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Baby Love | Creating Birth Announcements with Shutterfly
CREATE, Family, LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

Baby Love | Creating Birth Announcements with Shutterfly

Our third little girl has joined the family our life has been nonstop ever since! Newborns love attention and want to be held and loved on ALL.THE.TIME. While this time is precious for me, it can be hard to do with two other kiddos running around the house.  So my “to-do” list has become more of a “if I can get to it” list.  One item on my list that kept getting pushed off was making Kensie’s birth announcements.  We had beautiful pictures taken by the fabulous La Brisa PhotographyThe edited images were back in a jiffy and just waiting for me to make the announcement. In my mind, I thought it would be such a daunting, time consuming task. Which is ridiculous because with Shutterfly, it is such a quick, easy and painless creation! I should have made them sooner.

This post was in collaboration with Shutterfly. (#partner) I received some of these items in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. #MyShutterfly

Shutterfly is so easy to use and their quality and results are fabulous. I am a big fan!  I was able to upload my beautiful newborn photos and create a photo card masterpiece in minutes. I was beyond thrilled with their card styles and options, that I actually found it hard to pick a favorite. I decided this time around to do something different and I created two cards to alleviate the pressure of choosing just one.  I love that Shutterfly offers the opportunity to make each card your own, with the choice of card layouts, colors and fonts… It really is your own presonalized creation.

I made one card in a tri-fold/multi-sided style to give to my family members that want cuteness overload, and a more traditional 2-sided 6×8 photo card for our friends.  Both birth announcements turned out fabulous and we couldn’t be more pleased!

: SHUTTERFLY BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS : Continue Reading

Britney Garner Design | Shop Feature
Fashion, LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

Brittany Garner Design | Shop Feature

Are you a FUN haver?  Do you like awesome gifts and accessories? Do you want to focus less on the crappy and more on the happy?  …If you answered NO to these questions, bummer!  But if you answered YES to these questions, I have the best company to introduce to you!!!

Introducing Brittany Garner Design – BGD!  

This online shop has everything you need to gift awesomeness to those you love!  Brittany, the lady behind it all, is a #momboss getting it done and designing fun things you can’t live without!  BGD is the perfect example of a company that demonstrates how you can love what you do and have fun doing so!

Brittany Garner Design | Shop FeatureBritney Garner Design | Shop FeatureBritney Garner Design | Shop Feature

Brittany Garner Design recently sent over some fabulous goodies for me to test and fall in love with, and guess what, I fell hard!  Each item is so unique and hilarious and allowed for me to find humor in mundane situations.  Everything BGD creates is pure quality and professionally printed, otherwise why would Brittany put her name behind it? Right?!

In all seriousness, I will definitely make Brittany Garner Design one of my go-to online shops for gifts.  You will find something for everyone on your list, whether you are buying swag for the cool mom, the rad dad, the foodie or the pop culture divas in your life, she has you covered!

Britney Garner Design | Shop Feature Britney Garner Design | Shop Feature



Here are a few of the items I fell in love with! (Bonus: If you put them all together you would make one HIP gift basket!)
Wine Glass // Mother of Wildlings Unisex Tee // Tote Bag // Drink Sleeve // Art Print

Britney Garner Design | Shop Feature

 

So what are you waiting for… Be a rad mama who wrangles her wildlings in style, and knows the beauty of motherhood comes from a sense of humor!  The BGD way!

GET SOCIAL with BGD : WEBSITE / INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK 


Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so rush over to BGD and shop here for your—> COOL MOM!espressoeverafter.com

This post was in collaboration with BGD.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.  

Britney Garner Design | Shop Feature

Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel
Fashion, LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel

As a mama to fair skinned girls who live in Arizona, I am always looking for ways to keep our skin safe from the harsh sun!  I was recently introduced to Shédo Lane from the makers of SwimZip (one of our favorite sun safe swimwear companies).  Shédo Lane is similar to SwimZip in that they use sun protective UPF 50+ fabrics.  But, skin protection is not the only bonus from Shédo Lane clothing.  It is also stylish clothing that is made from the softest material you have ever worn…  no lies!  Their UV sun protective apparel brings together function and fashion, so we can indulge in the sun and not worry.

