KRISTY EVERYDAY: my favorite things

Who else is spring cleaning? It's all over my instagram feed lately. All the cool new mops and sponges and everything that's going to whip my house and life into shape. But, well, I hate cleaning. It's one of those things that I dread doing every week. Mostly because my kids are just going to go behind me and undo everything I just did. You know? But also, I really need a clean and clutter-free space to keep my mind in check.

Organizing, though? That's my thing. I'll buy all the bins and whip up a messy closet into an organized dream. Now, my kids still can't figure out how to put their stuff IN the bins some days but it's all good because I love a good closet full of pretty bins and having systems in place are always better than a free-for-all no system.

So, since a friend convinced me to co-host a yard sale with her this weekend and because my cluttered brain could use a break, I went out this week to grab some functional storage bins. Mostly for Nico's closet that I decided this week needs massive help but also for ideas for other spaces. I plan on buying pieces as I find a need for them and organizing one small space at a time. This keeps me from starting 10 different projects and quitting them all mid-way.

large glass jar / small glass canister / clear bins w/lids / black metal baskets

lined hamper basket / 6 compartment organizer / rolling bin

Target is the place lately for all things bins! I strapped Olive into the Ergo and we browsed the aisles grabbing things to give Nico's closet a refresh. Because if I step on one more hot wheel, I may go mad.

These are my current favorites for the kids closet. I redid Lia's last month and they worked out so well. We chose clear so the kids can easily see which bin they need and I love that they are stackable and under $5!

I also grabbed this huge bin on wheels for his hot wheel masses. I've yet to find a good way to store all the tracks and sets and giant pieces but I think this is doing the trick. He can easily grab the handle and wheel it out when he wants to play them. We originally had three random baskets that would crash over in the middle of the night. So, you know, that was fun.

I live for glass jars in the kitchen for things we use regularly. Coffee, flour, sugar. And, for the bunny treats and food. We store Scout's jars in this basket in the bathroom closest to his cage. We also use the same bins in the bathroom for bandaids, extra hair ties, baby wipes/diapers.

And, black wire baskets. Those I grab whenever I find them on sale because we use them literally everywhere in the house for storage.

Other than that, I gravitate towards containers that are either a clear sturdy plastic/glass and anything white. It keeps whatever you are storing and the space it's in fresh and clean! Even if it's just an illusion because of the kids!

Holiday Gift Guide // For Him

December 3, 2021

A few good ideas for the men in your life!

Manscaped Hair Trimmer // Reusable Straws // EarPods Case // Stanley Water Cup

Electric Salt & Pepper Grinders // Cozy Beanie // Metal Keyring

Most of these are basic things but they make life a little more easier! Manny loves his similar EarPods case and we're always searching for our reusable straw stash and borrowing each other's cups. And for your grill-loving guy, the one-touch electric grinders are the perfect addition to their grill.

Tis the season for some merry shopping!

Holiday Gift Guide // For Kids

December 2, 2021

Kids are so much fun to shop for! I always try to balance out their wants for the newest and coolest thing with good quality pieces or things they need. They usually get shoes and books too!

Boots // Ear Buds // Instax Mini Camera // Water Bottle

Black Beanie // Pink Beanie // Grogu Plush // Target

This camera has been on L's Christmas list for the past few years and we finally picked one up! She's going to be so excited!

Both kids asked for headphones and since they misplace and drop things all the time, both kids are getting a good budget-friendly pair this year.

New water bottles and cozy beanies are going to be under the tree for them too! And to round it out, both kids will most likely get some Legos, Nico's getting a few toys (including that adorable Grogu) and Lia's getting some new things to make bracelets with.

I can't wait too see their faces on Christmas morning!

Holiday Gift Guide // For Babes

December 1, 2021

A gift guide for the smallest of your littles! It's been years since I've had a small babe at Christmas and Olive is our youngest yet. She'll be 3 months and I'll admit, I'm pretty stumped on what to get a 3 month old babe for a gift.

But, I did stumble on a few things that I love! My kid gift guides are more of a shopping list for myself so several of these will be under the tree for our girl.

Mindy Kaling Book // Babylit Book // Knit Beanie

Soft Doll // "Babe" Sweatshirt // Frigg Pacifier

The babe sweatshirt is so cute and clothes are always a useful present for babies. You can never go wrong with books and these two are the perfect addition to her stash. Favorite pacifiers, a good tub of lotion, and soft spoons for starting food are fun stocking stuffers!

