How This New Mama Manages to Deep Clean Quickly!

Spending time with my kiddo is my top priority, no doubt about it... but I also have started to get the rest of my priorities in order now that we are finally out of the "newborn stage" and seemingly getting into more of a routine! With that said, I'm starting to work a little more and sometimes I even get the chance to get some housework done!

I'm sure I'm not the only new mama trying to find balance in their life so today I want to share a few tips on how you can deep clean your house, even with your little shadow tagging along!

1. Keep Babe Close and Content - I know D isn't the only baby that just wants to be a part of the action. Most of the time she is a-okay if she gets to be with us while we are completing tasks, so instead of setting her down to try and mop or dust, I typically just put her in a baby carrier and we start working on the house together!

2. Use Bona PowerPlus Microfiber Deep Cleaning Pads & Hardwood Cleaner- Instead of taking all the time and effort of dusting, sweeping, and moping, start using the Bona System! I've never really been a clean freak, but after becoming a mama I feel like our floors need to be cleaner than clean, especially because little miss will be on the go before we know it.

While I want our floors to be super clean, I don't want to waste time or effort and that's where the Bona System comes in, with the multiple different types of cleaning pads (including the PowerPlus pad for deep cleaning), it's easy to knock out tasks and get the house cleaner in less time! Plus, the PowerPlus Deep Cleaner is the only way I plan on cleaning my floors from now on, it leaves them looking shiny without leaving a residue or overly powerful scent...  it's the answer to this mama's wood floor cleaning prayers! Want to upgrade your cleaning routine? Click here to learn more and snag a coupon for $3 off this already affordable system!

3.  Give everything a place in your home - Speaking of a lot, we have a lot of cubbies and storage options in our house... so many that I've had people mention it to me. Why? Because I like for everything to have a place. The pitcher I bought for a beach party goes in the right cubby in our dining room and our phone chargers go in the middle cubby in our kitchen... and I could go on and on. How do I know all of this? Because everything has a place in my house. This is one thing I'm actually learning myself, but it really does make our house feel so much cleaner when we stick to this ideal way of living.

4. Seasonally declutter - Speaking of the ideal way of living, I've started a new thing in our house since I had Delainey, I plan to seasonally declutter because we accumulate soooo much in such a short time. From the stacks of shoes in my closet to the growing mountain of tiny infant and newborn clothes, we have too much of everything - but specifically too much clothing. Purging all of it, selling or donating... I just plan to get rid of a stash of our clothing and our stuff every season change. Starting new will feel good for everyone in our house.

With all of that said, I know that I'm still learning the ropes with this whole parenthood thing... If you're a mama with more time under her belt with an infant, I'd love to hear how you manage to keep a clean house and a happy baby all at once - your motherly advice will be greatly appreciated!

Delainey Kate: 5 Month Update!

I had every intention to write a monthly update about my sweet Delainey here on the blog, then life happened and now she's 5 months old.

How is she already 5 months? I'm not really sure... maybe a time warp or maybe it really has been the quickest 5 months EVER? Honestly, some days I feel fairly lucky to have the time to breathe, shower, and snuggle her before the day is over. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all, I absolutely love being her mama... but I will say I am letting everything else rest while I'm embracing motherhood.

She's become a brand rep for some amazing companies (more on that soon), I'm sharing fun stuff here on the blog whenever I get the chance... and here's some good news, I think both her and I are starting to get into a routine and I should be able to get back into blogging on the regular again here soon, I hope so anyways!

Enough about me and the blog though, this is about my dear, sweet Delainey. She's 5 months old today, which means in just one quick month she will have been on this planet for half a year... and maybe one day in the future I'll get used to the idea of this little angel being mine.

She's mastered standing (with assistance), she wants to be able to sit unassisted but can't get the hang of it yet... although when she's sitting up, she has mastered grabbing her "ruffles" and loves to nibble on them when she gets the chance. She also loves to play with her toes and I'm fairly certain she may start to use them as a "teether" soon.

She's pretty much the sweetest girl you'll ever meet, but some how she's so full of sass at the same time. She loves her daddy more than anyone, but the word "mama" is the only one in her vocabulary for now so that's pretty flattering. Her dogs are a pretty good source of entertainment, learning to pet them gently is something she loves to do and watching them while we are outside is something she seems to really enjoy.

