Hump Day Highlights || Beach Edition

 

Hi Friends! It's another Hump Day Highlights - this week's edition is all about beach picks for little ones! Every Wednesday five other mommas and I list some things from the past week that we are loving, can't live without, are on our wishlists, or are things we are just plain obsessed with - and we will even add links so you can check out or scoop up anything you love, too. 

Your weekly hosts are Misty, April, Shannon, Amanda, Danica, and me! We would love for you to add your post to our link up of the things you are loving this week, too. And please spread the love by following the other blogs in the link up/commenting on their posts. This is such a great way to meet like-minded mamas and make new friends, all while showing off your blog, too. The Hump Day Highlights weekly link up is going to be a blast, I hope you link up and follow along!

• Misty http://www.usandhim.com/ 
• April http://thejoyfultribe.blogspot.com/
• Shannon http://ladyslittleloves.com
• Amanda http://littlesouthernlife.com
• Danica http://thememoirsofamommy.blogspot.com
• Kaitlyn http://thebirdsnestblog.com

Our weather has been so gorgeous lately! Minus some rain, but spring rain isn't so bad ;)  My mind has been on summer and I've been searching for some cute beach gear for Olivia.  Last year, she had just turned one and wasn't a fan of the sand or ocean.  This year, I think she'll have a blast in the water!  Here are some of my favorite picks for a fun day at the beach! 

{From Macy's}

1.  This swimsuit from Macy's was one of my top picks for Livvy because it comes with the rash guard, which is great for keeping her fair skin less exposed.    There are so many cute styles of bathing suits out there but I also can't resist anything with polka dots so it's a win win. I also love this one from Carter's.  I love the eyelet look so that one may be jumping into my shopping cart as well.

{From Baby Gap}

2. Jelly Sandals.  Seriously, how cute?!  I love these and they're perfect for a day at the beach or hanging around playing outside.  I love the gold glitter style as well. 

{From Old Navy}

3.  I love sun hats on babies! There's something so sweet, yet totally functional about sun hats.  I love this lilac sun hat from Old Navy.  This also comes in pink and white, but the lilac is just so pretty- one of my favorite colors! 

{From Baby Gap}

4.  These fish sunglasses are so adorable and I love the mint color.  There are so many cute styles from hearts to stars to apples.  All so sweet! Livvy loves wearing her "eyes" ;) She requests them when we're at the park, in the car, or strolling around in the stroller.  That little girlfriend is stylin. 

That's it for my top beach picks this week! Do you have any favorite beach accessories for your little ones?  Any great picks for mamas? I'd love to hear! 

If you haven't entered the #twosweetgiveaway yet, be sure to enter by 11:59pm EST tonight!! So many great prizes from amazing shops! ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE! 

See you next Wednesday for more Hump Day Highlights! Click the next blog in the link up to head over and see their favorites, and don't forget to link up your blog below.  Grab our graphic, link back to one, some or all of us and add your link below! Also, follow along on Instagram (@thebirdsnestblog) #humpdayhighlights 

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Weekend Fun || Toddler Tales

Hi friends! Hope you had a great weekend. Our weather was gorgeous so we spent plenty of time outside.  As soon as Olivia wakes up she asks for chalk and bubbles.  "Mo' caulk and bubbles Mommy!" is now the morning wake up call ;) This chalk is our favorite to draw both outside on the sidewalk and inside on our chalkboard wall.  The colors are bright and the sticks are square, perfect for not rolling down the driveway 8476 times.  

{Chalk Yoga}

My sister and I frequently babysit for each other so one of us has both girls for a few hours at a time during the week.  I've been looking for a double stroller for a while because it would be much easier when we're out with both of them.  I found a Graco Sit and Stand at our friend's yard sale and I was excited to try it out with the girls.  Probably should have waited until after nap time.  Let's just say it was a disaster ;) Olivia was crying because she wanted to "valk"and once Brynn realized that Livvy was walking it was all over.  We ended up taking the stroller back to the car (we went walking in the park) and with both girls screaming and crying, we decided to let them run free and explore.  Sometimes you just need to let it go and look for some "panes!" Airplane watching is much more fun than exercise ;) 

Sunday was slightly cooler, but the sun was still shining - such a nice change from the longest winter ever! My little peanut has super fair skin so I'm always nervous about her getting burned.  We love this sunscreen from Babyganics and I think I need to get her this eyelet sunhat from Old Navy.  Babies in sunhats = adorable.  

I cannot believe that picture above was almost a year ago! I seriously need to get planning on Olivia's birthday party! One week from tomorrow, she'll be TWO!! So crazy how time flies!  

