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First year baby gear picks after 3 kids, part two

8 June 2023

It’s only taken me the approximate gestation time of a human baby to produce part two of this mini series, but who’s counting?! Ha! Because I know you all have been waiting with bated breath, here’s the second half of my final baby gear round-up: what we loved, what stood the test of time (and three kids), and what we loved so much we repurchased.

If you’re approaching this phase of life, I hope you’ll find our experience an encouraging reminder that babies don’t need much gear to be happy and healthy. Yes, there are some things that are incredibly helpful, but perhaps fewer than you might think. With that being said, here are a few that made the cut for us – some I’d consider true necessities, and others, fun extras.

Quick note for those who might be new: we have three kids, and the span from the oldest to youngest is 5.5 years. Here’s part one, covering gear for sleeping, on the go, and eating!

Health and Hygiene

Diapers + wipes | We used Up & Up brand for the entirety of June’s diaper career and they were fantastic. Then Target apparently changed something about the construction between our first and second babies, and we had terrible issues with leaks for Shep. We switched to Kirkland, the Costco brand, until he was six months, when we switched back to Up & Up for convenience and price. We did the same for Annie. Throughout, we used Water Wipes, which are the absolute best – they’re literally just water and some fruit extracts and they never pill or tear. We get ours at Target or Amazon.

Nose Frida | Our children all hated the infamous snot sucker, and yours probably will, too, but sometimes it’s just the only thing that’s going to get the gunk out of their tiny noses.

Hooded bath towel | Each of our kids got an animal-themed hooded towel as a gift, and though they’re not strictly necessary, they’re awfully cute. The hood and smaller size does make them easier to wrap up and hold while slippery.

Body wash | The scent of this shampoo/body wash will always bring me back to the first few months with each of our babies, which is sweet. We also use this one, and both are truly tear-free – I can rub bubbles all over their faces with no consequence :)

Changing pad | We had a standard changing pad with a cloth cover for our first two babies and switched to this one for Annie. I liked it, but in hindsight I am truly appalled I ever considered buying the Keekaroo version, which is pretty much exactly the same but twice as expensive. This is an excellent item to buy secondhand if possible.

The Puj tub | Again with the absurdly expensive baby items – but this foldable bathtub really is a lifesaver for the first few months of baths. Babies are almost incomprehensibly small, slippery, and floppy at the beginning, and it made us feel so much better to have them somewhere safe, comfortable, non-slippery, and within easy reach (instead of bending over a tub) in those early days. This is another excellent item to borrow or buy secondhand.

Bath toys | There are lots of fun bath toys out there, but the favorites in our household have always been stadium cups, this set of foam letters, and tiny animals.

I’d skip: a diaper pail, a wipes warmer, a diaper cream spatula, and baby washcloths (regular ones are fine).

For Fun

Stuffed animals | Jelly Cats are the softest and sweetest stuffies, hands-down. I love their little expressions and how they’re the perfect size to fit in little hands. They’re sold in many boutiques, so this is an item I love to buy at my favorite independent stores.

Crinkle book | Babies are absolutely fascinated by the sound these books make. Ours helped us log many miles on road trips.

Action stackers | These blocks are not the most attractive, but all of our kids LOVED them. They were recommended by June’s physical therapist, and they’re great for catching a baby’s attention.

O-ball | These lightweight balls are my final toy recommendation. Since they’re so easy to grasp, it’s possible for even little babies to grab them and produce noise, which they find delightful.

Board books | Of course. I’ve got plenty of recommendations for you here!

For Mama

Underwear and nursing/pumping bra | A generous friend gifted me these before Annie was born and what a delight – a major step up from what I used with my first two. I particularly recommend the undies if you have a c-section!

Nursing pads | An absolute must-have if you’re breastfeeding. I used the same set with all three – you throw them in the wash and use them over and over and over.

Nap dress | I kid you not, this dress was worn 2-3 times a week in the last months of pregnancy and the first months of Annie’s life. The perfect late-pregnancy, post-partum, easy-breezy summer outfit and for me, worth the expense.

Maternity pajamas | Even though I snagged these in a Black Friday sale, it initially felt overly-indulgent to buy something so expensive that I would wear for such a brief season. I quickly realized, however, it was SUCH a joy to slip into something comfy and well-fitting after days of highly questionable outfits that were just barely holding it together. And you can wear them even when you’re not pregnant, so really, just go ahead and do it :)

I’d love to hear any of your favorites in these categories, or a popular item you did without! :)

P.S. My five must-have baby registry items and favorites from the first six weeks and the cost of our first year with a baby.

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Our Google Docs Family Packing List

31 May 2023

On the cusp of summer travel season, I thought we could talk a bit about packing! Specifically, I wanted to share our family’s Google Docs packing list. As a family of five who travels relatively frequently and wants it to be as simple as possible – as we pack, at our destination, and when we arrive back home – implementing a master packing list a few years ago was a game-changer.

In today’s post, I’m going to share a version of our family packing list you can make your own, as well as a bit more about why we love it and how we use it. And then at the end, we’re going to have a travel lightning round in the comments :)

Reasons why we love our Google Docs family packing list:

1. We can quickly and easily make a packing list for every destination. Our master packing list includes everything our family might reasonably need for most trips. When we’re ready to pack for a specific trip, we simply copy and paste the list into a new Doc, delete anything we won’t need on that particular trip (for example, winter hats in the summer), and add any specific items we will need (for example, a Fourth of July outfit). In just a few minutes, we have a custom packing list that ensures we won’t forget anything we need while we’re away. No reinventing the wheel with every trip!

2. We can share it. It’s easy for two (or more!) people to share Google Docs, so John and I can easily add things to the packing list in the days leading up to the trip and reference it as we pack alongside each other the night before we leave. Packing is a joint affair in our family, so it’s nice to have a system we can both access easily.

3. We can reference it on our computers and phones. Again, this is helpful both in the run-up to the trip as well as while we’re packing. Though I prefer to reference the list on my laptop while I’m actively gathering items, I like being able to add something from my phone if I think of it while out running errands.

