Style Files - Little's Fall Must-Haves

Like any fashionista momma, my little one has to have fresh fall clothes too!  His are more out of necessity than being on trend.  He grew a good 4 inches since the end of spring...Mini Mister?

This year, I got most of his clothes from Gymboree.  Boy do they know 4 year old little boys.  Little is into all things bugs, dinos, and space right now and Gymboree knew it...

Since I am still a girl and new to this whole bug thing, I shied away from these items, but brought home some adorable space and prehistoric finds.


 
These shirts were right up his alley...and they had some adorable little shoes to coordinate.  Hey, I have to take advantage of getting to dress him while I still can!



Today we actually had our first rainy day since acquiring these and you'd better believe they went to preschool!


 How cute are these?!?


And for cooler weather...





I also picked up a few staples at Target.  They have great clothes for little kids.  I do have to say though, I am less than enthused with the bigger boy selection.  My son is tall, but still young.  I'd rather not cover him in Tony Hawk gear and anime characters.  Just me?

Carter's had a few shirts that passed my exacting standards.  Hee hee.  I'm kind of picky when it comes to what goes on my child.  I thought this was cute, not to mention, accurate!



For bottoms, we go for GapKids jeans.  They hold up really well and come in great washes.  We usually need at least 3 pairs as this is usually what we wear all week.  We do have some track pants and khakis for play time/dressy.  I try not to go too crazy as he'll outgrow it all next week! ;)

What are your kiddos wearing?  Do you let them pick their clothes out yet?  Little has started too.  He's doe a pretty good job, but if he had his way, he'd wear basketball shorts every. single. day. of. life. Love that boy.

XO,
  Sara

Style Files - It's Fall...What are you Wearing?

Howdy friends! I know, I know. I said I was back...and then I wasn't. I underestimated getting back into the swing of school, and baseball, and home life, etc. I've been taking things slowly, not rushing into a million projects and I love it! I see other blogs I love whipping out all sorts of cute new material, which used to make me feel panicked, but now, it's my pace. It may be too slow for some of you, and I apologize for that. I'm just trying to keep a good balance these days and so far so good!

 All that being said, it is now my favorite season and we can't jump into fall without first talking about what we are going to be wearing. I'm seeing a lot of leopard, stripes, plaids, navy, and preppy/traditional looks out there. All things I am on board with!

 Here's what I'll be wearing:



This dress is so much cuter on than in the picture.  For some, this may be too much of a full-body print, but I personally think leopard works as a neutral.  A very "spot" on neutral.  Get it?

I also scooped this dress up in this fun paisley. Very comfortable, flattering, and a show stopper!  Do I even need to tell you these are from Tar-jay?



Target is killing it with the fall staples this season!  I got these shells and I've already worn them several times.  Again, classic patterns that can mix with red pants, denim, a pencil skirt.  I recently wore the leopard shell with black shorts and flats for dinner with friends.




I'll still be rocking my assortment of chambray shirts this fall.  I have three now in three different washes.  They each give a different look.  Look for one that is relaxed, long enough in the tail, and looks good with cuffed sleeves.  This staple will take you all the way through spring.



I have quite a collection of cardigans.  Okay.  I lied.  I have an ENORMOUS amount of cardigans.  But, when you find a look that works for you, you go with it!  They are so versatile and just adding a new seasonal color refreshes the old staples in your closet.  A very affordable way to freshen your look!

Here are the colors I've snagged for the season.  Now if Atlanta would just realize it' fall...we're getting there.



I know.  I might be part cheetah.  Trust I won't put all the pieces together in one outfit!  It's a staple I tell you.  A staple!  Leopard always circles back around...



If these colors don't say fall, I don't know what does.  Love them!

Now, I have tops pretty well figured out, but I've been feeling the need for some really good jeans.  My friend swears by Not Your Daughter's Jeans, so a trip to Nordstrom may be in my future.  Oh wait!  We just had to replace the entire back end of the Mister's car.  Guess I'll have to make some more sales on ebay before that happens!!

          

Later we'll talk accessories.  You know I love to accessorize!