Join me back here for another Hump Day Highlights edition on Wednesday and don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY!! If you haven't entered yet, head over to this post to enter! So many fun prizes from great shops!  Winner will be announced Thursday, April 23. 

"Two" Sweet GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited to announce the start of our "Two" Sweet Giveaway! Olivia is turning two in less than two weeks and I couldn't think of a better way to kick off this exciting countdown than to share some amazing shops with you! 

One lucky winner will receive the following:

One number shirt from The Blue Envelope
One wooden fire pit from BYOImagination
One 5x7 watercolor painting from Emerson Color Co. 
One felt headband from Little Miss Athena 
One Latchy Catchy
$20 shop credit to Max Moccs
$15 shop credit to Life with Peanut
$15 shop credit to Mas Production Arts

To enter, complete the Gleam entry form below.  Giveaway ends April 22 at 11:59PM.  Winner will be contacted via email.  Entries will be triple checked.  For extra entries, head over to my Instagram (must be a follower to enter contest) and repost the above image/giveaway image on Instagram and tag with #twosweetgiveaway and tag @thebirdsnestblog. Winner must be 13+ years of age, if you are not a resident of the United States and are the chosen winner, you may need to pay shipping fees. GOOD LUCK!! XOXO

"Two" Sweet Giveaway

Hump Day Highlights || Organization Edition

 

Hi Friends! It's another Hump Day Highlights - this week's edition is all about organization! Every Wednesday five other mommas and I list some things from the past week that we are loving, can't live without, are on our wishlists, or are things we are just plain obsessed with - and we will even add links so you can check out or scoop up anything you love, too. 

Your weekly hosts are Misty, April, Shannon, Amanda, Danica, and me! We would love for you to add your post to our link up of the things you are loving this week, too. And please spread the love by following the other blogs in the link up/commenting on their posts. This is such a great way to meet like-minded mamas and make new friends, all while showing off your blog, too. The Hump Day Highlights weekly link up is going to be a blast, I hope you link up and follow along!

• Misty http://www.usandhim.com/ 
• April http://thejoyfultribe.blogspot.com/
• Shannon http://ladyslittleloves.com
• Amanda http://littlesouthernlife.com
• Danica http://thememoirsofamommy.blogspot.com
• Kaitlyn http://thebirdsnestblog.com

Organization is something I think we all need in our lives.  It brings calmness and clear spaces equals a clear mind for me. I'd love to say I'm super organized and my house is always clean and tidy but that's far from the truth.  With a toddler, husband, dog and cat - and myself but I don't count because I clean it all up;) - it's really hard to keep a consistently clean and organized home.  I really do enjoy cleaning (I know that's weird!) but it brings me peace and I feel calmer when everything is in it's place. This past week I found some great pins on Pinterest so I thought I'd put together an organization post to give myself some inspiration...and hopefully you'll feel inspired too! 

{@thebirdsnestblog}

I love to organize Olivia's toys and I frequently switch them in and out to keep her interest.  Her puzzles were always bothering me because pieces would be all over the place and missing.  For each puzzle, I took out all of the pieces and put them in a plastic bag.  Now whenever she wants to do a puzzle, she grabs the board and the bag that goes with it.  Simple, right?!  Definitely saves the missing piece headache ;)

{Source: Julie Blanner}

Julie Blanner is one of my favorite bloggers.  Are you a reader of hers? If not, it's a must - so inspiring. Isn't her kitchen gorgeous?  Creating a pretty,  yet functional and organized space is my main goal for my kitchen. This kitchen is super functional and inspires me to use every inch of my cabinets! I really like how she hung her mixing tools on the cabinet door. I also have the gallon jars from Target for my sugar and flour and they're pretty on the counter.  

{Source: The DIY Playbook}

I've seen this pin quite a few times and I'm loving how its rustic and pretty, yet fully functional.  It's a cute way to keep those toiletry items organized.  I especially love the brush area, as Olivia is always stealing my makeup brushes to play with.  It would keep those away from little hands ;) 

{Source: Lovely Crafty Home}

This is probably the one organization item that I need the most: a command center. I've tried quite a few different things to organize our mail, bills, receipts, etc. Nothing has worked for me!  I'm a true piler (i.e. I move this neat pile to the next area and create another neat pile).  I mean my mom is normally horrified at the one section of our kitchen that mail, keys, random chapstick, paint brushes(?!) is dumped onto. That being said, this command center looks simple and easy to maintain so I think I'll try it. Do you have any mail/command center tips? Please share!

