How to Dress Like An Italian Woman
Discover the secrets to mastering elegant Italian style with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to invest in quality basics, embrace neutral colors, and accessorize with subtlety for a timeless, sophisticated look.
Italy has long been celebrated as a global fashion epicenter, renowned for its impeccable sense of style and timeless elegance. From Milan’s bustling fashion week to the quaint boutiques in Rome, Italian fashion embodies a blend of sophistication, simplicity, and high-quality craftsmanship. If you’re looking to infuse your wardrobe with a touch of Italian flair, this guide will help you embrace the essence of elegant Italian style.
1. Invest in Quality Basics
Italian fashion is rooted in the philosophy of quality over quantity. Investing in high-quality basics is essential. Look for well-fitted pieces such as tailored blazers, classic white shirts, and perfectly cut trousers. Italian brands like Giorgio Armani and Prada are synonymous with exquisite tailoring and timeless designs.
2. Embrace Neutral Colors
The Italian color palette typically leans towards neutral and earthy tones. Think black, white, beige, and navy. These colors not only exude sophistication but are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match effortlessly. A neutral wardrobe forms the foundation of elegant Italian style.
3. Prioritize Fit and Tailoring
Fit is paramount in Italian fashion. Clothing should fit your body perfectly, highlighting your best features without being too tight or too loose. Tailoring is key – don’t hesitate to have your clothes adjusted to achieve that impeccable fit. This attention to detail sets Italian style apart from the rest.
4. Accessorize with Subtlety
When it comes to accessories, Italians prefer subtle elegance over flashy statements. Opt for classic pieces like a leather belt, a silk scarf, or a pair of stylish sunglasses. Quality leather handbags and shoes are also staples in an Italian wardrobe. Brands like Gucci and Ferragamo offer timeless accessories that elevate any outfit.
5. Incorporate Luxurious Fabrics
Luxurious fabrics are a hallmark of Italian fashion. Incorporate materials like silk, cashmere, linen, and high-quality wool into your wardrobe. These fabrics not only feel wonderful against the skin but also drape beautifully, adding an element of luxury to your look.
6. Add a Touch of Personal Flair
While adhering to the principles of elegant Italian style, don’t forget to add a touch of your own personality. Italians are known for their individualistic approach to fashion, often incorporating unique accessories or statement pieces. Whether it’s a vintage brooch or a bold pair of shoes, these personal touches make your style truly yours.
7. Keep it Simple
Elegance often lies in simplicity. Avoid overly complicated or overly accessorized outfits. The beauty of Italian style is its effortless chic – a perfectly tailored dress paired with simple, elegant accessories can speak volumes.
8. Confidence is Key
Finally, the most important element of elegant Italian style is confidence. Italians carry themselves with a certain nonchalance and grace, which makes even the simplest outfit look incredibly chic. Wear your clothes with confidence, and your style will naturally exude elegance.
Embracing elegant Italian style is about more than just the clothes you wear – it’s about a mindset that values quality, simplicity, and individuality. By investing in high-quality basics, prioritizing fit and tailoring, and adding your personal flair, you can effortlessly incorporate the timeless elegance of Italian fashion into your wardrobe.
Beach Essentials for Mom
As summer reaches its peak, planning the perfect family beach outing becomes a top priority. To ensure your beach day is as luxurious and enjoyable as possible, we’ve curated a list of must-have beach essentials that blend style, convenience, and functionality.
As summer reaches its peak, planning the perfect family beach outing becomes a top priority. To ensure your beach day is as luxurious and enjoyable as possible, we’ve curated a list of must-have beach essentials that blend style, convenience, and functionality. Whether you’re lounging by the shore or building sandcastles with the kids, these products will elevate your beach experience.
1. Hat Attack Spring Stevie Packable Bucket Hat
A stylish hat is essential for any beach day, and the Spring Stevie Packable Bucket Hat from Hat Attack is a perfect choice. This chic hat not only provides excellent sun protection but is also easily packable, making it convenient to carry in your beach bag. Made from high-quality materials, it combines fashion and functionality, ensuring you look fabulous while staying protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
The right beach bag can make all the difference, and the Traveler Bag from Hat Attack is designed with the discerning traveler in mind. Spacious enough to carry all your essentials, this bag features multiple compartments to keep everything organized. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of beach life, while its stylish design complements any beach outfit.
A versatile sarong is a beach essential, and the Provence Sarong from Hat Attack is a standout choice. This elegant piece can be worn in various ways, serving as a cover-up, a beach blanket, or even a makeshift towel. Its beautiful pink hue and lightweight fabric make it a stylish and practical addition to your beach wardrobe.
Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial, and the Sun Balm from Toups and Co. offers a natural and effective solution. This balm is made with organic ingredients like tallow that nourish and protect your skin without the use of harmful chemicals. It’s easy to apply and provides broad-spectrum protection, ensuring your skin stays safe and healthy during your beach day.
