Shop Small - My Faves!

If you follow along with me on any type of social media, you would know that I'm obsessed with dressing my little dude in all things trendy and grown. A year or so ago when we found out we were pregnant with a little boy - I vowed to not dress him in planes, trains, dogs or dinosaurs UNLESS it was uber modern. 

I love (some people might say obsessively)  dressing Kingston in handmade goodies from shops on Instagram and Etsy. The ladies behind these shops dedicate hours to their craft and it really shows. All the pieces I have received are of great quality and come at a really decent price. But if $15-$25 is a little more then you would pay for a piece of baby clothing ... just wait till the next holiday and you'll find that these shops do sales galore! I'm sure for St. Patties Day there will be lots of 15% off around the web. Follow along and be sure to snag something the next time they offer a deal! 

Below I've rounded up a bunch of goodies from some of my favorite brands/shops that are on Kingston's must have list. A few might even be under the sewing machine and on their way to me in a few weeks!  

Tops

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(This is going to be Kingston's Easter shirt!)

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(Part of Kingston's first birthday outfit -- and YES I'm that mom who thinks about these things 6 months out)

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(We have some multi-colored cassette tape harems coming that would work perfect with this!)

Bottoms 

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(These pants are purchased and will be arriving for Kingston to wear for Easter with his Jesus saves bro shirt!)

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(2 for $14 leggings - we have 9&11 on the way!) 


Shoes

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(All her booties are so amazing but they are always sold out. If you want some of these bad boys you have to be quick and snag them as soon as she restocks!) 

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Accessories 

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(Kingston has 8 of these slouchy's - I would love to add this one to the collection!) 

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Aren't all these lovelies just ... lovely? These days I'm obsessed with harems and leggings because they go over our cloth diapers so easy. I'm sure daycare loves them too because when I send him in jeans they literally have to throw him over their shoulders and have to 'jump up and down just to put 'em on'. 
And I've always been on to add accessories - whether its bibs, bow ties or hats. 

Can you see any of your littles rocking any of these pieces? If so - head on over to these shops and show them some love! 

Kingston's Closet: 1st Day of School

Kingston's first day of school. 

Onesie // Carters Thermal Bodysuit

Jeans // BabyGap - similar

Moccs // similar 

Socks // Nike 

Bandana Bib // handmade by me

5 on Friday

1. I confess . . . I went 9 months without trimming my hair and this past Tuesday I finally went. Yikes! Why do I always wait so long? It was so needed and I feel so refreshed. I need to stop being so cheap and start pampering myself a little more. 

2. I confess . . . I'm in desperate need of a massage. My back and neck from breast feeding, looking down constantly at my precious baby and the lack of ab muscles from my pregnancy and c-section have really taken a toll on my back and posture. 

Maybe I'll treat myself to one for CT's birthday. I'm sure he will love that gift!  

3. I confess . . . I get excited to change a diaper these days. 

How can you not when it looks like this? CT and I have begun cloth diapering while at home and when we are out of the house for short periods of time. Things are going great so far and I love keeping those pennies in our account!

Plus, look how cute he is. Our chunky monkey in his farm print! Love it!! 

4. I confess . . . pumping to build up our milk freezer stash is exhausting. So far we have about 200 oz in 8 weeks but my goal is 500 by the time I go back to work in 8 weeks. I better get off the pc and go have a date with my double electric. 

5. I confess . . . I'm super excited to complete my first 'girl' puff quilt for a customer. Coral and mint looks so pretty together! 

If you are new stopping by - thanks! - but I hope you'll stay longer and follow along! 

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, A Blonde Ambition.

5 on Friday

I love these types of posts because it's a time where I can get totally random and just spew whatever is on my mind! 

1. If anyone knows me or follows me on Instagram, you know that I love to 'craft'. I dabble in just about any and everything. Right now I'm obsessed with accessories for my little man. Check out what I've been working on this week. 

The top two bandana bibs are going out to a lucky little fellow but every bib I make for someone else I make one for Kingston too. Win win! Also, I upcycled this children's place jacket into a vest. I found it at a consignment store for $1.50 - cut off the sleeves, took a blade to it and added a little bleach! 

So cute and so trendy! 

2. This year I'm planning on making most of my Christmas gifts (if friends or family read this - act surprised when you get them!). I might as well put my craftiness to good use and save a little money. I'm thinking jewelry, scarves, candles . . . who knows! 

What handmade gift is your go to? I can always use new ideas. 

This is one gift I made - a hand embroidered monogram necklace. 

Think about all the different possibilities. 

3. The countdown has begun. I'm anxiously awaiting next Thursday night - Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder.

 Check out what else I'm watching this fall.