{Source: Stilettos & Diapers}

Another one of my favorite bloggers is Molly from Stilettos & Diapers and I love her meal planning techniques.  I really need to start meal planning more.  It helps to save money and definitely helps reduce the "what's for dinner?!" stress.    I think meal planning also inspires me to cook different meals and not get in a rut.  Don't ask my hubby how many times we had chili this winter ;) Something as simple as taking the time to organize your meals really worth it.  

*Be sure to check back at noon EST to enter my "Two" Sweet GIVEAWAY!! So many fun prizes and one winner takes all!!

That's it for me this week! I hope my Hump Day Highlights inspire you to organize your home!  Do you have a tried and true organization technique that you'd love to share?  What has worked the best for you in your own home? 

See you next Wednesday for more Hump Day Highlights! Click the next blog in the link up to head over and see their favorites, and don't forget to link up your blog below.  Grab our graphic, link back to one, some or all of us and add your link below! Also, follow along on Instagram (@thebirdsnestblog) #humpdayhighlights 

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Olivia's Wishlist || Second Birthday

1 2 3 4 5 6

I cannot believe Olivia will be two at the end of the month! Time is flying by!  The saying really is true that these years go so fast.  I always want her to think of her birthday as a magical day so I made a fun little wish list of some things I think she may like. 

My husband and I are making her a teepee, which I think she will love!  I'll have a full tutorial up once it's all finished.  I can't wait to see her face when she sees it.  The teepee above is similar to the set up of ours and I love that floral pattern.  She is so busy all the time so I know she would love some toddler activity sets, such as this color sorting mat.  It's also a great size to throw in the diaper bag to bring to church, restaurants, car rides...perfect for keeping little minds thinking and little hands busy.  I also love everything we have from BYOImagination, and these popsicles are the cutest! Perfect for summer play in her kitchen. 

Fact: My toddler is addicted to chapstick.  I've mentioned before that she constantly asks for chapstick during the day and has learned to unzip all of my bags to reach in and grab her own.  I love the idea of these toddler safe chapsticks from Messy Little Smiles.  Ingredients such as coconut oil, strawberry juice and essential oils would definitely make her more at ease with her using them, especially since she tends to sneak in some licks ;) 

I've heard so many great things about the book, I Had a Favorite Dress so this is definitely on her birthday list. She loves to read and I think this book will be really fun for her. She loves to play with bracelets and jewelry so I know she'll love dressing up after reading this with her.

She loves stickers and these reusable stickers from Melissa & Doug are brilliant.  My mom has some for her at her house and Livvy loves to play with them.  It's also especially nice that these don't stick to the floors, couch, walls, etc...ahem incase that ever happens in anyone else's house... 

What would be on your toddler's wish list? I'd love some more ideas;) XO

Hump Day Highlights // Birthday Edition!

Happy Hump Day! Every Wednesday five other mommas and I list some things from the past week that we are loving, can't live without, are on our wishlists, or are things we are just plain obsessed with - and we will even add links (when applicable) so you can check out or scoop up anything you love, too. 

Your weekly hosts are Misty, April, Shannon, Amanda, Danica, and me! We would love for you to add your post to our link up of the things you are loving this week, too. And please spread the love by following the other blogs in the link up/commenting on their posts. This is such a great way to meet like-minded mamas and make new friends, all while showing off your blog, too. The Hump Day Highlights weekly link up is going to be a blast, I hope you link up and follow along!

• Misty http://www.usandhim.com/ 
• April http://thejoyfultribe.blogspot.com/
• Shannon http://ladyslittleloves.com
• Amanda http://littlesouthernlife.com
• Danica http://thememoirsofamommy.blogspot.com
• Kaitlyn http://thebirdsnestblog.com

It's my BIRTHDAY!! Today I turn 29...the last year of my twenties and I'm really looking forward to seeing what this year brings!  My twin sister and I have a fun day planned with our families and I thought it would be fun to do this week's Hump Day Highlights all about festive birthday goodies! 

Tell me that doesn't look like Olivia & Brynn??

{Source:GlamFete}

I'm loving this garland from GlamFete! I'm a huge pink and gold fan and this would be perfect for an adult birthday or kids birthday.  I'd also put this in our playroom...so fun and adds a touch of glam!

{Source: Recipe Girl}

I have a serious love for cupcakes.  I've made this cupcake recipe multiple times and it continues to be a favorite.  It starts with a boxed cake and adds a touch of homemade and has a great texture and so yummy.   This cupcake with some mocha or lemon coconut frosting and this birthday girl would be happy! 

