ASK ME ANYTHING: BLOGGER QUESTIONS

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Last month Instagram launched a new feature called "questions". I think it was an idea that stemmed from the oh so popular "5 things" where bloggers/influencers shared 5 things about themselves that you may not have known. It really caught on and IG decided to create something more permanent. Sharing answers to my most recent group of questions below!

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How do you stay so fit being as busy as you are?

I've been seriously slacking in the fitness department! You can ask my trainer! I'm always on the go which helps but honestly I consider myself "fat skinny". I may look thin but my mid middrift section is not toned AT ALL and I want to be a lot stronger. Its been really tough getting to the gym with my new schedule but I'm hoping to kick it into high gear starting this Fall.  

How do you get yourself protein despite your food sensitivites?

I'm not a vegetarian so I get most of my protein from chicken and fish. Other than that I eat a ton of nuts and other legumes like lentils and chickpeas. I probably could be a vegetarian or eat that way but so far I haven't had the desire. I find breakfast to be the hardest meal and I'll usually make a bowl like this one or have a nut butter smoothie. 

What was your first real job after graduation? Fave job other than blogging?

After graduation I went to work for IBM! You're shocked I know. Following that I went to Ralph Lauren where I stayed for 5+ years. Being a stylist is my absolute favorite job other than styling. I love helping people create their best selves...its not just about the clothing. 

What favorite places to shop?

shopbop // net-a-porter // goop // onekingslane

Favorite Designer?

Chloe

When did you start blogging?

my first post on THE GIRL LOOK BOOK was January 14, 2011. The blog looked very different then! I purchased the domain though in 2009! I took a break in September of 2011 to focus on my career in fashion and re-launched in December of 2016. I like to say no regrets BUT...I wish I had never stopped:)

How do you balance your time with your adorable kids and running a successful business?

This is a constant work in progress! The biggest thing is support from others. I could not do this alone! We have an awesome nanny who is flexible and gives me peace of mind while I'm away. That being said when I left my corporate job in fashion a few months ago we had to significantly lower her hours which meant more time for me with the kids. I'm so grateful for the flexibility and the opportunity to see them more but it can also be really stressful working from home with a deadline! Actually nearly impossible:) SO - work in progress! My husband is also very supportive and helps out with the boys all the time. We have just started a once a week "meeting" to go over what we each have for the week. Its been extremely helpful in addition to a joint calendar. 

When you launched your blog did you post several posts at once or just one?

When I first launched I started with a single post. When I re-launched I had all my previous posts from my original blog but unfortunately all the imagery didn't transfer. 

When did you start blogging?

2011

What is your job other than blogging? I know you say you're self employed. 

I'm a fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant. I do everything from help an individual re-organize their closet, to assisting a family with a holiday photoshoot, to styling a brand's Spring campaign/lookbook. 

Do brands ever send you clothes that you're just like no way? What do you do?

I've never had a brand just send me something. They usually reach out first and say they would like to work together. If it's a item that I don't feel fits my brand I will kindly let them know. There is nothing worse than just accepting something you don't like just to get it. I've been on the other side of that working for fashion brands and retailers and it doesn't feel good. Partnerships should be mutually beneficial and I don't want to share anything with my followers that I don't absolutely love. 

What are the best ways to grow followers?

This is such a tough question. When I re-launched my blog a year and a half ago Instagram was already very different than it is today. It was even more different 3-4 years ago. I've listened to a few podcasts on this topic and everyone seems to say the same thing - be you, be different, be compelling. Your following will grow. Giveaways can help also - I did my first large giveaway once I reached 5k but its not something you want to do regularly. I also love my local community so I started there. Hope that helps!

Do you use photoshop for your layouts? If not, how do you make them?

I do all my collages on photoshop!

SILK WRAP DRESS + WEDDING GUEST STYLE

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I loved my wedding. Not just the day, the whole weekend. BUT I do have one regret....my rehearsal dinner dress. SO BAD! You probably would look at it and say, "that's not terrible", but up close it was. It was stiff, not well made, and not cheap. I don't know why I left that dress till the last minute but unfortunately for me and my pictures, I did. If I could do it all over again I would choose something like this dress or this silk heart printed dress. This splurge style would be perfect for a destination wedding and this one....all the HEART eyes!!