What are your go-to gifts for littles?

Holiday Gift Guide // For Her

November 30, 2021

Tis the season for gift guides! I know that everyone is doing them but here's a few of my favorite things (mostly budget-friendly!). I'd honestly love anything on this list for Christmas and I'm pretty sure the women in your life would too.

Knit Beanie // Cozy Pajamas // Wood Cutting Board // Star Cutting Board

Cast Iron Pot // Capri Blue Candle // Envelope Style Crossbody

"Tired As A Mother" Keychain // Puzzle // Slippers

If you haven't gotten into the matching pajama set vibe, DO IT! I bought this pair for Olive's birth and I'm will never turn back from a good matching set!

And, I just don't think one can have enough cutting boards. I use the pretty ones for snack boards and to make making dinner on a dark weeknight a little cozier.

Do you do traditional gifts with our partner? We exchange stockings and happily leave it at that but it's still fun to dream up a Christmas list!

Festive Finds For Your Home

November 19, 2021

I know that it's not even Thanksgiving yet but I couldn't resist an early dose of cheer this year! The Christmas boxes are stacked in the playroom and I've slowly been adding bits and bobs around the house and I find myself in the holiday decor aisles of Target multiple times a week. This year I grabbed a few new ornaments for the tree and, of course, a new mug!

Bottle Brush Trees // Festive Dish Towel // Chunky Stocking

Pom Pom Wreath // Gingerbread House Doormat // Santa Mug

I add a new Santa mug to our collection every year and seeing them spread around the kitchen is so fun! My kids drink out of them all season long - whether it's water at dinner or hot cocoa on a chilly morning.

Our holiday decor style is modern meets festive. I like to grab things that match our existing decor so I can easily add pieces in but end up with an overall festive mood. Twinkly lights, bottle brush wreaths, and wreaths in each room do the trick!

So, is it too early or are you all about the November cheer?

Fall Home Favorites

September 16, 2021

I won't lie...I've been stalking stores for pumpkins and Target for their halloween collection for two weeks now. There's nothing like some happy dopamine from shopping for your favorite season!

I've rounded up a few of my favorite things to use in our home to bring a little cozy + spooky festive fun to our space.

Ghost mug // Who doesn't want to drink hot chocolate out of this ghoulish little guy?

Festive dish towels // Spread the festive cheer to even the most boring of tasks and I bet you'll smile while wiping crumbs from the table.

Latte bowls // We use these everyday but I like to pile them in festive colors on our open shelves for seasonal fun.

Ghost wall print // Inexpensive instant downloads lets you change up the art in your home easily! I'm loving this ghost print I found on Etsy.

Woven pumpkin // I grabbed this one at Target a few weeks ago and it's the perfect touch to bring a little fall to our home while keeping it in our style.

Bats // We have a stash of these reusable bats that we use every year. The kids love putting them on the fireplace mantel!

Wooden board // Halloween charcuterie board? Yes!

Felt garland // I'm obsessed with the color scheme of this felt garland. It would be so dreamy draped across shelves of halloween books!

Witchy banner // Black and white and classic is always a yes in my book.

Cauldron bowls // Perfect for setting candy out on Halloween night!

Galvanized jack-o-lantern // The cutest jack-o-lantern! I snagged a similar one at Michaels on sale and I'm so excited to add it to our fall decor stash.

Is it too early to start decorating? Cheers to all the cozy Fall homes this year!

OUR FAVORITE BACK TO SCHOOL MUST-HAVES

life and style / my favorite things ·

August 10, 2021

School starts next week and we're going to have a 6th grader and a 1st grader! It seems impossible and yet, here we are.

We tackled all of our back to school shopping with the exception of a few small things (mostly teacher wish list items and a planner for L to track her new middle school schedule) and I feel like after years of having kids in school, I've got a few favorites in my back pocket to rely on.

Jansport & L.L. Bean backpacks // In the past we've done Pottery Barn backpacks for the kids because they loved the prints but this year I decided to stick to simple, solid colors that we can get a few years of use out of and Jansport was a no-brainer. Free shipping, life-time guarantee and a great brand to backup their product. L.L. Bean is another great quality backpack! I used one for my entire high school career.

Pencils, crayons, & folders // We buy the Target brand for the majority of the kids school supplies. Their plastic folders are always priced well and they last the entire year. However, we do splurge for good name-brand pencils and crayons - Crayola and Ticonderoga are perfect to get your kids through the school year!