Of course, it should be said that there are other options with similar functionality to Google Docs – the iPhone Notes app is one that springs to mind. Use whatever you’re comfortable with, but if you don’t already have a favorite, GDocs works great for us!

4. Our list includes pre-trip tasks around the house, too. In addition to sections for each family member, toiletry sections, and supply sections, our master list includes reminders of things we need to do before leaving the house for a few days: things like cleaning the litter box, stopping the mail, and turning off our vacuum. Again, it’s so nice to not start from scratch every time we travel – and our packing list is the perfect place to keep these reminders, since we’re checking them off at the same time as we pack!

How to use our Google Docs family packing list:

1. Download the master packing list. You can open our master family packing list right here. Once open, copy and paste it into a new Google Doc and retitle it. I recommend something along the lines of “Master Packing List” :)

2. Tweak it once for your family. Spend a few minutes combing through our list and edit it to fit your family. Do you have two kids? Three kids? Four kids? Make a section for each of them. Adjust the toiletries and supplies to fit your needs. Keep it as general as you’d like or make it as specific as is helpful – whatever you need to do to make it your own!

Tip: As you’ll see in the doc, each family member has a color (and there’s a color for the household, too). This makes it easy to keep track of what’s left at a glance.

3. Tweak it for each destination. Once your master list is set, you’ll simply copy it, paste it into a new Doc, and tweak it for each trip: deleting items you don’t need, adding unique items you do need, and adjusting the details as needed.

4. Delete as you go. As I’m gathering items from the closet and around the house, I delete each item as I add it to the to-be-packed pile. I never print the list out, but you certainly could!

5. Update the master packing list as your family grows. Because the master list is specific, you will need to update it as your family grows to keep it relevant. For example, on our list, “Shep diapers” changed to “Shep pull-ups” changed to “Annie diapers” over the years.

Ready for a travel lightning round? Please answer in the comments, if you’d like:

1. Unpack right away or let it linger?
2. Packing cubes: love them/hate them/no opinion?
3. Favorite road trip snack?
4. Travel you’re looking forward to this summer?

I’ll answer in the comments, too!

P.S. Screen-free road trip tips with preschoolers and my North Carolina bucket list

29 Comments

Marvelous Money: The Financial Implications of Having a Third Child

23 May 2023

Editor’s note: I wrote most of this post when I was still pregnant with Annie (!). It’s sat in my drafts folder for more than two years, waiting for me to come back and finish it up. Today is the day! I decided the best thing to do would be to publish my original speculative thoughts and then add a little two-years-in update with how things have actually turned out (so far). I hope it’s helpful!

There were a number of topics I knew I wanted to discuss once the news was out about baby number three. There was deciding to have a third baby at all, of course, as well as the pros and cons of another boy or girl. But one I was really looking forward to? The financial implications of having a third child. We’ve discussed the intersection of money and kids a few times (here and here most specifically!), and I find it an endlessly fascinating and severely under-discussed topic. So, consider this post one part sharing our personal experience, one part encouragement, and one part practical strategizing. As always, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Let’s dig in!

Though each additional kiddo in a family introduces a new element to the financial picture, I think a third child is unique in a way a second or even a fourth is not. I thought I’d walk through a few common kid budget categories to share how we thought through them, and a few things you might want to think about if you’re considering having a third. I hope this post offers some hope, helpful perspective, and fodder for conversation with your spouse! :)

Housing

Let’s tackle a big one first! People have been curious from the beginning as to where baby sister will sleep. Our home has four bedrooms, so theoretically we have a room for each kiddo and one for John and me. However, it’s important for us to maintain a guest room, considering that we have frequently-visiting family who lives far away, so as I explained here, we’re planning to keep our guest room intact and add a crib to it. This should hold us for at least two years, at which time we can decide if we want to house two of the kids together, officially designate the guest room as baby sister’s room (but keep the big bed for guest visits), or consider a move to a larger home. I shared a room at times growing up and would have no problem with that scenario.

Bottom line: For us, baby number three won’t add any additional cost to the housing line in our budget. Regardless of whether we had a third child, we likely would have considered moving in a few years, anyway, so I’d consider this category a wash.

Update two years in: Annie is still going strong in the room previously known as the guest room! We’re hoping she’ll last another year in her crib before transitioning to the queen bed. June is also keen for the two of them to share a room, so we may consider bunk beds in the future. No immediate plans to move :)

Transportation

Another big one! Many people find a third child pushes them over the edge to a larger car, either to get a third row of seating in an SUV or to switch to a minivan. Obviously, this can be a huge expense.

Our take: Currently, we have a Kia Sorento. We love it! It’s a small three-row SUV, but it does not have captain’s chairs, so there’s no easy way to get to the third row of seats with two car seats installed in the middle row (i.e. they can’t slide forward with the car seats installed).

To accommodate a three-child family at our kids’ ages, we have a few options. We could invest in skinnier car seats that would fit three across. This is what Nancy did to fit three kids in their Highlander, using the Diono car seats. They’re pricy, but less than buying a different car.

Or, we could have June climb in through the back lift gate or clamber over the second row of seats. She does not mind these options – in fact, she kind of loves them – but they’re not the most practical for things like carpool pick-up lines or when we’re traveling and have the trunk packed full.

Bottom line: We will almost certainly upgrade to a larger SUV with captain’s chairs at some point in the not-so-distant future. We have our eye on the Kia Telluride. This will be a big expense that we may not have incurred if we had stayed at two kiddos, but we’re thankful to have socked away money for this expense over the last few years and plan to pay cash. Also, it’s nice to know we could do just fine with our current ride and can make this change on our own time table.

Update two years in: We placed an order for a Telluride two months before Annie was born and received it four months after she was born! Big, big Telly fans over here.

Childcare

The final biggest immediate expense! Anecdotally, I feel like the change from two to three children is when many couples feel that it no longer financially makes sense for both parents to work outside the home and pay for three kids to go to full-time childcare. Of course, this depends greatly on the age gaps between your kids and what option you choose when they enter elementary-school age.