What are you wearing for fall?  Coming up I'll show you what Little will be wearing.  Can he just stay small forever so he can keep wearing cute clothes...that I pick out???

XO,
  Sara

Wait? Is That Really You?

I know.  I took the summer off and I didn't even warn y'all.  I didn't really plan for it, but when school ended, projects ended, blogging time ended, me time ended.  Instead, my days were full of sunscreen, water guns, Popsicles, and picnics.  And you know what?  I wouldn't have it any other way!

I have missed blogging and my loyal readers (even if most of them are related to me!)...The great thing about an extended break is all the new material I will have!

Little is safely back into school.  Pre-K.  Is it weird that this year is strangely bittersweet for me?  I love preschool.  I love that it means he is still small and needs me.  I am deathly afraid of Kindergarten.  I didn't think this would be the case since I was a teacher, but he is still so little!  The lunchroom, the class sizes, the loooooong day.  I. Can't. Handle. It.  Okay.  I had to get that out.  I will say, I've been making a point to enjoy our lunchtimes together, the Fridays he has off from school, and the laid back vibe that is preschool.  Such a sweet time.



The newest update I have for you is that I am now on Instagram.  I even have some new fancy picture editing apps!  It's a fun way to share a bit of the behind the scenes of Nest Your Best, the things that don't make it onto the blog.  Find me @nestyourbest !!  I'd love to have you come aboard!

Here's a quick picture recap of our summer...


                    
          We got in a quick getaway to the beach before school started.  Sandy, salty, and happy!


                        


                        
     I made some pretty amazing cookies for our tennis finals.  Yes.  I did just pat myself on the back....




                             Mister and I celebrated 7 years.  Time sure flies!

                             

                               We took Little to his first Braves game.  He was in total awe.


                      
                                       We did a lot of swimming and ate a lot of popsicles!


                      
Little and I went to the kids' summer movies every. single. week.  And I LOVED it!  Such a fun little date!


                 
                           We have "Back to School Cake" at our house.  Very exciting.

Now...back to work for this gal!  I owe you some fun crafties, a few style files, and some organizational tips.  I'm on it!

Have a fantastic weekend!  It is still summer afterall...for a few more weeks.

XO,
  Sara

My Spring Wardrobe

What is it about spring that makes me want to wear all new clothes?  While it's not practical to get a whole new wardrobe every season, a few new pieces can enliven what you already have.  Here are some of my picks for this spring...

I love fun shorts, and who doesn't love gingham?!  These will go so well with a bright blue shirt, or a sunny yellow tank.

                                         


I'm a sucker for stripes and this season is not exception.  This dress will be great for a date night, or just running errands.


                                          

I'm really into bright blue right now, so I scooped up this dress as well.  It's so comfy and looks great with wedges or flats.  I may or may not have gotten it in black as well...


                                         

This shirt is so me.  Stripes, neutrals, relaxed. Love.


                                           

I just ordered these and I can't wait for them to get here!  Perfect to throw on with a cute tee this summer.


                                          

To say that I love this dress is an understatement.  It is so comfortable, but so versatile.  I've worn it to church, to preschool, to the grocery.  Must have.

                               

This shirt is very versatile as well.  It looks so much better on than in the picture.  Wear it with white skinny jeans and coral sandals.  Or yellow shorts.  Or a mint green pencil skirt.  Possibilities!

                                

That's just a quick little peek into some of the things I'll be wearing this spring.  What about you?  Any new finds?  Are you embracing the navy, coral, bright blue, yellow, and mint?

Tomorrow I'll show you how my feet will be dressed... :)

XO,
  Sara

I'm Back, but it's a Sad Day

Hello my friends.  I've taken an extended hiatus from Nest and am so glad to be back.  Between vacations, birthday parties, house guests, and a stomach bug there hasn't been a single moment to blog.  I'm finally feeling some what caught up.  The bathrooms have been detoxed, laundry done, bills paid.  There's food in the refrigerator.  All is well.

