// Matching 'Jamas + Holiday Traditions

This post is sponsored by Kohl’s. I was paid for this post and
received the included pajamas as compensation.

While we didn't really have Christmas traditions growing up, I've always known I wanted to have traditions with my kids. We only have a few that we commit to every year: listening to Punk Goes Christmas while decorating the tree (that's definitely one I implemented haha), each member of the family gets to pick one new ornament for our collection/tree, cinnamon rolls on Christmas Day, and matching 'jamas for the boys (that they normally open on Christmas Eve). Personally I always watch 'Love, Actually' too - usually on Christmas Eve if I can squeeze it in! It's been important to me to only incorporate traditions that are simple in nature, and easy to continue. I never want our holidays to feel like a chore. I love to create low-key activity advent calendars for the boys if I'm up for it, but some years it's just too much. I feel like we've struck a good balance overall.

In the spirit of the holiday I've partnered with Kohl's to share America's Favorite Jammies. Destination Dreamland is Carter's holiday sleepwear collection, featuring new colors and themes, like this precious polar bear and buffalo check pairing. They were so soft when I opened up the packaging. I would 100% wrap myself up in them if they came in my size. Unfortunately for me the Destination Dreamland collection only comes in baby, toddler, and little kids sizes. They have footed jamas with non-skid soles, safety tab to keep the zipper in place on one-piece fleece jamas, and elastic back heels to keep the footies on. For girls they have nightgown and doll gown sets (precious!). The pieces come in cotton, polyester, and fleece options. And the cherry on top of it all, Kohl's always has amazing sales and coupons so you can score a couple sets of these precious pajamas.

The boys were tickled pink to get their jamas early. I have to admit, seeing them all matchy matchy just makes my heart sing, and makes me wish I could get away with dressing them alike 24/7. Snapping these photos in front of the Christmas tree just makes it all the more real - Christmas is coming! Quickly! While I'm not typically a fan of cold weather or winter, I love Christmas and the excitement surrounding it. It makes the freezing temps feel a little more bearable. (Heh, bearable...get it?)

How about you and your family? Any fun holiday traditions that you try and stick to, year after year? Do you do Christmas pajamas, too?

Also, what do you call pajamas?
Jamas? Jammies? Jam Jams? PJs?
So many options!

xo KB

PS; I don't have a photo of 2015 or 2016, but here's a sweet snap of the boys on Christmas Eve 2014, wearing their matching bug pajamas from a Carter's collection. They weren't holiday themed, but oh my stars aren't they the sweetest?! My babies were so little!

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These affiliate links are not associated with Kohl’s.

// Easter Recap

Easter baskets my mom made for the boys (+ even a combo basket for me and Mike!)

Mike and I are atheist so making a big to do about Easter might seem a little strange. We don't personally do church or anything like that, but like Christmas we simply see it as a time to spend with family. Of course I also really love gift baskets so I rarely miss an opportunity to whip something together for the boys. While the full view of their baskets might look totally overkill, they're comprised of a handful of Spring activities I had stowed away until the weather broke. I racked up on little gardening tools in the Target dollar spot, got some glow in the dark bracelets/sticks from the Dollar Tree, and picked up some super fun toys for Toby to play with from Michaels. I also snagged the pipe cleaners and pom poms from Michaels, too. We've been having a blast with both of those as silly as it sounds! Oh and Linden's Hide and Squeak eggs (they're so inexpensive and FUN!) and Wash & Dry dish set are both from Amazon. Each of the boys only got a couple of pieces of chocolate in the large eggs in their basket. Mainly because they join in on the Easter egg hunt next door and HOLY EGGS! There are HUNDREDS! It was so fun to watch them all try to scramble to get the most. Linden was a total natural. Pip was his egg hunting dog, too.

We spent Good Friday over with Mike's family. Mike had to work so he stayed at home to sleep (boo!), but we had a lovely time with everyone. Of course they dyed eggs, decorated cupcakes, had a scavenger hunt, and then hunted for eggs. It was a long and tiring day, and poor baby bear was a little bit bonkers by the end of it! Grammie Terri made the grandkids super fun Easter baskets, too, so needless to say the kids were stoked. So many baskets! 