Our take: The spacing of our children makes this not as burdensome as it could be. June will move on to public school kindergarten shortly after Annie is born, but we’ll replace the cost of her preschool with a higher rate to send an infant to daycare (in our area, this ranges from about $1,300-$1,600 per month, which is about twice what we pay for June’s preschool as a five-year-old).

Bottom line: Our childcare costs will go up slightly in 2022, but we will never need to pay three childcare costs at the same time. That would require a much bigger adjustment to the budget.

Update two years in: We made it through the most expensive year! Annie has now joined Shep at their Montessori preschool, where her tuition is less than we paid at daycare. Yes, we will be paying childcare for more years than we would have if we had stopped at two, but our budget is used to it at this point and so it doesn’t really require any additional rejiggering.

Gear

Some good news! By the time most people get to their third child, they have all of the basics covered: cribs, car seats, toys, high chairs, etc. Of course, some items may be a bit worn at this point and need replacing, but for the most part, for most people, this category should not need to add much to the budget.

Our take: This jives with our experience! We will be reusing our crib, crib mattress, car seats, stroller, travel bassinet, and more. The bigger items on our list: a stroller fan (our first one died and it’s a must for a summer baby!), a few more silicone bibs (many of ours have ripped or cracked at this point), Kiinde pouches (they’re one-time use), another hooded towel, another sound machine, and a new trike. (Our two older kids used and loved the same one that was handed down from a neighbor, but the wheel constantly comes off its track and considering how much we’ve used our first one, it would be well worth the purchase!) We’ll also buy new sheets, a muslin lovey, a few stuffed animals, and a nap quilt – sweet things chosen just for this baby girl.

Bottom line: We expect our expenses to be minimal in this category, especially because I’ll look to buy whatever possible secondhand if we don’t receive it as a gift. (I’m planning a gear redux post sometime soon, going into more detail over what we plan to reuse or try new this time around, so stay tuned for that.)

Update two years in: We had to replace our infant car seat because our original had expired, but otherwise this tracks! We were grateful to receive several of the items I listed above as gifts, so the only significant cost was the Kiinde pouches for a year of breastfeeding and pumping. Also, I did manage to write part one of that gear redux post – part two coming soon :)

Clothing

Though this is a category in which it’s easy to get carried away, the good news is that between hand-me-downs, Buy Nothing groups, and consignment sales/stores, it’s also easy to keep your costs relatively low! Of course, if your third child is the same gender as one of your first two kids, this becomes even easier (though clothes do wear out, and more frequently as kids get older – I’ve retired hardly any of June’s leggings this year, as it seems they all have massive holes in the knees!)

Our take: I cannot WAIT to see baby sister in some of our favorite June hand-me-downs!! One of the best parts about having another girl, in my opinion! Between all the clothing I’ve saved from June’s wardrobe and my sister-in-law generously sending along bags of goodies from her two summer-birthday girls, there is nothing we need to buy for at least the first two years. Yahoo! Of course, I’m sure I’ll buy a few pieces here and there just for fun, and certainly more as she gets older and more aware/independent.

Bottom line: Negligible cost at first; will need to build more room into the budget as she gets older and we’re generally clothing three kids instead of two. But again, I cannot emphasize enough the power of buying secondhand!! It’s like magic.

Update two years in: Yep! I can probably count on two hands the number of (secondhand) clothing items I’ve bought for Annie so far, and though it’s hard to resist the cuteness, seeing her in my favorite June pieces helps to scratch the itch :)

Diapers and Wipes

As these are consumable items, you can expect to pay roughly what you paid for any other child – it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or fifth. (Cloth diapers, of course, would be a different story and certainly an opportunity for cost savings over multiple children!)

Bottom line: Yep, these will need to be factored into the budget. However, it’s nice that June is completely out of diapers and pull-ups and Shep is only wearing nighttime pull-ups at this point!

Update two years in: No surprises here! Again, I’m thankful the spacing of our kids allowed for more breathing room in this budget category.

Ongoing Activities

Looking a little farther down the road, a third child does mean we’ll need to increase our budget for the routine costs and “fun” expenses associated with kids – birthday and Christmas presents, sports equipment and class fees, summer camps, tickets to events, expanding family museum memberships, adding an extra person to meals out and vacations, etc.

Bottom line: Yep! For us, this feels like one of the bigger factors when considering the financial implications of a third child. Yes, daycare costs might loom large immediately, but over the long run, this category will likely add up to much more. However, the nice thing is that it’s gradual, and most of it is discretionary – and as I mentioned, I don’t mind the idea that our kids might feel a little deprived at times :)

Update two years in: We haven’t really felt the impact of this yet, as Annie doesn’t do any activities outside of school and doesn’t even always order her own meal when we eat out. But I know it’s coming!

Long-Term Expenses

Our final budget category brings us farther into the future: we’re talking large, long-term expenses like paying for private schooling, college, cars, and weddings. There’s no doubt about it: these can be BIG expenses, and it’s straight-up addition that you’ll shell out more the more children you have.

Our take: While this category will likely represent the largest portion of the budget when all is said and done, it did not loom largest for us when we considered the financial implications of having a third child. Yes, that’s in part because many of these costs seem far away when you’re still pregnant. But it’s also because they are far away, and we’re optimistic enough to believe that our track record of saving, investing, and living below our means will get us where we need to go when the time comes.

These costs also don’t spook us because we believe there’s lots of room to be judicious with spending (and creative!) within these categories. A new car for each child at 16? Not likely – but maybe we’ll agree to match whatever they save for a car purchase. College? Yes, we’d love to help send them if they choose to go, but also know that there are GREAT and less-expensive options than a four-year liberal arts degree at a private school. A wedding? Well, you know that one is my weakness :) But just as we were creative with our own wedding expenses, we’ll be ready to get creative with theirs – and expect them to contribute, just as we did once upon a time.

Bottom line: These costs are big – yes. But to us, they’d never be the deciding factor in whether or not to add a third child to the fam. Many of the costs are gradual, can be delayed, or are simply optional.

