Monday, June 29, 2015

Baby Product Review #2 | Cover Me Ponchos

4135 31 32 40 42 45 With Klair I was able to exclusively breastfeed her for the first 6 months, and I continued to breastfeed until she was 14 months old. I felt like this was a big accomplishment for me... like what I imagine running a marathon might feel like (not that I've ever done it, but a girl can imagine). Now don't get me wrong--I love breastfeeding. But, I'd be lying if I said that it didn't come with its share of challenges. There were certainly times that I wanted to throw in the towel, but ultimately I'm glad that I stuck it out for as long as I did. This time around I want to give Grayson the same experience and at least make it to the recommended 1 year mark... a feat that (I didn't realize) is going to be even harder to accomplish. More often than not when I breastfed Klair it was a quiet, intimate time between baby and me at home. This time around I have a toddler constantly vying for my attention (refer to the picture with Klair... she wants to be apart of everything) and always wanting to be on the go. Thus, breastfeeding Grayson often feels like something I squeeze in... a lot of times in public... when I can. Thus, having good breastfeeding products--like a good nursing cover--is a must for me.

Now, that's not to say that I think everyone needs to use a nursing cover. There are women out there who feel confident breastfeeding in public, and I commend them. I don't think there is anything wrong with it at all. Personally though I've always been a very private person. I remember from a young age making my own mom leave the room when I changed. The idea of breastfeeding in public... it just doesn't work for me. With Klair I bought a cover, but it was the kind that resembles an apron and only drapes over the front of you. This was okay while she was little, but it got increasingly difficult to keep myself covered as she started moving around more. Plus, without back coverage, I was forced to wear only clothing that was nursing friendly. I often found myself going to another room at social functions, or heading out to the car to try and avoid having to feed in public.

My poncho from Cover Me Ponchos as been game changing. I get complete coverage from it, and I don't have to worry about the wind or my baby moving too much and exposing me in a way I would be uncomfortable with. It's such great coverage in fact that I can wear shirts that aren't "nursing-friendly" and simply undress the top part of what I'm wearing under the poncho to make it work. It's awesome. I also love how stylish it is. As soon as it arrived I put it on and felt really cute. I'll even admit that I paired it with some black skinnies and wore it as my shirt the next day--it was an extremely convenient outfit for nursing.

Furthermore, my poncho is very versatile and has replaced other items I used to take with me--with a  toddler and a newborn I feel like I'm packing for a camping trip every time I leave the house so minimizing what I take is always a good thing. Obviously my poncho serves as a nursing cover, but it has also become my go to blanket that I can wrap Gray in when I need to, and a carseat cover anytime I want to give him a little shade or privacy for sleeping.

Ultimately I can't speak highly enough about my poncho! There are other companies out there selling similar products, but Cover Me Ponchos' covers are extremely affordable while still maintaining impressive quality. Aaaand don't you worry they come in a variety of super cute prints and colors because I get it, style is important! (The one pictured in this post is their navy cream stripe nursing cover.) If you're looking for a cover that will look great while serving multiple purposes I highly suggest checking them out!

Also, if you do purchase one you can use discount code "autumn" to get 10% off.


This post was written in partnership with Cover Me Ponchos. All opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Father's Day Weekend | Jord Wood Watches and Flip Flop Shops Review

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There are days that definitely make you reflect on life and what you have. Father's Day is one of those days for me.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Family Photos | Roxana B Photography


Roxana of Roxana B Photography reached out to me recently about doing a family photo shoot. I took one look at her Instagram and I was completely thrilled by the prospect of working with her! This Utah photographer is not only one of the sweetest people I’ve met, but she is an exceptional artist with a unique style of photography that makes her photos stand out. I really enjoyed spending time with her. Like us, she has two small kids so we felt extremely comfortable taking photos with her. She was exceptionally patient with our kids (because, you know, she gets it).  Amid the chaos of trying to get a toddler and a newborn to take photos she managed to capture some real gems that I will cherish forever.

If you live in Northern Utah and you’re looking for a photographer you should definitely check out Roxana’s work. She does a lot of fashion shoots and is really well known in that world, but she her talents are versatile and she does all types of photography.



I love all of the photos from this shoot, but I think my very favorite moment that Roxana photographed was when Klair stood on her little tippy toes to give her adoring dad a kiss on the lips without any prompting from us. She did it by herself and Roxana captured it.  It’s kind of perfect. I also absolutely adore the photos of Sam and both kids. He’s such a good dad… I’m blessed beyond belief!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Baby Product Review #1 | Saranoni Blankets

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As many of you know, having a baby comes with all kinds of life changing implications--both for better and for worse. Once another tiny little human is born and entrusted to your care, things simply can't be the same. While you're trying to adjust to the challenges of caring for an infant and searching for some sense of normalcy, routine, and calm amid the chaos it's really helpful to have fantastic baby products that make things easier--every bit of help and convenience counts. As a blogger I've been extremely blessed to work with some amazing companies and try out some of the best and most popular baby products on the market. I'll be posting about my experiences with these in a little series here on my blog.

For this first installment I'm reviewing Saranoni Luxury Blankets. As the name so obviously implies, these aren't your run of the mill blankets. They're luxurious. So much so that an adult size (the one featured here is toddler) is on my wishlist. I'm not sure I have ever touched a softer fabric. I wish there was a way for you to feel it over the internet, because I'm sure after one touch you would be sold.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Baby Grayson | 1 Month

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I'm a little late in posting these...he's actually (technically) closer to 2 months old now... better late than never, right? Life with two kids is easier in a lot of ways than I imagined (likely due in large part to Grayson's sweet and easy going personality) but it's busy. I always tell myself "I'll blog tonight as soon as the kids are asleep!"...but once they're in their beds I usually crash in my own. I feel a bit like the walking dead these days. I'm sure (well, really hopeful) that the exhaustion will fade once Grayson starts sleeping more through the night. ...which brings me back to the topic of this post. Grayson. Enough about me, this post is about the sweetest baby boy that ever did exist upon the face of this earth.