The Mother of all mothers Giveaway!

Good morning friends, and happy monday! Don’t grump out on me yet, because I promise to make this a very happy monday for you too. :-)

My very sweet friend Jayme, one of the owners and creative ladies behind Kate & James, and I have been talking about hosting a giveaway together for quite awhile now. In the past we had put things on hold because we wanted to bring you all a giveaway that you’d remember; a giveaway worth telling your friends about. Well lucky you, that giveaway is here, and there are a whopping 15 shops bringing you some phenomenal prizes! Jayme & I did our homework on this one, and we rounded up 15 of our favorite mama & mini companies who have so graciously offered up prizes that we’re absolutely drooling over. We own many of these items and are here to tell you that they are amazing! These are the types of women that inspire me daily. I created this little blog so I could stand beside incredibly talented, hardworking women like them, and I’m just so honored to be in their presence. I hope you’re all as excited about this giveaway as I am, because it’s the #MotherOfAllMothers!

All of the images below are linked directly to the item, so feel free to click the image if you don’t want to test your luck and would rather purchase immediately.

Ready to meet the rad ladies behind all the brands? lemons tee Kate & James – Lemons Make Lemonade Tee.

Jayme, my giveaway co-host, is the owner of Kate & James. She and her friend Katie started K & J in 2014 and have been killing it ever since. You’ve seen them clogging my Instagram feed on the regular with adorable pictures of Camryn rocking her “Lemons” tee, and with the new arrivals of their baby size tees you can count on Harper rocking hers when she arrives too. Jayme is a personal friend of mine, and seeing her company becoming “big time” makes me so damn happy!! Go. Go follow these babes on IG, peep their awesome tees, and put your kids in them. You can thank me later. - @kateandjames_shop

Coral And Cloud – $30 Shop Credit.

Miko is the owner of Coral And Cloud, and creative mama behind these gorgeous hand-painted necklaces and mobiles. Her modern, colorful, geometric necklaces are the perfect accessory for any mom or hip kid. If you’re not a jewelry fanatic, her mobiles are sure to win you over. How amazing is the pink & gold mobile pictured above?! You better bet that will be hanging in Harper’s nursery! Go follow her on IG - @coralandcloud

Sophie & Lili – Flip Doll.

You’re already swooning over these adorable Sophie & Lili dolls, aren’t you? I mean, c’mon, a princess that transforms into a slumber party doll?! These incredibly creative dolls can be played with, snuggled, and (hallelujah for us moms) WASHED! They make the perfect best friend for every little lady. Follow along on IG to see more - @sophieandlili

minimoc Mini Moc – $40 Shop Credit.

Amanda, the creative lady behind Mini Moc, popped up on my radar recently after being featured alongside one of my favorite brands, Vonbon. Her beautifully made and ethically sourced mocs come in a huge variety of colors and offer a micro-suede sole for a non-slip indoor/outdoor footwear. Amanda started Mini Moc using leather scraps leftover from her husbands handmade grooms gifts. She is also pregnant and expecting a boy or girl (it’s a surprise!) by the end of the year, so be sure to go say hi and congratulate her! (I chose robins egg, shown above, for Harper’s first pair of mocs.) @minimoc

Whistle & Flute – $25 Shop Credit.

Miranda, the wife behind this husband and wife duo, knows how to design and style kick-ass kids clothes…excuse my french, but they’re that good. She makes “Fine clothes for dapper families”. Her unisex kids and adult apparel can be seen all over the hip kids of Instagram, whom are admittedly her muse when looking for design inspiration. These cool parents used to be in an indie pop band called The Paper Cranes – like I said, their cool factor is off the charts! Go check them out, if you’re not already a follower. @whistleandflute

Pixel Paper Hearts – $35 Shop Credit.

If there was a rule on Instagram that only allowed you to follow one person, it would be @pixelpaperhearts for me. She is, hands down, my favorite. Charisse is so incredibly funny, kind, and talented. When I was looking for art for Harper’s nursery I immediately went to her shop…and when the print I was dying for didn’t perfectly match my color scheme, she had one custom made for me in the color I wanted. She is good people. Go check her out, buy her hilarious shirts and mugs, and grab some art for yourself and your kids. You will not be disappointed.

Little Big Dreamers – $20 Shop Credit.

