After several months in a row of holidays, lots of working, and not enough time together, we decided some family time was in order. Our sweet son must have felt the same, because when we gave him the choice of a birthday party or a getaway to the water park with just our family, he chose the latter. So off we went to Gurnee, Illinois to Great Wolf Lodge. 

And I'll tell you. It was SO much fun! 

It was also a really good indicator that we are in NO WAY AT ALL READY FOR LARGER TRIPS (props to those of you that do this on the regular with two small children). When we drove out of that hotel parking lot with our two sleeping kiddos (because, hello, the fun had ended, and it was naptime), we both looked at each other and declared that we were EXHAUSTED. 

But allow me to back up and tell you about the trip prior to leaving the parking lot. We scored a good deal directly through Great Wolf's website, so we planned to arrive on a Thursday and leave on Saturday. This worked out super well for playing in the water park, because Thursday and Friday weren't too busy at all compared to Saturday morning. The downside to going during the week was that our dining options were more limited because not every restaurant opened, but we made it work! 

Our four-year-old was SO darn brave. He went down every single slide he was allowed to and begged us to go on the ones he wasn't big enough for yet. I think he's going to LOVE going back when he's a few inches taller. 

The toddler area was so much fun - it included a splash pad and three incredible slides. It was perfect for our little (and our bigger guy when he needed a little break from the big guy action). 

We took advantage of a lot of the several of the activities offered - morning yoga and show, evening story time, and a little wilderness walk with Wiley Wolf (perhaps Henry's favorite part). We loved all the little extras. :) 

Morning yoga for the boys

You'll notice a massive lack of photos in this post, and that was kind of done on purpose. We really just wanted to disconnect and NOT feel the need to have our phones with us at all times. And it was kind of an awesome break. 

We'll definitely be going back again. And if you need a little push to get away... here's your push. Plan a little getaway. You won't regret it! 

From house to home: Our foyer decor!

With all of the goodness that comes along with a new home, one of the things I was MOST excited about was decorating it. Like, REALLY decorating it. Let me explain. 

I bought my first home when I was 24. I had two roommates, and I think I speak for all of us when I say our decorating style was anything free or cheap. We cobbled together our furniture and wall hangings from family hand me downs, thrift shops, and bargain sales. And it totally worked for us as 20somethings. 

Then, the roommates left, and my husband moved in. At 30, we'd both been on our own for a good half decade, and we'd both acquired a lot of things. We had to try to mesh two styles into one home. And as many of you know, about .5 seconds after we got married, we got pregnant, and my plan to rid our house of the old and bring in the new were put on hold. When we added our second baby to the mix, the house just became inundated with kiddo things. And that's okay. But it never really gave me a chance to hone in on a decorating style. 

So when we started our house search, I started to get giddie excited about decorating our house. In our style. In the way we loved. With the things we really loved most. 

And then I got completely overwhelmed. 

Where do you even START when you're decorating an entire home. But as I was reminded over and over again by friends (okay, and my Joanna Gaines home decorating book), you have to take it one step - one room - at a time. 

So we started with the foyer. Total blank canvas, and truly, I wanted this to be a space we tackled first. I wanted to have a warm greeting for our guests when they come in! The before was wide open spaces...

I started with a virtual inspiration board. I knew that this would be the one area of the house I could kind of work in the Farmhouse Style I love (but truly, I don't think lots of it will fit in elsewhere in the home). I chose a few pieces I knew I wanted for sure: a side table, a mirror, a coat hanger, and a fabric basket to be a catch all for winter gear, umbrellas, toy cars, etc. 

And our reality turned out like THIS! I'm honestly shocked that we were essentially able to take the vision board and turn it into this space that we just love! 

This is my favorite spot in the foyer. I LOVE the table we chose (it's actually the same table from the inspiration picture), and the little details we chose just make me smile! In a perfect world, I'd love to add more decor to the table, but, small children live here, so those details are yet to come.
Console Table: Ashley Furniture
Mirror, flowers, and wall hanging: TJ Maxx

I also love the functionality of the wall by our front door. We took an empty wall and added a coat rack, boot tray, and fabric basket. The lantern on the shelf was actually a wedding gift we received and never really had an area to display it. The Happy Together sign is just seasonal, but I'm looking forward to finding something else to add to it.
Coat Rack: Amazon
Boot Tray: Boot Tray
Fabric Basket: Amazon
Greenery: TJ Maxx

I love the natural light! Except when it's time to take photos. Then it makes it a little difficult. But I'm loving how our first *completed* space in our home turned out. So excited to tackle our next area! 

