Transitions in Toddlerville

***Thank y'all so much for all the love on Tuesday after we announced our news of baby on the way. It means so much to feel the love after sharing something we care so much about! 

Roswelle has been killing it in the toddler transition department, lately. She potty trained like a pro the first week of January and last week transitioned to her "big girl bed" without skipping a wink of sleep.  The last significant transition on the list is letting go of the beloved pacifier. She only has it while sleeping, but man does she covet that thing. I've received a lot of tips on how to convince her to let it go, but for now we are just going to take a breather on the transitions. 

One thing I have noticed is that with each positive development, other not-so-positive (but probably essential) developments, rear their heads. Almost simultaneously after moving to her toddler bed, she started saying "

but I don't want tooooooo

" or "

but I want it

!!!" in regards to anything and everything. This is all new and requires a lot of time-outs, unfortunately. There is always a ying to the yang I guess. Ahhh the joys of being THREE!

Anyways, back to the point of this post - Roswelle's new toddler bed! I saw this bed on another blog and immediately knew it was the one. I clicked on the source link and was shocked to be directed to Ikea!? While my mom was in town last week, we made the trek to Ikea - never go alone, y'all.

Since I know baby #2 is a girl, I'll be leaving the pink and lace curtains, as well as the chandeliers. Sources are at the end of the post. Have a great Thursday!

Bed

Pink Pom Quilt & Pillow

Curtains

Chandeliers are antique finds

Cubby Cube

A Joyful Announcement!

We have news to share, baby girl Lashway #2 is arriving in June! I've been wanting to write that sentence for so long and now that I have, I know that this baby has always been on her way, just in her own time. 

I wrote back in October about my IVF experience and

failed embryo transfer

. Right around that time we had a second transfer of a frozen embryo and this little baby continued to grow! We cut a cake (see picture below) this past Friday to reveal the gender, and it was so nice to be surrounded by my mom and Paul's family while face-timing each of my 3 brothers. I was so sure it was going to be a boy, as it's been a very different pregnancy from Roswelle, so much so that I wore blue! I'm so excited to continue this journey and I'm thankful for every moment, even the hard ones. 

A dream came true with this pregnancy, but I remember how that dream of a baby can be so hard to bear, as we tried month after month after month to get pregnant. 

I used to tell my acupuncturist how difficult it was for me to picture my second baby on my chest. I wanted to see it happening so badly but the

fear of it not happening

was standing in the way, blocking my view. I would to tell Paul that if God would just tell me

WHEN

I was going to have a baby I would feel so much better. 

But that's not how things work, and I had to rely on my faith that He loves me and IS listening. I realized that God wants to hear our frustrations just as much as our joy, and so do others. If you are in a season of waiting or feel that your prayers have gone unanswered, I encourage you to share your struggle. This was difficult for me at first, but I'm so glad I shared my experience with IVF, as I found tremendous hope in the outpouring support from friends, family, and even random strangers. And if you are on the receiving end of someone sharing, I encourage you to just listen and not skip to the "let's see how we can fix this" step. 

I've learned, through a fair share of difficult times, that as much as the pain hurts, the relief can be just as powerful (in a good way). I often look back on the 18 months of trying and find myself thinking "it wasn't that hard, Lauren." But instead of brushing it off, I continue to revisit the experience, remind myself of the details, and continue to share more. It would have been so easy for me to just announce this pregnancy and move on from IVF, but I don't want to forget. Success stories need the starting point and the journey. 

My hope is that you find this inspiring and not just another story of a woman who's pregnant while you wait. I have felt your worry and doubt, and I have shed many tears and I'm here to say joy will come.  For me, it came when I let go, and shared my story. 

Thanks for the love and support, and I'm sure i'll need more of it as we have no idea what we are getting into with TWO. No more sleeping in until 7:30 I'm sure!

Below are some pictures from the reveal this past weekend. You can watch the video of us cutting the cake on Paul's instagram: 

@paul_lash

. 

My mom bought this frame for me, a reminder of what a miracle this baby is! The first picture is of her embryo state when we transferred her, the second is of when we first heard her heartbeat, and the last is of our latest ultrasound at 18wks!

I asked the ultrasound tech to write the gender in an enclosed envelope for us to take with us. I took the envelope straight to the baker at Sweet Life Bakery in Dorchester. It was so fun to find out with everyone; boy or girl, we have a BABY on the way!!!!

Things I'm Lovin' - Home

It's Tuesday! Which means another installment of Things I'm Lovin'. Today is all about the Home. Some items are primarily for decoration; however, most are things that have made my home life easier and more enjoyable.

1.

Oreck Steam Mop:

 All hail the STEAM MOP! A great alternative to the messy, dip & rinse yarn mop, or the questionable cleanliness of the swiffer wet-jet (which I have been using for years); the steam mop provides a deep down clean without the use of chemicals or detergents. After it's been used, simply pull off the cloth cover and toss in the washing machine. I use the mop all over the house - on the hardwood, the bathroom tile, and even the bathroom tub.

