Tomboy Chic

Since starting this blog in January we have one hundred percent embraced shopping from small business in addition to our favorite retail stores. I love mixing and matching the pieces to create looks that are unique, and speak to Stella's style. This "Tomboy Chic" tee from Geofox Apparel totally describes my bow loving, dirt playing, monster roaring princess. (Ps. This tee is available in adult sizes as well, so twinning is a total option here!) 

Screen tees are obviously great for toddlers because they are comfortable for them to play in, but they are also super fun to style. You can go casual with a pair of leggings, tuck it into a girly skirt, or pair it with printed bloomers like the ones Stella wore today from Crew and Lu. 

Tee Geofox Apparel | Headband House of Mia | Bloomers Crew and Lu | Sneakers Converse

To pair with casual clothes, and every day wear I am loving the knotted headbands from House of Mia. This one is part of a set of 3 called the Mod Collection. The reason I love these headbands, is that they are extremely well made from 100% organic cotton, and come in a variety of fun prints and colors. The headbands are extremely durable and keep the hair out of Stella's face. 

I hope you enjoyed Stella's outfit of the day as much as I did! I'm already excited about taking these pieces and styling them in other ways. 

I hope you have a great week! 

In other news you still have two more days to enter our Kissy Kissy giveaway. See post for details. 

Yours truly,

Melissa 

Cinco de Mayo: Señorita Stella

Happy Cinco de Mayo Friends!!! Although we are not Mexican, we do live in Southern California, so Mexican culture is definitely something we embrace and celebrate. Today Stella is getting in on the fun by wearing an authentic dress made in Mexico, that my sister got for her when she was vacationing in Cabo. She also got her these gorgeous hand painted maracas, that are one of Stella's favorite toys.  She has been rocking out all morning! If I wasn't working tonight I would probably be joining in on the fun with a delicious margarita! Us moms need to let loose too right (so have one for me... deal?)

Señorita Stella's Outfit of the Day 

Dress & Maraca- Handmade in Mexico| Sandals (Gap Kids) | 

Bow (Birdie Baby Boutique) 

Viva la Mexico! 

(Natural) Bow designed by Birdie Baby Boutique is an older style. Handmade with Burlap, linen, and a doily, this makes for a beautiful statement. 

Little Compadres (Minnie & Stella) 

Get it Stella! 

Have a fabulous margarita sipping, taco eating, mariachi listening, Cinco De Mayo!! 

Yours Truly,

Melissa 

Peeps and Piggies

This Easter was so much fun with Stella. From meeting the Easter Bunny, dying eggs, and putting her basket out, we made some amazing memories. Stella loved it all, but I think it's safe to say that Stella's favorite part about Easter was the candy. This week she has been chewing down bananas, macaroni and cheese, strawberries, and PEEPS!! (The four main food groups in our household at the moment.)  I seriously have to hide them because if she sees them on the counter she will go nuts. Who else is on the Peep plan this week??

I swear I'm throwing away any leftovers by Sunday.

Tee Mini Boden | Shorts Gap Kids | Moccs The Coral Pear 

Ok we are officially peeped out now. 

Yours Truly,

Melissa 

Wild Child

Today was my 30th Birthday and I spent it the best way ever! No Dirty Thirty Party, no big trip, just a little visit to the zoo with my husband and baby. Trevor, my husband, works so much, and he surprised me by taking the day off. I have been wanting to take Stella to the zoo to see the animals, so this was a very anticipated trip. Although we live about 20 min away from the LA Zoo, I can't say I have ever been. When we loved in Portland, Oregon going to the zoo was one of our favorite dates, so Im not quite sure why we never hit up the LA Zoo. If you haven't been I definitely recommend it. It's shady, with lots of different animals, lots of space to walk, and roam free. 

I'm A Wild One Tee Slyfox Threads | Leopard Headwrap Free Babes | 

Shorts Mini Boden  | Sandlas & Sunnies Gap Kids

My favorite shot of the day was when she froze in complete shock at the big turtle walking. We have a turtle statue in our backyard that she loves to sit on, so seeing a real one really threw her for a loop. 

This was Stellas face all day. She loves being outside and being able to run free. She is also completely in love with her Daddy, so being with him always brightens her day. (Mine too) 

The Flamingos were definitely Stella's favorite. I think she would have stood in front of them all day and yell at them of she could. 

The LA Zoo has the coolest carousel, where kids can choose an animal to ride on. Stella is spoiled since her Daddy bought her two rides. She choose a giraffe, and then an ostrich. It looked like so much fun I hopped on a monkey right next to her. 

