Holiday Gift Guide for Girls

Helloooo friends!! It's officially DECEMBER and that means it's time to share some of my gift ideas for little girls. These are things that we are going to purchase or have already! I am happy to say that we are about 75% done with our Christmas shopping for the girls already! (all the praise hands!!) 

Stocking Stuffers

My favorite thing to buy around this time of the year are stocking stuffers! I'm not sure why but it's just so fun for me!! 

This is what we are filling the girls' stockings with this year: 

This unique play dough caught my eye on Instagram and I instantly hopped over to their website to check it out more. I fell in love with the whimsy of their website and how their play dough is made from food ingredients. How cute are they? And if they smell as good as they say, I'm sold for sure!!

We got grape, cotton candy, vanilla, orangesicle, mint chip, and bubble gum

They also have seasonal ones, like gingerbread! 

My girls LOVE Hatchimals and these are so cute! They are on sale right now at Target! 

My girls (particularly Sophia) have really been into collecting keychains.. these ones from Target are just so dang cute!! 

Sophia is getting the unicorn one 

And for Saidey

We always throw in socks or underwear too and these socks are just so cute!! 

Sophia is getting the  emoji ones

And these for Saidey

I thought this  wallet was also so cute!! I got one for both girls

These are always fun too!! 

I also will throw in a few pieces of candy (the candy cane shaped ones with candy in them) and I am also going to get them the supplies to make slime and put that in their stockings too! 

I always put in a few books too, I haven't gotten those yet!

Now onto the other fun stuff! 

Sophia has a salon chair for her 18' dolls but none of the accessories (she got it as a hand-me down) So, I found this set at Target and thought she'd love it! 

When Target had their deal on board games, I picked  this game up for Sophia 

I thought  this game looked fun for Saidey and the whole family

And then this one is for both of them but is no longer available at Target (sorry for the cruddy picture) 

American Girl was having a great sale on some select Wellie Wisher items. I scored these three things for Saidey while they were more than half off! 

Party table 

Sweet stand 

 Tea Set

So, this next purchase was one of the first ones we made and it was an impulsive one.. We saw ONE left on the shelf at Target when we were with Sophia and she picked it up and hugged it and squealed with delight. I had NO idea what it was and looked it up online that night. Will went back to Target and it was GONE. We found one on Amazon for the same price-- the one I am linking to is NOT what we paid! I read an article on Facebook that people are super disappointed in the toy itself. Part of me wants to send it back BUT at the same time, I think SHE will be happy with it so we're keeping it. 

We are ALWAYS snuggling in the family room for movie nights so I've been on the hunt for some sort of light sleeping bag/mat thing. I FINALLY found what I was looking for. This sleeping bag from The Land of Nod is so cute and it can be rolled up easily, which I really liked! I got the girls the exact same one and had them personalized with their names.

A Lite Brite for Sophia

A Crayola Wonder set for Saidey

For both: 

Magic Water Beads

And scoopers 

So, there you have it!! I'd love to hear what your kiddos are getting!! Share below!! 

A Magical Unicorn 4th Birthday Party

Happy Monday friends! I'm finally posting about Saidey's birthday party! It was a super fun day and my lack of pictures shows that. Some of the pictures aren't the best but the joy and happiness shows through. =)

Kids and Technology: KidloLand App

Love it or hate it, one thing is for sure: technology is here to stay. The way I've always dealt with technology and screen time is with a little bit of balance and knowing that there's a time and place for everything. Technology has a TON of advantages and with an IT nerd for a husband, fact is- our kids are around technology and will be for the unforeseen future.

We aren't super strict with screen time rules in our house- there are days that we all watch more TV or are on our Ipads more than others. Some days, especially a lazy Sunday- the girls will play games or watch movies, or worse- watch kids YouTube- you know the videos mamas- surprise eggs-for a few hours. But then, there are some days that the Ipads or screens are put up and aren't given a second thought. See? Balance!

