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Mini Posts

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Cutest Modern Play Mats

Practical, durable and beautiful mats. These materials are easy to wipe clean which is a necessity with children.

1 | This foldable play mat is simple and would work in any home.
2 | I love the playmats from Toddle Kind, they are expandable so you can make them any size and create your own patterns, yet they still aren’t in your face crazy.
3 | I just love this blue color from Wander and Roam. Although it isn’t foldable or can be taken apart, it looks pretty and comfortable.
4 | Another foldable playmat but this one has the cutest gradient of colors. for a fun pop in a playroom.
5 | Gathre mats are a great playmat. Although they aren’t all padded, it still works great. I love this town one in a modern style!
6 | Yay mats have very cute and modern designs for the foam attach kind of mats!
7 | Although this mat is the most expensive, it looks like Cream Haus mats have the best quality and would stand the beating of kids for years and years!
8 | The House of Noa has tons of play mats and other mats to find just the right color and design for your home!
9 | I love when a product has more than one function and this mat from Ruggish is double-sided with a track on one for those littles that love to sit right at your feet during cooking time.

McKenzie's Roundup — Currently Loving

Baby Keepsake Box

I have been looking for a baby keepsake box to hold hospital bracelets, ultrasounds, and other important items for each of my children. I want to have a memory box that contains the treasures of their childhood that I can then give to them when they are grown.

These are my favorites I found in the depths of the internet. I only share those that I would personally buy myself and are up to my (dare I say high) standards of design. Any of these would make the best baby shower gifts for anyone expecting!

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#1

Ferm Living Kids

This box is beautifully curated and has the cutest little bags and boxes for things like their first pair of shoes, their first haircut, and other baby items.

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#2

Savor the Library Baby Keepsake Box

This keepsake box is also a top favorite of mine. The fabric boxes make this of the highest quality and you can keep everything organized with the acetate labels! You can find them in a variety of colors as well.

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#3

Little Dutch Memory Box

Another paper box with the cutest colors and boxes for little items. At $32, this box is the most affordable of the bunch!

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#4

Little Dove Wooden Keepsake Box

I wanted a wooden box so I could ensure it would last a long time and I love that this box has multiple compartments. You can customize the number of compartments and fit what you need.

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#5

Storybook Wood Personalized Box

This maple (or walnut) box engraved with whatever you’d like is absolutely stunning. The design of it is spectacular and although it doesn’t have compartments, it is large enough to fit anything you would need.

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Patterns I'm Eyeing

Nativity Cross-Stitching & Needlepoint Stocking Patterns

My sister-in-law cross-stitched all of her kids’ stockings and I love looking at them every time we visit during Christmas. Such love and hard work are put into these pieces! I already have stockings for my children but I am so motivated to have a cross-stitch piece as part of our Christmas decorations that I dove into the black hole of the internet to see what I could find.

Of course, I wanted it to serve a purpose more than just pretty decor so I naturally narrowed my search to nativity scenes. I thought it would be cute to hang a stocking for Jesus each year and these are what I found.

1 | Probably my favorite needlepoint stocking. Vintage and colorful.
2 | I love all the animals in it and that this stocking is simple.
3 | This is also a top favorite stocking. I love the vintage look to it.
4 | I love the simplicity of the scene on this one.
5 | These colors are more abstract and bright on this one. Very pretty.
6 | This stocking also has some fun bright colors!
7 | The scene doesn’t have baby Jesus in it but this one definitely feels Christmasy and the colors are more muted to match your home better.
8 | Very detailed and classic cross-stitch pattern. Looks like a lot of work but would be so worth it in the end!
9 | Another shepherd depiction with a beautiful angel at the center.

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Random Nine

Stocking Stuffers for Kids: Creative Journals & Interactive Books

I don’t know about you, but I find a lot of stocking stuffers ideas pretty useless. The little trinkets thrown in seem wasteful and so I wanted to create a guide that would be a bit more intentional. This group theme is all about creative journals and interactive books for kids. There are so many great ones out there and you can either cater to your kid’s interests with or introduce them to the world of journaling which they will hopefully continue throughout their life.

McKenzie's Roundup — Currently Loving

The Best Learning Tower & Table Roundup

I have had a number of people ask me about this table I use for Hazel. It is actually a learning tower that converts into a table and I am obsessed with it! I researched for months to find one that could be used for both (to save on space) and here are a few of my favorites. My rules were: it had to be convertible and designed to take as little space as possible. A lot of the ones I’ve seen at stores get so wide at the base (for obvious safety reasons) that it was just too bulky to me.

