6 of Our Favorite Small Shops

Thanks for stopping by, I'm so glad you're here!

Today I'm sharing with you a few of our favorite shops that we absolutely adore and love wearing on a day-to-day basis. Aside from these amazing shops, you can find my boys in basics from Zara, H&M, Old Navy, Target, or Gap. My go to's for these stores are plain onsies, plain t-shirts or long sleeves, sweat pants, and skinny jeans for Oliver. But since this post is all about my love for small shops, lets get to some of our favorites!

Peregrine Kidswear

First up is a new brand I recently came across while shopping up in Alexandria, MN. The boutique is called Little Darlings, and it sells the cutest, trendiest baby gear, clothes, and toys. If you're ever in that area, I highly recommend stopping in, you won't be able to leave without a bag full of goodies! Peregrine Kidswear is based out of St. Paul, MN and they're gender neutral sleepers are sooo amazingly soft! Their fabric is made out of 95% bamboo and 5% spandex making it more breathable and stretchy for the perfect snug fit. Shop the Pictures below for your convenience!

For the direct peregrine site click HERE

For the retailer site used for the below pictures and links click HERE also note a lot of their Kickee pants are on SALE!!!

The Kinnd Project

This next shop not only has cute apparel with words to remind people to be kind, but they are truly doing amazing things to help the world be a little better place. Their mission is dedicated to helping kids in need and spreading kindness through their partnership with Feed my starving Children, every item purchased provides 10 meals to be donated. THIS IS AMAZING, and I just love to support shops that are making a difference. You should definitely go check out their site, purchase some apparel and feel extra good about your purchase knowing that you helped provide meals to those children in need. A few of the best selling items are sold out, so I'll keep an eye out for a restock and keep you posted when they'll be back! But be sure to check out the items below, as they all amazing! Oliver wears his Conquer with Kindness sweatshirt all the time. Just click on pictures below to shop that exact item!

If you'd like to learn more about this amazing shop click HERE

Temperance and Tyler

These knit bonnets are so amazingly made and handcrafted to perfection. The knit pom ball on top makes it even more adorable! I love how warm they keep Attikus, which is perfect for these Minnesota winters. I had to buy a couple because I couldn't just choose one, and be thankful to my husband that we don't have a girl because I probably would of bought the whole shop! You can't beat the prices for how amazing these goods are, a bonnet is $20! Again, click on the picture below to shop that exact image!

For more information and to shop more styles click HERE

Luralu

If you saw my instastories recently you've seen me posting Attikus in these suspender tights that are so stinking cute I can't stand it. This shop is ran by a stay at home mom of 3 littles, that makes these adorable pieces in her free time! (AS if moms have any free time!) But seriously, I can't say enough about the quality of her products, you won't be disappointed with anything you purchase from her. Attikus has the camel suspender tights (that are currently sold out) and the dark green cotton gauze coat which are both adorable, so soft, and made to last. She just did a restock, and her items sell out fast so go get your goods before they're gone! Suspender tights are only $15 and the cotton gauze coat is $26! Click on the pictures below to shop the exact item or go to luralu's site directly by clicking HERE

Jay and I are headed to Cabo San Lucas with his family and grandparents at the end of February so I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite "summer" items from some of my favorite shops below!

Humble Hilo

This company truly does mix fashion with philanthropy and with each purchase a portion of every product bought goes towards a current project to creating opportunities and changing the lives of many guatemalans. This could be supporting child nutrition and clean water, and education and small business opportunities for women, and you get to choose what you want your portion of the proceeds to go to, How amazing is that? The work that these two lovely women do and have done is something to be admired by, and I'm truly inspired by the good they create and continue to do. Their goods are all so amazing and I'm so excited for Attikus to wear Oliver's hand me down sandals I bought a few years back! If money grew on trees, I'd definitely be buying more of their products! From women's dresses, to sandals, to kids goods and sandals and the most perfect bags and backpacks, you will want to check them out! Prices are reasonable, especially for part of the portion going to help a specific project of your choice! For more information and to shop more products click HERE 

Minnow Swim

Since we'll be near the pool all day for a week in less than two months, I did some research on some new swimmers for the boys and I'm so excited about this new brand I came across. I ordered the boys matching buttercream boardies and the dove grey rashgaurd, but let me tell you if you've got girls and you're reading this, you NEED to check out their adorable swim suits for the little ladies! I'm super excited to dress them in their new suits mainly because they are cute, but also because they are so soft and comfortable for little movers! Click HERE to shop more products or click on the pictures below to shop directly those items!

