Prepping for Winter... Now.

  This is not something I'd normally do so soon... but then again, this is not a normal year.  
After spending so much time outside this summer, and how all the outdoor things (like pools, outdoor furniture, bikes, bike helmets, etc) sold out or were very hard to find (especially at decent/regular price), I decided we needed a game plan for this coming winter and to start prepping sooner.
This quarantine life isn't going away anytime soon, and I'm flat out scared for winter (I already struggle with seasonal affective disorder and my kids get so antsy when cooped up for too long). Our only saving grace these past 6 months of quarantine have been getting outside - for play, for walks, for socially distant meet ups, picnics, and family adventures. 
Therefore, I had 3 goals for starting my winter shopping early (...while it is still summer):
 First, prolong comfort outside as long as possible as temps drop.  
Second, encourage the kids to get outside to play and have fun (safely). 
Third, ensure we have our basic seasonal needs covered before there is an issue finding them.


So here is what I did:
The first thing I did was clean out our coat closet. I used this time to organize and have the kids try on all the things to see what new items we needed.
I then checked all our medicines, humidifiers, filters, replacement parts, etc.
I made a list of the things we needed.
I did some research on winter toys for the great outdoors that would encourage them to play outside.
I then also read many reviews on outdoor heaters.

Here are the items we ordered in prep:
Outdoor Heaters(this is an item I predict will sell out or prices will go up as people try to keep what little socializing abilities we have left.  We ended up getting not one, but three different ones for different reasons.)
An infrared heater to hang from the ceiling of our screened in porch.
Outdoor, portable, lamp heater for our deck area (this one can be broken down to store later or transport).
A solo stove for some real fire, but with less smoke (a la the s'mores one). 

Winter Clothing/Accessories(like long underwear/base layers, gloves, snow pants, etc.)
We landed on balaclavas (larger and smaller size) for the kids to keep them super warm and built in face covering! Our last year hats and scarves still work!
Gloves for all - after cleaning out the closet, I found some many single gloves (they're like socks, always losing just one). These kids' snow gloves were recommended in my research, as were these adult warm ones with all over touchscreen.  I also love these ones for every day wearing for both adults & kids.
Thankfully we all had winter coats that still fit and worked. I tend to stock up on next years coats at the end of winter, and I did this year before the pandemic.  I love J.Crew coats for my whole family and there are a ton of coats on sale here.
Snow pants and suits are a must have to keep kids outside playing in the (hopeful) snow to come!  Nora inherits Liam's outgrown ones, and this year we got Liam a new pair. I don't think you need to pay a lot for these unless you are going to be in Antarctica, so we get ours from Target.
The whole family got new base layers - and landed on these highly-rated, but affordable priced ones in both adult and kids (girls and boys). 

Winter, Outside Toys(Anything to keep the kids outside longer having fun, expending energy!)
Sleds and Snow Tubes - we have sleds (like this one which is rated well), but got some new (super affordable) animal snow tubes for sledding or pulling each other around in the yard. 🤞for snow.
Other random snow toys - I found these snow markers (perhaps winter's version of chalk?) and molds to make little penguins of snow.
We also have kid-size snow shovels as the kids like to pave the way, so I consider this a super efficient/helpful toy! 

Seasonal Must-Haves(like cold/flu meds, humidifiers, extra filters, etc.)
Time to stock up on those cold & flu meds, vitamins, health aides now!  Not that it will prevent COVID, but all those other winter sicknesses and colds that pop up or help you feel better no matter what you have.
Come winter we'll be spending more time inside, so got a HEPA air purifier for our main rooms.
Winter = dry air (and previously mentioned colds/flue), so humidifiers get used a ton. I got a new humidifier for my room that is well rated + checked the kids elephant humidifiers to make sure it was in good working condition.  Just make sure you get any needed filters, too, to get you through winter - and this extends the life of your filter!
Kleenex, boogie wipes and Vaseline/Aquaphor are also good to have on hand for runny and chapped noses! 

Indoor Toys & Cozy Items(toys and projects for inside + cozy items to stay warm and comfy)
Inevitably, there will be lots of time inside. Every winter I stock up on art supplies, projects and Lego kits to keep those little hands and minds busy.
And if we're going to be stuck inside, better be super warm and cozy! Everyone swears by Barefoot Dreams brand blankets (this one is on sale!), and they have the softest cozy wears, too, but definitely comes at a price (check eBay for possible deals).
Still on my list to get - a cozy, warm robe (this one looks wonderful)!
I always get some new pairs of jammies for the kids. 

