Family Room Refresh

I am so excited to say that our family room update has been completed. When I first found out we were expecting I was on a mission to nest into the family room (having no nursery will do that to you!) and I am so pleased with how everything turned out. The space feels new and updated yet so cozy. I tried to incorporate various textures and patterns but still stuck with a relatively neutral pallet. Almost everything in the room is either new, crafted by David or an item that got repurposed from another place in the house. I've done my best to list all sources below but feel free to ask any questions if you have them!

A couple mentions about the space. We love our new couch and it broke in rather fast. My only grimace is that I chose a twill fabric and Finn's hair magnetizes to it. Is is a "performance" fabric which means spills are supposed to bead on it rather than absorb (which we have already proven true ha!) but in hindsight I may have gone with a microfiber instead. In regards to the carpets - I wasn't planning to layer such a large carpet over the initial one I purchased. However (again Finn!) Finn likes to "dig" at the carpet when he is super happy. It's weird we think it's his way of nesting. Well he was quickly ruining the new looped carpet so I was super happy to find this affordable shag rug to layer on top. It's super cozy under our feet and I love the focus it puts on the room.

Some items we kept in the space is first and foremost the large white buffet table. I love this table and it was a cheap find on Craigslist that David redid. It literally hides ALL of P's toys and for that my OCD heart is happy. The whole cabinet is hers and that allows the whole family room to be ours. Win/win.

Like I said I am so happy with how the space turned out. Just in time for baby. Today marks 39 weeks and now I can say - we're ready for you little one!!













Wall Shelf - DIY David
Coffee Table - DIY David
Decorative Heater Screen - Antique Store Find
Round Rattan Basket (under coffee table) - Serena & Lily Outlet
Velvet Pillows - (color seafoam no longer available) | Similar
Pom Pillow - Target (no longer available)
Magnolia lumber bar pillow - Serena & Lily Outlet
Indigo Fringe Pillow - Cost Plus (no longer available)
Belly Basket - Serena & Lily Outlet
Buffet Table - Hides ALL of Presley's toys, Craigslist find and DIY David


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Round Two Baby Essentials

We are in final countdown mode over here and I finally have had a moment to put together this long awaited post. While I in no way have motherhood down to a science I do feel more prepared this time around. Having been through it once before and now knowing that the pain will end (I'm talking about you breastfeeding!) I am so excited to meet our newest family member and finally get to know them more. Especially their gender!

Complete disclaimer - I reached out to a lot of these companies so while some items were in fact gifted to me they in no way influence my opinion of the product. I reached out to them because I knew these were items I would want and use with this baby. Which says a lot as I have bought very minimal stuff! Remember this baby doesn't have a nursery and I think as most parents find out with subsequent babies - they really don't need all that much either! I hope you find this list helpful!



DockATot Deluxe+

When I first found out we were expecting one of the very first items I knew I would want that I didn't have with P was a DockATot Deluxe+. I love the concept behind this cozy little co-sleeper and playtime lounger. It is OEKO-TEX certified and tested for breathability which leaves this mama with a great big sigh of relief. I look forward to taking this on our travels (even if just to the grandparents house!) And I assure you if we weren't team green over here I would have loved to picked one of their adorable designs out! You know me - it was super hard to resist La Vie en Rose!




In addition to the DockATot Deluxe+ lounger I also got to choose some fun accessories to go with it. I was particularly drawn to the black and white toy arch for Deluxe+ and Cheeky Chums toy set because rumor has it babies see those colors the most vividly at first. I love their simplicity and the cute hand drawn designs.

The Ollie Swaddle

When I think about bringing P home from the hospital I kind of have to laugh at myself as I said "She doesn't like to be swaddled" I feel bad for me in those first five weeks I truly believed that. Cause you know what? Babies have no idea what they like and the truth is most babies do like to be all curled up like they were in the womb! The Ollie swaddle is a different approach to the classic swaddle. It's made from a custom moisture wicking material to prevent baby from overheating and it actually goes across the babies shoulders as opposed to tucking them inside. You can easily velcro it shut and best part (IMHO) is that you can open up the bottom for easy diaper changes!


