Holiday Gift Guide - For Little Ones

Today I'm sharing my Holiday Gift Guide, specifically for little ones, and I can't wait to share some of my favorite small shops with you.  Sometimes it's so hard to know what to buy for infants, right?! I've complied a list of gifts that are both cute and practical...items that your little one will surely love! 'Tis the Season...

Joey Mae Handmade  - I absolutely love these bows!  All of the bows in Jennifer's shop are simple, classic and hand sewn.  Velvet and sailor bows are forever my weakness and these are so pretty.  Some of my favorites include the dark gold,  hunter green,  and red - perfect for the upcoming holidays! I love the sailor bows too, especially the berry,  chambray, and polka dots.  The quality is unsurpassed and each bow would be perfect the little lady in your life.  Joey Mae Handmade is also offering a great coupon code for 20% off your order - use code THEBIRDSNEST20 to stock up before the new year! 

Bannor Toys - Classic, hand crafted heirloom quality toys.  Each toy is made in the USA and created with organic wood, paint, and finish.  I love wooden toys and there's such a comfort knowing I'm giving my children something organic, hand crafted, free from chemicals and other harmful solvents.  Charlotte has this bunny teether and she loves it.  You can also throw it in the fridge or freezer for some cool relief for teething gums. My favorites for the holidays include their gingerbread rattle, wooden train ornament, and penguin teether.

Stella and Lu - The prettiest shop for blankets and lovey's for your little loves! You guys, there are so many gorgeous designs!! They have the softest backings ranging from minky, faux fur and llama! Some of my favorites for the holidays include the Christmas Tartan, Snow and Pine Triangles, and the Hot Pink Watercolor Floral.  The lovey's are the perfect size to throw in the diaper bag or snuggle up in the crib once they're a little older. A special little lovey is going in Charlotte's Christmas stocking.  Be sure to follow her on Instagram here for the cutest designs! 

Hemming Birds - A favorite shop of mine for bibs and burp clothes!  The cutest designs and they are so absorbent! The quality of their hand crafted designs shows and after multiple washes, they still look brand new!  I tend to put these on Charlotte as part of her outfit, not just for feedings, because they are just so cute.  My favorites include the little flamingos, honey bears, and the fairy dust.  Follow along with Hemming Birds on Instagram here.

Baby and The Fox - If your little one is teething, this is the shop for you!  The best quality teething necklaces and teethers.  I have this necklace and absolutely love it.  Charlotte loves it so much and will chew on it forever!  This teething toy is going in her Christmas stocking and I cannot wait until she sees it.  The beads are smooth silicone and vary in size and shape - perfect for little ones to explore and chomp down on.  Some of my other favorites include the hedgehog toy, silicone and wood teething necklace, and the sensory teether.  Follow along with the Baby and The Fox on Instagram here.  

Hot Bunz - Fresh, organic pants for little ones in oh so cute designs!! All HOTBUNZ pants are made with premium organic cotton that move with baby and stay in great shape.  Each pair is finished with a signature waistband and there are so many designs to choose from. I love that they feature a seamless front and back and are made from 100% certified organic cotton.  A few favorites of mine include the bee kind, sorbet onxy, and the twinkle - perfect for the holidays! Their luscious gift packaging makes this the perfect holiday gift!  Follow along with Hot Bunz on Instagram here.

I hope this holiday gift guide has inspired you to shop for some great gifts for your little ones and to shop small!  Would love to hear your picks! XO

'Tis the Season - Cookie Swap Blog Hop

Ho Ho Ho! I'm so excited to be a part of this Cookie Swap Blog Hop! My friend Katie over at Mrs. Watkins has organized such a fun recipe swap and I can't wait to try all of them out! Today, I'll be sharing our favorite Cream Cheese cookie recipe that you'll want to make over and over for the holidays.  

Olivia helped me bake these and they are so moist, stay perfectly soft for days, and are just sweet enough to enjoy one, two...or four;)  We frosted them with a variety of colored royal icing (confectioner's sugar + milk + food coloring) and decorated with our favorite festive sprinkles.  Hope you enjoy them as much as we did! Hint: Pin this chart for later! 

Now for the next stop on the Cookie Swap Blog Hop, head over to Christina's Blog to check out the recipe she's sharing for her Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - yum!!

Follow along with the other girls to read their yummy recipes, too!

