BEAUTIFUL MOTHER’S DAY SWEATSHIRT (UNDER $50)
DENIM SHORTS
WHITE COWBOY BOOTS (UNDER $50)

 JO MALONE CANDLE (under $50)
GUCCI RING
DIOR EYE PATCHES (UNDER $50)
BANDOLIER PHONE CASE (under $50)
MAMA GOLD NECKLACE (under $50)
NEON SCHUTZ SANDALS
GUCCI FLORA FRAGRANCE
STATEMENT FLOWER EARRINGS (under $15)
LANEIGE LIP TREATMENT (under $25)
CARAWAY POTS & PANS SET
NIKE DUNK LOW
DOUBLE AIR FRYER
BEAUTIFUL MOTHER’S DAY SWEATSHIRT (under $50)
GUCCI LIPSTICK (under $50)
TOM FORD FRAGRANCE & BODY OIL SET

I put some of my tried and true favorites on here like the Bandolier phone case. I just ordered it in purple, It’s cute and functional and comes in tons of colors. I also can’t get enough of the Tom Ford shimmering body oil (it’s so pretty on and seriously smells amazingg.) Some home items I love as well – the Caraway pots & pans set and the double air fryer (such a game-changer.) I also found this cute graphic Mother’s Day sweatshirt for under $50 (size XL.) I even got the kids matching versions which are currently sold out atm 🙁 but the adult version is fully stocked!

 CLOUD SUMMER SLIDES (under $50)
ROMAN NUMERAL RING (under $15)
ELEMIS CLEANSING BALM
GOLD WATCH (under $100)
PINK CHECKER BLANKET (under $100)
CAN SHAPED GLASS SET (under $30)
GRATITUDE JOURNAL (under $30)
PEARL HOOP EARRINGS (under $15)
WORKOUT SHORTS (under $50)
PASTEL LOVE HOODIE (under $30)
DIOR LIP GLOSS
CREAM COFFEE TUMBLER (under $10)

I found so many affordable Mother’s Day gift ideas on Amazon from home to beauty to fashion items (all under $100.) My everyday jewelry: this Roman Numeral ring is so cute and under $15 and my gold watch (under $100) a staple jewelry piece every mom will love. I also included some of my most-worn clothing items like these workout shorts (I have them in neon green too! – size S) they are SO flattering and comfortable at a great price point with high reviews. For affordable beauty gifts I can’t recommend this Elemis cleansing balm enough, it’s been a favorite of mine for years. Gifts for the home – I love these soda can shaped glassware for iced coffee or my smoothies in the morning (comes in a set of 8 for under $30.) I also found this adorable pink checker throw blanket, it’s so soft and I’m obsessed with the print.

GUCCI SANDALS 
BYREDO PERFUME
STRIPED TOTE
APPLE WATCH STRAP
CE FERULIC ACID (MY STAPLE)
DIOR LIP OIL (USED HERE)
CHANEL BACKPACK
GIVENCHY SETTING POWDER (COLOR CORRECTING!)
PRADA SUNGLASSES
BRASS SALT MILL

For the moms who love the little luxuries of life, here are some splurge-worthy gift ideas she will love. I’ve had this Apple watch strap for a year and still get tons of questions on it when I wear it. It’s amazing quality and makes me feel like I’m wearing one of my favorite designer watches but I still get all the convenience of having a smart watch. I also included some of my favorite high-end beauty products, both tried-and-true (this CE Ferulic acid is my holy grail) and new favorites (this lip oil is everything and I instantly converted to this color correcting setting powder when my makeup artist used it on me.)

HUMIDIFIER (UNDER $100)
STEAM MOP (30% OFF)
PEBBLE ICE MACHINE
ROBOT VACUUM (39% OFF)

A few of these cult household products are on sale right now so I wanted to share a few that I think mom would love! I know some people have strong opinions about getting household products as Mother’s Day gifts haha but me and my mom love cleaning and organizing and I feel like these are little life luxuries that some moms won’t splurge on for themselves. I use my pebble ice machine all day everyday. It’s one of those simple pleasures that will totally change your day!

If you’re looking for more high-ticket gift ideas for mom that she will use everyday…

– APPLE AIRPODS MAX: I have yet to make the switch from the Airpod Pros but I’ve heard amazing things about these! They come in so many pretty colors too.

– DYSON AIRWRAP: These are hit or miss just because they can be tricky to find in stock – I found it in stock here and here this morning but I’m sure they will go fast. Every time I use mine I get tons of compliments on my hair – obsessed with the volume you get!

Linking a few more gift ideas for mom at various price points if you need more Mother’s Day inspo:

XX, Christine

The post Mom Will Love These Gift Ideas, No Matter Your Budget appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Picnics – such a great mom & son date night

As Beckam has gotten older, I’ve noticed that Cody always has a million cool ideas of things to do with Beckam. Riding motor bikes, soccer-bouncing contests, ninja obstacle courses – especially now that Beckam cit old enough to keep up with Cody. They share an interest in a lot of the same things so it’s easy for them to find things to do. (And it’s the same with me and Mara. We can always go get pedicures or go shopping.)

I love the relationship Cody and Beckam have so much but it’s also made me realize that with the boys, I have to put more effort into activities that don’t come second nature to me so I wanted to think of creative ways to spend time together and make new memories this year. So that’s the back story behind why I made this list of mom & son date night activities – I wanted to have a list of cool, fun ideas of things that we could do together so every time he says, “Mom, do you want to play with me?” I have a whole list of ideas to pull from instead of just wasting time trying to brainstorm ideas.

I shared the Q&A on Insta stories a week or so ago and there were so many great ideas so I put together a little graphic of bucket list activities for you guys to print out or just save to your phones for a quick and easy reference point. Hope this list is helpful! I made it specifically with mom & son time in mind but it really could work for girls too if you’re looking for more ideas!

PIN NOW – SAVE FOR LATER

If you guys have any more ideas, please add below in comments so we can keep adding to our mom & son date night ideas list!

XX, Christine

The post Mom & Son Date Night Ideas appeared first on Hello Fashion.

I’m so excited to start this series! Questions about being a stepmom/bonus mom and our blended family are always my most asked questions. So I wanted to start a series about blended families, being a bonus mom, and growing up with divorced parents.

My parents divorced when I was little, 4 or 5. I primarily lived with my dad (in Washington state) and then would go spend half the summer with my mom (in Virginia). My dad got remarried when I was 5 or 6, and my step mom became a big part of my life too. Very grateful for all of my parents, but I think going through a split family dynamic growing up helped me understand a few things as a step/bonus mom and brought some perspective to certain things I see my bonus kids go through now.

Before I start, I want to preface this by saying, no two situations are exactly the same, but being a parent (bonus mom or regular mom) is always easier when you have a community, friends, or family to rely on or talk to. I feel like you guys are all my besties so I hope this series can maybe help anyone navigating being a bonus mom, or dating someone with kids. And in case you don’t follow me on  instagram and are wondering where these questions below came from- I did a Q&A and had you submit all your blended fam/bonus mom questions. I compiled the most asked questions and will be breaking them into different posts (And it will also give you guys time to ask questions in comments below that I can include in my future posts.)

So here we go…

THE BEGINNING

Q. How long have you and Cody been together and where did you meet?

A. We’ve been married for 10 years this fall! We met selling alarm systems door to door in South Carolina and Texas. We both sold 🙂

Q. How many babies did you birth? Which ones are your step kids?

A. The oldest two, Mara and Wes are my bonus babies (Cody was married before and had Mara and Wes with his ex-wife). Beckam and Ollie I birthed, and are my biological children.

