Holiday Bucket List

The holidays, the most magical time of year.

Each year around the 1st of December we sit down as a family and make a lists of things we want to do over the holidays.  This year wasn't any different.  As the girls get older Christmas has become so much more fun with them.  To see the joy & excitement on there face after completing each thing on our Christmas bucket list is the best!

 

JESS FAMILY HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST

 

1.  DRIVE AROUND & LOOK AT LIGHTS

2. BUILD & DECORATE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE - (done)

3. BUY TOYS TO DONATE TO KIDS -  (done)

4. DRINK HOT COCOA & WATCH CHRISTMAS MOVIES - (done)

5. DECORATE OUR CHRISTMAS TREE -  (done)

6. MAKE COOKIES TO PASS OUT TO OUR NEIGHBORS (new tradition)

7. WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA

8. READ CHRISTMAS BOOKS EACH NIGHT

9. GO VISIT SANTA -  (done)

10. BAKE COOKIES FOR SANTA & SET OUT REINDEER FOOD XMAS EVE NIGHT

11. ELF ON THE SHELF - (in the process)
12. TAKE FAMILY PICTURES - (done)
13. SEND OUT CHRISTMAS CARDS - (done)
14. DONATE TOYS TO KIDS IN NEED - (done)

 

What is on your holiday bucket list? 

What are some things we should add to our bucket list for next year?



Kent Bicycles: Sparkle Bike Review

There's something special in watching your toddler learn to ride a bike for the first time, having her daddy there to watch over and make sure she doesn't fall.  To teach her the right way, show her where the brake is, to reassure her that she'll be ok.  The joy and excitement she gets from learning how to ride and the wonder of when the time will be for daddy to let go and she'll be able to do it on her own.  I'm excited for that day to come when she can ride on her own and hang with her big sisters.

I remember when they first learned to ride there bikes, they had so much joy and excitement.  I can still remember all the laughs and screams from both them and me.  That sense of pride they had and the pride you had in them.  As a parent its so much fun to watch your children experience new things.

When Kent Bikes reached out and asked if they could send us a bike I of course said yes, little miss Kendall was in need of a new bike (her sisters got new ones last Christmas & birthday) so it was her turn.  The bike is a little big for her as it's an 18" bike but she'll be able to grow into it.  Her sisters do enjoy riding it around and having her ride around on the back pegs, which Kendall loves!  When the box arrived I was curious how easy it was going to be to put it together, lets just say it took my husband 10 minutes to put together.  They sent us the Sparkles bike, which has an oversized frame which is painted black with pink & teal colored graphics and really cool hot pink wheels, you'll totally stand out while riding this bike around town.  It has adjustable BMX - style handlebars & an easy adjustable seat with reflector.  Front & read sidepull handbrakes, making it easy to control the speed for your little one or yourself.  It does come with training wheels, if your little ones need them, my husband didn't put them on.  I think my girls love the little bag pouch because they are able to put there treasures that they find inside while out riding.

Don't have your Santa gift for your toddler, teen or significant other?  I've got you covered, head over to www.amazon.com or www.walmart.com and type in Kent Bicycles (or Kent Bikes).  They have bikes for all ages, toddlers all the way up to adults.  They make the perfect Christmas gift.

"Trusting your intuition is like learning to ride a bike.  Everything takes practice before it becomes second nature."  - James Van Praagh

The perfect mom bag

If you are pregnant with your first baby or you have multiple kids, this diaper bag from Twisted Mustard Seed is the diaper bag for you.  Yes my kids are older but that doesn't mean that I don't hold all there stuff, on top of all my stuff.  So when Vicky from Twisted Mustard sent me this "heartbreaker" diaper bag I instantly fell in love, the cowhide leather & turquoise color is beautiful.  I love that it's not your ordinary colored black or brown diaper bag, I love the bold color.  The inside lining of the diaper bag is so easy to wipe down and is water resistant, it makes clean up a breeze.

 

 

It is the perfect bag for the every day mother, if you have a baby there is a changing pad in there, its the perfect size for changing your little one on the go (its lightly padded). But the great thing is if your little one is older its perfect for picnics in the park.  I love that the pad matches the polka dot interior of the diaper bag.

One thing I love the most about this bag is the wet/dry pouch, its perfect for holding toddler snacks and drinks, it comes in handy while your out running errands.  It has strong magnets on the back and snaps into the purse to keep your drinks and snacks in place, SCORE!  It does take up a lot of room in the purse so if you don't have a lot of stuff to put in the diaper bag it works good but if you want to put a change of clothes & diaper you'll want to carry the pouch outside of the diaper bag, it has a nice strap on the top to carry it.

 

 

Some other awesome features to this bag is that the zipper zips all the way down, which makes it really easy to access things in your bag.  The mini LED water resistant flahslight is perfect for when your looking in your purse at night to find your keys or chapstick.  It comes with a shoulder strap, little studded feet on the bottom which are perfect so it doesn't get damaged.  There are 2 bottle holders if you have a little one who still takes bottles or perfect for holding your phone or toddler sippy cup. 

All in all this diaper bag is perfect for any mom, it is a little pricy but its totally worth the price, the quality is amazing and holds up really well.  I would totally add it to your Christmas wish list.  I even use this bag when I'm not carrying my kiddos toys, sip cups or snacks around.  Also if your husband is looking for a bag for when he has the little one then he'll need The Voyager Bag 

 

* I received a Twisted Mustard Seed "The Heartbreaker Bag" for a review.  All opinions are my own

 



Toddler Fashion: Christmas Edition

I don't know about you but Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year.

Spending time with your loved ones, family traditions and toddler fashion.
Here are some of my favorite holiday outfits so far, yes I know were only 7 days into December but I told you it was my favorite time of year!

Tee: Ahoy Amigo / Jeans: Farm Fresh Denim / Hair Ties: Hobsonville Co

Flower Crown: Wildflowers & Wander / Dress: Bugs Boutique

Bow: Girly Bowtique / Sweater: Cate & Cruz / Skirt: Taylor Joelle Designs

Beanie: Hobsonville Co / Peplum Top: Dream Big Little Co

Raglans: Hello Apparel

Bow: Girly Bowtique / Raglan: Neverland Crew Clothing / Pants: The Hairbow Co / Blanket: Miss Giggle Buns

Beanie: Henns Nest / Dress: Trendy Arrow

Raglans: Hello Apparel

Family Pictures

If I could take family photos each season I would be one happy mama.  Since I know that wont happen, I am so happy to get them done at least once a year.  I cant thank my awesome friend enough who also happens to be a photographer for taking our pictures for us. (if your in the Tracy area and need someone get in contact with her, Nicole) 

She was able to capture us perfectly, now comes the hard part, choosing which pictures to print out and which one I should make into a big canvas.  Thank you again Nicole, I will treasure these!