L'oved Baby

Considering babies for the most part live and lounge in comfortable clothing the better half of their first year L'oved Baby clothing was high on my want list. Made out of 100% organic cotton and with a large array of styles and colors this is one item every mama is going to want. Their spring line was just released and once we know the gender of this babe I will be going back for more!

And because L'oved Baby is so awesome use code LP10 for 10% off your order! (Good from now until 12am PST 03/15/18)



Wildbird Ring Sling

When I had P almost 3.5 years ago baby wearing saved me. It allowed her to sleep comfortably and I was able to hold her close at all times. In fact I have to say it is one of the things I miss the most about her being a baby. This time around I wanted a wrap that had a little less "going on" basically I wanted something simple I could toss on and wear. No twisting, tying or looping involved. With various fabric options to choose from (guarantee you will want them all) I chose a linen blend since our babe will born in springtime. 



MilkSnob Cover

With P I had a different type of carseat cover that was way too heavy and had no breathability. Luckily I know better now and ever since I saw the original black and white milk snob cover out in the world I knew I would want one for our next babe. It has multiple uses. Breastfeeding cover. Car seat cover. Shopping cart cover. and I love that it goes all the way around the car seat. Much easier to keep germ ridden hands from getting inside - specifically that of a 3.5 year old.



Candy Kirby Knotted Gowns

This is another item I wanted in every single color but again am holding off until we know the gender of this babe. Gowns are great (especially in the first weeks) for the baby as they are super sleepy but often need their diapers changed. These gowns have fold over mitten covers to minimize facial scratches and an opening at the bottom once you untie the knot. 


Briar Handmade Bonnets

I wasn't into bonnets with P and I think that's largely because I had no idea that Briar Handmade existed! Each piece is so well crafted and I went from having none to five! I can't wait to see our littlest rocking their bonnet!

It's true that with age comes wisdom. And my wisdom is that I don't need to carry a diaper bag that weighs a million pounds. Which is largely why my first bag is mostly retired. This bag is small enough to not overload yet I am able to carry the majority of my necessities in it. It can be worn as a backpack or slung over the shoulder. I was lucky enough to have my sweet friend Laura snag me one during their warehouse sale last year. Not going to lie, I am excited to fill it up!

I also went ahead and snagged their newly released matching stroller hooks!


Rubis Baby Nail Scissors

I'm telling you now these scissors are a game changer. A sweet friend of mine gifted these to me at P's baby shower and I still use them on her to this day. Don't waste you time fretting over if you're going to clip your child when trimming their nails. These make it easy and mistake free. An excellent baby shower gift!


MAM Pacifiers (Glow-in-the Dark)

I loved these with P and plan on using them with the new baby. Mainly because I can't stand the small stuffed animals hanging off faces. Sorry not sorry. Glow in the dark is necessary when searching in the late night hours!


Bum Brush

Okay the person who invented this is pretty brilliant because I hate when I apply diaper rash cream and it gets all stuck underneath my nails! Such a simple concept but really smart. Clearly this is a want not a need but I got the mini version for $9.99 and it will definitely get some use!

Young Living Essential Oils Gentle Baby

I'm a big believer in essential oils so anything that will help soothe a newborn (or parent!) gets a pass in my book. We have been diffusing this in P's room before bedtime trying to ease her night terrors, which sadly are still happening :( I like to mix this with lavender.


Little Unicorn Swaddles

Lastly I am loving all the Little Unicorn prints! I have more than enough swaddles from when P was little but I still couldn't resist snapping up a few gender neutral ones! 
Tell me - is there anything you think I need for round two?! Sound off below!


Thank you to the following companies for gifting product for this write up: DockATot, The Ollie World, Milk Snob, Wildbird & L'oved Baby.




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