A Toddler's Christmas Wish List

My little toddler already has so many toys which he rarely plays with so this Christmas we are going really easy.  Last year for Christmas we went nuts and it was ridiculous. I still have toys from last year that he hasn't even touched and a bunch of toys he got that he barely even looks at. Jack loves playing ball and occasionally he plays with cars or trucks. Our big gift for Jack this year are swim lessons. They are on the pricey side so they are going to be a big part of Jack's Christmas gift and his birthday gift too. Sidebar- He finally didn't SCREAM his way through his last class. It only took 5 scream sessions. Having a birthday 2 weeks after Christmas is tough. It's tough for the kids when they get a bit older and its really tough on the wallets of parents too!I haven't even begun to think about a birthday party. While I procrastinate here are some of the things on Jack's wish list.

While you're browsing could you do me a favor and say a happy thought or prayer or whatever you do. Jack got nasty viral thing going on. He had croup last week which landed us at the hospital. I just he's all better as soon as possible especially for Christmas.

Here are just a few things on Jack's Christmas wish list.

Toddler Christmas by kj2380 on Polyvore

What are some of the things on your little one's wish list?

Mom's Christmas Wish List

Seeing how I've been kind of in a funk the last several weeks I figure the only way to really break out of it is to immerse myself in the Christmas holiday. This year my husband and I decided it was best to skip getting one another Christmas gifts. We are actually getting hardwood floors installed in our home so that is really our gift to one another. But it is the holiday season and it is kind of nice to dream. I've put a list together of a few of my favorite things just in case Santa Clause is following along with my blog this year.

Mom's Christmas list by kj2380 featuring christmas home decor

I'm all about being comfy this year. Can you tell with my wish list above? Living with a toddler doesn't mean you get much time to relax so my wish list definitely includes some relaxation and to do so I can't think of a better way than with a comfy Victoria's Secret pajama shirt paired with a warm robe and some pink slippers. I can just see myself snuggling up after a bath filled with Lush bath bombs, shower gel and lotion. As I cuddle up with a new Christmas pillow, water bottle and using my adult coloring book. (I already have one of these and they are the most relaxing thing on the planet. I highly recommend one if you tend to be a stressed out person like me.) I even added some little extras. Last year I started a Stella and Dot charm necklace and I'd like to add a new charm. Maybe with our wedding date or my initials. To finish off my list I'd love a little Amazing Grace scents and a new Vera Bradley Scarf. You can never have too much Vera!

One really cool thing that put a smile on my face is that I won Meg's Favorite Things Giveaway on her blog! Meg blogs at My Borrowed Heaven. I "met" Meg few years back when we were partners in a Christmas gift swap. She is awesome as is her blog. Check her out!

I won a Naked Palette, a S'well water bottle, Bath and Body Works Candle and Ghirdelli Peppermint Candy! I can't wait to get my hands on this. 

Thanks Meg. 

What kind of items are on your Christmas list this year?
Do you and your significant other exchange gifts?

Christmas In Our Home

I love to decorate for holidays. Christmas is no exception! I can't believe it is here already. I feel like the weeks have just flown by. I feel like I just put everyone up and now I'll have to take them down soon. Christmas decorations always make me feel so happy! I love the look of a room with the only lights coming from our tree. Best feeling in the world.

Here is just a glimpse into my favorite decorations.

This year we have added a little stocking to our staircase. A few years back we decorated our own. I'm thinking next year we may treat ourselves to Pottery Barn stockings but these silly handmade ones make me smile. 

The stripped gift pillow was a Home Goods purchase last year. 

I just picked up the other pillow at Target this weekend. It's a Threshold and it was on sale for 30% off already. It reminds me so much for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. 

Our tree is loaded with ornaments. I think we may need to get another tree at some point. Some of our favorites include the Cairn Terrier ornament, Mickey Mouse ears from Disney, Sully and Boo from Monster's Inc., polar bears, dolphin from our honeymoon in Bermuda, Ecto 1 and of course our National Lampoon's ornament.

Both the Believe sign and the lantern are scores from Home Goods. 

The large vase filled with ornaments was our centerpiece from my brother's wedding. 

