What's in Stella's Easter Basket

So, the Easter Bunny emailed me the other day, and everything is prepped for Stella's basket come Easter morning. You should know I absolutely LOVE the holidays, and try to make them fun.  Since Christmas was just four months ago, and we were overloaded with toys, I thought some fun Spring/ Summer necessities would make great basket fillers, and of course some candy peeps (It wouldn't be Easter without them).

Today I share with you what's going to be inside Stella's Easter basket, in case you need some inspiration and ideas for your own littles' baskets.

Beach Towel

Ibiza Flamingo Beach Towel (Pottery Barn Kids)

With the sun making its appearance these days, you are bound to be spending a lot of your time by the pool, near the beach, or on vacation. A beach towel is a necessity that will be used for all these events so why not add one to your child's basket.  Flamingos are all the rage right now (prepare for a round up of my faves soon), so this flamingo print is right on trend. Pottery Barn Kids has recently launched their new Summer collection, full of the cutest beach towels for your babes you can even have personalized. 

Sidewalk Chalk

Egg Chalk (Pottery Barn Kids)

We spend many afternoons outside playing in our back yard, and on our driveway. One of Stella's favorite things to do is doodle on the sidewalk. Some new sidewalk chalk is sure to be on every kids wish list, and is an inexpensive addition go add to your basket. This Egg chalk set from Pottery Barn Kids is too adorable, and fits right in with the Easter theme. 

Lunch Box

Mackenzie Aqua Moroccan Retro Lunch Box (Pottery Barn Kids)

Stella's Lunch box I bought for her last year needs a replenishment, so I thought the Easter bunny should grab her a new lunch pail. I'm loving the retro lunch box style, and this Moroccan aqua print is gorgeous for the spring/ summer season. 

Peeps

This iconic Easter candy belongs in every basket. End of story. 

Toy

Disney Animators' Collection Doll (Tinkerbell)

Of course, one very special toy had to be included in her basket, and since Peter Pan is one of her favorites right now, this new addition Tinkerbell Animators Doll is going to make her scream with excitement on Easter morning. Other princesses in the collection include Ariel, Belle, Pocohontas, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Merida, Tiana, and Snow White. 

Bathing Suit

Tulle Ruffle Bikini & Swim Cap (Janie and Jack)

Since you added a beach towel, might as well add a new bathing suit while you are at it. Janie and Jack has some of the cutest retro swimsuits for girls, and this Pink Ruffle Bikini and swim cap is pretty much to die for. The Easter Bunny grabbed this one during their Friends and Family event, I recommend shopping early to grab your favorite pieces during promotions and sales.  I cannot wait to see Stella hit the pool in this number this summer. 

Moccs

Sunshine Bow Moccs (The Coral Pear)

I totally have hopped on that Moccassin band wagon, and am loving all the fabulous styles out their for kids right now. One of my favorite Mocc Shops is The Coral Pear, and their Bow Moccs make the perfect gift for girls. They just launched their newest color "Sunshine" that are going to look great with all of Stella's Spring/ Summer wardrobe. 

Book

"If I Were a Rabbit" (Jellycat)

A book to add to your child's library makes a great basket filler. I'm a huge fan of the touchy/ feely books from Jellycat, and this Rabbit version is perfect for Easter. Great for Infants, and toddlers. 

Accessories

Knotted Headbands Mod Collection (House of Mia)

Whether it be sunglasses, a bow, or jewelry a fashion accessory to use for the new season is sure to be cherished. I am so in love with the trio sets from House of Mia, and this Mod collection has all the gorgeous spring colors featured to pair with your child's wardrobe. 100% organic. 

Can't wait for Stella to dig into all her new goodies. Wishing you and yours a Hoppy Easter! 

Just for fun here is a sweet little throw bak of Stella last year when she met the Easter Bunny for the first time. 

Where did this sweet little bald baby go? Time sure does fly... 

Yours Truly,

Melissa 

Shamrock Stella

So I have to work today... BOO to that !!! I think we need to make St Pattys a national recognized holiday here in the US. I mean seriously, can you think of a classroom or a business that doesn't have a clover hanging up somewhere in the month of March?

Since I couldn't be home to enjoy Stella in her St Patty's day outfit, I did what any other mom would do. I dressed her up in it a few days before and took some pics so that I could enjoy her sweet little outfit too!

