Friday, February 28, 2014

BEAUTY: LUSH & SEPHORA HAUL

A couple days ago I adventured out into the real world and took a little mommy break. This was the first time in nearly 4 weeks that I had been out by myself since having Soren and it was just what I needed. It's been so wonderful being home with little Soren and my husband, but as Jon informed me...I needed to take a little break. I had been wanting to re-stock on some of my favorite Lush products as well as try out some new things, so to the mall I went. The lady working at Lush easily sold me on a handful of new-to-me items and I had a blast talking with her about the products and her recommendations. Their helpful employees are just another reason why I love Lush so much. ;) Afterward, I decided to pop in Sephora before heading home and pick up a couple things there too. Some pamper time was just what the doctor ordered! :)



PRODUCTS MENTIONED
Ro's Argan Body Conditioner // http://tinyurl.com/klbgfwp
Grease Lightening Spot Treatment // http://tinyurl.com/lnsnep6
Ultrabland Cleanser // http://tinyurl.com/mjpa3hc
Full of Grace Serum // http://tinyurl.com/mhj4efh
Charity Pot Lotion // http://tinyurl.com/kb3dfsz
Miranda Soap // http://tinyurl.com/n4sxnvv
Each Peach Body Bar // http://tinyurl.com/n4pc6as
Ocean Salt Scrub // http://tinyurl.com/m8zjwer
American Cream Conditioner // http://tinyurl.com/ktmc87a
Blousey Shampoo // http://tinyurl.com/ljt2zyz
Free Fall Nail Color - Formula X // http://tinyurl.com/lqt9l2w
Vintage Gold Foil Finish Shadow - Stila // http://tinyurl.com/kjcfw82
Eldorado Liquid Liner - Urban Decay // http://tinyurl.com/cvrr79s

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Monday, February 24, 2014

ON BEING A MOM WITH IN HONOR OF DESIGN

Hi, Maiedae readers! So grateful to be a guest here, especially on such a special occasion! I thought I would share some quick advice on what I finally learned the third time around after having my son Max.


There aren't really words to describe that first week of life of a child. Despite the post labor pains, sleepless nights, and adjustments at home, there is an unprecedented joy and peace that takes over my heart to have this tiny being in existence. There are only a few precious months when their innocence and dependence on you is so pure and simple.

With each child I have grown more aware of just how fleeting the time is, and so I have learned that it is really okay to ignore the laundry and the growing pile of dishes, and just hold my baby a little longer. Everything else in life will come and go, but the time we have with our children is irreplaceable and irreversible.


So my advice for new mothers is to give yourself time to get back into a groove, give yourself time to rest and find balance, and especially give yourself time to hold that new baby. And also, let your husband in. He is probably more than cautious, learning his new role as a protector and provider for a new life, and how to love you best in your new role. Give them lots of reassurance and in return they might change a few diapers and maybe give you that massage you really need. ;) 

Congratulations, Savannah, on precious little Soren! So very happy for your family!


ANNA'S FAVORITE MOMMY PICKS
1// Beoudreaux's Butt Paste - This wonder cream has saved us time and again with any diaper rash problems. Within 24 hours you see improvement and happy baby returns!

2// Lily Jade Bag - I carry around large totes to keep everything in one place when I am on the go with my three little ones. Unfortunately, most bags only have one large pocket for you to spend hours of your life rummaging to find that one pacifier. Lily Jade came to the rescue when Max was born and I now recommend it for all baby registries! Pocket heaven with enough room to fit everything you need. Versatile backpack straps for long days on your feet, and canvas inserts for easy cleaning. I can't say enough good things about it. It's all disguised in a stylish leather tote form. :)

3// Mom N Mia Natural Teethers - These have been Max's favorite thing to chew on and play with. :)

4// Life Factory Glass Bottles - Easy for the baby to hold, safe for their health, and so far, the only bottle Max will drink out of!

