Holiday looks for every occasion

I love dressing for the holidays! I think I am the kind of person who would have worn "ugly Christmas sweaters" when they were in style, that's how much I adore the holiday. I wish I had an event to wear this French Connection sequins number. I really like the high neck and neutral sparkles. I bought this JCrew plaid skirt and have already worn it twice. I have plans to wear it for a few more occasions as well. It's easy to dress up and down. I'm excited for the holiday events we have and the opportunities to dress up a little bit.

Roman's Christmas Wish List

Making a Christmas list for Roman is so much fun! I am coming up with fun ideas every day! I am so excited to celebrate Roman's 1st birthday and Christmas next month. Roman is into everything and growing out of his baby toys, so I am looking into toys he can pull, push or ride. I like the idea of some Christmas themed gifts like books, stocking or PJ's. I also really want to find a nativity set for kids. When we go visit my parents I usually use my luggage for Roman, so I'd like to get him his own bag. Another idea I had was to get him his own stationary for thank you notes. Roman might be a little spoiled this time of year! 

Christmas Gift Wrap

I am so excited about the holidays! I have started making Christmas lists and thinking about how I will decorate our house. Everything is different now that we have a baby. I have always loved Christmas, but having a child makes it even better! I can't wait to start traditions with him.

Every year I like to have matching wrapping paper. I like to do 2 different styles one to designate each of our families so I don't get confused on who "mom" is. I have been using tan craft paper the last few years, but am looking for different ideas this year. I really like the buffalo check or stripes. Some of my favorite places to look for gift wrap are the Paper Source, Amazon, TJ Maxx and Target. Here are my ideas for this year.  

 

DIY bandana bibs

I have been wanting to make these bibs for months now. Roman has been drooling basically his whole life and we change his bib a couple times a day. I wanted something cute for him to wear, since it's part of his every day outfit. The nice thing about these bibs is that they have snaps instead of velcro. It's so frustrating when his velcro bibs ruin other items of clothing in the wash.

I knew these would be simple to make, but never found the time. My parents kept Roman for the weekend this past weekend and I finally finished them. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out and am kicking myself for not making them sooner.

I chose a couple of knit fabrics as well as an absorbent terry cloth fabric to make them double-sided.

I used this free pattern and tutorial I found at See Kate Sew.

Apple Picking

We took Roman to pick apples and pumpkins last weekend. It was such a fun experience! I have never been to an orchard before, so it was a first for me too. We went to Pleasant View farm, which is in Fairland, IN. It was about a 20 minute drive from our house. I would definitely recommend the farm. They had a little store and excellent concession stand. We went early in the morning and beat the crowd. As Roman gets bigger it's fun to do more activities with him. We had a great time!

Favorite Fall Trends

Fall is my favorite trend season. I love to watch and follow the new trends every year. I think fall is  most significant season for me when it comes to new trends. Some of my favorites this year are:  

Capes and Ponchos
High neck/turtle neck dresses and tops
Suede anything
A-Line skirts
Lace up flats
Flare Jeans
Culottes
Pussy bow blouses



 

A- Line Skirts for fall

Patterns: New Look 6346, Simplicity 1717, Burda Style
Skirts: All ASOS

 

I really like the A-line skirt trend for this fall! I'm thinking about making one. This would be a very easy project and a good one for beginners. I think my biggest problem will be finding fabric. I'd love to find a suede or corduroy fabric.

Favorite Fall Baby Boy Clothes

 

Top Row: Old Navy, H&M, Carters, Old Navy

2nd Row: Old Navy, Old Navy, Gap, Carters

Shoes: H&M blue hightops, Carters, Old Navy grey high tops, Gymboree orange high tops

Pants: all H&M

 

Feeling pretty excited about dressing Roman this fall and winter. Now that he's a little bigger it will be fun to dress him up in more than just onesies and PJ's. I have found some really cute items to add to his closet. I like to dress him like a mini Dan, in skinny jeans and button ups. Above are some of my favorites!  

Roman's Room

This post has been a long time coming. About a month ago, we finally finished Roman's room. Since we didn't know the gender of the baby before he was born, we waited until after to purchase artwork and additional items. I spent quite a bit of time during my pregnancy planning the room. It was really fun coming up with different ideas. It was definitely a team effort, as Dan is more of the decorator than I am. I am so pleased with how it all came together! We will probably continue to add prints and are searching for a lamp too.

 

My good friend Danielle came over last month and took some pictures of Roman. I had her take a few of his room too.

 

 

Over the weekend I found these Eames style children's chairs at Hobby Lobby! I was so excited to find them at such a good price.

Last week Roman started pulling up on his crib. He has started chomping down on it too!

In case you are interested in where we got everything:
Crib- Target
Rocker - West Elm
Pillow - Serena and Lily
Quilt - Handmade gift
Rug - West Elm
Changing Table dresser - gift from friend (we refinished, post here)
Round Mirror - School House Electric
Yellow Poof - CB2
Shelves - Ikea
Felt Ball Garland - Etsy
"R" letter light - Nordstrom
Moose Head - Mod Moose
Space man print - Brave Outpost
Monster skateboard print - Charlie Prints
Triangle wall decals - Urban Decals

Denim Skirts

Gap // Paige Denim // Topshop // Rag & Bone 

Madewell // Topshop

Denim skirts are making a comeback. Not exactly your Abercrombie style from years ago. Some of my favorites are above.  I really like the button front ones because I had one very similar in grade school. It was a hand me down from my older cooler cousin. What do you think? Will you dig your old skirt out or purchase a new style?

Favorite Quinoa Recipes

I have been making quinoa for the last several weeks on Sunday and then taking it every day to work for lunch. I love it! It's a great healthy salad that keeps me full. I have tried a few recipes and created one myself. Here are my favorites:

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Recipe and picture from Rock Recipes

 

Asian Quinoa Salad

Recipe and picture from Two Peas and their Pod

 

 

 Mexican Lime Quinoa Salad

Recipe and picture from Skinny Mom

 

Italian Quinoa Salad

Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

small package of salami, quartered

cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 green pepper, chopped

handful of banana peppers, chopped

half red onion, chopped

half package of fresh mozzarella cheese balls

handful of kalamata olives, chopped

fresh basil (chopped)

 

Italian Dressing

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp of red wine vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning

Pinch of pepper

Wisk together.

 

Directions:

Bring 1 cup of quinoa and 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil, lower heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Fluff with fork. Let cool. Combine with chopped ingredients and dressing. Refrigerate and enjoy!

This and That

 

I made this Strawberry Lemon bunt cake a few weeks ago and it was seriously SO delicious! I was pleased with myself for using my bunt pan for the first time and it turned out beautiful. Recipe HERE

Anniversary Flowers from Dan. Every year we use our beautiful Tiffany's champagne glasses we were given as a gift for our wedding and celebrate with a small cake. This year the cake was dark chocolate with salted caramel!

Roman grew out of his chambray romper, so I cut it and made it a shirt. I also used my leftover fabric to make him a pair of seersucker shorts. I wish I would have taken a picture of him in the whole outfit.

Team Tastings at the Friend's Forever Golf Outing. 11 years!

My friend Abby and I at the golf outing.

 

 A few weeks ago we drove to my hometown to celebrate my best friend, Lauren's son's 1st birthday! It was the first time we were able to get our boys together. It was so fun to see them!

Roman swimming in his baby pool.