We decided to transition Hazel out of a high chair at 13 months, earlier than what is usual, for two reasons: 1) she was throwing food and trying to climb out. 2) I am passionate about teaching my kids independence and autonomy. Both she and I have loved this freedom, and it’s the cutest thing seeing her climb up and sit in her own little chair, then walk to the sink with her dish when she’s done.

With this newfound freedom, of course, there are learning curves like teaching her to not wander past the kitchen, to keep her plate on the table, and that she can’t eat standing in her chair. The fact that she will wander during the middle of dinner and make it go twice as slow doesn’t bother me and I believe she still eats as much as she would if she was buckled into a high chair. It has been fun to see her develop similar habits to us like bringing her plate to the sink when she’s done and taking a rag to wipe off her eating area (definitely something I encourage!).

We’ve used it a handful of times as a tower and I am excited to use it more when she is old enough to help out in the kitchen. Enjoy the selection of convertible tower tables I found during my research and join the early high chair transition group!

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#1

EtteTete "Step'n'sit"

This is the one I have and I absolutely love it! I have the white one and it wipes off amazingly well! No stains or issues with food which was a great plus. I love that this takes up barely any space at all and is still sturdy enough to use as a tower.

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#2

Montessori Learning Tower

This one is very on-point for Montessori lovers with the natural birch look. I do like that this one doesn’t curve on the far end like mine because any weight I put on that starts to tip the table. Not sure how easy it would be to clean but looks like a great table/tower option!

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#3

PIDkids Tower/Table

I found this one after I bought mine and the look is so me that I probably would have bought this one instead (although it would have been hard to give up on white).  I love that this one has the option of a drawer but if you’re using to feed a young toddler, that would definitely get difficult to clean. Obsessed with the modern design and the clear safety panels. A great option!

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#4

Table & Tower with Blackboard

With the addition of a blackboard, this turns into 3 different uses in one item! Doesn’t look too bulky and seems like it would have a similar wipe-easy clean as the one I have.

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Journal — Motherhood — 2 min read

Our Quarantine in Photos

I think we can all agree that this quarantine has been a weird time for all of us. Ryan and I are grateful that little has changed in our own family and we don’t take that for granted. Being stuck at home and not having things like playdates or museums or zoo can make these days go dreadfully long, especially with a busy one-year-old. But I know I will miss these slow days so I wanted to capture some moments of our little home life with just the three of us.

I will look back on these photos and remember: the pure pride in her face when she sits in her big girl chair for meals and watching her turn from a baby into a toddler right in front of our eyes. The curiosity that leads her to all corners of the house, leaving tiny handprints like little breadcrumbs (or actual breadcrumbs) creating a line from one place to the next. The bond that has blossomed between her and her dad. He can get the best and silliest grins and giggles and she will always choose his lap (and his water bottle). I will continue to find the tender mercies during this pandemic and I hope you find them in your own lives too.

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Random Nine

Olive Branch Painting

I noticed that I save a lot of olive leaf branch paintings/embroidery on my Instagram (if you don’t use saved collections for your Instagram, you are totally missing out!!) so I decided to make a little collection here to inspire me when I finally get the time courage to paint one of my own!

1 | @ohkiistudio

2 | @themintgardener

3 | @nynkelocher

4 | @lissaova_craft

5 | @sewandsaunders

6 | @delphil_tatoueuse.de.tissu

7 | @yongsam_artclass

8 | @sabinaalcaraz

9 | @mariannacarolin

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Random Nine

The Cutest Rainbow Rugs

When I think “kid’s playroom” I always see a rainbow rug on the floor. After some research, I found the top 9 rainbow rugs I love and would put in my home!

1 | This one has just enough pop of color and I love how it’s just hinting at the rainbow shape.
2 | By far my favorite one and just waiting for it to be back in stock to buy! I see it fitting so perfectly on the side of a bed.
3 | This was a close second. It’s modern but playful. They also have a very cute navy one too!
4 | I’ve seen this one around and it’s very iconic!
5 | I love the texture on this, you need to click here to see it close up!
6 | More shaggy and fun texture on this rainbow rug! You can personalize any color you want which is really cool.
7 | A classy rainbow rug with just the right colors I think.
8 | If a rainbow colors are too much, go for a subtle natural white. I love this one and am scheming where I can put it.
9 | This rug has the rainbow shape but doesn’t scream it into your face. The perfect balance.