2.

Simple black frames:

 I'm partial to decorating with whites, grays, creams, and neutrals but I have been leaning into the idea of intentional dark colors to compliment all the lightness. I've found that the best way to add some much needed depth is through the clean lines of a simple, black frame. I'm planning to put 3 of these large square frames above our master bed. Now I just need to decide on what will go in them...

3.

Black & Decker Dust Buster: 

All I need to say is this dust buster

actually works

. It has a simple and sleek charging stand and is my go-to tool for the inevitable messes in the kitchen or after I blow dry my hair in the bathroom.

4.

Ceramic Match Holder:

 I don't own one personally, but I have gifted the ceramic match holder/striker after seeing it on multiple gift guides prior to Christmas. A great addition to any side table or bathroom vanity and removes the need for having matches next to the candle. If you order the match holder, don't forget to order "strike

anywhere

" matches off amazon.

5.

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap:

 I bought this for soap in the shower and after reading the back of the label listing all of the other uses, we have quickly started using it all over the house: Dish soap, tub/bathroom cleaning, and even a vegetable cleaner.

6.

King-Sized Throw:

 Believe it or not, throws are hard to find in king-size, or even queen size for that matter. That's why so often you will see them draped over the corners of larger beds in pictures. The king blanket I've linked isn't necessarily a throw, but it comes in a great pattern, multiple colors and is thin enough to be casually placed at the end of a bed. My mom also has a great tip - a twin sized quilt is the perfect size for the end of a King bed.

7.

Rifle Paper Wall Calendar: 

My favorite way to kick off the new year is with a Rifle Paper Calendar! The notable artwork each month is both uplifting and fitting to the mood I feel with each month's weather and festivities.

8.

Marble Oval Cutting Board:

 I've used this board over and over again. Photographing food; a tray for flower, matches, and a candle; a pretty addition to any bathroom vanity; or even for its intended use as a cheese tray or hummus platter.

9.

Everyday Co Linen Dinner Napkins: 

A local company born in Boston, the linen napkins are meant for everyday use in replace of paper napkins. Many of us save such a napkin for special occasions or dinners, but wouldn't it be nice to treat every meal, every day, as such? I have yet to buy myself a set, it's on my list, but have gifted the dinner napkins three times!

10.

Bonavita Coffee Maker:

  My favorite coffee maker. I prefer this sleeker look to some of the other bulkier options out there. It's also available in white!

11.

Bodum Milk Frother:

 Not something I use every day, but you could! It always fun to have something extra special when having girlfriends or family over to the house. I was gifted this milk frother by my sister-in-law; it adds a bit of elegance to my coffee bar and is a fun addition to offer with coffee!

12.

African Market Basket:

 Baskets have become something I use everyday - a place for fruit & vegetables, on the stairs for odds and ends, holding towels in the linen closet, or a place to gather throw blankets in the living room. A basket makes any collection of clutter look intentional, even stylish! This specific type of basket, an African Market Basket, with a giving bowl and a leather bound handle, is something I'm currently seeking. I've been seeing them pop up all over blogs and even spotted one in this month's Real Simple Magazine.  

I've loved putting these lists together so much that I'm currently planning to write a 4th installment: Things I'm Lovin' - Toddler Life!

Things I'm Lovin' - Food Edition

Before I throw a "you should eat this!" food list at you, I feel like I should explain where my interest in food comes from as of late. It really stems from two places...

Reason 1) Six months ago, over the summer, I went through IVF as many of you know. I decided almost on a whim (with the encouragement of a few) to eliminate Gluten and Dairy from my diet. I wanted to feel my best going through something that can be quite intense on a body. I continued my new way of eating well after IVF and our transfers only because I found it provided significant results: better mood, healthier system, and a feeling of self-control, all with little effort on my part. I was surprised that

cutting out

something made me feel significantly better rather than trying to

add in more

(greens, exercise, meds). 

Over the Holidays, I was very lax on what I ate and how much Gluten/Dairy came across my plate. I noticed the effects almost overnight. My skin began to break out, I felt bloated - not that I had necessarily gained any weight - but my joints felt achy in the morning, and I knew there was a better way for me to eat.

On yet another whim, I decided on December 31st that I would start #whole30 on January 2nd. I saw a few food bloggers posting about it and decided I would give it a try. For the first 4-5 days I only ate vegetables, meat, and a few nuts. I cut out fruit, rice, quinoa, peanut butter, dark chocolate...all things I would normally eat. The first week was rough - I had a temper and felt sad/whiny. BUT by Saturday the 7th, I felt strong and compelled to keep going the entire30 days! I have now added a limited amount of fruit (mostly berries) back into my diet but that's really the only change from the first week.

