this year, it should be this one!!) and Watson ate half of it after I left it sitting on my bath tray (rookie mistake on my end!)…thus, I ordered a fresh one because I like to refer back to it for words of wisdom, encouragement and to keep my rambling brain (…er, those thoughts of self doubt) at bay…

THE POWER OF NOW / BECOMING / GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE

A big thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.