Keri, the beautiful mama behind @littlebigdreamers is not only one of my blog sponsors, but also a really sweet friend. Camryn became one of her brand reps over the summer and she has been such an awesome supporter of me, my blog, and my social platforms ever since. I’m grateful to have met her, to have watched as her business flourished, and to be able to support her by rocking her designs all day everyday! The little tiny cutie above (with the sucker) belongs to her, and if you go follow her instagram you can get nearly daily doses of that beautiful face – need I say more?

Kid + Kind – “I have a lot of feelings” tee.

And then there was Jackie. Oh, Jackie, how I love you so. Kid + Kind was a relatively new brand to me, introduced through Jayme (of Kate & James), and a company that I really had to do some research into. Well friends, that snooping around was worthwhile because I discovered that this company is really special. On her website, under the about me section, Jackie describes her journey to create Kid + Kind. She mentions her wealth of knowledge of the industry, and desire to branch out on her own. She talks about the final push she needed to do that, and it’s so powerful and represents such a passion that I have to share. “It was the birth of my daughter that sparked my inherent need to make her world as fun, beautiful, and as inspiring as possible.” It was her baby. If that’s not something we can all understand, feel in our bones, and want to help support than I don’t know what is. She’s pretty bomb.com in my books, and her designs are too! Go check her out - @kidandkind

House Of Mia – $25 Shop Credit.

If you’ve never heard of House of Mia then you’ve been living under a rock. This powerhouse of design is another mama after my own heart. HoM was started after the birth of her daughter Amelia (Mia), and her longtime passion to create. Made with 100% organic cotton, HoM offers leggings, knotted hats, and newborn essentials. They are staples in my house, and pair perfectly with pretty much everything. @house_of_mia

covered goods Covered Goods – Nursing Cover of winners choice.

@coveredgoods is a company that my friend Jenn introduced me to a few months ago after I announced that baby #2 was on her way. Have you ever been nursing in public, using a traditional cover, and had your baby pull it open or the wind blow it off? Oh, hey giant nipple!! Look, I’m all for public nursing, and I nursed Camryn for 18 months, but I know that on certain occasions I’d rather keep my lovely lady lumps under wrap. Creepy dude at Target, “eyes up here!”. Lady server at that expensive steakhouse, “Quit mean mugging me while my kid eats. I’m gonna tip. And yes, they’re real!” Y’all know what I mean?! All you gorgeous moms on IG posting your breastfeeding pics, I bow to you and your self confidence, and some days I am you…days that I’m not, I’ve got my Covered Goods nursing cover! Here’s why these are awesome, and a total must have: They cover front & back, so your squirmy kid can’t flash you. They aren’t ugly…we’ve all had the ugly nursing cover, amiright? They double as an infinity scarf or car seat cover, and they’re also super soft!

Sweet Kiddo Co – $25 Shop Credit.

Cherie is my homegirl! No, seriously, we share our home city Austin, TX! She makes gorgeous, vibrant, and modern leggings, skirts, and headbands. I absolutely love the statement these leggings make, and how easy they make dressing your babe. Grab a tee and some Mini Mocs and you’re out the door and looking oh-so-trendy! Go check her out on Instagram – give her a “hey y’all!” @sweetkiddoco

Little Sapling Toys – $20 Shop Credit.

This husband and wife team are doing so many things right! They started their business in 2008 and quickly became the top selling toy shop on Etsy. Say what?! They offer the classic wooden toys with a twist, using organic materials, and offering the largest selection of shapes. You can even have your toy customized – what an awesome gift! These do-gooders even plant a tree for every toy sold. I have my eye on about 30 of their toys…totally reasonable, no?! :-) @littlesaplingtoys

panda bandit

bandit print ADN Designs - Panda Bandit Print.

Anna, and “momma to the peej” as she fondly calls herself, is #1. The hottest mom, and #2. has one of the best Instagram feeds out there. I dare you to check out the hashtag #peejandme – it’s adorable overload of her ridiculously beautiful daughter and her, and it will melt even the coldest of hearts. She’s giving one lucky winner this rad “Panda Bandit” print that any kid would be stoked on. Camryn saw it while I was working on this post and nearly lost her $h!t. @adndesigns

Talia Handler Art – Custom Watercolor Portrait.

