FALL FASHION FAVES

It's Fall, Ya'll!! We love high fashion just as much as the next girl, but we are also moms on the go.... like all the time... does it ever stop? Therefore, wearing accessories that can withstand kids, keep us cozy AND still make us feel on top of our style game is an absolute MUST.  We threw together a few  quality staple pieces that are either sitting in our online shopping carts, in our closets ooooor maybe in our dreams. I am all about sneakers right now. They are the absolute perfect way to add a cool, laid back feel to even some of your feminine pieces. Either way, these are our fall favorites that will pair perfectly with your pumpkin spice latte! Btw, have you guys seen the new fall pattern on the Starbucks' cups? In. love.

Scarves 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5    Hats 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5    Shoes 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

XO,

5 STEPS TO A STYLISH, KID-FRIENDLY HOME

Source: Erinn Valencich on Zillow Digs®

We're so excited to have Miriam Bornstein from Zillow help us make our own homes kid-friendly all while keeping it stylish! Miriam writes about lifestyle, home improvement and design for Zillow Blog. 

MIRIAM:

Designing a home around children comes with limitations, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. Embrace living with children by creating rooms that encourage you to think outside of the box and incorporate your child's whimsical view of the world.

Here are five ways to create a stylish, kid-friendly home.

1. ORGANIZE STORAGE

Source: Claire Paquin on Zillow Digs®  

Clutter and scattered toys are certainly an unavoidable part of family life, but your child's toys don’t have to become part of your home décor. Establish order and organization by storing your children's toys and art supplies in one designated place. Slide boxes or baskets into open shelves, place wicker toy bins next to standing lamps or use the extra storage in a hollow foot rest. Adding storage not only provides you with peace of mind, but also helps you establish a less cluttered lifestyle.

2. INVEST IN TIMELESS FURNITURE

Source: Lukas Machnik on Zillow Digs®

Kids outgrow their clothes, but they don't have to outgrow their furniture at the same rapid pace. Create a room that your child can grow with by investing in neutral furniture and timeless pieces. Avoid kid-themed furniture and décor, eliminating the need to update your child's room every couple of years. Instead, invest in a black dresser, brass lamp or white nightstand – all functional items that a child needs for years, regardless of age.

3. INVOLVE YOUR CHILDREN

Source: Brooke Morales on Zillow Digs®

Embrace your child's creativity by involving them in the home decorating process. What patterns and colors does your kid like? Let your child have a say in the kind of bathroom tile to buy, or the color of paint for the front door. Even flipping through magazines together can spark inspiration and creativity. Collaborating with your child on a project not only encourages quality family time, but also allows the whole family to create an environment that everyone can enjoy.

4. PURCHASE A DINING ROOM TABLE

Source: Lukas Machnik on Zillow Digs®

Bring the family together by purchasing a dining room table equipped for the whole family. Look for tables accompanied by benches that can double as storage, or find a table that expands as your family grows. If you're looking for function and style, purchase a table that you can refurbish. One way to do this is by purchasing a secondhand table to repaint and retouch.

5. DECORATE WITH DECALS

Source: Tony Leocadio on Zillow Digs®    

Incorporating playful decals is one fool-proof way to add character to your child's room without having to paint or renovate. Decals are an exceptional option for renters because they're safe over painted walls, removable and don't involve a can of paint. Because decals are interchangeable, they're great for a child with evolving interests. Swap out an animal display for images of the solar system, or combine the two for an exciting wall display.

Decorating with children may be a challenge, but it shouldn't stop you from designing your dream home. Creating a home that's both stylish and kid-friendly is attainable through organization, collaboration and investing in timeless pieces. For more inspiration, check out Zillow Digs.

DIY PLANT CONTAINERS + DINING ROOM UPDATE

Succulents remind me of Pacific Grove, CA where my husband and I used to live. We got engaged and married out there before moving to Nashville, and sometimes I just need a little reminder of our old home town. I went to Home Depot yesterday and picked up these little beauties, but didn't like any of their planters. Solution: spray paint. Isn't spray paint always the solution? This DIY is incredible simple.