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wedding guest dresses

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for your hair

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HOT SUMMER SALE

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SHOP WHITE DRESSES

NORDSTROM PUBLIC SALE

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THE PERFECT PROVENANCE

dress // bag (call store) // shoes

Perfect is just the word I would use for this gem nestled on a side street of Greenwich Ave in Greenwich, CT. I still remember the feeling I had the first time I walked in. It was a combination of shear joy that a place like this had opened in our backyard combined with a nostalgia for summers spent in France and Belgium with family. Inside the meticulously renovated 1920s Victorian home is a treasure trove of the finest clothing, curated art, and a cafe (that if you follow my Instagram you know I frequent multiple times a month). I love popping in for a tea and a hostess gift and during the winter months it became one of my happy places, a mini vacation from the cold and the snow. Thats when I discovered this hand cream that I can't live without and this hand soap. Everyone in our house loves using it, especially Luke who calls it "the good soap" :).

If you live in Connecticut or you're just passing through, Perfect Provenance is a must see! Don't forget to say hi to founder and curator Lisa Lori and order a Solstice Sun, my favorite iced tea!

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dress // shoes // bag // sunglasses

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dress // bag // shoes

today's post was sponsored by my friends at the perfect provenance

Independence Day SALES

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I keep reminding myself I'm not going to complain about the heat! I said it over and over to myself this winter when I was begging for Spring to come :) So I will continue to be grateful for 100 degree humid days as I sit here sweating! Also today I went to infrared so I'm a glutton for punishment! 

This jacket is a must buy! I wore it to death during the spring and will also have it in rotation for Fall. The flax linen color is the best neutral and its on sale here and more sizes here! I'm wearing a size P. Also lots of questions about the white dress I'm wearing here. Its old from Club Monaco but I found a similar one here and here! Also love this one which is a lot less!

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Independence Day Sales 

shopbop

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moda operandi - extra 20% off with code FIREWORK

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E-STYLING

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Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. We took full advantage of our unplanned days and did some much needed work around the house. Its funny, I don't have a green thumb when it comes to indoor plants, but so far so good with the outdoor ones! Leaving the house today I really enjoyed walking past all the work we had done yesterday. So rewarding! Although if anyone has an pointers on grass I'll take them! We're trying to keep things as "natural" as possible because of the kids/dog but its really tough when you also want green grass! 

I'm so excited to officially launch e-styling today! What is that you might ask? If you're looking for help with your closet or you have a specific event or trip you need styling help with this is for you. I will create guides like this and this one specifically tailored to your needs that you can easily shop at your leisure. This means you can still get styling help even if you don't live in CT/NY (YAY...claps hands)! I've been doing it unofficially for about two years now and thought it was time I shared:) If this à la carte styling sounds interesting to you, send me a note here!

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denim jackets

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SPECIAL THANKS TO KERRI ROSENTHAL FOR LETTING US SHOOT IN HER BEAUTIFUL GALLERY IN WESTPORT, CT

MY FAVORITE SUNGLASSES

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Happy hump day! I fully intended on getting this post up yesterday and somehow thought it would be possible to fit it in between three client appointments! Anyone else wake up and completely over commit? :) I got this dress from the brand's sample sale and was so excited to see when it went on sale online too - LOVED the tassel pom poms and the color. It also comes in a very pretty blue combo here and another pink version here! Honestly the best part of it is that its machine washable! #boymom 

On another note I always get messages about my sunglasses. Linked my go-to's below! I was able to find one pair of the sold out Abrie Oliver Peoples style so ready - set - go!

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sunglasses

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special thanks to Kerri Rosenthal for letting us shoot in her beautiful gallery in Westport, CT

SUMMER JUMPSUITS

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Some days I think I might love a good jumpsuit more than a dress. There's nothing better than someone thinking you're wearing pants and SURPRISE...pants! PS pockets are always a bonus for me. Full length jumpsuits can almost always take you from day to night and they are absolutely a closet staple. I fell in love with this one as soon as I saw it. I usually don't love blue but the pale robin's egg color reminded me of a vintage Ralph Lauren pattern. it's definitely a splurge but I thought it was a great alternative to a dress for summer weddings, baby showers, etc, and I could really dress it up. I rounded up some of my other favorites below! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there:)

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shop jumpsuits

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white

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multi

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GO-TO TRAVEL STYLE

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If you were headed out for a weekend trip and could only pack a carry-on what would you fill it with? You'd stare at your closet, your shoes and handbags, and think which one of these pieces would work for the flight there, on and off the beach and maybe even out to a casual dinner. I thought about this when we went to Watch Hill/Newport for the day a couple of weeks ago and even though we were driving I wanted to wear one dress that would work for it all. I love this dress  and the brand that makes it have the loveliest patterns. If you're not into a super short dress (which I normally am not so its funny my last two posts have been short dresses) they have longer options in the same print here and love this white style here. 