The place mats are also a new purchase. Can't believe they came from Walmart. They are just so cute! 

I love our little console table. I filled it with some of our smaller items. I love the subway print surrounded by our candles, and homemade Christmas trees. 

I purchased the Pier 1 owl last year. I just love the Pier 1 animal decorations. I have a few hanging on my tree as well. The little bird I purchased at Target this year.


No house would be complete with out an adorable dog hanging out under the Christmas tree!

Here is just an extra bit of happiness that totally made my Christmas.

I work with children diagnosed with Autism. We had a last minute cancelation from our Santa so my dad ran down to my job and dressed up. He was by far the best Santa ever! He made our children so very happy. It brought tears to all of our eyes. 

That is what Christmas is all about. So happy to be his daughter. 

Merry Christmas Friends!

Hope you all have a wonderful few days with all the ones you love! 

1st Trimester Must Haves...

My first trimester wasn't that bad. It wasn't great but I know it could have been much worse. I am well into my 2nd trimester now. The ickiness of the last 3 months has subsided and I feel fantastic, most of the time. Since this is the first time I made it through a the first 3 months this was so scary. I remember calling my best friends who are both mommies with questions every other day. I wanted to share some of the things that really worked for me.

1st Trimester by kj2380 featuring nike shoes

Water Bottle- I opted for one with a straw. I tend to drink more out of a straw and bottles with out. It is important to stay hydrated especially if you aren't eating or able to keep food down. I didn't have this problem often but I craved ice cold water. The colder the better for me.

Foot Soak- I didn't start having foot pain until later on in my first trimester. I think it was a combination of the heat and long days on my feet. I found some relief in foot soaks. I tried a bunch of different ones. I enjoyed using epsom salt and peppermint the best.

Nike Comfort Sandals- These babies have been amazing on my feet. They are a bit to sporty for work but I wear them every where else. The comfort soles have pampered my super sore feet.

Club Soda- I was always a diet soda freak. I have given up all artificial sugar since I found out I was pregnant. I still like the carbonation and the bubbles helped out with any queasiness I was feeling.

Sports bra- Before my pregnancy these bad boys were big but let me tell ya they are ridiculous! My back and shoulders have been KILLING me. During the day I wear a regular bra but by the time I get home at night my shoulders have cuts in them from the straps. OUCH! The minute I get in the door I change into my sports bra. I love the light weight ones from Target.

Granola- I love Nature's Valley and granola bars have been such an easy snack that I take with me wherever I go. I have one in my bag, a few in my desk. They help me keep something in my stomach in between meals.

Metamucil- Ugh, one of the most uncomfortable things about the first trimester is, well, you know digestion changes. Constipation is just another sexy side effect. TMI? Sorry! This stuff, 3 times a day will help a little bit. My doctor made sure he warned me it only gets worse....GREAT!

Belly Band- Can I just say I LOVE THIS THING?!?! The belly band has made it so easy to continue wearing a lot of my shorts and jeans. Maternity clothes are expensive. Since I'll be pregnant through the summer, fall and winter months I'm trying to hold off on buying any summer maternity clothes. It was well worth the $15 I spent on it at Target.

Tums- Hello heartburn. I went with the smoothie flavors as a suggestion from my mommy friends.


Everyone and every pregnancy is so different. I am no expert just sharing some of the things that helped me through the hardest parts of my first trimester. Hope this comes in handy to some of you as well.

Thoughts on Shop My Closet...

Hello, my name is Kristina and I'm a shopoholic.

I have no room in my closets. Yes, closets as in plural. I have taken over the walk in closet, spare room closet, and two dressers! It truely is a ridiculous obsession. I need some help getting rid of the items!

Source: Uploaded by user via Chantal on Pinterest

I've been playing with the idea of starting a paypal account and selling some of my clothes through this site. I have been a huge fan of consignment shops in the past but I feel like the shop has recently been screwing me over. A top recently sold for $14.95 at the shop and I was credited $1.97. The split was always 60% them and 40% me. Not bad, right? When I questioned them they stated that was the correct split. Now I am terrible at math but in no language does that work out to 60%, 40%. A friend of mine shared that she had a similiar problem. Honestly it isn't worth the hassle or aggravation for me. I donate a lot of stuff but the stuff in really great condition I would really love to sell.