UPDATE: A friend of mine had a great suggestion to get a generator - especially for those that live around lots of trees!  She has this one (that takes propane or gasoline)

...and here are a few others rated well:
 

The list could go on and on, and I'm trying to get things I only really need/will need. And pandemic or not, I'd need to update items for growing kids and replenishing needs anyway!
What's on your winter prep list?
If helpful, I put together a quick check list as you start thinking about prepping early for the season!

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Favorite Wears: A Fall Rainbow

  Fall is a great time to play with color! Rich hues are in, but this season, pastels and bright whites remain. And when you bring the two worlds together, a simple jeans and a sweater feels elevated.  I love keeping outfits simple, but in order to keep from looking sloppy (which I'm good at that, too), I like to pair unexpected color combos, great fits and a pop of something.  
I'm all about the rainbow sweaters/tops this season - mostly in part to Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific's new collection at Nordstrom.  Her collection hits it right on the mark for me. The fun prints, bright colors, rich hues and unique patterns are all I need this season. And these jeans (similar) - my new favorite brand since discovering this pair a couple months ago.
My outfit details:

What are your favorite trends, styles and pieces this fall?

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Favorite Wears: Winter Neutrals

  It's still cold (and snowy), and despite being just about over winter clothing, we got 6 more weeks of it according to Groundhog Phil (is that his name?).  I've been turning to a lot of neutrals lately. I think mostly it's a reflection of my mood and my goal to be calmer this year, but I think it's also just been easy. I like mixing different shades of neutrals to make it feel a little more luxe, but also remains easy.
The other key/tip to making neutrals not seem boring, is playing with the textures. I like the rugged jeans matched with the delicate white t-shirt and the long cardigan with ribbing.  The cozy teddy bear styled jackets this season has been everywhere - and I love it. This is such a soft coat and the texture adds so much to a look.
 Accessories also help bring any outfit all together, especially a more neutral one. I've been into more delicate gold pieces for the last couple of years, but love amplifying that style with these Nickel & Suede gem shaped earrings for this more simple look.
This is a typical work outfit/style for me - since I work at a relatively casual company, but I also wear this on the weekend. It's an easy everyday look with the ability to elevate it as needed - like a white button down shirt under the cardigan if you need to add a bit more professionalism.
Shop these piece/this look:

P.S. My jeans on sale, and I love them (high-waisted and suck ya in!)

Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  

She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Favorite Wears: Winter Must-Haves on Sale!

 

  The most wonderful time of the year is...post-Christmas sales!  So many, so good! While I'm still recovering from all the holiday craziness, I've rounded up some of my absolute favorite winter must-haves that are part of the Nordstrom Half Yearly post-Christmas sale happening now!  
Here are my top 10 picks that you totally need to check out:
1. Zella High-Waisted Leggings are my most favorite - and I especially love the liquid leather looking ones (now under $40!) that have been so fun to wear dressed up or down.
2. Cream Sweaters - I have one in every kind of style possible and they're always my go-to picks for topping any outfit. This sweater is similar to the one I'm wearing in this post (and under $40!).  I have this one from the past Fall sale and have an older version of this one - love I love them both!
3. Nude/Tan Booties - My nude colored booties have been my shoe-go-to the last few months (the ones I'm wearing are sold out in this color). These are a few pair that are anything but boring: 

4. Good American Jeans - I rave about these jeans all the time, and some of them are on sale now at Nordstrom and also directly.  Their jeans fit every body because they stretch to fit, but also retain their shape and suck you in at all the right places. Plus, they have great styles!
5. Pink Coat: I wear my pink coat that I got a few years on the regular. I just love that it goes with most anything like a neutral, but is unique and fun. This one is on sale and super cute!
6. Black Sneakers - I find myself turning to black sneakers for workouts and black lifestyle sneakers by day (seen here). 

7. Any Thing Cozy! Anything lined in some sort of cozy fabric is a win for me. Soft and warm is what I'm going for in this already cold winter.  I could live in this and everyone is raving about this.