Stitch Fix #31: A long overdue winter closet update!

Holy moly, friends. It's been forever and a day since I've gotten a Stitch Fix shipment, and I've seriously been missing them! But, I'm getting ahead of myself. 

If you don't know about Stitch Fix (<--Referral link!), let me give you a little rundown. Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription service, and you decide how frequently, or infrequently, you'd like a shipment. You'll fill out a detailed style profile about your sizes, style preferences, and budget (and it's super fun to fill out the profile to see what your style preferences are!). Not only does Stitch Fix offer clothing, but they have accessories, bags, and even shoes! They style men, women, and children, and they offer extended sizes. And, if someone signs up through your referral link, you get a $25 credit to use toward your next purchase! (And let me tell you, that adds up to some awesome free clothes!) The BEST part of Stitch Fix? It comes directly to my door which means I can try it on in the comfort of my own home, pair it with things already in my wardrobe, and not have to take my brood into a dressing room with me. So much winning! 

This month, I asked my best girl Serena for some winter wardrobe updates. I've been pinning a lot of things to my Pinterest Fashion board lately, and Serena totally paid attention and delivered - just another reason I love her and love Stitch Fix! So let's get to the goodies, shall we?! 

1. Market & Spruce Wilco Solid Quilted Vest, $48

The vest trend is on point, and ever since I snagged this fabulous Matilda Jane number, I've been wanting more! This one is SO cute, the color is one of my go tos (alllll the gray, please!), and I kind of love the little rucheing pocket details. It's a gorgeous cold weather piece, which I DO think I would wear often... and to be fair, had we not been rushing through photos, I probably would have unzipped this and taken it again, because I think it would look cuter open with the tunic. BUT, I still think it would be a great piece over other, non-tunic-y things too. 

2. Tinsel Valdis One Pocket Tunic Top, $46

When I peeked at my Stitch Fix (yes, I totally check the app before my shipment arrives for spoilers), I crossed my fingers and toes that this one would fit! I LOVE the idea of a button down tunic, and this one looked cozy, functional, and dark (to hide kiddo marks, of course!)! BUT, I don't know if I looooove the button down tunic. I know I don't love it with these jeans (I would totally wear it with black leggings) and my slippers (ha!), but I still don't know if this is the top for me. HELLLLP! 

3. Sophie Rue Demeter Cardigan, $48

This little beauty is totally up my alley. It's a cardigan, it's the perrrrrrfect color, and it's cozy warm. The ONLY downside to this is I have a fabulous cardigan that's a similar color and style, so I don't know if I need a second one in my closet. 

4. RD Style Tonie Lace Inset Pullover, $68

Because Serena knows all things, in her note to me she said that this sweater is "totally Angela" in her mind. And she's RIGHT. This is ABSOLUTELY a shirt I would go for - I love the lace detail, the gold half zip on the side, and the comfy, cozy feel to it. But what do YOU think?! 

5. Kaileigh Hillie Hooded Knit Top, $44

I'm a sucker for a good polka dot, and I'm also a sucker for things that make me look like a pulled together mom on the go. This does BOTH, and that's something I feel like I could use more of in my life. I'm REALLY trying to pare down my wardrobe and get rid of things that don't work for my lifestyle anymore, but I feel like this could be a fun, casual addition. 

So that's it, friends! I REALLY could use your opinions, so weigh in on Facebook or in the comments section. What am I keeping?! 

Want more to see more Fix goodness? You can see previous Fixes here:
Stitch Fix #1
Stitch Fix #2
Stitch Fix #3
Stitch Fix #4
Stitch Fix #5
Stitch Fix #6
Stitch Fix #7
Stitch Fix #8
Stitch Fix #9
Stitch Fix #10
Stitch Fix #11
Stitch Fix #12
Stitch Fix #13
Stitch Fix #14
Stitch Fix#15
Stitch Fix #16 
Stitch Fix #17
Stitch Fix #18
Stitch Fix #19
Stitch Fix #20
Stitch Fix #21
Stitch Fix #22
Stitch Fix #23
Stitch Fix #24
Stitch Fix #25
Stitch Fix #26
Stitch Fix #27
Stitch Fix #28
Stitch Fix #29
Stitch Fix #30

Word of the year 2019: Intentional

You may have noticed a bit of a blogging absence lately, and you'd be correct. Life, man. Between buying our new home, selling our old home, planning a first birthday party, having two incredibly busy months with KEEP, and the holidays, I just plain tapped out on what I could do with my time, and blogging fell to the wayside. But, like everything in life, seasons ebb and flow, and I'm hoping THIS will be a season I can get back to blogging, intentionally. 