5. FRANKiE4 Quinn II Linen Shoes
Comfortable and stylish footwear is a must for any beach outing, and the Quinn II Linen Shoes from FRANKiE4 fit the bill perfectly. These shoes are designed with both fashion and comfort in mind, featuring a supportive sole and breathable linen fabric. They are perfect for strolling along the beach or exploring nearby shops and cafes.
Equipping yourself with these luxurious beach essentials ensures that your family beach day is both stylish and stress-free. From chic hats and versatile sarongs to protective sun balm and comfortable footwear, these products will help you make the most of your time by the shore. So, pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready for an unforgettable beach adventure!
Embracing Luxury and Sustainability: My Cherie Amour Lingerie Favorites
Cherie Amour, a woman-owned and operated company, has captured my heart with its stunning collection of sustainable lingerie. Shopping here not only supports women-led businesses but also ensures I am choosing ethically produced, high-quality pieces.
As a modern, conscious consumer, I’m always on the lookout for brands that align with my values—especially when it comes to luxury and sustainability. Cherie Amour, a woman-owned and operated company, has captured my heart with its stunning collection of sustainable lingerie. Shopping here not only supports women-led businesses but also ensures I am choosing ethically produced, high-quality pieces. Here, I share why Cherie Amour is my go-to for sustainable luxury lingerie and highlight some of my favorite sets.
Why I Chose Cherie Amour
Cherie Amour stands out not only for its commitment to sustainability but also for its dedication to empowering women. The company sources its products from brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes. Each piece is designed to be both beautiful and sustainable, ensuring that you don’t have to compromise on style or principles. Shopping at Cherie Amour means investing in lingerie that respects the planet and the people who make it.
My Favorite Sets from Cherie Amour
The Nano Underwire Bra in Teal by Else is a masterpiece of design and sustainability. This bra features a stunning teal hue that adds a touch of elegance to any lingerie collection. The underwire provides excellent support while the intricate lace detailing offers a sophisticated look. Made with eco-friendly materials, this bra ensures comfort without compromising on sustainability. It’s perfect for those who seek a blend of luxury and environmental consciousness in their lingerie. I love this set for daily wear. Matching panties available.
The Lena Graphic Lace Underwire Bra by Dora Larsen is another favorite from Cherie Amour. This bra stands out with its unique graphic lace design and vibrant color palette. The underwire provides excellent support and shaping, making it both practical and stylish. Dora Larsen’s commitment to sustainability shines through in this piece, which is crafted from recycled materials. It’s a perfect example of how eco-friendly lingerie can be both bold and beautiful.
For those who prefer something unique, the Juniper Triangle Bralette by Nette Rose is an ideal choice. This bralette features a soft, delicate design with a triangle cup that provides light support. The floral lace detailing adds a touch of femininity, making it a charming addition to any lingerie drawer. Nette Rose’s dedication to sustainability is evident in the use of eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production methods. It’s a go-to for those who want comfort without sacrificing style or ethics.
Cherie Amour is a testament to the fact that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. As a woman-owned and operated company, it offers a beautiful assortment of sustainable brands that cater to those who value quality, ethics, and style. The Nano Underwire Bra by Else, the Lena Graphic Lace Underwire Bra by Dora Larsen, and the Juniper Triangle Bralette by Nette Rose are just a few examples of the exquisite pieces available at Cherie Amour. By choosing these sets, you’re not only enhancing your lingerie collection but also supporting a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry.
Explore the full range at Cherie Amour and discover the perfect blend of luxury and sustainability for yourself.
Elevate Your Beach Day
How to elevate a day at the beach with the right set up and snacks.
Nothing says summer like a day at the beach, but why settle for the ordinary when you can transform your seaside retreat into an elegant, luxurious experience? With the right essentials, you can bring a touch of sophistication to your beach day, making it a memorable escape. Here’s how to take your beach outing up a notch with some stylish and practical products.
1. Elegant Double-Layer Picnic Blanket
Start with the foundation of your beach setup: an elegant double-layer picnic blanket. Opt for one in a creamy white that exudes sophistication and comfort. The double layer provides extra cushioning and durability, ensuring you can lounge without your bum getting damp. Look for blankets that roll up neatly with leather straps, adding a touch of vintage charm and practicality for easy carrying.
2. Gatsby-Worthy Beach Chairs
Transport yourself to the Roaring Twenties with beach chairs that Jay Gatsby himself would envy. Chairs with a wood frame not only provide sturdy support but also bring a timeless, classic look to your beach setup. Choose designs that combine functionality with elegance, featuring comfortable fabric seats and backs that let you relax like a beachside mogul.