My people 

I always want to remember these moments. Her facial expression when she first saw the crowd of pink flamingos. The cute little come here gesture she made at the huge elephants. Those sweet little moments are what make the tantrums, the spills, and the lack of sleep so insanely worth it. Being a mom, and a wife have given my life so much meaning. A day like today was the best birthday gift I could have ever received. Having an entire day to spend  with my family, and make memories is like birthday cake to my soul. Working now full time, can make it difficult to make memories like this. 

Today I am grateful. 

Yours Truly,

Melissa 

Way back Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, WHATEVER! Feels like yesterday

Tonight I am feeling sentimental. I had a couple of posts lined up for party ideas, and little digs, but I can't seem to stay focused, because I happened to stumble upon some baby pictures of Stella, and I seriously feel sad. Don't get me wrong I am so proud of all that she has learned, and to be honest I am definitely more of a "toddler" mom than a "baby" mom, if you get what I mean. I just cannot believe how fast time is going. Please tell her to stop growing! I love this little baby so much, and feel like my life didn't start until I became her mom.

So tonight/ morning depending where you are reading, to feed my emotional outburst, lets take a little walk down memory lane, to Stella Rose (newborn years).

One from Stella's Newborn session, just 8 days old draped in my Grandma Rose's vintage pink pearls. This picture we used as her Newborn announcement.  

Such a fashionista from the start . Sleeping and fart smiling in Marc Jacobs

At just a few months old Stella had the pouty lip stare down. 

Bow : Birdie Baby Boutique| Dress: Mini Boden | 

I remember anxiously waiting for Stella's hair to come in. Now with the most adorable Shirley Temple golden curls coming in, I look back at this sweet little bald baby and tears come to my eyes. 

I know this saying is completely played out, but cherish every sweet moment. They grow so fast. 

Yours truly,

Melissa 

Mommy's Shadow

This past week has been one of the most joyful times since I have become a mom. Stella is FINALLY saying "MAMA"!!! Stella has been saying words since she was 10 months old. First came Dada which is still one of her favorite words to say. (She is completely and utterly in love with her Daddy) Then came gaga (grandpa), doggie, bubbles, banana, honey..... The list goes on and on, but for some reason she just never said mama unless she was crying. Now at 19 months Stella calls for Mama all the time, and it was worth the wait. That one little word completely melts my heart, and makes me so incredibly happy. 

With this exciting new word added to her vocabulary, this Mommy's Shadow tee was the perfect top for our family outing. We hit up one of our favorite restaurants Taco Surf, located in Huntington Beach, where Stella got to eat her first lollipop after eating dinner. She looked so dang cute eating her sucker, I knew this was a moment I wanted to capture, so out came the camera. I am so proud of Stella, and feel blessed to have the sweetest little shadow follow me wherever I go. 

Tee: Slyfox Threads Headband: House of Mia  | Shorts : Susie's Customs ( IG shop) 

Sunnies: Gap| Sandals : Target

Stella is officially a member of the lollipop gang. I think it's her new favorite accessory. I totally approve, especially since she looks so darn cute eating one. 

Hope you enjoyed today's Stella spotting! 

Yours Truly,

Melissa

Black, White & Gold: Stella's OOTD

I have had this little outfit hanging in the closet for close to a month now waiting for a special outting, but I just couldn't take it any more. I was off, and we were going to meet Daddy on his lunch break so that was special enough for me! 

I have been loving all the gold accents this season for kids. Leggings, collar necklaces, bows, and now suspenders.... As Sugarplum Lane Baby Boutique puts it "gold is the new black" Every piece in Stellas OOTD I highly recommend for your littles. This little Dudette tee is perfect for summer, and these high waisted shorts from Sugarplum Lane Baby Baby Boutique are so comfy and easy for your little to play in. These shorts also come in multiple color ways of polka dot print, pink chevron,  floral, and chambray. 

One of my favorite bow/ hair accessory shops is Little Kate Designs. This particular bow featured is handmade with leather, and attached to the metallic glitter band of your choice (gold or silver). While you are shopping Little Kate Designs, you might as well throw in some of their leather braided headbands. Any orders $30 and over receive 25% off their entire purchase. Just enter code: Little25 at checkout. 

Since I loved Stellas little #ootd so much I thought a small photo session with my iPhone in our driveway and backyard was a grand idea. I know I'm her mom and I am biased but she looked pretty darn cute. 

If you love this look below are links to each item and their shops. Also see blog post ( Black, White, and Gold All Over ) for more inspiration. 

High Waist Shorts & Suspenders Sugarplumlane Baby Boutique| Little Dudette Tee Slyfox Threads| 

Black & White Leather Pinstripe Bow Little Kate Designs | Gold Mary Janes Mini Melissa | 

Hope your day sparkles! 

Yours truly,

Melissa

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