Mrs. Watkins

Becoming The Stevens

Mom of Two Salums 

Happy Baking, friends! XO 

The Best Teething Necklace + Giveaway

Hi friends! Happy Black Friday! Hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving with friends and family and filled your plates with plenty of yummy food.  Thanksgiving is such a nice start to the entire holiday season and I am so excited that it's officially acceptable to be in full Christmas mode ;)  Every Black Friday, my dad and I go shopping and it's been our tradition for years.  My sister has also joined us the past few years and it's such a fun day.  I find myself finding tons of cute gifts for Olivia but I'm slightly panicking that I won't have much for the baby.  Babies are so hard to shop for, right?! I hope I'm not alone!  Charlotte is now seven months and teething like crazy so I knew I wanted to find her a cute + stylish teether, which brings me to the Baby and The Fox shop.  

You guys, there are SO many cute teething necklaces and teether toys in Kaitlyn's shop!  I'm picky about what I let the baby chew on and I was so happy to learn that all of the silicone beads used are made from food grade silicone, BPA and phthalate free, lead and cadmium free, and feature a break away clasp.  Cleaning is also a breeze and they are dishwasher safe!  There are so many different styles to choose from, each one featuring fun designs for your little ones to chew on and grab.  I was sent the neutral white nursing necklace and I absolutely love it.  It's simple and so pretty and would compliment any outfit for going out or staying in...including yoga pants ;) Some of my other favorites include the mint + marble , silicone + wood, and wine + wood necklaces.   

[Follow along on Instagram @thebirdsnestblog]

Baby and The Fox also has the cutest line of teether and sensory toys.  How cute is this fox?! That is going in Charlotte's stocking - she is going to love it!  I also love all of the other designs available - elephant, hedgehog, whale, camera, and owl. How fun is this toy? So great for sensory development.  

I am so excited that Kaitlyn is offering to give away one of her beautiful teething necklaces to one of you!  To enter, simply head over to my Instagram (@thebirdsnestblog) and follow myself + @babyandthefox and tag some of your best mama friends! Giveaway will run Nov 25 - Nov 27, ending at 11:59pm.  Winner will be contacted directly.  

If you can't wait to get your hands on these, use code blackfriday20 to save 20%! Good luck!! XOXO

Our Favorite, Easiest Baby Books (Psst...Free Book!)

Hi friends!

I'm the first to admit I'm awful at updating baby books.  Literally the worst. I feel bad that the girls will look back one day and realize this.  Poor Charlotte has about one page filled - oops!  I love looking through picture albums and to me, those are the best memories.  Which brings me to Chatbooks.

Chatbooks are little square books filled with the best memories.  I discovered Chatbooks when Olivia was a baby and they have been the best thing since well, baby books.  I love looking back through them and Olivia loves it too.  I make sure to include photos with their milestones and special days. 

Since the beginning, I've filled almost 12 books and I have so many more to order.  I chose the subscription service so I can just have a continuous order and I won't miss any!  I love to make them from my Instagram (@thebirdsnestblog) but you can also make them from photos you have on your phone or computer.  These will be great Christmas gifts for our family and friends.  

Chatbooks offers your first book free if you use this link, and I'll get a credit too.  Win, win! If you try it out, I'd love to hear how you like them!  Also, mamas unite if you are awful at updating baby books too ;) 

This post was in no way sponsored by Chatbooks.  I just love them so much and wanted to share! XOXO

Five on Friday.

Happy Friday, friends!  I am so looking forward to the weekend. We've had all sorts of beautiful weather for this time of year and it's been so nice to get outside with the kids.  We've been bouncing around to different parks and swinging right in our yard to soak up this sunshine before the true cold weather sets in. 

I've been trying to keep my shopping to a minimum with the holidays coming, both for the girls and myself, but these tees have been my favorite lately and at $5(!!) a shirt, I might need to break the shopping hiatus. 

Lip stain is something that had me somewhat hesitant because I thought it might be too much, too bright, and too permanent.  Boy was I wrong!  It's an absolute must have in my makeup routine for the day and it brightens everything up instantly.  So great when we've been having some sleepless nights around here from a certain baby who decides to party at 2am. My favorite is Tints & Sass Lip and Cheek Stain and it stays on all day long.  I like to apply a swipe of chapstick after to keep my lips more hydrated and to have more even color.  It's the prettiest pinkish red color, but not overpowering.  I love that I can apply it lightly before dropping Olivia at school or darker for a girls night out. 

Speaking of girls night, this Butternut Squash and Spinach Tortellini sounds so good and would be perfect for a fall dinner together.  Add some browned sausage or grilled chicken and I think it would be a hit with my hubby. 

I've been storing all sorts of Christmas ideas on my Pinterest boards and these are some great ones.  I tend to lean towards natural decor and I can't wait to try some of these ideas. Also, a holiday cheese board - I could eat that every day. 