3. Beach Umbrella with Fringe
Stay cool and stylish under a beach umbrella with the cutest fringe on the top. These umbrellas not only provide much-needed shade but also add a whimsical, retro touch to your beach scene. The fringe detail sways gently in the ocean breeze, creating a picturesque setting perfect for both relaxation and Instagram-worthy photos.
4. Wood Beach Tray
A wood beach tray is a must-have for serving refreshments and snacks in style. This versatile accessory can hold everything from your favorite book to a delectable spread of treats. The natural wood finish complements the beach's sandy hues and adds a rustic elegance to your setup. It’s the perfect companion for a sophisticated beach picnic.
5. La Croix Beverages
In my opinion, nothing says fancy more than a La Croix. I’m addicted.No elegant beach day is complete without refreshing beverages. La Croix, with its variety of flavors and chic cans, is the perfect choice. These sparkling waters are not only delicious and hydrating but also add a pop of color to your beach setup. Arrange them in a cooler or on your beach tray for easy access and a touch of style.
6. Classic Picnic Basket
Bring along a cute, classic picnic basket to store your gourmet treats. Opt for a design with compartments and insulation to keep your food fresh and organized. The timeless look of a wicker basket enhances the charm of your beach day, making it feel like a scene straight out of a romantic movie.
Transforming your beach day into a luxurious and elegant escape is all about the details. With an elegant picnic blanket, Gatsby-worthy chairs, a fringed umbrella, a wood beach tray, refreshing La Croix beverages, a classic picnic basket, and a gourmet charcuterie board, you can create a sophisticated seaside experience that’s both relaxing and Instagram-worthy. So, pack your beach essentials and prepare for a day of elegance by the shore!
Meet Rose Sprinkle, the Author behind These Books for Conscious Moms
Books are a great tool for teaching, and The Little Virtues, a collection launched by Rose Sprinkles, helps you teach important values to your little.
Author Rose Sprinkle
In today’s digital and social media age, it can be tough to teach your children what’s really important in life. I’ve always believed that books are a great way to impart lessons, perhaps because, after a life filled with my own traumas and tribulations, I am realizing how much I leaned on the lessons I learned from the books I read growing up. And boy, did I read.
I was thrilled to discover The Little Virtues earlier this year: this collection of eight books teaches everything from the importance of love to the need for faith and resilience. Evy and I started with Little Faith, a story about a girl who must climb an intimidating mountain to retrieve what she needs to save her grandma with no guarantee she will even find what she seeks. It’s a story about having resilience in the face of adversity, something I want my daughter to learn. Beautifully illustrated and inspirational to read, this story will grow with Evy as she gets older so I know we’ll enjoy it for many, many years to come.
I was curious about the author behind this lovely collection, so I sat down with Rose Sprinkle to find out a little more - and, wow, is her story relatable to so many of us.
How did you get into writing books for children, and what inspired this collection?
I started writing these books long before I had a family or children of my own. In high school, I told my mom one day I wanted to write a children's book so it was always a pipe dream, but what inspired this collection may be surprising or even seem unrelated. In my early 30s, I went through a mental health crisis from the traumatic and sudden loss of a best friend. I actually found her and tried to resuscitate her which resulted in me developing PTSD, although understanding and learning that was also a separate journey on its own.
I started writing these books as a means to heal and understand the beauty in that pain, and realize that we all feel these emotions. How can I find courage? How can I keep going? We all have trials and hard things that sometimes feel impossible to overcome and can be life changing. I think it would be easy to say something like, “i wanted a wholesome product for families,” but really there was just one thought that kept driving me as I was writing and that was, “I want people to know they're not alone and to prepare kids with the tools they need for a fighting chance when they later meet challenges in life.”
Although I don't think it's so much “later” anymore. When I wrote these books, social emotional learning for kids or gentle parenting weren't a thing. It was never heard of. And as I kept writing and publishing over the next 4 years I saw a boom of need and desire for these types of materials because kids are being forced to grow up way too fast with the things they deal with and it's affecting them. I think these books couldn't be more timely.
Which book was your first book? Why did you start with that virtue?
Little love was my first. I woke up crying from a nightmare I was having, and I just asked myself, “If I could say to someone in one sentence how I feel, what would I say?”
And the words came: “I have a hole in my heart.” I wrote the entire story in 30 min and the final manuscript only had one small change in it.
I wrote that story first because my self worth had completely been destroyed. I felt like I had very little control over my life and felt very helpless that I could feel any joy again. But I didn't want to write a story about my specific circumstance. I wanted to write something that spoke to both my experience and everyone else's - that this is what it means to be human. I think it helped me realize how isolated I felt but that that wasn't the actual reality. It helped me reframe things in a much more healthy way.
Which book is your favorite, and why?
