Saturday, December 14, 2013

Weekend Loves & Christmas Photo Shoot

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  Considering that it hasn't stopped snowing since this morning, it's safe to say we're going to stay cozy inside.  Chicken soup is simmering on the stove and I thought I'd share some things I'm loving lately while the baby naps with visions of sugarplums dancing in her head...11 sleeps until Christmas!

1. Made these sweet potato scones from Brown Eyed Baker...amazing!  I threw in some pumpkin pie spice instead of nutmeg and made them more of a drop biscuit instead of perfectly sliced scones because I can't roll out dough.  They were so moist and delicious...with a maple cream drizzle...definitely a keeper!


2. Loving these snowflake cookie cutters from Williams-Sonoma. With Christmas right around the corner, these are a super cute way to customize and add some festiveness to your favorite cookies!


3.  My mom bought these fleece booties for Olivia from Old Navy.  The only boots that stay on her feet and keep her toasty warm!  Also, can't beat the price tag.  Perfect stocking stuffer for baby girls or boys with the neutral color.


4. I love Anthropologie for the unique finds and fun home accessories.  This lotion is not only pretty but necessary for these cold, winter months coming up. On sale & free shipping now!


Leaving you with a sneak peek of the behind the scenes of my little munchkin's Christmas photos (thank you to our friend and photographer Jimmy)... tutorial to come on DIY Christmas photos. She totally tried to eat all the Christmas decorations. She ate a glitter ball and I had to wipe her tongue. Such a fun little photo shoot!




Have a great weekend!  What are your favorite finds lately?? I'd love for you to share!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Holiday Gifts: For Her

With the holidays fast approaching, I love looking through all of the circulars and on my Pinterest to give me inspiration for my Christmas list. Below are a few fun, festive ideas to give to the lovely ladies in your life.

Charter Club Flannel Pajamas - Super comfy, and perfect for colder weather coming.
Philosophy Products - Pink frosted animal cracker? Homemade honey buns? Spiced Gingerbread?  Yes please!
Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays - So excited to read through this!  I met Ree in person last month and she is so sweet and such a nice person.  Can't wait to start making more yummy recipes from her new book.
Chandelier Earrings - Love these earrings!  Chic and fun from Molly Suzanne boutique.  My hubby ordered me earrings from this shop last year and I loved them. So many other cute accessories available as well, definitely check it out.
E.l.f. Nail Polish - This 14 piece party nail polish cube provides a ton (ok,14) different colors for all occasions to keep your nails looking festive through the holidays.
Kenneth Cole Wallet - Cute and stylish, yet small enough to not overcrowd your bag or diaper bag.  Love the pink crocodile.
HUE Ultra Leggings - Said to be the most comfortable leggings ever...going on my Christmas list, I think so!
NYX Lip Gloss Set - A nice set of different lip glosses, finishes from matte, to super glossy, to buttery sheer.  Love NYX products! 
Metallic Striped Scarf - Love this scarf from Target! Perfect accessory for winter to add extra sparkle to your outfit.  Great price as well. 
EcoTools Makeup Brushes- I love these makeup brushes.  They're super soft and eco-friendly.  This set includes all of the essential brushes you might need. 
Retro Paper Straws- Last but not least, these super cute paper straws to add some fun to your drinks.  Trust me, drinks are more enjoyable when drinking with these fun straws. Even if it's just chocolate milk leftover from this morning. 


I hope this gives you some ideas for the ladies in your lives!  Happy shopping! 


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Thanksgiving Edition: Yumminess, Deals, & Festive Finds

Welcome to the Thanksgiving Edition of The Birds Nest!  With Thanksgiving only two days away, we're all looking forward to some yummy food and family time.  This year, I'm trying some new recipes that I'm hoping everyone will love.  This Honey Cinnamon Butter looks so delicious and sounds super simple to make.
{via}
For dessert, I'll be trying my hand at this pie from Southern Living.  Mocha-Espresso Cream pie...pure deliciousness!