I hope you enjoyed today's post, did a little shopping, found a few more shops to add to your list and found it easy to navigate! I appreciate any feedback and sincerely enjoy your love and support! Feel free to comment your favorite shops below, I love to find new ones to start supporting!

Everything you need to know about LASH Extensions

 

Types of Eyelash Extensions:

• There are many different types of eyelash extensions, and it really just depends on if you want real mink lashes or a synthetic lash. Sizes vary from 5mm-16mm and the style can also vary depending on the look you are trying to achieve.
  • Classic lashes consist of one synthetic lash to one natural lash, giving your lashes a thicker appearance, but can only be as full as the amount of natural lashes you have. 
  • Volume lashes are much lighter and thinner allowing multiple lashes to be applied to one natural lash without damaging your lashes or feeling heavy and unnatural. This creates the appearance of maximum fullness and a dramatic look. 
  • Siberian Mink lashes are one of the best types of lashes on the market. They are made from real mink fur and create a great natural look and feel very light and soft. 
  • Hybrid lashes is just a term used when volume and classic are mixed together, giving the thickness and definition of classic lashes with the added fullness and dramatic appearance of volume lashes. 
• Classic lashes are likely to create the most natural but thick look, whereas volume lashes will create the most dramatic full look. The key to knowing which type of lash you want is to look at your own lashes and determine if you have fewer lashes, you'll most likely want to go with volume or hybrid lashes, but if you have a lot of lashes classic lashes may be the best option for you. Always ask your technician to help determine the look you are trying to achieve, as they have the best knowledge. 
• A great pictured description of eyelash extensions can be found HERE, and aside from my technician Jacqueline, I took bits and pieces of information from it. 

Application Process:

You begin by laying down on essentially a message looking table, with your head at one end so your technician can easily apply the lashes from above. A clean piece of white gel tape is applied over your lower lashes so they do not get in the way of glueing on the top ones. Your lashes are then cleaned and brushed out and the process can begin. A natural lash is separated from your other lashes. A lash extension is then selected by the technician and the very tip is dipped into an adhesive glue. The lash extension is placed on top of your natural lash and allowed to dry. The whole process takes about two hours for a full set of lashes, and usually less time for a fill. 

The glue can vary based on which salon you go to. It's important to know that 99% of the time, its not the glue that causes a reaction, but the technicians fault for not applying the lashes correctly. The glue should never come in contact with the skin and the eyelashes should be applied properly so to not touch the upper lid causing the extension to stab the lid creating a tear and irritation which could then lead to an infection. In the rare case that you are allergic, it just means that you are allergic, not that the glue is harmful, but according to my lash technician out of her 10 years of experience, she has only had two clients that have been allergic to the glue. 

The specific type of glue Jacqueline uses (my eyelash girl) is called sugar lash pro and nm beauty glue, both do not have black carbon in them which are what most people react to if they have a reaction. 

How long will they last:

Since each lash extension is attached to a single eyelash, they will fall out naturally along with each growth cycle of your current lashes. A touch up or fill is recommended every 2-4 weeks depending on how well you care for you new lash extensions and how fast your natural lashes fall out. 

Care of your eyelashes:

• It is important not to shower within 24 hours of getting your new lash extensions applied. Water can weaken the adhesive causing your extensions to fall off faster. 
• Avoid anything oil based as it can break down the adhesive also causing you extensions to fall out faster. 
• Is it okay to wear mascara? If you are planning on wearing mascara in addition to your lash extensions, it is best to apply the mascara only to the tips of the extensions. Be aware though that applying mascara on top of the extensions can cause them to become clumpy, uncomfortable and possibly fall out faster. 
• You may need to adjust the position of your sleep. If you are a stomach sleeper, sleeping on your face (your eyelashes) and laying on them could make the extensions lay differently, making them uncomfortable and more prone to fall out. (Yes, I have adapted the way I sleep and no longer lay my lashes on the pillow, I take the end of the pillow and curl it up so it stays away from my face!)
• Lastly, it is important not to wash your eyes/scrub them. You can wash around your eyes with a mild soap and water but you will want to be careful when doing so. (This has actually been of the best benefits of having lashes is that I don't rub or scrub my eyes and eyelids like I use to. In turn, I feel like this has benefited the overall health and elasticity of my skin immensely). The Huffington Post writes The 6 Everyday Habits that can cause wrinkles and washing/scrubbing your eyelids is one of those.  

