Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ...

1. Sweet little plush fiddle. Maile has been pretending to play the violin a lot; she'd love this! | 2. Essie's Fashion Playground. For both of us, of course. | 3. Perfect spring sandals! | 4. A fun DIY project to do together. | 5. A new watch. | 6. This printed dress for girls, that caught M's eye, is darling. | 7. An alternative to the plain white sheets on our little girl's bed. So cute. | 8. I'm an AG convert! These jeans look like they would be amazingly comfortable, post-baby. | 9. A 'diaper bag' for Mama. Awkward shoulder straps be gone -- backpacks are my new love.

More Maile & Mama posts here.

Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ...

1. A Barbour-esque coat, in mini size! | 2. The most darling slipper shoes. | 3. A simple wooden nativity. | 4. Bright copper kettle. | 5. Maile is really into "ballerina"/"princess" dresses now! | 6. A pair of heels I can actually see myself wearing. Two-tone! Yes, please. | 7. Itty bitty floral leather sneakers. 

More Maile & Mama posts here. 

Small-Town America

We just returned from the quaint city of Pella, Iowa.

We're enjoying time together as a family,

unpacking,

and trying not to think about Tim leaving for work again.

Back soon!

Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ...

1. I recently went back to blonde (the hue my tresses have been most of my life), and I'm loving the summery change. | 2. The most adorable knit elephant dolls from Blabla. I can just hear Maile now: "Elephant a princess!" | 3. Summer necklace. | 4. I need to finish Maile's room ASAP. This bookshelf styling, with little girls in mind, is perfect. | 5. I've been wanting to start a gratitude journal. Isn't the leather detail here beautiful? | 6. It's settled. If I had a scooter, it would be this one. And one for Maile, to match, please! | 7. The sight of this handwoven vintage Kilim rug has seriously made me rethink the styling of Maile's room. I've come too far to turn back now, but ohhhhhhhhh, would I ever love this piece in our home! | 8. I'm almost -- almost -- ashamed to admit how much I covet these Liberty print Nikes. I'm totally behind the sneaker wedge trend ... I'm just not sure I can pull it off. | 9. Baseball season is in full swing, and Maile has outgrown last year's gear. A pink Giants hoodie? Perfect!

More Maile & Mama posts HERE.

Have you entered our Kindred OAK giveaway yet?

Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ... on my little wish list for Maile and me ...

1. Eyelet dress. | 2. Adorable toddler swimsuit. Daisies are my favorite flower. | 3. Cutaway flats! | 4. Gorgeous walnut step stool -- perfect for wee helping hands. | 5. Little sandals. | 6. Bright and cheerful spring display. | 7. Maile almost has enough hair for a top knot. Can't wait! | 8. Original Hunter boots? Yes, please.

More Maile & Mama posts HERE.

Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ... on my weetle wish list for M and me ...

1. A pretty, vintage inspired pony. If only my hair was this long! | 2. The perfect puzzle stackers for M's ever-expanding mind. | 3. Winter wedges. | 4. The cutest bike bell. ever. For the classic red Radio Flyer trike that will be waiting for Little Miss under the Christmas tree. | 5. Waterproof-lined canvas backpack (for Mama). For playground days that include snowmelt and wet clothes (like Sunday, hehe). | 6. Darling little tee! 

What's on your wish list? 

More Maile & Mama posts here.

Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ... on my weetle wish list for M and me ...

1. This dress! | 2. A natural wooden bowling set (of penguins), for indoor play as the weather cools. | 3. Bewitching bangles. | 4. A petite pinafore, perfect for tea with Alice. | 5. A first art pouch. I think Frida would approve of Maile keeping crayons in this beauty, don't you? | 6. Pen-and-ink pet print. | 7. Pumps! Fiercely foxy.

What's on your wish list?

More Maile & Mama posts HERE.

Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ... on my weetle wish list for M and me ...

1. Hello, sexy nursing-friendly date night top! (Is it weird for you that I put the words sexy and nursing next to each other? It is a little for me, but let's go with it. Because nursing mamas can need to be sexy, too. Not too sexy. In public, anyway. But a bit. Moving on ...) | 2. Fancy sunglasses from Cutler and Gross. | 3. I have yet to purchase one, but Zara makes the most stylish baby dresses. | 4. A sweet children's travel book ... Mr. M and I have actually been to Venice, and would love to take Maile there someday! | 5. Flatforms. I want to try them. And these are gorgeous. | 6. A chalkboard wooden laptop. Darling. Will it stop M from trying to destroy my computer? Probably not. | 7. A push & roll that makes "gentle" sounds. Genius.

Is it fall yet? What's on your wish list?

What We Wore - California Edition II

On Maile: Flower Clip: Handmade (similar here) | Top: Carter's | Shorts: Joe's Jeans (similar here) | Sandals: Gymboree (similar here)

On Mama: Tank: J.Crew | Bracelets: J.Crew (similar here), House of Harlow | Sunglasses: American Eagle (similar here) | Shorts: J.Crew | Sandals: Rainbow

When the temperature is well into triple digits, there are few options: namely, shorts, tanks, and nothing that requires socks! We successfully fit the entire family's California wardrobe into one suitcase, so with the aforementioned temperatures, and such a limited wardrobe, I decided that a trendy print was the best way to spice up Little Miss' look. I love Maile in orangey-reds ... or any shade of orange, for that matter. Citrus hues look amazing against her olive-toned skin, and gorgeous brunette locks. She is too much -- and I don't think I'm saying that just because she's mine! ;)

Have a happy Monday, everyone!

What We Wore - California Edition

Our first day in NorCal, the forecasted high was 110 degrees. At one point in the day, our rental SUV read 117, and I'm positive it was right. It's hard to be fashionable in that kind of heat, but we tried.

Here's what we wore!

On Maile: Bow: Handmade | Tee: Gymboree | Skirt: Gymboree | Sandals: Gymboree

On Mama: Tank: J.Crew | Shorts: American Eagle (similar here) | Sandals: LuLu*s | Sunglasses: American Eagle | Earrings: Gorjana (similar here)

In our family, the fact that I am a stay-at-home / work-at-home (during the school year) mama, and wife to a roughneck, means we are on a strict budget. We typically shop for clothing once or twice a year, so I tend to stick to quality basics, and mix them up with more trendy accessories.

I used to have a huge problem with lusting after designer clothing (okay, sometimes I still do), but the fact of the matter is, the great majority of it just doesn't fit our lifestyle. I find that if I am able to incorporate one piece here or there from time to time -- here, my earrings -- it keeps me feeling like I am meeting that acutely girly need of mine.

We also strive to be a cash-only family ... something we are fairly successful with. This does limit where we shop, but I also feel that all of these things will make this feature more accessible. In sum, be kind. :) I'm 4'10", and I ain't no Gisele, but I know I'm going to enjoy these posts, and I hope you will too!