Without. Further ado here is Stella's St Pattys #ootd (outfit of the day.) #incaseyadidntknow

Fashion Creds 

Tee Peek Kids /Leggings Baby Gap Jellies Mini Melissa/ Bow The Potluck Store

.... and a little bonus Shakrock Stella (since its "nice to be green!"- Kermit the Frog

Fashion Creds: Romper Gymboree / Headband  Little Kate Designs / Jellies Mini Melissa

Don't get pinched, and GO GREEN!

Yours truly,
Melissa

Sunday Best: Little Ladies

Easter is right around the corner, which means its time to start looking (if you haven't already) for your Sunday Best outfits. When I think of Easter Sunday styling, this is the time to dress to impress. Big dresses, gloves, tights, and pearls come to mind, since thats how my Mom dolled me up on this very special holiday.

 Since I am a little biased to styling little girls due to Stella, today's post is about my favorite dresses for your little girls this Easter. This was super hard to narrow down because I am such a sucker for a big fluffy dress in pastel colors. I also wanted to include dresses that were beautiful at any budget, so one of these beauties is under $20.

For you readers with little guys in mind, Sunday Best, Part 2 is all about you!

1) Enchanted 2) Janie and Jack 3) Egg by Susan Lazar  4) Carters 5) Zara  6) Gymboree

7) Dreamcatcher Baby) 8) Genuine Kids from Osh Kosh (Target) 9) Taylor Joelle Designs

I'm already getting giddy thinking about Stella in her Easter dress. She is wearing a gorgeous puff sleeve dress from Mini Boden (of course). In case you want to twin her, here is the little pretty we picked up for her.

Mini Boden

I hope you all have so much fun this Easter getting your little dolls all gussied up, and that this little round up gives you some inspiration and help when shopping this season.

Yours Truly,
Melissa

Funny Bunnies

Spring has sprung here in So Cal, and I couldn't be happier about it. The weather is absolutely perfect, gorgeous tulips and blossom trees are everywhere, and pretty pastels fill the clothing racks at my favorite stores. I love everything about Spring, including all the pretty animals coming out to play.

The iconic animal, and mascot of the season is the Bunny Rabbit. I remember when I was married on a beautiful spring day in May, little wild bunnies were hopping around the grounds, and they just added this sweetness to the day. Their fluffy cotton tails, long whiskers, and velvety ears make them one of the most adorable little animals.

 The most famous spring bunny is definitely the Easter Bunny, who hops around each doorstep delivering baskets of joy to all the kiddos. I mean any animal who can hop around in a bow tie, and deliver toys and candy definitely deserves to be celebrated, right? So to show our love for these funny bunnies, I have a round-up of an adorable appliqué pinnie dress, a gorgeous handmade doll, a modern/ organic screen print tee of the main rabbit, and the sweetest cotton tailed wristlet to name a few. Links to all the shops below.

1) Mini Boden Pinnie

2) Stella McCartney Kids Tee

3)  Zara Kids Sweatshirt

4)Baby Gap Wristlet

5) Opposite of Far Mask & Tail Set

6) Mini Boheme Doll

7) Indie Nook Two Piece Set

8) Giddy Up and Grow Hair Clip

Have a HOPPY Day loves!

Yours Truly,
Melissa

Leprechaun Littles

Valentines Day has come and gone, so being the festive lady that I am, it's time to start prepping for the next holiday. Sure I am probably only about 1/20th Irish, but St. Patrick's Day is a fun holiday for the whole family to celebrate. There are so many fun crafts and food ideas to help you feel lucky this holiday. Im not the craftiest mom, so I usually look for fun ideas on Pinterest. Here are five of my favorite St Pattys Day pins:

Rainbow Pancakes make the perfect St Pattys breakfast meal

Photo Source: Henry Hargreaves 

Food coloring and rice crispies make a fun four leaf clover treat. 

Photo Source: A Fanciful Twist 

Leprechaun Hand Print Craft

Photo Source: Meet the Dubiens

A cute and easy rainbow craft with fruit loops & cotton balls 

Photo source: Hands On As We Grow

Lucky Charms and Green Milk for a fun treat. 