I deal with a lot of anxiety and perfectionism so Little Brave is the story that resonates with me the most. My favorite line is, “Little brave gave all that he could, no matter if his swing was bad or was good.”
I think we don't give ourselves enough credit for just showing up and trying. We always tend to focus on the end result, but we don’t see all of the failed attempts along the way. It's a fallacy our culture and human brains love to buy into when someone does something well that’s easy to them, and we call that brave. But it's not, and I think that’s a really damaging misunderstanding for kids to learn. But seeing someone try over and over again and continuously show up even when they're scared or there's no guarantee…now that's something I can admire.
The Illustrations are beautifully done. How did you pick an illustrator?
I literally just asked friends on Facebook if they knew people, haha. So my first illustrator was local, but I was moving at a pretty intense pace and illustrating books can be very exhausting. So I also used two other illustrators as well to give them all breaks. One was an old roommate from college. I was in the graphic design program, and she’s a fantastic watercolor illustrator, and the other was someone on Instagram that my original illustrator followed. They’ve all been super talented and dedicated to work with.
What is your hope for the impact of your collection?
My hope is to create a curriculum and community for parents with the books as a resource for them to help teach these concepts on a deeper level. I would love one day to have an animated TV series or interactive education platform, but as far as I’m concerned, this is what I want to focus on for the next 20 years. And on a much more personal level, I hope if anything at the least to just have these stories be loved by my children. I just recently had our very first, a little girl, who I couldn’t be more in love with. And sharing these stories with her means the world to me.
What to Pack for Mom: Long Weekend, Warm Weather Escape
Here’s our downloadable packing list for mom for your California road trip.
The Best Family-Friendly Luxury Resorts in Greece
When I got pregnant, I almost immediately regretted that I hadn’t done more traveling while I was single. But regret is a funny thing, right? It often holds us back from living our dreams and sharing these dreams and experiences with our children. Now, instead of living with regret of what could have been, I look forward to the adventures I can have with my daughter and how much richer these experiences will be.
Greece is at the top of my list for places to take her, right alongside the Maldives and Japan. But it seems like everytime I see an influencer post a stunning resort in some heavenly location in Greece, it is adults-only. So I took the liberty of rounding up some of the best resorts in Greece that are both luxurious and family friendly.
(And btw, did you know I can help you plan your next trip?)
Cretan Malia Park, Crete, Greece
Located on the idyllic island of Crete, this 5-start resort is my top recommendation for families wanting a beautiful, ultra-luxury experience that doesn’t feel fussy. Cretan Malia Park, a member of Design Hotels, has a robust childcare offering, including a Tiny Explorer’s Club for infants up to 3 years old. The host of accommodations - from suites to bungalows - is perfect for families of any size, and you can pick from your choice of views from pool to sea. There’s also an incredible range of onsite dining options and plenty of family-friendly activities, like outdoor movie nights, for some bonding time with your little(s).
As a wellness-loving, fitness-loving mommy, I’m always looking for vacations that let me balance downtime at the beach or pool with activities to get me moving. The resort has bikes available, tennis and basketball courts, and you can enjoy a treatment at their spa. They also provide yoga classes. Oh, and did I mention there’s a separate kid-friendly pool?
Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort, Crete, Greece
If you’re looking for a more traditional Greek vibe, then the Amirandes Grecotel is a great, family-friendly resort in the luxury space. Kids stay free at this resort, and as part of the Grecotel collection, it offers “Grecobaby,” a program where you can rent everything you need for your little from cribs to high chairs to bottle sterilizers.
They have a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including ones with private pools. Or, if you want to enjoy an even more lux experience, you can book a private villa for the whole family.
In the same vein as Cretan Malia Park, they offer a whole host of activities like watersports, horseback riding, yoga, and pilates. They also offer kids’ clubs, although they do not have a club offering for children under 4 years old.
The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection Hilton
Set against the northern side of Crete, this resort takes everything up a notch (or two) with its individually-decorated guest rooms. Kids also stay free at this resort, and they offer a kid-friendly aqua park with slides.
While they don’t offer a kids club, I included this on the list for families that like to stick together on their vacations. They have a fitness center for the parents and a gorgeous spa facility.
Mommy & Me Everyday Elegance Looks
I tend to be that mom in workout leggings, a sweatshirt, and my APL sneakers. I love this look. I love the comfort. But one of my 2024 goals is to, on occasion, step it up a bit with a little elegance. Here are three mommy and me looks that bring a little class to the everyday.
Sporty Casual Mommy & Me Looks
Calling all active moms and their minis. We’ve put together some super cute looks that you can wear on the go.
If you’re new here, you may not know us well enough yet to know one fact that will likely (hopefully!) never change: we are an active, dynamic little mom and daughter duo. More often than not, we’re out and about, walking, jogging, or exploring. So I put together some cute, comfy sporty looks for all those active moms, and minis, out there.
