Haute Tots

I have always preferred the bright and punchy colors of spring and summer over their fall and winter counterparts.  Especially when it comes to children's clothing.  Last week I received Cade's first Crewcuts order in the mail!  I had been waiting for this moment since we found out we were having a boy, way back when.  In my opinion they have the most comfortable and stylish options for little boys. I especially love this one "Beast of the Deep."  Too cute!

On Vivi:  dress: Pink Chicken Leela Blossom Dress  bow: old {similar here}
On Cade:  t-shirt: J Crew Killer Whale Tee  shorts: Cherokee Chino Shorts  shoes:  TinyTOMS {similar here}

Pin of the Week

Although we are transitioning from nursery to big girl room with Vivi and have no plans to decorate another nursery anytime soon, I could not help but swoon over the design of this room.  Talk about the modern traditionalist.  Shelli, from a la mode maven, curated the perfect balance through the use of graphic fabrics and timeless silhouettes.  I love how elegant the baby clothes look in the gold leaf frames, darling!  See more of this room at Baby Lifestyles.

image source:  Baby Lifestyles

Twin Beds

A childhood friend of mine had two twin beds in her room when we were growing up and I always loved the look and functionality of it.  When my husband's aunt asked if we were interested in the twin beds she was no longer using I had to jump at her offer.  And when I saw them in person I was head over heals.  Today, we had those very beds installed in Vivi's room and her baby bed removed.  Sleeping arrangements around here are about to get interesting.  

images via:  Beautiful Rooms, Katie Rosenfeld Design, House of Turquoise, Pinterest, Coastal Living, Pinterest, ML Interior Design, Coastal Living, Full House, Pinterest, Decor Pad, Phoebe Howard, Houzz, House & Home, House of Fifty, Cote de Texas, Pinterest, Pinterest

Pin of the Week

I just love the feel of this nursery designed by New York's CWB Architects and recently featured on Elements of Style Blog.  I especially love the grasscloth walls (that color is so dreamy!), the giraffe lamp and that sweet hot air balloon.  Oh and we cannot forget the zebra!?! Who would have imagined so much style and texture in a space for a little one. 

Follow more of my favorites here!

Dr. Momma

I have been listening to the rain steadily fall outside our home for the past day, it is so soothing.  Especially since I am quarantined with two sick sweeties.  We have spent the day snuggling in bed, rocking on the glider and watching way too much TV.  It's just what the doctor ordered.

image via:  Pinterest

Haute Tots: Seattle Addition

To celebrate New Year's we took a trip up to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest to visit my family and see old friends.  Our trip was full of day trips and quiet nights at home enjoying delicious home cooked meals.   While we were visiting, I had the idea to start this new series.  I love to dress my kids.  I shop for them more than I shop for myself.  What is it about miniature clothes that is so darn cute.  Haute Tots was born to document some of the cuter outfits that have come around, hope you enjoy!

dress: Crewcuts Girls' Twirltime Dress  vest: ROXY Kids Cuddle Bug Sweater Vest  tights: Gap Bear Sparkle Tights  shoes: Nordstrom 'Micino' Mary Jane  necklace:  mommy's jewelry box (JCrew Factory)  purse: gift

Milk + Bookies Christmas Playdate

Last week my sister-in-law and I hosted our first annual Christmas playdate.  My December calendar has been full since Halloween.  With all the parties we get to attend, why not create a little fun at home for the kids?  I began researching party themes in the beginning of November and was seeing hot cocoa bars popping up over the blogosphere.   There they were at birthday parties, weddings and nearly every winter party in between.  When I saw the Snowman Soup set designed by Kori at Paper and Pigtails, I was sold.  She designed the perfectly modern and festive look I was after and kindly donated the set to our party.

Aside from having a fabulously designed party, I also wanted to encourage the joy of giving.  Working with Milk + Bookies, we were able to collect and donate books to benefit the children at Cooks Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, an organization that has touched our lives as well as the lives of so many of our friends and family.  Milk + Bookies is a nationwide organization that encourages children to pick out and give books to their peers, whom otherwise may not have access to them.  Milk + Bookies parties range from birthday parties, to library activities, to full classroom projects.  To find out more about Milk + Bookies and how to host your own party, visit their website.  The kids and I had such a fun time shopping for books for the children at Cook's.  Vivi selected a few of her favorite bedtime stories and was excited to give them to other kids.  It feels so good as a parent to watch your children learn how important it is to think of other people and give back to your community.

Of course our schedule blew out the window on the day of the party.  Food not ready on time.  Kids taking short naps.  Babysitters late.  You name it, it happened.  So, I was unable to get the number of shots I had hoped for.  As I said before, this was the first annual.  Surely next year I can learn to get the pictures done ahead of time.  And, that not everything needs to be made from scratch.  I am sure the kids would have been perfectly happy with Swiss Miss hot cocoa.