Vans slip-ons // Both kids have chosen slip-on vans for their school shoes recently and we all love them. I know they aren't struggling with laces throughout the day and Nico can put these on by himself. A huge bonus because bending over to put shoes on him at 8 months pregnant just isn't happening! If actual sneakers are your thing - these New Balances are another one our top choices.

Classic polo shirt // Our school district requires uniforms and we have tried so many brands for polo shirts. Children's Place is well-priced but they shrink! Target is okay but haven't been our favorites. We stumbled on these Izod brand polos and they were so soft and great quality (and very affordable on sale!) so here's hoping these are a winner. I love other pieces from their brand so I feel pretty good about these.

Jogger pants // Gap quality has always been good for us and these joggers are the perfect uniform pants to get Nico through our short-lived winter season.

Pleated skirt // Our favorite uniform skirts, hands down. Izod brand for the win. Very affordable when you catch a sale (and I haven't had any issues finding them on sale), super comfortable, and no ironing needed! They check all the boxes for us. L has used this style skirt since Kindergarten! They also sell extended sizes online when you get to that weird stage when your kid is between kid clothes and adult clothes.

Fulton lunch bag // This is a new style for us but I've eyed them for awhile at Target and they have great reviews. The selling point for us was the removable hard insert. L had a few issues with food leaking inside her lunchbox last year resulting in bringing home a damp lunch box.

Bento style containers // These are great! Well-priced, easy for kids to open and close, and dishwasher safe! My kids don't love when their food touches so these give us the ability to pack a range of foods in the same container. They also have different styles online (like 4 compartments and even 5 compartments) and they fit in most lunchboxes.

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The kids backpacks are filled with supplies and patiently hanging up in the closet. They are excited and nervous about their first day of school and we're all hoping for a smooth year!

My Favorite Target Finds This Month

design / life and style / my favorite things ·

May 25, 2021

I popped into Target last week to look at some plants (have you seen the Hilton Carter line?) and found myself dreaming of bringing some summer touches to our backyard!

Striped blanket // Honestly, we don't have a need for a blanket outside in the summer here, but it's the perfect touch to our sofa and as summer fades away, it's just what we'll need to continue our backyard movie fests!

Clear tumbler // We recently added a dining table to our deck and I'm dreaming of outdoor place settings that are kid-friendly.

Outdoor dining plate // These striped plates are made from bamboo melamine and perfect for outdoor dining.

Gold lanterns // Love the simple shape of these lanterns!

Jute outdoor pouf // An outdoor pouf has a key player on our back patio. The kids can easily move it around and it doubles as a foot rest and extra seating!

Inflatable pool // They had me at the black and white stripes.

White planter // I loved this planter in person. It was a creamy white and the perfect addition to any backyard jungle.

As usual, Target has done it again!

Easter Basket Fillers

April 1, 2021

Easter baskets are one of my favorite things to make for my kids! It's so exciting to shop for spring goodies and dream about a new season. So, if you're looking for a few last-minute ideas, I've got you!

Ooly art supplies // We love the Ooly brand! I always throw a few art supplies in the kid's baskets since we're constantly throwing out dried-up markers and switching out art supplies in the kiddo's art cart.

Wabooba moon ball // These are the most fun! We just found these in a local store and I knew we had to put one in their baskets. They are mini-sized but they bounce SO high!

Kids baseball cap // Hats are a must in the south! I love this basic style from Amazon.

Checkered swimsuit // I put a new swimsuit in the kids' Easter baskets every year! Our pool actually opens for the season today so these new swimsuits are going to get A TON of use!

Colorblocked swimsuit // I love the quality of Gap swimsuits for the kids! This color blocked one is something L is going to love!

Books // I put books in any holiday related basket/gift to the kids! Nico's getting a funny picture book and L's getting the newest BSC graphic novel she's been eyeing.

Hydroflask // The kids use refillable water bottles every day! Between school and sports, their current ones are definitely working overtime so I'm adding a new bottle to each kids' basket!

Water bottle stickers // And, you can't give them new water bottles without stickers to show off their style! I bought a few packs between amazon and target and picked up a favorite or two from a local store and I'm going to pull a few out for each kiddo's basket. The rest I'll stash away for the next holiday!

Rolled hem shorts // Shorts and tees are so good to roll up and stuff Easter baskets with. The kids are going to need them anyways! I couldn't resist these cute rust-colored rolled hem shorts for L.