Q. Was it hard for you to date Cody initially because he had two babies?

A. I actually had a serious boyfriend in college who had kids. I knew I always wanted to have a big family and I had a great example of a stepmom/bonus mom growing up, so dating a guy with kids was never a big deal for me. I know this is not always the case, a lot of you have  messaged me saying it’s been a hard transition dating someone with kids, but the biggest piece of advice I can give you is give it time. Our situation wasn’t easy at first. The divorce was hard on a lot of people and things took time.  Eventually you’ll develop a structure, find what works for you and your family, and get into the swing of things. I would also say for the kids’ sake, unless you really see yourself with this person for a long time, I wouldn’t rush to meet the kids if you don’t see it being long term. 

Q. How do you handle emotions about his past/firsts? (Jealousy, resentment, sadness).

A. For the most part, I didn’t really think about knowing he had done things without me or experienced things first before me.  It wasn’t something I consciously thought about or dwelt on,  but there were a few random moments when it hit me…

Right after I had Beckam there was a moment I was like ‘Oh, he’s already done this’. He had gone through and experienced a lot of the first time parent things already.. I thought to myself I could be mad or jealous he wasn’t going through it the first time with me or I could look for the positive like ‘hey he will know what to do maybe in times I won’t’. This is a life lesson I’ve learned over the years in general, you always have a choice on your mindset to focus on positive or the negative. 

I do remember asking him when we were home one of the first couple days with Beckam, “Does it feel any different this time around?” I am always pretty open with how I feel. I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I think communication is even more important with blended families, because it’s really easy to let emotions/feelings bottle up inside and it super important to have a lot of communication to understand and support each other.

The other time I can really remember was when I wanted to go to Paris for the first time. Cody had gone with his ex-wife and didn’t love all the touristy things (he’s not big on museums or seeing all the sites) so when we first got married he wasn’t super anxious to go back and I hadn’t been to Europe in years, and didn’t want my first time being in a city I had been dyiiiing to go to to be thinking about him and his ex wife. I honestly don’t know why that event stood out to me, but it’s the one thing I didn’t want to repeat. Instead of going with Cody, I decided to take Beckam.

He was 6 months old and my friend Amber (you guys probably know her – Dae/Barefoot Blonde) and I took our babies with our friend Jaci and it was such an amazing trip! It’s honestly one of my favorite memories with Beckam to this day. And now we’ve been back to Paris as a family a couples times and I love it. It’s one of my favorite family spots. But for some reason that first time to a bucket list place I didn’t want to be thinking about what he did with his ex wife 😂 

I think there’s something about those ‘firsts’. Maybe we build them up in our head, but if there is something that is important to you, talk to your spouse or significant other. I was really up front with Cody about it and he understood. I mean I don’t think he totally understood my emotions behind it, but he supported us going and wanted me to go have fun. On that same note, and I want to emphasize this, you are entitled to all of your feelings. You’re entitled to feel jealousy at times, resentment, or sadness. But then how you handle it is on YOU. You have a decision to make: what are you going to do about it? You can just sit in your feelings and build bitterness, or you can acknowledge them and then try to grow and change. I know everyone will handle things differently – and it’s not to say I have never felt sad, jealous or hurt, but I hope it can bring some connection and encouragement to those of you going through the same thing. 

Q. Tips for dating someone with 2 kids with someone else?

A. I think my biggest advice would be to put the kids’ wellbeing first and foremost. That might not be what you’re expecting, but instead of thinking how the kids could affect you or your relationship, think about how you could be affecting the kids. My #1 piece of advice: wait to meet the kids. Don’t rush things and give it a little time, just out of respect for the kids. Especially if you don’t see yourself getting really serious with their parent – it’s not fair to them to have a new person in and out of their lives that doesn’t intend to be in it long-term. Put yourself in their shoes. 

Q: How did Cody introduce you to the kids? About to go through this & I look up to your family. 

A. This can vary so much depending on your situation, the kids ages, etc. I think meeting somewhere that’s neutral territory is a great idea. Somewhere outside your space and outside their space so everyone feels comfortable. Another idea is to do some sort of activity you can do together so you all have time to warm up and conversation can flow easier and more natural. It’s funny I had forgotten about this until you guys asked, but I met Cody and the kids at the McDonald’s Play Place – and we got ice cream. 🥰

Q. How soon did you meet the kids when you and Cody were dating? Did they accept you at first?

A. I met Mara and Wes 6 months after Cody and I started dating. They were honestly so young I feel like they warmed up super easy, and I love kids, and babysat and nannied a lot so I feel like overall I’m good with kids which made it easier. I’ve known Mara and Wes since they were toddlers so I’ve been lucky that they’ve mostly grown up with me in their life. 

Q. How did your family accept that Cody had kids?

A. I touched on this earlier, but I was pretty serious with the guy I dated before who had kids, so I don’t think this was ever an issue really for my parents. I never straight out asked them though… I think their main concern was that if I married someone with kids, he was a good dad. It’s funny, I think seeing guys as a dad helps you identify the good ones even faster. 

Q. What did you do for your bonus children when you guys got married?

A. Mara was our flower girl and Wes was our ring bearer. I honestly can’t remember if I got them a specific gift or memento for the wedding, but I’ve seen the cutest ideas and gestures online after we got married – there are so many creative and thoughtful things you can do to make them feel special and loved! I think ages play into this on what kind of gift or sentiment to do 🙂

BALANCING BONUS & BIO

Q. Do you ever feel like your own kids get put second to your bonus kids? Struggle bus here.

A. Hmm this was an interesting question… I think having limited time with my bonus kids makes me want to make sure we are making the most of that time, so I feel like Cody and I are more intentional and mindful of that time. With Beckam and Ollie, its more routine if that makes sense, but the days we have Mara and Wes we try to make sure we are wrapping up work right at 5 or earlier so we can get more quality time together, planning something fun for the weekends, etc. So it’s not that we treat Ollie and Beckam different, but we do treat the time we have with Mara and Wes differently, if that makes sense…. 

The other time it feels like we do things differently is holidays, and it’s not that I feel like our kids get put ‘second’, it’s that we have to make some adjustments for schedules and splitting times on holidays. So that becomes the priority vs how an unblended family might celebrate. For example, we always split Christmas with Mara and Wes’ mom, so some years Beckam has to wait until the afternoon to open presents or on Easter we do the Easter egg hunt later after we get them. So not getting put second, just adjusting some traditions because we would rather have Mara and Wes with us to celebrate together as a family.

Q. How long were you a bonus mom before having Beckam and Ollie?

A. 3ish years I think… honestly I have the worst memory with dates, Cody is so much better at that than me 🙂

Q. How did you feel the change was when you had B?

A. There were two big changes for me – #1) Before I had Beckam, Mother’s Day sucked. Of course Mara and Wes are going to spend Mother’s Day with their mom, and I would never want or expect them to be with me instead of their mom on that day. But as a bonus mom you spend a lot of time loving and nurturing and building a bond with your bonus babies, so selfishly I wanted to celebrate with them too. I was/am so grateful for them and for the love they have brought into my life, so it was hard not getting to be with them on that day. Cody was always thoughtful and did something before Mother’s Day with all of us to celebrate being a bonus mom, but it’s still a reminder on the day of when so many people were celebrating that you just wish you could hug your bonus babies. Once I had Beckam and Ollie, Mother’s Day changed for me and took some of that away. I still miss seeing Mara and Wes so much on that day, but it’s nice I get to be with the other kids.

