Our Christmas 2015

We had a wonderful Christmas this year, celebrating with two boys and with our family.  Ethan got beyond spoiled and Wyatt was just happy to observe this year {though he also got spoiled as well! }.  I feel like the season FLEW by...I hate how that happens.  Every year, I try to slow down and take it all in and then all of a sudden Christmas just shows up!


We got a huge snow storm on Christmas Eve...which made Ethan absolutely giddy!  He loved "helping" dad snow blow all day!

We hosted our first Christmas Eve dinner...and made ciopinno!  It was delicious!  I also had fun decorating our table for the occasion.



We spent Christmas morning at our house...it was SO fun seeing Ethan open all his presents!

Then we went to Grandma's and Pop pop's to open more presents with the rest of the family.  Look at that stunning backdrop!



The day after Christmas was my birthday...so we went for a nice walk and enjoyed the bluebird skies!

Double Stroller


That night, my brother and sister-in-law drove up {ELEVEN HOURS!} and we went out to a yummy dinner. 


The next day, my girlfriend and I enjoyed a spa day for our birthdays and had lots of yummy wine and food too!  It was the perfect way to spend our birthdays!
 
Don't we look nice and relaxed?!

Tonight, my other brother and his girlfriend are driving up and my sister-in-law and her husband are in town, so we're having a BIG Christmas/birthday celebration.  Cannot wait!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!

xo natasha

Our 2015 Christmas Card




I truly love our card this year...having a family of four for the first time this Christmas makes it that much more special too!  My super talented friend and photographer, Darcy of Artyard Photography, nailed it again this year and Minted always has the prettiest cards.  We opted for the rose gold foiled-pressed option this year and I love how it brought out the color of those gorgeous mountains in the background without overwhelming our picture.

Can you believe Christmas is THIS Friday?!  Ahh!  Slow down time!

xo natasha

PS...you can check out last year's card here!

My Favorite Holiday Dresses



Look 1: Dress + Earrings + Clutch + Heels
Look 2: Dress + Earrings + Clutch + Flats
Look 3: Dress + Earrings + Clutch + Heels

Whether it's for Christmas or New Year's Eve, I love dressing up for the holiday season!  I am absolutely obsessed with these three gorgeous dresses!  They're definitely investment pieces, but since they're a take on the LBD {little black dress} I think they're also super versatile!  They can later be worn to weddings or winter cocktail events.

Which one would you wear?

xo natasha

Gift Guide // For Her



And by "her", I mean me!  :)  With Christmas and my birthday coming up, I had to put my thinking cap on  as to what I would love for myself...and hopefully inspire some of your wish lists too!

S'well Water Bottle: Well, these things are everywhere and I mean everywhere right now!  I think they even sell them at Starbucks.  So naturally, I must have one!  ;)

Valentino Sunglasses: My bestie has these and I love them!  So funky and cool!

Ear Crawlers: So festive and fun for this time of year!

New Coffee Mugs: My co-worker has these and they're the perfect size for morning coffee.  Yes please!

Tweezers: Good tweezers are hard to come by, and these are my tried and true favorites.  They're definitely in need of replacement!

Stella Perfume: I've had this fragrance on my list for years and another bestie was wearing it over the summer and I just can't seem to get my mind off it!  It smells so good!

Adult Coloring Book + Coloring Pencils: I've decided this is my most wanted gift this season, but it comes with a caveat: I want a glass of wine and some alone time to go along with this gift!  Ha!  I've heard it's really relaxing...sign me up!

Truffle Pouch: A great way to keep your things together, whether it's your purse, beach bag or diaper bag.  Plus, they're cute!

So, what do you have on your wish list this year?!

xo natasha

Happy 11 Months Wyatt!




11 months...how can that be?  This time last year, we were in the midst of the holidays and anticipating Wyatt's sweet arrival the next month.  And now, he's here and less of an infant and much more of a toddling baby.  I am trying to take it all in---I just love the stage where they're mobile, but still so snuggly.  He's still a baby, but will soon be a toddler.  Wah!  Slow down time!