Girls pink sandals // These sandals are the perfect style for summer - from the beach to the pool and everywhere in between!

Easter basket // I snagged these baskets from Target to replace the kid's old baskets. I wanted them to finally have something matching and I think the wire is going to hold up really well.

Here's to a chocolate and fun filled Easter!

My Favorite Target Finds This Month

design / life and style / my favorite things ·

March 12, 2021

Target is not disappointing with the home decor lately. With my kids in school full-time now, I can browse the aisles of Target to my hearts content and dream about all the new pieces I'd love to incorporate into our home.

Textured wall art // These caught my eye on a Target run a few weeks ago and I resisted snatching them up but I'm obsessing over the neutral vibe they give off.

Concrete planter // My favorite style of planter lately. These would look great on a back patio with some lemon grass or a fern.

Jug vase // A great natural piece for open shelving.

Tall glase vase & Short glass vase // The perfect vases for trying your hand at the dipped vase trend.

Striped doormat // The perfect doormat to freshen up your porch for spring!

Dots print // Another print that stopped me in my tracks. I love the entire thing!

Basket w/handles // I did snag up this basket and it's perfect for holding our library books.

Pillow // The Hearth & Hand line has a lot of great textured pillows and throw blankets right now. Of course, I'm always drawn to the black & white ones!

I could easily find a space for all of these items in our home!

Cheesy Holiday Movies

December 23, 2020

Winter break! We made it! All that's left to do is wrap a few more gifts, fill the stockings, bake cookies for Santa, and watch all the cheesy holiday movies we can.

I fully believe we all need to grab a bowl of popcorn and our coziest blankets and veg out on the sofa for a few hours over the next couple of days. So, I'm here to share with you my favorite must-watch holiday movies of the season!

Any of these movie are guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit like a five year old two days before christmas. The excitement is real over here!

Holiday Gift Guide // Stocking Stuffers

December 18, 2020

I'm sharing the last gift guide of the season with you guys today! And, it's probably my favorite. Christmas stockings have been my favorite part of Christmas morning since I was little. My mom took stocking stuffers serious and it was always so magical to see a stocking brimming with fun goodies when we woke up.

I have happily kept the tradition of overstuffed stockings going for my own babes but with my own touch! Because, as much as I loved stocking stuffers as a child, as an adult I hate tiny junk that ends up everywhere or breaks two days later. It makes me a little crazy. So, I stuff their stockings to the brim with fun things I know they'll actually use with a few treats for good measure!

For the kids // holiday legos, plus plus sets, car tape, bubble gum ball, shark finger puppet, candy lab cars, colorful hair clips, peppermint lollipop tree

Other favorites...

Favorite candy/treats! My kids love fruit snacks and the tiny jars of Nutella.

Individual packs of hot cocoa

Ornaments! I pick out a new one each year for my kids and stick it in their stocking. They are always so excited to hang it on the tree when the next Christmas rolls around.

Small toys of whatever they are currently into. Bakugan and Barbie for my babes this year.

Stickers for their water bottles or enamel pins for their backpacks/jackets

Card/dice games

Books

Art supplies - markers, sidewalk chalk, paintbrushes & bottles of acrylic paint are all great ideas!

Cozy gloves

A new toothbrush

For her // phone grip, hair ties, crossword puzzle book, recipe cards, and pretty kitchen utensils (gold | black silicone)

Other favorites...

A paperback novel

Personal care items - nail polish, travel size products, her favorite makeup/makeup sponges

Her favorite treats

A small version of her favorite candle

Reusable straws

A pack of her favorite ink pens

Cozy socks

Jewelry

Notepad/journal

Hand lotion

For him // door opener key chain, harry's razor blades, mini bottles of liquor, uno card game, electric toothbrush

Other favorites...

A bag of his favorite coffee

Enough candy to fuel those last few days of work

Lottery tickets! These are a favorite that I sneak into everyone's stocking.

Personal care items - deodorant, shaving cream, chapstick

A new wallet

Personalized keychain

Gift cards to his favorite lunch spots

Socks

Car air freshener

A warm beanie hat

Cologne

Happy stocking stuffing, friends!

A Holiday Playlist

December 16, 2020

We're those people that have been listening to Christmas music since November and I don't hate it! The more the merrier, I say, so it's been almost nonstop. With the exception of the new album Taylor Swift just dropped, on my end. The kids couldn't wait and with 2020, all the cheer is needed.