The #whole30 challenge has encouraged me to try new recipes with new ingredients which I have found very exciting and motivating. There was no way I was going to last on chicken, broccoli, and sweet potatoes for dinner for 30 days.

Reason 2) The new recipes/new ingredients mentioned above leads me to the second reason for the list...

As I mentioned in my New Year's resolution post, I'm trying to cut out impulse purchases. SO instead of browsing around Target or T.J. Maxx, I have started browsing Whole Food aisles, looking for random ingredients like macadamia nut oil, chile chipotle peppers, and nutritional yeast. I'm filling my urge to "shop" while making healthier food for Paul, myself, and Roswelle - a win, win or sorts (gotta start somewhere)!

One could argue I'm probably spending the same amount of money in the end (esp at Whole Foods) but Paul and I have made the collective decision to never make financial cuts when it comes to the food we eat. Buying healthy, sustainable, life-giving food will improve our life quality...

eek, I'm starting to sound like one of those annoying podcast people...

I think it's time to get to the food list!

I have a mediocre surface level understanding of the significant health benefits of the food listed below. I encourage y'all to do some of your own reading if any of these items seem particularly interesting to you!

Clockwise-ish from top left:

1) Macadamia Nuts/ Macadamia Nut Oil - The Macadamia nut has the highest level of Omega 3's, which many nutritionist are saying we don't get enough of in our diet. We get plenty of Omega 6's however, maybe too much. I've recently limited my intake of walnuts, pecans (which are high in O-6's) and significantly increased consumption of fish, raw macadamia nuts, and macadamia nut oil (I suggest replacing any recipe calling for vegetable/canola oil with macadamia, avocado, or coconut oil).

2) Ginger - Another immune booster and anti-inflammatory agent, I pop a knob of ginger in my shake every morning.

3)Pasture-raised eggs - There always seems to the next best thing with food, and for us, it's pasture-raised eggs.  Organic eggs are great, but the chickens are often kept in confinement. Pasture raised eggs are from you guessed it, pasture raised (roaming) chicken. Doesn't that just seem better? 

4) Sardines - Speaking of Omega 3's, I have a personal goal to eat sardines once or twice a month. It can be difficult to stomach for some, but I've find them very manageable when on a seed cracker with a little goat cheese. A dairy cheat for me, but I consider it worth while to get the nutritional value of sardines into my diet. Sardines are also high in calcium which can be difficult to come by when eating dairy free!

5) Taza's 80% Dark Chocolate - Just enough sweetness and high in antioxidants, but it's also bitter enough to keep me from eating the whole bar. Also Taza's chocolate is made locally here in Boston and it has a distinct texture that I really like!

6) Green Juice w/ low sugar - I read an article in W magazine interviewing the nutritionist to Gwyneth Paltrow, Frank Lipman. He says that green juices, if you are going drink them, should only have 5grams of sugar or less per bottle. I have found this extremely difficult to manage, as an apple which is commonly found in green juices, has 19g of sugar on it's own! However I have found 2 that get close enough -- Evolution: Sweet Greens with 10g of sugar & Suja: Uber Greens with only 6g of sugar per bottle!

7) RAW nuts - Go RAW y'all. Skip the roasted almond butter, peanuts, or cashews and grab the raw version instead. This will ensure you are getting the most nutritional value out of your nuts or nut butter. 

8) Tumeric - The super spice/seasoning of 2017. The health benefits and healing powers of this little plant go on and on and have been on several health food lists lately. I've even seen a coffee shop offer a tumeric latte!

9) Nutritional Yeast - I just used this for the first time last week. Some things just seem too good to be good for you...and this was one of them for me. A golden flaky powder that is supposed to taste cheesy when cooked? How can this be good for me? But the flakes are high in B vitamins, notably B12, and considered to be an antiviral, antibacterial immune booster. My favorite way to use it is over steamed broccoli or meat sauce/spaghetti. Many friends use it on popcorn as well! The Bob's Red Mill brand carries it and can be found in most grocery stores.

10) Home-made Bone Broth - Our grandmother and great grandmother will roll their eyes at us for making this a "super-food" or "super-fad" because they have been making it for generations. Either way, this is something I suggest adding to your rotation of cooking. The collagen/gelatin extracted from the bones is extremely restorative - even wrinkle resistant!

Next Tuesday, Things I'm Lovin' - Home Edition will be up!

Couple Portraits: Joel & Molly

I met Molly and Joel about 2 years ago when they joined us in our living room for a weekly bible study. A warm, talkative - esp Molly ;), and loving couple - Paul and I instantly enjoyed their company. Through those two years they have shared their ups and downs with our community group - the sudden loss of his father, their wedding!, and now battling testicular cancer after only 1 year of marriage. Joel was diagnosed back in November, has undergone surgery, and is currently braving chemotherapy which started less than 2 weeks ago. Molly reached out to me asking if I would take their pictures before facing chemo and most likely Joel losing his hair. Of course I said YES. When a friend is going through something like this, it's hard to find the right things to say or do, taking their pictures was the least I could do for them.