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Gift Guides — Holidays — 3 min read

Beautiful Stocking Stuffers

Now that I have a little of my own, I realized I need to start thinking about stocking stuffers. I want to find things that won’t go into the trash or donate pile by 6 months and something that I thought was as beautiful as much as they are functional. Here are a few items I love:

1 | These first word cards are so beautiful. Hazel loves little cards to hold so I know she’ll love these.
2 | A game that doesn’t count as screen-time but is just as fun. Win win!
3 | These dress me notepads are so cute and gives kids the ability to imagine and draw up whatever they’d like!
4 | This spinning snack case has a button that spins the options which gives it a fun twist to offering new food options.
5 | These little barrettes are perfect for any unicorn or rainbow girl.
6 | Magna Tiles are a big hit and these mini cube ones are a nice compact version to take with you on the go.
7 | Of course, I just have to get this dentist set, right?
8 | A super cute magnet case to explore and create all kinds of fun faces.
9 | The cutest little pizza set.

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Currently Loving

Earrings I’ve been Eyeing

I have never been a big earring gal but recently I’ve been very interested in a combination of polymer clay and brass earrings. I love how simple and modern they are, with the playful colors and geometric shapes, but can make anything look a little more classy when wearing them. I am loving the big rainbow ones.

I’ve recently found the company Ellen Mote and I love their amazingly elegant yet simple forms and I’ve been eyeing these earrings for a while, thinking of adding them to my Christmas list!

I ordered a pair from Raising River and they are so light, I can barely feel them! I’m thinking this may be something I need to learn how to make because I’m getting addicted. A few honorable shop mentions: Em Dash Goods, Whiskey + Wine, Her Name is Mud,

Baby — Letters to my Child — 2 min read

Dear Hazel | Half a Year

Our little Hazel Sue is six months old. Half a year! It’s been the fastest six months of my entire life, I can’t believe how much she has grown and changed. I’ve been with her this whole time and it really has happened in front of my eyes.

Hazel joining our family has been such a seamless transition. She’s so easy to love. Even during those late night feeds and diaper changes, I just adore her little self. She is pretty consistently sleeping through the night now which I will happily accept though!

We have so much love for this tiny, beautiful baby we brought into this world. Ryan and I often say, I can’t believe she’s ours! She’s straight from heaven and such a light in our lives. She is easy to get a smile and giggle out of.

Hazel, I can’t wait to witness you grow and change and become everything you’re going to become. You bring such beauty and wonder to our lives little girl.

McKenzie's Roundup — Currently Loving

7 Sewing Patterns I’m Eyeing

Since I took a sewing class my last semester in college, I have had a passion for sewing clothes! I haven’t sectioned out a lot of time to do these but it’s my goal to do so this year. There are seriously so many amazing patterns and I thought I’d share my favorites that I have lined up for my next sewing projects.

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#1

Fringe Blouse

Love this button down (I am in desperate need of cute nursing friendly tops!) and it has a dress option as well! You know I love dresses.

View the Pattern

#2

Peter Pan Collar Romper

The same store sells this adorable romper which I’ve learned looks so cute on little Hazel. I love the solid color and I could see me cranking out a bunch in a variety of colors to have on hand!

View the Pattern

#3

Baby Pinafore Dress

I can’t resist a good pinafore dress and this pattern is so cute! I see so many of these online to buy but they are so expensive so why not make one myself!?

View the Pattern

#4

Twig & Tale Animal Baby Shoes

These animal baby shoes are seriously so cute and they have all kinds of options: bunny, fox, racoon, panda, kitty, mouse, and bear! I love the bunny and fox one.

View Pattern

#5

Wrap Up Romper

We have a little kimono outfit given to us and it is the cutest. So this pattern was added to the list because it is so easy to get on and off for diaper changes and just looks so darn cute!

View the Pattern

#6

Roberts Collection Jumpsuit

I think jumpsuits are cute but have never felt like they look good on me. But if I made one to fit me perfectly I think I would feel confident in it!

View the Pattern

#7

Rolled Hem Romper

Love the rolled hem look and how the bottom curves in for a nice clean fit!