 #2) Having Beckam and Ollie brought so much perspective to how it might feel on the other side of the equation, things that until you have kids of your own probably won’t make sense. Like in some ways I wonder if I was too involved before… some of this is hard to put into words, but it brought perspective to not feeling like I had to be a part of as many decisions with Mara and Wes, and to give their mom space like at school functions. Example… before I had Beckam and Ollie I signed up to help in Mara and Wes’ classes and volunteered for things, and yes I’m so glad I did that, but I also realized maybe that’s something their mom just wants to do…as I’m writing this I realize I probably should have just asked her instead of assuming either way 😂 . I also felt like it brought perspective to her side of splitting time… Splitting time sucks for both parents 100%, but before I had my own kids, I always sided with Cody, and then once I had Beckam and Ollie I imagined having to share so much time with Beckam and Ollie with another woman/family, not seeing every milestone, splitting holidays, all of that sucks… of course you want your kids to be loved by as many people as possible, but it made me understand her point of view a little more in some ways, that until you have your own kids you don’t really understand as a bonus mom. 

Q. How did you guys decide on “ours” babies. My bf is 10 years older and 3 kids – I’m worries he’s done. LOL

A. This is a conversation I would FOR SURE have before you get married. I thought Cody and I did but he says he doesn’t remember 😂. He was always on board for us to have one together, but I always wanted at least 2 because I was an only child and always wished I had a sibling. Since we don’t have Mara and Wes full time I didn’t want one of our kids to be by themselves when Mara and Wes are gone, so I always wanted at least 2. Cody didn’t realize that so he thought he was done after Beckam and it took me yearsssss to convince him on another. Obviously he’s glad we did now that we have Ollie, but it’s still an important conversation to have prior to make sure you’re on the same page.

Wes and Mara with baby B ❤️

Q. How did you talk to the kids about having another baby (meaning before Beckam was born?)

A. Honestly it’s been so long ago that I don’t remember how we told the kids, but I remember surprising everyone in our family somehow. They were really excited – both with Beckam and Ollie.

Q. I had a really awful step-mom experience – did you ever worry about treating the kids different?

A. I’m so sorry – I feel like I get messages like this A LOT  and it makes me so sad.  I pray everyday my bonus kids feel loved when they are with us and know how much they mean to me. I’m sure I’ve done things wrong, but I think as a parent we always want to strive to be better, so I hope they always know how loved they are, not just them but all our kids.

That wraps up part one! Some of the upcoming posts will talk about schedules, things I’ve learned being a bonus moms, discipline/parenting my kids vs. bonus kids, how involved I am with ex-wife, etc… if you have new questions or questions about anything above drop in the comments below.

XX, Christine

The post Bonus Mom Part 1 appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Love my mornings & early cuddles with Ollie!

He loves to look out the window and watch the cars go by. When big trucks go by he makes a grunting noise it’s so funny.

His cute sleep sack is on sale right now. They also have girl prints too 🥰

I love the mornings with Ollie. He’s extra cuddly when he first wakes up. He’s such a busier baby than Beckam was so I love the morning cuddles while he’s still waking up, especially while he drinks his bottle. We are supposed to start weaning him off the bottle and I’m not excited about it 😂 he never took a pacifier but he likes to suck on his empty bottle like a pacifier so I’m kinda nervous to cut it out. 🙈 

Honest Baby is one of my favorite baby brands. We have used them since Beckam was a baby and now again with Ollie. They launched a new shop, Honest Baby Clothing – a full baby clothing line this year and Zulily is running a flash sale running right now on a lot of their best selling pieces. Their wipes (both baby and anti-bacterial) are amazing! It’s the only place you can get Honest Baby apparel up to 15% off. It’s all 100% certified organic cotton and doesn’t have any harmful dyes. They have onesies, sleep-sacks, pajamas, crib sheets and swaddles – pretty much all things cotton for babies! The baby pants run a little big so size down 🙂 Ollie has crazy sensitive skin so their stuff is a go-to 100%.

If you’re rushing to get some last minute gifts, they also have a Melissa & Doug event running right now (another baby brand favorite especially for kids toys!) and Burts Bees. 

XX, Christine

*In collaboration with Zulily.

The post Mornings with Ollie appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Ollie is teething so Beckam matched his pose haha.

Love watching them play together!

DETAILS: OLLIE’S ZIP UP FOOTIES (COMES IN 20+ COLORS) | SLEEP BAG | BECKAM’S PJ SET |

With a 5 year gap between Beckam and Ollie, it’s almost like I’m having to learn everything all over again. There are so many new brands and products that it’s almost like starting fresh (with the exception of some tried and true products :). I think one of the biggest differences is all the cute baby clothes especially for boys! I loved dressing B up, but I feel like there are so many more options now. One of my newfound favorites is Kyte Baby. I was introduced to them a couple months ago and they have THE SOFTEST clothes ever! (Also hosting a giveaway on my IG – keep reading for details!)

APPAREL:

I love their selection of baby clothes! Their pieces are made out of bamboo (which helps regulate baby’s temperature) and soooo buttery soft! Honestly I was shook by how soft their products are. Not only do they have a great variety of silhouettes, they also have amazing color options and prints (how good is this rainbow print?!). The zippered footies are worth their weight in gold! They have a textured bottom to give them extra grip while babies/toddlers stand or start to walk. They also have toddler sizes up size 7 so you can get matching pajama sets for Beckam.

SLEEP BAGS:

One of the biggest tips I learned from working with a professional sleep trainer for Ollie was the importance of sleep sacks. They make a huge difference! Not only is it a sleep cue to help them get in their bedtime routine, but it helps prevent them from crawling out of the crib as they get older. Kyte Baby’s sleep bags are all temperature regulated, so you can use a thicker one during winter and a thinner one during summer. Such a good idea and again, so many great color options.

NURSERY/HOME:

Kyte Baby also has tons of pieces for the nursery and home. Their blankets are also made out of their super soft bamboo material (they have baby, kid, and adult blankets). The crib sheets are on my wish list but they sell out fast. Tons of color options but you just have to move quick when you see the color you want. 🙂 They also have a bath collection with robes from baby to adult, washcloths, brushes, and more. Need to try!

Right now I’m running a giveaway on my IG for $250 towards their site. ❤️ Check out my post here to enter. 

XX, Christine

*In collaboration with Kyte Baby. 

The post The SOFTEST Baby Collection Ever appeared first on Hello Fashion.

DETAILS: WHITE MINI DRESS  (ON SALE UNDER $50) | MAMA TOTE (ON SALE UNDER $30) | PASTEL KITCHEN TOWELS (ON SALE UNDER $10) | WHITE WAFFLEKNIT ROBE (ON SALE UNDER $30) | PINK SLIPPERS (UNDER $20) | PERFUME | CANDLE (ON SALE UNDER $15) | GOLD HOOPS (ON SALE UNDER $10) | EYE PATCHES (ON SALE UNDER $5)

I don’t think anyone has appreciated moms more than during these last few months, haha. With everyone at home balancing cooking, cleaning, helping kids with school work, grocery shopping, etc., it’s a small glimpse into how crazy mom life can be and I think we will all appreciate our own mothers a little more after this! This year, instead of just buying and shipping something I wanted to put together some of my mom’s favorite things or things I knew she would use/love. I found this cute mama tote and knew it would be the perfect gift bag! Below are a few more options to put together in Mother’s Day gift bags or that you can ship straight to her.