 

I made hot cocoa from scratch using this recipe.  While it was most definitely delicious it was also very rich.  I think next time I will use premade mix or a simpler recipe.  The hot cocoa bar was complete with peppermint hot chocolate stir sticks, peppermint and chocolate marshmallows, mini marshmallows, whipping cream, and sprinkles.  We also offered hot coffee from Starbucks, and used the child's sized Starbucks cup for both the hot cocoa and coffee.  I found the snowman beverage dispenser at Target.  Isn't he cute?!

The mommas sipped on Pomegranate Prosecco punch that was festive and refreshing.  I highly recommend this recipe for a holiday soirée.  We nibbled on elf cookies (cheerios), strawberry santa hats, snowman cupcakes, and cheddar jalapeno dip and chips.

All of the kids were sent home with snowman glitter cups that I found at Target and a note that said "Thank you for donating!"  We had such a great time catching up with friends and watching our kids play together.  I am already thinking about themes for next year!

2011 Christmas Gift Guide: The Little Man

1. Plan Toys Tool Belt  2. Kids Preferred Eric Carle Playset  3. Manhattan Toy Penguin Push Pal  4. National Products Golf Cart  5. Green Toys Fire Truck  6. Tegu Discovery Set  7. The Game of Finger Worms  8. Old World Christmas Largemouth Bass Ornament  9. Gap Kids Striped Headphones Hat  10. Tiny TOMS Canvas Slip On  11. Eric Carle Dream Snow  12. Apple iPod nano  13. The North Face 'Glacier' Fleece Jacket

And don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

background image: Mr. Boddington

label: Paper & Pigtails

2011 Christmas Gift Guide: The Little Princess & ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

1. KinderBike Balance Bike  2. Bitty Baby Travel Seat  3. Nutcase Little Nutty Love Helmet  4. LeapFrog LeapPad in Pink  5. Splendid Fair Isle Thermal Dress  6. Nordstrom 'Micino' Mary Jane  7. Crewcuts Girls' Hearts Aflutter Tee  8.  Pottery Barn Kids Stackable Tea Set  9. Olive, The Other Reindeer  10. Bla Bla Kids Suzette the Fox  11. Pier One Turtle Ornament

Next week I will be hosting MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!  The talented Robin from Ellie Boo Designs makes the most precious personalized letters for children's rooms as well as beautiful (and real looking) faux wreaths.  Check out her designs at her Etsy shop Ellie Boo Designs.  And come back next week for all the giveaway details!  Happy Weekend!

background image: Mr. Boddington
label: Paper & Pigtails

Mrs. Fabs Baby Faves

1.  Everyone loves Sophie the Giraffe, but I had mixed reviews with my daughter when she was teething.  Cade began to show signs of teething right around when Sophie the Giraffe So'Pure Vanilla Teether came onto the market, so I decided to give it a try.  We love it!  The smaller size is great for little hands.  I like to keep it in the refrigerator for a little extra soothing power.

2.  Some babies prefer soft fabric to sooth their aching gums and Angel Dear Blankies are the perfect solution.  The blankets are super soft, come in a variety of colors, and feature a number of animals.  Nubs on the four corners and running down the back are popular chewing spots.  Sometimes I will soak the nubs and put the blanket in the freezer when the little man is super grouchy.

3.  On those extra drooley days, when your baby is spouting spit like a fountain, reach for Green Sprouts Waterproof Absorbent Terry Bibs.  There are a number of color options and while the exterior is soft on your babies sensitive skin, the interior keeps your child's clothes dry.

4.  If your baby is anything like mine, and attracted to all of your pretty dangly jewelry you have got to get your hands on a Chew Beads Jane Necklace.  Made from 100% silicone, the beads are non-toxic and safe on those sweet little teeth and gums.   Not to mention they look great with day to day outfits.  Even my toddler wants to wear them!

5.  Vivi loved the Lifefactory Multi Sensory Teether.  Also made from 100% silicone, this teething ring is easy to hold and has different patterns for little mouths to explore.

6.  Hyland's Teething Tablets are a safe and all natural way to relieve your baby's pain from teething.  We use these very often and provide relief most of the time.  But if your baby has all 4 front top teeth coming in at once turn to trusty infant acetaminophen, and be sure to check proper dosage, as guidelines have recently changed!

7.  I love the entire line of Angel Deal baby clothes, particularly this sweet Angel Dear Urban Coverall in grey and blue stripes.

8.  We have never used wooden teethers but I love the idea.  The Little Alouette Wood Teether Giraffe, is a sweet and eco-friendly option.