That's the thing about blogging - I want it to be intentional! I could have written several different blogs over the past few months, but they felt forced and rushed. I thought about doing a holiday gift guide, but when it came time to put fingers to keyboard, I just didn't feel passionate about it. And I was going to blog about Harrison's first birthday, but to be honest with you, I'm happy to let that day live in my memories (and what sweet memories they are!). I didn't want to blog unless it was something I was passionate about. 

And of course, this leads me here. To the last day of the year. To the last chapter in 2018. And I want to close it by looking forward. 

Years ago, I decided to pass on New Year's resolutions. I never stuck with anything for an entire year, and it seemed silly to start something for just a brief time. BUT, what I DID embrace was the idea of a word of the year: A one word mantra that could guide me throughout the year and in my every day life. 

2016: Thrive
2017: Count
2018: Flourish

Four years later, and I still really like how it's working... and this year, the word is Intentional. 

I want to be more intentional in everything that I do this year...
How I spend my time
Where I give my energy
The way I interact with my children
The attention I give to my husband
The hours I put into my team and my business
The things we choose to purchase for our home
The things we choose to keep in our home 
The way I connect with my faith
The amount of time I spend on my phone
The words I say to myself 
The reactions to things I can't control
...and so much more. 

And thus, 2019 will be the year I intentionally look at all the pieces in this puzzle that makes up our family life. I'm so excited to take this on (and also, selfishly, because it means less time wasted and more productivity, and I'm ALL about that!)! 

So I would LOVE to know, friends - What is YOUR focus for 2019? 

Getting it done: The one minute solution

On Saturday, I got up early (after a crummy night's sleep, mind you!) and headed to barre class. It's such a good way to kick off my weekend, and it puts me in the mindset to really make the most of our family time together. And sometimes, it's the little nuggets I take away from the classes that make the biggest changes - and far more than physical ones. 

This weekend, our instructor and my friend Sam talked about how at her day job, she helps people develop healthy habits in their lives. One of her clients kept telling her that she couldn't fit exercise into her daily life. It was too hard to think about working out for 30 minutes a day three days a week. So Sam suggested that on November 1, she start with one minute of exercise a day. And then on the 2nd, two minutes a day, and so on and so forth until November 30 when she'll have worked up to 30 minutes a day. 

And it totally resonated with me. There's SO much I want to do in our new house - but by evening, when I actually have time to do it, I just can't fathom it. BUT, there's something to be said for biting it off in small, manageable chunks and working up to what you want to achieve. Because I actually did the math on this one, that would give me almost eight hours of work time in the house if I matched every day to the minute. That's HUGE, you guys! 

Imagine if you did use this method for exercise - almost eight extra hours of working out a month! If you're already working out regularly, those eightish hours could be the game changer to bust through a plateau or give you the time you need to really amp up what you're already doing. 

Or what if you applied it to work (especially those of us who work from home)?! What would an extra seven hours and 45 minutes do to your business each month? For me, I feel like that could be huge! 

The point is this. Some times those giant tasks can be SO damn overwhelming that it's hard to know where to start. But if you can start small and make it a short, succinct, daily habit, it might just end up becoming a daily habit you don't need to think about. 

I'll be giving this a try in November with settling into our house. Will you join me?! What would you apply your minutes to? 

Behind the Scenes: What it REALLY looks like working from home (and strategies to make it work!)!

Actual photo of me attempting to work in my office. With the cutest assistants ever!

Whenever I'm having a conversation with someone new, inevitably, it turns to "What do you do (for a living)?" And I'm always so proud to say that I get to work from home while being at home with my boys. 

But I will tell you - the working from home thing, it can be SO darn hard for SO many reasons. It's tough to balance it all - the focused, interactive time with my kiddos, the focused, productive time with my work. Sometimes, blessedly, both kiddos will nap, and I can get in a solid hour of work during the day. Or sometimes, my angel of a mother will come over and play with my kids so that I can get a few things done. But sometimes, Henry is on the iPad way too long while I prep for a party or am on hold for a customer. It HAPPENS because it's life. 

If you know nothing of direct sales, let's chat about work and what it looks like. As a KEEP Collective Independent Designer, I get to decide how much or how little effort I want to put into any given day or week. I get to make my own work hours for the month, which I LOVE because with littles, it's so necessary to be flexible! I CHOOSE to put in 15-18 hours a week because it's a passion of mine - my happy place - and I love it. I'm also incredibly blessed to lead a team of strong, kind, independent women who also want that flexibility in a business, so much of my time is spent working with them or prepping trainings and tips. I know that role isn't for everyone, but it's one I thrive in, so I like to put the extra hours in for them. 

