Let’s talk IG vs. reality… On the daily instagram serves us ultra-curated snippets of perfection. Perfect angles, perfect lighting, spotless homes with farm sinks and all white aesthetics. And then the holidays hit and it multiplies – elaborate family costumes, porches decorated to the nines, kids smiling in photos. It is so easy to scroll on social media and feel like you aren’t doing, buying, planning, being “enough”. This Monday Mindset is here to remind you are enough and your reality is beautiful even if it looks nothing like one of those curated squares. Let go of the pressures to do/be/buy more & instead just be. Let’s embrace the parts of the holidays we truly enjoy and let the rest of the expectations go! This halloween is completely different for us, because everyone is sick. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t felt the pangs of disappointment that Will is missing wearing his costume to school and their Halloween Party, but at the end of the day I’m disappointed because I’m attached to that expectation. As soon as I let go of all the expectations I had and welcomed our reality it felt easier to shift gears and decide to make the most of our halloween at home this year. So whether you’re a crafty mom, and event planning mom, an amazon prime mom or some combo like most of us, here’s your reminder to leave your phone in the other room, let go of whatever expectations you’re putting on yourself. The funny thing is when we take a deep breath and slow down and be, our kids mirror that energy and you might just get a genuine smile.
Tag: holidays
Charlie Brown, a Cowboy & a Zebra…
Here are some photos from the Halloween party we went to on Saturday. The party was hosted by the family I used to nanny for, so it was super special taking Will! William was Charlie Brown & then Chris & I pulled together super quick costumes (zebra & cowboy), & I gotta say I loved our low key costumes! Will did great at the party despite it being much later than he’s used to staying up! For Halloween we aren’t really celebrating. I’ll be working, which is always interesting & I have yet another low key costume planned.
Christmas Time & 22 Weeks
I can’t believe Christmas is upon us! We are leaving today to spend Christmas in Austin with Chris’ family. Even though we won’t be spending Christmas day at home we decided to get a tree anyway. I love how festive it makes the house look. I feel like I blinked & autumn disappeared. This Christmas feels extra special since it’s our last one before baby arrives. This week I hit the 22 week mark & I feel like each morning I wake up & my bump is bigger than the night before. I told Chris I definitely wanted to get some bump pictures in front of our gorgeous tree & I’m so glad we did. I feel like I’ll always look back on these & remember this in-between time of life, waiting for our new family member. We started feeling baby from the outside now & it’s so crazy! I’m excited for a getaway to Austin. It’ll be nice to just have some downtime with family. I’ve already compiled my list of places I want to eat while we’re there. Once we’re back in San Francisco I know it’ll be go go go. I’ll be working a bunch in January & we have a few trips planned & some serious nursery work to do!
Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!
Xoxo
Last Minute Gift Guide!
Holiday gift giving can always be a little stressful especially as Christmas gets closer. Whether you’re searching for a gift for a friend, coworker, in-law or secret Santa, this guide is sure to have something for everyone on your list! This guide also contains DIY projects that make excellent low cost gifts, personal gifts.
DIY Terrarium – This is an easy inexpensive project that makes for an impressive gift. Also, it’s a great gift even for someone who is worried about killing plants, you can place air plants or succulents which are super low maintenance & nearly impossible to kill. Just remind them to mist once a week & keep in indirect sunlight! Find the tutorial here!
Kate Spade small square studs $48 here. These square studs come in a variety of colors, my personal favorite are these blush pink ones. These make for a great girly gift. Who doesn’t like receiving one of those precious Kate Spade boxes?
DIY Scented Candles – follow the tutorial here to make an easy handmade gift that’ll impress anyone on your list!
Set of 3 Painted Wooden Vases here $46 . These vases are neutral enough to add a cute accent to any home or apartment.
Patent Prints – This etsy shop has poster of patents for everything under the sun. I purchased a set of golf club patent prints for my brother. You’re sure to find something for everyone at this shop, whether it’s kitchen decor, or a Lego patent for the play room. This shop offers unique gifts for someone who has everything.
DIY String Art – This DIY tutorial is an easy gift that anyone will love. I first made the Texas state one for my husbands birthday when we first were dating & he LOVED it. I finally got around to making the California one, they hang side by side in our hallway & they’re constantly getting complimented! Here’s the tutorial for how to make this awesome decor piece for less than $25!
On the go Gulpy – This ingenious product is the perfect gadget for any dog owner on your Christmas list! We used to have to carry around a water bottle for the dog plus a little bowl. inevitably the bowl would get knocked over or the puppy would chew through it when we weren’t watching. We use this anytime we’re taking the dog out for hikes or even just on a road trip. This was a game changer, I guarantee any dog owner will love this gift!
Spiralizer – – This was an item that was on our wedding registry that I ached for! I use the spiralizer about once a week to make my “faux carb” pastas. It’s an easy way to create healthy low carb meals. This is the perfect gift for someone who loves kitchen gadgets. William Sonoma also offers the spiralizer with a companion cookbook, however if you don’t want to spring for that, a quick search on pinterest can land you hundreds of recipes. Find it here!
Personalized cutting boards. Anything from family names, monograms to breaking bad boards! These make great gifts for the newlywed couple on your holiday list!
East Bay Mama 