Baby Trends: XO BR mini collection

For the sophisticated baby by work-it-mommy 

Mini top / White hoodie / Mini top / Banana Republic coat / BR Mini Collection Ribbed Pull-On Pant / BR Mini Collection Ribbed Bodysuit

You all know I love bright colors and mixing patterns, but one look at the new XO BR mini collection and I was smitten.  The muted palette and soft fabrics has me craving these pieces for Brielana.  They only have baby sizes (0-12 months) and though some are a bit pricey (I'm talking to you, cashmere) I really wouldn't mind splurging on that sweet layered sweater (in size 12 months so it will last longer, being real here.)

Any pieces in the collection catching your eye?

   
   

Cutting play dough // A fine motor activity

Kinsey is starting to hold her pens with a pincer grip, forming shaky letters, drawing stick figures and coloring inside the lines of coloring books. But her scissor use needs improvement. Here is a fun activity to help strengthen those fine motor skills and hand muscles: cutting play dough!

Easy peasy, fun and engaging! And pretty much guaranteed you already have the necessary implements at home. 

If you don't have play dough, here is my favorite recipe to make your own!

And if you want another fine motor activity, try cutting drinking straws.

Have fun!

   

   

Where I'm at Wednesday

How is it the end of February already?!  Here is what has kept me busy this month:

Having a four year old is mind-boggling, where did the years go?!  Celebrating Kinsey's birthday has definitely been the highlight of the month!

Brielana has cut her first tooth!  Needless to say she's a tad sensitive at the moment and nap/sleep schedule is a little wacky-doodle, but for the most part, she's been a trooper.  A little nervous about nursing though, not gonna lie.

I have read 3 books this month, about to start my fourth.  When I made my Goodreads pledge I was leaning towards doable, but now that I've read 6/24, I'll be a little more generous next year ;)  House Girl by Tara Conklin, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (I find his name is intriguing) were all wonderful.  Hotel hit close to home, my grandmother was actually in a Japanese relocation camp when she was 3 years old.

My car is still resisting being fixed; 3 parts replaced, manual labor hours (so thankful we know car mechanics) and $$, but still not starting.  The code reader was a bust, no code was found :(   I'm almost to the point of towing it to the dealership... dum dum dum.

Looking forward to next month and the arrival of Spring (not that California hasn't been having wonderful weather this winter, but the new Season brings hope.)  And if you really want to get into the Spring state-of-mind, join me in this Spring Cheer box Exchange hosted by Astleigh and Rachel, they're taking sign ups until Friday, February 27th!

How did February treat you?

   
   

Target Favorites

Target is my favorite store to get in lost in; I always have the best time wandering the aisles and looking at everything (poor Brian can attest to this haha).  I've been a Target enthusiast since high school and I'm sure I will always be loyal!

My first stop is always the Dollar Spot, the location is up front and in your face for a reason.  I don't always find gems, but when I do they are brilliant. 

Like these paper straws, don't mind if I do!

Or these tin pails I use for gathering art supplies (purchased a couple of years ago.)

And these awesome flash cards.  Kinsey had more fun with these than I ever thought possible.

I also get seasonal stickers/ note cards/ school supplies here for my classroom.  Just be consistent in looking and you'll find keepers.

My favorite hair product EVER.  It's only $2.99, smells lovely (I always get compliments about my hair smelling great) and it keeps my curls defined without being crunchy.  Its the only product I use outside of the shower and I've used it for years, praise it!

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This zit cream is my hero.  Highest benzyl peroxide percentage (10%) for OTC acne medication and cheap to boot!

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The best slippers.  I've gone through so many pairs I've lost count.  I try to stock up around the holidays because they are not available year round (for shame) and for $9.99 you really can't go wrong. Online right now they are discounted to $6.98 and I'm seriously contemplating buying a couple more pairs to last me through summer.  

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The Long and Lean tanks are great layering pieces.  My only caveat is through the years the cut has changed and isn't nearly as long as they used to be.  Also the price has gone up and they don't seem to go on discount as often (gripe, gripe, gripe) so in other words, I purchase these only when they are discounted and size up to a large or XL to get the length I desire.

These carafes add a sweet touch to any breakfast table.  I bought them for my baby shower's Momosa Bar, can't beat $5.99!

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I fell in love with this Xhilaration rug when decorating the Girl's shared room (more on that to come!).  It's super soft and cozy and it ties the room together (10 extra points if you know what movie that's from- Big Lebowski.)  It's also made a cameo in Brielana's monthly update photos:

And those are my favorite Target goodies!  But in all honesty, I love everything there!

Linking up with Andrea and Erika