{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!

{12 Days of Giveaways} Day 8 : Candy Kirby Designs

Happy Friday!!

Hope everyone's had a great week so far. My family recently arrived in town to celebrate Christmas (we're not going back to Minnesota this year) and Jordan took the day off work yesterday, so we headed up to the mountains for some skiing and snowboarding and some quality time away. The mountains have always been my and Jordan's home away from home and hold a special place in our hearts: we fell in love on the mountain, we got engaged on the mountain, we got married on the mountain. We love getting away whenever we can, and it's been the most fun introducing Sydney to it all---and watching her learn to ski! This is her second 'season,' and she was so excited to get back on the slopes. She had a blast yesterday, which of course made our hearts burst (although I think she loved the chairlifts and gondola rides the best, lol).

I'm so grateful for a husband who loves the outdoors so much, and I'm so glad we're instilling a deep love for hiking, camping, skiing, etc. in our daughter---because let me tell you: she is a G I R L Y girl. Pink and purple are her favorite colors, she loves dance class and her tutus, she's obsessed with Disney princesses and their movies (and supporting role characters in said Disney princess movies), she already tries to put on lipgloss and makeup at every chance, and she's the biggest little mama ever. Like most little girls her age, she LOVES dolls and babies and 'playing mommy.' She loves the actual dolls, their accessories, feeding them, burping them, changing them---the whole nine yards.

I discovered Candy Kirby Designs (CKD) a while back and fell in love with the brand's bright, colorful and playful pieces. The owner Erin started her company soon after she had her twin baby girls and relaunched in 2013 after the birth of her son. Over time CKD expanded their line from leggings in fun prints to an assortment of products in over 45 prints---and dolls. Dolls! The most fun, colorful, feminine and adorable dolls. But best of all, the kind of toys that if left out doesn't look like Disney Junior threw up all over your living room. 😉

All CKD dolls are 18" tall, which surprises quite a bit of new customers when they first receive their dolls or see them in person, and they are extremely well made of organic cotton and polyester tulle. The dolls all have a name and a story, and they are the cutest, most fun dolls we own. Sydney loves playing with them and loves matching her own outfit with their outfits. She has tea parties with them, she sings them songs, she puts them down for naps---she even puts them in time out when they've 'been bad,' lol.

As mentioned before, Candy Kirby Designs has plenty more than just dolls. Erin has created an incredible company full of amazing baby/kid items, including blankets and quilts, apparel (pants, shirts, beanies and bloomers), crib sheets, knotted baby gowns, pillow covers and even her own art prints. All pieces of hers are high-quality, equally adorable and really versatile.

Be sure to follow Erin and Candy Kirby Designs on Instagram to stay up-to-date on new products, restocks and sales! And, because Erin is so generous and sweet!, head on over to my Instagram to enter to win $50 shop credit. For an extra added entry, comment below with what you'd use the shop credit for---and don't forget to add your Instagram handle so I know you've entered twice!!

Happy weekend, friends!`

xo,
Sarah

{12 Days of Giveways} Day 7 : Hooray Everyday

Sydney's birthday is almost exactly a month and a half away, and I have done absolutely NOTHING for it. Oh wait, I take that back; I've created a Pinterest board with zero images pinned, obviously (I'm the worst 'pinner' ever). Why? Because unlike Sydney's first two birthday parties, where I've come up with elaborate themes and have gone all-freaking-out, this year I'm totally stumped. This year Sydney actually has an opinion on her birthday---and being that I always want to encourage and explore her little creative brain, I told her whatever she chooses goes. So, with that said, the theme she chose is . . . a Beast party. As in Beauty and the Beast sans Beauty. She just wants the Beast. We were at Party City a couple weeks ago, and I held up Beauty and the Beast paper plates---no dice. "Yes, Mommy, except no Belle," is what she told me. 😳😳😳 So what's a mom to do? Buy the plates and scratch Belle off?? I have NO idea how to execute this, but the other day I bought a Beast doll from the Disney store, so I guess it's on like donkey kong. Anyone that happens to stumble upon a Beast party, will you snap some pics and send them my way? 😂🙈

Regardless of how I attempt to make this 'theme' come to life, I know I will be contacting one shop for sure: Hooray Everyday. Hana Walker is the owner of Hooray Everyday (formerly known as Little Dovie), and she creates the most amazing, adorable and fun garlands and party goods for holidays, birthdays, seasons and just every day fun. "Because life's a party," is her tagline, and I could not agree with her more. Ever since having Sydney, I feel holidays, seasons, birthdays (anyone's birthday) and more are so much more fun getting to experience them with her, and that includes setting a fun and decorative atmosphere for us.

I stumbled upon Hana's shop months before Sydney turned one, and I fell so in love with her garlands. They were perfect for Sydney's first year pictures and perfect for her first birthday party. Since then I have turned to Hana for almost every holiday, every season, every custom request I may have---and Hana has not only nailed it every time with the most perfectly curated colors and pieces, but moreover she always handles herself with the utmost kindness, happiness, generosity, grace and love. She is honestly the definition of sweet. She's thankful, appreciative, humble and kind-hearted, which goes a long way in the Etsy world and an even longer way in friendships. 

Hana started out making pom garlands, which were adorable and so fun but what I can only imagine was beyond time-consuming (I've yet to finish the pom garland I'm making for our tree this year 😁), and she eventually switched over to felt ball garlands, which are equally adorable and even more fun. She has a large variety of felt ball colors, as well as twine to string them on, and she still does letter garlands, including seasonal/holiday phrases (i.e., "MERRY & BRIGHT" for Christmas or "BOO" for Halloween) or custom phrases, such as "SYDNEY BELLE TURNS ONE." She also makes cake-toppers (which are so stinking cute) or fun necklaces for little girls, which I actually need to order for Sydney, as she's been dying for her own real necklace ever since her Sofia the First amulet went "missing." 😉

If you are looking for the perfect accessory for your party, look no further; I promise you will be more than satisfied with one of Hana's beautifully well made and adorably fun pieces. Even her packages are the most fun to open up; it's like your own birthday every time. Check her out and give her a follow on Instagram to stay up-to-date on new product launches or cute and fun pictures---inspiration for your next party! She's constantly changing things up or collaborating with creative bloggers for fun garlands, and you definitely won't want to miss out!

And as always, head on over to my Instagram to enter in a giveaway for a c u s t o m felt ball garland! I just had Hana create a holiday one for Sydney's bedroom to match her new ornaments I got her tree, and I mean---how perfect is it?? The most fun, whimsical little holiday space in our whole house. 😍 ALSO---for extra bonus entries, please comment below with an idea for a Beast party (hey, I'm taking full advantage of this---I need help, lol!!) and remember to leave your Instagram handle, so I know you've entered twice.

Hana, we love you so much---and I'm so thankful to also call you my friend! And if you have any ideas for how to execute this 'Beast' birthday party Sydney so desperately wants, please let me know!!

Hope you guys are having a great week!

xo,

Sarah