5// Wren and Rumor Swaddle Blankets - Softer than soft, the perfect size for swaddling, and a very fun selection of modern prints. Max likes to cuddle with this blanket now. :)

Find Anna Here: Blog | Instagram | Pinterest

Anna of In Honor of Design is such a sweet friend that I had the pleasure of meeting and working with recently. She has been my ultimate inspiration for being a great mama and running a killer business. She is a go-getter and I'm so honored to know her personally. Thank you Anna for sharing such special advice with my readers! 

Monday, February 17, 2014

ON BEING A MOM WITH SOMETIMES SWEET

Dani is such an inspirational mom. I've loved reading her blog, Sometimes Sweet, over the past couple years. Dani and her husband have two adorable little boys and I always look forward to her posts about family! :) Thank you so much, Dani, for sharing about your family and mommy-hood!

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Greatest Challenge as a Mom
It's so hard to pick just one thing, but I'd have to say that my biggest challenge is letting go. To me this is the hardest part of being a parent- because really, that's such a huge part of being a parent; letting go just a little more everyday. As much as I love watching my kids grow and evolve, there's always a tiny little part of my heart that feels sad that it's all going by so quickly. It's still shocking to me that my three-year old is THREE and my new baby boy is already close to 6 months old! How and when did that happen? So my big challenge, every single day, is really being in the now and appreciating every stage for what it is, instead of feeling sad that time is ticking on by.


Greatest Joy
My greatest joys are the simple things - Charlie's morning smiles in his crib, Henry's messy bedhead and the way he rubs his eyes when he walks out of his bedroom. It's the bedtime stories and the special lunches and the long strolls to the duck pond. The happy laughter and the silly jokes and the way it feels to hear "I love you." It's so much more than that, but the greatest joys for me are all of the everyday things.

Favorite Memory Being a Mom
A recent one would have to be when Henry met Charlie for the first time at the hospital, right after I gave birth. It was amazing. We had anticipated that moment for so long but nothing had prepared me for what it would feel like to see my oldest son holding my youngest. I'd say it was one of the most beautiful memories of my life, so far.

A Word of Advice
For new moms, do what works best for you and your family. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone thinks their way is the best way, because it's the way that works for them. So read the books, check out the blogs…but in the end listen to your own instincts and do what is best for you.

5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom
1// As far as blogs go, here are a couple: We Seek Joy, which is my friend N'Tima's space all about her life and her new baby girl. Her writing is great and she inspires me daily to see the beauty in the little things. I also love Small Fry Blog, which is a blog geared for parents and is chock full of fabulous content, ideas, and inspiration.

2// The Snuza. This is a little device that clips to your baby's diaper and sounds an alarm if he stops breathing. Invaluable. We used this with Henry and use it now with Charlie. Best baby product ever. I wrote more about it in a Hello Giggles column, if you'd like more info.

3// Mom's One Line a Day Journal. This is such a fun little book and so easy to use, because you just have to write down one line a day. This is a great keepsake, and such a fun place to record all of the little things (funny quotes, random stories) that might otherwise be forgotten.

4// Solly Baby Wrap. This was my favorite thing during those first newborn months. Nothing is better than wearing your baby, and having them so close all day, and the Solly Wrap is by far the lightest, best, and easiest to use. I can't recommend it enough.

5// Timer Cam App. Seems like a silly thing, but I love using this app on my iPhone to take photos of the boys and me during the day. It's so important for me to actually be in the photos too (as the main picture-taker of the family I have to make a conscious effort to do this), so the timer app is a great way to capture moments when my husband is at work. And this one is my favorite.

Find Dani here: Site | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Friday, February 14, 2014

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY


These pictures are so special to me for many reasons. First of all, we hardly ever get snow in Atlanta. Soren was born on a snow day and two weeks later (yesterday) we got to enjoy more snow together in our cozy neighborhood. :) As well, these are our first photos together as a family of three. We are just completely enraptured by Soren and love learning about him and getting to know him more everyday. :) Feeling pretty blessed to be celebrating Valentine's Day with my two favorite guys!