And good news, Shédo Lane has us all covered (literally!).  They offer clothing for the whole family; men, women, children and babies.  If you know me, you know I love matching my girls.  They are in prime ages where they request it and think it is fun, so I capitalize on the opportunity to match them any chance I get.  Yes, I am one of those moms which makes Shédo Lane a perfect company for us!  Their  apparel comes in different sizes and in the same colors and patterns so I can mix and match the styles between the girls!



Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel

My girls are obsessed with their striped swing dresses because they are ridiculously soft.  Laid back comfort coupled with athletic style make them perfect to run around in at the zoo.  The girls love these twirling dresses so much that they even ask to sleep in them, and I don’t blame them.  The dresses fit true to size and come in the perfect colors to layer.

Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel

I love my striped infinity scarf, and yes the fabric matches the girl’s dresses.  I love that it protects my vulnerable neck area and because it is so versatile, it can be worn multiple ways with it’s handy and stylish button up closure.  Wear it completely snapped up like an infinity scarf, unsnap it to wear it casually draped around your neck, or go halvsies and leave it half snapped for a scarf/collar effect. The possibilities are endless!

Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel

I also fell in love with the women’s open back long sleeve shirt.  It has become my favorite workout shirt because of it’s stylish and breathable open back and of course I love the handy thumb holes.  When I am outdoors I am always looking to wear something comfortable, sun safe and this uber soft jersey knit is the winner!  I am not one to show a lot of skin, so I appreciate the modestly open back, the round neckline and a moderately fitted front. Trust me, because it is so soft and cozy, you’ll want to wear it everyday… and I pretty much do!

Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel



All of these items are UPF 50+ sun protection, tag-less and machine washable.  Win-Win-Win.

I also appreciate that family-run Shédo Lane believes in giving back.  They donate 5% of their net profits to non-profit skin cancer fighting organizations.  I love when companies give back. Let’s all support one another!


So what are you waiting for?  Give Shédo Lane a try and pick out your favorite pieces from their sun safe and stylish collection.  You, too, will be amazed at the soft materials and cute looks to choose from.  Next up on my shopping list: kid joggers for my girls, a quarter zip for my hubby and  a snuggle wrap for myself!  So may great options!

Happy sun-safe shopping!espressoeverafter.com

I received some of these items in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.  This post contains affiliate links.  If you decide to make a purchase through my link, I will make a small commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free. Thank you!

PIN ME!!!Matching in Shédo Lane | Stylish Sun Protective Apparel

#JustSTART | STARTplanner
Family, LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

#JustSTART | STARTplanner

It is always smart to plan ahead and with this STARTplanner I am about to start 2017 off right. 

I am so grateful for my 2016, it was filled with many wonderful blessings. 💜 I love that every December I get to spend quiet time looking back at my year in review and begin goal setting for the new year ahead. I am so excited for the special things coming in 2017 and I can’t wait to fill up this beautiful STARTplanner, it is going to be the perfect way to stay organized in the busy season ahead.

#JustSTART | STARTplanner

If you are a planner-lover like me, or just enjoy staying organized… This is the planner you need in your life!  Goals are rarely achieved without proper planning, organizing and preparing yourself for success. Continue Reading

Thoughtfully Gifted - Chip Chip Hooray
CELEBRATE, CREATE, DIY, Mommy Break Features

Thoughtfully Gifted – Chip Chip Hooray

When you gift, gift a story. – Thoughtfully gifted

To me a gift is so much more than a present. Every gift tells a story, from the wrapping paper to the meaning behind the gift.   Do you ever wish you could mail the PERFECT gift to a friend that would brighten their day, make their birthday extra special or just send some extra love??!!  Well I have the perfect company for you!

Let me introduce you to Thoughtfully.  Thoughtfully is a gifting company that is creating a new gifting experience much more exciting than the traditional gift basket.  Thoughtfully believes that a gift should last long after the beautiful wrappings have been torn away. Thoughtfully creates unique gifts that tell a story – a curated adventure perfect for each special individual in your life.