Is it SAFE?

The biggest myth is that extensions ruin your natural lashes. This is FALSE. If applied correctly and properly by a skilled, licensed and experienced technician, they are completely safe and will not harm the growth or health of your natural lashes. Obviously, if you choose to pick at your lashes or rub them/tug on them, no matter your natural lash or extensions, your lashes will fall out, but extensions will not harm the growth of your current lashes or new lashes. 

Why I LOVE Mine: 

It is so true, I totally feel like I can wake up on most days and say "I woke up like this" and actually feel like I can go out in public with little to know make up on and still look presentable. I rarely wear eye make up, my go-to would be foundation, some blush, bronzer and a little mascara on my bottom lashes. This makes getting ready so incredibly easy, especially for those days that I'm running behind and struggling to get out of the door. I just throw on some clothes, a little make up and I'm out the door. If you're looking for the dramatic yet natural lash that I get, go with the volume 2-3D lash extensions. However, Jacqueline will know what will look best on you and how to acheive the look of mine, so be sure to ask her!

iLash Beauty Bar

Jacqueline has 10 years of experience and does an amazing job in every service that she offers. I would highly recommend you to go see her! The great part is she has moved locations and is now located in Forest Lake, MN. Her studio is adorable, well maintained and very inviting. If this interests you, click on the links below for more details!

For more information on pricing click Eyelash Extensions Pricing

To BOOK with Jacqueline Click HERE

STAY TUNED for a Fun Giveaway happening on February 19th that Jacqueline and I will be hosting! You will not wanna miss out!

Custom Business Sign Made by WagaWOODS&goods

Hope you Enjoyed Today's Post! 

xoxo Mari

Winter Kid Activities

This time of year can start to feel stuffy around here with all the windows shut tightly, no fresh air, just brisk cold wind, and we can all get a little crazy being cooped up. Especially after the Holidays when its the dead of winter and too cold to brave the outdoors. I try to stay busy throughout the day, whether that be running to target with the boys, getting a shake, or meeting up for a play date.. that's how I survive my days with two little needy boys! But it is nice to have some indoor play spots where Oliver can run around and burn some energy off, and have fun playing with toys and gadgets he doesn't have at home! Below are a list of some things that we enjoy doing during these dreary months cooped up inside. Keep in mind I live in the north metro area, so although there may be lots of great options of things to do around MSP, I chose the ones that are in close proximity to us and the ones we enjoy the most!

THINGS TO DO AT HOME:

• Make a fort, watch a movie with popcorn, do crafts (we like coloring or painting) dedicate time to interactively play with their toys, take a nap (lol), make cookies or let them help prep for dinner, or make play-dough (Oliver is obsessed) You can find the recipe HERE

Check your local indoor play gyms/community centers, libraries, tot times! Most play gyms require socks or grip socks be worn, so don't forget those! Some tot times only accept cash, so keep that in mind when venturing out. There are LOTS of children friendly things to do around the metro area and I have only done a select few, but I want to start venturing out more so I've listed below ones that we already go to or ones that I want to try out. A SUPER helpful resource of all things twin cities for moms and children head to HERE 

TODDLER TUESDAYS @ MOA:

• Every Tuesday from 10-12
• Kids eat FREE at participating restaurants
• Nickelodean Universe $12.95 wristband for 5 hours of rides
• For more information click HERE

MN Children's Museum:

• CLOSED MONDAYS
• Tues/Thurs 9-4, Fri/Sat 9-8, Sundays 9-5
• $12.95 for all ages, children under 1 FREE
• For more information click HERE

MN Science Museum:

• Children five and under are FREE with purchase of adult ticket $24.95
• Tuesday mornings enjoy fun activities and a live theater performance specifically for preschool children
• For more information click HERE

INDOOR PLAY GYMS:

• ECFE Open Tot Play
  • $2 per child or you can purchase a $25 punch card for 15 child admissions
  • Click HERE for event calender 
• Andover Community Center TOT time
  • Mondays & Tuesdays 930-1130
  • $3 per child, $4 per child on bounce house days
  • Punch passes are available
  • For events calendar click HERE
• Adventure Park in Ham Lake
  • CLOSED MONDAYS
  • Tuesday-Thursday 930-300, Fridays & Saturdays 930-730, Sundays 12-5
  • $7 per child, ages 1-12
  • For more information click
  • Must wear SOCKS
• Look out Ridge in Woodbury
  • Mon/Wed/Fri 10-5, Tues/Thurs 10-8, Saturdays 10-5
  • $5.50 per child
  • For more information click
  • Must wear SOCKS
• Wishing Tree Café in White Bear Lake
  • Mon-Wed 9-2, Thurs/Fri 9-7, Saturday-Sunday 9-1
  • $5 for children under 2, $7 for children 2 and up
  • Punch cards available
  • Must have GRIP SOCKS
  • Organic cafe right next to play area perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner
  • For more information click HERE
• McDonald's
  • FREE play area
  • Obviously you can get a kids meal for the kiddos!
• Chick Fil-A
  • FREE play area (much smaller but Oliver still loves it)
  • Purchase a kids meal and play for a while
• Urban Air Trampoline Park in Coon Rapids
  • Mon-Thurs 3-8, Friday 12-11pm, Saturday 10-11pm, Sunday 10-8pm
  • Jumperoo (for babies and toddlers only) Mon/Fri 10-12 $9.99, Parents play free!
  • $9.99 for children 5 and under, parent pass is $5.99
  • For more information click
• InnerActive Indoor Play gym in Minnetonka
  • Open 7 days a week, 730am-9pm
  • $9 for children 1-17
  • Outside food is allowed
  • For more information click
• Maple Maze in Maple Grove
  • Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm
  • Children under 1 are FREE, Non resident are $6
  • SOCKS must be worn
  • For more information click
• Andover Library
  • They offer lots of story times
  • Click HERE for calendar of events 

INDOOR WATERPARKS:

• Shoreview Community Center Water Park
  • Mon/Wed 4-8, Friday 4-945, Saturday 12-745, Sunday 12-6
  • Children under 17 $9.40, children under 1 FREE with adult pass $10.25
  • For more information click HERE
• Maple Grove Community Center Water Park
  • Times vary for each day for more information click HERE

I'm looking at hosting a meet up each week at various play gyms. This would mean I'd post a date and time and what play gym or activity I'd be going to each week and moms around the area can meet me and other moms that join without the hassle of trying to coordinate a date, time, place. It would be super care free and stress free, because either you come or you don't and you can always try to make it the next time! If this interest you and you have ideas or places you want to attend, let me know via DM through instagram! Hope you enjoyed today's post!

xoxo Mari

Homemade Play-dough

Since going to ECFE Oliver has been obsessed with their homemade play-dough and they happen to give me the recipe so I could make it at home. It's so incredibly easy and you can add essential oils or different spices to make it smell good and its made from most things you already have in your kitchen cupboards! How neat is that? Homemade, so no chemicals or dyes, you can add all natural essential oils to give it a good smell and it will last in an airtight container for about a month a so!

Most of the utensils and cutouts Oliver is playing with below are used for his ikea kitchen set, but they also work great for play-dough too! He loves rolling it out, cutting it with his scissors, or making gingerbread babies which he's also mildly obsessed with. He constantly wants to make gingerbread men cutouts, calls them his baby and I even one time found his "gingerbaby" in Attikus's dock-a-tot when I went to go put him down for bed. It's pretty adorable if I must say.

When my younger sister Tay came down to visit for Thanksgiving, she made "snakes" with Oliver which then turned into the poop emoji and he now calls a swirl of play-dough poop and says "that's drossy" lol #lifewithtoddlers

RECIPE below

HOMEMADE PLAY DOUGH RECIPE

• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 TBSP oil (vegetable, olive, baby)
• 1 TBSP cream of tarter

Boil water in microwave safe container, take water out and add oil. In separate bowl mix dry ingredients then add to wet and knead. 

I also like to add a few drops of my favorite essential oil to make it smell good! You could add food coloring if you wanted to make different colors. 

Keep in airtight container, lasts about a month if you make sure to put it away after each use. You can add a couple drop of water to the container when putting it away to let the play dough soak up the moisture. 

A Reflection of 2017

As I reflect on 2017, I am just overcome with joy and emotion knowing another year has come and gone. As a family we started off the year pregnant with Attikus and oh so excited to welcome another boy into our lives. At 7 months pregnant we finished up our first "flip" house in Blaine, then two weeks later closed on our home in Andover, which we completed gutted and fixed up. With hopes of moving in before baby came (yeah right!) we did move in shortly after, about a month after sweet attikus was born on June 28th.