DETAILS: | 1. WELLNESS TUMBLER (ON SALE UNDER $20) | 2. SLIPPERS (ON SALE UNDER $20) | 3. NIRVANA PERFUME | 4. MAMA & MINI SOCKS (ON SALE UNDER $10) | 5. WAFFLE KNIT ROBE | 6. WHITE TUNIC DRESS (ON SALE UNDER $50) | 7. QUARTZ ROLLER | 8. WHITE KNIFE SET | 9. MAMA TOTE  (ON SALE UNDER $30) | 10. CALM CANDLE (ON SALE UNDER $15) | 11. GOLD BRACELET (UNDER $20)| 12. PIXI SKIN SET  | 13. SILK SLEEP MASK | 14. NECESSAIRE BODY CREAM AND BODY WASH | 15. ROSE GOLD SUNNIES (ON SALE) | 16. CLIP SET (ON SALE UNDER $10) | 17. GOOGLE MINI NEST SPEAKER | 18. BANANA OVEN MIT | 19. BIRD TEA TOWEL  | 20. BLUSH KNIT THROW (ON SALE UNDER $100) | 21. BABY BLUE INSTAX 22. D&G PERFUME 23. WATERLESS DRY SHAMPOO | 24. GREY JOGGERS (UNDER $20) | 25. GOLD UNDER EYE GEL MASKS  (ON SALE UNDER $5) | 26. ADIDAS TOP (ON SALE UNDER $25) | 27. ADIDAS WAIST PACK (ON SALE UNDER $20) | 28. FITBIT (ON SALE)

Whether you put together some DIY gifts or splurge on something big, the biggest home-runs will be the gifts that show her you put some thought into it. Here are a few more Mother’s Day gift ideas starting under $10 for different kinds of mom:

1. The Fit-Focused Mom: Whether she’s working from a home office or getting more steps than every managing the chaos of a full house, she will love a Fitbit to track her steps! It’s super rewarding when she hits those 10,000 steps after running around all day, or a good reminder if she’s been stuck at her desk too long to take care of herself. I also love this cute tumbler to help her hit her water intake goals and this cute waist bag.
2. The Stylish Mom: If your mom lights up every time she puts on a new outfit, you can’t go wrong with getting her something for her wardrobe. I’m obsessed with this dress – super versatile and flattering on every body type (also comes in black and on sale right now under $40!). Also, love this thick chain necklace (under $20) and this cute cropped Adidas tee.
3. The Culinary Queen: We are all be spending more time in the kitchen these days and I’ve never gotten more excited about kitchen products until now! This white knife set is absolutely beautiful and under $100. If she doesn’t have a Kitchenaid yet, this one is on major sale and will be a hit – or if she does, their attachments are amazing! (And more of my favorite kitchen essentials here!) Also, love these cute oven mitts and towels for spring!
4. The Ageless Mom: I love the idea of putting together a DIY spa day for mom! Grab a few ‘spa’ essentials like a robe (on sale under $30) and slippers with a few beauty products like a face roller, some cute eye gel masks, dry shampoo (love this one!), or splurge for some body creams/gels she will love! It’s also a great chance to stock up on her favorite fragrance.
5. The Home-body Mom: For the moms that love nothing more than to stay at home, I love the idea of getting some decor or home essentials. This sleep mask would a super luxurious addition to her nights. Also, love having these little Google Nest minis around the house – perfect to play some music throughout the house, or in the kitchen to set timers while cooking, etc. Also love this knit throw and I’ve been living in these sweats!

Below are some other Mother’s Day gift ideas!

XX, Christine

The post Mother’s Day Gift Bag Ideas Mom Will Love appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Read together: Let your kids pick their favorite books, and instead of squeezing it in before bed you can make a routine out of it during the day. 

Exercise: Grab some mats and do some yoga, a quick home workout, or take a walk together! (Anything to burn some energy, am I right?) Side note – a lot of you have asked about my code for obe at home workouts. Use code: CHRISTINEMONTH to get your first month free (valid through March 31st. 🙂

Build a Fort: Build a fort in your living room then have a movie night with popcorn and everyone’s favorite treat!

Play Restaurant: Make a menu and have a 3 course meal. Mara loves playing waitress and serving all of us! You can keep this one up by picking a different ‘restaurant’ every night – one night can be Italian, another Mexican, etc. 

Have an indoor rodeo: Get some pony sticks (unless dad is game to participate 😉 and let the kids race each other around the room. You can also add obstacles like couch pillows, etc. for some makeshift barrel racing.

Learn a new skill: Pick up a new hobby! You can learn anything from baking, language, an instrument, etc. Beckam has been DYING to learn guitar so I ordered him a guitar and am going to youtube some basic lessons for him. 

Write a letter to their grandparents: No matter how near or far your kids’ grandparents live, keeping them connected the old fashioned way is the way to go, now more than ever! Add some homemade artwork for an extra treat (and probably a soon-to-be addition to grandma and grandpa’s fridge. 🙂

Have a backyard campfire and roast some hot dogs and marshmallows: Any time you can spend outside enjoying some fresh air is a win in our book! For a memorable night, have a spontaneous camping trip in your own backyard or back patio. You can light up the fire pit if you have one to roast marshmallows. It’s also the perfect chance to download a star-gazing app and learn some of the constellations. We love this one.

Have a spa day: Everybody could use some extra R&R right now, so make a day of it and have everyone participate in spa day! You can set out everyone’s robes (this one is my ultimate favorite; also love these cute striped options for the kids) and slippers and arrange multiple stations – a swimsuit bubble bath, fun face masks, a foot massage station – I can’t promise it won’t make a mess but I can promise it will make a great memory!

Pull out your favorite games: From your family’s favorite board games to bring out everyone’s competitive sides. We’ve played probably 15 games of Sorry already and Cody and I love Monopoly Deal! You can also play tic-tac-toe and hangman on the driveway with chalk, or collaborate on a family puzzle.

Set up an at home treasure hunt: For St. Patrick’s Day, Cody and I set up a trail of Lucky Charms that led the kids to find their ‘treasure’. They loved it and it was a welcomed distraction from everything going on. It’s a great way to celebrate birthdays or an incentive for doing chores around the house, etc.

Take a walk to the park and have a picnic: Head outside for some fresh air. Even if you are avoiding the playground, you should be able to find the perfect spot to lay down a blanket and set up a picnic. 

Take on a Tiktok trend: We love trying our hand at the latest Tiktok crazes! Some of the ones the kids have loved: learning how to make thread bracelets, hydro-dipping, learning new dances, and trying out the challenges. If you aren’t following already come hang with us on TikTok: @christine_andrew.

Paint: Using your fingers or paint brushes, your kids will love to create something new! It’s so fun to see what their little imaginations come up with. How cute are these little ‘paint your own’ kits? Love!

Movie night: If you haven’t sign up for Disney+ yet, now. is. the. time. 😂Soooo many options and easy to find something the kids will agree on. (You can see more about our Disney movie nights here or sign up for a free 7-day trial here)

Challenge yourself with LEGOS. There’s no time like the present to tackle that intimidating LEGO set the kids have been asking to open.

Let them be the boss for the day: Granted, you might have to add some parameters depending on the direction they go, but let your kids rule the roost for the day! They can have their choice between a few options for dinner, decide on games, activities, etc. – such a fun opportunity to see what they would do on their dream day!

I would love to keep the list going! If you guys want to add some fun ideas below in comments, I’ll add a list of your additional ideas to the end of the post!

XX, Christine

The post 17 Ways to Turn Quarantine into Quality Time With the Kids appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Hi guys! After using the Snoo for the last few months,  to give a full review on our experience, pros and cons,  how it’s helped, what we learned along the way, and most importantly whether I think it’s worth the splurge. So keep reading to get my full review:

A rough start…

To be fully transparent, Ollie didn’t love the Snoo right off the bat. I had heard so many raving reviews, so I was surprised that he didn’t take to it immediately but after mentioning this on my stories, I got tons of DMs suggesting we swaddle Ollie before we put him in the sleeper sack, and that made all the difference! I had prior just been zipping him into the sleep sack and he had so much room to kick around, so once we swaddled him he loved being all cozy inside. He also has acid reflux and I found out that Snoo has risers that keep his head elevated to help with his reflux. Honestly those two changes were game changers and he loved it from then on!