Update two years in: Here, here! Knowing the total joy our third child has brought us, I’m glad this was (and is) our perspective :) And here’s the photographic (almost) two-year update below!

I hope this was helpful, friends! I would really love to hear your thoughts and perspectives in the comments. And of course, though I’ve tried to consider many factors, it should be said that my conclusions here are drawn from our experience with our particular three children. There are many scenarios in which the financial implications for a third child (or any child) could be wildly different – I’m thinking specifically about those who have a child with a disability or extraordinary health needs.

Thanks, as always, for chiming in!

Affiliate links are used in this post!

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How to find a family video song

17 May 2023

I am deep in the editing process for the second Annie in April video, and thought it might be fun to dive into a bit of a niche topic today: how to find the right song for a family video! I’ve heard from several of you over the years who’ve been inspired to try your hand at a family video, or even a series of videos, after seeing ours, and that just tickles me. It’s really not hard, and the reward is so sweet.

I’ve shared my step-by-step process for editing a family video before – and have edited more than a dozen yearly videos of our kids so far myself – but there’s one key step that still always feels like a big hurdle: choosing the perfect song. It feels daunting because the song sets the video’s tone; also, whatever I choose will become a part of our family’s shared history. I need something that captures the feel of the footage and the personality of our child in that particular season, something that won’t feel dated and that I won’t regret using in two years. It’s a tall order!

I’ve compiled a few best practices over the years for finding great songs for family videos and am happy to share them with you here, plus a list of the songs we’ve used so far for our videos and a few that I’ve already marked as potential songs for future videos.

Tips for Finding the Right Family Video Song

1. Keep a running list

If all goes according to plan, I will have created 54 yearly videos for our kids by the time all three reach 18 (!). That is A LOT of just-right songs to find! Therefore, I am always on the hunt for our next movie’s soundtrack. I use a Spotify playlist to store any and every potential song I come across, and I add to it regularly (it currently contains 114 songs).

Where do I find songs to add? Everywhere! My best sources are often songs that have already been used in videos: I’ve found great songs used in Reels, TV shows, movies, wedding films, and other family videos I’ve come across. It makes sense: someone else already thought the song had the right dynamic, atmospheric, pleasant qualities to carry a video, so it makes sense that I would, too.

Another surprising place I’ve found songs: stores! Their playlists tend to be upbeat with good movement, which is often what I’m looking for in our video songs. If I don’t know the song, I just use the Shazam app on my phone to get its info.

Now that I’ve been making and sharing videos for years, friends and family have also become good sources of songs! My sister actually suggested a song a few months ago that I already have slotted for Annie’s two-year video :)

Finally, one of my best sources of potential songs is Spotify itself – it’s one place where I don’t mind the algorithm figuring me out at all. In addition to my list of potential songs, I also have a playlist where I add each song I actually use in a video. These songs obviously share some characteristics (something attracted me to them, after all), and so they’re a great jumping off point for Spotify to make recommendations of other similar songs – which they do, right beneath the playlists themselves (just scroll down past your last song!).

2. Get clear on your goals.

Okay – thanks to your sleuthing and saving, you’ve got a trove of songs to choose from for your next video. As you narrow your options down to the one perfect song for this video, hone in on the feeling you want to create.

What will match the tone of the footage you’ve captured? What might fit the age, mood, and season of life your child is in? (Do you have a sweet baby, a silly toddler, or an active elementary schooler?) What do you hope to convey, capture, and remember from this time, and how can the beat, feel, and instrumentation of your video song choice augment this?

It might take some searching, but you’ll know the perfect choice when you hear it.

3 Double-check the fit.

Once I’ve zeroed in on my ideal song choice, I run it through a few filters before downloading it for the editing process. (I always buy my songs from iTunes.) My filters include:

  • Is it a male or female vocalist? The answer will influence the feel, and depending on whether the video is for our son or one of our daughters, this might matter to me.
  • Is it the right length? I aim for our yearly videos to be between 2:30 and 3:30. If a song is significantly longer, it’s often possible to fade it out once you’ve reached your desired length, but it’s something to consider.
  • Do the lyrics check out? Since I’m not commissioning a custom song, I expect that the lyrics will not perfectly match my child’s biography. However, if the lyrics are clearly talking about a boy when the video is for a girl, it might not be the right fit. Same goes for lyrics that involve a romantic relationship, and of course anything that might not be appropriate for a child – but those usually don’t make it past the second step.
  • What is the profile of the song? Is it really well-known? It is currently popular? Is it obscure? Is it a very specific genre? Is it an oldie? None of these are dealbreakers for me, but they are things I consider. I have to listen to the song many times over in the editing process and for years afterward, and I want to love it for a long time!

Great Songs for Family Videos

To get you started, I’ve compiled a list of all the past songs I’ve used for family videos (along with a few stories about how they crossed my path!).

Songs We’ve Already Used in Family Videos:

  • “(Love is Like a) Heat Wave” by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas | Baby girl, as seen here
  • “Porcelain Doll” by Chatham County Line | Baby girl (I knew as soon as I heard this song, several years before I had kids, that I’d want to use it in a video someday! It’s the very sweetest – and played by NC hometown heroes :))
  • “Come Go With Me” by The Del-Vikings | One-year-old boy, as seen here
  • “Little Bitty Pretty One” by Thurston Harris and The Sharps | One-year-old girl, as seen here (To me, this is about as perfect as a family video song gets – so spirited and fun.)
  • “Sugar Dumpling” by Sam Cooke | One-year-old girl (Lisa used this one in a Story for her sweet baby and I knew it would be perfect for Annie’s latest video!)
  • “Life is Rosy” by Jess Penner | Two-year-old girl, as seen here
  • “Comeback Kid (That’s My Dog)” by Brett Dennen | Two-year-old boy, as seen here (I found this song in an episode of the TV show Royal Pains :))
  • “Sunny Day” by Joy Williams | Three-year-old girl, as seen here (This sounds crazy, but I found this song on a billboard while driving through Nashville!)
  • “The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti & Spearhead | Three-year-old boy, as seen here (I remember it took me SO LONG to settle on this song – I find it generally harder to find boy songs – but now it seems like an obvious and perfect choice.)
  • “Whole Wide World” by Mindy Gledhill | Four-year-old girl, as seen here
  • “Love You So” by The King Khan & BBQ Show | Four-year-old boy
  • “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars | Five-year-old girl, as seen here (June’s class sang this at her preschool graduation the year we filmed this video, so it seemed like an appropriate choice. It turned out to be quite challenging to edit to!)
  • “Something That I Want” by Grace Potter | Six-year-old girl (This is the song in the closing credits of Tangled; June and I both fell in love with it when it came on at the end of the movie.)