My hubby is making the Pioneer Woman's Penne Ala Betsy.  It. Is. Delicious. Probably one of my favorite dinners and he makes it so good!  If you've never tried this, it's a must. I'm really looking forward to having someone else cook dinner ;) After dinner, we'll be having a yellow cake with mocha frosting made by our mom.  Can't wait for the girls to join in on singing Happy Birthday, as Olivia's version is "Happy Bebo Mommy!" 

What are some of your favorite birthday picks?  Do you have a favorite dinner or special cake that you have every year? 

See you next Wednesday for more Hump Day Highlights! Click the next blog in the link up to head over and see their favorites, and don't forget to link up your blog below.

Grab our graphic, link back to one, some or all of us and add your link below! Also, follow along on Instagram (@thebirdsnestblog) #humpdayhighlights 

An InLinkz Link-up

Hump Day Highlights || Easter Edition + Link Up

Happy Hump Day! Every Wednesday five other mommas and I list some things from the past week that we are loving, can't live without, are on our wishlists, or are things we are just plain obsessed with - and we will even add links (when applicable) so you can check out or scoop up anything you love, too. 

Your weekly hosts are Misty, April, Shannon, Amanda, Danica, and me! We would love for you to add your post to our link up of the things you are loving this week, too. And please spread the love by following the other blogs in the link up/commenting on their posts. This is such a great way to meet like-minded mamas and make new friends, all while showing off your blog, too. The Hump Day Highlights weekly link up is going to be a blast, I hope you link up and follow along!

• Misty http://www.usandhim.com/ 
• April http://thejoyfultribe.blogspot.com/
• Shannon http://ladyslittleloves.com
• Amanda http://littlesouthernlife.com
• Danica http://thememoirsofamommy.blogspot.com
• Kaitlyn http://thebirdsnestblog.com

This past week our weather has been so crazy here in NY. It's literally flurrying as I'm writing this...it's time to bring on the sunshine!! In order to not go stir crazy and get out some energy, I took Olivia to the park where she went down the big slide completely on her own - proud mommy moment! She also went hunting for rocks, which is her favorite new pastime - toddlers are so funny. 

I'm super behind on all things Easter...how is it on Sunday already?! I haven't even taken her to see the Easter bunny.  We always go to my dad's side of the family and there's so much food.  I look forward to it every year! I can't wait to watch Livvy hunt for eggs and open her Easter basket now that she's a little older and can understand more.  P.S. - anyone who says they enjoy and savor moments of dying Easter eggs with a toddler is l.y.i.n.g. I see that as an all over the house-ceiling-floor-mess.  All kidding aside, I'm totally planning on dying some with her but pretty sure by the end I'll be sticking to letting her decorate one with markers or stickers. Am I the only mama who feels that way? ;)  I decorated some during nap time, which was a little treat for me.  I really love creating fun things and these watercolor eggs were fun to make!

{Seen on my Instagram @thebirdsnestblog}

On to some Easter picks that I'm loving...

{Source: PagingSuperMom}

1.  This adorable printable is from Paging Super Mom and perfect for EOS lip balm.  Olivia is obsessed with lip balm and she is going to love this in her basket!  When she's requesting some, she smacks her lips together like a fish.  No words, just lip smacking...#toddlerlife.  Now she can stop stealing mine ;)

{Source: RainingHotCoupons}

2.  I love everything coconut and these remind me of Mounds bars. These coconut cream eggs seem really simple to make and the egg shape is perfect for an Easter treat. You could use white chocolate and make them pretty with designs too. 

3.  My hubby bought me some delicious smelling candles from Candelles for Christmas and I thought this one would be perfect for spring.  Sweet gardenia with hints of jasmine and citrus...yum! I also really love their packaging, simple and pretty enough to display.  Have you tried them? What's your favorite scent?

{Source:Baby Gap}

4.  This will be going in my shopping cart asap for Olivia's birthday.  I love that her birthday is in April so we can celebrate with bunny everything all month long! How adorable is this bunny wristlet from BabyGap?!  Between her love of bunnies and purses...I'm sure this will be a huge hit with her! 

What are some of your favorite Easter picks and must haves? Do you have any family desserts or festive activities you'd like to share? I love to hear what others families do! See you next Wednesday for more Hump Day Highlights! Click the next blog in the link up to head over and see their favorites, and don't forget to link up your blog below.

Grab our graphic, link back to one, some or all of us and add your link below! Also, follow along on Instagram (@thebirdsnestblog) #humpdayhighlights 

An InLinkz Link-up