My favorite features:

There are sooo many amazing features of the Snoo that you can read about here, but I just wanted to focus on a few that we used the most. It’s a smart sleeper, so it basically senses when your baby starts to cry and starts rocking. The more your baby fusses the faster it rocks and then once they settle down it weans them off the motion.  It’s seriously genius and helped soothe Ollie in his bassinet. It also has a built-in noise machine that automatically kicks in or adds more sounds when it senses the fussing.  It’s like having an extra set of hands – honestly so helpful! It can also track their sleep cycles with the app. We didn’t use the app but all my friends swear by it.

The biggest thing for me though was the safety. I don’t know if it’s the older I get I hear more sad stories about freak incidents, but I was extra on edge about SIDS or something happening. The Snoo is 1005 the safest sleeper on the market. It keeps your child on their back so they can’t roll and that brought me more sleep at night knowing I didn’t have to wake up and worry he had tolled over. (Also have to mention for my crappy half asleep nights of swaddling him, the velcro/zipper is a life saver to make up for my sloppy swaddles. ; It made it incredibly easy to get him cozy again without worrying about him wiggling out.)

The cons:

It’s not super portable. It’s pretty heavy – but we didn’t really need to move it from our room but it just prevented us from really moving it anywhere because of that and because it has to be plugged in so you need to stay close to an outlet.

We also had a little trouble connecting it to our phone – they sent us a WiFi extender but I honestly just never got around to connecting it which is laziness on my part and he was ok without having the app, so I just didn’t do it. A lot of my friends LOVE and swear by the app so maybe I’m missing out big time but I just got lazy.

Worth it?

The big question… is it worth the splurge? I work from home a lot of the time, and there were a number of times I was like wow, I’m able to do ____ because my hands are free while The Snoo rocks Ollie. Yes, that also left me feeling a little mom guilt sometimes too but it allowed me to get more done while at home which was huge for me.

The cost of the Snoo will obviously hit everyone’s budgets differently, so if you are in a position to splurge on something for baby, it’s a no brainer! (Especially if you are planning to have a few kids – it’s something you’ll use with every baby!) They also have a 30 day money back guarantee so if you try it and don’t love it you can ship it back at no cost to you! I think they know once you start using it you will instantly see the value in it like we did. They also have an amazing new option that you can rent the Snoo. Honestly I think it’s 100% worth the money whether you rent or buy. I will use it again if we have another and all my friends who have it love it too.

Have any of you guys used The Snoo before? I’m curious about your experience – whether your baby took to it immediately or you figured out what worked for your baby along the way. Let me know in the comments!

XX, Christine

The post The Snoo: Yay or Nay? appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Hey guys! I shared on my insta stories that we’ve been working with a sleep trainer to help with Ollie and I’ve already learned so much! I’ve shared a few tips on stories that she’s shared but I also wanted to put together a post with the products she recommended for sleep training so you can shop directly.

SIZE TWO BOTTLE NIPPLES

If you are bottle feeding, Around 3 months old, start transitioning to larger bottle nipples (size 2). I completely forgot this one since it’s been over 5 years since we did this with Beckam, but getting a bigger nipple size makes sure they are getting enough food during the day. The bigger nipple size has already made a huge difference in how much milk he is getting!

BABY MERLIN’S MAGIC SLEEPSUIT

This sleepsuit is supposed to be the best to help them transition out of the swaddle. Ollie is only 3 months old and rolling, so once they start rolling you need to Start transitioning out of the swaddle, but because he’s on the younger side he still has the Moro Reflex so this helps him that.

WHITE NOISE MACHINE (ON SALE)

Noise machines are a must but one thing I didn’t know was that you shouldn’t use the ocean or rain sleep settings – they actually stimulate the brain! This one has multiple other settings and is on sale right now, too!

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Our sleep trainer also recommended using lavender essential oil. Another option is lotion with lavender, or you can also mix lavender essential oil with your baby’s favorite lotion. Make sure and check with your pediatrician before using 🙂

NIGHTTIME DIAPERS

Not only should you be using overnight diapers, but when they start sleeping longer size up one size – you still want it to fit snug around the waist but there will be extra room/absorbency to get through the night.

PAPER BLACKOUT SHADES

One major thing I learned was to feed Ollie right after he wakes up. You should feed them in a dark, distraction-free space so Jess, our sleep trainer, recommended these if you don’t have curtains or black out shades. They aren’t high end looking but do the job for a good price point.

Let me know in the comments below if you guys have any more questions! I also shared a ton of tips on sleep training on my Instagram and  made a sleep training highlight that you can watch here. I shared the above on stories and it was so good I couldn’t help but post here too.

XX, Christine

The post 6 Products You Need For Seamless Sleep Training appeared first on Hello Fashion.

I can’t handle these pictures of B and Mio!! So cute!

DETAILS: RED PAJAMA SET | SLIPPERS | BECKAM’S MICKEY MOUSE PAJAMAS | OLLIE’S MICKEY MOUSE FLEECE SWEATER | DISNEY SUGAR COOKIES HERE AND HERE

Can’t believe how early it gets dark now! I feel like I always forget until winter comes and I’m like is it 10 o’clock?? Oh wait it’s 5:30! One of our favorite things to do with the long nights is MOVIE NIGHT! Cody especially loves the movies and he’s got the kids into them too. We have all been counting down the days for Disney+ and were so excited when it launched! I love being able to watch the Disney classics and they have really good series too. Mara and I are currently hooked on High School Musical: The Musical haha it’s so good ;).

But let’s talk movie night – there are tons of ways to spice up your movie night to make it feel even more magical. 

1. Pick a theme. Based on the movie you pick, put together treats and have the kids dress up according to the theme.
2. Build a fort: Put together a blanket fort to cozy up in during the movie. 
3. Pretend you’re at a restaurant: When Mara and Wes are over she loves being in charge of making popcorn and drinks and the kids like to “take our orders” and serve it like a restaurant before the movie starts. 🙂 
4. Movie trivia: We all have classics we love to watch over and over. Pick one of your favorite classics and and then play a game of movie trivia that ties into the movie.

It has been so nice having all of the best stories I grew up with all in one place on Disney+. You really don’t realize how many childhood movies you may have forgotten about until you start scrolling through the Disney+ movie collection. Beyond the classics, they also have tons of Pixar and Marvel movies (not to mention the latest Star Wars release, The Mandalorian), so there is something for everyone in the family. The monthly subscription is less than having a large pizza delivered – so worth it! It gives you unlimited access to all your family’s favorites, old and new. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can start your free 7-day trial or subscribe here. It would be such a good family present for Christmas!

XX, Christine

The post How To Make a Memorable Night At Home On Any Budget appeared first on Hello Fashion.

One of the questions I get the most is about which baby products I recommend. These last two months we have tried a ton of baby products – some tried and true that I used  with Beckam and some that I am newly converted to! There is so much information out there on the internet, but I wanted to put together some of my baby products that I think are 100% worth the hype. Here’s my list!

1. Snuggle Me Organic

The Snuggle Me Organic is one of our most-used baby products so far. It is super convenient to be able to lay him down anywhere and just move him around to any room, depending on where we are hanging out. They also have interchangeable covers so you can pick a pattern to match your aesthetic. So glad we went with the Snuggle Me Organic – we love it!

2. Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottles

The tradition continues with these Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottles. Beckam did so well with them and now Ollie is following suit. He doesn’t like the ones with the wide neck nipples, but these standard sized nipples like shown above work great.

3. Doona Car Seat/Stroller

I had a few different strollers with B, but we never tried the Doona so I was really excited to get one for Ollie after everything I’ve heard about it. We travel so much and I loved the idea of a convertible stroller that folds into a car seat in just a few quick steps. We have yet to take our first big trip with Ollie, but we already love it so much! It’s so lightweight and so easy to use – this is an amazing stroller! My only issue is that it doesn’t have a storage compartment underneath, so I just bought a handbag strap so I can hang my diaper bag on it.

