{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

{12 Days of Giveaways} Day 6 : Fancy Free Finery

Happy Monday, friends! Can you believe it's already mid-December?? Our Christmas shopping is almost done, but I haven't even started wrapping. I feel like there's so much to do and my list just keeps getting longer, but whenever Sydney asks to snuggle or play or watch a cartoon with her, I just don't have it in me to say no (I should remember how tired I am at 2 AM when I'm finally finishing my to do list...maybe then I'd say no 😜). With her 3rd birthday right around the corner, I know I'm going to blink and she'll be a teenager---so I'm trying to soak in these little moments as much as I can.

And speaking of time flying by . . . we're already halfway through with my 12 Days of Giveaways! It's been so much fun, but I feel a little sad---these companies and their products are so amazing; as cliché as this sounds I wish everyone could win! I truly am so thankful for the wonderful shop owners who so generously have participated, and I'm also so thankful for all of you who have entered. Thank ya, thank ya!

Today's giveaway is with Fancy Free Finery, a hair accessory shop I've loved for a long time and just can't get enough of. Katie, the owner, hand-makes wool blend flower felt crowns, headbands and clips, and each creation, each design she makes is simply a work of art. The flowers range of all colors and sizes, and she comes out with the most adorable seasonal pieces with every holiday.

With all pieces, Katie offers green, gold or silver leaves--or a mixture of colors--and each flower is carefully hand made. The wool blend felt is soft but durable, and her designs are always so whimsical, classy and feminine. They're timeless pieces, which perfectly accessorize any outfit; they go perfectly with the most fancy of dresses and tutus or pair well with leggings and a shirt. We love the headbands, as they're made out of stretchy soft nylon, and I can throw one on Sydney's head when she's wearing pigtail buns, a topknot or anything else she may be rocking.

I definitely recommend to go check out Fancy Free Finery on both Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on new product launches, news and sales. Annnd Katie is generously giving away one lucky follower a $50 shop credit! Head on over to my Instagram to enter---and for a bonus entry, tell me your favorite holiday tradition below! (Be sure to leave your Instagram handle, so I know you entered on IG.)

Hope everyone is having a good Monday!

Xoxo

{12 Days of Giveaways} Day 5 : Crew & Lu

Haaaappy Friday! After the day I had yesterday, I'm welcoming today and the weekend with wide open arms and am excited for a little bit more relaxation and fun. Anyone else??

Today's giveaway is with a company I will always stay loyal to, as my first experience with them was nothing short of amazing. I stumbled upon Crew & Lu a little bit before Sydney's first Christmas and was immediately attracted to the clothing. Beyond being adorable, obviously, there was something else that made them stand apart from other clothing companies; they were clothes I'd actually want to wear myself. Crew & Lu had recently come out with these darling holiday dresses, and I had already missed the launch date---and, of course, by the time I had discovered them and checked their website, they were completely sold out. I messaged Uyen Carlson, the owner, and asked if they were having any restocks before Christmas because I would love one for Sydney, and she said unfortunately what they listed and sold was all they had---but she may have had enough fabric leftover for one more dress. Not even a week later, we had one of those darling dresses in our possession.

Since then, I have watched Uyen grow her brand into something even more unique, beautiful and creative just like the clothes she has continued to design. Crew & Lu describes their brand as "a children's brand that encompasses wearable art -- art that is expressive, emotive and energetic." I couldn't agree more; Uyen's choices of fabrics, colors, styles and cuts of their tops, bloomers, dresses and swimsuits are so adorable. She often creates pieces that can mix and match well with others in her line, which create beautiful outfits full of color and texture. The quality is top-notch, her customer service can't be beat, and did I mention I adore Uyen? She's incredibly stylish, genuinely sweet and kind-hearted, and her creativity and passion for design are unparallelled.

Crew & Lu's pieces are always so fun, and I get excited whenever Uyen launches new lines. One of our favorite pieces of theirs are the bloomers; they're timeless, fun prints, super comfortable and easy for Sydney to dress herself in. I love mixing and matching them with other Crew & Lu tops we have---or other tops already found in Syd's closet.

