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Loving Lately…

Loving Lately... Motherhood Thoughts

Pumping Chronicles- Part 1

July 21, 2018

I spend a lot of time reading on my phone while I pump. I mentioned here, but I am pretty much exclusively pumping for Emmaline. If you’ve ever done this, you know how time consuming this can be. My goal is to pump for at least 6 months, which is what I did for Braden. We’ll see though. I am already feeling like a cow since I do it about 5 times per day.

I use the time I pump to catch up on reading news, scrolling through FB or Instagram, or reading what I call “casual reading.” All about the multitasking here. For my whole career, I have always kept a casual reading folder in my email inbox. Working in an agency setting for 10+ years, I received hundreds of emails a day. Casual reading emails were usual educational or light reading emails I would file away to read when I had leisure time or needed a mental break. I often read through them in Fridays, so I thought this would be good Friday or Sat. reading for some. So, this series, which for now I’ll call “The Pumping Chronicles”  is my version of that for the blog, with the hopes that they educate, inspire, or even make you LOL. I will try to make this a weekly series where I share articles I’ve recently stumbled across or other discoveries.

So, let’s kick this off…

1.When we built our house, we had plans of putting in a pool one day. Last summer, we said we’d do it next year. With me being pregnant & Ben traveling for work, I did not want to take it on in 2018. We have been thinking about this a lot more lately, seriously thinking about adding a pool early next year. It is just SO hot in Houston during the summer that a pool feels like a necessity. I know — that sounds a bit like first world problems, but I know it would be something we utilize a lot. That said, pool and water safety is something I am very serious about. I recently came across this article written by a woman whose son drowned. I have a friend who had a traumatic scare with her daughter who almost drowned. I can’t fathom going through this type of situation and how scary that must had been. So, I hope this article inspires you to be safe when it comes to pool and water exposure and to be cautious when your children are near water. Reading articles like this always give me chills.

2. I have total amnesia about what it’s like to have a baby so I am googling info. quite a bit & re-reading this book, which I followed, to sleep train Braden. Emmaline has only been waking 2x at night, so I haven’t started trying to implement a schedule quite yet but plan to soon just because it will help when it comes to  my work schedule and and our family’s overall routine. Also, I downloaded the Wonder Weeks app, which is great for understanding growth spurts.

3. Babies don’t do much but eat, sleep & poop, but I am all about trying to do a few little things that help with development. I came across this site recently that you can put in your baby’s age and it gives you activities to do like little exercises to help with development.  If you’re a new mom or know someone expecting, pass it along!

4. Nordstrom anniversary sale: I have ordered a good amount online in the middle of the night since last week. Perks of being woken up by a tiny human, perhaps. I am evaluating what to keep vs. return right now so I’ll share my selects soon. The sale just opened up to the public (non- Nordstrom card holders) so check often to grab new fall items. I always use this time to stock up on basics like cardigans, booties, designer denim and kids’ clothes. All of my Northface fleeces, boots and booties and lots of Braden’s clothes come from the Nordstrom sale each year. I’ve linked a few of my faves below in the widget.

5. I recently have purchased a a couple of cute items to wear from Target that are affordable & good quality like this dress with ric rac detail or this summery striped dress, which is great for nursing moms like me.

Additionally, I think the most recent additions to the Magnolia Hearth & Hand line are awesome . I added this lamp and this artwork to B’s room. And, I bought this message holder to hang next to my pantry because it’s one of my biggest pet peeves to run out of something and not be told about it. So, this list will help me know we’ve run out of something essential like PB ( always have 2-3 jars of our favorite or it makes me nervous ) or coffee. These things basically keep us alive/sane.

Thanks for reading the first edition.

Stay tuned for more next week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion + Style Loving Lately...

Loving Lately: Weekend Sale Finds

March 9, 2018

I’ve come across some really great sales online that are helping me getting into the mood for spring! I’m typically not a fan of buying maternity clothes, so I try to buy tops that are flowy and will work during and after pregnancy. One way to perk up your spring wardrobe is to pick up a few pieces of jewelry in lighter or brighter colors. This is a great way to freshen up outfits from last season and, this is my favorite part, I don’t feel like a stuffed sausage with earrings like I sometimes do with jeans while trying to grow a human. 😉 I found these light pink fringe earrings a few weeks ago and I’ve been wearing them a lot and getting tons of compliments. They’re currently on sale for 40% off (through 3/10) with the code NEWNOW at check out, making them $20. Another retailer I shop regularly is also having a 40% off sale as well through 3/12 with the code FRIENDS40. I love their shoes, so this is a great time to stock up on some spring styles like this suede block sandal, which I have in 4 colors (as seen here and here), or this nude heel with ruffle detail, which would be so cute with a spring dress for a wedding or other special occasion.

