Playroom

This. This space. This is where the fun stuff happens.

When we moved into our home 8 months ago, I fell in love with our 3rd floor loft and while I had daydreams of a beautiful office and oasis for momma...real life smacked me in the face! 

Three littles and no playroom meant tons of toys, messy bedrooms, and irritated momma. 

That was the birth of the playroom. 

Once I embraced the playroom, my goal was to create a space that was cute, colorful, clutter free, & totally functional. 

I wanted an environment that would encourage play, creativity, independence, and FUN. I mean, isn’t that what a playroom is all about?!

I think this space does exactly that. 

Organization

• The IKEA trofast toy storage units are perfect for toy organization and keep the room clutter free AND hide the mess! Woop woop. 

Super durable, functional, and hold 80% of our toys!

• Baskets are not only cute but great storage...the large basket homes the stuffed animals & baby dolls. The small baskets are perfect for baby accessories and miscellaneous items. 

•As I’m sure you can see, these kiddos have a book collection that could rival any library! Our book case has been with us since Drew was in my belly. One of my favorite baby shower gifts and home to some of our most prized possessions. 

Decor

•The wooden signs from Salty Bison brighten up the space...colorful, beautifully made, and what this room is all about. 

Bonus...they match perfectly with our IKEA abacus! 

•The art display was a DIY from a few years ago...wooden frame, chicken wire, and a talented father in law created this guy. 

Now I can enjoy my favorite works of art by my favorite little artists!

•This rocking chair was Grammy’s then Dada’s and it’s a favorite in our playroom. I’m kind of a sucker for sentimental pieces and this one melts my heart. 

•The Lorena Canal Rug is incredible. It’s super soft, machine washable, and takes me back to my teaching days...Swoon! 

•The Lorena Canal Pouffe is not only stunning but super functional! Apart from the decorative element, it is so versatile...the most comfortable seat, best jumping platform (Drew’s Favorite), stage for concerts, and the perfect place to read to your babies. 😉

The cover unzips and is completely removable for easy washing...totally satisfying my inner boho goddess and OCD-ness! Score!

Transforming this space has legit transformed our day to day. This space is now functional, beautiful, and a place where I can enjoy my little monsters. 

Most importantly, it’s a place of fun! 

Pin this image below to easily find this post again!

*Disclaimer: The rug and pouffe were gifted to me in exchange for this post but all thoughts and opinions in this post are my own.*

2019

New Years marks a “fresh start.” A reset button. 

A year to do over and do better. 

As I start this post, I am playing Black Eyed Peas on repeat in my head. I’ve got a feeling....oooh oooh! 

For some reason, 2019 seems so much more exciting and full of possibitiy. It has a beautiful feeling. 

This year, instead of making a list of resolutions, I chose a word...or mantra to live by. 

This year, I chose YES. 

2019 is my YES year...

Yes...to new opportunities. 

Yes...to new energies. 

Yes...to new challenges. 

Yes...to new adventures. 

Yes...to forgetting the to do list and playing with my babies. 

Yes...to loving my husband wholeheartedly. 

Yes...to myself. Despite whatever fears or doubts I may have (I’m an over thinker), I am determined to say Yes and not worry about the rest. I am going to believe in myself and enjoy this life. After all, you only get one. 

Cheers to a new year, new adventures, and lots of love & laughter. 

That's a Wrap...Christmas 2018 Recap!

Christmas 2018...that’s a wrap!

This was definitely a December to remember and my favorite Christmas yet...The magic. The excitement. The fun. Even the chaos. 

BEST. CHRISTMAS. EVER!

My little sugar plums love this season as much as their momma and it melts my heart. 

My favorite moments:

-Watching my littles look for Elfie each morning.

-Making Tamales with my family.

-Watching Christmas Movies!

-Reading Christmas Books!

-Peppermint Hot Cocoa with the kids. 

-Making Gingerbread Cookies with my littles. 

-Singing Christmas Songs...and dancing our hearts out.

-Seeing the Christmas lights. 

-Drew’s Obsession with his Yeti Beanie. 😂

-Amina & Drew’s Preschool Holiday Programs 😍😍😍

-Bea singing “Happy Birthday to Bobby (Baby) Jesus!”

-The look on the kids' faces when Santa actually came!