Last year my hubby made this homemade cranberry sauce from Pioneer Woman and it was a fresh, tangy addition to our Thanksgiving meal.  

Seriously loving these striped straws to add some festive fun to your drinks and cocktails.  Also, just bought striped red ones from Home Goods...super excited to use those to get in the Christmas spirit!

Along with Thanksgiving comes Black Friday.  Every year, my Dad and I get up early to score some fantastic deals and steals.  We get all of his shopping done for my Mom and I do most of mine as well.  It's one of my favorite days of the year and I look forward to spending a special day together as an annual tradition.  Target has put out a preview of their Black Friday deals and I've had my eye on the Nikon L320 camera since I saw it in the circular.  Today until Friday, Target it offering the Black Friday price early to all RedCard holders! Total score!  No waiting in lines, no special ticket, no crying when there's none left.  Scoop up this deal while you can! 

Wishing you all a very happy, yummy, festive Thanksgiving! 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

DIY Sunday: Board and Batten

This is one of my favorite projects that we've done in the house so far.  It's easy and makes a huge impact.  To start, measure your wall and decide how big you'd like your wooden boards to be.  Our are approx. 3 inches and they're about 11 inches apart.  I've love to say we have it down to a science and act like we're pro-diyers...but we're not!  Basically eyeball it and see what looks good to you.  We use our local Lowe's to cut all the pieces and then start with laying out the boards on the wall first.

(Line up the boards along the wall)

Then using a nail gun, nail the wood pieces to the wall where you'd like them placed.  The first time we did this wall treatment we painted the boards first and the wall as well.  This time, we chose to nail the boards first and paint everything after...highly recommend!  Saves some serious time and paint.  We picked out a piece of molding and had it cut to the exact size of the wall and nailed that right at the very top of the boards.  After nailing, fill in the holes with some putty and then paint the wall and boards.  We chose a bright white color to make the board and batten really pop.  We did about three coats to really make sure it was fresh and bright.

(Fill in the little holes with putty)

(Paint the wall and boards white)
After a few coats of white paint, you'll get this...(we did two walls and having an almost 7 month old makes you forget to take finished pictures of both walls)


Basically Saturday morning and afternoon's worth of work and it brightens up the room!


Wall color is Matrix by Behr, a really nice greige...Happy DIY-ing!


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Feeding Essentials: Baby Registry Ideas

Last week, I shared some items that I would recommend registering for in my diapering essentials post. This week, I'd like to share some of my favorite things that we've been using with Olivia as far as feeding goes.  She was strictly breast-fed for the first four months, and then we began incorporating cereal and fruits and veggies.  This was her first time eating cereal...not quite a fan...
How cute is she?  I could eat her up!  She loves eating now and her favs include sweet potatoes, pears, carrots, and butternut squash. She's not crazy about bananas...she does a little wiggle-gag move just to show me she's not a fan. Lately, Olivia has formed her own baby sign language and twirls her hands around to tell me she's hungry or wants more - super cute!  On to some of our favorite things for feeding time! 



Earth's Best Organic Multi-Grain Cereal - We started Olivia on Earth's Best rice cereal and she hated it.  Then we tried Earth's Best oatmeal cereal and it seemed hard for her to digest so we switched to the multi-grain cereal and she's been loving it ever since.  I mix it with a little bit of pumped milk and she eats it every morning.  Sometimes I mix it with some pureed fruit, but I'm trying to keep her food separate so she can get used to different flavors and textures.  Earth's Best can be found at Target and Babies 'R Us.

Baby Bullet - I was going back and forth between whether to purchase this system or just use a mini food processor and I'm really happy with this so far.  I love the silicone freezer mold to freeze excess food.  It's super easy to pop one out and microwave it in a small dish.  Other pros include: easy to clean, comes with two blades, two cups, cute little cookbook, and the little containers make me happy with their smile on the front.  Some cons are that it's not dishwasher or microwave safe and you need to steam the food really well beforehand.  I would definitely recommend if you're planning to make your own baby food.  Side note:  super easy and you know exactly what your baby is eating!