With that, there is a balance of apps/games and what they watch as well. Some apps and videos are purely for entertainment purposes- I'm looking at you surprise egg videos- but one of the several advantages that technology has to offer us, are all the amazing educational apps that are now available. I believe a mixture of learning opportunities available to kiddos, in a variety of formats is important. So, I also believe that technology definitely has its place in education. One app in particular that I've recently discovered is KidloLand. With over 1,000 nursery rhymes, songs, stories and games it's just the thing that Saidey (3 years) loves to play. It's eye catching, rhythmic and colorful and there are so many things to choose from! It's also super easy to navigate and Saidey was able to move around with ease once I showed her where everything was. Even my oldest, Sophia, was into playing the games! I definitely recommend this app for your preschooler- and Saidey gives it a TWO THUMBS UP! =)

Here are just a few ways we manage technology in our home

1) Preview any games/apps 

Whenever we purchase an app/game, I always play with it first. I do this for a few reasons, the first being so that I can make sure it's appropriate and kid friendly- you just never know! The second reason is so that I can help the girls if they get stuck on something- I'll know my way around the app/game

2.) Ask first

We have a rule that if they would like screen time, that they ask first. My kiddos do really great with this. Usually, if they ask, I have no problem with them having some time on the Ipad- but if I do say no, I try to offer an alternative activity or at least tell them when they can have it next.

3.) Screen time last

This is a great rule of thumb- the girls know that if they ask for the Ipad, I usually will ask, "Have you done X yet?" If the answer is no, they know that they need to complete X before they get screen time. For example, usually in the mornings, we allow screen time for Sophia IF she is dressed and her teeth and hair are brushed. If those things are crossed off and we have time, she is allowed 10-15 minutes of screen time before we leave for the day.

4.) Engage in other play

A lot of times for us, screen time increases when I'm busy doing other stuff. There goes my idea of not using screens as a babysitter ;) There are days when I feel like they've had A LOT of extra screen time and I've been busy cleaning or doing laundry or whatever else needs to be done, that I will sort wave the flag and declare us ALL to do something together- usually a game or an art project. I've found that while I don't think they need entertained by me 24/7, screen time goes down considerably when I'm engaged in an activity with them or at least get them started in an activity.

Saidey LOVED the alphabet tracing!! 

Tell me, how do you manage screen time at your home? What educational apps do you love! Please share below! 

**This is a sponsored post, meaning that I was given a product in exchange for me to  review the product. Although this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own. 

Life Lately

Hey y'all! It's been awhile so I thought I'd share a little "life lately." I'm not sure where October went and I can hardly believe we are THIS close to Thanksgiving and Christmas already! This is probably my favorite time of the year though- the family, the food, the decorating, and the activities- I just love it all! 

Anyway, this is life lately!

In this post, I shared that I was having a hard time finding art work in our formal living room. I decided to let the girls go to work and this is the end result! Sorry for the poor pictures, the frames were really hard to photograph! Anyway, I think these are the PERFECT match and exactly what I was looking for!

A little before school shenanigans AKA- how many tries does it take for both kids to look at the camera and smile?!

 You know you're a mom when.... you find kitchen utensils stuck in the cracks of the couch

Adding some personal touches to our home

These girls have been on a serious singing and dancing kick lately! If you're on Instagram, I've been sharing their dance moves on my Insta Stories!

We went to our first Thanksgiving of the season- I think the turkey did its job!

Did you hear? There are only FIVE MORE WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!! Try telling that to my Grinch of a husband though.. He won't let me decorate until after Thanksgiving! But that doesn't mean I can't start buying decor! =)

Our yard became overtaken by leaves. Oh the leaves!! You literally could not see our driveway. So needless to say, last Sunday, we did a lot of yardwork! But we made it a family affair and we all pitched in! The girls actually were great little helpers (after throwing leaves and jumping into them) 

This girl filled this whole bag all by herself!

So, that's a little life lately around here! We look forward to school conferences on Wednesday and a quiet rest of the week. We don't have any plans for the weekend except running a few errands and getting ready for Thanksgiving as we are hosting this year! 

Have a great rest of the week! 

Sophia Rose Turns SIX

Dear Sophia,

Tomorrow (Saturday) you turn SIX. I can't believe how the past six years seems to have flown by yet when I look at your baby pictures, it seems so long ago. Time is funny in that way, I suppose. I still remember your full head of shocking black hair, chocolate brown, almost black eyes and the chubbiest cheeks that were best for smothering with kisses.

You may be small but like the saying goes, you pack a whole lotta punch in one small body. You are turning into quite the inquisitive, kind, curious, generous, and big hearted little lady. You tend to be shy and quiet around people you don't know and reserve your silly, spunky side for those who you trust and love. Likewise, you are cautious going into a new situation, you have to observe, check things out and make sure they're safe before you jump in.