4. The Snoo

I was on the fence about The Snoo at first. My friends raved about it but when I first put Ollie in it, he wasn’t convinced. I shared my honest feedback that Ollie wasn’t loving it on Insta stories, and then a bunch of you suggested we swaddle him before we put him in the ‘sleep sack’ and that did the trick! He also has reflux, so they have little risers for purchase so you can elevate two of the legs of the Snoo so it would sit at a slight angle. Now he loves it!

5. The BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss

The BabyBjorn bouncer has been our favorite. Not only is it super sleek and easy on the eyes, it also works really well! Ollie is a big fan.

6. Angelcare Bath Support

It took us a few tries before we finally found the right baby bath accessory, but I swear by this one now. It keeps him propped up really well and it’s also easy to wash. I really can’t recommend it enough – it has completely changed bath time for us!

7. nuna PIPA Lite LX Car Seat 

The nuna car seat deserves all the hype they get, too. I asked you guys on stories for light carseats and this one won by a landslide and now I totally get why. It’s sooo super lightweight – I couldn’t believe how much lighter it was than the one I had the first time around with Beckam. I also love the color options they have available and the leather strap is super chic. And Ollie loves it!

8. nuna Mixx Stroller

This is the other stroller we have – it definitely weighs more than the Doona but it has more storage and also has options for forward or rear facing so it can grow with your baby.

9. JJ Cole BundleMe

Ollie loves this bunting bag! It’s perfect for winter, so you can just zip it around the car seat or use it for bunting when he’s in the stroller out for walks or running errands. It’s so convenient and a great substitute for blankets that always end up falling off at the worst places!

10. Fridababy Windi

Now onto the less dreamy but equally necessary products… the Fridababy Windi is amazing. I’ll spare you guys details on how it works, but it is a must for baby gas. Trust me on this one!

11. Fridababy SnotSucker

And one that same note, the SnotSucker Saline Kit is perfect for dealing with congestion and stuffy baby noses. I didn’t totally understand how it worked and I thought the snot could potentially end up in your mouth, but it doesn’t haha. There’s a filter that stops it! Another one you don’t think about, but it’s an absolute lifesaver!

Would love to hear what some of your must-have baby products are that are worth their weight in gold! Leave a comment below with what I need to try.

XX, Christine

The post 11 Baby Products Worth The Hype appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Ollie LOVES the bath. I can’t handle that face! And how is he getting so big already!!

He is so, so observant, when he’s awake he just stares into your eyes. I love the way he just looks up at me or Cody.

These have been my favorite baby bath products, I used the aveeno and noodle and boo on Beckam when he was little and  love them. Hello Bello is a newer line but their stuff is plant based and has worked good on my kids sensitive skin.

Ollie has SO MUCH hair, I LOVE IT! It’s so dark too, I’m always curious if it will stay dark or turn light like Beckam’s. He’s started to loose some of his baby hair already though – makes me sad 🙁

I love this picture because I don’t have any of Beckam with his cute little newborn cry and I love all their little expressions happy and “hangry” 😉

DETAILS: SHEA BUTTER BABY WIPES | BABY OIL | LAMB BABY TOWEL | COZY BABY SOCKS | BABY BATH| BUBBLE BATH

First blog post with Baby Ollie!! Ollie loves the bath now and I love that time with him. I can’t believe how big he is already getting! Beckam always loved playing in the bath  – it was genuinely one of his favorite activities and he used to ask if he could take a bath in the middle of the day so he could play with his bath toys. But now that we are back in that newborn phase with Ollie, I’m relearning and re-remembering things that worked and didn’t work the first time around- so I wanted to share a few hacks and tips I’ve learned:

1. Think ahead. To make it as seamless as possible, prep everything ahead of time! Baths require undivided attention, so you want to avoid having to leave the room for anything! Make sure you have all your bath products, towels, and diaper ready to go ahead of time. I love hooded towels for little ones because their head is really what controls so much of how “cold” they are so if you can wrap them up quick and keep their head warm it helps a lot! Love all the cute animal hooded towels!
2. Make bath time as comfortable as possible. I bought the flower thing for the sink before Ollie was born and it made bath time really hard honestly. He HATED bath time. It fits well in the sink and maybe when he’s older and can sit in it, it will make more sense (It’s really plush and comfortable) but he would scream whenever we used it, so I got this one  where he can be propped up more at an angle and he LOVES  IT.  He never cries during bath time anymore except when we pull him out sometimes. Its NIGHT AND DAY difference. I can’t suggest that tub enough its completely changed our bath time and it’s under $20!  Another hack is to fill it up with water first and test the water temperature with your elbow to make sure it’s not too hot or cold once you add your little one.
3. Emergency wipes. Chaos always seems to strike when you are least prepared (especially with boys pee can spray everywhere when they get out of the tub), so I’ve learned to have wipes within arms reach at all times if possible. 😂 I just got these shea butter wipes and love how moisturizing they are! They are from Walmart’s exclusive brand, Parents Choice, which has dermatologically tested products that are free from bleach, perfumes, etc. and it’s all great quality and at amazing price points.
4. (On that same note…) Pay attention to your products. I have always had super sensitive skin and realized while Beckam was a baby that my babies would have the same issues, so I’m super picky about baby hygiene products I use. Luckily baby products are usually safer and they use more natural ingredients. I just got this Hello Bello baby oil for an extra dose of moisture (winters in Utah are brutally dry!). It’s extra sensitive and also plant-based (Also love their diapers!).  Noodle and Boo is another baby brand that works really well for sensitive skin snd their stuff smells so good!
5. Stay put. Of course this one is a given, but it cannot be said enough, don’t leave your baby unattended under any circumstances. Nothing it worth the risk of getting distracted of giving your attention anywhere else!

Would love to know any other tips or hacks you have for newborn or baby bath time!

XX, Christine

*In collaboration with Walmart.

The post 5 Hacks for Stress-Free Baby Bath Time appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Some of the cutest baby essentials!

It feels crazy to think that this baby could be arriving any day now! These last 9 months have flown by! When I was pregnant with Beckam, I was prepping and buying things throughout the entire pregnancy but this time around I’ve ended up procrastinating so now I’m trying to knock everything out at once! So I did a giant haul last week and knocked it out all at once!

MAMAROO: I used the Mamaroo with Beckam and he loved it! It rocks and sways plus has built-in toys and can pair via bluetooth to play music so if you are tied up cleaning or you work from home, it’s like having an extra set of hands around to help!

OWLET:  Baby monitors are an obvious must, but I’ve had so many friends swear by the Owlet Smart Sock! It tracks the baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels and notifies you if it senses something isn’t right. These literally lifesaving products are so amazing and I’m so grateful for technology advances like this! So cool!

BATH: This is my all time favorite baby shampoo/conditioner it smells AMAZING!! Also one think you don’t think about is trimming babies’ nails, but they grow so fast! I always worry about accidentally hurting them, but this little nail set is perfect for their tiny little fingers and toes. It also comes with a compact travel case which is really convenient.

BABY BLANKET: My sister-in-law made a fleece blanket for Beckam when he was born and he wouldn’t let that blanket leave his side for years! I grabbed this one at buybuy BABY and it was so soft, I couldn’t say no!

CLOTHES: This is an obvious one, but my staple clothes items are neutral onesies (you can never have too many – who knows how many you will go through in one day even? haha) and soft mittens and socks so they can’t scratch themselves. I had no idea about mittens on my first, and Beckam scratched his face the first night and I was so sad, feeling soooo bad and then found out little mits. It was just something I never knew about until I had kids (maybe everyone else knows haha) but I love these organic ones in neutral colors. Also I found this 3-pack of chenille booties that look so cozy!

SWADDLES: It used to be all about the tricks for swaddling with blankets, but the buybuy BABY in-store specialist said this one gets amazing reviews and my best friend swears by it!  It’s under $30 and so worth avoiding the headache/confusion of memorizing all the latest swaddling techniques.

