Be You

BE YOU sweatshirt: c/o HoneyBeeTrueCo     leggings: target   moccasins: c/o Freshly Picked 

I was so excited to get this sweatshirt in the mail and actually thought a lot about this post.  I shared this post a few weeks ago about the kind of mom that I am.  I shared that I'm working on being more confident in motherhood and the choices that I make in my parenting.  I think there is so much to be admired in mothers who are confident in saying this is what works best for me and is what is best for my kids.  I want to be that kind of mom and I want to raise Addilyn to be that kind of girl.  

I want her to know that while she needs to treat everyone kindly and lovingly, it's okay if she doesn't want to give everyone hugs all the time.  It's okay that she takes longer to warm up to people and that she's cautious in new situations.  That she wants me to hold her a little more, and takes time for her to brave.  That she's fearless with her climbing and running, even though it scares me.  That she likes her space and doesn't always love being touched.  It's okay that her hair does this weird thing in the back and that's she's got quite the outie belly button and the shortest little legs.  

I want Addilyn to know that God made her who she is and that she can be confident in being herself. That is why I love this shirt so much.  I love the reminder that it gives me to be the mom that will teach her to do that.  

 I loved working with Nicole from HoneyBeeTrueCo.  She's a sweet, helpful, creative and talented stay at home mom to two.   She hand paints all of her clothes and there are SO many options.  It took me awhile to decide what color combination and I ended up just telling her to decide because she probably knew best!  I'm so glad I went with her choice because I love the turquoise and grey together.  I told Nicole she needs to get shirts like this in adult size because I need to buy one.  Both because it's cute, super comfy and I could use the reminder myself to be more confident.

I ordered Addilyn a 2T in case you're wondering and she's on the smaller end.  It fits a little loose and she will hopefully be able to wear it for a long time. If you have any sizing questions just message Nicole - she is super helpful!

In Nicole's shop you first pick the shirt you'd like (for you or your littles) and then decide on what you'd like on it.  You can check out her instagram (honeybeetrueco) for lots of ideas or search the #HBTdesigns.   I LOVE the baseball tees and would love a tee for Addilyn that says worth the wait.  I also want this plum tee for me that would say BE YOU.   Shop the rest of Nicole's shop here!  And check out her facebook here for more inspiration and designs.

You can use the code TAKE10 to get 10% off your order now until Monday.

Thank you so much for working with me Nicole! I love your shop and absolutely love Addilyn's shirt and know we will get a lot of wear out of it!

Also, please tell me how to get good pictures of your toddler, because most of mine looked like this.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Vest Twins

vest, button up, jeans: old navy   shoes: target

A few weeks ago I got this vest from Old Navy when everything was 40% off in the store.  It was $15 and I love it.  I've worn it far too many times and am counting it as an appropriate coat from here on out.  Addilyn's little vest is from Old Navy and I bought it last winter for $6 on super clearance. I am so glad it fits her.  I have a vest just likes her, and should probably dress us exactly alike soon, taking full advantage of the time I have left of still choosing her clothes.  

And these pictures crack me up.  It's like she's got this whole modeling thing down pat.  No bribing with candy corn was even required this time.  

vest: old navy   pants: target   mocs: freshly picked 

Hope you had a great weekend!

Hearts on Hearts

skirt: LannieBHandmade

I found the cutest etsy shop a few weeks ago when the sweet owner Jenna was looking for some girls to help spread the word about her shop.  I was so excited that she picked Addilyn.  Jenna is a stay at home mom to two cute girls, with another baby on the way!  Her little girl Lannie is close in age to Addilyn, so I love following along even more. 

Jenna also sent me one of her cute star garlands and it's currently hanging on our teepee in the basement playroom.  Once I take my fall decorations down I think I'll hang in on the window and shelves in our dining room.  Jenna has lots of other garlands for birthday parties, holidays or anything you'd like.  (This layered heart one is my favorite.)  She makes adorable skirts like the one Addilyn is wearing, and has these super cute heart leggings that Addilyn needs next! 