Boon Grass Drying Rack - Love this grass bottle rack!  I would recommend getting the "lawn" as it is bigger than the "grass."  Super cute and stylish in your kitchen! Accessories are sold separately and are equally as cute.

Pureed Food Pouch - In a pinch, these are great for on-the-go.  I buy the organic brands and she seems to love them.  So far, I've gone with Plum Organics and Ella's Kitchen.  I also bought little spoons that attach right to the packet of food for easy feeding and cleanup.  Whoever invented those is a mom who was tired of carrying around random, food dried spoons a genius.

Medela Pump Accessory Set - Definitely get the accessory pack if you don't feel like washing pump parts every day and night...or contemplating throwing all of the parts out the window because you can't stand to wash another suction cup.

Lansinoh Nursing Pads - These nursing pads work really well and save you from the embarrassment of walking around leaking everywhere.  Slightly annoying, but better than other brands and you definitely get used to them.  Trust me on this one...better safe than sorry.

Aden + Anais Burpy Bib - Ahh...burp cloths, spit rags, whatever you chose to call them - you will need them!  We personally like the thick cloth ones from Babies 'R Us or Target.  We also use cloth diapers as burp cloths, just plain, tri-fold rectangle ones.  I also love the Aden & Anais wearable ones, basically one big bib when snapped on, which we got from my hubby's cousin.  Perfect for eating time too.

Eddie Bauer High Chair - I registered for this high chair because I wanted something to fit into the house decor and I love it.  It has three adjustable positions for the tray and really good back support for little ones just learning to sit up.  The only thing I wish it had, were shoulder straps instead of just a belt.  Super easy to clean too.

Medela Pump - Our insurance covered this pump.  Highly recommend calling your insurance to check if you are covered - saves some serious cash!!  Would definitely recommend the Medela...has worked consistently from day one and have never had a problem.

Nuk Milk Storage Bags - If you are choosing or able to pump, these bags are perfect for storing milk in the freezer.  Cheaper than other brands and work just as well.  Milk can be frozen for six months in a freezer/fridge combo and up to one year in a chest freezer.  Just write the date and amount and you're set.

Boppy Pillow - Definitely a big help when you need extra support while nursing and I use it a lot now to plop Olivia down in while getting dressed, etc.  I actually found I used it more when she was able to hold her head up and I could leave her in it on the bed, supervised, of course.  Also, super cute covers.

Hope this gives you some suggestions while registering!  We're so enjoying this new chapter with our baby girl!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Diapering Essentials: Ideas for Registry

After a six month short break, I've decided to start blogging again!  Our little Olivia was born in April and we've been enjoying her greatly!  She's such a good girl, always making us laugh and adding so much to our lives.



Over the past six months, I've really gotten the chance to figure out what I like and don't like, therefore, I'd like to share with you what I would register for again.  As a first time mom, it was slightly overwhelming trying to decide what to register for.  I blame pregnancy brain for searching high and low for flat crib sheets. Anyway, I created a list of items I would register for again and divided it into different posts.  The first post I'd like to share with you is all about diapering essentials. 
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine


Changing Table/Dresser We've been so happy with this dresser that has been serving as a changing table as well. We wanted something that could transition from changing table to dresser and this is perfect.  It is slightly taller than a conventional changing table, but honestly you get used to it.  It has a wide space for a changing pad, wipe warmer, and a basket for diapers.  
Summer Infant Changing Pad This changing pad has been great, easy to clean, comfortable for baby, and inexpensive...would definitely recommend.
Carter's Changing Pad Cover Super soft, nubby material, washes very well and does not show wear.
Changing Pad Liners Whoever invented these, is a genius.  Perfect for when you can't get a diaper on fast enough, spit up, diaper blowout messes...so nice to not have to change and wash the entire cover...probably one of the best things I registered for.  
Pampers Swaddlers We started with Pampers Swaddlers and have been happy with them.  I've heard of using other brands to save money, etc, but we chose to go with Pampers.  Love the wetness indicator and fit of them.  Where we buy them varies from Diapers.com, Amazon, Babies 'R Us, and in a pinch the grocery store.  
Wipe Warmer This is really nice to have, especially with the colder weather coming or during the night.  Really does make your little one more comfortable. We like Pampers Sensitive Wipes. 
Travel Wipe Case Super thin and cute for your diaper bag.  
A & D  This ointment is what we use after every diaper change and Olivia has never had a diaper rash.  Definitely less smelly than other diaper ointments and less messy too. 
Diaper Genie Elite Our good friends gave this to us (mommy of our headband model from previous post!) and we love it.  Really contains the stinkiness! Super easy to use, as well. 

Hope this gives you some ideas to consider when registering or giving a baby gift.  Next up: Feeding Essentials! 

Saturday, April 27, 2013

35, 36, 37, & 38 weeks - Baby Bird Bump

{Weeks 35, 36, 37, & 38}





{Reallllllly hoping baby comes this week!}

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Baby Bird {30, 31, 32, 33, & 34 Weeks!}

Apparently I can't keep up with my weekly updates...whoops.  I read all of my favorite blogs almost daily and I always think about posting my updates and then life gets in the way and before I know it, another week has gone by.  I thought the best way to share would be via Instagram.  Here's some life lately pics for a little glimpse into what's been going on around the Bird's Nest...

*This post is filled with pics...sometimes it's just nice for a little picture walk through daily life.  Tutorials will be posted throughout the next week or two for:  DIY baby headbands, DIY baby mobile, and DIY nursery tree mural*

Let's begin...

We decided to update our bedroom and hallway closets with brand new doors and closet systems.  So exciting!  This was our before...


During...


And after...ahh b-e-a-u-tiful & organized!



My hubby's honey-do list is about a mile long and he's been a trooper through it all!  My little pregnant mind is always spinning with updates and projects for us  him to do:)  The other night I needed (NEEDED) a wall command center...so I just suggested that we hang the dry erase board and mail organizers I picked up from Home Goods.  I think my hubby caught on after I simply said...hmmm it would be so nice if it could just get done so we can check it off the list...around 10 minutes later it was done and I felt calmed:)


The dry erase calendar has really been working for us (well, me, who am I kidding that he actually looks at it!) I write down all of our bills, work schedule, important dates, etc...below is an example of how it's started each month...


30 weeks with Baby Bird!


Sweet flowers from my hubby...


Our baby headband model Kate...how adorable is she?!  I had a DIY baby headband get together with my sister, Kristen, and friend, Julia, and we made the cutest baby headbands!!  Tutorial to come...


I can't stand the cuteness...


On to 31 weeks...

Some outtakes for you... this was after my mom was taking my picture super close and I eventually said "just stand back and I'll crop myself..."  Yeah say that in your head and realize what it sounds like...:)



Nursery sneak peek: Baby's dresser/changing table all put together...


 Daddy & Grandpa putting dresser together for the baby's nursery...


She's so cute when she's sleeping... when she's sleeping is the main point ;)


Annabelle found her new spot to relax...


32 weeks...Happy St. Patrick's Day...blessing for the baby this week...


Like you don't have birthday parties for your animal babies...


33 weeks...Happy Spring!


Love her mobile!  Tutorial coming soon for DIY baby mobile...


Loving her mural!  My friend Leslie and I painted this in her bedroom...  Leslie is so talented & I love how it came out!!!


Current state of our bathroom because I'm crazy and needed the bathroom done before the baby arrives!!! I can't wait to see how it's going to turn out and I'm so excited!  Our friend Tom is renovating everything and he had such great ideas...can't wait until it's done...


And finally...34 weeks!


Told you it was a long one...hope you enjoyed this glimpse into life lately!  Be back with tutorials soon!

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