Where do I even begin with this beautiful lady? Talia and I connected early this year when she painted Camryn in her blue mustache, and have since become personal friends. Talia is so incredibly talented, and has the ability to turn a photo into a true work of art. I’ve since framed my crazy little mustache girl and smile everyday when I see her. This is one of the prizes that you will cherish for a lifetime, long after your little one has grown up, and outgrown everything. Go say Hi to Talia, and tell her what a babe she is. @taliahandlerart

Everly B – $35 Shop credit.

Another awesome shop started in honor of her kiddos. All of her awesome shirts are “mama designed” and her pants are “mama sewn”, which naturally means they’re made with tons of love! This Cali mom is really bringing it in the summer lovin’ department, and I’m seriously swooning over her trucker hat and striped onesie. She designs with comfort and function in mind, but with a trendy twist. She is ALSO 25 weeks pregnant, so again, give her some love and congrats! @everly_b

Are you still with me guys?! Phew!! What a group of ladies, and what a giveaway!! One of you is going to get really lucky…ready to find out how?

Head on over to my Instagram and follow me. You’ll find this photo:

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Go ahead and “like” it, because it’d be rude not to ;-) and then follow all the shops listed (which are all the ladies you just read about). Once you’ve followed all the shops, repost this photo using the hashtag #MotherOfAllMothersGiveaway Here’s a tip – click that hashtag before re-posting the photo and when you go to type it later it will auto populate the hashtag for you (so you don’t screw it up and miss a letter or anything…trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way!) Be sure to also tag me @playdatesandpearls. You must have a public account for the duration of the contest. You can post daily for additional entries. The contest will run for one week, 8/25 – 9/1, and closes at midnight. I will announce the winner on 9/2.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

XO – Samantha

Second Trimester Pregnancy Update

25 weeks 4

25 weeks 2

25 weeks

25 weeks 3

25 weeks 5

It’s hard to believe I’m already in my 25th week of pregnancy, and just 15 weeks (or less) away from meeting this tiny lady! This has felt equally like the longest pregnancy, and the fastest pregnancy ever. When I think of all the things still lingering on my to-do list, I become overwhelmed with anxiety. When I think of all the hours spent nauseous and hanging over my toilets, sinks, and drowning myself in ginger ale, I wonder “how have I survived this infinite pregnancy?”

If you’re wondering what I’ve done to prepare, the answer is nothing. I haven’t bought diapers. I haven’t assembled (or purchased) the crib. The dresser/changing table still lives in Camryn’s room. The storage containers full of baby clothes that I’ve saved for the last 3 years are stacked to the ceiling and in need of being washed and hung. Thank god I am OCD and was smart enough to organize them all by size and season – hallelujah! We don’t have a double stroller (and probably won’t get one because it seems unnecessary for us), a swing, bouncer, activity mat, or even a monitor…although my husband did splurge on the Sproutling. If you’re unfamiliar with this awesome product, check out their video.

To be quite honest, I’m not concerned like I was when I was pregnant with Camryn. I feel like all I need is diapers, nursing pads for my soon-to-be leaky chest, a crib, and a car seat….maybe a few sleeping pills to slip that little night owl….BOOM! Happy baby. I’m kidding people. Don’t drug your kids. Put down your phone, no need to call child protective services. ;-)

Speaking of calling CPS, did y’all see that crazy mom who video taped her son lighting himself on fire?! W-T-F. Don’t even get me started. Ok, moving on before I get all Oprah on you and start telling you how I feel about said crazy mom…

Since I seem to be rambling, lets go ahead and break things down real quick with ten facts about my pregnancy as of now:

1. I can’t stop eating. I crave pasta, cereal, cheeseburgers, and popsicles. By crave I really just mean I like those foods and am using this baby as an excuse to indulge.

2. I tried to put on a pair of non-maternity shorts to wear unbuttoned over my bikini to the pool this weekend, and couldn’t even pull them up past my thighs. I am convinced I am growing Harper’s twin in my a$$.

3. I’ve only made 4 maternity purchases so far, which is probably why I’m constantly complaining that I have nothing to wear. 1 pair of pants, two shorts, and a tee shirt. On the other hand, I’ve bought Camryn 20+ new outfits in the last 6 months despite the fact that she hasn’t grown an inch since I got pregnant. Story. Of. My. Life.

4. I started feeling Harper move around 14 weeks. Taylor first felt her move around 17 weeks, and Camryn felt her around 20. I can now see her moving, and we watch my belly roll around nightly. Harper responds quickly to Camryn talking to her, and loves to kick big sister in the face when Camryn leans her head on my belly.