Wishing you a very happy Valentine's day from the Wallace family!! xoxo

Thursday, February 13, 2014

BEAUTY: FAVORITES FROM JANUARY

Better late than never! I pre-recorded this favorites video before having Soren and was recently able to sit down and edit it. :) To be honest, I'm kinda freaking out that it's already mid-February, I can't believe it's already been two weeks since we had little Soren! Despite my tardiness, check out my favorites from the month of January. :)



PRODUCTS MENTIONED
* Eau Good Filtered Water Bottle - Black + Blume
* Twisted Peppermint Lotion - Bath & Body Works 
* Water Flosser - Waterpik 
* Ignite the Night - Essie 
* Body Soaps - LUSH 
* Mineral Veil - Bare Minerals 

Proudly a partner of the Pushpin TV Network. Like their Facebook page here for more videos on fashion, beauty, DIY, and cooking! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here! 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

TWO WEEKS OF FIRSTS

These first two weeks of motherhood have been filled with so many firsts. It's amazing how a little one completely changes you and your life. Soren has already brought so much joy to our family and it has been incredible watching Jon be a father. I've never really seen him hold a baby before Soren but it seemed to come completely naturally to him. From changing Soren's diaper to giving him a bath, I love watching Jon be a father.


We've spent a lot of time over these past two weeks soaking in this time and getting acquainted with each other. It's been extremely challenging and extremely wonderful at the same time. I've been learning to nurse, we've been learning about his squeaks and coo's and working on interpreting what his needs are, we've been welcoming help and love from our family and friends, we've let the house chores go a little lot. ;)  I've been sleeping as much as possible but also sacrificing sleep to watch him, take a shower or get a couple little things done here and there. I've also learned that it takes some time for your body to recover from birth...I'm extremely thankful that Jon has done so well at taking amazing care of me AND for all of the postpartum "must-have" advice from friends. :)

My world has completely shifted. I am so in love with being a wife and mom to my two favorite guys. :) This season has been so precious and we've learned SO much in such a short amount of time, including how to do tons of things with one hand, like writing this blog post. ;)


I love these photos of Soren and Jon during his first bath. It's been so fun to see him with his eyes open and more aware. --- And as a side note, we decided to count this as his first bath since his "technical" first bath consisted of an emergency wipe down while being held over the tub after a poop incident. ;) Let's just say I'm not as much of a pro at changing diapers as Jon is...


Thank you all for your congrats and support! I've loved reading all of your comments and encouragement. Thank you for letting me share my family with you. :)

Infant bath-tub courtesy of 4moms, so far we are loving it and Soren thinks it's pretty good too. ;)

Friday, February 07, 2014

ON BEING A MOM WITH CUPCAKE MAG

Casi is such an inspirational mommy with 5 beautiful children! She's the founder of CupcakeMAG and is an overall super-mom. Casi and I recently connected and I immediately loved her sweet and positive personality! Thank you for sharing some mommy knowledge with me and my readers!  

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Greatest Challenge as a Mom
As a Mom of 5, my biggest challenge continues to be creating that perfect balance from work and family. Being a work-at-home mom - I have many hats as founder of cupcakeMAG, as a publicist, as a writer, but most importantly as a mom. It's a fine line that I continue to tweak each day in hopes that it eventually won't be a challenge. It can be so hard to switch hats especially when working from home. But if this is my greatest challenge, I will take it, because I feel so lucky to be able to do it.

Greatest Joy
The greatest joy is the unconditional love a child gives you. No matter what kind of day I am having, their smiles make it THAT much better.

Favorite Memory Being a Mom
The kisses. All of the kisses! Grayson, my 15-month-old gives some mean sloppy kisses and they always make me laugh. Just watching their personalities shine each day as they continue to grow creates a beautiful memory I always will cherish.


A Word of Advice
Follow your heart. Forget all of the advice and do what you think is best for your family. Whether it's bottle feeding, breast feeding, co-sleeping -- you have to do what is best for you regardless of what the baby books say.

5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom
1// Pinterest of course is the never-ending website of inspiration. While sometimes it makes me feel like I need to step-up my game at the next 1st grade party, it always gives me such great ideas.

2// I can't leave without notebooks. I currently have at least 5 that I am using on my desks because I am constantly making lists after lists to stay organized. Currently I am obsessing over this one from Sugar and Type.

