Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wish List {Holiday Travel}



Another reason why I love this time of year is the travel.  Whether you’re traveling to be with family or a romantic getaway, I enjoy the excitement and frenzy.  I’ve been very fortunate in life to be able to travel a lot the last few years.  In fact, usually for Christmas and New Years, we’re jetting off to mark another location in our bucket list. This year…not so much.  With the arrival of Baby J, we are staying close to home.  But this is not going to stop me from dreaming big wanderlust dreams. :)  Here is my vacation wish list. 

Where are you traveling to?  Hope its someplace awesome!

1. The Norther Lights in Iceland {at the TOP of bucket list}
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2. Christmas Markets in Prague
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3. Lazy beach days  in the Seychelles
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Maybe next year we can take the baby along to these amazing places:

1. Wildlife in Australia {Would absolutely love to go back to Oz}
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2. A Royal tour in London {Hey, Will and Kate!}
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3. Family fun in the Babamas
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Monday, December 15, 2014

Forecast Rain {Boots}








What I'm Wearing:
Bobeau Sweater {old, similar here and here}// Black Jeans // Splendid Tank // Prada Bag // Hunter Boots

It felt like we were experiencing a hurricane last Friday morning!  Of course, when the rain comes we Californians are always so dramatic.  The bad news is that people drive like crazy and the freeways are usually in a state of standstill, but the good news is that I get to wear my Hunter rain boots.  You see, we don't get a lot of opportunity to appropriately show them off here, so when even just a drop falls, these babies are definitely on display.

It's suppose to rain a lot this week, so I'll be ready.  Been awhile since we've endured long rainy days and I think its such a good excuse to just lazy around with hot cocoa and PJs! :)  Hope you all have a good week...be safe out there!


XOXO,
Lydia

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

New Baby Essentials

We’ve survived a full month. Hallelujah!  The first couple weeks were really challenging.  Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, utter loss of control can take a real toll on your body, mind and spirit.  But I’m proud to report that we’re starting to get this baby thing…it does get easier by the day.  Can you believe Baby J is 5 weeks already?!  Now he’s started to look like a real baby {less alien newborn} and communicate with us with “coos” and voluntary smiles. 

As a new Mom – I read just about every single “product review” list there was pre and post baby.  Its funny though, just mere days outside the womb, babies already have clear preferences for specific things.  For example, Baby J likes Medela bottles/nipples over Avent, and he loves the 4Moms MamaRoo over the Fisher Price Rock N’ Play {apparently he’s already got expensive taste like his mama!}.  I’ve compiled a short lists of items that we love and used the most so far.  You'll see our favorite brands include 4Moms, Honest and Baby Brezza.  I am a self-proclaimed obsessive compulsive un-clutterer..err, whatever the exact opposite of a hoarder.  I can't stand random things on the floor or on table tops.  i love clean open spaces.  So it was especially important to have baby gear that was not only functional but with innovative clean design.  It was easy to find my preferences in brands these amazing brands.

Hope they will be helpful to some new and even experienced mommy out there. :)




  1. Goumikids Mittens - These were the only mittens that actually stayed on!  And word of advice: get multiple pairs.  Like socks, magically one always goes missing in the wash.
  2. 4Moms MamaRoo - Baby J will sleep in this for hours.  It has different types of movement in case baby gets bored with the side to side movement and prefers the "Ocean Wave".  Even has a build in plug and insert for an iPhone/iTouch for music.  Also, get the matching 4Moms newborn insert.  It kept his head from sliding down or to the sides.
  3. Honest Diapers -  Honest has invaded my household even before the baby arrived {see my post on pregnancy essentials} and naturally when I wanted a non-toxic, natural and eco-friendly diapers, I turned to Honest.  It fits Baby J well and we have less what I call "side pee" accidents.  
  4. Zip-front Onesies - Baby J hates pullover onesies with a passion.  He screams bloody murder at the sight of them.  Ok, so a little dramatic, but really pullovers are not so convenient. Zip-front onesies were our fave.  It's easy to put on and convenient for fast diaper changes, especially during the middle of the night when aforementioned "side pee" occurs.  Our favorite ones are these and these.
  5. Aden + Anais Swaddle blankets - We tried a few different swaddle blankets and even Sleepsacks like these, but felt the regular Aden + Anais ones are definitely a staple.  Baby J is somewhat indifferent about being swaddled - sometimes he would sleep soundly and other times he would fight his way out.  He actually liked these probably because they are breathable and gives him enough comfort but easy enough he doesn't feel too restricted.  
  6. 4Moms Tub - I'm sure the tub function works like any other.  The differentiator here is the thermometer.  I'm always second guessing...is too hot or too cold?  This tub takes the guesswork out and made bath time enjoyable for everyone!
  7. Baby Brezza Sterilizer + Dryer - This is an all in one sterilizer and dryer and truly a must-have for all moms.  I use to spend probably a combined 2-3 hours each day drying bottles, nipples and pumping parts!  When this arrived at my doorstep, problem solved!  Imagine what you can do with a couple more hours in a day!
  8. Aden + Anais Bibs - Like the swaddle blankets, we love the soft material since it constantly rubs his neck and face.  

XOXO,
Lydia

Monday, December 1, 2014

Weekend Attire {Wedged Bootie}










Outfit Details:
J. Crew Jacket {old, similar here and here} // Black leggings // H&M Scarf {old, love this and this} // Express Cuffed wedge Bootie {On Sale NOW}


Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!  Seriously the holiday weekend went by too fast!  It was nice to celebrate with family, start our holiday shopping and just lazy around with the Hubbs and Baby J.

If haven’t noticed, I don’t do flats very well….like ever.  Not really even on weekends.  I prefer heels and anything that gives me a little more height.  What’s that saying….”the higher the heel, the closer to God”, right?  Well, I’d like to be very close to the Lord.  :)  But running around with a new baby makes it a bit more difficult to wear cute heels, so I love wedges.  Its the next best thing! I scored this wedge bootie at Express on Black Friday! They are pretty comfortable, perfect for casual weekends, and the faux suede makes it look high end.

What are your favorite weekend comfy shoes?

XOXO,

Lydia