5. The love and bond my girls already share has made being sick for 6 months 100% worth it. Camryn touches my belly, says “Hi Harper!”, and kisses her at least once a day.

6. I haven’t had any stretch marks yet (I never did with Camryn), but I have gained a solid 16 pounds already. I gained a total of 30-35 with Camryn.

7. I am a walking furnace. Most days I just want to live in the freezer. Summer pregnancy in Texas is not my jam.

8. I havent had a single stranger touch my belly.

9. Harper does not yet have a middle name. We have about 4 names that we’re tossing around, but my husband is “meh” on all of them. Suggestions?

10. At 25 weeks, I still sleep on my belly. It’s only just (in the last week) becoming uncomfortable, and I’m trying to transition to sleeping on my side…I haven’t slept well in days. :-(

Hope I haven’t bored you too much with all this bump talk. I have a beauty review coming your way tomorrow, so if baby talk doesn’t apply to you, hopefully that will.

XO – Samantha

Rock that college fund!

The 4 little words that I say on a far too regular basis that my husband hates the most…”Rock that college fund!” It’s true, I’m addicted to toddler fashion. I can’t stop. I won’t stop. I take that back; I’ll have to stop, because my big lady is starting school next week and will be wearing a uniform every day to school. So in honor of going big or going home, I splurged on a few of the Duchess & Lion Co items that launched last week, and you better bet she’s been rocking that college fund this week!

DLco3 DLco4 DLco5 duchess and lion 2

Duchess and Lion I also snagged a few headscarves…as if we needed any more.

These items will be relaunching tomorrow if you want to snag some for your little. Do not hold me responsible for your angry husbands, or overdrawn bank accounts. :-)

For those of you who have asked – YES! All of these items, as well as Camryn’s entire wardrobe, will be sold in the coming months as Harper wears and outgrows them – I will announce the Instagram account for any of you interested.

XO – Samantha

Wrap it Up!

Let me reassure you, this post is not sponsored by Trojan. It is, on the other hand, all about my new favorite fashion accessory – the hair wrap.

Camryn & I have been rocking hair wraps the last few weeks on a daily basis. They turn our not-so-fab hair into “Hey girl, heyyyy!” hair. Our sweet friend Keri, the owner of Little Big Dreamers, sent us a few new hair wraps that have quickly become our go-to wraps. She also just launched her fall line of headbands, wraps, and clothing, including a very special wrap that she named after Harper called “Harper’s Beauty”. <3 Be still my heart.

Here are a few of the wraps that I think you’ll love as much as I do:

Kicking it off with my obvious favorite, Harper’s Beauty – this gorgeous wrap would look amazing adding a punch of color to a black & white outfit.

Who’s that cute girl?! :-) Here’s my biggest lady rocking her Stud Muffin wrap, and just being straight up adorable while chugging her hot chocolate. Girls got a soft spot for a starbucks hot chocolate.

This is the “I Love Lucy” wrap, and the one you’ll catch me wearing most often. It literally looks good with every single outfit, and is long enough to be double wrapped and then knotted (because mama doesn’t always need a bow to draw attention to myself). This is the wrap I wore in this photo.

Oh sweet Teagan…look at that pout! Meet Keri’s oldest daughter, and most beautiful little model. This little lady has a creative mind like her mama, and it always shows in her outfits, which she picks out herself. I’m way too OCD to let Camryn pick an entire outfit by herself, but I always think moms who do are so damn cool. Back to the wraps – this gorgeous wrap is called the Lily Grace, and it’s next on my must-have list. I love the retro, vintage-y feel is has, and I would pair it with an A-line black dress, knee high socks, and retro school shoes…just in case you were wondering. HA! Reasons why Camryn doesn’t pick her entire outfit herself…mamas got issues.

Last but not least, I bring you “Totes Tribal”. This wrap is perfect for all of you ladies who are looking to rock the wrap without looking like a 5 year old. This wrap would look so chic with a top knot!

All of the featured wraps are just $12-14. What are you waiting for?!