4.  CT has his first home football game tomorrow. Fingers crossed that Kingston has a better second half then he did at his last football game. He gets super fussy when he's tired, but I'm not complaining because when he does sleep he sleeps for 7+ hours (at 7 weeks - go BabyWise!). 

5. I officially have two months left on maternity leave. It's crazy how fast time is going by. If only I could be on permanent maternity leave and stay at home with my baby forever. *sigh* A girl can dream. If you'd like to help me accomplish this goal - check out my Etsy shop. 

I'd give anything to stay at home with this cutie all day every day! 

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, A Blonde Ambition.

Kingston's Closet - Crushin'

Just a few items I'm crushin' on for Kingston's closet. 

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Etsy has some really fun graphic tee's for the little ones and I'm trying to decide which one Kingston needs first. Santa needs to hurry up and come because my wallet can't handle all this cuteness. 

Help me decide - which is your favorite? 

5 on Friday

1. Well, fall has smacked us right in the face with the whole weather change. 52 degrees today. What the fudgesicles?! Maybe I'm a baby but I had to turn on the heater in my car this morning. AND we don't really have the appropriate clothing pieces for our little man. Time for me to go find him some itty bitty jackets and sweaters. Anyone seen any good deals lately? 

2. Someone needs to make an invention that keeps a paci in a babies mouth. I know this would make my life easier. Can I get an Amen?

3. Tomorrow CT heads to Nebraska for the second weekend in a row for another football game. Kingston and I made the trip last weekend and surprisingly the drive went really well. We went up early to stop off at my parents house for a few hours and to help cut the trip time down. The first peep he made ended up being as we were pulling into town = score! Unfortunately, we messed up his 'routine' and the second half of the football game was brutal. 

I have a cranky baby when he's tired. 

 Bandana Bib

Slouchy Beanie

4. I have two small packs of disposable diapers left and then we will embark on a cloth diapering adventure. I built our cloth diaper 'stash' while I was pregnant and since having Kingston I've realized how easy and convenient disposables are. CT really wants to try them out but I need a little more convincing. 

5. Allergies suck. 

My eyes itch. My throat itches. I'm sneezing a thousand times. It's brutal. I didn't have them as a kid and came into them during college. I wish them on no one. 

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, A Blonde Ambition.

5 on Friday

Happy Friday! 

Usually I would start these posts with TGIF, but everyday is basically my Friday since being on maternity leave. I don't know what I'll do when I have to return to work in November. :/

Anyways . . . 

1. I went to a Doterra essential oil party last night and I left overwhelmed with information. It sounds legit and there was really good testimonials. Anyone have any experience with them? I've seen them all over Instagram lately so I'm curious. 

2. I have lost 31 pounds since having Kingston 5 weeks ago. How crazy is that? I only gained 26 pounds while pregnant so I'm down an additional 5 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. I officially got 'cleared' from the Dr. on Wednesday so now it's time to start the toning process. Unfortunately, I lost all my booty that I worked so hard for 12+ years (playing volleyball). I'll be working on that plus regaining my abs. Thank goodness for Pinterest! 

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3. I am so thankful I was passed on the creative genes. My dad is an art teacher and his mother owned a quilting store. Anyone who knows me knows I love to craft/sew/add paint to everything. Check out what I've done this week! 

Ballin' 

Superhero

Cycles 

These reversible bandana bibs are being sold in my Etsy shop! They are made from high quality cotton and minky - with two snap closures that can fit from infant to toddler! 



4. Pray for me as I go on my first road trip tomorrow (alone) with Kingston to watch CT coach his first game of the season. Wichita KS - Crete NE. Thankfully Salina is on the way so we will stop and see Nana and G-Dub! 



5. I received a Target gift card and scored some goodies at the clearance racks today. Of course I didn't even look for myself, only the little man. 

Looking forward to the weekend. It's suppose to be in the 70's this weekend. I can't wait!

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, Diary of a Real Housewife

5 On Friday

TGIF! 

Can I get an ayyyyyy-men! 

Here are 5 randoms for this Friday. 

1. Today officially makes us 10 days out from our due date. I can't believe it's almost time for CT and me to meet Kingston. We are so ready for him to join us. Our house is ready (I think), his clothes are washed, car seats are in the cars, and our bags are packed ... now we are just waiting on him. Some moments throughout the day I feel like I could be pregnant for a few more months - and then I'm quickly brought back to reality with the various pains I'm feeling. Hurry up already little man!

2. I added a few more Puff Quilts to the Etsy shop last night! I am so thankful for the ladies who have purchased from me these last few weeks. I hope this little venture continues to take off - and hopefully we won't be struggling as much as I think we will while I'm on maternity leave. 

