I Like Big Bags & I Can Not Lie

May 4, 2015 julie

So obviously you know how much I love big bags from my Can’t Live Without It post last Friday but my love for big bags doesn’t just end at totes. Oh no, I’m madly in love with my diaper bag.

We’re only just starting to venture out on trips with the little man. A harsh winter combined with an infant during cold and flu season makes for a long hibernation. But now that spring has sprung, we’re making some short day trips with Eli.

So what’s in my diaper bag you ask? Well let me show you…

It’s a lot but as we’ve found- entirely necessary. I’m sure things will change as he grows but since I love other bloggers “What’s in my bag” posts, I thought I’d let you all be nosey and check out mine.

First of all, this bag was a gift from my cousin and his wife and I absolutely love it. I bought an organizer with different sized pockets from Amazon since I need compartments and not a bottomless pit kind of bag.

I store everything with four categories in mind- diapering, feeding, comfort, and mommy musts.

Diapering is pretty basic- changing pad, diapers, wipes, creams, dirty diaper bags, and a change of clothes in case, well, you know. I also bring a couple washcloths and wet bags that could be used for a variety of things.

Feeding is sure to evolve (it already has since we’ve stopped breastfeeding) but for now it includes a bottle or two, my formula dispenser (I talked about this handy gadget here), extra formula on-the-go packets, burp cloths, and a bottle of water just in case we’re stuck somewhere where I can’t find clean water.

Comfort is fun and changes depending on where we are going but typically it consists of a swaddle blanket, a toy, and a book. Hats, gloves, jackets, and sunhats get thrown in this category too but obviously change according to the season. Although lately it seems we start our day bundled and end it sweating with sun hat and sock-less piggy toes.

Now for Mommy Musts. These get swapped in and out too but typically I bring a mini first aid kit (these are the perfect eyeglass case sized), sunblock, chapstick, wisp toothbrushes, my wallet, phone, and a change of clothes in case, well, you know.

So that’s my bag. I keep a couple of emergency items in my car as well like a mini changing kit, paper towels and wipes, and a big blanket. My girl scout motto of Always be Prepared kicked into overdrive upon becoming a Momma and it’s already come in handy.

Friday Can’t Live Without It Link Up

4 Comments May 1, 2015 julie

What can’t I live without this week? Big bags.

I’ve always been one to either have a small clutch with just my phone, license, and a credit card or a big ol’ tote stocked with all the things for every possible senario that day.

I’m in love with this new reversable tote from Old Navy (sold out but similar here). It’s perfect for the office. I can fit my wallet, every day essentials, wipes and hand sanitizer (because everything is disgusting) and my calendar, notebook, and work papers.

I’m also a firm believer in firm bags. That is, ones that don’t flop over like a limp noodle. This tote stands up tall like an adorable pink soldier ready to provide me with whatever I need. Lip gloss? Check! Pens? Check! Corkscrew? Hey, it’s come in handy more times than you’d think!

So that’s my Can’t Live Without It for the week. Be sure to check out Newlyweds:North (soon to have a brand new name!), Home Sweet Ruby, and Happily Ever Parker.

New in the Nursery

April 27, 2015 julie

I’m sure I’m not the only blogger to post a beautiful Nursery Reveal with sweet artwork and perfectly pressed crib linens and then turn around four months later to see an actual lived in nursery with spit up on the carpet, curtains drawn, and toys strewn about.

I’d say I still keep a pretty tight ship when it comes to neatness but there are plenty of adjustments we’ve made now that an actual baby lives here.

For starters, we live on my cousin’s homemade quilt and the activity gym from my brother and sister-in-law. So that is just constantly set up right outside his closet door.

We installed this shelf not long after I posted the Nursery Reveal. It just made perfect sense in that space and I love seeing his little stuffed animals perched there when I walk by.

Hi guys!

Then there’s the addition of this Eli stool. This is a family tradition that started when I was an itty bitty girl. My Dad made me a pine Julie stool that I could use to brush my teeth and hop up to my big girl bed. It was a simple stool but I used it for everything right up through high school! Now, my Dad uses the finest woods and gives them to our family members on their first birthday. Eli cut the line and got a beautiful cherry one last month!

And finally, there’s the dresser/changing table wall. I had to totally rearrange this wall once Eli started swinging his little arms around and actually wacked a frame. It didn’t come off the wall but I decided to hang all the frames much higher and hang a light little clothesline within reach. The photos can be swapped out whenever we want and I love that Eli can look at family members while he’s on the table.

To be honest, if I could do it all over again, I’d choose the lightest decor for above the dresser. It made me super nervous when Eli swung for the frame. I suppose it’s better than hanging things above the crib since we’ll always be standing at the dresser with him, but still- hindsight.

This is still my most favorite room in our whole house. It’s sweet and warm and filled with my little man’s toys and clothes. It makes me so happy to think of him growing up here. I hope he loves it as much as I do!

Friday Can’t Live Without It Link Up

6 Comments April 24, 2015 julie

I know it’s spring and the warm weather is just around the corner but I can’t help but share that my Can’t Live Without It this week is cozy throw blankets.

I’m a total sucker for a throw. Put me in a Holiday Yankee Swap with a throw and I’ll be gunning for it. I mean, you just can’t have too many. I think there’s about 6 in this basket alone.

I sat in my living room a couple nights ago wrapped up in this blanket, wine in hand, baby monitor on with my husband and just felt so cozy and safe. It was raining and I realized how much I missed warm, muggy, thunderstorms. We’ve been living in a snow globe for so long, I almost wanted to run out and dance in the rain…

Almost.

Sitting on the couch under this throw listening to the rain tap the window panes was much better.

So that’s my Can’t Live Without It for the week. Be sure to check out Newlyweds:North, Home Sweet Ruby, and Happily Ever Parker.

Mudroom Closet

April 20, 2015 julie

With spring comes spring cleaning and organizing and for us that tends to mean more house projects. So get excited! There may actually be some home improvement posts in this little blog’s future!

Today it’s a small one but a valuable one- the addition of a mudroom closet.

We got this mammoth beast from- where else? Good ol’ IKEA. I knew we wanted to get one PAX System closet for quite some time now but with so many options for drawers, shelves, and hooks on the inside, I wasn’t positive of the combination I wanted. So with Eli with Grammy, Gramps, Jared, and I popped over to IKEA to make our selections.

The woman in the closet section was super helpful. She hooked us up with a computer and I got to design away. With all the options on display, all I had to do was look around and see what kind of configuration we wanted.

And what did we end up with…

One shelf above the hanger bar (that you can’t even see in this photo) and another half shelf with four wire drawers. These are perfect for scarves, gloves, and hats. There’s a drawer for Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear.

The hardware we chose was not IKEA. This is something we learned is key for not making your house seem like an IKEA showroom. We went with a really strong, heavy iron. It matches the anchor coat hangers we have.

The cabinet really does look built in since it’s the same 8 foot height as the wall behind it and tucked into a corner. Our mudroom has really turned into a perfectly functional space for us.

We even added this little message center that’s a chalkboard and a magnetic surface. It’s perfect for keeping info about Eli ready for Grammys or babysitters and walking in the door to those cute pics is almost as fun as seeing the little man himself!