While you’re visiting her shop, be sure to check out the “Cray Cray” tees (a mom staple), the headband section (you might spy a few pics of yours truly), and the “create your own” section if you’re feeling adventurous and think you can cut it as a designer yourself! If you create your own, and you don’t use the amazing black & white panda face fabric, then we can’t be friends anymore – pre-warning. ;-)

Oh, and sorry about the whole “I might have 2 posts up tomorrow” posted Thursday. If you showed up on Friday, there was nothing to greet you but the sound of crickets…OOPS! I may or may not have forgotten it was my husbands dirty 30 on Friday. I know, wife of the year. On the bright side, that just means more good posts coming your way THIS week.

XO – Samantha

Little Big Dreamers

I mentioned before that Camryn’s a rep for Little Big Dreamers, and gets to play with some of their uber cute accessories and apparel. Well yesterday, instead of working on the DIY art I had mentioned, we played dress-up and shot some pics for the LBD website that launches tomorrow. Here are a few of my favorite shots :-)

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LBD Black & White.jpg

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Tongue Out (Outtake).jpg It’s no secret, I’m obsessed with this girl. She was so fun to snap pictures of, and is always so silly in front of the camera. If she grows up to be a comedian, I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest.

If you want to snag either of these adorable headbands, check out LBD’s etsy shop, or visit their new website tomorrow (I’ll update with URL).

XO – Samantha

Happy 3rd Birthday Baby!

Hanna Mac Photography Oh, Camryn. Where to start, sweet little lady… Daddy & I can’t believe we’re celebrating your third birthday today! 3 years came and went even faster than they warn you it will. I can remember the day you were born so vividly. Around 10am I was getting ready for the day, and I walked out into the living room and told Daddy “I think we’re having a baby today”. I was 7 days early, so he didn’t put much weight into my Mommy intuition. 30 minutes later I felt a little dribble, and got a little nervous…I honestly thought I may have peed my pants…you were like a mini-fridge on my bladder, anything was possible. But no, it was my water breaking, and just 8 short hours later, and what felt like the easiest labor ever, I held you in my arms. You were bald, had a squishy little face, weighed 7.6lbs, and were the most beautiful thing I had ever laid eyes on. I don’t remember what your Dad looked like 10 years ago when he fell in love with me, but I’ll never forget the look on his face when he fell in love with you for the first time. I’ve watched him fall in love with you about a million times since.

Hanna Mac Photography You, my big lady, are the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. When you sneak into my room in the morning and giggle through the crack in my door until I wake up, and when you ask me to lay with you “for one minute” and “sing me sunshine” before bed…When you make me carry you up the stairs screaming “Hide me from the Daddy monster!” as Daddy races behind us, tickling your feet the entire way…When you laugh until you snort, just like I do…those are the best moments of my day.

Hanna Mac Photography 3 years ago today, you lit my world on fire, and I can’t imagine a world without you in it. Your high pitched belly laugh, open-bite smile, big hazel eyes, and sweet snuggles; everything you are is beautiful. I’m so in love with being your Mommy!

~

I wrote Camryn a poem when she turned 9 months old as a reflection of the 9 months she spent in my belly compared to the 9 months after, and I teared up reading it and decided to share with all of you…

Nine Months

As I stared down at my belly
Unable to see my feet from above
My mind raced with parenting fears
But my heart raced equally with love

Waiting on you was taking forever
And all my clothes were getting tighter
Daddy was afraid I might eat him
As my belly grew wider and wider

Who would my tiny human be?
Would I wrap you in pink or blue?
Our doc said “Your boy’s missing parts”
And in that moment I knew….

Your clothes would all be frilly
And I would adorn you with ribbons and bows
Everything in shades of pink
From your head to tiny toes

I began dreaming of what you would look like
And who you would grow up to be
Would you be smart and kind like Daddy?
Or playful and funny like me?

We bought all the baby items
There wasn’t a toy we lacked
We were awaiting your arrival
And our hospital bags were packed

I was so eager to see your precious face
I prayed the time would fly
I walked, and lunged, and ate spicy food
But still slowly the minutes ticked by

Finally the day had come
I had to push the extra mile
But it was worth the wait, pain, and tears
When Daddy saw you and he filled with smiles

You were absolutely perfect
We couldn’t ask for anything more
Our love for you was overwhelming
And shook us to our core

Nine months had felt like eternity
Waiting on you, little one
But now you’re here, and it’s like they say
“Time flies when you’re having fun!”