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What I'm Pinning

The Cutest Modern Doll Houses

Who doesn’t love a good doll house? There are seriously so many adorable ones out there and here are a few I have been eyeing. I love that each has it’s own unique touch but they are all very simple and clean.

They also have the cutest little pieces of furniture and rugs and mirrors. To die for! You can find lots of super cute little modern mini furniture at Pretty Little Minis.

Baby — Journal — 1 min read

Moments I want to Remember | March 2019

Getting our first real smiles this month!

The mixture of sweat and breastmilk after hours of nap cuddles.

The stinkiest of toots I’ve ever smelled from a child ha!

Arched back stretches and big long yawns.

The softest chubbiest cheeks.

Cutest little baby snores.

Cuddles while binge watching Marvel movies in chronological order.

The most hilarious moans and grunts while eating. Especially after a bottle of formula or a long nap!

Baby — Letters to my Child — 2 min read

Dear Baby | Trimester Three

We are at the final countdown! To us you are no longer “baby” but have a name. We are so excited to meet you and find out what you look like and who you are.

This trimester has had it’s aches and pains but overall it has been pretty easy. It is definitely a waiting game though; I feel bad for spending so much time sitting on the couch watching TV and sleeping in but I know this will be the last time in a very long time I will get to do that.

Dad likes to talk to you through my belly and you love to sit perfectly still when he tries to feel your kicks. You are a hiccuper and I’ll feel you hiccup almost 4 times a day. Whenever I start to worry and get anxious you seem to move or kick me as if you are trying to tell me to calm down, that you’re just fine.

I think because we waited three long years and have had so much time to dream and prepare for you, we can enter this season with our eyes open and be ready for such a colossal change. We are patiently/impatiently waiting for you to join our family!

Love, Mom

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What I'm Pinning

Christmas Activity Wishlist

I’ve always been a gatherer of information and lists or goals or things I want to do. So when it comes to Christmas activities I, of course, have a list of things I want to do! I don’t think I can choose just 9 but these are what I really want to do this Christmas season or next!

1 | I made these two years ago with friends and they were a little fragile but made the house smell amazing!
2 | This is a tradition I will be doing at my house, the peppermint snowmen was my go-to activity as a babysitter during the holiday season.
3 | I love the idea of a pretzel cabin than a gingerbread house because let’s be honest, those things never actually stand up
5 | Next year we’ll have a cute foot to document so you can best be sure I’ll be making one of these next year!
7 | I love hot cocoa and I love fudge, let’s put them together shall we!?
9 | I think this colorful garland would be so fun with kids, and I’m sure they’d love to snack on them in the meantime too ha.

Baby — Letters to my Child — 2 min read

Dear Baby | Trimester Two

As we get closer and closer to meeting you, I keep thinking about who you will be. Will you be an artist like me or a smartie like your dad? Will you have my dimples or his bright blue eyes? I hope you get his spunk for life and his ability to make everyone around him laugh and smile. You sure do love to kick so I think we’ll have our hands full! We found out this trimester that you are a girl and I already know you’ll have daddy wrapped around your finger.

We received so much love this trimester with two baby showers and tons of gifts for you. Dad was so excited that he set up your crib and surprised me when I returned home! He loves that you have a lot of swan items and I already know you’re going to be a daddy’s girl for sure.

It has been amazing to see my body grow and change to home your growing body. It’s a little weird to see the scale hit numbers I never have before and my belly button slowly disappear but I’ve been waiting for you for so long and I am really loving being pregnant! I have had it so easy and am grateful for a smooth pregnancy so far. We are so excited to meet you very soon!

Love, Mom

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What I'm Pinning

Autumn Random Nine

A preview of my Pinterest pins lately includes a lot of baby toys and the cutest little girl outfits. I love the weavings with beads and I’ve recently found some beautiful hand-cut paper to inspire me as I work on my Crafter’s Box project!

I plan on knitting that little sweater, the drop back and open embellishment is just so adorable. And you can be sure I will buy that lamb set as well as the matching bear and elephant set for my nursery. I can’t get enough of this store lately!

Baby — Letters to my Child — 2 min read

Dear Baby | Trimester One

I have always imagined myself writing a letter to my child and it’s finally happening! I can’t even tell you how much we’ve been longing to have you join our family little one. You are so loved and so many people are rooting for you to join our family too. All the years of waiting for you will feel like nothing, I know it.