Speaking of being outside, that's most definitely her favorite thing. She's an outdoorsy girl and always willing to go on an adventure, from wandering around the zoo to swinging in the hammock - she's just content getting some fresh air. Watching trees rustling in the wind, hearing the sounds of birds, snuggling up to our chests, and feeling the sunshine on her face, she just loves it.

Since we're talking about things she really, truly loves, I think I need to mention this... Let me start by saying, we don't want her to watch too much television, but we've noticed she adores Sesame Street and Elmo is definitely the coolest in her book. She swings her arms around and lights up any time he pops onto the screen and just smiles as big as can be while his segments are on.

While being outdoors and chilling with Elmo are two things she loves, I must say she's a pretty big fan of picking out her clothes with me as well. She will sit with me for hours looking at clothes and touching the fabrics... maybe we have a budding artist or a fashion designer on our hands? Only time will tell.

She's also pretty keen on bouncing, especially with our funny sound effects added... and since she likes bouncing so much, it probably is no surprise that she LOVES "flying". We airplane her around the house pretty much all day long and she just smiles and laughs, loving every second of it. I will say a little toss in the air makes the girl smile way too big, she's a little thrill seeker for sure.

When she's not flying around like the little monkey she is, she also loves spending time watching her daddy cook. She gets absorbed into the process of him making anything. From watching him stir sauce to "helping" him make espresso in the morning, she is his little sous chef and it's the cutest thing ever.

Lately, she's even been wanting to hold onto our bowls while we eat oatmeal and reaching to feel the water from the tap. It's pretty amazing watching her explore basic things and we always smile when we witness her reaction to something new, she's so curious it's an honor getting to teach her about this world.

With the mention of teaching her about this world, I'm going to end this here. While I could share a million stories about her little sassy pants self, I want to continue to create the memories with her too. So cheers to her already having been here for five months, it feels like she just came into my life and yet I can't imagine my life without her... funny how parenting works that way.

Stitch Fix is a New Mama's Best Friend!

Thanks for being a part of today's discussion, while this isn't exactly a sponsored post, there are affiliate links below... Thanks for helping support my family and my blog!

Fashion isn't really in my vocabulary lately... neither is shopping. I thought I'd be devastated when this day came... but honestly, I'm so in love with Delainey that anything outside of Delainey's world isn't really part of my world right now. So one day, we'll go shopping together and embrace the fashion world as a team, but for now I wear printed t-shirts and yoga pants more often than not... and well, let's be frank, I'm lucky to fit a shower in some days.

While I love how much she loves me and taking care of her is literally my favorite thing in the world, I'll admit I was just a little excited when I saw fashion arrive at my doorstep in the form of my Stitch Fix box! The goodies inside my box this month did not disappoint, I think I may even request this stylist again... I also need to request a bigger pocketbook so I can keep everything in every fix they send!

With that said, We'll start with the one thing I loved from the get-go... the kimono! This colorful, floral number is definitely a must have for every mamas wardrobe. I love the flowyness and worn with a nursing tank and a comfy pair of pants, I imagine I'll be wearing this beauty all summer long and into fall! I'm seriously gaga over it.

Next on my list of favorites were the plum pants. There's just something about pants made by Stitch Fix. They have this "Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants" thing to them, they literally fit me so well... and form to my body. I'm obsessed... and I'm pretty sure I've said this about every single other pair of pants I've been sent my SF. Maybe one time I'll ask for all pants?! That's how serious I am about the comfort of these beauties. What's keeping me from keeping the pants, you may ask? I already own a pair similar in a smaller size and I'm aiming to get back into that size SOON.

Another item I really liked was the grey open back sweater, but I recently bought something like this from Crown and Ivy AND it's Florida so long sleeves just aren't practical for me right now. Although, this is absolutely one of my favorite things a stylist has ever sent... so that's something! I love the way it drapes, the open back showing the gorgeous fabric underneath, the soft material... it's perfect, just not for me - right now.

One item I liked but I thought could've been a little more flattering on someone else was the navy striped long sleeve top. Maybe I'm just being harsh on myself, but the stripes just aren't for me. The embellished elbows are probably my favorite part of the top... but again, I can't look past the stripes on this mama belly.