End of February we took a "baby moon" with Jays parents and grandparents to California where we did a whole lot of nothing but relax and swim. Oliver loved the hot tub and swimming in the pool. In April, we celebrated Oliver's 2nd Birthday (Be still my soul) with family and friends at our old home in Blaine. He got lots of presents and the "easter bunny" AKA Tom showed up in a bunny costume which both O and Lou were not a fan of. Probably his favorite gift was the mater table from Clayton and Amy. Oliver loved our house in Blaine, and all the land was perfect for us to run around on, go for walks up to the park, and the beach/splash pad at the Lakes a couple miles away. Jay turned 26 in May and we got him a lawn mower for his new home! (What a great wife I am lol)

June was baby month. I thought there was absolutely no way I'd deliver at the same gestation (38and5) as Oliver, but I did and on June 28th at 1004am we welcomed Attikus Hawkins to our family. He was a whole 8 pounds, 4 oz and just the cutest squish I ever did see. Jay worked his butt off, literally worked his full time job from 6-430 every day and then went to our Andover house to get it done so we could move in. This was difficult for us all as I felt like a single parent with Jay never home, staying at the Andover house til nearly 1am every night. So taking care of Oliver and a newborn was amazing, yet challenging and I missed Jay and his help so much. Thankfully, he finished the house up end of July (well it was live-able) and I packed up the entire house with thanks to Butch for helping me move and we moved into our new "forever" home. We didn't have countertops, or stair railings, or a working kitchen for that matter.. but we made it work and soon after we got it all installed and ready for use. Those were stressful days to say the least, but looking back I couldn't be more proud of Jay for all his hard work and support he continued to show us, even when he was exhausted and tired.

My sister Zoey moved in with us and her two dogs, now only Tucker, her golden retriever. Its been so nice to have her around and help out/watch the boys while I sleep before or after a night shift. We will be sad when she has to go. Attikus celebrated his first Fourth of July up at the lake! We took the trek up to Bemidji to visit my cousin and did the Dragon Boats, which is always fun and I think it will become a tradition of ours since we've done it two years in a row now! I turned 27 (My golden Birthday) the month of September. We took the boys to the state fair with Jays parents and then went again with our good friends Carli and Kasey without the kids and spent way to much money on food and beer, but we continue to go every year because its the MN State Fair! We also took the boys to the Apple Orchard, and left with come pretty amazing monkey bread and our pockets a little less empty because we spent all our money on tickets for Oliver to do activities! #kids

Oliver and Attikus were dinosaurs for Halloween, and so stinkin cute! November we celebrated Jays twin brothers wedding in which Oliver was the ring bearer... but wanted nothing to do with that idea so grandpa Tom carried him down holding an iphone to keep him quiet! We had Thanksgiving with my family who came and staying with us, and then Jays side came and had desert which consisted of wayyyy to many yummy pies. November is the month we started WagaWOODSandgoods, and it has definitely kept us busy! We've got so many ideas and it's so fun to use as a creative outlet for us both. I'm excited to see where the new year takes us.

December snuck up way to fast! Tom and Jay took Oliver to his first Monster truck event, showed up two hours early, couldn't get into the pits and ended staying only for 10 minutes once the show started because Oliver did not want to stay any longer! Christmas Eve my parents and my cousins family stayed with us which included 14 people and 9 dogs! It was crazy but so fun to have everyone together, and Oliver and Declan were so cute to watch play together. We concluded the New Years with a hot tub party, a couple of close friends and their children and just played artic crud, ate pizza, and hung out!

Looking back I am so blessed to have such amazing people in our lives. Family that live close (not too far away) that can help us out, that we are able to spend time together and do family dinners with. Friends that live near and that are all starting to have kids of their own or already have kids, which is sooooo fun to go through this life together and parenthood together. It's been so humbling to grow closer and build on those relationships, but also create new relationships and meet new people. I'm so excited to see where 2018 takes us and plan to make it a good one! I've put together a few goals for the coming year and I really want to take it seriously. I've bugged Jay about coming up with goals for like a week now and I just think its super important to have goals set out to look forward to, achieve those goals, and build on them. 