Photo Source: Thoughtfully Simple

Of course my favorite part about St Patty's is the outfit. Green is a must to remain pinch free, but other fun styling ideas include incorporating fun holiday symbols like gold, rainbows, shamrocks, and leprechauns.

 One of my favorite pieces from the roundup is the rainbow tee from Peek Kids. It can be styled so many ways, like paired with a green tutu for your princess, or with a cool pair of skinnies and a green cardigan for your modern tot. No little lady's outfit is complete without the perfect Hair accessory. Choose a simple clip in like the shamrock bow from The Potluck Store, or opt for a decadent head piece like the "Luck of the Irish" headband from Birdie Baby Boutique.

One tee you can never go wrong with on St Pattys is a saying tee! This Kiss Me tee from Carters is a classic. Whether they are Irish or not, your little is sure to be showered with smoochies. This tee is easy on the wallet too! (On sale today for $6.00)

 Accessorize your kiddos outfits with little splashes of gold to symbolize the pot of gold found at the end of a leprechauns rainbow. These gold moccs from Freshly Picked are the perfect lucky shoe for your lads and lassies.

If you are looking to give your little lucky charm a present, this rainbow stacker from Imagination Kids is the perfect gift. Handcrafted from harvested wood, and painted with non toxic paint, makes it safe for the littlest of hands to play with.

1)Rainbow Tee Peek Kids

2) Gold Moccs Freshly Picked

3) Shamrock Clip The Potluck Store

4) Jelly Sandals Gap Kids

5) "Luck of the Irish" bow Birdie Baby Boutique

6) Green Chino Shorts Ralph Lauren at Nordstrom

7) Striped Shamrock leggings The Trendy Tot

8) Kiss Me Tee Carters

9) Rainbow Stacker Imagination Kids

One month countdown until we go green for Saint Patrick. Hope you and your little lucky charms have have a shamrockin' holiday! 

Yours Truly,

Melissa

We heart and "Last Minute Love You's"

Happy Valentines Day to all of you!!! I hope today you are surrounded by the ones you love, and get smoothered with all kinds of Xs & Os.In honor of it being the "day of love", I thought I would share 10 things I love, and 10 things Stella loves so you can get to know us a little better here at "The Park is My Runway".

Melissa Loves... 

Eskimo Kisses

Boyfriend Jeans

The smell of rain

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Scary Movies

Party Planning

Christmas

Wine

Sunflowers

Starbucks

Fashion Creds: Tee (Hello Apparel), Headband (The Potluck Store), 

TuTu (Carters), Moccs (The Coral Pear)
Stella Loves...

Slides at the Playground

Strawberries

Racing (Get mark, Get set, GO!)

Roaring like a monster

Bath time

Disneyland

The word "No"

Disney Cartoons

Dancing

Bubbbaaaas (Bubbles)

One thing you might not know about me is I am a procrastinator. In fact as of right now, I have yet to get my husband his valentine, although I have some ideas. If you are known to wait for the last 

minute like me, I have ten last minute gift ideas for your loved ones.

 Your lovies can thank me later, (wink, wink!) 

1) Valentines Book - Kids love story time, so why not give them a Valentines Book and write a little love note inside. What a sweet keepsake!  Photo source : Target 

2) Giant Gummy Bear - This one is for all the loves of your life, and is sure to make them feel "Beary Special" Photo Source: Target

3) Lavender Violet Mini Designer Doll - this handmade doll from PB kids is adjourned with the most beautiful lavender flower. Your little ladies will love this version of a "flower" on V. Day. Photo Source: Pottery Barn Kids

4) Ice Cream Conversation Cake- Surprise your family with a sweet treat for a quiet night at home with the adorable Conversation Heart Cakes from Baskin Robins. Nothing says "I love you" like ice cream :)  Photo Source: Baskin Robins 

5) Printable Art-  I love these printables from Pretty Plain Jane Shop on Etsy. Just download, and find  a cute frame, and voila! Valentines gift hunt is done. Photo Source: Plain Jane Shop, Etsy 

6) Jammies- I love a cute pair of Jammie's, and these Hanna Anderson Jammies are perfect for the PIXAR loving little. Photo Source: Nordstrom

7) V. Day doughnuts - one of my best friends gave us a Krispy Kreme doughnut coupon for 

Valentines, and I am so excited to get my hands one of these delicious breakfast cakes! Such a great idea to share with the co workers you love if you are headed into the office this V.day Photo Source:Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

8) Tell them "Eye Love You" with a new pair of shades. The heart shaped white ones from Baby Gap will be great for the upcoming Spring/ Summer season. 