This playlist is so good! I'm a holiday pop fan so there's a lot of that on here and, of course, a few classics that we love too. Judy Garland singing have yourself a merry little Christmas in that one cozy living room scene in The Family Stone where Susannah is watching Meet Me in St. Louis gives me all the warm, fuzzy feels every time!

Anyways, we play our favorite songs during the holidays to spark cheer and this playlist does the job! I hope you enjoy it!

Holiday Gift Guide // For Her

December 15, 2020

This may be an unpopular opinion, but it gives me such anxiety when someone asks me what I want for Christmas. I never know! And, the idea of searching online for something someone can gift me isn't my favorite.

However, if I had to come up with a list, this gift guide for her would be it!

First up, a daily memory journal. I find myself writing down little things the kids have said throughout the day and this canvas version is so good to jot those down in and remember them!

The gift of a plant, you can't go wrong. Just make it a faux for your non green-thumbed gals.

These golden hoops are my favorite earrings! Pair it with a fun, graphic tee and any mom would be set for the day.

I'm not so secretly getting a pair of these slippers in my stocking (and I bought Lia a pair too!). They are so cozy looking, I can't wait to lounge around the house in them.

And, lastly, a puzzle! I love this brand because the quality and image is always on point. Nothing sounds cozier than settling in on a long winter day with a puzzle and a cup of hot chocolate!

Simple, thoughtful things that are sure to brighten up her day!

Holiday Gift Guide // For Him

December 9, 2020

Men can be so hard to shop for! M and I don't do Christmas gifts for each other. We do fill up a stocking (my favorite!) for each other but typically, if there is something we really want or need we'll get it during the year or on other holidays (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.).

This year though, I've got a gift guide that is full of things great for the men in your life!

+ GRILLING SUPPLIES +

M got a Blackstone griddle recently and he's in love! I honestly didn't see the point of having two different grills (we also have a charcoal Weber that we have loved for years) but I'm fully on the Blackstone griddle train now. Burgers, hibachi, pancakes + eggs, it's all so good. And, what's better than a wireless smart meat thermometer for your tech-loving guy to go along with it!

+ SHAVING STUFF +

A good shave is a seriously good gift. My guy loves the Harry's line of razors and face products. This nick stick looks like a great addition to any guy's daily shave routine, too!

+ EARBUDS +

Apple wireless earbuds are a must-have for my guy. This mini cleaning kit will help keep them at their best and combat daily wear and use.

+ WINTER WEAR +

A warm, fitted beanie and a pair of waterproof boots are staples in my guy's wardrobe. Pair them with some fun socks and you've got a gift guaranteed to bring smiles!

Happy merry shopping!

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Holiday Gift Guide // For The Kids

December 4, 2020

I'm so excited to share the first ever of my gift guides with you guys today!

I have actually finished up the kids' Christmas shopping this year, the earliest I have ever gotten it done, so this list is filled with tried-and-true favorites and a few of the special things that will be waiting under the tree for my kiddos.

+ GAMES +

Games are one of the things the kids will probably never tire of. Board games, card games, and dice games especially are hits with our crew.

+ CAMERA +

Lia has wanted a camera for a few years now. I actually haven't gotten her one yet. I'm torn between some type of digital camera and a polaroid. Polaroids are my favorite, so cute and fun! I just don't love the buying film part. This one, though, seems to always get shared and is the top on my list of possibilities!

+ LEGOS +

A classic favorite! This year is going to be a big one for the Harry Potter sets as Lia recently fell in love with the books. Nico is hoping for the Mario sets!

+ MAGNATILES +

Magnatiles have been another go-to toy in our house. We started the kids collection a few Christmases ago and they have remained a favorite.

+ SHOES +

I know, shoes for Christmas, sounds boring, right? But, our kids almost always get at least one thing that they need and it's usually shoes and they love shoes! Lia is into classic checkerboard vans at the moment and since Nico is also getting a skateboard (I'm equal parts excited and nervous about this gift!), I'm pretty sure he needs a pair too. We also love gifting them Crocs and Toms!

+ BOOKS +

Books are the one thing that will be always, always be under the tree. I love large, hard cover books full of knowledge and gorgeous pictures like the Atlas of Adventures series and a good novel or two to balance out our beloved collection of picture books.

Ok, so many good things! I hope there's something on here that inspires you to find the thing you'd love to gift!

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Holiday Home Favorites

December 3, 2020