1. My first goal is to love MORE and spend more time together. I often times find myself getting upset or down about silly/nonsense things and I just want to remember to put love first in those moments and think to myself, "In a year, will this matter?" I also want to spend more time together with not only my family of four, but our loved ones, family and friends. 
2. My number 2 goal is to be more adventurous. Live a little more care free and spontaneous. We are traveling to Cabo in a couple months and I'm so excited, but I also want to plan a girls trip, couples trip, and then a trip with just my little fam of four. (If you're reading this and wanna join on any of these trips, message me lol) But this leads me to my next goal which is finances. 
3. Obviously, trips are expensive and take time to plan and save which is why I want to get better with budgeting and our finances. Jay is super obsessed with Dave Ramsey (Financial Peace) and we plan our budget each month.. yada yada yada, but I'm still not 100% invested and I really want to make it my goal to try and improve in this area. 
4. My number 4 goal is to grow WagaWOODS. Grow in our overall business, our followers, our sales, or designs, our website. I want to make improvements in products that need them, create new products and just be creative with it. This will also include being better at collaborations, marketing, promoting. We are sooo new to this small shop thing so we don't know all the ins and outs of having a shop like this. It's going to take some time to get to where we want to be, but I'm hoping and praying that by the end of 2018 we will be better than we are as I'm writing this. 
5. My last but not least goal is to be overall more healthy. We are starting a meal plan with actual good meals on January 8th for two weeks and I'm really hoping it just opens new doors to us just making eating healthier everyday our new lifestyle. I also want to take my fitness more seriously and get my body into a shape that I am proud of. I am happy with how my body is right now, especially after having two kids, but I think that working out more and getting more toned will only improve my self confidence, and make me feel more energized each day. 

Thanks for reading along, feel free to comment your goals below! I'd love to hear them and get some inspiration!

xoxo Mari 

Christmas Cookie Exchange

Last Friday I hosted a Christmas Cookie Exchange with some girlfriends and it was so fun! We all wore Ugly Sweaters, enjoyed some yummy soup and wine, and made a complete mess of my kitchen making lots of goodies to share with everyone. It was the perfect party to have right before the holidays because now when I go to a christmas event I need to bring something to, I can pull out my tupperware of cookies and bring some along with whatever else I make! Plus instead of having a ton of one variety of cookie, I have several to choose from, and I call that a win! 

I told everyone to bring enough ingredients to make 2-3 batches of cookies for everyone to be able to take some home with them. Some people chose to make them in advance and then were able to just enjoy each others company more throughout the night! Others brought their dough with then cooked them when they got to my house. My friend Sam brought her ginger bread dough over and I don't have a rolling pin for some odd reason (if you know me, I have every kitchen utensil imaginable!) so she used Oliver's that he plays with his play-dough lol

I had Egg nog to spike with rum, but I learned that night I'm the only one that likes that christmas cheer in a cup. Sam brought stuff to make salted nut rolls which were super tasty, and then there was wine. You could say mom's nights are da bomb. At least I think so!

I'm so thankful for each and every one of these amazing women I get to call my friends. They each hold a special place in my heart, and I rely on them to help me survive motherhood. It's so fun getting to know new women, become mom friends, have mommy/baby play dates, and go through motherhood together. It's truly amazing the relationships we've created and how strong they've become even after kids, which makes it super special to me and I love that added connection we've gained. 

We shared lots of laughs, made some good memories, and went home with lots of yummy treats to either eat or share with family!! I was terrible at taking photos, but I snapped a few before everyone left and then forgot to take some of all our adorable goodies... but oh well! 

MINI Family Session

My good friend Sam (Samantha Cater Photography) takes most of our family pictures. This year she held her very first charity event in honor of their 3rd son being born slightly early and spending his first days in the NICU. She held two days worth of 15 minute mini sessions at her studio where all donations will go to help feed the NICU nurses on Christmas Eve at two local hospitals. Small gift items could be brought to donate towards a basket full for families that would be spending their Holidays with their babies in the NICU.  Being a NICU nurse, this was near and dear to my heart. The amount of donations she received was beyond amazing, and it was so fun to see how generous people were. On top of that she took these amazing pictures of each family that signed up and I just love how they turned out. I'm all about a good quick photo-sesh, especially after having kids. I just have to say how proud I am of her for taking the time to do these sessions and giving 100% of these proceeds to feed the NICU nurses and help out families that will spending this Holiday with babes/babies in the NICU.

For more information on booking with Sam click HERE

5 Months: Attikus

My sweet boy is 5 months old, well he was on November 28th. I can't believe how fast time is flying by and we're already in December and we're already gonna celebrate his first Christmas! (key the sob sounds now) Where do I begin.. He's 18 pounds 5 ounces, probably 24ish inches tall and he's got a big 'ol charlie brown head with light brown hair that now lays flat on his head. This makes me sad because I loved when it was fuzzy and would stick straight up! Oliver had the same hair at this age too. 

