Best Moments to Be A Kid

This post is sponsored by Gymboree.

I think we can all agree that the holidays are some of the best moments to be a kid. Baking Christmas cookies, counting down to Santa's arrival, shaking the boxes under the tree, sipping hot cocoa while looking at Christmas lights...To be a kid during the holidays is extra special, and now that I am a single mom of two I have all of these fears that the best moments will be lack luster. But, I've partnered with Gymboree to keep the holiday sparkle strong this year.

One of our holiday traditions is taking family photos, and I decided that even though our family may be different now, we are still a family and documenting it with a holiday family photos is important. Traditions don't have to stop unless you let them. 

Gymboree had everything I needed to outfit the kids with style. Elle could not get this snowflake dress on fast enough, and the polar bear ear muffs were her accessory of choice. I always find it's easiest to coordinate family outfits if you start with the girls first and then pick the boys. 

For Levi, I found an adorable striped shirt, puffer vest, joggers, boots and a snow hat. He looks like he is ready to chop down a Christmas tree for us.

It was one-stop-shopping at Gymboree, and the great thing is that they carry clothes for all ages up to 12 years old. So, we'll be coming there for years to come to find clothes for family photos. 

I'm so glad that we had these pics taken. Even though every joyful moment like this will have a bit of sadness attached to it, I know that my children will treasure these moments now and forever. And for that, it's worth it. 

Be sure to check out Gymboree for adorable clothes for boy and girls and babies. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Green Velvet

This post is sponsored by Article.

Do you have the velvet bug? I obviously do. Last year, it was a blue sofa. Last month, it was red velvet shoes. And this month, it's green velvet chairs from Article. They are my new obsession. I love sitting here early in the morning or late at night. The fabric is so soft to the touch. It feels like a big hug to me right now.

And it's not just color or texture that has me head over heels in love, it's the lines. The design of these chairs is so beautiful and the quality is top notch. Article is a company that I have been familiar with for quite some time. In fact, I have been eyeing their brown leather sofa for over a year. 

A couple months ago I thought I was putting the finishing touches on the house, but with the change in circumstances with my family, some furniture has had to go. So, it truly is a gift to have such special chairs be a part of new beginnings for me.

If you're looking for quality, modern furniture I highly encourage you to check out the chairs, sofas and tables that Article makes. They are exceptional. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Madewell x No. 6

There are very few clothing companies out there where I know I could walk into the store on any given day and want everything in the store. Madewell is that kind of store. Everything fits me perfectly, and I relate to the styles and design they produce. So, you can imagine my excitement when they gave me the opportunity to preview a brand new collaboration they are launching on November 6th.

No. 6 Store is clothing company for the modern woman. If you want to know the future of fashion you should pay attention to No. 6. So, Madewell and No. 6 collaborating is like the stars aligning and pure magic. This black, orange and blue jumpsuit is evidence of the genius. My favorite part of the design are the ties at the bottom of the pants.

They also have some silk chiffon feminine pieces like this sheath dress with ruffles. I love this dress because it's one of those instant dresses that can transport you from church to brunch to a date. 

There are more silk designs to choose from. I can't wait for you to see them. Be sure to tune in on November 6th to get yours. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; product given to me by Madewell. 

Tapered T's

This post is sponsored by Tapered Collection. 

Let's talk t-shirts. I don't know about you, but I always find it hard to spend money on the "essentials." They just aren't as fun, ya know? I would much rather find a pretty top or a killer jumpsuit. But then when I'm getting dressed and I need a simple black t-shirt, I always kick myself for not buying one. Well, I finally have three AMAZING t-shirts thanks to Tapered Collection. 

These are the softest t-shirts I have worn in a long time, but the BEST part of their design is that you can't see my bra through them and they aren't too tight or too baggy. They are just right as if Goldie Locks had finally found her favorite t-shirt too. 

Tapered Collection avoids that weird flair at the bottom of shirts and the gaping holes on the side of your arms. They are a company completely devoted to the perfect t-shirt for a woman and their devotion has paid off. I'm a big fan. You can get 15% off your purchase right now by following this link. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Styling Bookshelves

This post is sponsored by Home Depot.

Bookcases aren’t just bookcases anymore. Long gone are the days where you simply line up your books and throw in a couple picture frames for good measure. No, bookcases have been elevated to Instagrammable status with their own coined hashtag: #shelfie. At the same time, they do provide a lot of storage. They have almost become a necessary evil.

I have quite a lot of books and home accessories that are special to me, and I have been looking for a modern bookshelf to display them on. I found the perfect shelves on HomeDepot.com. They were quickly shipped to my house and easily assembled. I originally was going to put them in my family room, but since Elle’s old room was turned into a guest room I saw an opportunity to finish the space with these shelves.

It turned out beautifully! You can check out Home Depot’s blog to see the full post about how I styled it, and below for a list of items.

Products:
Shelves
Hand bookends
Gold agate stands
Woven basket set
Wire baskets
Bone Rod Picture Frame
Bone picture frame
Gold metal and marble bookends
Storage basket
Woven throw
Wood planter

Photos by Rennai Hoefer.