Wyatt's little personality is emerging more by the day.  He's very in touch with his surroundings and is starting to develop the art of the younger brother role.  He wants everything that Ethan wants and will be very dramatic when he doesn't get his way.  He will also cry incessantly when Ethan is crying...to show his empathy skills, perhaps?  Ethan can be SO sweet with Wyatt and he can also be such a punk too.  We will often find Wyatt screaming crying since Ethan pushed him over or took a toy of his.  Ugh, brothers.

Wyatt can be pretty easy going, but also very high maintenance!  He loves to be held, but other times he'll roam the house with ease.  He's pulling up on everything and starting to show signs of cruising.  I bet he'll walk in the next two months or so, which is about the time that Ethan started to walk.  He babbles constantly and says "Da Da" pretty easily, though no mama yet.

He's very attached to both me and Ryan and doesn't like to be passed off--he's definitely got a heavy dose of stranger danger at the moment.

Wyatt's getting into 12 months jammies but wears 6-12 in most everything else.  He's in size 3 diapers and I swear his little feet fit into 0-3 shoes...just like his brother!

Other milestones include:

Crawling and has rug burns on the top of his feet to prove it
Pulling up on everything--including his crib
Ate pancakes and spaghetti for the first time this past month
Says "Da Da"--first word
Cruising
Can take a couple steps with his push toy
Loves cheerios
Cut his top left front tooth and the other one is on his own
Spent his first pre-Christmas in Orange County with my family
Can wave, point and high five.  Still working on clapping


xo natasha

Gift Guide // For Couples


Ryan and I decided that this year for Christmas, we would buy one combined gift for each other, versus buying separate gifts to exchange.  We did that a couple years ago when we bought our fridge and I am really happy with our investment.

Here are some ideas worth splurging on this Christmas:

New Mattress:  We're planning to buy a king size mattress as our gift and we've been researching online companies to test out a mattress.  There are so many options out there, but we've definitely got our eye on the Leesa.

New Sheets: These are hands down our favorite sheets--they're so so soft and comfortable!

Roku: Such a fun gift to buy for each other!  We use our streaming service to rent movies all the time.  It's the only way to sneak in date night, at home!

Luggage: New luggage is always worth investing in--and while you're at it, you may as well plan for a couple's trip away!  ;)

Projecting Alarm Clock: We have one of these next to our bed--it projects the time up on the ceiling so you can sneak a peek of the time and knowingly catch some extra zzzz's before it's time to wake up!

Nespresso: We use ours every morning--it's one of our favorite gadgets!

Fancy Wine Glasses: Good wine glasses really do make wine taste better.  Definitely worth the investment!

Cookware Set: We're in need of new pots and pans--not the most exciting gift, but every time you cook, you'll thank yourselves!

Have you ever bought a combined couple gift?  Any other ideas to consider?

xo natasha

Gift Guide // For Toddler


And by toddler, I mainly mean toddler boy, because, hey--that's what I know!

Lego Duplos: Ethan is obsessed with duplos and would actually just prefer the a block set, but this firetruck crane set is pretty cute too!

Buzz Lightyear: This Buzz is legit--and expensive!  There is one on Amazon for less, but the reviews are all over the place.  Either way, Ethan is obsessed with Toy Story and has been requesting a Buzz Lightyear {and Woody too!} ever since we got into the movies.  Another idea is the Minions movie...which we just got and Ethan loves!

Ok to Wake! Alarm Clock:  Ethan's internal clock has been off ever since daylight savings time.  I've heard great things about this alarm clock, which turns colors when it's time to wake up and also serves as a nightlight.  And hey, if it keeps us from having an super early riser in the morning, I am all about that!

View Master: Do you remember these things?  Ethan has one at school that he loves.