Month one with you was such a blur
Being parents was so new
But we smiled and faked it
And luckily, you survived to see month two

By month three we were pros
We even took you on a plane
Up to Washington we flew
And for the first time, you saw rain

I searched high & low during month four
For a costume for your first Halloween
I ordered a custom piggy hat and bloomers
That showed your baby belly in between

When you were five months old we visited Hey Cupcake!
And you fought Aunt Reese & I for some frosting
I caved and shared my carrot cake
Because “keep-away-from-Camryn” was too exhausting

Month six we celebrated your first Christmas
Watching you open your gifts made Mommy shed a tear
Days later, 44 floors above the Austin skyline
Daddy and I rang in the New Year

By month seven you’d been to Seattle and Napa
So you were ready to hit the City of Sin
Daddy & I lost your college fund gambling
But enjoyed our first baby-free date thanks to Aunt Molly & Uncle Bren

Month 8 I realized you were no longer a baby
Who was content sitting still and being sang the ABC’s
You’re a big girl who wants to stand and crawl
And run from Mommy on your chunky knees

I’ve asked, but you refuse to stop growing
And I don’t know what month nine has in store
But whatever it is, I can promise you one thing
I’ll continue to love you more, and more, and more

Nine months of pregnancy passed like molasses
but the past nine months passed in a whirl
I’m so grateful to be your Mommy


Happy 3rd Birthday to you, my most beautiful girl!

XO – Mommy

 

Sea Me Twirl

Hi ladies & happy hump day! The weather in Austin has been getting warmer and warmer, and Camryn and I have been spending almost all our time outside this week. Yesterday we played on our upstairs balcony, shared cakepops, and splashed in her water table until we needed baths.

cake pop

sea me twirl Our sweet friends over at Taylor Joelle have their newest line “Sea Me Twirl” launching today, and I wanted to show you the darling bloomers/shorts they sent to Camryn. She wore them all day and couldn’t stop twirling around and calling them her ballerina shorts. She thoroughly enjoyed jumping in them too and watching the frilly bottoms. It’s the little things that count.

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I styled two outfits to show you options for these darling shorts. A simple white t-shirt with lace detail around the sleeves, a pink scarf, and frosted rose Freshly Picked Moccs for the first outfit. A black unitard from Target, black gladiators (also Target), and her feather infinity cowl from Vonbon for the second outfit.
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seametwirl7 You always know as a mom that trouble is on it’s way when the shoes come off…

seametwirl9edit.jpg Jumping on the furniture…like I said, trouble. ;-)

These are the perfect “girly girl” shorts, and are especially great for girls on the move. Nothing’s worse than when Camryn’s trying to play with the boys and her panties show. Boys can’t help themselves; they’ll always shout “I can see her underwear!” for everyone to hear.

The material is a soft, thick, cotton, and the gray and white combo pairs well with tons of tops.

You can view the entire Taylor Joelle “Sea Me Twirl” collection here. The entire Sea Me Twirl collection is 30% off for one week, as well as other Taylor Joelle favorites. This sweet little mint skirt might just be my favorite.

If you haven’t already entered to win a pair of moccs, go now!

XO – Samantha

Zoo

Good morning, and to any of you still reading my blog, thanks for sticking around! I’ve been a little MIA lately, and not blogging as regularly as usual. I wish I had a better excuse, but the change in time, being a mom, and being overrun and just exhausted by evening has been getting the best of me.

Here’s what I did yesterday instead of blogging. Camryn and I watched this hilarious video in the morning, and then she begged me to take her to see the goats, so we did. I played hooky, and took my tiny lady to the zoo. :-)

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This happened…and yes, those are underwear of my child’s head. I’m blaming this on a sugar rush from snow cones at the zoo.

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zoo6 We had too much fun!

In other news, have any of you been following the Malaysia flight? I literally can’t stop refreshing my phone for updates. The twists in the story, and new information coming from Malaysian military is beyond crazy. If you’re interested in helping in the search for the missing flight, you should check out Tomnod, a crowdsourcing site which allows you to view satellite maps of the areas being searched and tag anything unusual.

Hope you’re all having a great week, and I promise a very fun collaboration is coming your way tomorrow, so stay tuned!

XO – Samantha

My Weekend in Instagram Pictures

Good morning sleepy heads! I bet you’re wishing you had that extra hour to snooze…I know I do!! ;-)

If you follow me on Instagram, this will look familiar, but for those of you who don’t here’s a glimpse into what my weekend looked like.