Except, all doesn't feel well to some of our brothers and sisters in Boston.  Although I was not there, I have a sister-in-law who is a marathon runner and a few friends who were running this year.  Gratefully, they are all well.



At times like this, it is easy to feel like there is no good in the world.  How could there be when such violence occurs?  Looking at the news reports, it was amazing to see the good that was expressed in those moments following the blasts.  People running toward the explosion to help.

On days like yesterday, and today, and forever more, we need to recognize that the good far outnumbers the bad.  And it always will.

Keep the good alive.  Tell someone you love them today.

As you may have picked up from my first paragraph, I've been feeling a wee bit overwhelmed the past month.  In some calm moments of prayer, it has come to me to work on expressing 4 things everyday.  That may seem like a lot, but they really dovetail with each other.

Patience, meekness, love, and good deeds.

If you look up these words, you see that meekness is a form of patience.  Love requires meekness.  And you can't do good deeds without love.

                               

Be the good you want to see.

XO,
  Sara

Change of Plans...

Well, I did say I would be showing you my Easter mantle and tablescape this week...however...



                       

          ...we're at the most magical place on earth!

                         

See ya real soon!

                                       

XO,
  Sara                        

Happy Birthday Little!

Happy Birthday Little Man!  

I cannot believe you are 4.  It seems like only yesterday you were crawling around and learning how to feed yourself puffs.  Now, you eat 3 full meals a day and about 3 more full size snacks!  You are growing like a weed and making it hard for momma to keep you in shoes and pants!

Daddy and I could not be prouder of you.  You live life to the fullest and do everything with joy.  You love everyone you meet and never hesitate to show us how much you love us with special drawings, cards, and rocks  you've collected.

You are smart as can be.  You amaze me everyday with what you know about meteors and power lines, and sea creatures.  When you are fascinated about something, you want to know "everything about it".  I love that about you.  You stump me with your questions, but I love your curiosity.  You and George would be the best of pals. ;)

You're an amazing artist.  You love to cut and glue and use markers till your hands are multi-colored.  I wonder where that comes from?  I can't wait to see what you do with all of your talents.

We really thought you'd have a sibling by now, but you know what?  God's given us a little extra time with just you, and how special this time has been.  We've been to movies together.  Sampled cake pops, walked on the beach, flown in an airplane, gone to the zoo, picked apples, and pumpkins, and flowers. Watched you experience your first day of school and hit your first baseball, and eat a lemon all the way to the peel. Yuck!  We wouldn't trade this time for anything.

And if our little family stays only three, you, my love, are enough.  More than enough.  Just right.

Little, we love you so much!  Although I end every day exhausted, I also end every day happy God gave me the opportunity to be your mom.  Keep asking questions, keep growing, keep exploring, keep drawing, and never let anyone or anything hide your light.

Love,
  Mommy and Daddy

Dino Party - The Table

The first thing I do when planning a party is come up with the theme and/or colors.  Then...the table!  I love to set the table first because it sets the tone for the rest of the party and usually takes me in a direction I hadn't anticipated going.

I thought it would be fun to seat the kiddos in the dining room for Little's 4th Birthday party.  They thought it was pretty cool to be at the big table while the mom's ate in the kitchen.

I started by using a roll of wrapping paper from the Target $1 spot for the runner.  I also used some of this paper for the juice box covers.

Next, I used two of Little's favorite toy dinos as a focal point, some flowers and a birthday balloon.  Because how can you not have a Happy Birthday balloon at a child's birthday party?!

Last spring I DIY some chalkboard chargers.  These were the perfect place to give our guests their very own dinosaur name.

I topped each charger with a yellow paper plate, a red dinner napkin, and some very cute blue and white rugby striped appetizer napkins.  The plastic dinos were another favor the kids could take home.  They came from the Target $1 spot.  Got to love that place!

The whole table probably cost me $15, with the cost of all the dinosaurs and the flowers.  Not bad for a very cute, very festive table!

The little ones sure seemed to like it...

Up next, the mantle.  Then I promise I won't bore you with my dinosaur birthday party anymore!

XO,
  Sara