2019 | Where your heart is now

25 things I've learned in the first month of being a mom

December 17, 2019


Dress: Chicwish c/o
Heels: Target
Bag: Gucci
Bracelet: Victoria Emerson c/o
Necklace: Urban Outfitters
Earrings: Target

This makes me miss being pregnant! I wanted to share this gorgeous dress with you guys from Chicwish! It is non maternity but was very comfortable and flattering on the bump! They have tons of cute picks for the holidays I will link below! They also have a holiday sale going on, you can get up to $20 off your order depending on how much you spend! 

Being a mom has been the most rewarding, most amazing, most challenging and best thing I've ever done. It's something no one can describe to you until you've experienced it yourself. I wanted to share with you some things I have learned in my first month of being a mom in hopes that I can help one of you! I want you to remember, if you take anything away from this post, know that you are doing GREAT! You were chosen to be your baby's mother and nobody knows what your baby needs better than YOU! :)

1) Take all the postpartum care you can from the hospital. The big hospital underwear, dermoplast, ice packs, witch hazel pads, you will need it all. 
2) Take shifts with your partner! In the first couple days Justin & I thought we both needed to be up watching Easton's every move. But then we both realized neither of us were getting any sleep. Sleep is a luxury, so take it when you can get it! 
3) I know everyone says this, but you should really try to sleep when your baby sleeps. Now that he is older and we have somewhat of a routine, I sleep during his first nap just to get an extra energy boost for the day! 
4) Accept help. It is OK to accept help. I felt so emotional because I wanted to do it all, but guess what, you can't in the beginning. If someone wants to cook you a meal or come over to hold the baby while you shower, LET THEM. 
5) Who the heck invented snaps? Zippers are life. And if I'm being really picky, zippers that start at the bottom. Make sure when you're buying onesies, get the zipper onesies or gowns! These make life 1,000 time easier during those middle of the night changes. 
6) Do something for yourself everyday even if it's taking a hot shower. Go outside and take a walk. Make yourself a coffee and actually drink it while it's hot. You deserve it. 
7) Any projects you wanted to finish, do them before you have the baby, lol. 
8) Cuddle as much as possible. You will never get this time back. Babies love skin to skin! 
9) If you are breastfeeding, meet with a lactation consultant. She helped me so much! We even took a breastfeeding class before having him but she showed me things I didn't know. 
10) Once again, if you are breastfeeding, create a "breastfeeding station." Next to our glider in the nursery I have a water bottle, nipple cream, a snack, a burp cloth, gas drops, gripe water, a pacifier, etc. 
11) It is a lot harder than I thought! 
12) Don't be afraid to ask questions. Get to know other moms! 
13) Take one day at a time. And breathe. 
14) Never compare your baby to other babies. 
15) If you like to be on a schedule and want your baby to have a routine, check out @takingcarababies. We started this at 4.5 weeks and it has helped Easton's sleeping so much! 
16) MOST of the time, babies cry for 3 reasons. They are hungry, cold or need their diaper changed. (Number one tip from MY mom)
17) Postpartum is no joke. If you are experiencing it, talk to someone. (I can write another post digging deeper in this). 
18) Be present in the moment. 
19) Learn it's ok to say no. I have said no to a bunch of social engagements. 
20) You will always figure out a way and it will be ok! 
21) Do not let your marriage slack. Being partners as mom and dad and as husband and wife are so important. When Easton goes to bed at night, Justin and I have "us" time whether it's just talking (mostly about Easton), watching a show or putting our phones away and hanging out. 
22) You don't realize how much free time you had before baby, lol. When he naps I am literally running around my house trying to do the dishes, start laundry, catch up on emails, etc. 
23)  Always have a burp cloth on hand. (I've been spit up on numerous times lol)
24) There is absolutely no love like the love for your child. 
20) You look at life completely different. You are a mama now and that's your number one job. :)

There are so many things I've learned I know I''m missing some. You will truly never understand things about motherhood until you've experienced it yourself. I am so blessed to be Easton's mama and I can't wait to keep learning more everyday to be better for him! 

Photography: Kandid with Kate

Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring today's post! 

Tips for shopping conveniently & wisely

December 11, 2019


This post is sponsored by Zappos. 


Boots: Zappos c/o

Does anyone else feel like the first of the year goes sooo slow and the end FLIES by?! I can't believe it's already December and I have a (over) ONE month old! Makes me sad he is growing so fast! However I am so excited to celebrate our first Christmas together as a family! :) 

I love shopping but let me tell you, with a newborn and being a little scatter brained it has been a little hard to find time. I wanted to share some tips on how I shop conveniently and wisely! 