Was all calm, merry, and bright?! 

HECK NO! 

Is that even possible with three little ones? Not in our family.  It was chaos but the best possible kind! 😉

"I used to think being a kid on Christmas was the best thing ever but it turns out having kids on Christmas is..."

I don't think there is anything can beat being a mom during Christmas. 

❤️

Stocking Stuffers for Little Sugar Plums!

Christmas is ONE week away!

If you are not finished shopping, don’t get your tinsel in a tangle....I’ve got you covered! 

In our home, Santa brings one BIG gift and fills the stockings. 

Nothing crazy. Nothing big. Just a few things we need, themes they’ll love, and something fun!

Stocking stuffer ideas...all under $10!

•Toothbrushes (Super Hero & Princess)

•Bandaids (Spider Man & Little Mermaid)

•Lip Smackers (Spider Man & Princess)

•Hair Bows & Hat

•Small Toy (Spider Man, Elsa, & Anna)

A few other ideas:

•Play-doh

•Coloring Books

•Crayons

•Chalk

•Paint

•Sticker

Happy Shopping, Mommas!

Here’s to you and the hard work you put in every year to make this season magical ❤️❤️❤️

Gift Guide for HER

Today, I've rounded up a few of my favorite gift ideas for the special gals on your Christmas list....wife, gf, mom, bff...I’ve got you covered!

1. Coffee Mug

No explanation needed. Duh....Coffee done in style. Anything better?! Nope. 

The cutest mug and the absolute cutest shop! 

For those of you shopping...Save 20% off this shop with code SANTABABY ❤️❤️

2. Candles

These candles are delicious, hand poured, and natural....Seriously, they’re good! The perfect gift that keeps on giving. 

3. Nena & Co. Bag 

The most beautiful and unique handmade bags. Literally a work of art. 

4. Daniel Wellington Watches 

The most timeless watches...beautiful, classic, and a must have every day staple. 

Use code JUSTINEV for 15% off your purchase!

5. Cozy Sweatshirt 

Everyone loves a cozy sweatshirt and this one is a favorite on my weekly rotation. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Hashtag Mom Life! 😉

It's the absolute coziest while still being super cute and it’s from the sweetest shop. 

Hope this helps you make someone’s day a little extra merry and oh so bright!! ❤️

Winter Bucket List

Winter isn't officially here but tomorrow is the 1st of December!  

A day that marks the change in season and spirits!

Just writing this gets me feeling all holly & jolly. 

The lights. The music. The smells. And...the magic of the season. 

So grab your peppermint mocha, a candy cane, and print out this bucket list to help you make the most of the season!

Our Family Bucket List to help us squeeze every ounce of fun out of this magical time of year.

Enjoy this special time making spirits bright! ❤️

Want, Need, Wear, Read

Lights are being hung, halls are being decked, and Mommas (& dadas) are working like elves to make this season merry and oh so bright!

To help you with your list this year, I thought I’d share how we Gift in our home....

In our home, we do the 4 Gift Method Of Giving to our little sugarplums!

Each little receives 4 presents from Mom & Dad on Christmas morning...something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

AND...Santa brings each child a large gift and fills their stockings (stocking post coming later)!

It’s simple and meaningful and it works for us.

1. Something they WANT: this is a fun gift. Something they asked for...or something you know will bring a HUGE smile to their face. For us...it’s a glow in the dark race track, princess dresses, and shimmeez because who doesn’t love two-toned color changing plushies that are covered in sequin!

2. Something they NEED: this is something practical...whatever that may be. It could be anything your little one needs! For us....it’s undies  Don’t think it can get more practical than that. 😉

3. Something to WEAR: this can be clothing, accessories, hats, shoes, backpack, etc. For us....it’s Rainboots! 

4. Something to READ: this is always my favorite...books! I try to find interactive books that go with what they are into right now. Usborne has a FABULOUS selection of interactive and engaging books and the Dino Sports Series are favorites in our home!

I love this method of gift giving. For us, it brings a sense of intention...each gift has to be thoughtful, since you are only giving 4! 

Hope you all have yourselves a merry little Christmas!!!

***Santa always brings an unwrapped big gift and fills the stockings. This year he is bring Drew a bike and the girls are getting bitty baby dolls!