Tiny Sailors

Today my real life & blog life best friend is here to post for me. She is hands down the best dressed person I know, she also has the most class. I just love her. She's here to talk baby fashion too, so super plus. Y'all be sure to go by and say hello.

My name is Kay from over at PreppyHouseWife, I am so excited to be guest blogging for my good friend Brandi! I have a serious obsession with nautical clothing and accessories, so I thought what better topic to discuss than nautical baby wear. I never met a little sailor I didn't like.

From this rash guard and swim trunks for the beach, to a dressy sai lor suit, to this casual one piece for hanging with mom. The nautical baby boy is ready to go with some of the cutest options out there!

The cutest bikini on earth (which I could see on the fabulous little BK), a sailor dress to die for, the perfect bib, and a great one piece for spring. With the nautical baby outfits and accessories out there, babies everywhere will be styling this summer! Thanks for having me, hope to see you soon on PreppyHouseWife! xo Kay

Friendships After Baby

Yesterday my blog sister, Ashley, wrote a post on friendships after baby. It was really refreshing to read the non-mommy side of things. I thought I might give a mommy's perspective to things. I'll go off of her main points, because I agree with them all.

1. Understand that the things that are important have changed...and be ok with that.
-Yes we are mommies now, our main priority is definitely going to be our small bundle of joy. And {initially} our life is going to be a little crazy. It'll take a little while for us to figure things out, so bare with us. Soon life will be pretty much completely back to normal, minus the tiny human that's our newest accessory.

2. Even though our priorities are different than yours, we still care and want to know what's going in your life...even if it seems petty compared to a baby.
-Sometimes a mom just wants to hear the goings on of our non-mommy friends, we want to live vicariously through you, and we want to have a little "escape" from our mommy routines. But most importantly we still care about you and your life. We might not call as frequently, sometimes we will have to rush off the phone, and we might even carry on a conversation or two with a crying baby in the background. Even saying all of those things it doesnt mean that we arent listening and it doesnt mean that you arent still a priority for us.

3. It is a little harder to hang out...we have babies.
-We wont be able to pick up and go as easily as we once did, more than likely we will be the lame people that need to make plans more than two days in advance, but we still want to hang out. Actually I would say that most moms feel "shunned" at times. People often dont ask us to hang out because they dont want us to feel obligated or they dont want to put us out, but when a lot of people think that way it often leaves us alone. So please dont be afraid to stop by & make plans, you'lll probably make our day.

4. All of the things that you had in common are still there...that doesn't change.
-Yes we will have new mommy friends, yes we will go on play dates, but ultimately we are the same person. I still want to grab happy hour, I still love to shop, I still want to go dancing. Sometimes we might have to have a glass of wine while the baby is in the bath, sometimes dance parties will be in our living room. But sometimes we'll have a babysitter, and we can let loose on the town like nothing has changed.

 Friendships grow and evolve, and adding a little one is just a part of us growing. Babies change things, but they are such great blessings. You never know a baby may be your new best friend.

Shoes Are A Girl's Best Friend

I just love Trendy Tot Tuesday and Kelly, Megan, and Lindsay for hosting it.

Now that Bk is on the verge of walking I am in serious need of investing in some shoes for the girl. I wont lie, up until recently she mostly just wears socks.
A) She usually has her shoes off in less than two seconds
B) She didnt really need them
C) It wasnt really worth the fight with her every day
But now she truly needs them.

We have two pairs that she wears right now, but usually it's just her chucks.

 

Right now I have my eye on these for summer.

one / two / three / four

 

How do you keep shoes on your babies feet? Any secret tricks?

 

puppy love

I have a broken heart y'all. My sweet puppy, Daisymae, is missing since last night. To be completely honest I'm not sure exactly what happened. I took her with me to 7-11 to grab some sprite for my mother in law who wasnt feeling well and then I lost her. I can say I just wasnt paying attention and thought she came in the house before me, or I can say that I was distracted by getting back to the baby and my family, but either way it boils down to it being my fault. The guilt that I feel is unbearable.

This is the dog that drove 1600 miles with me from Texas to Virginia, while riding in a laundry basket. The puppy I bought on a whim in college before heading to a basketball game. She's flown with me to Texas more times than I count, and always accompanies us on vacation. She's been dressed up for every holiday her whole life, and sometimes just because. It never fails that she sneaks chocolate out of our Easter baskets. She usually unwraps at least one present at Christmas. She's been with me through heart ache, joy, moves, a marriage, the birth of our first baby. Brooklyn Grace wakes up every morning up every.single.morning and the first words out of her mouth are "Daizzy kiss, daizzy kiss". She snuggles S after long days at work and keeps him company when he does work around the house. The dog that has slept by my side for over 6 years. She loves beach days, riding in the front seat with her head out the window, sleeping under the covers, and getting BK's dropped food. She is not a dog. She's family.

My heart is broken. Please say a little prayer that our girl comes home.