Thoughtfully Gifted - Chip Chip Hooray Continue Reading

Do Good & Be Kind | Good In Store - Small Shop Spotlight
Faith & Encouragement, Fashion, LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

Do Good & Be Kind | Small Shop Spotlight : Good In Store

Do Good & Be Kind | Good In Store - Small Shop Spotlight

Every once in a while a small shop shines brighter than the rest, not only for their great items, but also for what they stand for.  Our world can always use an extra dose of kindness and good, and for that reason, I am a huge fan of this do-good shop, Good In Store.  Good In Store is owned by MJ Kocovski, a graphic designer, social media specialist, former teacher, wife and mom of 3 and an overall passionate person. Continue Reading

Cozy Up With SoCozy : Kids Styling Products
Family, LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

Cozy Up With SoCozy : Kids Bath-Time & Styling Products

This post is sponsored by SoCozy.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

True story: My 4 year old has never had a hair cut… crazy right?!  She has very long, naturally straight hair, and I love it.  That being said, if there is one thing I don’t love about her hair… it’s the tangles we battle on a daily basis! Extra long hair means extra tangles and extra frustration to untangle.  I don’t know if you have ever tried to comb through tangly bed-head before, but it is a chore, especially when you are working with an irrational toddler who doesn’t fully understand it’s importance.  Brushing, combing, and styling her hair is like WWIII in our home, every single day.  I have been {almost} desperate for a product that would be kid-friendly and help make this daily routine easier… and I’ve finally found it!  Let me introduce you to our new bath-time friend – SoCozy. Continue Reading

This Winter BUNDLE UP In Style | Featuring The Children's Place
Fashion, LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

This Winter BUNDLE UP In Style | Featuring The Children’s Place

I love jackets, scarfs, hats, gloves and just about anything winter clothes related. So when it comes to picking out adorable winter looks for my girls, I have way too much fun!  Contrary to popular belief, Phoenix can still get chilly in the winter. Subzero? No.  Teens to 30’s? You betchya.  For this reason, I need to get my girls ready for the change in season.  For my little ones, I love bundling them up in the marshmallow-like puffer jackets with a coordinating hat. There is nothing cuter in my mind than a BUNDLED marshmallow running around!

This Winter BUNDLE UP In Style | Featuring The Children's Place Continue Reading

But first coffee featuring EkoBrew
LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

But First, Coffee | Featuring EkoBrew

This post is sponsored by Walmart and EkoBrew.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. @walmart #ekobrew

If you are anything like me, a good cup of brew is NEEDED to start your day off right.  Now that fall has arrived, I have been enjoying the cooler weather, which also means I finally get to transition my morning cup of iced coffee to a nice steamy HOT cup of coffee.  There is truly nothing better than waking up to the amazing smell of a fresh brewed cup of coffee in your home; But First, Coffee.

Running behind is my normal morning phenomanon.  Funny how having kids does this – I used to be organized and on time!  Thankfully my morning brew is done in my convenient single serving Keurig machine, so it is reliable and fast.  I need a speedy constant in my life and Keurig is just that… there is however a slight problem, I dislike buying the expensive and non ecofriendly K-cups, and I can never seem to find a flavor that I enjoy.  I like to buy fun flavored bags of coffee, especially during the holidays, and I am always bummed that to enjoy them I have to bring out the bulky coffee pot.  Thankfully I have found a solution to this problem: Ekobrew.

But first coffee featuring EkoBrew

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Baby Registry - The Baby Cubby
Family, LIFESTYLE, Mommy Break Features

Baby REGISTRY Must Haves | Featuring The Baby Cubby

As a mom of two little ones, I have been around the block when it comes to baby gear! I remember being pregnant for the first time trying to figure out which baby items I actually needed and which ones were not essential.  Baby stores these days are flooded with options on everything from pacifiers and bottles to car seats and strollers.  Often times, too many options leave new moms-to-be paralyzed wondering what to purchase and what to pass on.  Looking back, it would have been nice had I been given a “must have purchase guide” for new moms-to-be.  Instead I was on my own and registered for random items and hoped that they would be helpful with our new baby!  In hindsight, I made good decisions on many items, but failed miserably on others.  Time to help out any mom-to-be’s that are in this situation… Here is the official “Baby Registry Must Have Purchase Guide” for Momma’s to be… share this up, let’s help those in need! Continue Reading