Joel and Molly have been through more than most in the 2 years I have known them, but they continue to hold fast to their faith and each other. They are building a strong foundation for the life ahead them. 

Things I'm Lovin' - Personal Style

Over the next three weeks I'll be writing a series "Things I'm Lovin'" covering three areas: personal style, food, and home. These are items I use almost every day. The last thing I want to do is give you 

more

 things to buy right after Christmas, however my guess is that 1-2 items from each list will interest you.

Now for the first list! When I'm in the house with a toddler, I prefer to dress in a way that I can be ready to go out and about anytime of the day. I have used or worn these items almost everyday so far in 2017. And I love that a couple of these items allow me to transition seamlessly from a yoga/spin class to a brunch with girlfriends or Paul (an ideal weekend morning, however for me, leaving the house is typically a trip to Trader Joe's with Roswelle in tow!). 

Promoting activity, versatility, and self-love...these items literally keep me going.

Links and explanations of products are listed below:

1. 

Convertible Cozy Fleece Pullover ($132)

: I received a similar convertible cape for Christmas from Paul's mother (from Lulu, but no longer available) and it is something I wear almost everyday. I'm basically wearing a chic blanket. Long enough to pair with leggings or yoga pants, this versatile piece can be dressed up or down. It's my favorite item of clothing at the moment!

2. 

Love Your Melon Pom Beanie ($45)

: I couldn't write it better myself, so I took this beanie's story directly from the website: "

On a mission to improve the lives of children battling cancer since October 22nd, 2012, Love Your Melon began with the simple idea of putting a hat on every child battling cancer in America. 

After achieving the original goal of donating 45,000 hats— one for every child battling cancer in America — Love Your Melon set a new goal of donating one million dollars to pediatric cancer research and providing immediate support to children and their families. 

Fifty percent (50%) of profit from the sale of all Love Your Melon products is given to Love Your Melon’s 

nonprofit partners

 in the fight against pediatric cancer." 

3. 

S'well bottle ($45)

: In an effort to declutter my life, I'm now using one bottle for water. The S'well bottle is mostly used for water (hot or cold) but has also worked as my fruit smoothie bottle! I love the clean, fresh look of the white (thank you, Emily, for gifting me this!)

4. 

Sakroots Charging Wristlet ($38)

: Sure, I carry way more than a wristlet during the day (picture: human camel) but with all the things I have to remember, it is nice to have only one thing to grab for myself which carries my keys, phone, cards, and will even charge my phone. I live in a state of "less than 20% battery charged" most days so this little gadget is handy for me. And it's cute to boot!

5. 

ghd Classic Curl Iron ($160):

 I feel my best when I take just 15 minutes in the morning to get ready for the day, that includes adding a few curls to my hair. Definitely an investment compared to my old Conair curling iron, but this iron heats up in less than 20 seconds and the curls last ALL DAY, if not 2 days, due to it's special heat technology. Recently, my hair hadn't been holding any curl, so this new iron is a game-changer for me.

6. 

Gold Stacking Rings ($14)

: Simple, inexpensive, and shows I gave myself a little extra thought in the morning. It's all in the details, sometimes. 

7. 

S.W. Basics Lip Cream ($12)

: In the middle of winter, nothing takes a beating more than my lips and skin. I drink plenty of water but it isn't enough to combat the below freezing temps and dry air in Boston. I received this lip balm in a 

Petit Vour

 box last January and I'm still using it!

8. 

Tieks ballet flats ($175):

 These flats LAST. I can tear through some flats but my pair of Tieks have lasted me 4 seasons of city-living with little wear or tear. Staying with the theme of decluttering my life, these are my chosen flats for everyday life.  Yes, they are very expensive, but arguably worth the money.  

9. 

Origins Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay ($26)

: My girlfriend told me she liked the results of the Origins Rose Clay mask, so I gave it a try and it's now my favorite. It evens out my skin tone and the act of putting on a mask at night makes me feel like I'm giving myself some love, which probably has the most to do with the good results. I use the mask maximizer spray and drink-up mask (pictured above) on a regular basis as well.

10. 

Honest Organic Body Oil ($10)

: I used this body oil over the weekend at my girlfriend's and immediately ordered it when I got home. I'm not a fan of lotion, mostly because of typical ingredients, but a bottle of organic oils fits the bill. Feels great going on, preferably after a shower, and lasts all day. I highly suggest!!

Newborn Portrait: Baby Michael Alexander

Professionally, it was an exciting end to 2016, as I said yes to more and more photography shoots. Through all the experience, I'm learning that my passion lies in photographing newborns. As much as this hobby of mine developed over the past two years, I'm eagerly anticipating even more growth in 2017.