All you need is flat spray paint, terra cotta pots, potting soil, and plants! Simply spray and you're done. The flat paint on the terra cotta gives it an almost cement look which was exactly what I was looking for in the first place!

 I'm OBSESSED with Target's new fall home line! How cool are these gold knick knacks?!

Dining room update! I sold my seagrass chairs on Craigslist and bought these mod molded plastic little guys. I know it's dark but picture this with a colorful rug underneath... should I keep these??

Nashville marquee sign is from the Nashville flea market! That was a steal!

In the end I moved these mini ones in my kitchen to add some happy color. Happy planting!

-L

DIY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR LITTLES

Halloween is soooo far away, but according to instagram, it's like next week. Here are some of my kids' past Halloween costumes that are easy to DIY!

DIY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

1. HARRY POTTER

This one is my absolute favorite! You know what a Harry Potter nerd I am. We tell Ari Harry Potter stories (the non-scary ones) now, so he loves looking at this picture of himself! 

Last year, he decided to be Harry Potter again! Needless to say, we were thrilled!

OUTFIT: khaki or black pants, white button down shirt, black or gray vest or v-neck sweater. Cloak purchased here.

SCARF: I knit this using this pattern

GLASSES: here. I popped the plastic lenses out

SCAR: Purchase our lightening bolt tattoos HERE for the whole family!

2. MARTY MCFLY

I still giggle at this one. Ari obviously didn't get who he was but people loved it! The Back to the Future Trilogy is one of Jeffrey and my favorite movies (next to HP obvs). 

OUTFIT: jean jacket, white button down with blue/red plaid, maroon t-shirt, red suspenders, red puffy vest, tight light wash jeans, white Nike high tops

"Look at them moccasins!"

3. SADNESS

New fav!!! Links HERE

4. AC SLATER

He has the curly hair, so why not? Links HERE

5. THE ORKIN MAN

Ari is obsessed with our Orkin man, George. I think he thinks of George as a grandpa?? George retired that year, so it was only fitting to pay homage to him.

Outfit: white button down, pleated khakis, red hat

Details: I made the epaulets out of red felt with a white button sewed on. I just winged it whip stitched them on the shoulders BUT I did it backwards. The button side is supposed to point towards the neck of the shirt.

You can download the Orkin logo I made here.

Stick on eyebrows/mustache found at a costume shop.

I covered Max in little plastic spiders to make it more Halloween-y!

Tutorial for the spray can is below. There was probably a way easier way like using a silver coffee can, but I used what I had!

Punch a hole through the oatmeal can top for the rubber tube (bought at a hardware store)

Tape the tube inside and on the top of the can

Punch holes for the string before you tape the top on

Wrap can and hose with duct tape

6. CARDINAL

I made this for Ari's preschool costume, but count it anyway as a great Halloween DIY.

Outfit: red turtleneck, yellow leggings

Tack/sew red boa around the turtleneck. I used yellow felt for the feet and attached it to Ari's crocs. For the hat, I glued felt on top of a foam visor from the craft store. You could always just stick feathers on a red hat and call it a day!

7. BABY NERD

This was my laziest costume but effective. Max already had the white onesie, cardi, and bowtie. I just put masking tape on Ari's Harry Potter glasses (above)!

8. HASHTAG THE PANDA

Our love for Jimmy Fallon is STRONG.

Similar panda costume HERE.

You can download the name tag I made HERE, but you could easily buy the name tag stickers and write "Hashtag". If you don't get it, you don't get it. If you do, it's pretty hilarious.

9. TINKER BELL

Ari adores Tinker Bell! His preschool had costume day, so we went with his hero!

Tutorial for the costume and educational art HERE.

This year is most likely directed by Ari who is now 5! Sad! So far, he wants to be Sadness from Inside Out. I'll update you with the progress! Good luck, mamas!

-L

GIFT TAG - FREE PRINTABLE

Just a little freebie for ya! The best kind of gift is the one you want to keep yourself, right?!

Download HERE