2016

Ahhh . . . another year almost to a close, and it's so bittersweet for us. This year was undoubtedly one of the most fun-filled, challenging, rewarding, difficult and wonderful year so far. We traveled quite a bit, celebrated big, adventured far and learned A LOT. It was such an exciting year as we settled into our role as a family of three, but I kind of think 2017 might be even better. 😉

I've never been one to really make nor keep New Year's resolutions; I've never taken them very seriously. I've always been the kind of person that thinks you can start change at any time and don't need a special day to dictate that change (I still think this!); however, this year I've learned so much and want to apply that to the future to be--as cliché as this sounds--the best version of myself I can for my husband, my daughter, my family and friends. Here are five resolutions I've made for myself for 2017:

1. Travel and adventure more. As mentioned above, we traveled and adventured a good amount in 2016. We went to both Disney World and Disneyland, Steamboat, Arizona, West Virginia and Minnesota. We went glamping in Vail and camping in the mountains, we hiked, we skied/snowboarded, and we went to countless festivals and fairs. Jordan and I are definitely 'do-ers,' meaning we like to get out and do stuff, but I think we were much more homebodies this year than we've ever been. For 2017 I'm making a conscious effort to make sure we travel and/or go on an adventure at least once every month. I want Sydney's childhood to be filled with places she's been and not things she had (and lost---I'm looking at you, Trolls accessories 😂). Furthermore, one of the reasons Jordan and I fell in love is because we both had such a strong passion for adventuring and exploring. Whether that be hiking a 14er or deciding on a whim to run a marathon, we love getting out and about. I want Sydney to see the beauty in that and also I want to make sure Jordan knows he's always my priority as well.

2. Protect my heart more and let shit go. Admittedly and regretfully, I'm pretty sensitive and I feel a little too easily, and my heart was hurt way too many times in 2016 than a 30-something year old should. I become easily and heavily invested in situations, and it's difficult for me to know when or how to care less and let go, if that makes any sense. It's all too confusing, exhausting and silly to deal with at this age, especially when there are so many more things I should be spending my time and energy focusing on. Furthermore, when I get wrapped up in situations, I have a tendency to inadvertently take my hurt and sadness out on my husband or have my patience tested more easily with Sydney, and that simply isn't fair to them. I need to learn how to let more things go and let things take their natural course whatever that may be---and I need to accept it. I also need to accept what I can control and even more learn to accept what I can't. I have to remember God has a plan for me and for my family, and I need to trust Him completely.

3. Be healthier. I don't think I've worked out as much or as consistently as I did in 2016, but shit is just not the same, lol. Getting older has been a real [bleeeep], and I hate that my metabolism has slowed down so much I'm not even sure if it exists anymore, but what I most want for 2017 is to treat my body better. I think I've mentioned this before, but I hate sleep. HATE it. I would rather be doing almost anything more than sleeping, and I hate everything to do with sleep: I hate getting ready for bed, I hate getting into bed, I hate waking up, I hate feeling groggy, I hate taking naps, I hate it all, lol. As a result I stay up late (sometimes insanely late) and wake up early (sometimes insanely early). It's always been fine for me and I've always been this way, but now that I'm almost 80 years old, I've slowly come to realize my body needs more sleep and rest than I'm giving it. So, if you need me, I'll be eating the early bird special with all my peeps and heading to bed at 8 PM.

4. Compare myself less. Generally speaking, I'm a pretty happy person and don't usually let things on social media affect me. I know whatever picture I post, there's always going to be someone with an even more beautiful/cuter picture posted, and I'm totally okay with that. I try to look at Instagram as more of a place to find and be inspired rather than a long scroll of who has the best life, but if I'm being honest with myself, I still find myself at times getting sucked into 'that' game and wishing for this or wanting that. Sometimes it's a material item, sometimes it's a perfect body, sometimes it's even just seeing people who live close to their parents and extended family. I suddenly feel ashamed when I remember how truly blessed and fortunate I am to have the life I have, and I feel even more ashamed because I never want my husband to feel taken for granted and/or to think what he's giving to us isn't good enough. It's more than enough and I'm so grateful for him and his love. And as for the perfect body? Who am I kidding---I'm eating a cookie as I type this. There's no one to blame but myself. 😂

5. Become and stay more organized. Oh man. I think I say this every year, but I just saw a meme saying something funny and then, "THIS IS THE YEAR." This is totally my year, you guys, and I'm heading into 2017 feeling like Mary Anne from The Babysitters Club. Instead of my usual 2-3 planners, I only have one, and I didn't buy a calendar (my poor Stendig stayed at January well into fall). My hope is that reducing the amount of organizational 'tools' I used to always have, it will be easier to maintain one. One planner that I may or may not know where it is right now, but I still have another day and a half to find it and nail Operation Organization 2017.