Mom & Daughter Valentine’s Dates: LA Edition
Planning a date with your mini this Valentine’s Day? Here are some mommy and daughter VDay ideas for fun, creative activities.
My little is only 10 months right now, but she’s growing up so fast. I’m already daydreaming about the traditions I can create with her, and one of them is planning mommy and me dates for Valentine’s Day…or really any day you want some quality time with her! I rounded up some fun, creative options in the Los Angeles area for all you SoCal mommas.
Tea for Two at the Huntington Library Rose Garden Tea Room
This one is a little nostalgic for me because my mom often took my sister and me to the Rose Garden Tea Room. I have loved the Huntington Library my entire life. The grounds are gorgeous so be sure you leave time to explore post-tea. Reservations highly recommended.
Location: Pasadena, CA
Cost:
Adults tickets for library entrance are $25 ($29 in peak season), children are free under 4 and $13 up to 11 years
Traditional tea at the Rose Garden is $65 per person
2. Floral Arranging Class at Viola Floral
Let me count the ways…I love flower arranging. Once my daughter is old enough, you can bet we’ll be doing a mommy and me floral arranging class just like this one.
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Cost: $250 for two
3. Organic Mani Pedis at Color Me Green Nail Spa
If you follow me enough, you know I have a very strong preference for non-toxic, organic products so I was so pleased to find a nail spa that offers manicures and pedicures for moms and their minis that are organic and use safe, non-toxic products.
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA
Cost: $40 for kids mani and pedi / up to $150 for mom depending on service selected
Jogging Stroller Round Up, and Why I Picked My Thule
My favorite jogging stroller as a two time marathon runner and former cross country athlete.
Mama, I know that pelvic floor is hurting postpartum, but hear me out: jogging (combined with daily pelvic floor strengthening exercises) is one of the best ways to get back into shape after baby.
Full disclosure, I’ve been a runner since I was about 14. In high school, I joined the Cross Country team, barely able to run a complete mile. Next thing I knew, I was the youngest varsity runner and one of the fastest girls on the team. Since that time, I’ve run two marathons and kept up with my almost daily running habit. As an abuse survivor, I find it helps my mental and emotional health as much as my physical health.
As Evy approached 6 months when most babies are able to support their neck and heads enough to sit in a jogging stroller*, I started researching options. Thule, Graco, Bob Gear, and UppaBaby often make the cut of round up lists on the internet. I was familiar with UppaBaby and Graco but wanted to do a deeper dive on Thule.
*Disclaimer: I am not a physician. Please consult with your pediatrician and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines before placing your child in a jogging stroller.
My Jogging Stroller Requirements
When I say I run almost daily, I mean it. There’s nothing I enjoy more than putting on my Hokas or APLs and hitting the road with Evy, and she enjoys it too. I knew I needed a jogging stroller that could keep up with my speed, handle some wear and tear, and, since I plan to start doing Southern California road trips with her when she reaches a year old, a stroller that could do double duty if I needed it. I have a “mini” SUV so, while jogging strollers tend to be a bit bulkier than standard strollers, it still needed to fit in the cargo hold. I note these requirements because, as with many things, you need to pick the option that best fits your lifestyle and how you intend to use your stroller.
Thule Urban Glide 2 Single All Terrain Stroller Bundle, $610
Overall: This was the winner for me. With a “lockable” front wheel, this one can transition seamlessly from a walking and shopping stroller to a high speed run when you lock the wheel in place. When the wheel is locked, I find the ride to be incredibly smooth, and the wheels absorb the impact of bumpy terrain well. The position of her seat also reclines just enough so she can see everything (which is very important to her), but is also comfortable enough for napping. This makes for a smoother ride for baby, which is important to me. When Evy is happy, mom is happy.
While some online reviews have noted the brake is a little weak, I haven’t had an issue with the brakes although we do not live in a particularly hilly area.
Extras: The storage below the stroller is so nice when we’re out and about for longer periods. I can throw shopping bags down there, or hide my water bottle. Up top, there is a deep coffee cup holder that perfectly holds my travel mug. In fact, when I seal the top of the travel mug, I can actually run with my coffee in the cup holder without worry of it spilling or falling out. This is wonderful because, on our runs, Evy eventually falls asleep for a little nap. At that point, I slow to a brisk walk, and I like to enjoy a little coffee.
Runners Up
Maybe you’re not a serious runner or you want something a little less “intense.” The Graco Modes Jogger 2.0 is a great, budget-friendly jogging stroller for any mom who wants to get out a couple times a week but isn’t committed to the running lifestyle. It has less shock absorption for baby, but if you’re not putting tons of miles in, it likely won’t be a big deal.