And so, meet Baby Michael! When photographing an 11day old baby, as Michael was, I prefer to go to the home of the baby, where he is in his environment with familiar smells and sights. This also allows the parents to have everything they need to properly take care of their new, little one. Everything about this particular shoot was sweet and soft: adoring parents, baby toes, and a very comfy baby!

Enjoy the sweetness!

2017 Resolutions

I was inspired after reading other bloggers new year's resolutions today, to write my own! Some are brand new and some a continuation of things we've been putting into practice the last month or so...

1.

Walk more

. I am lucky enough to be able to walk to the local grocery store, rite-aid, restaurants, even Roswelle's potential preschool if I am feeling up for it (which reminds me I need to finish the application). It seems like a simple concept, but most days I must look for ways to make myself move more, as it's no longer inherent in my day-to-day routine.

2.

Buy less things I like and more things I love

. I'm known for going to HomeGoods or Target and coming back with things...not needs or even wants...just things. I need to stop buying another vase and buy more fresh flowers for example.

3.

Give myself more credit.

 I'm going to give myself more acknowledgement for what I am already doing. I'm hard on myself for not doing enough for others, but I should remind myself we have been hosting a community group in our living room for 6-10 neighbors every Wednesday night for the past 3 years. I'm really tough on myself when I eat something indulgent but I should give myself more credit for deciding, without regret or significant resistance, to be Gluten-free/Dairy-Free last May and continuing it for the foreseeable future because I feel AMAZING eating that way. Instead of consistently thinking of ways to better myself or how I am coming up short, I want to focus on what I AM doing!

4.

Less screen time and more meal-time for Roswelle

.  We started cutting back on TV/iPhone time for Roswelle in December and it was a shock to Paul and I how little she asked for cartoons after a day or two. I go 3-4 days now without her watching a single show or movie. It has been really rewarding to both Roswelle and myself. In turn, I noticed she started asking to "eat" more frequently out of boredom. We started letting her graze throughout the day and rarely sat down for a meal after breakfast. Paul and I are shifting gears and creating more structure around 3 meals a day in hopes that she will genuinely be hungry when she eats and as a result try more vegetables and have well balanced meals.

5.

Get dressed more at home

. As a stay at home mom, I can spend multiple days in sweatpants and sloppy, over-sized t-shirts. I know I am more productive and feel better when I get dressed for the day. It's not like I'll be wearing fitted pants or even blouses, simple jeans and a sweater would do the trick. 2 minutes to put on mascara and bronzer and a few fresh curls in my hair makes me feel as awake as a cup of coffee. I can do it....and should start now. It's 11am and I am writing this in my pajamas.

6.

Give Paul and myself a night off, separately

. Another blogger practices this with her husband and they love it. One night a week Paul gets to do WHATEVER he wants without any questioning from me...my guess is his night will be Tuesday so he can go to his favorite Yin Flow yoga class. And in return, I can do anything I want on my night off whether it's go to Yoga, head to HomeGoods to roam around aimlessly (which doesn't help resolution #2), get a manicure, or even go up to my room and shut the door (introvert timeeee). We both think it's a great idea but now we just need to DO it - which is common denominator in ALL resolutions I guess.

7.

Finally, blog more

. It never fails, as soon as I get into a groove of blogging on a regular basis something comes up to stall me. I get sick for a week, we go on a trip, or week flies by without any time to write and then that week turns in to a month. I've got 4-5 photo sessions ready to post and I just need to do it!! In between, I'll sprinkle in personal posts which are my favorite to write.

Christmas 2016!

I've been doing a fairly good job of photographing Christmas details this year. Being the blogger, documenter, over-sharer that I am, it would make me so sad if I didn't have them (and this post) to look back on. It's hard to stop in the moment, pull out my camera, and get the shot (or let's be honest...set up the little photo shoot) but in the end I'm glad I did. There are plenty of moments and memories that go undocumented, when I remind myself that not everything needs to be in a picture, but below tells a little bit of our Christmas 2016 as of December 23rd.

Many of these photos are repeats from Instagram, if you don't already follow me, I'd love for you to! >> @laurenlashway

{2016 Christmas Card - we were both sick when I took these pictures}

{RUDOLPH is everything to her this year}

{I'm officially a fan of family pajamas at Christmas}

{Roswelle's breakfast nook}

{our coffee cabinet}

{Christmas cheer in our guest room}

{I was determined to enjoy a pretty drink this year!}

{wrapping at my mom's house}

{wrapping at my house}

{I made cinnamon rolls from scratch for the first time - they turned out OK. Going to try to find a better GF/DF recipe}

{cousin love at a Christmas Tea}

{not my best photography skills, but still the best picture}

Favorite Things

This is a longer-winded Favorite Things post than usual. I figure it's warranted since I haven't written in a while. Have a great weekend, y'all!