My contribution to the Flynnfest Easter fun

Did you do anything to celebrate Easter/Spring?

xo KB

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PS! Michaels currently has a coupon (in store and online) for 20% off your ENTIRE purchase - including sale items! Only lasts til tomorrow!

// Our 2015 Holiday Cards

I'm so head over heels in love with our holiday cards for this year! We didn't get around to doing any last year... or the year before that. This was the first one of us as a family of four! I wasn't able to lock down a family photo shoot in time to get seasonally-appropriate photos, but I did manage to use the film photos we shot back in the summer. I love that Linden and Toby are the main focus of the pictures. Since they were self-shot, we didn't get any with the four of us. Toby did take the stellar one on the back cover though! I love looking at that photo because despite the fact he's not in it, I know how overjoyed he was when we let him run around with the camera. Toby gets so proud when he photographs things, and it's definitely a skill I want to help him build over time.

Since these were our first cards in so long, and because so much has changed in the past year, I wanted to go all out with a tri-fold design. More bang for my buck! The more the merrier! This design was a template on Shutterfly, and it only took me about 10 minutes to do it - start to finish! I love the chalkboard texture and style of the card, too. I'm so so excited to mail these out later this month! I think my favorite thing about the cards is that I didn't have to narrow it down to just one photo. I love simple cards, but since I didn't have one of all of us, I wanted to showcase a variety. (Pretend you don't notice that I used one photo twice! haha) The matte finish of the cards is really nice, too. I ordered the matching return address labels, just to continue the theme. The heavy black writing on the envelopes helps tie the design together (in my opinion!) Overall I'm pretty stoked on the outcome. It was fast, easy, and I think they're so stylish! Normally I love to design all of my own things, but there were too many good designs to choose from. I'm going to make sure I stow one card away just so I can have it as a keepsake! I'm not the only one who does that, right? (I seriously have a box with a wedding invite, college graduation announcements, birth announcements, etc! I'm sentimental, y'all!)

Do you and your family do holiday cards each year? I'd love to see them! (If you're hoping to have some made in time for the holidays, Shutterfly is having a 30-50% off sale right now!) You can also try a free Shutterfly card to check the quality, too. Just use the code CARD4U.

xo KB

This post is in partnership with Shutterfly and Collectively, Inc. All opinions and words are my own!

// Post-Holiday Reflections

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't glad the holiday hustle and bustle was over, but at the same time, I'm sad to see it go. I feel like I have so much Christmas spirit in November, but as it inches closer and closer to the actual holiday, I get exhausted by the thought. There's so much to do, so many families to see, so much food to eat. Even though I'm totally zonked by the end of it, I really enjoyed it this year. We were able to see so many people in such a short span of time, and it's always lovely to see those faces. Toby had an absolute blast, too. And the cherry on top? We were leaving my parents' house yesterday when two of my very best friends in the world, Elle and Bryan, were driving by to see Bryan's dad (who lives 3 doors down from my parents). If we had been even 5 seconds later walking out the door, we wouldn't have been able to see them. (They're our friends who moved to NC earlier this year - we went to visit them in September!) Even 10 minutes to hug and chat in the driveway was perfect! That totally made my day!

There has been a lot of napping going on in our house lately. The cold winter weather just makes me into a hermit and I hide under all of the covers. I don't like to wish days/months/seasons away, but I'll be glad when Spring finally hits! I'm just not a cold weather gal. My parents left for their annual holiday vacation on Christmas afternoon. They're roadtripping down to New Orleans and then the southern Texas coast for the next week or two. In the meantime we're responsible for their two dogs, too. Phew! Lots of driving back and forth, back and forth. But judging by the photos they keep posting on Facebook, they seem to be having a good time! (I'm eagerly awaiting our summer vacation! C'mon!)

That 'Mom' necklace up there is what Toby made me for Christmas... I bawled like a baby when I opened it. Silly, I know. But I was just a basket case of emotions. It's so sweet! And my sweet husband surprised me with a hand-hammered, rose gold wedding band... the exact same one we lost on the farm on our wedding day. Finally my ring set is complete! I feel so spoiled by these two fellas... I'm a lucky lady!

