Try-Day Friday

I was recently asked the question, "what are your fashion fears"? I wasn't quite sure I had any, but when I really thought about it I knew that I picked pieces that I was comfortable with. Without even thinking about it I gravitate to silhouettes and patterns that I feel would look best for my body type. I'm sure most people do this but where's the fun in that? So I accepted the challenge set by Dia & Co. to switch it up and have fun with my wardrobe. They believe in self love and sporting confidence no matter your size. The results were this!

Date Night

I've always been big on date nights but after Lois was born, I underestimated the struggle leaving two kids at home.

The cost of a babysitter, not wanting to leave a very small baby and just the sheer effort it took to get ready with a toddler asking every other minute, "where are you and daddy going?" while your infant demands to be held. But Lois has hit an age of predictability and we have been making up for lost time the last two weekends. We've had a few date nights in the last 5 months but we're ready to make it more of a frequent event again.

This weekend Chris Rock was in town and we were really excited to see him live. He was inappropriate, socially relevant, and absolutely hilarious. The great thing about dating in Denver is that most musicians, comics and shows make Denver a tour stop. The date night opportunities are endless. We have plans to see Big Sean and Chance the Rapper this Spring and Summer and we are pumped. I'll be getting back to posting more date night outfits, makeup and ideas! P.S shout out to all of our trust worthy babysitters. None of these dates would be possible without you!

Noelle's Hair Style

Caring for Noelle's hair has not been an easy lesson to learn. You'd think because I do my own hair I would be capable of caring for hers. Oh but the truth hurts and is hard to hide. Noelle's hair has seen it's days of dry and brittle. As an infant I was putting baby oil and lotion on it, not having a clue of what I needed to do to keep it healthy. Since starting from scratch on my own hair I have really learned what her hair needs to look good and most importantly be healthy.  

I wash and deep condition it about once every two weeks. This way I'm not stripping her hair of it's moisture. If her hair is not in braids or they don't last two weeks I will try and deep condition it more often. 

Her hair has grown so much since I've started braiding it. It locks in her moisture and cuts down on the constant manipulation. And Lord, I couldn't imagine doing it everyday, there's no way. When we're out, I get asked all the time how I am able to get it done. Fortunately she has gotten pretty use to it, but that doesn't mean she likes it. We are big on distraction, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the iPad, or our phones.  Even that doesn't work sometimes and I just have to give her a break. Depending on the design it can take me anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour. I usually always finger detangle her hair immediately after I deep condition (while it's softest) and in some cases I will use a wide tooth comb to get through it. 

Because of her baby balding it's been hard braiding her hair with the back being so short. It hasn't yet caught up but we work with what we've got. For whatever reason I've decided that I can trim the ends myself, this probably isn't the best idea but it works for now. I want her hair to continue to grow and I'm not paying anyone to do it. I've been shocked at the rate of its growth over the last few months. 

I posted all my favorite products in my last hair post but I use this leave-in conditioner for her.

I get a lot of design ideas from Pinterest or whatever comes to me in the moment. As much as I love her curls and setting them free it's easier to maintain when it's braided.

What are your go to hairstyles for your toddlers?

Double Date Nights

Date nights are always fun right? Wrong, sometimes they are a freaking blast!!!! And we had the pleasure of having them back to back. While our besties were in town we painted it red while the kids slept. Well Liam slept, apparently Noelle was making the babysitter work for her money by coming out of our room and chatting her up for another couple hours past her bedtime. But enough about the kids, the adults had a great time. I love that our friends are able to separate from being in mom and dad mode and really have a good time and talk about adult topics. We have so many memories together before our kids and we are so blessed to continue to make memories with and without our children.

The first night was filled with different foods and yummy drinks!

We loved this speak easy so we had to bring De and Somaiya to check it out!

Bomb.com drink called the 'Coco Buttah'!

What you know bout that petty cab life? 

What I wore night #1

This pink knit sweater from H&M is so comfy and a perfect fit with these acid wash jeans, which by the way I hope I look much thicker in than these models! These suede fringe booties have been my favorite this fall. I paired the look with a feathered necklace that I've had for years.

We weren't sure things would go off as smooth the second night, but everyone behaved for the babysitter and it was parents night out again!! 

We heard of this really cool place called Avanti Food and Beverage. There are seven restaurant concepts housed in shipping containers with a full bar in the front. It was the coolest food court I had ever been to. 

 The food was so good! Some of the items included lamb and grits, pork belly tacos and this shrimp and noodle bowl.

We tried to get to a different speak easy but the wait was at least 2 hours, so Green Russel it was!!! #cocobuttahgang

What I wore night #2

I was so geeked to find something for our date night so last minute because it usually NEVER happens that way! I know I'm not the only one that can't find ANYTHING when you're actually looking. I was even more hype when I walked out of Forever 21 paying only $30 for these black skinny jeans, black fedora and keep it simple tee. I paired it with a short black jacket I already had but here's a similar short jacket here. I wore black booties I've had for a long time but I found a great deal for these cute black booties here. For my makeup that night I had a dramatic winged eye, used format blush from MAC and my favorite fall color on my lips! 

Any fun plans for the weekend? Tj and I will be heading to Miami for the COWBOYS vs. dolphins game!! You already know!

Nelly's Fall Style

 We have been so excited about spending our first fall in Denver since moving here in January. A real fall, imagine that!! It is such an amazing place to live with so much to see. We headed to Red Rocks Amphitheater with our friend and very talented photographer Natalie Elizabeth to document Noelle's fall style. We were so thrilled to have the chance to partner with our favorite accessory designer JandGhandmade who has been making headbands for Noelle since two weeks old. I sent her all of the looks for the shoot and she helped choose the perfect bows to pair with her outfits. Because working with toddlers is so predictable we had six outfits planned and were only able to shoot four of them before the meltdown started. I purchased most of these outfits over a month ago so I'll post links to the items that are still available (all of which are on sale) and of course I'll post the links to these super cute bows. And because the owner of JandGhandmade is such a beautiful person she has so graciously offered my blog readers a 20% discount using the code 'Noelle20' on her entire etsy shop!!! Also check out her new website JandGhandmade.com with some exclusives that are not available at her etsy shop!

Gray and Lavender Glitter Felt Bow

Patterned Fleece Joggers/Tall Cozy Cutout Boots

Mustard Gold Felt Bow

Skinny Ponte-Knit Pants/Two-Tone Booties

Pocket Sweater Dress

Glitter Felt Bow

I spy a dear!!

Christmas Sparkle Bow

A big thanks to our photographer Natalie Elizabeth for capturing these beautiful images of our Nelly and to Jen of JandGhandmade. You both are a joy to work with and I am looking forward to more opportunities in the future!