Also, a head start to tomorrow's post... I'll be sharing all about our favorite non-traditional baby books.  Psst...you can get your first one free using this code.

Cheers to the weekend! XO

The Best Weekend Favorites

How is October already almost over?!  I'm ashamed to admit we're still in September on our calendar and have completely ignored October.  Guess I'll be starting with November soon enough ;)  Lately, I've been dreaming about decorating for Christmas - I just can't wait for the holidays to come this year.  I'm not sure if it's because it's Charlotte's first Christmas or that Olivia is older and it's becoming more magical for her or the fact that Pinterest is pouring over with fresh Christmas ideas that I'm loving.  I. Can't. Wait.  

{Current Inspiration via} 

Now onto some of my favorite picks this week, 

These bottle brush trees and this countdown calendar are both going in my cart.  PLUS, take an extra 10% off using code FALLHOME. 

How pretty are these plum Rockstar skinny jeans?  My favorite style, flattering with just the right amount of give. 

Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast.  Probably the best brunch casserole ever created.  

Does this not look like the coziest bedroom ever?  Bedroom goals. 

Ritz Cracker Chicken,, Sheet Pan Greek Chicken,  and Slow Cooker Corn Chowder are on the menu this week.  

What are some of your favorites this week? XO 

Five Quick + Easy Breakfast Ideas

Hi friends!  Olivia has started preschool, ballet, and tap and we've been so busy lately!  September has flown by and we're official into everything fall related.  One of my favorite times of the year.  Preschool is three days a week and I need to get both kids dressed, fed (baby oatmeal for Charlotte) and ready to go early in the morning. Therefore, if you're like me and scrambling around, you'll need quick and easy breakfast ideas to keep your little ones full and keep you on time.  

1.  Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

{Image via Minimalist Baker}

2.  Baked Oatmeal

{Image via A Few Shortcuts}

3.  Hard-Boiled Eggs + Avocado

{Image via Popsugar}

4.  French Toast in a Mug

{Image via Princess Pinky Girl}

5.  Yogurt Popsicles

{Image via I Heart Nap Time} 

I love that these are all easy to prepare and can be made in advance.  In a pinch, I'll give Olivia a fruit + oatmeal squeeze pouch.  What are some of your favorite quick breakfasts? Cheers to the mamas holding everything together in the mornings ;) 

Five.

Happy Monday!  Sundays always go too fast, don't they?  While I love a fresh start to a new week, Mondays can be a little tough.  We have lots of fun plans throughout the week and I'm trying to fit in a lot before the start of preschool.  P r e s c h o o l.  I literally can't believe Olivia will be heading to preschool in a few short weeks.  This mama's heart is not ready.  I'll be the one still in the parking lot.  Anyway, I'd love to share with you some things I'm loving this week.  Don't you love reading what other people are loving?  It's one of my favorite kinds of posts! 

O N E

This coffee is my absolute favorite right now.  I go back and forth between Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, but this is winning in my book.  I have both the K-cups for lazier mornings and the ground version that I put in my own refillable k-cup, similar here.  It's so smooth and slightly nutty, so delicious with some cream and sugar.  If you're like me and look forward to that morning cup of coffee before you even go to sleep at night, this is for you.  So good! 

T W O 

I'm constantly storing away pictures for house inspiration on my Pinterest.  Farmhouse inspired decor always steals my heart.  This entire house is so good. I have dreams of farmhouse sinks, hexagon tiles, shiplap and sliding barn doors.  I have an entire board dedicated to my house dreams, here, and grays and whites are clearly my love language.  One day, my friends, one day! 

T H R E E

This weekend I stocked up on some basic pieces for fall and this tunic was one of my favorite finds.  This tee dress and these jeans also came home with me.  

F O U R 

This shopping cart hammock  has been such a lifesaver while food shopping. Though I swear it takes two hours longer because so many people stop and ask me about it ;)  Binxy Baby hammocks are brilliant.  With the infant seat in the main area of the cart you can't fit anything in there, with the hammock you can fit everything underneath and around the baby. Definitely a piece I recommend to all moms of little ones.

F I V E

These latte mugs from Anthropologie have been a favorite of mine and they're on sale for $20 plus 40% off sale price...bringing them down to $12, what?!? Amazing! Run! 

Hope you have a great Monday XO 

How to Choose the Right Car Seat // The Baby Cubby

Hi friends! Today I'm partnering with The Baby Cubby to share all of the information you'll need to choose the right car seat for your little one.  