HOW I SHOP CONVENIENTLY & WISELY

1) I check shipping & handling. I know this sounds crazy but sometimes you think you get such a good deal then the shipping ends up being as much as what you are buying! 

2) Check return policies. Will I be able to return or do I get a store credit if I don't return in 5 days (insert eyeroll)?!

3) Check reviews.  It's always great to hear what other people think (honestly) about what you're buying! 

4) I shop online, I mean duh. SUPER convenient.

5) Take advantage of rewards programs!

Using my Zappos Rewards I received these amazing boots with FREE expedited shipping. They have amazing customer service and a 365 return policy (pretty amazing)! They have a huge selection of Justin Boots which I love. Fun fact: the first gift Justin ever got me were a pair of Justin boots as a hint because he surprised me with a trip to Nashville! I love them. I hope my tips help you babes! Xo






A Great Christmas Gift Idea

December 9, 2019



You guys...Christmas is RIGHT around the corner. I feel like the holidays fly by so fast but they do say time flies when you're having fun! I have had some girls ask me what is on my Christmas list and wanted some ideas so here is a great one for you! Every time I wear one of my Victoria Emerson  bracelets I get tons of compliments. The conveinence of having to only magnetically clasp one bracelet but it looks like I'm wearing a few is amazing! Also if you're like me, sometimes it's hard to put on a bracelet by yourself especially when you're holding a baby, coffee or trying to run out the door with tons of bags in your hands. These are not only super easy to put on but they are so dang cute! 


Shirt: Old Navy
Boho Cuff: Victoria Emerson c/o 
Wrap Bracelet: It's called Crystal Ice on Mauve (will link when available) c/o
Jeans: Free People
Bag: Gucci
Earrings: Madewell
Boots:Marc Fisher c/o

She is having a Buy one, Get one free sale right now! So so good! It's not going to last long so check it out while you can! I linked my favorites from the sale below. Have a great day babes! xoxo

Thank you so much to Victoria Emerson  for sponsoring today's post! 

Photography: Lindzy Lee Annis

Western Love during the Holidays

December 2, 2019


Sponsored by Zappos


With it being December, it's time to start planning holiday outfits! What better way to spice up a holiday sweater than with some fun western boots! I found these on Zappos.com and they are so cute! Dingo has tons of great options on Zappos that are not only stylish but so comfortable. 




Whether you just want some new boots for day to day or you have a special occasion and you really want show them off, Zappos is my first place to look for western boots like mine from Dingo! What makes it easier is being a Zappos rewards member. I don't know about you but there's really nothing better than expedited shipping! When shopping for my Dingo boots, I loved that they had not only a huge selection but 24/7 customer service and a 365 day return policy! I linked some of my other favorite boots I love from Dingo below! 

Photography: Lindzy Lee Annis






My Baby Shower

October 25, 2019


Hi girls! I am so excited to share my baby shower with you! This was seriously one of the best days. I am surrounded by so many people that love our baby so much already! I can't believe he'll be here in just 3 short weeks! 

I want to give a SPECIAL thank you to SURROUND. This is the location where we had our baby shower. They are an interior design firm and furniture showroom located in New Albany, Ohio. Their team is made up of four amazing ladies who all have a passion for cultivating beautiful spaces. They are all gorgeous inside and out and might I add, EXTREMELY TALENTED. By seeing the photos of the inside of SURROUND throughout my post, you will realize their unique eye for picking out the most timeless and sophisticated pieces. I want my entire house decorated by them!  

They host showers, corporate meetings and event gatherings. If you are interested in their services, you can email info@surroundindesign.com. 


My invitations were courtesy of Minted. They have hundreds of designs you can choose from and all you have to do is enter your information and they design the invite. They sent me a proof via email and once I accepted it, they were shipped to my house asap. You can also add stamps, return labels, thank you cards, etc. I love them and would recommend them to anyone! 


First of all, how incredible is this light fixture. Like I said, all of the furniture located in SURROUND is an absolute dream. They hand select every piece so everything is unique. Shoutout to my amazing stepdad for creating the charcuterie table of my dreams. I didn't want to have a 5 course meal considering my shower was from 2-5pm so I just wanted healthy snacks for everyone to munch on the whole time. This was perfect! 


Romper: Gallery of Dreams, similar here
Earrings: Red Dress Boutique c/o
Bracelet: Victoria Emerson c/o
Heels: Target

I could not have asked for a better shower. The space, my family and friends, the food, photos, outfit, everything was perfect. If you have any questions about anything message me on my Instagram ! I made sure to link the outfit details I could but my exact outfit is from a boutique called Gallery of Dreams located in my hometown. Hope you babes have a great weekend! XO

Photography: Lindzy Lee Annis

Thank you so much to SURROUND for hosting my shower! XO

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