I’m not gonna lie, I have been anxious this whole trimester. Not sure if this is the real deal, if I will get to hold you in my arms or if you’ll slip through just like last time. Once we made it past 9 weeks and every time I checked my doppler and heard your strong heartbeat I felt better and better. I didn’t want to get my hopes up so I didn’t take many pictures, kept your ultrasound hidden in our drawer, and we didn’t announce to anyone until 10 weeks (which felt like forever!). But I feel confident you’re here to stay.

I just can’t wait to meet you, do all these things I’ve been waiting for since I was barely a teenager. We think you are a girl but we will be happy either way! It was so exciting to finally announce to the world that we were expecting, you have so many people that love you but no one loves you more than your dad and I. Weird to write out dad like that like it’s nothing. We are excited to bond more with you the next couple months and meet you in no time.

Love, Mom

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Random Nine

Waiting for Spring

Starting a number of new mini post series, one of them including little moodboards of 9 random things, mostly from Pinterest. I totally use Pinterest for personal reasons even though it’s heavily suggested to use it for your business. But for now, I just like it to find inspiring images. And currently, my Pinterest boards are filling up with all kinds of cute Spring-related inspiration.

1 | I am loving this lemon pattern dress, it is one for sure I will make for a little girl one day.
2 | This embroidery of this dandelion weeds scream spring!
3 | The colors in this photo I’m totally feeling.
4 | Pink flowers and teal doors are what dreams are made of!
5 | Isn’t this idea just the cutest! You can get the cutouts here.
6 | Spring always makes me want to still my favorite to date.
7 | Not sure what these flowers are but that yellow is so great.
8 | A raspberry sherbert drink is definitely my favorite thing to sip.
9 | Just recently have been a hat person and this pink one is so cute!

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What I'm Pinning

Knitting Baby Inspiration

If you follow me on Pinterest, you’ll notice a lot of cute baby knitting outfits filling up my account. I just can’t get enough of them!

1 | The mustard and cream is so adorable, I love everything in this photo!
2 | I already plan on making this romper. Love the little  v or mini heart!
3 | This seems a little hard but creating a bear earred outfit would be a dream.
4 | I have a sweater I created that has this bubble texture so having a matching one for my babe would be so adorable.
5 | Navy and stripes are always a thumbs up for me.
6 | This isn’t knitting but I just have to add it because I just love it that much.
7 | Love the little dots and really want to make this one too. The pattern is actually here!
8 | A little hat is always adorable, love this musty pink color.
9 | A snowflake pattern would be so cute on a little kid sweater!

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Random Nine

Christmas Advent Calenders

I am a big Christmas Advent person. I would have one for every room if I could. I love the idea of a cute decor that is also a fun activity that also can help direct your thoughts to the true meaning of Christmas.

1 | This is the advent calendar I designed and created. You can learn more about it here!
2 | Having bags with the supplies for an activity/scriptures to read is a great way to keep it cohesive and beautiful.
3 | I LOVE this Purl Soho one.
4 | An advent calendar that kids can place Joseph and Mary closer to Bethlehem is such a great way to tell the story of Christ’s birth.
5 | Love the simplicity of this calendar. Each card could have a scripture.
6 | I’m all about black and white and having wrapped gifts in each pocket is a fun way to keep the gift-giving all month!
7 | This calendar doesn’t scream for attention but is simple and beautiful to have hanging on your wall.
8 | I love the little gold hoops that hold each day’s gift.
9 | This was a calendar I used as my inspiration, love how the pockets are part of the sky. Kid-friendly but still beautiful.

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Random Nine

Fall Inspired

Fall is upon us and it is one of my favorite seasons. The colors and the feel-good aura and the perfect weather, everything is just right in the world when it’s fall! Here are a few things in my Pinterest that scream fall.

1 | Of course you can’t do autumn without some apple crisp baked goods. I remember making my parents help me carve out an apple so I could sip apple cider so my love for fall runs deep.
2 | This dress is the cutest and so perfect for fall.
3 | I know it’s not Thanksgiving yet, but I love this tablescape!
4 | I’ve been dying to do this project for years and I plan on doing it this year, waxed leaf garland.
5 | This wreath I think would work great for the whole holiday season!
6 | Just another yummy apple baked treat!
7 | I love how this tablescape is minimal but still feels like fall.
8 | Fall and soup go together like…fall and soup!
9 | I look best in fall colors and this deep red color is one of my favorites!