The Baby Cubby is a great, one stop shop for all of your baby's needs.  The Baby Cubby's team is made up of parents, just like us, who have been there and experienced the same things as us.  They are passionate about encouraging, inspiring, and reminding parents that their role is so important!  Hundreds of hours are spent researching the safest, best products, which are then made available to us. I love that I can shop stress-free knowing the research has been done for me. The Baby Cubby is not only a baby store, but a great resource for new parents and seasoned parents alike.   Whether it's at their online store, their retail store, or engagement through their social media accounts, you can feel the difference.  One of my absolute favorite things about The Baby Cubby is that they price match, even Amazon!  They also offer free shipping on orders over $49.  Now let's get to car seat shopping!!

Buying a car seat can be so stressful because there are so many different things to consider.  My husband is police officer and also a child passenger safety certified technician so he's always able to help our friends with little ones figure out which car seat is best and install it for them.  Without help, everything from safety ratings, seat location, latch systems, your child's weight - it can get so overwhelming!  The Baby Cubby has a great information guide to break down all of the info you need.  Their car seat stages guide is so user-friendly and so informative for parents. From infant seats to booster car seats, it's covered for your buying needs.  

Before purchasing a car seat, there are a few things to consider:

1. Your state laws - Every state has different child-restraint laws.  
2. Your car - Not every seat fits in certain cars.  Go to the store and see if you can try the seat you are looking for in your car first before purchasing. 
3. Seat location - Some vehicles have LATCH systems and some do not.  Some seats may only be able to be installed on the sides, whereas some seats have to be able to be installed in the middle back seat.
4. LATCH system - LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.  Car seats are now required to have LATCH systems, but some cars may not be LATCH compatible.  If your car is not LATCH compatible, you will use the seat belt and tether.  Do not use both the LATCH system and seat belt and tether at the same time! 
5. Weight Limits - It can be confusing to figure out the weight limit of a car seat.  Is it a combined weight of the child and the car seat?  Is it just how much your child weighs?  This chart is so great for figuring it out! 
6. Expiration dates & accidents - Car seats expire!  Most car seats have the date of expiration on the bottom or side and it's normally within 5-6 years of the manufacture date.  If you are using a second hand seat, it's so important to make sure the seat has never been involved in a car accident and/or that it is not expired.  If you are in a car accident (other than minor, which is determined by strict criteria) and the car seat is in your car, regardless of whether your child is in it at the time, it is no longer usable and now considered unsafe. Most insurance companies will replace the seat, which has actually happened to us twice so far.  

{Chart via The Baby Cubby} 

Buckling Your Child

Once you have purchased your seat, it is SO important to buckle your child correctly. It drives me nuts when I see babies and/or toddlers buckled incorrectly.  It's completely preventable and so important for their safety.  For rear facing children, the top of the harness straps should be AT or BELOW their shoulders.  For forward facing children, the strap should be AT or within one inch ABOVE their shoulders.   The chest clip should be armpit level, not belly level nor collarbone level.  Lastly, use the pinch test to make sure your little one is properly strapped in.  The pinch test is to ensure you cannot pinch enough fabric, which means your little one is nice and snug in their seat.  Also, if you live in a colder climate, do not put your child in a snow suit or bulky jacket in their car seat.  We actually have "car jackets", which are thin flannel jackets that are only used in their car seat.  Once we get to our destination, we dress the kids in their normal winter jackets.  It's so important because those bulky layers create space between your child and their straps, which can be extremely dangerous if in a car accident.  

Rear Facing or Forward Facing

Both of our kids are little peanuts so we chose to rear face as long as we could with Olivia, and will continue to do so with Charlotte.  When Olivia turned three, she started forward facing.  Depending on which state you live in, the laws may be different as to what age to forward face.  This list a great guide that shows the four different types of seats.  One of the brands The Baby Cubby carries just released a new convertible car seat and a booster seat and it is gorgeous! Um...such a mom thing to say, the little things that we love now ;) The Nuna AACE Combination Booster and the RAVA Convertible Car Seat are so nice! 

{Chart via The Baby Cubby}

The Baby Cubby has so many car seats available to purchase including brands such as Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, Britax, Nuna and Baby Jogger.  I love that they sell only the safest, best gear. For our girls, we have the Chicco Keyfit 30 Magic Car seat and the Chicco Nextfit Convertible car seat, which we love!  

I hope this guide makes your car seat buying experience successful and stress-free!  The Baby Cubby is such a great resource that I hope you will utilize and love!  P.S. - They're having a huge sale on diaper bags right now, run don't walk! ;)

As always, follow along with The Birds Nest on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin'. XO