Anywhere Chair: I bet Ethan would love to have his own little spot to watch movies and read!  And it can be personalized!

Garbage Truck: Bruder makes the best trucks...they're super realistic and big!  Several of Ethan's buddies have this garbage truck and Ethan has been eying it for some time.

Play Toaster: Something to add to Ethan's growing kitchen collection.

Dragons Love Tacos Book: When in doubt, we can never go wrong with books.  This one looks super cute!

What's on your toddler's wish list this year?

And in case you missed it, you can check out baby's gift guide here.

xo natasha

Mealtime with OXO Tot


Mealtime with a toddler can tend to be a difficult job!  With Ethan not longer being contained in a highchair, he is constantly distracted while eating and literally eats on the go!  Admittedly, as a family, we usually eat our meals in shifts--first the boys and then the adults.  And it's very casual--think eating at the island on a stool.  

So when OXO Tot reached out about having us test out their Perch Booster seat and accompanying dish and silverware, I jumped at the chance!


The seat itself is great.  It's very slim and streamlined--feels more like a "big boy seat" than a booster.  It's easy to clean, fold down for easy storage, and it matches our highchair...score!



 The divided plate allows for portion control and even has a section in the middle for dipping sauce!  And the fork and spoon set are perfect for grubby little hands!




If you can't tell, Ethan is pretty excited about having his own place at the table now.  Hey, with any luck, we might even get him to start eating veggies!  ;)

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xo natasha

Our Thanksgiving 2015









We had a nice, low key Thanksgiving Weekend complete with a a snowy scene up here in Tahoe.  It was Wyatt's first Thanksgiving--and our first Thanksgiving as a family of four!  We got to spend it with Ryan's family {including Ethan's cuzzies pictured above!} and had two full days of stuffing ourselves silly!  The best part of being in town for Thanksgiving?  We got our tree up and decorated the same weekend!  Hooray!

And now, of course, it's perfectly acceptable to play Christmas music non-stop, light Christmas candles and bake lots of cookies!  :)

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

xo natasha 

Gift Guide // For Baby



I thought I would throw this gift guide up now with all the weekend sales going on!  It's a great time to knock out some early Christmas shopping!

Poppity-Pop Musical Dino {currently 30% off}: We had something similar for Ethan and he loved it.  I think Wyatt would go crazy over the popping balls!

Little Sapling Rattle: Everything goes into Wyatt's mouth at the moment, so why not get him something he can really gnaw on?  Plus, I love that this can be personalized with his name as a keepsake toy.

Rainbow Stacker {currently 20% off + free shipping}: Bright and colorful, and also wood, this classic toy would make for lots of fun playtime.

This Little Piggy Rocker {currently 20% off + free shipping}: I just adore this sweet rocker...totally adorable!

Baby's First Christmas Ornament: Since it's Wyatt's first Christmas, we have to commemorate it with his own ornament.  I love this hand-painted option.

Wooden Ice Lollies: Another super cute wooden toy!

Baby Snowsuit {currently 50% off}: I scooped this up since it's on a crazy sale and it will be great or Wyatt on our winter walks this season.

Jungle Tails Cloth Book: Babies are all about color and texture and this cute book offers both, plus it has a crinkle noise too!

Natural Mini Moo Bubbly Wash: Both boys have pretty nasty skin problems {mostly baby eczema} and most baby products have elements that dry out their poor skin, which only irritates the situation.  We were sent some MooGoo skin products and really love the bubble bath!  If you're all about all-natural products, definitely check them out.

Color & Shape Sorter {currently 10% off}: Yet another adorable and colorful wooden toy!

Freshly Picked Moccs: Honestly the best baby shoes on the market.  They stay on baby's feet and are super cute too!

Squeeze Blocks {currently 29% off}: We got these for Ethan and Wyatt now loves them.  They're fun to build with, or chew on!

What's on your baby's wish list this holiday season?

xo natasha



Shop Shop Shop!