It's hard to believe 2016 passed so quickly, but when I take a look at the pictures we've taken in the last year I can't believe how much we've done, accomplished, learned and grown. I'm so thankful to my friends and family, my husband and baby girl (who's not really a baby anymore 😭), and I'm very excited to see what 2017 has in store for all. Thank you all for following along and supporting me and my little family. I appreciate all the comments, likes, advice and encouragement I've received, and it's been so wonderful and exciting meeting new friends and seeing new faces. Hope everyone has the most safe and wonderful New Year's weekend---see you all in 2017!

xoxo,
Sarah

Christmas 2016

Everyone's saying it, but I have to agree: h o w is Christmas over already?? 😳 I can't believe how quickly the holiday season snuck up on us, and I can't believe how quickly it passed. This year Jordan and I decided to stay home in Colorado for Christmas instead of traveling back to Minnesota, and while we definitely missed seeing all our friends and family, I have to admit it was nice not having a jam-packed schedule and rushing around.

What's even more nice is my family flew out the week before Christmas to celebrate with us, and we had such a good time with them. Jordan took a day off work and we snuck up to Vail for a day on the mountain full of skiing/snowboarding and soaking in all that crisp mountain air. We celebrated Christmas with them that Saturday, which turned out to be perfect because it was FREEZING outside and was the perfect excuse to stay inside, drink hot chocolate and play with Sydney's new kitchen.

The week between my family leaving and Christmas was spent going to Jordan's work holiday party, seeing the Denver Zoo Lights, and cleaning, gift wrapping, grocery shopping and prepping for another family visit. Jordan's mom and middle brother and his family flew out to spend Christmas with us (and Jordan's youngest brother, who lives in Denver, decided to stay in town for the holidays as well), and it was so wonderful to spend Christmas with them out here.

Christmas with a packed house is every bit as crazy and wonderful as it sounds. Jordan's middle brother and his wife have a daughter who's almost exactly six months older than Sydney, so the girls entertained each other---for the most part (the other part was spent arguing over a doll, toy, marker, book, etc 😆), and they also have a 14-month-old son who gave me major baby fever. Living so far away from our family is really hard; it's especially hard having a niece and nephew and essentially watching them grow up via pictures and videos. I hate that we only get to see each other a small handful of times a year, so whenever we do get to see them, I try and spoil them with as many hugs and loves as I can.

We went on a Polar Express train ride through the mountains on Christmas Eve, and once again the magic, wonder and beauty I saw in Sydney's and my niece's and nephew's eyes were magical and adorable. I'd love to make this a Christmas Eve tradition because it was an evening most well spent! Christmas Day was an EARLY wake-up call from the kids, and we were opening presents before sunrise, lol.

 Waiting to give Santa her list 💖

I could not handle this scene; my heart positively exploded!! 😍😍😍

After the presents had been opened and a huge Christmas breakfast had been eaten, we took family pics and played some games and the kids took naps (🙌). We had more Andersons join us for Christmas dinner (fun fact: Jordan's best friend's last name is Anderson, and they are from the same city; they also were born only four hours apart, so their bassinets were right next to each other in the hospital---they've been best friends for literally their entire lives. Cute, right??), and it was everything I imagine Christmas to be: kids running around, laughter and conversation filling the air, holiday music in the background and the smells of Christmas, good food and baked cookies.

Need to sneak this picture in... As I was taking pics of Jordan and his brothers, Sydney kept asking me to take a picture of her. I kept telling her in a minute, and evidently she couldn't wait because she popped up in the front of the camera and started bouncing around saying, "CHEEEEEESE!!"

😂😂😍😍

This Christmas has definitely been our favorite so far, but I have a feeling they're just going to keep getting better. It's always the most bittersweet feelings that linger between Christmas and New Year's, but as wonderful as 2016 has been to us, I really can't wait to see what's in store for us in 2017.

Merry Christmas from the Andersons! We hope your holidays were filled with lots of love.

{12 Days of Giveaways} Day 12 : Childhoods Clothing

Merry Christmas Eve!!

I know I talk about time and how quickly it passes all the time (all the time 🙈), but seriously---how is it already Christmas Eve already? I'm going to keep this post super short and sweet because we're hosting Jordan's family for the holidays, and I don't want to keep you from yours!

I also say all these brands I've included in my 12 Days of Giveaways are my absolute favorite, and this last one is no different. Childhoods Clothing is one of our most loved companies we've bought from and collaborated with because they're super cute, stylish, fun and comfortable clothes---can't be beaten, right?