A Few Songs I’ve Bookmarked for Future Family Videos:

I can’t give away all my secrets, but here are a few I’ve bookmarked…

  • “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
  • “Better Place” by Rachel Platten
  • “Dance With Me Tonight” by Olly Murs
  • “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
  • “Do You Believe in Magic?” by The Lovin’ Spoonful
  • “Easier and Harder” by William Prince
  • “5 Years Time” by Noah and the Whale
  • “Here Comes My Baby” by Cat Stevens
  • “How Long Will I Love You” by Jon Boden, Sam Sweeney, Ben Coleman
  • “I Make My Own Sunshine” by Alyssa Bonagura
  • “I’m Into Something Good” by The Bird and the Bee
  • “It’s a Lovely Day Today” by Ella Fitzgerald
  • “Just a Little While” by The 502s
  • “Let Her Dance” by The Bobby Fuller Four
  • “The Lotto” by Ingrid Michaelson and AJR
  • “Little Bit More” by Suriel Hess
  • “Little Bitta You” by Andrew & Polly
  • “Love You More” by Caspar Babypants
  • “Make Your Own Kind of Music” by Cass Elliot
  • “Mama’s Sunshine, Daddy’s Rain” by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
  • “Morningbird” by Forest Sun
  • “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
  • “Nobody But Me” by The Human Beinz
  • “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones
  • “She Lit a Fire” by Lord Huron
  • “Summer Holiday” by Cliff Richard & The Shadows
  • “This Life” by Vampire Weekend
  • “Unconditional I (Lookout Kid)” by The Arcade Fire
  • “You Make Me Happy” by My Sun and Stars

As I said, I know this is a bit of a niche post, but I hope it might help a few of you with your future memory-keeping! :) Now back to iMovie editing…

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hi! my name is em.

This is where I share the marvelous people, places, and things I love.

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Categories

  • 101 in 1001
  • adventures
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  • celebrations + holidays
  • crafty fox
  • etsy
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  • fashion + beauty
  • goals
  • good reads
  • home + garden
  • inspiration boards
  • kindness
  • littles
  • love + marriage
  • marvelous money
  • north carolina
  • our home
  • our wedding
  • paper + design
  • pick me
  • poems
  • pregnancy
  • recipes
  • thoughts + things
  • wedding

Blogroll

  • Asking Questions with Valerie Woerner
  • Cultivate What Matters
  • Cup of Jo
  • Design for Mankind
  • Everyday Reading
  • From the Briarpatch
  • Laura Wifler
  • Lay Baby Lay
  • Magpie by Jen Shoop
  • Nancy Ray
  • Naptime Kitchen
  • NieNie Dialogues
  • Occasions by Shakira
  • Rhiannon Bosse
  • Shay Cochrane