ON-THE-GO ESSENTIALS: I had a baby stroller donated by a brand, but buybuy BABY had what seemed like 100 different strollers and you could test everything in store! If you don’t know which one you want, you can set them all side by side to compare, or test putting them up and taking them down. Out of everywhere I’ve been, they definitely had the most selection – same with car seats! This is the stroller we got and I’ve heard AMAZING things about it!! A lot of my friends swear by it.

BOTTLES: Another obvious one, but I wanted to share some of my favorites. I bought this bundle and love all the cleaning and drying accessories. Also the Dr. Brown bottles were Beckam’s favorites so I stocked up again for the new baby.

CARRIER: I had tons of friends recommend the Babybjorn carrier – it gets amazing reviews and it’s so pretty in person. Can’t wait to use it!

I also grabbed a few more baby toys, muslin blankets, etc. while I was in store. The whole process of prepping for baby is so much easier when you can go into a one-stop-shop and get it all at once, especially when you are down to crunch time! I loved that they had so much variety in brands and products so you can see it and compare everything in person. The in-store staff was super helpful since they could tell me the main differences between products and they also tell you which are their best sellers or the new cutting-edge products on the market. One thing they said was really popular is this nursing pump that fits right into your bra! My milk dried up pretty fast last time so I wasn’t able to breastfeed for long, so I’m not pulling the trigger on it right away but if I can nurse longer then this is a must. If there is a buybuy BABY in your area I definitely recommend it! Super helpful, wether you are creating a registry or just going on a haul for yourself 🙂

Below are a few more baby essentials I picked up from buybuy BABY:

xx, Christine

The post My Crunch Time Baby Essentials appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Popcorn in bed! Some of my favorite mom moments are the simplest moments like these!

These shorts are so soft and love the ruching detail (they also come in this sweats version too). I also got this retro bralette and bottoms set. Their cotton bra and underwear are some of my favorites!

DETAILS: PAJAMA BOTTOMS (UNDER $20 – WEARING SIZE S) | WHITE CROPPED TEE (UNDER $15 – WEARING SIZE M) | GREY BRALETTE (UNDER $15) | GREY BOTTOMS (UNDER $10)

CODY: BRIEF BOTTOMS | WHITE CREW NECK TEES (3 PACK – UNDER $20) | BLACK BRIEF BOTTOMS (3 PACK – UNDER $20)

BECKAM: COTTON STRETCH BOXER BRIEFS (3 PACK) | WHITE TEES (3 PACK) 

MARA: BRALETTE AND BOTTOM SET

WES: BRIEF BOTTOMS (3 PACK) | WHITE TEES (3 PACK) 

Adding another one to the family, there’s always a fear of not being good enough or falling short in some way, wondering how Beckam will adjust not being the baby anymore, and about a million other thoughts! But I think one thing I’ve learned is that most of the time I create these things in my head and worry about things that often never happen haha. Anyone else? Being a mom, a good mom, was something I’ve looked forward to since I was a little girl. And I know there are days I nail it and I can tell my kids feel so loved, and other days I know I’m falling short, but the biggest thing I’ve realized is how much my attitude as a mom can affect the whole family! So I wanted to share 10 habits I’ve found help me to be a better, happier mom:

Expressing gratitude.

It’s so important to be mindful of everything you have to be grateful for! Whether it’s expressing gratitude to your kids, your spouse, or even just consciously acknowledging or writing out everything you have to be thankful for, it will help you focus more on the positive versus the negative.

Being open-minded.

There is no perfect way to be pregnant or to be a perfect mom. What works for your neighbor may not work for you, and that’s ok! Be open-minded to other people’s perspectives and way of doing things. and be okay if things aren’t always perfectly put together. Putting unrealistic expectations on yourself for what needs to be done, or how your kids should act or what they should be achieving just sets you up for stress.

Not comparing yourself.

In that same vein, they say comparison is the death of joy and it couldn’t be truer about motherhood! There will always be moms who might be more organized than you, a better cook, etc. Instead of comparing yourself to see how you stack up, focus on yourself and your goals. You are your own benchmark! Praise yourself for the things you’re good at, whether it’s just mentally or actually saying it out loud.

Exercising.

The more pregnant I get, the harder it’s been to stick to a regular exercise routine, but staying active is just as important for the body as it is for the mind! Find some type of exercise you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine. Right now, swimming laps is my favorite form of exercise – not only is it a great way to beat the heat, it’s also a lifesaver in alleviating the restless leg syndrome I’ve had this pregnancy.

Focusing on the positive.

During another sleepless night last week, I listened to a motivational speaker and loved what they said about focusing on positive, empowering thoughts. It’s all about confirmation bias – your mind will automatically search for information or experiences that reinforce your beliefs. So if you tell yourself your are failing as a bad mom, your mind will always pick out those experiences to reinforce that belief and disregard anything that disproves it. This applies to everyone, in every stage of life. It’s so important to focus on the positive and things that can empower you as a person! Reflect on your thoughts… are you choosing ones that empower you?

Knowing when to ask for help.

There are always going to be days that are stressful and overwhelming – don’t be afraid to ask for help! You’ll start to identify triggers or signs that you are running out of steam, so before you feel completely drained, enlist help. Have your kids go to the neighbor’s house to play for an hour or get someone to help you come tackle a cleaning day. And get creative! It doesn’t always have to involve spending money. You can trade off with neighborhood moms or find creative ways to get an hour to ‘refill your cup’ without hiring a babysitter.

Being open with other moms.

I was talking to my friend the other day who I look to as a great mom. She’s a stay at home mom and always does a great job planning stuff for her kids. She was saying that sometimes she feels she doesn’t have the creativity to sit and play pretend dolls for long periods of time, and after 5-10 minutes she catches her mind thinking about other things. I have that same problem, and hearing someone I look to as a great mom say the same made me feel better. I thought it was just me! Being open with other moms about your struggles or on the flip side, fun things you do with your kids, will create a space for advice and learning – and you can only improve from learning from others!

Making time for yourself.

Obviously you love your kids, but make sure you are getting time away to nurture yourself too. I love going out to get a mani/pedi, going to dinner with a friend after the kids go to bed, or just going shopping. Target is always my happy place – I could wander the aisles forever! Or for some ‘you’ time at home, get the kids riled up for a wrestling match with dad to get some of their energy out. It’s literally Wes and B’s favorite thing to do! Whatever it is, just make sure you are regularly carving out some time for yourself to do something you love so that you don’t lose yourself in your role of ‘mom’.

Encouraging others.

One of my best friends is so good at sending me notes reminding me I’m a great mom, and honestly they MAKE MY DAY. Take a moment to lift other moms up around you and let them know something you appreciate or admire about them. Have you ever noticed that the more you focus on helping or encouraging other, the more joy it brings to your life in general? Not that that’s the reason you should do it 😉 but you know what I’m say. 🙂

Knowing that you are an amazing mom.

There will be days you have mom guilt or feel burnt out, but it’s important to remember how much you do and focus on the ways you are succeeding. Especially when they are young, kids look up to you like their hero and all they want to do is hang out with you. So cut yourself some slack and realize you are doing a GREAT job!

Do you guys have any other habits of happy moms you’ve learned? Let me know below in comments! You can also see more of my posts on motherhood and life of moms here.

XX, Christine

The post 10 Habits of Happy Moms appeared first on Hello Fashion.

I shared some of my favorite lunch/snack organizers in this post that make back-to-school life so much easier (like this one and how cute is this one?!) so I wanted to share a few recent lunch and snacks I put together in B’s bento box lunch box. I always end up with a few pre-packaged snacks since they are so convenient, but prepping a bagel sandwich or some fresh fruits and veggies or cheese help round out the meal. Pinterest has so many cute and creative lunch ideas so there are endless inspiration ideas available and it makes such a difference when the kids open up their lunch box or snacks! Beckam’s face when he saw I added some of his favorite cereal as a treat was priceless haha.