In 2011 while pregnant with her first daughter, Meredith Pickup began making teeny-tiny hoodies for her expecting friends and boom---Childhoods was born. Using high-quality fabrics and adorable and comfortable styles, it's no wonder Childhoods has taken off. Their full apparel line for both boys and girls includes sweatshirts (hoodies and crew-necks), pants, bloomers, rompers, dresses, t-shirts and beanies. Sizes run generously for extended wear, and EVERYTHING IS SO SOFT. Everything is easy to put on, warm and snuggly, and their pieces are perfect for dressing up or lounging around the house.

I've loved Childhoods for so long---Meredith and her team have done an incredible job continuing to build and grow the brand, and their customer service is absolutely amazing; it's no wonder Meredith herself is amazing. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook, and they also have a Facebook B/S/T group as well for selling and buying new and gently used pieces. I've teamed up with Meredith to give one lucky follower a $75 shop credit, so be sure to head to my Instagram to check it out! And, as always, for an extra bonus chance to win, and because it's Christmas Eve, please comment below with your favorite holiday tradition. 😊

Hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe holiday season---Merry Christmas!!

xoxo,
Sarah

{12 Days of Giveaways} Day 11 : Wrare Doll

Only three more sleeps until Christmas, and I think we can all agree how magical this time of year is---especially with little ones. Sydney is easily excitable, so it's no surprise to anyone how much she is freaking out about everything: presents, hot cocoa, Santa, Rudolph, Christmas music, The Polar Express, the Grinch, cookies, ornaments, lights, our tree, our stockings...her little mind is racing so fast to process as much holiday goodness as she can, and it's brought so much laughter and love to our home. The dreaminess, coziness, magical parts of the season are certainly not lost around here, and I hope they're with you and yours as well.

Speaking of magical dreaminess, I've got one of the most beautiful and whimsical giveaways ever today. I don't even remember when or how I came across my now friend Annie's company Wrare Doll, but my wardrobe dreams for Sydney changed forever. I posted on Instagram Annie's creations are made of unicorn sparkles, fairy dust and little girls' dreams---and I'm not kidding. See below; I feel like I don't even have to write anything more. 😆

Wrare Doll is known for their whimsical tutus and tutu dresses, but Annie also makes regular dresses, tutu playsuits and other apparel. Every piece is such high-quality (can you imagine sewing tulle?? I can't even sew a button 😐) and beautifully made, and her tutus and dresses are so fun! They're timeless pieces; you can dress them up for a special occasion or holiday or dress them down for, you know, every day wear. (Sydney wore her tutu the other day to the grocery store. I can't tell you how many times people asked if she had a holiday performance at school. 😂)

The best part about shopping small is knowing every time you make a purchase, you're literally helping someone's dreams come true. As mentioned, Annie Casale is the owner of Wrare Doll, and she is one of the most kind-hearted and generous humans you will ever meet. She is as sweet as she is gorgeous, and she's selfless, humble and has a wonderful heart. She pours her everything into every single piece she makes, which you can tell once you receive an item from her. You can follow Wrare Doll on their beautiful Instagram page, and there's also a B/S/T page on Facebook to join as well for new and gently used pieces.

And speaking of Annie's generosity, I have teamed up with her to give one lucky follower/reader a $150 shop credit!! 😱😍 How amazing is that?? Head on over to my Instagram page to enter---and to give yourself a m u c h higher chance of winning, comment below with your favorite piece and color of Wrare Doll's---and be sure to leave your Instagram handle, so I know you've entered both places!

Hope everyone is having a happy Thursday.

xoxo,
Sarah

{12 Days of Giveaways} Day 10 : Project Wildflower

This February will mark our fourth year in our house, and I feel like we just moved in. Not because time flies so quickly (even though it does), but because I feel a bit unsettled in our home. Don't get me wrong; we have a beautiful home, and it's perfectly lovely. I love our open-concept floor plan and the house has everything on our bucket list---but aesthetically it's 100% not my style. 😬 For some reason Colorado has a deep-rooted love for brown wood, and even $3 million homes are mirrored to be 'rustic mountain homes' with brown wood everywhere. I get it, I do---but I like things to be a little more light and bright in my home. 😉

Hello. I love you, white kitchen.