Toby is still out of school until January 8, so we've got a long week and a half ahead of us haha. Things have been quiet around the blog lately, but I figure everyone is just as busy/tired/in need of a break as I am. I have a couple of things left to post before the new year, but I'm really excited for the new year. How about you? What have you been up to for the holidays?! Anyone else trying to chart out their new years resolutions or intentions?

It's crazy to think that the end of 2013 is finally here. I'll still be writing '2013' well into June I'm sure... it's inevitable! haha

// Holiday Traditions

Ever since Toby came to live with us permanently, I've had a newfound appreciation for holiday traditions. I know it's not as simple as saying "Well, we're going to do this ever year!" but I guess it makes sense to start somewhere and think with intention, right?

We started off December with Toby's Alternative Advent Calendar and it's crazy that we're almost finished already! It was a lot of fun to put together and we've been able to spend so much quality time as a family this month. Of course if we do make this a yearly thing, we'll probably change things around a little bit next year. For example, be more mindful of our schedule so we don't over do it, and maybe take it easy on the time-intensive activities so late in the season (Gingerbread house, I'm looking at you!) But overall, I loved Toby's excitement for his calendar and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Pajamas are a huge Christmas tradition trend and this year is the first year we're planning on participating. I love me a good pair of pjs and so does Toby, so hopefully it'll work out well! For those of you who do the pajama tradition, how do you do it? Do you each get the same (or similar) pajamas? Or does everyone get something different? This year everyone got something different, but I'm excited to wear them Christmas Eve!

Every year we add a "family" type ornament to our tree to commemorate the year. Sometimes we buy it, sometimes we make it. Mike and I started this our first year together. This year we decided to expand on that a little bit and each person in the family gets to pick their special ornament to add to the tree. I love seeing Christmas trees that have a lot of personality, and I think ornaments are the perfect thing to be passed from generation to generation. I'm not sure that the next generation in our family is going to want a lot of glittered donut ornaments, but ya never know! Haha Truth be told, we try to buy ornaments that reflect things that have happened over the year. For instance, this year Mike bought a little pipe ornament because he's been hand whittling pipes for himself and friends. I love that. It's fun to look back and remember those little events as time passes.

This next tradition has nothing to do with Toby or Mike, but it's one that I've had since (before?) college... every Christmas Eve I love to watch Love Actually. I don't know why that is my go-to Christmas movie (especially when there are so many other great holiday rom-coms!), but it is. I love that Netflix always adds it back for the Winter. We'll be going, going and going come Christmas Eve this year, but I fully intend to make it happen! Even if it means I watch it on my phone on the way to a family get together! haha

Despite being almost 26 years old, I always spend Christmas Eve night at my mom's house, and I've woken up there on Christmas morning every morning except once (and that was a pretty miserable day so obvz I blame it on not being at home!). Apparently she's spent the last 363 days worrying that I'll never wake up there on Christmas morning again, but I'm happy we're going to stay with my parents this year. I think it's nice to wake up surrounded by people you love, and why would we want to miss out on that?! Plus, my mom makes a mean breakfast! I've already put in my request for chocolate gravy and biscuits! (Any other Southerners out there love chocolate gravy in the morning?!)

Sometimes I think the best traditions are the ones that we don't think about... the ones that sort of fall into place and just become assumed. Of course now that we have a family I'm trying to not over do it by saying "Oh this will be a tradition! And this, too!" because that seems to take a little bit of the magic out of it, right? But seriously, it's hard to not want to just "MAKE ALL THE TRADITIONS!" 

How about you? Any traditions for the holidays as you grew up? Or anything that you do with your significant others/family/kids/friends/alone? I love hearing how others celebrate the season!