1. CROCKSGIVING! (<<click for link) We host a neighborhood bible study every week and I wanted to do something special for Thanksgiving without actually spending the entire day cooking. I googled crockpot and thanksgiving, and wouldn't you know it, Buzzfeed had already figured it out for me! I followed the recipe instructions exactly, however, I replaced the flour, bread, and butter with GF/DF alternatives. I also used sweet potato chips instead of fried onions. And finally, made fresh cranberry sauce which was surprisingly simple and wonderful addition. This is a great alternative for spending hours in the kitchen. It was a hit! 

2. PERSON CARE: While at home in Georgia earlier in the month, I went to my friend and stylist Ashley at J.Thomas Salon. I wanted a refresher but loved the color of my naturally grown in roots at the moment. She only highlighted my ends, absolutely no foils on the crown of my head. The result was exactly what I had been looking for, a slightly brighter change.

3. FBF: A sweet memory from our week at my Mom's house in GA. They love her so much! 

4. A HEALTHY HABIT: I spend most of my days refilling sippy-cups and emptying half-full, forgotten coffee mugs. So when I can, I pull out a stemmed glass and poor myself a sparkling water with a fresh lemon garnish. So simple, but it makes me feel more adult and pulled together amid the most chaotic of days.

5. SHARE GRATITUDE:  As Thanksgiving approaches, I encourage you to write one hand-written note before Thursday - maybe even to your host? This is one we received from a friend and it was such a sweet sentiment.

6: SO LONG, SUPER MOON: You were beautiful yes, but you had me and Roswelle feeling all sorts of emotions!! 

Lifestyle Portrait: The Alves Family!

Introducing a wonderfully sweet family, the Alves'! Paul met Mike and his daughter Vivian (Vivi for short) at our neighborhood playground and we have enjoyed getting to know them more and more over the past couple of years. 

The word that comes to mind when I think of them, as a family, is grateful. Mike and Vanessa are grateful for each other and their marriage, and they are especially grateful for their sweet little girl, Vivi. Feelings always show through on the camera, and it was especially true on this sunny, autumn Sunday in Boston.

Happy Halloween, 2016!

Happy Halloween!! Yesterday, we spent the afternoon attending our neighborhood (Savin Hill) parade. Our family joined us and we met up with neighbor friends and their littles. It was exciting and exhausting for everyone! I love seeing all of the creative costumes the parents and kids come up with, all the work that went into planning, and finally whether or not the child will actually allow execution on the big day. Roswelle is a Mommy-Puppy, as her two favorite things are babies and puppies. She carried her "litter" (as Paul referred to it) around with pride. However, she would NOT let me paint her nose! :(

The best part of Halloween this year, for Roswelle, is the trick-or-treating. She really got into the process and protected her loot all the way to Atlanta that night (I was shocked she let me put in on the security belt at the airport). Late last night, at Mia's house, after we had changed her and read a few books, she could barely keep her eyes open but she hazily requested that her bag of puppies and candy came into the crib with her, and I of course said yes. Little does she know, she gets to do it all over again tonight! 

Below are pictures from yesterday's parade:

Favorite Things

It's officially Fall up in New England, with temperatures dipping into the 30s at night and staying in the 40s during the day (let's ignore the fact that it snowed in parts of Massachusetts yesterday shall we?). Instead of thinking about the impending Winter season, I'm fully embracing Fall and all its glory with warm meals at the end of the day, dressing in sweaters & boots, and all the pumpkin/apple flavored anything I can get my hands on (GF/DF obvi).

Below are reflections of the season in my life this week:

{Lemon + Cinnamon has become my new favorite scent combo - it's fresh and cozy}

{The large oak tree behind our townhouse is finally turning - it is the most vibrant yellow in the end}

{giving Roswelle just the right amount of Halloween flair - I'll be posting her costume on Monday}

{y'all, make this Maple + Sea Salt Popcorn TONIGHT. It's.the.best.}

My Personal Care Routine

If you were to look in my bathroom today, these are the products you would find. And before we get any further, Beauty Counter products are in my future. To all you Beauty Counter lovers out there, I hear you and I'm listening! Instead of doing a huge overhaul of my personal care products, I plan to introduce changes one by one.

For those of you ready to make a step in the right direction and looking for some cleaner, safer products to use in your everyday routine, I've listed out the products I've been using and currently like.

And I should also say....the best beauty secret out there is water, water, water. Drink water!! It will only enhance the health of your hair, skin, and nails and the effects of the products mentioned below.