He's still the sweetest boy ever. Cries rarely, a little more this month with teething going on but I can't complain! He literally smiles all the time, however he is starting to get that stranger danger and give a scowl or frown face to unfamiliar people that hold him. We've been using that copabia oil on his gums and that seems to take the edge off. He still loves that fist of his, self soothes like a champ with that one finger he likes to suck on and that makes life so much easier for us all!

Attikus is in size 4 diapers (Just one size smaller than Oliver!) and where's anywhere from 9-12 months to 12-18 month clothes.. he doesn't look nearly as chunky in pictures than he does in person or feels when I carry him around all day! His cute booty and little cankles... I can'd deal!

Our routine: LIke I've said before, we don't really have a routine but we have a pattern of how our days usually go. Attikus has been sleeping in his crib for about 3 months now. We still have him in his Dock-a-tot in his crib, with a blanket wrapped below him since he hates being swaddled! He will sleep on a good night from 830-9pm until around 5am, Ill nurse him and then he'll go back to bed until around 7 or 8! Otherwise he does occasionally wake up around 2am and 5am and then is up for the day around 7-8am. We started solids this last month just because I felt so bad eating in front of him when he clearly wanted to eat too, so I try to feed him when Oliver eats breakfast and then we play for a bit until he gets tuckered out. We take morning naps usually around 930-10 which is when I try and squeeze a work out in! Then we're up and doing stuff or go run errands, come back and hopefully all take afternoon naps.. well Oliver and Attikus since I'm not a napper. Evenings are pretty hectic these days with our Wagawoods shop up and running and that's the only time we can really work on things together, but I'm excited and hopeful that all things will work out how they are suppose to!

So we started solids at like exactly 5 months. I was so strict with Oliver on the whole allergy thing and really spacing every food out waiting a week.. yada yada yada, but that was a lot of work on top of making all his baby food which didn't help out my stress. He was never a really good eater, and he still isn't the best but making your own food takes a lot of time and preparation and when he didn't want to eat anything I would get discouraged and give up. Soooo this time around, I'm taking a more baby led approach. Attikus started showing interest in food at like 4 months, but I held off until he hit 5. His first food was just mushed up banana. I did get some baby cereal, which he isn't a fan of but I know this time around I just need to be patient and keep trying. So far we've given him a rib bone (most of the meat was eaten off it, so it was mainly for teething! and he loved it!) avocado, noodles, carrots, peas, cereal, pear, apple sauce that I made, and then he loves the little wafer teethers! I pretty much just give him small bits of whatever I'm eating, which makes life wayyyy easier!

Some fun facts about Attikus. 

• LOVES: to stick his tongue out, suck on his lips, chomp on his hands, your hands, toys. He reaches for everything and he's seriously so strong. Whenever I take a drink of water he grabs the brim of the cup and yanks it towards him! He kicks his little feet when he's hanging out in his chair or when your holding him and it's so cute! He found his tongue and loves to stick it out at you! He adores his big brother, like seriously loves him so much. He lights up whenever Oliver comes near him or talks to him or hangs on him and it just melts my momma heart! He likes to bounce in his exer-soucer, falls asleep on car rides. He recently enjoys being held, like all the time lol but I can't complain, soon he won't want to!
• DISLIKES: I don't really think this boy dislikes anything, he's pretty laid back and go with the flow! He of course hates teething... the wind, cold, or sitting up by himself for too long lol other than that I can't think of much he doesn't like!

Fall Family Pictures

When thinking about Family Pictures it can be so daunting, not to mention expensive. You pay for the pictures themselves, an outfit for mom, dad, each kid. You have to get everything and everyone ready, including yourself! I mean I love family photos and all, but they are sooo much work! In the photos above, I actually didn't buy one new thing! I know, I'm amazed myself lol but you too can this with a few helpful tips!