Black Friday is here!  And in an attempt to highlight some of my favorite sale items, I've outlined my picks below!  Happy Shopping!

Madewell:
25% off entire purchase with code: CALMDOWN
Loving these jeans, this gorgeous floral dress, this dress with the zipper on the back and this classic tote.

Anthropologie:
25% off each and every item with code: SHOPTOIT
They have the best holiday decor!  These stockings are adorable and you could hang these alphabet ornaments with them for each child, and this tree skirt is divine!

And of course I have my eye on a few things: this stunning dress for the holidays, this windowpane car coat, and this cozy top.

Last, their candles are the best and totally worth stocking up on with this sale!

Shopbop:
Up to 25% off with code: GOBIG15
This dress is in my shopping cart, I have this dress and love it {love this new color too!}, and these duck boots are super cute!

Splendid:
30% off everything with code: THANKS
Loving this jacket, this dress and and these cozy jammies!

J.Crew:
40% off sale + 30% off select full price items with code: HOLIDAY
I've had my eye on this button up, this coat {the pale ginger color is calling my name!}, and these glitter flats!

Gap:
50% off everything with code: BLKFRIDAY
Snag a vest, a scarf and these lace up flats!

Bauble Bar:
30% off your purchase with code: THX
Loving these clustered ear crawlers, these gift sets, and this stunning necklace, which would dress up any plain sweater for the holidays!


For the Kids:

Hanna Andersson reduced all of their pajamas down to $20!  This is a crazy good deal!  Finally scored Ethan and Wyatt's Christmas jammies!

Anthropologie has the cutest kids selections as well (remember, code: SHOPTOIT)
This flamingo is the cutest ever, I am trying to rack my brain on where I can put these baskets, and I want to buy one of these for myself!

Gap:
50% off everything with code: BLKFRIDAY
I love Gap Kids & Baby for their sleepwear and I also scored this baby snowsuit for half off!

The Land of Nod:
20% off everything + free shipping 
They rarely have good sales, so this is definitely worth checking out for holiday decor and fun gifts for the kids!

What are you scoring today!?

xo natasha

Thanksgiving Eve


On the eve of Thanksgiving, I'm taking a stroll down memory lane of the last three years...

2012 

2013

2014

I can't wait to celebrate with BOTH boys tomorrow!  We're staying in Tahoe and celebrating with Ryan's side of the family.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

xo natasha

Christmas Necessities




I know Thanksgiving is this week, but I am in full-mode Christmas around here!  Though, let's be real, I haven't done any shopping yet!  But we have stockings {we went with these and these} and Chrismtas cards are almost ordered, so I would say things are well underway.

We hit up Target over the weekend and I was blown away by all of their cute holiday decor.  If I wasn't in the mood before that trip, I sure am now.  Even the hubby has submitted to listening to Christmas music around here...yay!  :)

I was especially impressed by Sugar Paper's array of holiday wrapping...so many fun prints and colors!  I also love that advent calendar, but they were all sold out!  One last thing I got, but can't find online, is their Vintage Spruce candle that smells exactly like Thymes Fraiser Fir candle, linked above, but is much less expensive!  And no this is not a sponsored post...I just really love Target!  ;)

Are you getting into the holiday spirit?

xo natasha

Gift Guide // For the Wine Lover



Fa la la la la, it must be Christmas time because the holiday gift guides are out in full force!  I decided to kick off this series with one of my favorite topics, wine, because I recently spotted these new single serving wine glasses of rose and was super intrigued!  I haven't tried them yet, but the idea is pure genius!  Other items that intrigue me are these wine pearls--they cool your wine without watering it down...yes please!  And wine wipes!  Because purple teeth are just not ok.

Items I can attest to are the personalized wine charms which make a great gift for the holidays...I used pictures of the boys for family gifts.  And the stemless wine glasses--they are our favorites!  Last--how cute is that wine...ahem, book bag?

Happy Shopping!

xo natasha