When we originally moved in we didn't know how long we would be staying, so I couldn't justify the costs of aesthetically renovating; I knew we wouldn't see the return of investment. But after discussing our options, including moving, building and even custom-building, we've decided to stay put in our current home and--now knowing we're staying here for the long haul--renovate and redecorate to better fit our style---and also finish our basement! I'm pretty excited, and I've actually been on Pinterest more than once a month, so we're on the move. 💃

One of the pieces I knew I for sure wanted when redecorating was a weaving. These modern boho works of wall art are gorgeous and amazing, and I love the way they uniquely fill a space. I came across Project Wildflower a while back and immediately loved everything Kelsey, the owner, created. Her weavings, fringes and wall pockets are incredible! Everything down to the last detail--the color of thread on the smallest part to the different yarns she chooses--is impeccable and comes together beautifully.

Kelsey created a custom weaving for me, and when we were chatting she mentioned she already had started it. I wondered for a brief moment if I should mention what colors I prefer or what style I like best, but then I realized I loved everything she created so I should just trust her. She sent me a pic of it almost finished, and my face was completely this: 😱😱😱😍😍😍. She totally nailed it! She said she looked at my Instagram to peep some of my home pics, which was genius, but everything was beyond amazing. I received my weaving a few days later, and I realized immediately pictures did not do it justice. Her quality and attention to detail is so off-the-charts, and I couldn't be happier with such a gorgeous piece to add to my home. Thank you SO MUCH, Kelsey!!!!

Project Wildflower also has created some fun mudcloth ornaments, mudcloth pillow covers and more, and I HIGHLY recommend you checking her out. We've partnered together for a pretty sweet giveaway: one free custom small weaving! Hop over to my Instagram to check it out, but for a major BONUS---comment below with what your home decor style is and your favorite home decoration of the moment. Be sure to leave your Instagram handle, so I know you entered twice!

Have a great night, everyone. 😊

xoxo,
Sarah

{12 Days of Giveaways} Day 9 : Nuby USA

I became a Nuby USA Parent Blogger when Sydney was about six months old. It was one of my first ever 'partnerships' with a company, and I was stoked because we were already using Nuby products and I thought it'd be a good way to get free cups (hey, just being honest 😉). As Sydney's grown older, so has our love for Nuby, and I am so passionate about the company because not only are they constantly creating new and innovative baby and kid products (which now extend far beyond cups) but also because they're just a legitimately good company. A company you can feel good about purchasing from and know you're giving your kid the best.

Sydney will be three at the end of January, which means product-wise she is completely out of the baby stage and pretty much out of the toddler stage. (Again, products only---behavior is another story, as I'm pretty sure she just lost her shit over not being able to wear 16 necklaces. 😑) I thought our time with Nuby was sadly coming to an end, so I was pleasantly surprised when they reached out to me again---with some amazing products! One of the items is their 360 Wonder Cup; Sydney can drink it like a regular cup but it doesn't leak or spill. Amazing, right?? Sydney doesn't use sippy cups anymore unless she's walking around with milk or we're taking it to go in the car (because she spills so much I don't trust her with an open container, lol---especially after her three-spill hot cocoa incident 😆), so this cup was exactly what I needed in my life.

Like all Nuby feeding equipment, the cup is BPA free and has Nuby's No Spill technology with a 100% silicone valve that opens with lip pressure so that the flow rate is controlled by your child. The valve auto-seals once they're done drinking, which is as a parent is a lifesaver, and your child can sip from any side. The cup is actually made for younger toddlers learning to drink out of a regular cup, so children ages 12 months and older are probably the best age.

Another product Nuby offered was their Sure Grip Miracle Mat Section Bear Plate, which I'll be honest, I didn't even really look at the details because it was so cute and had me at its little face! 😍 I love making meals and food fun for Sydney, and I love different plates, especially section plates. Sydney has a little bit of a food issue (more on that later), so having little distractions are always a huge win for us. The Miracle Mat has a non-slip base that sticks to surfaces ensuring no more dropped plates or bowls---again, lifesaver! BPA and PVC Phthalate free, the mat and plate are 100% silicone and wipes clean easily but is also dishwasher (and microwave) safe. 

Sydney also received a package of stainless steel character feeding utensils, which she loves because she's now obsessed with 'cutting' her food and the knife is obviously dull and won't cut her. The utensils are blunt but can still easily pick up food (those plastic toddler forks are so worthless, am I right?), and the handles have fun cute characters on them. 

You can check any of these products out at Babies 'R' Us, but Nuby also has amazing varieties of products sold on Amazon, Target, Buy Buy Baby and more. I've partnered with Nuby to giveaway this entire set--their 360 Wonder Cup, Sure Grip Miracle Mat Bear Plate and a set of character utensils--to one lucky follower! Check out my Instagram to enter, and for a bonus entry comment below with your child(ren)'s favorite healthy snack! Be sure to leave your Instagram handle, so I know you've entered twice.

Happy Sunday, friends---only one more week until Christmas!