Despite your more timid nature, you are a girl's girl. You love being around your friends and your favorite part of school is recess and gym. You keep to 2-4 close friends and love to dress up, and ask me if your outfit matches. You love being "fancy" but don't mind getting your hands and feet dirty. I can find you outside dressed to the max with a crown on and your hands in the dirt, digging for "treasure."

Everyday you amaze me with your insight into things I didn't have a clue you even had on your radar. Everyday I fall into your dark brown eyes.
Everyday you make me smile at your sassiness and sometimes dramatics
Everyday I fall more in love with you, even more than what I could ever imagine possible 
Everyday you melt my heart when I see you protect and love on your baby sister

So, today we celebrate YOU my love and hope you know just how special and loved you are today and everyday!

Love,

Mommy

(She asked me just the other day if she should start calling me mom... my heart about broke. I told her she can call me whatever she wants to call me- she said, "Ok, I'll still call you Mommy."

Sophia's 1st Birthday

Sophia's 4th Birthday

Sophia's 5th Birthday

Sophia Sixth Birthday Interview 

What is your favorite color? Orange

What is your favorite toy? Legos

What is your favorite fruit? "that's a hard one, umm strawberries and oranges!"

What is your favorite TV show? I don't watch TV! (She watches kids open toys and play with them on YouTube which apparantly is SO much better than TV- (insert mom rolling her eyes)

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Chicken and french fries

What is your favorite outfit? Dresses

What is your favorite game? Old Maid

What is your favorite snack? Bomb pops

What is your favorite animal? Sea Lions (first time I've ever heard about that)

What is your favorite song? Shut Up and Dance With Me

What is your favorite book? Junie B. Jones series

Who is your best friend? Alyssa and Summer

What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Go to the pool!

What is your favorite drink? Sprite

What is your favorite holiday? Valentine's Day

What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Beanie Babies

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Donut!

What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza

What do you want to be when you grow up? Teacher

Happy Sixth Birthday, Sophia Rose! 

We love you so much!

Tomorrow (Saturday) we will be celebrating Sophia's birthday and will be spending the weekend with family. 

Stay tuned for some exciting announcements next week =)

Happy Friday! 

What's Up Wednesday

It's the last Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for What's Up Wednesday! This is seriously one of my most favorite posts to do because it's such a nice little summary of what we've been up to this last month! As always, I'm linking up with Mix and Match Mama! 

This post contains affiliated links 

What we're eating this week...

Nothing exciting.. doing a little grilling, leftovers and probably pizza at least once! 

What I'm reading....

I'm still working my way through Big Magic and want to get started on Rising Strong. My book game has been weak, guys! Our upcoming trip should make up for it though!

What I'm looking forward to...

SO much! 

Sophia's birthday party in July

ITALY in July 

What I'm loving...

If you've followed this blog, you'll know my love for Wrenn Jewelry! I haven't bought anything recently until THIS ring! I'm in love!

Pink drink from Starbucks. If you are on social media, I'm sure you've seen this drink floating around. It's a strawberry acai refresher with coconut milk from Starbucks. And it's yummy deliciousness and now my go to summer drink! 

Shoreline converse 

I bought this pouch for my carry on bag. I'm putting hand sani, kleenex, chap stick and other random items in it. It's too cute! 

What we've been up to...

Pool time! 

What I'm watching...

I binged on Orange is the New Black and can you say oh.my.goodness. So much good. And so heartbreaking. If you've watched, you'll know what I mean. If you haven't- YOU MUST! 

It's not summer without BIG BROTHER!! 

What I'm excited about...

I submitted a post to Huffington Post and it was ACCEPTED! I can now post as often or as little as I would like! Please show the post love by visiting, sharing and commenting! 

What I'm working on...

An almost six year old's birthday party! She wants an ice cream cake so the question is do I leave the cake to DQ or try to make one on my own. I really love these I've found on Pinterest:

Source

source 

What I'm listening to....

Summer to me is car windows down, sunglasses on and country music filling the speakers.. Here are just a few of my favorites! 

What I'm wearing....

Stitch Fix 

J Crew Factory Pineapple tank

Steve Madden flat sandals

J Crew Factory jeweled sandals  - I wear these all. the. time.

Similar dress here

I'm in love with this fun, summer dress! And fringe!!! 

My favorite July 4th tradition...

I love Fourth of July! It's probably one of my favorite holidays! I love going to the parades around town, Yankee Doodle Pops, and of course the BBQ's and fireworks!

At the fireworks last year! 

Yankee Doodle Pops

Yankee Doodle Pops

So, tell me! What's up with you?! 

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