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How darling is that romper? Gap sales never fail me. weekend2

Camryn and I finally started feeling better, and had enough energy to begin painting her room. If you have a toddler, you’ll understand why she has her own mini-roller and paint tray…She has to help me do EVERYTHING. I had to paint while she watched a movie and was entertained, keep the room closed off for hours with windows open and fans on so it could dry and air out, and then finally let her “paint”. She was thrilled! I also ordered the Anthropologie wallpaper for her room, and should have it this week. Woohoo! weekend4

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My husband takes Camryn out for dates on the weekends, or weeknights if it’s not too late, and has quality daddy-daughter time with her. They grocery shop for me, go out to dinner and ice cream, play at the park, and do fun things just the two of them. It’s my favorite time to relax, put on a face mask, read a magazine while soaking in a bubble bath, and they both come home happy (and tired). Win-win! If you ask Camryn who her favorite is, mom or dad, she always says “Mommy!”, but he’s slowly wearing her down…one frozen yogurt at a time. weekend5

Those pigtails kill me. Some days I just can’t believe I made that cute baby…and that my “baby” is not such a baby anymore.

What did you get up to this weekend?

XO – Samantha

P.S…So many of you have asked what happened to “Camryn Daily”, and here’s the truth…I failed. It was a lot more work than I had anticipated, and life happened. I have decided to change the project from Camryn Daily to Camryn Weekly, and I’ll be updating with her weekly photos within a few days.

Big Girl Bedroom Update

Hello lovelies! Before I jump into today’s post, I just wanted to say THANK YOU so, so much for all the sweet comments you left me about my hair. My IG blew up, and I was seriously feeling the love. {side note – found out this week that we’re not pregnant, still, and all your amazing compliments were a really wonderful pick me up that I needed desperately.} Thank you. <3
biggirlbedroom

If you haven’t already read my post about Camryn’s “Big Girl” bedroom decor, then you can view that here.

I just wanted to update on the progress of Camryn’s room, and share a few changes that I’ve made to the design board. The most obvious change is the wallpaper. I had originally wanted the Great Meadow Mural wallpaper from Anthro, but after debating over the price, and the size (which wasn’t perfect for the wall I’m wallpapering) I decided to go with something a little different. I fell in love with the colors in the Watercolor Peony wallpaper, and it still offers the whimsical and floral look that I want to achieve. The much lower price point has my husband celebrating too.

I’ve been dying to get my hands on some of the Caitlin Wilson pillows for awhile now, and they pair perfectly with the color scheme. Have you checked out her new rug line? I nearly scratched the entire mood board for Camryn’s room and started over using one of her rugs as inspiration. They are beautiful! I chose the teal arrows pillows and the coral bows pillow, but may switch up the patterns, we’ll see. I love that she offers multiple patterns in the same shades of colors so you can easily mix and match pillows.

Camryn’s headboard arrived last week, and she’s been loving it! I have always called her my “tiny lady”, but she’s been correcting me with “I’m a big lady now mom” ever since the bed switch. She’s so proud of herself. :-)

The headboard was extremely easy to assemble (I did it all by myself, so that tells you just how easy), and it’s great quality. It’s a much prettier color in person. I just checked Costco, and it’s no longer available…oh no! Here’s a good dupe.

I had planned on buying sheets from Serena & Lily, but snagged these beautiful minty/turquoise sheets at Target, and I’m so happy with them. The colors in person are beautiful, and the pattern is small enough to work well with the pillow fabrics and wallpaper pattern. Did I mention they were only $30? Such a bargain. I also grabbed this organic blanket for the foot of her bed, for cooler nights or to replace her down comforter in the summer heat.

The creamy rug is on sale at World Market, and if you use code BIGWIG you can save an additional 10% off.

LOVE art is from Made By Girl. I own many of her prints, and they are all favorites of mine. She makes art that pairs really well together, so if you’re in the market for something statement or something to add to a gallery wall, she’s your girl!

I’m going to start painting this week, and will instagram progress photos. Her room is a light grey right now, but seems dark and moody because of the poor lighting, so I’m hoping the Swiss Coffee color is a nice bright change. Speaking of bad lighting, any suggestions for fun lighting in her room? I haven’t even begun looking, and would love your input!

I hope you’re all having a great week!

XO – Samantha

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