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MINI DRESS + MY NEW SUN ROUTINE

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STORY OF THIS DRESS: I posted this dress on one of my shopbop round ups last month and my sister in law bought it. I remember being on the fence and after just placing a big order for myself I decided to skip it. Whelp! Fast forward a couple of weeks when I saw her in town...I was with a client and we both looked at her and said we have to get this dress!! It was sold out on shopbop (just popped back up in one size) but I found it here in all sizes and on sale. I will warn you (if you can't tell by the pics hehe) it is short. My rule for short dresses is as long as they have a sleeve and don't show cleavage its OK. This dress would also be great when you step off the beach to have lunch or shop and leave your swimwear on underneath. 

In other news I wanted to share a new product with you that I'm LOVING! My beauty mission this year was been to incorporate as many natural and organic products as I can. Organachs Farm to Skin in Westport, CT has been the ultimate destination and resource for all things clean. Last month I went to Siobhan looking for sunblock for an upcoming trip to Florida. She suggested I try this nutrient day cream and ever since I've been hooked! I use the tinted one but there is also a non-tinted version. It is super light and I never feel like I'm wearing sunscreen. Check out her website!

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EASY SUMMER STYLE

A HUGE announcement over here!! In January of 2017 I launched THE GIRL LOOK BOOK as a creative outlet and a place to share my style with clients and friends. During this time I was managing a full time schedule at work which also meant travel to New York City and beyond. With the arrival of Harrison in May of 2017 the past 18 months have been an adventure to say the least! Last month I decided it was time to say goodbye to my career in fashion as I knew it and take a huge leap of faith in something bigger, myself! This means I will be dedicating all of my time to THE GIRL LOOK BOOK and styling. The last two weeks have been filled with emotion (not going to lie fear has been the number one) but I am so excited for whats to come. Thank you for all of your support up until now and I hope you'll come along with me on this journey! #GIRLBOSS

I bought this shirtdress last month and I've worn it three times already! I also found this almost identical version here and here. When Frank and I went to Rhode Island for a last minute anniversary day trip a couple of weeks ago, I rolled it up into my beach bag in case I need a dress change and I did! In the land of white dresses, this is one you won't regret! Rounded up some other faves right now...scroll down:)

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My jewelry is usually very minimal but I LOVE a great statement piece! I had been eyeing this necklace since I saw it on a blogger last year. Its perfect to throw on with any summer dress or even a white tee and denim shorts! 

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A CASUAL CHIC BLOUSE

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This was a weird week! Did anyone else feel like it was going to go quickly on Tuesday but by Thursday it was dragging? My plan was to save this outfit post for next week but I loved it so much that I decided to share it today! I saw this top at a boutique a couple weeks ago and had to have it but couldn't pull the trigger on the spot. I do that A LOT! If I can't stop thinking about something thats when I know I I should buy it. The color goes with everything and it will also work in the fall under cardigans and leather jackets. The one tagged about looks like its selling out but I found it here too in three colors and here in a slate gray. ALSO I ordered this dress a couple months ago when I tagged it on the blog and love it! It recently sold out on shopbop but I found it HERE for under $40! It will not dissapoint (I ordered a XS)! 

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CHATTING ABOUT MY HAIR AND ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

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dress: c/o Tyler Boe // sunglasses: rayban // bag: ASHA color sold out but similar here and here // espadrilles: chanel similar here and here

I get a lot of questions on Instagram about my hair and I was surprised to see that it was the number two most frequently searched keyword on my blog! So I thought I'd start with some fun facts:

• My hair is naturally curly so I have to blow it dry almost everyday
• The only time I like to let my hair dry naturally is when I'm on vacation in a hot climate - it does really well in that kind of humidity and the result is big loose curls. I use a small drop of this hair oil on the bottom half for frizz. 
• I hate going to sleep with wet hair!
• I first started coloring my hair after I had Luke. He was two months old (it was February) and I really needed a refresh!
• I color my hair twice a year (I find that I don't need it as much in the summer because of the sun) 
• I wash my hair every other day. I've tried to go longer because I know its good for it but I use too many face oils at night and my hair ends up looking greasy!
• After I had Luke I lost SO much hair. It was really scary but I started taking biotin immediately and after two months I started to see improvements. Fortunately with Harrison I didn't have the same shedding problem. It is VERY common in postpartum women. 