9) Balloons- Head on over to party city and decorate your house with some festive balloons. There will sure to be "love in the air." 

10) This hint is for the men! Offer a baby free, quiet afternoon at the nail salon. If you are anything like me free time, is far and few between, so an afternoon of pampering is just what the Love Doctor ordered. (This is what I am getting this Valentines, and I am beyond thrilled! ) 

Happy Heart Day to all, and to all a BIG kiss! X

Yours Truly,

Melissa

Be still my heart

Today is January 13th which means we are one month away from Valentines Day. I was a hopeless romantic from the start, and always adored this love-filled holiday. I still remember when my kindergarten valentine brought me homemade chocolate chip cookies shaped as hearts for Valentines Day. (His mom was obviously on top of things!) I always look forward to a bouquet of fresh flowers, and feeling a little extra loved. I think it's unrealistic of those "anti-valentine" people who say Valentines Day should be every day. I believe all people with significant others should up the "anty" a little on Valentines Day, and make that special person in your life feel EXTRA special.

Any holiday surrounded on love should be celebrated in a big way. Since Stella is only one years old and has no Prince Charming yet, besides her daddy, we will be celebrating this year by making all our friends and family feel a little extra love. I think it's important to show your kiddos from the start how to show people appreciation. What better way to tell someone they are great, than a valentine?

So get get your little sweethearts ready to say "be mine" with these festive frocks and accessories.

 

Fashion Creds:

1. Rosette leggings (Little Hip Squeaks) 2. XOXO tee (Peek Kids) 3. "The way we were" headband (Birdiebabyboutique) 4. Heart shaped Sunnies (Carters) 5. Pink polka dot high tops (Toms) 6. Friendship Bracelets (Giddy Up and Grow) 7. Too cute Jammies (Baby Gap) 

I am obsessed with these rose print leggings from Little Hip Squeaks. Little Hip Squeaks is a modern small business clothing line based in Brooklyn, New York. All the fabrics for their items are printed using a non toxic water based silk screening process, so there should be no fading when cared for properly.  These pink rosette leggings are currently on their winter sale and available in size 4t. Check out their shop for more hipster print fun. 

This XOXO tee from Peek Kids is for your tiniest of valentines and is available in sizes 0 to 3 months to 12 to 18 months on www.nordstrom.com.  Pair this tee with a fabulous tutu or pink skinny jean, and your little valentine will be sure to get plenty of Xs and Os. 

Have your little girl seeing hearts with these adorable heart shaped glasses from Carters. I love finding little gems there! If you haven't signed up for their email blasts, do it! They are great at emailing coupon codes and discounts. 

I've already talked about my admiration for birdie baby boutique, so expect to see their items listed on my blog a lot! She has amazing valentines day bows, and this one called "the way we were" is a must have with the cupids arrow detail. I know my little Miss Valentine will be rocking this bow come February. 

These high top pink toms are the perfect shoe for your little love. Polka dots happen to be my favorite print this spring & high tops are the new trendy sneakers.  These are sized for baby, walker, and toddler and can be found on www.nordstrom.com. Remember that for every pair of Toms you purchase, Toms will donate a pair of new shoes to a child in need. So this shoe is not only cute, but charitable as well. 

This Valentines Day, shop Giddy Up and Grow on Etsy for this super cute friendship bracelet. Have your little girl give her besties this fashionable and sweet friendship bracelet. It is for ages 3 and up, priced at $12 each.