// 18 Easy Halloween Snacks For Kids + Parties

If you're a parent of a young'n, chances are likely that a Halloween party is in your very near future. I've been brainstorming what I wanted to whip up for Toby's Pre-K party next Thursday, but feeling a little uninspired. What's a mom to do in that situation? Pinterest. Sometimes Pinterest overwhelms me, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it. I spent part of last night scouring the site for some inspiration and I picked 18 of my favorite kid friendly ideas!

I tried keeping it peanut-free since peanut allergies are so common. There are a few dairy-free options, too, as well as ideas that lean a bit healthier than others. I'm still not totally sure what I'll be doing for Toby's party, but I'm hoping it's: quick, simple, can be made the night before, and is easy to distribute. 4 year olds are pretty messy by nature... so those rice krispie snacks are looking good... But boy oh boy they're sticky!

Here are the 18 ideas I liked (clockwise):

ONE:  frankenstein rice krispie treats // tootsie pop spiders // spiderweb pretzels // candy corn marshmallows // tombstone pudding cups // TWO: ghost poop goodie bags // candy corn rice krispie treats // "boonanas" // mummy pretzel bites // spider bites // THREE: pumpkin cupcakes // frankenstein cones // ghostly oreo pudding cups // vampire apples // frankenstein marshmallow pops // FOUR: peanut butter eyeballs // mummy pops // jack skellington cupcakes

Any other fab ideas you want to toss into the ring? This girl is all ears! Happy Tuesday!

Small Biz Saturday - Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Small Business Saturday! I'm excited for holiday shopping this year because we're buying almost all of our gifts via small businesses (well, aside from those that we're making). I think SBS is one of the best new traditions our economy has and I'm so stoked to be supporting some amazing artists. Today I wanted to celebrate by sharing a gift guide that could appeal and apply to so many of those people you may be buying for! I've worn/purchased/received or used something for each and every one of the people below, and I stand by them 100%. The quality, the craftsmanship, the experience. I'll just let you see for yourself!

Crystal makes these amazing state illustrations where she went in and drew each county in it's respected shape. We've had the Tennessee ones in Honeybean for a bit now and people just love them. We also have some Nashville map prints with the candy! She's happy to customize to suit any city, and she can even make the state prints any color (or combination of colors!) It's a simple gift but it seriously says so much. We love having something so sweet for Nashville. ---> Click here to shop!

I've talked about these collage prints a hundred times I'm sure, but I love the ones we have on our walls. We have 4 (I think!) and I adore them so much. There's something so playful and sweet about them. They come in a variety of sizes so there's a little something for every occasion. ---> Click here to shop!

We also carry Molly's line ViviDot in Honeybean! I love the variety of fabrics she uses for her fabric covered button pieces. One of my favorite sets is the cheeseburger hair pins! (Seriously, come see Honeybean today and pick up a pair!) I think I really do love silly novelty prints + accessories! (The coupon code was borrowed from PaperNStitch's big annual sale post!) ---> Click here to shop!

Of course I'll include my own best friend. But not because of that alone -- mainly because I love the little products she creates. This fox earwarmer piece is no exception! She just listed tons of new styles + pieces in her shop so head over and see what she's got! ---> Click here to shop!

Another dear friend: Beca! (and Doug!) I've had a pair of their sunglasses for well over a year and they're still as good as new! Toby likes to wear them when we're in the car, even though they swallow his head haha The heart shaped Lolitas are so dreamy, but my favorites are the cherry oversized round ones! They're offering a nice little discount for the holiday so see if any tickle your fancy! ---> Click here to shop!

If you don't follow Lauren of Emerging Thoughts on Twitter, you should! She's a total hoot. She also runs one of the most successful independent online boutiques! Always full to the brim with dainty dresses, ridiculous accessories (I love my Kanye quote necklace!) and pretty bits, it's a one stop shop for all things independent! ---> Click here to shop!

Love the bohemian style with a little bit of an eclectic edge? Moorea's jewelry is just that! I love my Galaxy ring. It's the perfect amount of "spunk" for any given outfit. She's been molding her own arrowhead rings as of late, too! The free pair of earring deal is good for today only so head over and stock up! ---> Click here to shop!

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Hope all of you fellow small biz owners have a happy + successful day today! If you're having a sale in your shop, leave a comment below with the details!