1. Kai Shampoo & Contioner: My mom and I bought this product from a small shop side-walk sale and we've both been hooked ever since. The shampoo & conditioner combo gives a squeaky clean feel with little residue left. My hair feels lighter, manageable and allows me to only wash my hair once a week.**

2. Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Bar Soap: I use the bar for my face and the body wash (not pictured) for the rest. I'm so confident in this product that I'm willing to say I will never use anything else (especially on my face). The first ingredient is water and the second is organic coconut oil which leaves my skin clean without being stripped of it's natural oils.*

3. Fresh Rose Mask: I mentioned this product in a Favorite Things post a few weeks ago. It had to be included in this post as well as it is a step in my nightly routine. Right after I wash my face, I spread a very thin layer of the rose mask over my face before applying my night-time moisturizer.**

4. Origins Plantscriptions Night Cream: I've been using Origin products on my face for a couple years now. Proven to be one of the cleaner (in terms of unnecessary chemicals) products out there while still being affordable. I use the daytime cream (not pictured) in the morning which has SPF25.**

5. Jasons Deodorant: I feel like I should give full disclosure here...because those of you that know me really well, know that I don't wear deodorant (gasp!!). For the rest of you...ta-da!...I don't wear it. I stopped wearing it when I was nursing Roswelle and decided to let my body adjust and rarely need it anymore. However, on the rare occasions I go out dancing or to a function that I might be particularly nervous about...I throw on the most basic unscented deodorant I can find. This Jason's line seems to do the trick!** ....(I think this W Magazine article is worth a read)

6. Origins Charcoal Detoxifying Mask: This is my secret weapon when my skin needs a little pick me up and I want to look fresh-faced in the morning. I leave on for 10-15 minutes and make sure to add extra moisturizer after.**

7. Sephora Face Masks: One method of extra moisturizer (as mentioned in #6) is a Sephora Face Mask. A great gift for any girlfriend or stocking stuffer, these masks really work. I'm prone to breakouts and have yet to have a reactions to these mask, no matter which one I select. I keep these on hand when I need to look refreshed for special date nights, after a long trip, holiday parties, or when I need to give myself some extra care.

8. Philips Sonicare Toothbrush: I'm the worst at getting to the dentist on a regular basis (unlike Paul who never misses an appt). But this Sonicare toothbrush got me an A+ from my dental hygienist even though it had been 2 years since my last cleaning (yikes!).

9. Shea Butter Lotion: We don't love using lotion in our household, Paul has a theory that it only makes your skin dryer. But in the depths of winter when no amount of water intake keeps my skin hydrated enough, we turn to raw organic shea butter. It feels like putty in my fingers, but once I start to lather on my legs, it coats evenly and absorbs well. And it doesn't stain everything like coconut oil!!*

10. Clarisonic Mia 2: A long-time friend to my skin, I've been using the clarisonic for years. I change the brush every 3 months and only use 2x a week during the winter, as opposed to nightly in the summer when my skin can handle it.

11. Tom's Simply White Toothpaste: I've been a Crest Whitening toothpaste user since high school, but a couple years ago made the switch to Tom's because less is best in our products!*

*I purchase these products from my favorite grocery store, Trader Joe's!
**I order these products on Amazon, usually at a discounted price and with free shipping.

Cora Rose - One Year Ago!

My friend's daughter, Cora Rose, turns one year old this week! I realized a little while ago that I had never shared her newborn pictures. I decided this week would be better than any to share and take a moment to look back at how much she has changed (for those of us that know her). For the rest of you, here are some pictures of a sweet, celebrated baby! 

Favorite Things

Sometimes it surprises me how quickly our week fills up with errands, playdates, community events, social events and just life. Even though I stay at home with Roswelle and Paul gets home at a reasonable hour most nights, I still feel like I have to fight for quality family time in our schedules. While we have plans this weekend, both Saturday & Sunday, I'm hoping we have plenty of time in between to build forts in the living room, scramble eggs together in the kitchen, and relax up in Roswelle's room watching her play.

Here are some things that kept me inspired this week: 

{I LOVE this Hanna Andersson sweater (similar here) on Roswelle this Fall - the yellow pocket is such a sweet detail}

{I love finding unexpected florals at Trader Joe's}

{I've been making this Paleo Pumpkin Bread every week - only 50g of sugar (via maple syrup) in the entire loaf!}

{I already posted this on Instagram, but I fell in love with my girlfriend's blue back door. The perfect shade for all four seasons - I'll have to ask her the paint color and put it back on here}

{I took some time for myself this week and watched my first photography webinar}

Paleo Dark Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

I recently discovered Trader Joe's dark chocolate macaroons which met my gluten free/dairy free restrictions and was everything I had been missing in a dessert. However, the long list of ingredients and excessive refined sugar content did not sit well with me. So, I ventured out into the world wide web on a search for a simpler recipe which means I googled "dairy free gluten free coconut macaroons." 

I found several recipes with varying complexities and ingredients. I pulled from a few and tried my own method on a whim and it turned out remarkably well! With only 7 ingredients, I'm happy to have the quick, healthy crowd pleaser in my back pocket. Recipe is at the end of the post.