And the last item in my fix, really was adorable... but again, it just didn't look good on me! The striped shirt with fun patterned sleeves could be the perfect addition to another mama's wardrobe but it just looks unflattering on me.

With that said, everything in this box was fabulous... just not all of it was meant to be added to my wardrobe at this time! That's the thing I like most about Stitch Fix, I find things I never would buy myself, like kimonos, and then I also end up with things so incredibly similar to what I have (and love) already that it's like my stylist just gets me. Are you ready to find a stylist that just gets you? Are you a fellow mama that needs a fashion pick-me-up at your doorstep? Check out Stitch Fix... I promise you won't be disappointed!

10 Hot Fashion Looks to Make You Look Great in the Cold

10 Hot Fashion Looks to Make You Look Great in the Cold

Winter’s wrath may not have visited your region yet, so there’s still time to get ready for the worst of this season’s weather. When it starts to feel like the arctic and the snow arrives, you’ve got to be ready to navigate the outside without freezing. Bundling up for this kind of weather doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your sense of fashion either. Here are 10 cool looks for the girl on the go in a winter wonderland.

1. Brightly Colored Pea Coat

Choosing the right winter coat takes a lot of considerations as well as some thought about what looks best on your figure. One winter coat fashion that looks great on any body type is the pea coat. Pea coats help you retain the shape of your figure because of their smart tailoring. Choose a brightly colored pea coat to make a sharp contrast against the winter white shade of the snow outside.

2. Soft Cable Knit Sweater

Underneath of your coat, it’s essential to dress in layers so you stay warm. Cable knit sweaters are a great choice for this time of year. An oversized sweater with a smart knitted pattern could be the perfect style to keep you warm under your coat this winter.

3. Warm Infinity Scarf

While your coat and sweater will keep your torso and arms nice and cozy, they may leave your neck exposed to the elements. To cover this vulnerable area, you’ll need a scarf to pick up the slack. Choose a warm infinity scarf to get the most coverage all around the circumference of your neck. You get a variety of options for your own personal style with this type of scarf.

4. Sleek Lined Leggings

When it’s freezing outside, your legs need maximum warm coverage to keep them protected from the wind and the precipitation. Your best option is something that fits snugly against your skin. Sleek leggings lined with fleece or another material can help keep the cold away while looking great.

5. Thick Wool Socks

Socks are another fashion item that matter during the coldest months of the year. Choosing socks that aren’t thick enough could mean a pair of frozen feet and toes. Ideally, you want a thick pair of wool socks that are able to withstand the frigid temperatures and give your toes an extra layer of warmth.

6. Cozy Winter Beanie

When you were little, your mother probably refused to let you out of the house without a hat during the winter. Follow her advice now, and keep your head protected and prevent heat loss with a cute winter beanie to wear over your stylish coif.

7. Tall Waterproof Boots

Navigating slippery walkways and icy sidewalks can be tricky when you need to get to school or work fast. Wearing snow boots all day long at the office isn’t really practical. Instead, try a protective type of footwear, like thigh-high boots, that help keep the snow and water off of your feet while also giving you some style. Online store Tobi offers a selection of shoes and boots that are perfect for the colder months.

8. Light Turtleneck Layer

Underneath of your clothes, you should also consider adding an additional thin layer. A light turtleneck top could be the perfect way to keep you from feeling frozen this winter. This way, you also get a little extra protection for your neck.

9. Fuzzy Fingerless Gloves

Your hands need some coverage as well when it’s frigid outside. You’ve also got to think about something that will make your daily routine more manageable. Fingerless gloves are a great option to keep your hands warm and your fingers free for smartphone access.

10. Chic Tinted Sunglasses

When you’re just about ready, there’s one more thing to add to your ensemble to make the most impact as you trek through the snow, a pair of chic sunglasses. Not only will you look cool and comfortable, but your sunglasses will offer the best protection against the reflected sunlight that comes with a fresh blanket of snow.
If your area is expecting a few inches or feet of snow, get ready with these great fashion pieces that keep your body warm and your style cool. Maintain your style no matter what the temperature is outside with these iconic pieces.