For all of you serious runners who aren’t living in Southern California where the weather is gorgeous 98% of the time, you might want to splurge for the Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer & Stroller. Priced at nearly $1,200, it’s not my pick for first-time runners, and there’s no way it would fit in the cargo hold of my tiny SUV. But if you live in the Northeast and want to run in different weather, this might be the way to go.
Happy running, mamas!
Caraa Baby Bag Large Backpack Review
After 10 months, I still love my Caraa Baby Bag. Here’s why.
In the last month of my pregnancy, I was huge and therefore not particularly mobile. I spent a lot of time watching nursery reveals and diaper bag reviews on YouTube so I consider myself an armchair expert at this point.
Now, I have two disclosures before I get into my diaper bag post: the first is that, at this point, I am not running any affiliate links with the exception of one for a color consultation with Heather Riggs (more on that later) and am not sponsored by any brand. However, the second is that I am a Caraa fan girl so this post may be a bit biased. When I lived in NYC, I invested in the Caraa Studio Bag, and I was obsessed with how it easily fit my work life and after work life (aka, working out). I did a lot of travel for work as well, and it was perfect.
So when I started researching diaper bags, Caraa was immediately on the list. I didn’t want to rule out some of the other usual suspects like Lululemon’s New Parent Backpack or the Happ diaper bags. Eventually, after hours of videos, I came right back to the Caraa Baby Bag (in blush in the largest size, no less), and here’s why.
It is incredibly lightweight.
Caraa describes the material as a “cloud-like waterproof nylon.” It is indeed like a cloud - soft, lightweight, almost fluffy. I find that the material reduces the overall weight of the bag, which helps when I need to carry it on my back while also holding a rapidly growing infant. As a bonus, the material was incredibly washable: I threw it in the machine on a hand wash cycle with baby detergent and hung it to dry. I’ve only needed to do this twice in the 10 months I’ve owned the bag, and it looks good as new after the wash.
It has lots of interior organization.
While I love to keep things neat and organized, I find my best intentions as a mom are often thwarted by the realities of mom life. I knew I needed a bag with lots of interior organization to make it easy to find what I need, in a hurry, on the go. With front and side pouches lined in a soft, lux insulation, packing bottles and snacks is easy breezy. On the inside, a pull out diaper caddy makes changing on the go incredibly smooth. I never have trouble finding wipes or baggies to pack the poopie diapers. And the main compartment is lined with clear organizers so you can see all the little items you’ve stored. I use these for socks, burp cloths, and other odds and ends.
It fits my working, on-the-go mom life.
This bag has more compartments than any other bag or backpack I’ve ever owned, and it also has a ton of space. I can fit my cell phone, keys, credit card holder, and even an iPad or laptop in addition to everything my girl needs for a day out and about.
I’ve had this baby bag for nearly 10 months now, and I still love it.
Want to see more? Be sure to watch my review on Youtube.
We Tried Little Spoon Biteables, and Here’s What We Thought
We tried Little Spoon’s Biteables, and here are our honest thoughts.
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I can remember a time only a month ago where Evy wasn’t interested in solid foods. I would offer her a small morsel, and she would quickly push it out of her mouth, a grimace on her face. Then, almost overnight, she decided she wanted to eat what the adults around her were eating and began to reach for my food. At that point, she was willing to try everything, but I found myself having difficulty keeping up with her changing dietary demands.
I had seen ads for Little Spoon and had joined their private Facebook group back when I first had Evy so I could ask all my burning questions about feeding baby. I was worried that their meal options wouldn’t be quite right for Evy’s developmental stage, but it turns out they launched a product called Biteables. Oh, and I should note: this post was not sponsored, and I don’t have any affiliate links on this page (although I’ll certainly edit this post if Little Spoon decides to hit me up with the opportunity).
Biteables is designed especially for babies in Evy’s age group who are making the transition from formula and soft baby food to food they need to chew. They deliver healthy meals cut in bite-sized chunks. Knowing I could cancel at any time, I decided to give it a whirl.
How much does it cost?
The pricing varies depending on how many meals you choose and what discount you’re lucky enough to snag. I’m paying approximately $44 for 9 meals. If it hadn’t been for Evy flipping her first meal over, I am confident it would have been enough for two meals. So, each meal costs approximately $2.50. When you consider that one packet of baby food costs $2, I don’t think this is too bad, especially consider Evy’s reaction to these meals.
Update: Once my pricing increased to the full, normal cost, the meals cost approximately $5 - $9 each. While it was a helpful solution in the shortterm, it doesn’t make sense as Evy continues to grow and her teeth come in. Plus, she’s not a picky eater so I like exposing her to the same things I eat (minus any sushi or raw items!) to expand her palette.
Can you customize the meal selections?
