JFK | LAX
We made it! Twelve hours of travel later and we are comfy at Mema's house in sunny California. Maddie was a rockstar, as was my mama who accompanied us on our maiden voyage out west. With a little prep and teamwork it was relatively painless- minus a few tears near the twelfth hour, literally.
Here are few tips that got us through the day:
SAHM Style
Recently my mama and sister returned from an amazing trip around the world- 58 days, 13 cities, 8 countries, and 4 continents. We have all been pretty jealous, to say the least. Along with beautiful pictures and enviable stories, they brought back drool-worthy "souveniers" from their travels- bracelets, shoes and candles for mom; and a closet full of Parisian pieces for Madeline Mae.
Blogger Recognition Award
Yesterday I was super excited to learn that my beautiful Instagram friend, Jennifer Flynn of Mamas + Coffee nominated me for the Blogger Recognition Award. Jennifer is a California-based blogger and mama to two little ones. You can see daily snaps of her life on her Instagram at @mamaspluscoffee.
To keep spreading the love, I have nominated the following mamas for their amazing work. All of these ladies are so talented and inspiring - they so deserve to be recognized!
Tweet Tweet
I've been craving a marriage of mini eggs + baked goods recently- because as soon as February 14th comes and goes, our favorite chocolate eggs hit the shelves, and therefore grace the candy bowls at our humble abode. The smell of a freshly opened bag of Cadbury eggs combined with the spring-like sunshine and birds chirping got my creative juices flowing yesterday afternoon.
Flower Child
This weekend brought the sunshine + warmth, getting us seriously in the mood for our upcoming trip out west. I tend to pack for vacation way in advance, so considering the fact it's my first real trip with the little, I got a jump on packing extra early the past few days.
I had way too much fun planning outfits for miss Maddie- this romper + sweater + floral crown combo being one of my favorites.
Cocktail Hour | OG Honey Bee
In our younger, childless, drinking days, my husband and I once enjoyed a long layover in Las Vegas. Had we been much younger and wilder, we would have perhaps ventured outside the airport and enjoyed a casino or two. Instead, we bellied up to the bar at the American Express Lounge and took full advantage of the free top-shelf cocktails. My husband will still tell anyone headed that way to stop by that lounge, which he fondly refers to as the "best bar in Las Vegas."
Lend Me Your Ears
Wow. Yesterday was a doozy.
It was the kind of day that made me want to crawl back in bed, and just wait for tomorrow come. But I'm a mom, and like that cold medicine commercial points out- we don't get days off.
Thirty, Flirty + Thriving
I graduated from college in 2007, at the ripe-old age of 23. I had a handsome boyfriend, parents that still provided a roof over my head, and I drove a BMW all the way from Atlanta to Santa Barbara- where I would live beach side for the next several years. I was young, carefree, and just a bit cocky; and I was blindly ignorant to the abyss of uncertainty the next few years would bring.
California dreaming
The pleasantly sunny, crisp weather lasted nearly mid-way through February, making me hopeful we would get through winter unscathed. But, sadly, the cold arrived the past few days- confining us to the coziness of our homes all holiday weekend long.
Luckily, we have a trip back to California to look forward to on these bitter cold days- only a week or so to go until MM boards her first flight, and to Mema's house we will go!
Loving Lately
I've been having serious withdrawals lately- my mama + sister are on the last leg of an incredible but way too long trip around the world, while my other sister has been back in California since the holidays. And I miss them terribly.
Banana Brekkie Cookie
I've fallen off the healthy bandwagon this winter. I really enjoyed the holidays and football season through my taste buds- and it was delicious. Now, in hopes of pulling it together, I've taken to the web to find some healthy and simple mommy recipes.
Today, I Promise You
We decided to marry in a church. The Catholic Church we both grew up attending; the one my husband's parents were so involved with; where we were both baptized, and then our daughter after us. A beautiful, sentimental location for both of us; but it came at a few creative costs...
WMW | Moccs + Florals
It's like I woke up one day and this chickadee became a little girl overnight. I know she's still a baby, not yet eight months old, but she's becoming a little human more and more every day...
5 Things | Motherhood Has Taught Me
Oh, how life is different with offspring. I've written a lot about the transformation from party of two to party of three- how it has redefined certain words for me, and how the transition into motherhood was so incredible I could never have prepared. And the journey continues. Almost eight months in, and I'm learning every single day. I can't say it always gets easier, but it certainly stays interesting and full of so much joy. Here are a few things I've learned so far...
Rainy Play Day
After three days of being spoiled rotten by beautiful springtime weather and lots of happy walks outside, the rain clouds descended; humbling us and leaving mom scratching her head to find an activity. Lucky for us, my other half is a "doer"- the kind of guy that is chock full of ideas and always wants to be on the go. His suggestion? Take the babe to the aquarium!
Lil' Miss Messy Face
Have you heard? My little Maddie Mae has been teething- for what feels like her entire 7-plus months on this earth. Her first two came in super early- by month three- meaning she's been rocking the bib-look for about four months now.