3// Of course, Babble is one of my favorite parenting sites I love to cruise. You can check out my posts there too! I love reading all of the fun posts on Babble.

4// I absolutely love Stokke. I don't know how I pushed any other stroller. I am obsessed and in-love with all of their amazing products.

5// Freshly Picked moccasins. Need I say more? They are the best baby shoes on the planet. Check them out!

Find Casi here: Site | Instagram | Pinterest

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

SOREN LIND WALLACE



Today Soren is one week old. :) I went into labor early Wednesday morning on January 29th during the "snowpocalypse" in Atlanta. We made it to the hospital safely, my water broke at 5:00AM and he made his appearance at 12:49PM that day. The whole thing was such a haze and a whirlwind, but getting to hold him in my arms for the first time was such an incredible moment that I'll never forget. We are crazy in love with our little guy and soaking up every moment with him. Our hearts are completely full.

Soren Lind Wallace: Born on January 29th, 2014 at 12:49PM. Weighing 7lbs 13oz and 20.5 inches long. 

Monday, February 03, 2014

ON BEING A MOM WITH JEN LOVES KEV

I first met Jen in Austin at a conference and just loved her sweet spirit! She has a beautiful site, Jen Loves Kev, filled with posts on being a momma, lifestyle, fashion, and super creative DIY projects. I'm planning on doing her printed family t-shirt DIY soon! Her two little ladies are just the cutest! Thank you so much Jen for sharing!! 

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Greatest Challenge as a Mom
My greatest challenge as a new mom was learning to trust myself. Everyone has something to say about parenting. Even people who aren't parents have something to say about parenting. It can be sooo political. It's hard to not let the "mommy guilt" take over when you think you aren't doing it as well as someone else. The truth is we are all doing our best. We know our little ones better than anyone! So we when learn to trust our own instincts and believe we are making the best decisions for our babes, motherhood is a whole lot sweeter. Everyone should give themselves a pat on the back! Or a piece of chocolate.

Greatest Joy
Oh my goodness! Doing anything for the first time with your baby is like the best thing ever. First christmas, first time to the beach, first time to the zoo, etc... I usually choke up over everything. It's just the sweetest to see them experience something new. Everything is magical, even for you as the parent. We are always out on adventures with our kids.


Favorite Memory Being a Mom
Oh boy! This sure changes a lot. I keep thinking "this has to be the sweetest moment" then the next week something else happens and I think "now this is the sweetest". Ha! Lately though, I have been so in love with watching my girls play together. My daughter Finley just turned one and she is finally starting to be at an age where she can really play with her sister. My older daughter, Rowan, makes her laugh like no one else. It just melts my heart.

A Word of Advice
That being a mom is enough! As women, I feel like the world (and ourselves) puts so much pressure on us to be perfect at so many things. That being "just" a mom isn't good enough. What a lie! We need to know that raising children is such an act of selflessness. Something that should be valued and respected. We are teaching them, loving them, caring for them, and showing them how to grow into this world. It truly is one of the greatest blessings.

5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom 
1// Aden and Anais Swaddles: Our most used baby product. We use them for EVERYTHING!

2// Kelly Mom: Tips for all things nursing. So helpful!

3// Little Hip Squeaks: Our favorite baby accessories.

4// Haba: Our favorite brand of baby/toddler toys.

5// Beaba Babycook: I am slightly obsessed with making baby food. It is so fun!

Find Jen here: Site | Instagram | Pinterest

Saturday, February 01, 2014

ON BEING A MOM WITH LUNE VINTAGE

Jill is the creator of Lune Vintage where she writes and sells beautiful pieces in her vintage shop. She lives with her beautiful family, including her two children in Canada. Jill is such a beautiful, free-spirited person and I'm so thankful that she was willing to share a little snippet of her life and wisdom about being a mom. Thank you, Jill

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Greatest Challenge as a Mom
Having a family hasn't slowed us down when it comes to going out, spending time in our city, and enjoying traveling. In fact, since we became parents we have really stepped it up in the traveling, camping, and exploration departments. However, I sometimes miss the days of being able to just pick up spontaneously and spend a night out. I realize now that I never fully appreciated those quick dates with my husband. These days when we are able to arrange childcare, it feels like a mini vacation. On the flip side, I suppose I really do value a rare restaurant meal where all the cutlery and condiments don't need to be piled on my side of the table, and no drinks are spilled in my lap.