It's a Party

Y'all today is Kelly's One Year Blogiversary! I just love Kelly, she is such a kind soul. Not to mention the girl has serious design talent {she did do my blog}. I'm so excited to participate in her big celebration. There are TWO $200 Visa gift cards up for grabs. Be sure to enter using both widgets!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Partay Thursday

Hi y'all! Today doesn't feel like Thursday to me. S had yesterday and today off so we've been living the dream.

Here is my 30 Second Thursday post.

 

You can also find me guest posting for my beautiful friend Lauran today too. Her blog is fabulous and you should stop by and say hello!

 

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fashion

I wrote this guest post for the fabulous Sarah over at Hott Mess Mommie but I wanted to share it today since I did a Bk fashion post yesterday. Plus I get to do a little shopping with some of our leftover tax money. Woo Hoo

 

Now dont get it twisted, I am by no means a fashionista. It's probably safe to say that my wardrobe could use a little sprucing up. I think that might be part of being a new mom though. Part of my new years resolution(s) was to focus on my style a bit more, so every day my goal has been simply this... to get dressed. Are you shocked? Everyone gets dressed every day right? Well not all moms do, especially stay at home moms. I do shower every day, so dont think I'm going to be showing up on People of Walmart any time soon, I just sometimes stay in yoga pants for days at a time. In order to stay on top of this resolution I bring to you my three biggest fashion tips.

 

1. Be comfortable.

-Comfort is key. Especially if youre chasing after a mini human all day. You dont want to be constantly adjusting your top or so focused on your outfit that you cant function in your day to day.

2. Dont be afraid to evolve

-Though fashion trends tend to come full circle dont be the crazy lady that's still rocking her 80's b-bangs. Colored denim and studs are totally in right now, and though they may be a little intimidating at first you can pick up a few small staple pieces and start small.

3. Be true to you

-Branching out is great, but make sure that you arent taking on a trend that you have no business embracing. For me it's pattern mixing. You girls look great in your stripes and florals, but I just cant do it. I wouldnt do it right, I'd end up looking like something a five year old colored. And hey that's alright because I just bought my first chambray shirt and I actually rock it.



mommy fashion by tinymrsh featuring converse

And here is an example of my attempt at being a mommy fashionista. So what do you think?

What are your fashion tips? What trends are you loving/hating right now?
 

Trendy Tot

Today I'm linking up for the brand new Trendy Tot Tuesday! I'm super excited about this link up. My girl has some serious style, I mean she puts my wardrobe to shame. She even wears rocks trends that I am too afraid to try myself. Like the fur vest. Well really I guess this is sherpa? Maybe. I could be totally wrong. Either way she looks fierce.

These totally arent the best pictures, but it was the end of the day and she wasnt feeling the camera. Her whole outfit is from the Gap, well minus her Chucks.

Open letter

Today Becky prompted us to write, that was it she just said “write”. Writing is something that I have always loved; I remember being 8 years old and writing elaborate stories. I would sit behind my little typewriter and create magical lands and fabulous characters. I remember winning awards; I always thought that I would grow up to be a world famous author. My peers hated essay assignments, where I relished in them. Now I have this little piece of the internet where I can write whenever and whatever I please, so why is it that when I saw Becky’s post my mind went blank? What would I write about? Honestly I’m still pondering the topic of the post.

So I figured I would write a letter. I write to my daughter frequently, and I used to write to my husband regularly as well. Lately though I haven’t written to S, so I suppose it is high time that he gets a letter.

Stephen,
I haven’t written to you in a while, I’m sorry about that baby, in my defense life has been crazy. Your work schedule has been insane and to say that BK keeps me on my toes is a massive understatement. In short, I miss you. We haven’t had much us time lately. As soon as this project is over we definitely need to fix that. I promise to plan the perfect date night.

I just wanted to take a minute and tell you what an amazing man you are. Your work ethic is unbelievable. You have been working close to 80 hour weeks and not batting an eye. Thank you so much for the way that you provide for our family, but also the amazing example that you set as well. Our child{ren} has such a wonderful role model in you. We are truly blessed to call you our own.

Speaking of babies, can you believe that ours is about to turn one? Where has this year gone? I am proud of us. Of the parents that we have become. I am in awe of the father that you are to BK. You blew my expectations out of the water. I always knew that you would be amazing, but honey you put other men to shame. I never knew that my love for you could run any deeper. Seeing the two of you together, the love that you have for her, it makes my heart just swell.

I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us. To grow old and gray with you. To spend the rest of my life with you. You are my everything. You are truly the love of my life. Thank you for showing me just how wonderful love and life are meant to be.

I love you more than words.

xoxo,
B

A Smattering of Love

Happy Valentine's Day y'all! Sorry I'm joining my link-ups so late. My mini valentine and I have spent the day b.u.s.y.

First up it's Thirty Second Thursday! Sorry that I look a hott mess {again} in the vlog. We had just gotten back from running errands and I really wanted to join.