Plus you can use code LaurenandLauren for 10% off your order now until October 22nd.  Jenna will have lots of new garlands and outfits perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas so make sure to follow along on facebook and instagram.
Thank you so much Jenna! We love working with you! 

Training with Mama

Addilyn's onesie: Courtney Bock Designs

56 days left until the big day.  Part of me wishes it was next weekend, as at this point I know I could finish even if it meant I was more sore and slower than I'd be with two more months of training.  But I know the training is a much bigger process and commitment than the race itself.  Motivation is the biggest battle, as some days it takes a whole lot to get myself out on a run.  

Here's few things that motivate me lately . . . 

Breaking up my run into smaller chunks mentally.  For my 15 mile run I tell myself I can do 5 miles. After that I get a drink of water and tell myself I can do five more.  And then five more after that.  It is seriously more a mental game than physical for much of the run.  I'm well aware I'm running 15 miles, but by only thinking of five at a time, it feels much more attainable.  

Not thinking passed today.  My biggest struggle is thinking, how could I run another mile?  Whether it's after running five or fifteen, I feel like I can't do more than my given milage.  It's hard not to think about the next week's run and almost impossible to not think about the race day, but I try hard to think about just getting through this run and not another one.

This cute girl.  I know that she will not remember a thing from these months of training or from the marathon day itself.  She won't remember the mornings I was gone running or probably won't be interested in watching the race itself.  But she will remember pictures from the day and you better believe I will be telling her about how her mama worked hard to reach her goal and ran a marathon when she was one.

This adorable onesie is pretty good motivation too.  If I'm going to dress Addilyn in it, I sure as better finish those 26.2 miles.  Her onesie is from Courtney Block Designs, an adorable monogram shop that has all kinds of cute things from jewelry to kids backpacks and pjs and my favorite monogram lace sweatshirt (which is going on my birthday list).  Courtney has been wonderful to work with and she's offering 15% your order using the code LAURENFORLAUREN15.  If I could only make up my mind on a color, I would have already purchased this monogrammed baseball hat.

I can't wait to see her sweet face waiting for me at the finish line, wearing this onesie.  Even more so, I can't wait for the day when Addilyn wants to go on a run with me or when we can cross a finish line together.  She is pretty good motivation.    

Kissy Kissy - a giveaway

outfit: c/o Kissy Kissy

We were so excited to get this adorable little outfit in the mail a few weeks ago.  I've been anxiously awaiting some warm weather so Addilyn could wear it.  It seems we've skipped Spring and have gone straight to summer.  No complaints here though.  

Kissy Kissy is a company that has been around for over 16 years and is a favorite thanks to their super soft Peruvian Pima cotton fabric and adorable prints that range from preemie size through 4T.  They have outfits that are perfect for special occasions like christenings, holidays and birthday parties, but are also perfect for everyday wear, like the outfit we got. 

I love this outfit because it's different than a lot of the typical leggings, rompers, onesies that we have.  It's so soft and girly.  I love the sweet floral pattern and comfy fabric. 

Kissy Kissy's line has themes like florals, nautical, sports, construction, animals and stripes along with mix and matchable stripes, dots and solids.  And there are also plenty of extra special touches like scalloped edges, and hand-embroidery.  You can find dresses, one-piece outfits, pajamas, cover-ups, hats, bibs, booties and blankets.  Plus you'll be in the company of plenty of celebrities like Katie Holmes, Molly Sims and Matt Damon, who are big fans of their products.  

My favorite thing about Addilyn's new outfit is the little collar and little ruffles on the tiny shorts under the dress.  I can't wait for her to wear it all summer long!

And lucky you, today Kissy Kissy is giving away one outfit valued at at least $50 (in a size preemie to 24 months).  I love this adorable baby girl outfit and this little boy's sailors suit is too cute!  

Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want another chance to win? Nominate a mom on their facebook page for a chance for both of you to win $100 towards Kissy Kissy products.  Enter here. 

Thank you Kissy Kissy! We love our outfit!