Archives

  • [+]2025
    • [+] August
      • August 2025 goals
    • [+] July
      • 2025 Mid-Year Goals Review
      • July 2025 goals
    • [+] June
      • June 2025 goals
    • [+] May
      • Our teacher graduation book signing tradition
      • May 2025 goals
    • [+] April
      • Family spring break in Hilton Head Island
      • April 2025 goals
    • [+] March
      • March 2025 goals
    • [+] February
      • Each disc a day
      • February 2025 goals
    • [+] January
      • January 2025 goals
      • My 2025 Reading List
      • 2025 Goals
  • [+]2024
    • [+] December
      • 2024: A year in review
      • Best of 2024
      • This summer's family trip to Northern Michigan
      • December 2024 goals
      • Stocking ideas for kids and grown-ups
    • [+] November
      • Favorite gift ideas for the ones you love
      • What we're actually giving our kids this Christmas
      • Gifts for Em
      • November 2024 goals
    • [+] October
      • A fall weekend trip to Bryson City
      • October 2024 goals
    • [+] September
      • Love is --
      • Apple Cider Scones for the first day of fall
      • September 2024 goals
    • [+] August
      • A simple trick to make the most of my clothing budget
      • August 2024 goals
    • [+] July
      • How to host a neighborhood kindergarten breakfast
      • 2024 mid-year goals review
      • July 2024 goals
    • [+] June
      • Family weekend trip to Bald Head Island
      • 10 helpful money decisions we keep repeating
      • June 2024 goals
    • [+] May
      • One woman's beginner intro to rucking
      • May 2024 goals
    • [+] April
      • Family spring break trip to Jekyll Island Club
      • You can change your traditions
      • Marvelous Money: Our mortgage plan update
      • April 2024 goals
    • [+] March
      • Family faith formation practices, part 2
      • What's going in our kids' Easter baskets this year
      • March 2024 goals
    • [+] February
      • On beauty, at age 37
      • 6 small changes I'm glad I made
      • Bang
      • February 2024 goals
    • [+] January
      • An Extended Family Trip to the Florida Keys
      • The Articles Club Guide + Modeling Friendship
      • My 2024 Reading List
      • January 2024 goals
      • 2024 Goals
  • [+]2023
    • [+] December
      • 2023: A year in review
      • Best of 2023
      • Christmas scenes around the house + our cards
      • Marvelous Money: 3 Ways We're Living Generously This Christmas
      • December 2023 goals
    • [+] November
      • A chocolate chip cookie party
      • Yoto giveaway on Substack!
      • What we're actually giving our kids this Christmas
      • Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids and Grown-Ups
      • Our favorite Christmas and winter picture books
      • Favorite gift ideas for the ones you love
      • Gifts for Em
      • November 2023 goals
    • [+] October
      • A fall weekend trip to Boone, NC
      • 5 of My Takeaways from Hunt, Gather, Parent
      • 6 Favorite Soup Recipes
      • Christians in Public School: Em
      • Our 11th anniversary weekend in Charleston
      • Christians in Public School: Ginna
      • October 2023 goals
      • Christians in Public School: Krystal
    • [+] September
      • Christians in Public Schools: Amber
      • More movies for family movie night
      • Christians in Public Schools: Claire
      • A few things on my "decide once" list
      • Christians in Public Schools: Shelby
      • What I'll remember about summer 2023
      • Let's talk about Christians in public schools
      • September 2023 goals
    • [+] August
      • After school jobs for kids
      • Bulletin boards for kids
      • Simplifying kids' artwork
      • Simplifying kids' shoes
      • Ask Em: Moving Away From Family
      • Our master bedroom refresh
      • August 2023 goals
    • [+] July
      • My takeaways from Habits of the Household
      • June's Favorites at 7 Years
      • July 2023 goals
      • 2023 mid-year goals review
    • [+] June
      • A weekend trip with kids to Beaufort, NC
      • June's Favorite Books: Kindergarten and 1st Grade Series
      • Summer fun list
      • How to host a book swap
      • First year baby gear picks after 3 kids, part two
      • June 2023 goals
    • [+] May
      • Our Google Docs Family Packing List
      • Step inside our main room
      • Marvelous Money: The Financial Implications of Having a Third Child
      • How to find a family video song
      • A weekend trip to the Biltmore
      • May 2023 goals
    • [+] April
      • Our favorite family read alouds, part one
      • Our kitchen refresh
      • Celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary
      • Marvelous Money: Long-Awaited Splurges
      • 20 Hours in Serenbe
      • April 2023 goals
    • [+] March
      • Top Ten Favorite Board Books
      • 3 Friendship Case Studies
      • New 36
      • Easter Baskets + Persnickety Gifts Giveaway!
      • Family faith formation practices, part 1
      • March 2023 goals
    • [+] February
      • Love and light
      • Reading Harry Potter with our children
      • Our keys to marriage happiness
      • The first annual Articles Club weekend retreat
      • Tips for hosting large groups of houseguests
      • February 2023 goals
    • [+] January
      • A fall weekend in Highlands, NC
      • January 2023 goals
      • All about our family goals (right now)
      • My 2023 Reading List
      • 2023 Goals
  • [+]2022
    • [+] December
      • 2022: A year in review
      • Best of 2022
      • Our 2022 Minted Christmas cards
      • My Purl Soho Advent Calendar
      • Our 10th anniversary trip to Mexico + marriage summit
      • Working part-time as a mom, part four
      • Stocking Stuffers + Persnickety Gifts Giveaway!
      • December 2022 goals
    • [+] November
      • Gifts for Em
      • What we're actually giving our kids this Christmas
      • Working part-time as a mom, part three
      • Bats and Swallows
      • What to include in a college care package
      • Working part-time as a mom, part two
      • November 2022 goals
    • [+] October
      • Seven years of Articles Club
      • Working part-time as a mom, part one
      • Summer in New England
      • October 2022 goals
    • [+] September
      • Family movie night
      • Kitchen Refresh: The Background, Inspiration and Plan
      • What I'm packing for our anniversary trip to Bermuda
      • How we handled summer as two working parents
      • September 2022 goals
    • [+] August
      • First year baby gear picks after 3 kids, part one
      • Summer family reunion in Northern Michigan
      • Shep's camping fourth birthday party
      • August 2022 goals
    • [+] July
      • Day trip to Hammocks Beach State Park
      • July 2022 goals
      • 2022 mid-year goals review
    • [+] June
      • How we ended the school year well and kicked off summer
      • To the middle-of-the-night parent
      • Our tenth anniversary glamping trip at Gold River
      • How to be a more relational writer
      • June 2022 goals
    • [+] May
      • A train ride adventure
      • June's spring flower party
      • Favorite parts of my evening routine
      • Family spring break trip to Jekyll Island
      • May 2022 goals
    • [+] April
      • How to host a stuff swap
      • What I learned from my styling session with Lisa
      • What's going in our kids' Easter baskets this year
      • April 2022 goals
    • [+] March
      • The other names
      • Tips for eating at restaurants with young kids
      • Our weekend trip to Black Mountain, NC
      • March 2022 goals
    • [+] February
      • I'm so glad you're here! (Survey + giveaway!)
      • The best way I've found to regularly see my friends
      • Homemade classroom valentines