Yes! And I was grateful for this option because it allowed me to pick some safer meals to start. As Evy gets used to Biteables, we can expand our palette and introduce new foods. Depending on your delivery schedule, you’ll have a set date by which you need to customize your selections for the upcoming delivery, which is similar to many meal plan options.
Is it healthy & appetizing?
These are frozen meals that offer healthy, kid-friendly options. While I’m not a dietician, I took a bite, and it did not taste salty or processed. In fact, it tasted home-cooked to me.
Importantly, Evy loved everything on her plate. We started with the Mini Cheesy Pasta. Since I’m a fan of Mac N’ Cheese, I thought she might be too. She also loved the bite-sized carrots and even the broccoli bites.
Would I recommend?
I’ve canceled a lot of meal delivery services in my time because I was dissatisfied with their offering, but this one is a keeper in my book. The meals were delivered on time and packed extremely well in the cutest little trays. Evy enjoyed eating it, and I felt good knowing I was giving her a healthy meal.
But the best part? The ease of preparing the meal - and her enjoyment of it - allowed me to enjoy what I find to be special bonding time with my baby girl. I love feeding her, and Biteables made the experience that much more special. So yes, if it’s in the budget, I highly recommend Biteables.
Resort Looks for Mommy & Mini
Resort ready? Not without these mommy & mini looks for jetsetting, pool time, and more.
Even after moving back to Southern California where the weather is mild by Northeast standards, I still find that January has me longing for warm beaches and sunshine. It’s about this time of year, after the familial warmth and charm of the holidays starts to fade, that I begin to plan my getaway. And this year, I have the cutest little travel sidekick ever. Here’s what we’re packing and wearing for resort season 2024.
New Balance Sneakers
New Balance Sneakers for Baby
Superfood Sundays: Flaxseed
As part of
Great as a source of fiber, protein, and omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseeds deserve a place in our Superfood Sunday series. These nutty seeds have been touted for their health benefits - they might help lower risk of some cancers, maintain healthy weight, and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
I’ve often loved adding them to my morning smoothies. In my humble opinion, they add a richness and texture that takes each smoothie up a notch.
But there’s another wonderful use case for flaxseed: homemade granola. If you like cereal for breakfast or enjoy adding granola to a healthy bowl of Greek yogurt, you should be all ears. The beauty of homemade granola is its low sugar content - much lower, n fact, than store bought granola - and using honey (might we even suggest Ikarian honey?) makes it all the healthier. This might also be the easiest recipe for a homemade alternative ever.
Homemade Granola Recipe
Rolled Oats (such as Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Rolled Oats)
For every cup of oats, add:
1/4 cup of slivered almonds
1/4 cup of flaxseed (whole flaxseed)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
1 tablespoon of honey (add more if you need a little extra sugar…we’re not judging)
Lay parchment paper on a cookie sheet, spread granola mixture on it, and bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Once done, let cool and store in airtight container. You’ve just made enough to last for a few servings.
We recommend serving over Greek yogurt with blueberries and a drizzle of honey, but it’s your granola. Enjoy it how you’d like.
Classic Books for Every Age
Some of my fondest memories growing up revolve around books, and I want the same for my daughter.
Not only did my parents read to me nightly growing up, but they also made a point to gift me with beautiful hardcover copies of classic books that have become cherished keepsakes. I want my daughter to grow up with the same tradition. Here’s my roundup of the best classics to gift and read for every age.
For Baby (0 - 12 months)
There’s a reason it’s the number one book for babies. This classic board book follows a hungry young caterpillar as he eats his way into becoming a beautiful butterfly. Huh, sounds kinda like my little Evy.
For Toddlers (1 - 3 years)
One of the first dreams I had for my daughter when she was still growing inside me was that she would be brave, kind, and clever - regardless of what she decided to do with her life. This book perfectly captures that sentiment.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin, $10
For Preschoolers (3 - 5 years)
I want to teach my daughter the gift of giving and of giving back to community, and this classic is a great start.
For Early Grade Schoolers (6 - 9 years)
This is a beautiful story of love and friendship that will join the ranks of classics on Evy’s bookshelves.
For Late Grade Schoolers (9 - 12 years)
This book captured my imagination and is one I absolutely want to share with my daughter.
Cutest Casual Mommy & Me Looks
We love a good mommy & me look, but make it casual.
In my humble opinion, the best mommy and me looks transcend any matching set you can buy on the internet and focus instead of coordinating key pieces for a more modern look. What do I mean by this?
While the frou frou matching dress sets pictured might have their place in formal family photos, I’d argue there’s a better way. I’ve shown two mommy and me looks that nailed casual mommy and mini aesthetic as well as a few combos we put together for inspiration.
A few things to keep in mind when building mommy and me looks:
Kids grow out of clothes so fast - always opt for interchangeable basics so you get lots of wear.