I mentioned this before, but I love the cuts of Crew & Lu's tops and dresses. They're feminine without being overly girly, and they're really easy for toddlers and babies to wear. The sizing is generous and the pieces are forgiving, which I love because Sydney can wear them much longer after she technically grows out of a size.

See? How cute, right? Crew & Lu also makes the most adorable swimsuits, knee-high socks, dresses, rompers, shirts, tanks and more. Be sure to follow them on Instagram for shop news, sales and launches, and I'm also hosting the giveaway on my Instagram today as well! And as always for an extra bonus entry, please comment below with your favorite Crew & Lu piece AND your favorite holiday movie (because I'm looking for new ones to watch this weekend, lol!). Don't forget to leave your Instagram handle, so I know you entered twice!

Happy weekend, friends!
Sarah

{12 Days of Giveaways} Day 4 : Free Babes Handmade

Happy Wednesday!

I can't believe the week is already half over---pretty sure I'm going to blink and it's going to be spring with how fast time is passing these days. Sydney is getting more and more mature, and the things she says and comes up with constantly blows our minds. The other day she was playing on my phone as I was getting ready, and I suddenly heard her mutter, "1 - 9 - 1 - 8," which is the last four digits of my phone number. 😳 Uh, what? I've never taught her my number. I looked up and asked her what she said and to repeat herself, and she very confidently repeated my entire phone number, area code included. My eyes nearly fell out of my head, and I asked her if she knew what that number was---she said, "Yeah, it's my phone number for my phone," as she held up my cell. I told her that it was actually Mommy's phone number and asked her where she learned that. "From you,  when you told the guy in the car." I couldn't figure out what she was talking about, and then I realized I had been recently on my phone in the car fairly often with the guys from the dealership and had been having to repeat my phone number every time. Unreal, right? The things kids pick up...

Anyway, speaking of picking things up, if you've followed me for a while you know Sydney has picked up a love for accessories. Bracelets, necklaces, tiaras, hats, sunglasses, purses, rings, bows---she wants it all, and usually at the same time. (Funny story: one day as she was loading herself up with every accessory known to woman, I tried telling her less is more. The other day as I was putting on my stacking bracelets, Sydney looked at me and goes, "Remember: less is more, Mommy." 😂) One accessory Sydney will always usually have, though, is a bow. She loves bows and if you try and leave her bedroom after you've helped her get dress without putting on a bow, she is not a happy camper.

I can't remember when or even how I discovered Free Babes Handmade---but it was definitely the first bow shop I fell in love with and bought from. Soon after my first purchase, I found out Hillary, the owner, was based in Denver and we met up for coffee with our kiddos, and the rest is history. I've been an avid and loyal supporter of the brand (maybe too avid 😂🙈), and Sydney's been in a couple of Free Babes' photo shoots. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Hillary, her team and, of course, the bows. The bows are darling; the pattern and color choices she makes are adorable, stylish and versatile, and Hillary is constantly collaborating with popular, well-known bloggers and other stylish kids clothing shops to keep her brand relevant and fresh. With two adorable daughters and one darling son of her own, Hillary is passionate about raising confident, adventurous and and independent kids, and her line reflects her wanderlust soul is perfectly.

Hillary is one of the sweetest shop owners I've had the pleasure of meeting, and her kindness, generosity and entrepreneurial and free spirit are what drives her business and makes it successful. She guarantees her bows for life, and her customer service is beyond amazing. Her product line includes bows for older girls/girls with more hair and headband bows, smaller versions on a soft nylon headband for babies and girls with less hair, and she even comes out with matching bowties for little guys during the holidays! I'm obsessed with them all.

Free Babes has its own Facebook group to buy, sell and trade gently used and new bows, and Hillary actively participates in posts, answers questions and occasionally gives the group extra discounts or special previews. Be sure to follow them on Instagram as well to stay up-to-date on product launches, sales and other cute pics (you may see a certain little Sydney girl occasionally 😉). Annnnd for a chance to win $50 shop credit, head over to my page and check it out. For an extra bonus entry, please comment below with your favorite color/print and your favorite adventure you've been on with your kiddo(s)! Be sure to leave your Instagram handle as well, so I know you've entered twice. :-)

Hope you're all enjoying your week and finding a time to relax and reflect this holiday season.

xoxo,

Sarah