Below are some other products to make packing lunches and snacks a piece of cake.

PIN NOW READ LATER: 5 FUN AND EASY LUNCH/SNACK IDEAS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON

XX, Christine

The post 4 Easy Lunch Ideas for Easy Back-To-School appeared first on Hello Fashion.

1. OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO | 2. ABC BOOK | 3. LLAMA LLAMA BOOK SET | 4. LITTLE BROTHER SET | 5. ONESIE SET | 6. GREY UNISEX ONESIE PACK | 7. BALL SENSORY SET | 8. BLOCK SET | 9. STUFFED WHALE (ON SALE) | 10. SHAPE  MAGNET SET | 11. PATTERNED PLUSH THROW | 12. SWADDLE SET (ON SALE UNDER $25)| 13. MUSLIN BLANKET SET

Last night I finally sat down and started ordering stuff for the baby and it started to sink it! My due date was moved up a few weeks, so I feel like I need to get everything settled and in order as soon as possible so I’m not having to worry about the details once the baby comes (especially if he makes an early debut!)

I shared a few of my tried & true products from my first pregnancy along with some new products I’m excited to try in this post, but today I wanted to share some staple items for your baby registry and right now everything is under $25!

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS! We just lost a ton of our baby/kid books when our basement flooded – they were all contaminated so we had to throw them out and even though insurance reimbursed us, it’s a little daunting to begin recollecting baby and kids books, but these are a few of our favorites:

1. OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO – Even though baby might take a few years to catch onto it, the messaging in this book is one of my favorites, even as an adult! It’s never too early to start on this Dr. Seuss classic.

2. ABC BOOK – Start with the basics with this ABC board book. This was one we lost in the flood that I knew I would be replacing.

3. LLAMA LLAMA BOOK SET : Board books are a must have with infants! I feel like they are unexpected double duty because somehow they always turn into teething toys too. Love this one!

CLOSET STAPLES. Does anyone else get just as excited about getting kids clothes as pieces for your own wardrobe? Below are a few great basics:

4. LITTLE BROTHER SET – These little brother pieces are getting me right in the feels and this set is under $10.

5. ONESIE SET – Subtle prints in the best neutrals will make the perfect pieces to mix and match.

6. GREY UNISEX ONESIE PACK – And of course a multi-pack of simple, grey onesies. If you read my last post, you know how much I swore by these with Beckam!

TOYS & SENSORY SETS. What’s a nursery without a few toy additions? Love these for once they start to get to an age where they enjoy toys:

7. BALL SENSORY SET – A cute ball set is a great way to stimulate imagination and sensory development.

8. BLOCK SET – I can already picture Beckam playing blocks with his baby brother! Love the color of these and they are under $10.

9. STUFFED WHALE  – Also you can’t say no to a stuffed animal. How cute is this one (on sale under $20)

10. WOODEN SHAPE  MAGNET SET – This set comes with wooden shapes and magnets – another great development tool once they hit that age.

BLANKETS & SWADDLES: These are as much a comfort for babies as it is a necessity for mom! Here are my top picks for the baby registry.

11. PATTERNED PLUSH THROW– Beckam got a fleece blanket when he was a baby and he would not part with it for years! He could not leave the house without it. It’s crazy how attached kids can get to a blanket – love this neutral, unisex option on sale under $10.

12. SWADDLE SET – These are moms best friend! Love the colors in this set.

13. MUSLIN BLANKET SET – Mom tip: can never have too many muslin blankets. This is a great item to add to the registry.

Walmart has endless baby products so it’s a great destination to use for your baby registry, not only for affordable finds like these staples under $25, but also for the big ticket items. (Like the Snoo! I’ve heard amazing things!) Below are a few more great pieces at multiple price points that would be perfect for your baby registry.

XX, Christine

*In collaboration with Walmart.

The post 12+ Baby Buys Under $25 appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Love this bra! So comfortable and the perfect mix between bra and bralette.

Also these boxers – so soft and I love the color!

DETAILS: WHITE FOREVER F’IT BRA (ALSO GOT THIS ONE) | HOODED CARDIGAN | BLUE BOXER SHORTS (ON SALE UNDER $10) | ALSO GOT THESE GREY JOGGERS (ON SALE UNDER $20!)

It’s been a while since I’ve done a 5 things post, so here we go. ❤️

1. I’m officially in my third trimester! 💫The first trimester was rough, second trimester honestly just felt really up and down – I was emotional and not myself. The end of the second trimester and beginning of my third, I have been loving! I definitely feel very pregnant, but I love feeling the baby kick. I kind of know what to expect when I’m going to get heartburn and when my back will start hurting, but I’ve just felt connected these last couple weeks, more so than the rest of my pregnancy. I’m loving this stage right now!
2. I watched season 3 of Stranger Things and fell asleep in almost every other episode. I loooved the first two seasons but felt like this season they had too many things going on and it felt more depressing. 🤷🏼‍♀️
3. I’m in a major nesting phase. I really love being home right now!
4. As I get ready for baby to come, I’ve been wanting to stock up on comfy clothes Especially because I’m due in the fall, I know we will be hibernating more. A lot of my old loungewear and bras are too small so I ordered a few new bras from Jockey (I have like 3 off their sports bras and love them!) They are so comfortable. They are from the Jockey Forever Fit Collection and all of the pieces in the collection have the support of a bra but all the comfort of a bralette. They all have a stretchy infinity underband and are wire-free like bralettes, but they also have the hook and eye closure like a standard bra so you can get the perfect fit. I got this one in white and also love this teal option. Also have to mention these grey sweats I got too because they are the softest, comfiest thing every. Probably going to be living in those.
5. I keep waking up in the middle of the night craving pancakes. Especially McDonald’s pancakes 🥞but I haven’t had any weird pregnancy cravings, like random things paired together like they talk about in movies – I haven’t experienced this with either of my pregnancies actually. Did you guys?

Below are a few more of my favorite loungewear pieces from Jockey that have been getting me through my 3rd trimester:

XX, Christine

*In collaboration with Jockey.

The post 3rd Trimester! 5 Things Update appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Nighttime routines are one of my favorite times of the day, especially when we have Mara and Wes. Beckam always gets so excited when they are home and wants to do everything with them!  Even our routine moments are automatically 10x more fun with Mara and Wes here.

We got a bunch of Oral-B Cross Action Toothbrushes from Costco and the kids all got to choose their own color.  These brushes, toothpaste, and floss are all available at Costco. They are running a deal – $4 off for toothpaste and floss each and $5 off these toothbrushes from now through June 16th so grab them on sale! Costco is our one-stop shop for pretty much everything we need on a daily basis!

You know sometimes when you are doing something, and the kids are in complete chaos, and then time almost freezes, the kids are laughing so hard, and you realize you are watching memories you don’t want to forget. It’s not always the grand moments of memorable vacations or big occasions that stick with you, but sometimes it’s those small, repetitive moments and routines that you might take for granted. Sometimes I catch myself rushing them to bed and getting everyone ready, that I miss how silly they are being. They other day they were laughing SO hard making the silliest faces and stories as they brushed their teeth. Beckam pretended he was flossing his teeth with Wes’ “stink tutes” – yes so gross, and 95% of the time I’m like, guys stop using potty words, but they were almost crying they were laughing so hard so I just sat back and laughed. And it hit me, these are my favorite moments, the little moments every day that bring us all together.

What are some mom moments that you think are underrated? Would love to hear!

XX, Christine

*In collaboration with P&G. 

The post The Moments I Take For Granted appeared first on Hello Fashion.