There are so many reasons why I chose to work with KEEP - the storytelling aspect of the jewelry is first and foremost. I LOVE the idea that everybody has a story, and I love that everyone can WEAR that story and keep what is loved most close at hand. KEEP doesn't require (or allow!) designers to carry any inventory, so I never have to worry about paying money out of pocket for items that will sit for months or years, and I don't have to ship anything myself. Orders ship directly from our Distribution Center to customers - our hostesses don't have to sort and deliver, nor do our designers, and I'm ALL about working smarter, not harder. 

KEEP is awesome about giving me the tools to work from home easily and effectively, but that doesn't mean it's always easy! Have you ever tried to nurse an active 10-month-old while running an online design session from your phone? He's fast! He can grab that phone in like .2 seconds! But how blessed am I that I can literally sit on my couch NURSING MY BABY and still work!? 

I've learned a LOT now that I've been working from home with children these past three years, and I want to share some of that wisdom with you. I'd LOVE to hear what's worked well for you if you work from home too! 

Make a dedicated work space. This can look like whatever you need it to look like. At our old house, this was a quarter of our kitchen table. No joke, I used to move all of my work materials to a laundry basket whenever we were having company so that we could use our whole table! But it was convenient for me to access while moving around with the kids, and I can't say enough about that! In our new house, it's a GLORIOUS office, and I'm in love. But, you can be successful without one - for sure!

Get equipment that works for you. I splurged on a new computer, a better cell phone (and I STILL need more data), and chargers of all varieties, but all of this makes me more productive and makes working from home easier. Knowing my phone isn't going to be dead at a moment's notice is huge on the nights I have an online party or something that needs to get accomplished. Find the equipment that works for you, and don't be afraid to splurge on it! 

Make a schedule - rigid or loose. My day to day is different EVERY day, but I can guarantee that I'll be working at night when the kids go to bed. Additionally, I know there are certain things I want to get done during the day. Even if I can't nail down a time when they'll happen, I at least know I need to do them. I try to keep those tasks short - no more than ten or fifteen minutes at a time so that I know I will find the moments to do them. And that being said, I always try to...

Plan ahead. If I know I have long, intensive tasks or things that really require my focus, I save those for nights, weekends, or when my babysitter (aka Momo aka grandma) is able to be here. Things DO pop up all the time that I can't plan for, but when able, I try to nail down a day or two of the week where I can really focus and knock things out. 

Above all else, be flexible. Working from home with children means things rarely go as planned. There are days when everything goes out the window, and that has to be okay. And then there are days where I can knock out an entire to do list before lunch. But knowing that flexibility will keep me sane has been a total lifesaver. 

So share with me, work from home friends, what's worked best for you?! 

Coming home: Our big move!

We. Are. Home! In our new home. One week in, and we're all doing well. 

But that's not to say it hasn't been altogether entirely overwhelming and high stress. I've been wanting to write this blog since BEFORE we moved, and I haven't had the mental wherewithal to do it until now. (And let's be clear, I'm writing this while exhausted, so these aren't the best thoughts for sure.)

Moving is just altogether exhausting. And our children are SO amazing, but they're at pretty important stages of their lives. The day after we closed on the house, Henry started preschool - a huge step for all of us as this is the first time he's really ever done an activity without us around. The transition has been good but not without some tears, and that's been tough. And, you know, he's three, which is its own strange beast. Gratefully, he loves the new house and has been enjoying exploring all the new places. And Harrison - the DAY we moved into the house, he decided that was the day he was done with the army crawl and moved on to actual crawling. He thinks, though, that he can walk, and wants to stand and cruise all the time, even on places where there isn't furniture to cruise on. Needless to say, while I love our wood floors, I'm anxious for an area rug or two to soften some of the blows. 

I had this grandiose plan for moving day that I was going to document it all with pictures and that my husband and I would do Chip and Joanna style check ins on my Instagram stories and it was going to be oh so fun. 

You guys, what was I thinking?! Clearly I was delusional to think we were going to have even an iota of a second for that! 

But this space - it's SO good. It's just so usable and gorgeous even covered in boxes that need unpacking and items that don't yet have a home. I'll have so many pictures to share once we have everything settled in, and I can't WAIT to share!

So for now, I'm going to go do some more unpacking and organizing (at least of the public spaces - our bedroom, the basement, and the guest room may not get touched for weeks - months!) so that home becomes homier.