Happy shopping!

Fashion + Style Loving Lately... Shopping

Loving lately: Burgundy

November 3, 2017
burgundy fall picks

Burgundy, bordeaux, wine, merlot, oxblood  — whatever you want to call it, I’m all about it! This lovely hue might be my favorite of this season. I have an outfit or two coming to the blog soon so stay tuned next week for the first. 😉

I love the richness of this color and how it makes everything look a little luxe, especially in autumnal materials like velvet or suede. This color has been around for a while and I’ve dug this off-the-shoulder top out from last season to wear once again. I just can’t get enough. I know this hue is here to stay for many fall seasons moving forward!

Here are a few of my favorite finds:

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  • This simple v-neck tee such a great basic! I have several of these tees in different colors and I’m definitely adding this one to my shopping cart. A simple tee and cardigan plus jeans is a go-to outfit for me!
  • I snagged these lightweight tassel earrings a few weeks ago when they were 50 percent off. I got a ton of compliments on them when I wore for the first time last week.
  • I own a ton of red shoes, but none that are a deep red or burgundy. I’m a big fan of Tory Burch flats, and I have several that I’ve had for years. I find them to be really comfy. I believe I’ve had my classic black Torys  for 12 years, and they’ve been resoled twice, so definitely worth it if you take good care of your shoes.
  • This cute tassel clutch is a great size, and I have the red version of it.
  • This simple long-sleeve dress is something I picked up recently and it fits really well and can be dressed up or down. I wear a medium for reference.

Any other burgundy picks I should add to this list? I’d love to hear!

Houston is pretty much shut down today to celebrate the Astros win. So pumped for the city, but did not want to deal with the downtown traffic and having a toddler there during naptime. Momma needs a break. 😉 Have a good weekend!

LL

Fashion + Style Loving Lately... Travel

Shades of blue I’m loving lately…

May 18, 2017

blue and white summer fashion, beach style

It was definitely tough coming back from a week long vacation. I am still dreaming of the beach, so I thought I’d share a few pieces that I’m loving right now inspired by the beautiful Maui beaches.

My mini-me keeps asking, “When are we going to the ocean, Mama?”  I hope again soon! In the meantime, maybe I’ll just dress like I’m going there. 😉

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Fashion + Style Loving Lately...

Rain, rain go away

January 20, 2017

rainyday gear1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11| 12

The amount of flash flood warnings and rain we’ve had over the past week have really put a damper on things. Weather like this reminds me that having some rainy day wear is truly essential. A classic trench is my No. 1 rainy day staple. And, I’m all about the classics. 😉

I own a similar trench from Banana Republic that I’ve had for years that will never go out of style. This trench from Anthropologie has a beautiful, feminine shape. If I didn’t have one already I would totally pick this one up! I also have this waterproof  jacket that’s great for running around on the weekends when the weather is blah. This handbag jacket is sort of the most ridiculous thing, but I kind of want one!

Although my mini me is a boy, I would love to have a little matching trench like this for a little girl. It’s just so, so cute. Braden has really been into doing things himself these days (shocker, for a 2.5 year-old, right?!) and I think it’s about time to get him is own umbrella. When I was dropping him off at school this week, he wanted to hold my umbrella which basically means he stays dry and I’m left damp.

Stay dry, friends! Here’s hoping the sun starts shining soon!

Family Loving Lately...

Birthday #2

August 9, 2016

laureenloves.com, Braden tursn 2My sweet baby boy Braden turned two today. It’s hard to believe that I have a two-year-old. Sometimes  I feel a little unqualified to be a mom to a toddler who is learning and growing daily. He’s such a little sponge, constantly counting and pointing out the shapes, colors and objects in every room. It’s hard to put into words how much I adore this kid.

Braden turns 2 laureenloves.com

So, on his birthday, I thought I would share the things that I love about him:

I love how he dances up a storm in our living room.

I love how he sings, “Hammer, where are yoouuuu?”  when he’s searching for his favorite little accessory to his tool work bench.

I love how he crinkles his little nose and gets so excited when he sees cats on video.

I love how he kisses me everyday on the lips before he leaves to go to school.

I love how he gets a little jealous if he sees mom and dad kiss and then he wants kisses, too.

I love how he wants to wear shoes all the time. This is soooo much like Ben, who pretty much puts on shoes when he wakes in the morning and wears them all day long.