Matching color tones, textures, and silhouettes is the key to an adorable mommy and me outfit. Notice how the examples below match beige fleece jackets, light wash denim, and clean white tanks.
You don’t have to buy mommy and me outfits from a single brand. Have a vision and search for the pieces that fit the look you’re trying to achieve.
Accessories add something extra, but again, don’t have to be identical. What’s important is matching colors and textures for a cohesive look.
For casual looks, choose jeans, leggings, or sweatsuits that are comfy for running errands or dropping in on that mommy and me class.
Image courtesy of vibeywithvsco
Image courtesy of Jessakae
Image courtesy of Julia Berolzheimer
Superfood Sundays: Ikarian Honey
As part of our new year, new mom series, we’re sharing our favorite healthy foods for Superfood Sundays. The first food? Ikarian honey.
After having a baby, my body just wasn’t quite the same: I didn’t digest food the same way. I didn’t have the same level of energy I previously had. Before baby, it didn’t matter so much what I put in my body because I was a well-oiled machine.
Now, I was the 1986 model that had been taken on one-too-many long distance road trips and needed a good tune up. While I don’t think any one diet or lifestyle is the silver bullet to a longer, happier life - and I am certainly not an ideal candidate for an aggressive detox - I believe little tweaks can pay dividends in how we feel on a daily basis. So, drawing on Blue Zone research and a back-to-basics approach to healthy eating, I’m going to bring you a weekly series that explores foods I’m integrating into my diet in 2024 and how I’m doing it.
The Greek island of Ikaria has some of the longest living people in the world, many of whom reached 100 or older with few physical or cognitive impairments. This island produces our first superfood, Ikarian honey.
What makes Ikarian honey so special? If you ask me, it’s the rich flavor. I can eat spoonfuls of the stuff straight out of the jar.
But it’s more than a sweet face: its natural proteins and antibacterial enzymes support gut health and promote healing while antioxidants boost immunity and reduce inflammation. It also happens to be unheated, unprocessed, and unpasteurized, which some believe allows it to retain more vitamins and minerals than honey produced in the U.S.
Where to buy Ikarian honey
There are many online purveyors of Ikarian honey, but I tried (and loved) Klio’s single origin honey.
Herbal Tea for Holistic Health
One of my favorite ways to wind down in the evening is with a cup of herbal tea and a great book. I love this small Etsy shop for its hand-made, delicious blends - and I always add honey to my tea.
Best Nonalcoholic Bubbly for Holiday Celebrations
Have a celebration coming up and want to offer a nonalcoholic version that’s not cringe? Read on.
Dom Pérignon, anyone?
Is it just us, or is alcohol becoming more and more passé? Maybe it’s a function of aging, but lately, I find myself gravitating towards nonalcoholic bubbly when I want to celebrate…minus the hangover. Here’s our roundup of the best nonalcoholic bubbly to enjoy this holiday season.
(P.S. - Read to the end for a holiday mocktail recipe.)
Produced in Northern Italy from a blend of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc & Gewürztraminer, this is my top pick for its sophisticated, subtle palette. An easy and relatively affordable go-to for holiday entertaining, it’s a well-balanced crowd pleaser: not too sweet, not too acidic.
We love this beautiful blend of delacoholized organic French Chardonnay wine - it opens with a minerality and accents of pear, the signature of French Bloom.
A dry sparkling, this classic has notes of summer berries, green apples and citrus, a byproduct of its blend of Syrah and Chardonnay.
If you love bubbles, this sparkling nonalcoholic wine is the closest to champagne I’ve had. Paired with oysters or a creamy risotto, it’s perfection.
How to Make a “Champagne” Cocktail
I call this one Mrs. Claus’ Night Off. Here’s an easy mocktail recipe for the holiday season. Throw the ingredients in a shaker, mix, and enjoy.
4 fluid oz of Prima Pavé Grand Cuvee
1 1/2 fluid oz of agave nectar
1 jigger of raspberry syrup
Top Products to Combat Postpartum Hair Loss
When you’re blessed with more hair than you know how to handle, you tend to take it for granted. I never thought I would be worried about hair loss, but about 4 months after I gave birth, I began to shed. And shed. And shed some more. First, I panicked. Then, I went into action researching my options. Here are the top products that worked for me.
(P.S. - Nothing in this post is sponsored. But everything has been personally tested by yours truly.)
Unlike some of its more chemical-based counterparts, this hair loss shampoo and conditioner system has a proprietary blend (read: black magic because it works!) of nutraceutical ingredients. I noticed a difference in less than a week.
These supplements pack a mean punch. You’ll notice a difference within a few weeks of regular use.
I spot treat areas of my scalp that need some hair growth love with this hero product from Kevin Murphy, a natural haircaire line out of Australia. Made from the same technology as eyelash growth serums, this spray also gives a boost to your blow out.