Last but not least, have your love bug head to bed with these Valentines jammies. I'm sure the print says it all....  "Too cute". These jammies come in sizes 12 to 18 months to 5t and are on promo for 35% off. In fact everything on gap.com is on promo for 35% off just enter the code NEWSTYLE at checkout to receive the discount. This ends today 1/13 so shop fast :) 

  

Fashion Creds;

1. Be Loved screen tee (Old Navy) 2. Conversation Heart headband (Giddy Up & Grow) 3. Peplum heart sweater (Baby Gap) 4. Boyfriend jeans (Zara kids) 5. Heart print head wrap (A Little Lady Shop) 6. Jelly Mary Janes (Mini Melissa) 7. Dress (Dreamcatcher Baby) 

So it was just too hard to create one shopping guide list for girls! Anybody with a daughter can 

probably relate, it's just so hard to not buy everything!! Lets start with this screen tee from Old Navy. I'm sorry but I don't know what happened to Old Navy over the past decade but someone there is doing something RIGHT because its come a long way from its performance fleece days. They have some awesome duds for your littles (and for mom too). I absolutely love their tees for tots and this one "BE LOVED, BE HAPPY, BE MINE" is so cool. I'm always a sucker for gold! 

Giddy Up and Grow scored again with this conversation heart headband. I love the rose print on the elastic, paired with the little pink rose, this headband is so pretty and playful! 

Since Valentines Day does fall in winter, this sweater is perfect for your little to wear on those cooler February days. Give this sweater an edgy look with some boyfriend jeans, a pair of moccs, and a headwrap. The boyfriend jeans I listed from Zara kids have a modern slouchy look for your mini me, and add instant cool. (Not like your kid needs it because I'm sure they are already the coolest). 

Speaking of head wraps, how much do I adore this one from A Little Lady Shop? This is another adorable shop you can find on Etsy. Not only is her shop full of adorable bows and head wraps, but it has one of the quickest turn-arounds, shipping within 1 to 3 business days. Follow their shop on Instagram and Facebook to hear about new products and shopping coupon codes. 

I'm sure you have heard of Melissa jelly shoes,  and now she has expanded her line for kids called Mini Melissa. Her jelly sandals come in all kinds of fun color combinations, and this red Mary Jane with pink bow detail is perfect for your little valentine to pair with her holiday outfits! 

Last but definitely not least, have a Valentines photo shoot or party coming up? This dress by Dreamcatcher Baby is as precious as they come. These dresses are all handmade and come 0 to 3 months to 3t. The fabric is printed with mini roses and hearts, and adorned with the most adorable bow. Your little darling is sure to have fun twirling in this pretty. 

Happy Valentines Day Shopping!

Yours Truly,

Melissa

Stud Muffin

The most important thing when styling your kid is to remember just that...they are a KID. Most little ones look absolutely adorable just running around in their diaper (in the closed doors of your own house).  So when dressing your kids always keep in mind to have fun with their wardrobe.

One of the most fun things to do as a parent is to experience the holidays again through your child's eyes. Since Christmas is over (tear) its time to start looking for some fun festive Valentines Day outfits. Today's post is dedicated to those dapper little guys out their melting ladies hearts all over the world. I had the best time picking my faves for this post! Please keep in mind parents with girls, a couple of these pieces would work for your little princess too. Some stores go on a frilly overload, so one of my favorite things to do is shop the little boys section for my daughter. I could totally see Stella rocking the  heart breaker tee with a red skirt, tennis shoes, and a fun bow or head wrap (because girls can be heartbreakers too). 

I am completely obsessed with this kisses beanie found at baby gap. Pair it with a red stripe tee and a pair of Levi's with a pair of classic red chucks. I don't care if you are one years old or 40 years old, nothing looks better on a guy than a pair of good Levi's jeans. For your mini romeo I found this adorable onsie at target for only $10. If you don't have "cartwheel" download the app now. You will save oodles on your trips to target. They always are posting great deals for their circo and Cherokee lines. For the future Doctors this Dr love tee is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. who doesn't love a man in scrubs? Last but definitely not least pick up these stud muffin pjs from old navy. At least once a week we opt for a Jammie day (even adults have those days they don't want to get out of their Jammie's) so pick up a fun festive pair for your little ones to rock when putting together those valentines for their buddies. 

1. Kisses beanie (baby gap) 2. Levi's jeans (nordstrom) 3. Heart Jammies (old navy) 4. Converse Chucks (jc Penney) 5. Bow tie & Suspender Onsie (target) 6. Heart breaker tee (peek) 7. Dr. Love tee (baby gap)

Hope you all enjoyed my favorites!! Have an Instagram? Follow me at "theparkismyrunway" for more mini style fun.

Yours truly,
Melissa