Sometimes I hate this, but deep down I kind of love it. When I’m putting him down for bed, he says, “Momma, lay down.” He wants me to crawl in his crib  next to him. ( I may or may not have done this on a few occasions…)

I love how he constantly requests to go downstairs when we’re upstairs.

I love it when he says “Ben!” when he’s looking for his dad and he’s having a tough time finding his favorite human.

Ben and Braden, laureenloves.com

Braden is very much his father’s son, carefully evaluating his surroundings and resourcefully looking for solutions if he gets hung up on something.  It’s so fun to see his little personality develop.

Now for the things he loves. At this point in his life, Braden definitely has likes and dislikes.

He likes to dip everything in ketchup. He loves marinara sauce, too.

He always gets really excited when he sees monkeys in books, on TV, etc.

He loves massages. After bath time when we’re changing him into PJs, he turns over on his stomach on the changing table and asks for a   ‘sage – the massage without the “ma” on the front end of the word. So, we oblige and rub lotion all over his little body.

He loves construction equipment and constantly points out backhoes when we’re driving around town. He enjoys going to the ” ‘struction site” – where we’re currently building our home.

We recently gave him a soft tape measure, and he loves it. He’s always measuring things around the house. It’s pretty hilarious actually, as he legitimately looks like he is measuring with a purpose to fix something.

I could go on and on, but I’m honestly getting a little teary-eyed writing this. Of all the things that I’ve done in my life, I can undoubtedly say that I’m most proud to be his mom.

Baby boy, I love you more than I can truly express. Thank you for joining our family two years ago. Happy 2nd birthday, Braden!

XO,

Momma

Braden laureenloves.com 6

Braden tree climb laureenloves.com

Laureenloves.com, swinging B

Braden 3 laureenloves.com

laureenloves family photo, Braden turns 2

Photos by Ailee of Snapshots by Ailee Petrovic

 

 

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Family Loving Lately...

Loving lately: How do I have a 19 month old?

March 20, 2016

Life has been kicking us in the butt lately. Between a terrible stomach bug for Braden, which I then was lucky enough to get too,  and a few episodes of night terrors in the past week (whhhhyy?) coupled with my busy work season,  I’m pretty exhausted.  I know it’s the season of life we’re in though and it soon will pass.

I know I’m kind of slow to the Snapchat bandwagon. I got it when it first came out, but never cared for it. But, what we soon realized is that Braden thinks it’s pretty hilarious. Thus, it’s turned into something I’m loving lately since we’re getting some infectious giggles out of it. My husband has especially taken it to some new levels, as you can see here with his obsession with face swap.

My name is laureenlucas9 on Snapchat, so follow along if you want some of our stories filling your feed. 🙂

 

Makeup Mr Potato head

My little mini recently turned 19 months. It’s shocking how quickly it flies by. He’s surprising us daily with his ever-increasing vocabulary. New words include: crackers and cartoons (dang it). And, “mine!” is also starting to creep up pretty often. :/ He tests our patience, makes us laugh uncontrollably and makes me realize that I love him more than I could have ever imagined.

More soon,

LL

Home Design + Decor Loving Lately...

Loving Lately

March 2, 2016

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I’ve been curating a few things I’m inspired by, trying to figure out what the overall look-and-feel of our new home will be. My goal is to create a space that’s inviting, functional and livable. Not magazine-page livable, but real-life, my-kid-plays-with-stuff-he-pulls-out-of-the-trash livable because that’s the season of life we’re in. I have a kiddo who is exploring and destructing, and I want a home that he’s able to do that in. But, I’m also praying there’s more exploring than destructing going on!

I have an actual mood board with a few of these items pinned to it. I’m kind of old-school in that I like to see things right in front of me. I also use Pinterest to keep tabs on things I like. Some of these things are pieces we already own like the adorable Pillowfort teepee tent I gave Braden for Valentine’s Day and a couple of items we’ve selected for the new home like this bathroom sink fixture.

I’m still figuring it all out, but for now I’m looking for inspiration so I think about it holistically. I’m a big fan of rustic pieces like this driftwood mirror. I think this mirror would be nice in a powder room with shiplap. I have a vision. I just need to figure out how to make it come together and then make sure Ben is on board with all of it. Details, details…

But first…foundation! Crews are scheduled to come out this week.

P.S. It’s on my to-do list to figure out a regular rhythm for posting content. I kind of chose my busiest work season of the year to start this blog. Whoops. So, I will at some point practice what I preach to clients and create a content calendar so I don’t go a week before I post again. (Maybe by writing this I’ll be held accountable!?)

More soon,

LL