Pet Holiday Gift Guide + Suitcase Bed DIY

I thought it'd be fun to share some pet friendly gifts for the holidays since I'm sure most of you have a furry critter in your life! It's no secret that Pipkin and Georgia are basically our children and we love them so much. Puppy presents are some of my favorite to pick out each year and this one is no different! Here's a few things I think would make rad gifts!

I received a package from Lucy over at Fair Ivy several weeks ago and it's like a fun little grab bag of sorts! The items are handmade and always exciting and different. I opted for the Fur Ivy package for the girls and they're loving the contents. It arrived and I opened to find a fun flamingo doll and some pup-friendly fortune cookies (Kind of felt like fate since Mike and I have a fortune cookie ~thing). Fur Ivy boxes are now on sale for a crazy low price, 40% off! You can read more about the Fur Ivy packages here (or their other packages: Fair Ivy, Fred Ivy and Fun Ivy). There's one version for dogs and one for cats, too! 

Another fun idea is a super cute new collar! My girls don't wear collars (fat necks! They're the harness type) but Alejandra from Doe A Deer sent these over for my mom's two dogs: Charlie and Lacey! I am absolutely in love with this sweet strawberry print! I really love the pop of colors, too. They're incredibly well made and ship quickly! See more size and pattern options here! Oh, and if you need a shock collar for small dogs to help with training, you can find some pretty cute ones too.

Homemade pet treats are a super fun idea, too! I love these doggie donuts! Aren't they adorable? You could also get some catnip-filled strawberries for your favorite felines!

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And if you're feeling really up to it, you could even build them a custom vintage suitcase bed for napping! I love the look of them but could never justify the pricetag associated, so Mike and I headed to Lowe's to build our own! We weren't sure we'd be successful so we used a huge janky Samsonite suitcase we had stored away (so Georgia could fit!). We wouldn't be heartbroken if it didn't work and we lost the suitcase. Anyway, it was a super super easy project. You do need a drill, but you can have the wood pieces cut at a home improvement store, so you don't need to worry about that! It probably took all of 15 minutes to actually make. If you're interested in the process, peep below!

What you'll need:

• Vintage suitcase
• 1x4 wood cut to size (2 slats to fit the width)
• 4 internally threaded furniture legs
• 4 leg braces with screws (found next to the furniture legs)
• Properly sized drill-bit (We used a 7/64")
• A pillow insert for the "bed"
• Drill

First you need to unhinge the top of the suitcase from the bottom. Some suitcases are as simple as a screw, and some (like ours) have rivets that you can just drill right through to pop the top off. Many Samsonites are built this way. It takes a little arm pressure, but it's easy! Remove and discard the top portion of the suitcase.

Then rip the lining out of the suitcase. Some people may choose to leave it, and that's fine. We wanted to be able to see where we were drilling.

Place your cut boards into the front and back of the suitcase to help keep it stable. Figure out where you want them to go and mark it with a permanent marker or chalk.  Then place your braces inside those lines to mark where the screws will go. This is where you will drill through.  The back should have 16 holes when you're finished with this step.

Now you can use the screws that came with the braces to attach them to the outside of the suitcase. Attach all 4 of them and then screw the furniture legs into the braces. ETA: We actually had to screw through the middle section of the brace, too. So we ended up with 20 holes! Depending on how long the thread is on the legs, you may need to screw through there, too!


Then you can sew a simple rectangle, stuff it with filling and call it a day! You now have a sweet pet bed! (Don't mind mine... It's lumpy and poorly sewn, but you get the idea!)

The furniture legs can be really expensive at the home improvement stores, so if you have some time, look them up online and order them! These simple wheel-like legs were $3 a piece (most were $8!) and that can add up quickly! You could even repurpose old furniture in your house or something from the thrift store! The final product cost us less than $20, but if we had been more creative then we could've done it for under $10! I'm planning on making some cuter ones but this one will do for now! (They both actually really love it!)

Give all your pets lots of hugs from me! xo

Do you celebrate the holidays with any of your pets? Do you like to make/get them gifts or hang stockings?