LOCAL FRIENDS

Maison d'Alexandre - hair: Alexandre color: Beth

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the tools

MDW STRIPES AND SALE

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The long weekend is here!!! Even though we had to cancel our trip to Florida because of weather, I'm a firm believer in everything happen for a reason. We're looking forward to just hanging at home and enjoying the sun while it lasts! Saturday is Frank and my 6th year wedding anniversary. I can't believe it. It was truly one of the most beautiful weekends of my life and I will be sharing some pics on Instagram tomorrow so you'll have to check it out! I had made dinner reservations at one of my favorite restaurants in Palm Beach for Saturday night. Now that we're staying local I've been kind of scrambling to find a romantic back up plan. MDW is not an easy reservation! Stay tuned....

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Memorial Day Sales 

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Nordstrom

ONE KINGS LANE

MATCHES FASHION

shopbop

MANGO - 30% OFF site wide

Ann Taylor

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FLORAL DRESS + SPRING SALE ROUNDUP

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Happy almost holiday weekend! I'm having a small pity part for myself over here this week. I just found out yesterday that I need to have one of my wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible (the pain has not been fun!) and our Memorial Day trip has been cancelled because of some pretty bad weather on its way to Florida. I definitely had a why me? moment which I now feel guilty about because its just a trip and its not the end of the world. SO we will be hanging at home and I'm trying to figure out something special to do for Frank this Saturday night for our 6 year wedding anniversary:)

PS Rounded up some of my fav pieces from the SHOPBOP Spring sale. If you feel like you haven't shopped a ton yet for summer because the weather hasn't been great, now is your chance!

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SHOPBOP SALE

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MIDI DRESSES

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I love wearing dresses! My Summer style is a little more boho than my Fall/Winter and I love this "prairie" chic look. This style and fabric is also super packable and a great style for vacation that you can dress up or down. I like to throw a fancier shoe in my bag along with a pair of earrings that will take my look to dinner after a day of sightseeing, shopping, etc. 

• I love this blush style and the embroidery makes it feminine and pretty but still casual 
• This white splurge one is a DREAM!

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GET THE LOOK

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STYLIST TIPS

MY TWO CLOSET MUST-HAVES

When I begin working with a new client we almost always start with their closet. No matter how much you have or how organized you are, a good stylist should always roll their sleeves up and get their hands dirty so to speak. For most people its incredibly hard to part with things (myself included) especially when it comes to clothes...and there is always a story! "I bought this for when I go on date nights but now its too tight...but when I lose 5lbs I'll start wearing again". "I need to keep this dress in case I get invited to a party that is business casual but you can't wear black". We all create excuses and thats where getting a second opinion can come in real handy.

So what happens after you've done that? You're staring at three piles: sell, donate, toss...now what do you do? After many years of helping clients through the process I'm outlining my favorites below. Truth be told (unless you have something that has increased in value) you should prepare yourself for some disappointment. Online consignment has its pluses and minuses. Plus: you have a much greater chance of selling your item and selling it faster. Minus: These websites know what people are willing to pay and they also want to sell your item fast so their perceived value for you gently used Prada loafers might be less than yours. Insider tip: you set the price! Many online sites and apps let you set the price especially if its a designer handbag. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Finally, enjoy it! You just gave yourself a fresh start and hopefully some cash to save or spend!

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SELL YOUR HANDBAGS 

Hands down my favorite site for selling a designer handbag is a California-based company called Fashionphile. I have used them countless times and have had the same positive experience every time. Why I like them: selling a bag is SO easy. You upload pics of your bag to their website and they turn around a quote within a week. The best part? They offer a "buy out" price and a consign price! If you select buy out you receive a check directly after they receive the bag. Their pricing is very competitive and they have excellent customer service. Fashionphile rejects your handbag? Any of the other sites mentioned below can be used but this is the first choice! 

 

SELL YOUR CLOTHING 

 

The Real Real is a great destination for selling your gently worn clothing. They have a list of approved designers on their website (make sure you check it because its always changing) and they provide you with a dashboard so you can track your sales and commissions. If you want to sell something quickly and aren't married to a specific price (or don't care how much you sell it for) this is the place. I'm always up front about that with clients because I have been disappointed. Commission starts at 55% and once you sell $1,500 it goes to 60% and once you sell $10,000 it will go to 70% for two years. PS they take jewelry!