8. Leopard.  Just never goes out of style, and I find myself wearing the pattern all year around, but this leopard coat a few times every winter. I got mine a few years ago, but here is a similar one that is on sale!
9. Undies - I discovered my love for Spanx undies during Nordstrom's last big sale and I'm stocking up on more during this one. These are amazing.
10. Leather Skirt - Well, faux-leather, and in a dark green (similar to the one I'm wearing) is a fun twist on a work or party skirt. I love this green skirt, and it's under $100!
All the picks rounded up here:

Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.   She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Favorite Wears: Velvet Softness

 

  The trend of the winter: velvet everything. Next up, softness anything. Today's outfit contains both, plus color mixing that I kind of threw together and ended up loving the result.  This velvet skirt can be dressed up or down, is super comfortable and comes in two colors if light pink isn't your thing - oh, and it's under $25! I've been wearing it non-stop for this holiday season.
On the softness side, Chenille is all the rage right now. You have to be a bit careful on snagging it, but if you do (and I have a lot), you can easily pull the thread back through the other side.  The softness makes it all worth it. Mine is no longer available, but I've linked a few similar ones below!
And two last things you need in your life (besides velvet & softness): these boots and a yellow coat.  I literally wear these boats several times a week - they go with everything and are so comfortable. I love the way they look.  And I got this yellow coat last year from my favorite place to buy coats, and love the bright yellow options currently on sale (linked below).
Shop this look:

Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.   She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Saving Money on Gifts this Holiday!

  I hardly ever go into a physical stores anymore - and every holiday season, my ratio between online and in-store shopping skews more and more towards online.  Thankfully, most stores have a strong e-commerce options these days, but I do find going into stores - especially around the holiday season.  Going into the stores (even the mall, dear I even say it) has a special feeling.  I love all the holiday decor and taking my kids to physical locations to pick out presents for others.
This past weekend we were near the mall, so I headed into JCPenney with Nora to pick out some gifts from her for her brother and cousin.  At the same time, I was taking notes on things that caught her eye, and even saved enough money to pick myself up a new coat (that I swear I needed). I managed to save $56 dollars overall!  I was really surprised by the massive selection (including Legos, Disney's Frozen items, cute clothing, tons of coats, home items, etc - list goes on and on), and the great selection continues online, too (where I'm going for round two!).
To help shoppers realize how much more you can actually get at JCPenney, their hosting a new kind of  Holiday Challenge and it is on with the #JCPchallenge!  Instead of focusing on how much you spend on gifts this season (and it can really add up fast), JCPenny wants their shoppers to save money and come in under their holiday budget!  After we checked out with our new gifts, and coat for me, the JCPenney receipt showed how much we saved, which was instantly gratifying.

So, curious what Nora picked out?

For her brother - she went straight to the Lego section and picked him out a superhero Lego set that he's going to love.

For her cousin - she picked out a cute kitty cat purse.

For herself (her wish list) - she was LOVING the Frozen castle, which I will order tonight online (you're welcome Santa).

And I even managed to sneak in a few other things - like fun new leggings for her, some other toys and I bought this black jacket for me because I need a casual and quick throw on, and it's warm, but light weight!

 Tell me! How are you saving money this holiday season?? Make sure to use #JCPchallenge in your social posts to share.

This post is in partnership with JCPenney - all opinions are my own!

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Camp Out & Hay Bales

 
  This last weekend, we had our friend's annual Oktoberfest (yes, a couple months late...). And what once used to be a bunch of 20-somethings drinking late into the night has turned into a bunch of kids hoping around on hay bales and begging for s'mores (hey - me, too!).  My how the times have changed.
This year, my husband had both the kids camp out with him (last year, just he and Liam camped).  I helped get them in their jammies and tucked into their brand new sleeping bags, and then I headed home to sleep in an actual bed.  I'm not totally opposed to camping, but not 20 mins on a night when I'm getting an extra hour of sleep!  I enjoyed my quiet house. ;)
But Greg loves any excuse to use his tent - and the kids loved playing in it (and sleeping some...).  It worked out well, even through the night rain!  See some picks of my hay bale hopping kids + Liam's new smile sans ANOTHER lost tooth (up to 5 now - and only in Kindergarten! yikes.)

My Outfit Details (including my favorite coat - mine is a slightly lighter pink!):

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