1. Pick a neutral color and stick to it. That could be grey, white, tan, blue, whatever color you want but thats the "background" color that the majority of people will be wearing. (NOTE ABOVE: I chose blue. Yes, different shades of blue, but it makes it all mesh together nicely. I'm wearing dark blue, jay is wearing jean blue, Oliver is wearing jeans, and I chose to keep Attikus in lighter tones because I knew I would be holding him, which brings me to my next tip)
2. Not everyone should be wearing the same color On the TOp or BOttom because you will most likely just blend in with everyone. Mix it up by using different shades of the same color, using a pop of color, or mixing in some florals or other patterns. This way, everyone will stand out when standing right next to each other and you'll be able to distinguish everyones body part instead of wondering... oh is that his arm behind mine or do I really look that fat lol (NOTE ABOVE: Oliver is wearing a white sweater and blue jeans which makes him pop out next to jay who's wearing all blue, and Attikus is wearing grey/nude so that he stands out next to me holding him wearing dark blue and black)
3. Family Pics are meant to be special, so take the time to get all dolled up and get everyone looking your best. If you're like me, you spend most of your days in oversized t-shirts and your hubby's boxers because #momlife but this is your opportunity to look super nice so you can look back and remember how cute you guys looked! 
4. You don't have to break the bank. I'm sure you all have staples in your closet and basic items that you can throw together. Think of layering or adding simple touches to make an ordinary item stand out. For example, I've worn this sleeveless sweater like once because it's sleeveless and a sweater and I don't know when to wear it lol but it was chillier this day and I decided to put a basic long sleeve shirt under it. I think it worked out pretty well. I added yellow moccasins and a bonnet for Attikus, and dressed both jay and oliver in their "nice" shoes!
5. Lastly try to have fun with it! Like I mentioned before, family pictures are stressful but if you just take a moment to plan out your outfits ahead of time (not the day of), look for items you already have in your closet (before you go buy new), and just remember these photos are for you.. not anyone else... then taking family pictures should be somewhat enjoyable! I'm not saying easy, we've got a two year old who doesn't always wanna listen lol and a baby that does whatever, but thats the point of it. To have candids, pictures that tell a story and create memories for you to look back on and cherish for a lifetime!

Hope you Enjoyed! xoxo Mari

WHOLE30: Refuel before the Holidays

My sister found a meme that said "How to have the perfect body while eating like a fat piece of shit!" This is sooo me. I'll be the first to say I'm a terrible eater, well snacker that is. I could go all day being "good" and then binge at night snacking and eating all that junk food I for some reason keep buying. So we decided, as well as my husband to jump start this Holiday season with the whole30 total health and food freedom plan. I've done this in the past, its not easy especially having two littles and being on the go, BUT we're giving it a whirl and we're hoping for the best. 

I wouldn't call it a diet rather a "reset" button (like they say in the book) to refresh your health, habits and your relationship with food. There are strict rules as to what you can and cannot eat, but in the end you should feel a whole lot healthier by eating "real" unprocessed food. The basic gist of it is you CAN eat meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and natural fats. You CANNOT consume sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, or dairy. 

I usually suck at this and I find myself giving into cravings right away, but I do wanna give this another try. I'm not perfect and I usually don't like to limit myself in what I eat because #yolo and everything in moderation. BUT I can do this. One thing I really took away from the book is how they say it's not hard. They go on to say beating cancer is hard, birthing a baby is hard, losing your parent is hard. DRINKING YOUR COFFEE BLACK IS. NOT. HARD. And thats something I need to just keep in the back of my mind when I really want to drive to starbucks and get that venti iced carmel machiato. But just think by the end of this you'll feel great, look great and be done just in time to eat all those Holiday goodies (wink wink)

I've created a 7 day meal plan Below, all recipes are from the whole30 book. 

If your interested in learning more click HERE or if you want to purchase the book click HERE, its only $21 and this book click HERE

DAY 1: 

• BREAKFAST: Southwest Scrambled Eggs
• LUNCH: Harvest grilled chicken salad
• DINNER: Chicken meatballs with pesto and spaghetti squash

DAY 2: 

• BREAKFAST: Southwest scrambled eggs
• LUNCH: Leftovers
• DINNER: Shredded Pork lettuce wraps with cashew coconut cream sauce

DAY 3: 

• BREAKFAST: Eggs, sausage and home fries
• LUNCH: Leftovers
• DINNER: Romesco Garlic Shrimp with zucchini noodles

DAY 4:

• BREAKFAST: Spinach Frittata
• LUNCH: Greek Salad
• DINNER: Asian sesame noodles

DAY 5: 

• BREAKFAST: Spinach Frittata
• LUNCH: Leftovers
• DINNER: BBQ chicken salad

DAY 6: 

• BREAKFAST: Kitchen sink scrambled eggs
• LUNCH: Leftovers
• DINNER: One pan herb crusted roasted salmon with roasted broccoli steaks

DAY 7: 

• BREAKFAST: Kitchen Sink Scrambled Eggs
• LUNCH: Leftovers
• DINNER: Walnut crusted pork tenderloin with baked asparagus