Next up is Its Ok Thursday! This week I'm saying Its OK:
-that I'm linking up so very late in the day
-that I spent all day running around and turning our house into Casa de Amor that I tired myself out and instead of the grand feast I had planned we're getting take out
-that the dress I'm wearing tonight is from Gap Kids Girls section
-to have bought two bottles of champagne so that I could have a bottle while I set up for our night
-to be super, super excited about Safe Haven & Beautiful Creatures!

Have a fantastic night everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day

Sending a little Valentine's Day love your way!

Xoxox,
BK

Valentine's Day Fashion

Today I thought I'd share a little of my Valentine's Day Fashion with yall. I brought you two outfits, one for a date night out and for a date night in.

 

valentines day out by tinymrsh featuring forever 21

This is almost my exact outfit that I'll be wearing this weekend when the mister and I escape just the two of us. Last year I wore I a red dress, so this year I thought I would take things a bit edgier. You know I'm all about trying to keep that "spice" up.

valentines2 by tinymrsh featuring a lc lauren conrad

This is what I'll be wearing tomorrow night when we celebrate at home as a family. I didnt want to get too casual and greet the hubs in yoga pants {like I usually do}, but I'll still be comfortable in my skinny jeans and a flowy top. The baby has a special Valentine's Day dress too.

What are you wearing for Valentine's Day? Are you celebrating by going out or staying in?

The Spice of Life

In the spirit of Valentine’s Week lets get a little personal today. As a new mom this is definitely a relevant topic to my life, but I feel like it can is actually relevant to ALL relationships at one time or another. Let’s talk about keeping the “spice” in life.

I know with BK we have to get real creative, and we don’t always have time for elaborate romance. Before we could pick up and run away for a weekend, or spend three hours just out to dinner and drinks. Now it's a little more like champagne and sweat pants. I don't ever want to lose the fun thought. One of my favorite aspects of my relationship has always been the fun that we have together, the way we really lived life.

Now dont get me wrong, we can still get a babysitter and plan date nights but I'd love to be able to keep things kickin at home on the regular. We're young and fun, and I dont want to forget it.

Kaitlyn over at Wifessionals recently set up a Club Sexy for her and her husband. What do you do with your significant other?

relationships

Being that it is now February and the month of l.o.v.e I thought that we could talk a little about relationships this week. 

Relationships are hard. They are work. Love that comes easy, it’s everything else that is hard. There are so many outside forces to deal with, to contend against. And it’s like that for all relationships. Friendships, romantic relationships, hell even family.

I grew up before my time, Was forced to mature too early. I have a wonderful mom and a terrific father, but my childhood was not ideal. My parents are divorced but I remember them being together. I saw how fiercely they loved each other, that’s where I learned how deep love should be. I remember my mom once saying that “being with my dad was like fireworks.” Strong imagery right? They were fireworks all the time though. When it was good it was spectacular, and when it was bad it was b.a.d. Needless to say, they didn’t really teach me what it takes to make a marriage work. Honestly, they probably aren’t the best examples of how to make any kind of relationship work. But that’s ok, I did learn a thing or two from them.

Now I am in my own firecracker relationship marriage. I am blessed to have married the love of my life. Four years and a baby later, and I still get butterflies when we kiss. I have to say though our relationship is way different than what I saw in my parents. We know to communicate. S is truly my best friend and we can talk about anything. It doesn’t always come easy, and it isn’t always the first thing we do, and it definitely took a while for us to learn. But we do really great when we finally get down to it. It’s a wonderful thing, and I never fear that we’ll find an obstacle we can’t beat.

What are your keys to good communication in a relationship?

 

The End is Near.

Y'all I feel like I am on my death bed. I have been sick for probably 90% of the past month. It's a.w.f.u.l. So I apologize for a lack of super fun content. Today I'm joining my two favorite linkups.

Please excuse my glasses, the fact that I'm in bed, and pretty much the whole medicine head video. And yes I'm wearing a Redkins shirt {booo, hisss} but it took all my effort to shower and get dressed.

 

Next up is...

Via

This week it's ok:

• That my kitchen looks like a cross between a kindergarten art room & the craft store Michaels while I'm working on birthday and photo shoot stuff
• That yesterday we didn't get out of bed until after 12pm because we were both sick
• That I already have some outfits saved for when we get our tax return back
• To be going completely overboard with BK's party. She only turns 1 once!
• To only eat soup and crackers. At least I'll look good at BK's party.
• To be really passionate about a career, but have no idea where to begin.
• To cry for the one billionh time over Breaking Dawn. I blame it on the meds.
• To be oh so grateful fo two very special blogger friends that are an amazing support system, especially when I feel like I have no one else.
• To be going to bed at 8pm with my baby cuddled close.

What song would you use as your intro?

What are you saying it's ok to?

How do you kick your colds?

 

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