3. Speaking of maternity leave - I'm officially on break starting next Wednesday. 

I'm already dreading heading back and I haven't even left. For all you mama's that went back to work -- what helped with the sadness? 

4. I'm about half way through the book Baby Wise. If you haven't read it, it talks about parent directed feeding and how to get your child to sleep through the night by 8 weeks. This is a very controversial topic but I think it's a great idea. My friend sent me a quote today that perfectly describes the process: 

" As parents, we teach our kids how to be good humans. We teach them how to say please and thank you, how to drink from a cup, how to get dressed, and how to tie their shoes. No one would argue with this. Why then, do we shy away from teaching them how to sleep and eat at normal times? It's not cruel, it's a service to them. A gift even. And I'm a much happier momma and productive person when I've had sleep as well" 

I would love any feedback or tips you have on this process! 

5. Bentley has been extra cuddly lately and I love it. In a few more days his world is going to be turned upside down and I hope he takes to Kingston like we do. He's usually jealous if anyone has our attention so I'm interested to see how this all pans out. 

Can you tell my mind is 100% on baby? 

Hope you have a good Friday and if you are stopping by from the link up - I hope you will follow along as I try and navigate this new journey of motherhood! 

Week 32

How far along: 32 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Large Jicama - I don't know what that is but according to our sonogram today - it's probably a fruit that's close to a 4lb 5oz baby

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +20 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: I've counted 4 but none on the belly. =(

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: Awful. I can't fall asleep and then I wake up at least 3 times to use the restroom. 

Best moment last week: Our 4 day weekend: baby moon/birthday weekend to Dallas! 

Shopping. Food. More shopping. Sleeping in. More food. Losing money at the casino. 

Worst moment last week: Earlier today we found out Kingston is still breech. What a little booger. Looks like I'm placing a call to a chiropractor tomorrow and if that doesn't work we will have to schedule the ECV around week 35.

 (where they manually try to turn him from the outside) 

Youtube it. I dare ya.

Miss anything: Sleep. Being able to see my lady parts and having unswollen lady parts. TMI? 

Movement: He's super active all the time these days. I love it and so does CT. 

Cravings: Ice cream. 

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: Meeting with some daycare providers this week.

Prayer Request: This week I pray for Kingston to not be stubborn and to flip on his own and to find the perfect child care provider for our little man. 

So cute but so stubborn! And a thumb sucker?? Oh lawd! 

PS - Check out CraftingAFairyTale on Etsy! I've made tons of goodies for Kingston that I would love to recreate for you. 

Week 31

How far along: 31 Weeks 

Food Comparison: 4 Naval Oranges

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +19 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: I've counted 4 but none on the belly. =(

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: My night goes kinda of like this - sleep from 11a-245p, rest room break, toss turn toss turn toss turn until I wake up at 530 to go to the bathroom, then toss and turn until my alarm goes off 15-45 mins later. 

Best moment last week: The three day weekend! I wish we had those every weekend. 

Also - making Kingston an awesome mobile! 

Minky, felt, batting, and bakers twine!

 I love all my mama-made decorations. 

Like it too? Let me make you one! 

Worst moment last week: Backaches galore and he is definitely playing in my ribs these days. 

Miss anything: A few things but I wouldn't trade my little man for anything.   

Movement: This little man is active! Luckily I haven't really had any painful kicks or jabs but he is moving up a storm in there.

Cravings: Not really. I'm having to make myself eat these days. I'm not really hungry.   

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: My birthday (on Friday)/ babymoon - we are taking a road trip to Dallas. Casino, IKEA, Dillard's clearance, Nordstrom rack, pool, food trucks, and diner drive-ins and dives. Then seeing Kingston next Monday. We have another ultrasound to see if he's officially turned into the right position.

Prayer Request: This week I pray for comfort. I'm so thankful I was able to make it to 31 weeks without being super uncomfortable - but the time has come where I'm really starting to feel pregnant. I pray that Kingston calms down on the tickling of the bladder and the kicking of the ribs. 

Family Time

Whew! What a weekend. It's hard getting back in the routine of things coming off a 3 day weekend, except really for me it's a 9 day weekend! 

Yey to not starting my new job till next Monday! 

This weekend I left CT at home since he had football and school, and heading North to spend some much needed time with my family. I hadn't been home since around April so it was good to be home. 

My mom always spoils me when I go home. I don't know why I don't do it more often! Crab legs and shrimp, lunch dates, pedicures, new work clothes. She's the best! 

Myself and my sister with 4 of our cousins out in aggieville! 

I am 1/18 first cousins on my moms side and we know how to have a good time!

Some K-State hair clips for my sister and her friends for the football games. 

Check out Crafting A Fairytale on Etsy for your own custom clip!