{background: Annette Tatum Fabric}

Mrs. Fabs Baby Faves

Recently I have been receiving a lot of baby shower invitations, which always gets me to thinking about my favorite, must-have, baby items.  It's amazing how quickly those must haves can change with each new phase of the first year.  As such, over the next few weeks I will share my baby faves your baby's first year.  These are all wonderful products that we used with Vivi, Cade, or both!

1. I am particularly partial to jammies.  There are so many options out there to choose from and in my vast search I found that Hanna Andersson's are the softest and easiest to zip.  Recently, the brand partnered with Serena and Lily and now features sleepers in many classic Serena and Lily patterns.   Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Sleepers are the most comfortable and stylish jammies around.

2.  We received a Little Giraffe blanket for Vivi when she was a baby and were instantly in love.  They are the softest, most cozy blankets I have seen.  There are many options to choose from but the Little Giraffe Luxe Faux Fur Blanket is our favorite.

3. Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddling Wraps have grown in popularity since I had Vivi in 2009.  Made of 100% cotton muslin, these blankets are extra large, perfect for that tight swaddle, and get softer with each wash.

4. There are so many different swaddling devices out there, but with Cade I fell in love with the Organic Woombie.  The easy zip ensure that the baby will not bust out of the swaddle and the design allows them to move around comfortably without the newborn flailing.

5. Kissy Kissy Converter Gowns are the best newborn outfits in the world.  They convert from a gown to a romper by snapping the buttons differently making them easy for mom and dad.  Not to mention the pima cotton washes beautifully and is gentle on newborn skin.

6. In my opinion Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream is the best lotion on the market, and I have tried a few.  The formula is extra creamy and will help keep mild eczema at bay.  Use it morning and night for extra soft baby skin.

7. Most new mothers use Dreft, but my second child has ultra-sensitive skin that even Dreft irritates.  Method Baby Laundry Detergent is plant based and contains no toxins, phosphates, or dyes.  So you can be rest assured that your little one will not be bothered by harsh chemicals.  I also run an extra rinse cycle just to be safe.

8. We used the My Little Lamb Fisher Price Cradle n Swing with both of our kids and it is truly a godsend for the first 5 months.  The cradle creates the perfect cozy little nook for your baby to snooze  or relax while swinging peacefully.  As an added bonus, tt also provided me with a few extra zzz's here and there.

9. The Blessed Nest Nursing Pillow provides perfect support for both nursing and bottle feeding.  Unlike other nursing pillows, the Nesting Pillow is filled with buckwheat hulls that conform to you and baby, preventing the baby from slipping out of position.  

10. I am a huge fan of BlaBla products and their mission.  Handmade in Peru, their products use all natural fibers and are knit by local artisans.  It is always nice to find a company that supports local communities and creates beautiful products.  Cade's favorite is the BlaBla Monkey Rattle.

11. If you appreciate heirloom pieces, you will love Mother Stork's Baby Book, a beautifully crafted and classically designed keepsake book that you will be excited to fill out and proud to show off.

{background: Serena & Lily Aqua Trellis}

Fab Find Friday

What a whirlwind ride this World Series has been!  We are huge Texas Rangers supporters and have been on the edge of our seats this whole series, hoping and praying that the boys from Texas can get it done.  Tonight we will anxiously watch, it will be a high stress evening indeed!  Hopefully they will get it done and bring the World Series Trophy home to Arlington.  In honor of our beloved Rangers, my fab find of the week, are the sweetest crocheted baby janes from the Etsy shop Sweet Hearts and Soles.  They would be so precious on your littlest Rangers fan.  Of course I had to complete the outfit with some sweet basics from Baby Gap.  Perfect game day attire!

1.  Sweet Hearts and Soles Baseball Baby Janes  2. Baby Gap Bobble Swing Sweater  3. Baby Gap Mixed Ruffle Body Suit  4. Baby Gap Mini Skinny Jeans  5. Circle HBK Design Royal and Red Bow

{background pattern: Tucker Resist, Indigo}

It's Raining it's Pouring

Northern winds have temporarily blown in the cooler weather and rain.  It finally feels like fall here and we are enjoying the cooler days and nights.  I am loving new fall fashions for the kids, and always looking for an excuse to shop for my sweet babes.

1. Mini Boden Pretty Print Dress  2.  Mini Boden Footless Tights  3. JCrew Girls Superskinny Glitter Belt  4. Fjallraven Classic Kanken Backpack  5. JCrew Girls Organza Flower Headband  6. Mini Boden Funky Duffle Jacket  7. Mini Boden Everyday Cardigan  8. Hunter Original Rain Boot  9.  Clairbella Personalized Water Bottle  10. Vera Bradley Umbrella  11. Noah's Ark Zany Bandz