I shop, A LOT. Probably a little more than I should. I have clothes, jewelry and plenty of accessories. Sizes range from Medium, Large, 12-14. I'm rather busty so there are a few XL blouses and blazers. I take very good care of my items so I can assure you they are in good shape. Most have only been worn a handful of times. Items included in the sale are from some of my favorite stores. These include Old Navy, NY and Co., Ann Taylor, F21, H&M, Charlotte Rousse and Target.

I would like to know if any of my readers would be interested in any items? I've never done this before so helpful hints would be appreciated. I'm not sure of shipping or how figure shipping costs into the items. I through out the idea on Twitter today but haven't received any responses as of yet. Boohoo! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

THANK YOU 
:)

Source: Uploaded by user via Shivani on Pinterest

Lies I tell myself!!!

It's OK

It's OK-

-To sit and stare out our new windows!!! I love them. Haven't even put all the curtains up yet!

- To only eat oatmeal with melted peanut butter and jelly! Yum!

- To overly excited about Christmas. I'm halfway done with all our gifts! YAY!!!

- To stress out if I don't get all my shopping done early.

- To really want mom's Thanksgiving stuffing!

- That I don't understand why Old Navy is calling Black Friday "Cheermageddon". Am I missing something?

- To dislike American Horror Story this season. What the #@&*? Really, though What and huh!?!?!

- That I didn't purchase anything at Old Navy on line last night even though I had a full cart of holiday gifts and 30% off. They wouldn't let me chose standard/free shipping so they bummed it up to the pricey $7. No thanks!

- To LOVE looking at our wedding album!!! I made it on Snapfish and I love it. I just can't stop!


And finally its NOT OK


-To get attacked by Christmas decorations in Target. Yep, you read that right. On Tuesday I got impaled by a moose head. It's also not ok to have a headache since then. Last but not least its NOT OK for your husband to laugh at you when you have a moose head attached to yours especially when blood is involved.

Pretty right?

Have a great day friends! 

Pinspired Style

After linking up for Pinspired Style last week I got so many awesome comments and compliments. It was a nice boost to my self esteem. I've been scouring Pinterest for some ideas for the link up this past week. There were 2 outfits that inspired me.

Source: pinning2fun6365.blogspot.com via Kristina on Pinterest

Sadly the original pin comes from a blog that has been deleted. Bummer, I'd love to see other outfits she had put together. I love this outfit and although I had all of these pieces I wouldn't have thought to put them together for a fun fall outfit.

Pardon the face. This was taken at 8pm after a 11 hour work day. I really need a tripod for the morning. I don't want to subject you to the tired look each week.I didn't accesororize as nicely as the original pin. To be honest I wore a fantastic bracelet that cut into my hand at the office all day so I took it off before the day was half over.

Details:

Peach skinnies- Target

Belt and shoes- NY and Co

White top- Target

Open caridgan- TJ Maxx

Linking up with the girls.

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Music, Talks and Target

I don't have much creativity lately yet I sit on the couch doing not much of anything. My doctor doesn't want me back at work until at least Friday. Most of my days consist of watching mindless tv, drinking coffee and catching up on some new and old blog favorites. I've also tried healing through some music. I've been listening to Ed Sheeran. His voice is very soothing. This one in particular has been on repeat.

 I ventured out yesterday. It was only to Target for an hour. It was exhausting! I needed some new clothes. I'm afraid most of pretty summer outfits I had picked out for our honeymoon (yes, we have decided to go. Thank you for the words of encouragement!) won't fit or maybe a little to uncomfortable. My tummy is still bruised, swollen and full of stitches so the likelihood of wearing shorts isn't the greatest. I'm stocked up on sundresses.  I was also able to chat with my sister in law who has experienced her own tragic event. It was good. She reminded me to look at my nephew anytime I have doubts or a lapse in faith. She said we may not have all the answers now but someday everything will make sense.

Yesterday was a good day.