Tradesy if you don't mind doing a little more leg work, I find that you can make more money using this site/app. Listing an item should take less than 5 minutes and once you sell the item the process is very seamless. Tradesy will send you everything you need: shipping label, tag for your item, tissue paper, and a bag or box to ship the item in. If you sell a handbag or shoes and need a dust bag they will send that too - at no charge! Its all included in the percentage Tradesy makes. They deduct a flat commission fee of $7.50 for sold items less than $50. On sold items $50 or more, they deduct a commission rate of 19.8%.   

 

DONATE YOUR CLOTHING

Dress for Success

Vietnam Veterans of America

Local: Person-To-Person

Contact your local Salvation Army or homeless shelter

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A BOHO BLOUSE

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Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend! We attended a charity event on Saturday night and the day turned out to be beautiful! Actually the weekend was gorgeous...I woke up today feeling like my old self:) Spring is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons but mostly because I love wearing tops like this one. I wore it a couple of weeks ago (on a randomly warm day) to lunch with a friend, music class with the boys, and a family dinner. It took me through the whole day! I also love this one which comes pattered and in this white version. 

Some other things I'm loving for Spring right now:

• These metal bistro chairs are perfect for extra outdoor seating and they're a great price point!
• I thought this would be a fun project to do with Luke. He loves planting and we could watch it grow on our kitchen table!
• Love these simple summer earring for under $40...and these!

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shop blouses

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white

patterned

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ELEVEN MONTH UPDATE!

Happy Friday! The sun is shining today and I'm feeling so grateful! Not only is it because the weather is nice, I'm so thankful that I took these pictures and can now look back and see just how teeny tiny Harrison was. I hate sounding cliche but time really does go too fast. 

My most frequently asked questions are related to the boys nap schedules and their daily schedules overall. I haven't done this before but I'm chatting about Harry's below. Its not always easy but the most important thing for us has always been sticking to a routine. Because Frank and I both work outside of the home we opt for a slightly later bedtime so we can spend time as a family when we get home at night. Right now it works for us because Luke is in an afternoon school program. I imagine it will change next September when we need to be out the door by 8:45! EEEK!! PS I'm NOT a morning person and I have so much love and admiration for my friends that have to wake up with their kids at 5am. I couldn't do it! 

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HARRISON'S SCHEDULE

7:00-7:45 Wake up and has an 8oz bottle of formula. We love this one. 

8:30 Breakfast - Right now his favorite foods for breakfast are avocado, oatmeal, or yogurt. He loves ALL fruit and hates eggs! 

9-10:45 He loves to play and look at books. Maybe its a second child thing but Harry is great amusing himself in the play kitchen for 20-30 minutes on his own!

10:45-12:45 Nap - both my kids nap and sleep at night with a sound machine and sleep sacks. Luke still uses one because he loves it so much. We have to get them from Europe because its the only place I can find them in the super big sizes!

12:45 Wakeup - 2nd 8oz bottle and lunch 

1:30-3:30 Play (go on walks if it ever gets nice out!!!)

3:30-5:00 Nap

5:30-6:30 Bath Routine - both boys LOVE to take a bath. I think they would stay in it for hours if they could! We do bath, lotion, and PJ's and then its time for dinner!

6:30-7:15 Dinner - Harrison eats everything we do now. He especially loves Fish (salmon and cod) and pesto! Frank has an allergy to some nuts so we've tried all of those and luckily so far neither of the boys inherited it. We were a little behind on introducing a sippy cup with water but we now use this one. 

7:30 Books - We're just getting to the age where I can get through one book with both boys together. Usually Harrison will squirm out of my lap or Luke doesn't want to read Goodnight Moon for the millionth time but they're really starting to get the hang of it! My mom ready to my sister and I every night and I still cherish those memories. 

8:00 Bedtime! Sound machine, sleep sack, and we put Harrison down! It takes him anywhere from 5-20 minutes to fall asleep and he will usually babble to himself or sing:)

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SHOP SLEEPWEAR

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A DOUBLE USE DRESS + 5 THINGS

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If you've been following me for a little while now you know, I love white dresses! I saw this one and I had to have it. I was pleasantly surprised the price because the quality is excellent and it has a great weight to it. The fact that it can be worn as a wrap dress or a kimono was an added bonus and value! These sandals are also a STEAL! They come in black in this sandal version and are also offered in a high heel and sling back. Love the gray-blue color. 

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5 pieces I'm coveting right now

1 entertaining

2 sunnies

3 easy jumpsuit

4 summer sneaks

5 splurge

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