Greatest Joy
My greatest joy in becoming a mother is how much my understanding of "love" has grown. When you are a child, you understand love as it applies to your caregivers, friends, and (hopefully) yourself. As a young adult you suddenly understand an overwhelming new romantic love, and its discovery changes your life forever. When you become a parent, you are blessed with a brand new and incredibly consuming type of love that belongs between a mother and their child. Again, it changes who you are beyond measure. Like many parents, I had a faint worry in the back of my mind that I couldn't possibly have enough love in me to give another child, but when our daughter was born, that concern vanished into thin air. Being a mom had expanded my capacity to love and transformed me more than I could have ever hoped for. More than I even knew I desired to change.


Favorite Memory Being a Mom
This summer (2013) we took a road trip together to Banff & Jasper, AB. It was the perfect family trip. Everyone got along so well despite two weeks of staying in single hotel rooms and traveling for long hours in a tiny car. We got a ridiculous amount of fresh air and learned so much together, from close encounters with the bones of many towering dinosaurs, to touring a century old coal mine, walking among mountain goats, climbing up an ancient glacial ice field, hiking and boating, and marveling at thundering waterfalls, to towering above the world on Sulphur Mountain. Seeing my kids (and husband) so fascinated and absorbed in the wonder of every day that vacation made my heart sing. I'm looking forward to so many more adventures together.

A Word of Advice
There is no doubt that becoming a parent is a huge, life changing decision. It's so frightening passing that threshold even when you are certain it is what you want, because you know there is really no way of going back. Your life as you once knew it will never be exactly the same again. Things will be harder in some ways. You'll find yourself waking up earlier and earlier, and having less time to relax or some days even to take a deep breath. But what you do have a say in will be how you choose to value yourself as an individual. Continue to make something that nourishes you as a person a priority. You might have to take a little break from it for the first 3 months or so, but I promise, it always gets easier. You provide your children with a valuable example by showing them that sometimes it's necessary to wait for what they want, and that they are not the centre of the universe (although they secretly are the centre of yours). A healthy and satisfied spirit means you'll be a happy mom who has so much to give to her kids.


5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom 
1// Our favourite Apps are Endless Alphabet and Endless Reader by Originator Inc - $0.99. They are excellent for young kids. My daughter is two and a half and already knows most of her letter sounds and I have a feeling that the colorful, silly animations this app offers has a lot to do with it.

2// Palmers Cocoa Butter Stick has smoothed my babies' cheeks and rough spots for 8 years. It's wonderful.

3// I wish I would have known what a wonder baby wipes are before I had kids! They remove makeup in a flash, and are perfect for hair dye cleanup! I use them to clean up spills and remove marker from little hands. I plan on always having some in the house, even though we are pretty much done with diapers.

4// We have cold winters here in the Canadian Prairies, so warm boots are a necessity for 6 months of the year. It's a challenge to keep boots on a baby or toddler's feet - but a BC company called Stonz as a great solution for warm, waterproof, drawstring, soft booties that reach up to toddler sizes. They almost look like bags for your kids feet - but are so easy and useful. Eve wears a pair and they have held up very well. I would suggest this brand to any new parent.

5// Two words : Frozen Grapes. During Luke's second summer, my sister in law met us at a wading pool with a bag of snacks. It was a real scorcher of an afternoon. She pulled out a baggie of frozen grapes and I discovered that they are completely delicious! They stay frozen but aren't hard like ice, but rather slightly slushy and chewy. It's hard to describe, but if you haven't tried it, it's the perfect hot day snack to cool everyone off. Half them if your child is young enough to choke on a whole grape, it works just as well.

Find Jill here: Site | Instagram | Pinterest