      • 13 Tips for the Fourth Trimester After 3 Babies
      • February 2022 goals
    • [+] January
      • Our weekend trip to Virginia-Highland in Atlanta
      • Our top ten meals of 2021
      • Sheptember: Volume 3
      • My 2022 Reading List
      • January 2022 goals
      • 2022 Goals
  • [+]2021
    • [+] December
      • 2021: A Year in Review
      • Extended family photos in WaterColor, Florida
      • 2021 Christmas Cards from Minted
      • Best of 2021
      • 2021 Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers
      • An extended family trip to WaterColor, Florida
      • Annie's Newborn Photos by Anagram Photo
      • What we're actually giving our kids this Christmas
      • December 2021 goals
    • [+] November
      • Gifts for Em
      • The story of Annie's birth
      • 2021 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups
      • 2021 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Kids
      • Our weekend trip to Decatur, Georgia
      • November 2021 goals
      • DIY Family Weather Costume
    • [+] October
      • Six years of Articles Club
      • Blogging Q&A, Part Three: Grab Bag
      • June in June: Volume 6
      • October 2021 goals
    • [+] September
      • Blogging Q&A, Part Two: Content
      • Blogging Q&A, Part One: Nuts and Bolts
      • Fall fun list 2021
      • Morning smoothies
      • Back-to-school dinner 2021
      • What I'll remember about summer 2021
      • September 2021 goals
    • [+] August
      • Fall outfit inspiration
      • Shep's favorites at three years
      • August 2021 goals
    • [+] July
      • How we're getting ready for kindergarten
      • The meaning of Susanna's name
      • Say hello to Susanna
      • 2021 mid-year goals review
      • Making a Big List and some to dos for baby girl
      • July 2021 goals
    • [+] June
      • Backyard garden party baby shower
      • All About Meal Trains
      • Our maternity family photos with Ally & Bobby
      • How to Make the Introduction of a New Sibling More Joyful
      • June 2021 goals
    • [+] May
      • Third trimester update
      • John's Instagram wardrobe
      • Life lately
      • Baking with June
      • Parenting resources I love to learn from
      • May 2021 goals
    • [+] April
      • Our plan for baby girl's nursery
      • Our spring break trip to Jekyll Island
      • Marvelous Money: Investing 101
      • Maternity Family Photo Planning
      • April 2021 goals
    • [+] March
      • How to organize kids clothing
      • Screen-free road trip tips with preschoolers
      • The third Baby Thomas is a...
      • Prepping for Easter baskets
      • Deciding to have a third child
      • Morning and evening skincare routine in my mid-30's
      • More happy news to share
      • March 2021 goals
    • [+] February
      • 34 questions for a 34th birthday, part two
      • 34 questions for a 34th birthday
      • Master bedroom refresh inspiration
      • Children and the passing of time
      • A bright and cheerful kids' bathroom
      • February 2021 goals
    • [+] January
      • Why we love participating in research studies
      • Our Valentine's Day mailbox
      • January 2021 goals
      • 2021 Goals
      • My 2021 reading list
  • [+]2020
    • [+] December
      • 2020: A year in review
      • 2020 Books Review
      • 2020 Christmas cards from Minted
      • Best of 2020 - with friends!
      • Family camping at Blue Bear Mountain Camp
      • 2020 Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers
      • December 2020 goals
    • [+] November
      • What we're actually giving our kids this Christmas
      • 2020 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups
      • Gifts for Em
      • Sheptember: Volume Two
      • Our trip to Highlands, NC
      • Christmas accoutrements
      • November 2020 goals
    • [+] October
      • Our review of June's big-kid bike - the Priority Start 16"
      • Five years of Articles Club
      • Favorite Instant Pot recipes
      • Four-year-old favorites
      • October 2020 goals
    • [+] September
      • My favorite episodes from the Work & Play podcast
      • June in June: Volume 5
      • Marvelous Money: Our net worth meetings
      • Banned phrases in our marriage
      • Our summer trip to Mystic, CT
      • The best guacamole recipe
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part three: printed photo albums
      • September 2020 goals
    • [+] August
      • Upstairs bathroom renovation: the plans
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part two: digital photos
      • Quarantine reflections
      • Everyday magic, Octonauts edition
      • Island in a pandemic
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part one
      • August 2020 goals
    • [+] July
      • Our Berkshires vacation
      • Our favorite at-home, hands-off activities for kids
      • Our favorite summer recipes right now
      • Kitchen quick tip
      • Neely & Chloe wallet + new handbag
      • July 2020 goals
    • [+] June
      • Inspiration for a stay-at-home Fourth of July
      • 2020 mid-year goals review, part two
      • 2020 mid-year goals review, part one
      • Raising kids I like
      • Making the everyday magical: muffin tin snack trays
      • Diverse books to add to your family library
      • June 2020 goals
    • [+] May
      • How I meal plan
      • How to make a recipe binder
      • Our new front porch gate
      • What I've been reading lately
      • May 2020 goals
    • [+] April
      • An easy meal-planning hack
      • Earth-friendly swaps in our home
      • What's growing in our garden this year
      • Easter Weekend 2020
      • A recipe exchange!
      • April 2020 goals
      • This year's Easter baskets
    • [+] March
      • What's making me smile right now
      • The beauty of quiet time
      • My chalk paint desk and downstairs command center
      • Em's Marvelous North Carolina Bucket List
      • March 2020 goals
    • [+] February
      • I'm so glad you're here! (Survey + giveaway!)
      • Help us plan our trip to Watercolor, Atlanta, and Greenville!
      • How to unhurry your life
      • How I'm using Instagram right now
      • February 2020 goals
    • [+] January
      • 9 decisions that led to a life I love
      • Our most-loved kitchen items
      • Sheptember: Volume One
      • The birthday interview
      • January 2020 goals
      • 2020 Goals
      • My 2020 reading list
  • [+]2019
    • [+] December
      • 2019: A year in review
      • Our 2019 Christmas cards + mini session
      • Camping with 5 kids under 5
      • Best of 2019 - with friends!
      • What we're actually giving our kiddos this Christmas
      • All about our 70-mile bike ride
      • December 2019 goals
    • [+] November
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Kiddo Stocking Stuffers
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Kiddos
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups
      • 6 things on my November holiday checklist
      • June in June: Volume 4
      • Gifts for the helpers
      • Kale, sausage, and chickpea pasta
      • November 2019 goals
    • [+] October
      • Words with friends: year four of Articles Club
      • Being a patron
      • October 2019 goals
    • [+] September
      • Shep's first birthday party
      • Simple toy storage in our family room
      • Dating after kids
      • Marriage Q&A, Part 2
      • Marriage Q&A, Part 1
      • September 2019 goals
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Money: Our new mortgage plan
      • No makeup days
      • Once more to Maine
      • The best book I ever read (as told by 17 book lovers)
      • How to host a book swap party
      • Family favorite: chocolate raspberry pavlova