Recipe //

3 cups shredded coconut
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 egg whites
pinch of sugar
1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
72% (or higher) dark chocolate bar (dairy free)

Turn oven on to 350º. Blend 1 1/2 cups of  shredded coconut in food processor until grainy. Add with rest of shredded coconut. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and mix well. Whip 2 egg whites and a pinch of salt (absolutely no yolk!!) until peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Use ice-cream scooper to gather 1 1/2 tbsp of mixture into hand and roll little balls. Place on pan lined with parchment paper (necessary when baking something like this). Drizzle or brush melted coconut oil onto top of macaroons. Place in oven for 20ish minutes - until golden brown on top and sides. While they are out of the oven, cooling, slowing melt broken up chocolate bar in a sauce pan over low heat while continuously stirring (only takes 3-5 minutes). Move melted chocolate into a small bow with a pouring tip and slowly drizzle chocolate onto macaroons (they can still be in the pan a this point)! Let cool completely and enjoy!

**full disclosure: with so little ingredients there needs to be an agent to keep the little macaroons together post baking. I suggest blending up half of the coconut flakes in a mini food processor until a smoother texture is achieved. I skipped that step with this batch pictured and regretted it. They looked and tasted perfect until we bit into them causing them to crumble in your fingers. They were still delicious but you look a mess eating them. The drizzled chocolate on top helped but not quite enough. If you don't have a small food processor, another option would to be adding a tablespoon of coconut flour to the recipe.

Lifestyle Portraits: Mac & Josie

I recently posted this picture of Roswelle. It’s a great picture of her, yes, but the reason it stands out is because you sense what she is thinking. The look of contentment and curiosity in her eyes are absorbed, and it strikes a chord with the viewer as she peers into the camera lens. Yes, beautifully posed pictures are wonderful and there will always be a place for them, however photos that invite you to share in the emotions are remembered most.

This is what keeps me photographing - and freezing those moments is especially easy with toddlers, who have yet to learn to guard their expressions.

I recently went over to my girlfriends house to photograph her energetic 20-month old little boy, Mac, and his younger 3-month old sister, Josie.  This is the story they told:

Want an in-house photo shoot? Let's chat! contact me >> saralaurenw@gmail.com

Favorite Things

I believe I've finally found a schedule that works for the blog! Monday/Thursday/Friday posts have been manageable for the past few weeks. I usually work on Monday's post in spurts over the weekend. I then have 3 full days to work on Thursday's post and Friday is just a round-up of the week (and is sometimes my favorite to write). I'd love for you to visit on those days, but I know how busy life can be, so I've made things easy for you and added a subscribe option to the right  >>>

Here are some things that have kept me inspired this week...

{Fall foliage has begun in our neighborhood park that Roswelle and I walk to nearly everyday.}

{a quick moment that has stayed with me}

{this pretty vignette makes for a cheery morning and peaceful night, while making breakfast and dinner}

{I made Pumpkin Chicken Taco Soup (recipe link) and it was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy}

{A rockstar baby-do if there ever was one. We were lucky to have mighty Titan and his parents stay with us for a few days (see more of him here)}

Roswelle's Room - A Toddler Update

I realized the other day that I rarely photograph or post on Roswelle’s room. The last full highlight of it was over 2 ½ years ago (which you can read here) when it was barely used – she wasn’t even sleeping in there yet! She is now a full-time sleeper in there…and it's time for a dedicated post.

Speaking of sleep, Roswelle is still in her crib and we don’t plan to move her out of it until a) she grows out of it b) she starts to climb out of it or c) another baby is ready to sleep in it. That could be tomorrow night or a year away, I have a feeling it will be somewhere in between. Also, I moved the rocking chair into our bedroom to lend more space for age appropriate toys. While she has her favorites, the drawing/sticker board and her books, she still visits her picnic table and baby changing station enough for me leave them be.

A toddler room can be tricky to decorate because their interests change rather quickly. Choosing simple staple items like a bookshelf, baskets, an easel, and a table with chairs seems to work well. I update all of those with current interests, toys, and activities throughout the year while being able to keep the room aesthetically pleasing. Of course I wanted a play kitchen, doll-house, and even a teepee (which is currently folded up in a corner) but there was no room for them and they didn’t offer enough flexibility to be placed in her room. So for now, she will have to wait to go to grandmas house to play with those items – as they both have them waiting for her!

I’ve found that children rooms are the quickest to become cluttered. Memorabilia, old crafts, clothes that are too small, and old, un-used toys all start to crowd corners, drawers, and shelves. It takes a lot out of me to update her room every 6 months, both nostalgia and a slight bit of sadness make it tough to either store, give away, or toss those items. But in the end I feel better after the room has been updated for her level of development and age.

Below are some shots of her room I took the other day. I love when she and I just spend time together in there. The room gets great sunlight and I find it incredibly peaceful. And each visit she finds something that intrigues her all over again. 

{the look of curiosity!}

 

{you know how much I love to style and her space isn't excluded}

{some new and old items make for a great shelfie - that is a picture of my dad and I}