      • August 2019 goals
    • [+] July
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part Three
      • Outer Banks family vacation in Corolla
      • July 2019 goals
    • [+] June
      • If you're going to give, give graciously
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part Two
      • Mid-year goals review
      • June 2019 Goals
    • [+] May
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part One
      • How I Read
      • May 2019 Goals
    • [+] April
      • Marvelous Money: 10 of my favorite purchases
      • Our neighborhood meal swap
      • Tips for finding the right daycare
      • April 2019 goals
    • [+] March
      • An easy way to print and display Instagram photos
      • Easter basket picks
      • Favorite board games for two people
      • March 2019 goals
    • [+] February
      • The Years of Making Magic
      • On having family close by
      • Shep's New England-Inspired Nursery
      • Shep's newborn photos by Anagram Photo
      • The story of Shep's birth
      • February 2019 goals
    • [+] January
      • What John does
      • Those Winter Sundays
      • Three-year-old favorites
      • June takes ballet
      • January 2019 goals
      • 2019 goals
  • [+]2018
    • [+] December
      • 2018: A year in review
      • Our 2018 Christmas cards and newsletter!
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Husbands, Dads, and Brothers
      • December 2018 goals
    • [+] November
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Sisters, Moms, and Best Friends
      • What to wear for large group family photos
      • Two house guest hacks
      • November 2018 goals
    • [+] October
      • Halloween charcuterie
      • Where there is vision
      • Mom jeans
      • Marvelous City Guide: Asheville
      • What we read this year in Articles Club
      • Marvelous Money: The Tax Benefits of an HSA
      • October 2018 goals
    • [+] September
      • A marvelous giveaway
      • Ten marvelous years
      • Fall fun list
      • Making a modern home movie using iMovie
      • Marvelous Money: Prioritizing Spending v. Saving
      • June in June: Volume 3
      • September 2018 goals
    • [+] August
      • Toddler favorites at two and a half years
      • Self-care for people who don't like self-care
      • 10 of our favorite quick and easy meals
      • The meaning of Shepherd's name
      • Say hello to John Shepherd Thomas!
      • August 2018 goals
    • [+] July
      • Midcoast Maine Summer
      • Our new backyard!
      • Camping with kiddos
      • My thoughts on Amazon Echo and technology in our home
      • Summertime in Connecticut
      • July 2018 goals
    • [+] June
      • A New England nursery for baby boy
      • My favorite parenting books
      • Indelible images of my parents
      • A new chapter
      • Third trimester update
      • What June eats - and my best toddler eating tips
      • June 2018 goals
    • [+] May
      • Our new bedside tables
      • Marvelous Money: the cost of our first year with a baby
      • 10 of our favorite cheap meals
      • Coastal New England style
      • I am the standard
      • My skincare routine
      • My simple fitness hack
      • May 2018 goals
    • [+] April
      • Marvelous Money: Managing Money Together
      • A weekend away in North Georgia
      • How to organize your own childhood memorabilia
      • Easter Weekend
      • April 2018 goals
    • [+] March
      • Spring fun list with a toddler
      • Confidence
      • Baby boy Thomas!
      • Our favorite board games
      • I'm so glad you're here! (Survey + giveaway!)
      • Easter baskets - to do or not to do?
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Kiddos
      • March 2018 goals
    • [+] February
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Spiritual Lives
      • A winter getaway to Anna Maria Island
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Relationships
      • A few things we did for Valentine's Day
      • Happy news to share
      • How We Do It: Organizing our Work
      • A vision for our refined home
      • February 2018 goals
    • [+] January
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Personal Lives
      • A simple way to make your relationship happier
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Homes
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Finances
      • A Life List Book
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Time
      • Christmas in California
      • 2018 goals
  • [+]2017
    • [+] December
      • 2017: A year in review
      • Christmas Cards 2017
      • Gifts for Em
      • December 2017 goals
    • [+] November
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Your Favorite Kids
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Kind-Hearted Picks
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Sisters, Moms, and Best Friends
      • Toddler favorites at twenty one months
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Getting our home ready for guests
      • Our living room rug
      • November 2017 goals
    • [+] October
      • The fifth annual pumpkins and soup party
      • Marvelous Money: 26 Ways to Save Money
      • A surprising source for fall clothes
      • Great articles to read with friends
      • 10 great dinners for new parents
      • October 2017 goals
    • [+] September
      • What to send in a college care package
      • Jack
      • Five intentions for the next five years of marriage
      • Does your wedding look timeless?
      • The beauty of an imperfect home
      • September 2017 goals
    • [+] August
      • June in June: Volume 2
      • 30th birthday book
      • House contentment hack
      • Lake Life in Northern Michigan
      • August 2017 goals
    • [+] July
      • Marvelous Money: A review of Financial Peace University
      • Master camping packing list
      • Camping with toddlers
      • 7 Tips for 2017 Graduates
      • July 2017 goals
    • [+] June
      • Our secret birthday anniversary trips
      • Wisdom from my Dad
      • Mid-year goals review
      • How to make something a habit
      • Our five must-have baby registry items
      • June 2017 goals
    • [+] May
      • A month of meals: spring edition
      • Summer fun list (with a toddler!)
      • How to make friends in your neighborhood
      • Marvelous Mama Beth
      • Fun baby shower game
      • May 2017 goals
    • [+] April
      • Personal beauty consult with LULA Hair + Makeup
      • Marvelous City Guide: Durham, North Carolina
      • Fifteen month baby favorites
      • Our backyard project: the plan and inspiration
      • April 2017 goals
    • [+] March
      • Our backyard project: the before
      • Taking ballet again
      • Pretty athletic leggings
      • HGTV Home Town and our house portraits
      • 60 Before 30 Recap
      • How to host a favorite things party
      • Marvelous Money: Paying Off Our Mortgage Early
      • 10 hopes for my 30s
      • March 2017 Goals
    • [+] February
      • Month-by-month baby photos
      • How I am trying to love people well
      • June's first birthday
      • 2017 Survey Results: I'm still glad you're here!
      • Choosing my Warby Parker sunglasses
      • A month of meals: winter edition
      • I'm glad you're here! Survey + giveaway
      • February 2017 Goals
    • [+] January
      • 12 years together
      • June's favorite playlist
      • Baby favorites at one year
      • Marvelous Money: Making Trade-offs
      • June's buffalo check and Liberty print nursery
      • NC Museum of Art family photos
      • Day-in-the-Life Family Photos with Nancy Ray
      • Happy one year, June
      • June's first Christmas
      • 2017 Goals
  • [+]2016
    • [+] December
      • 2016: A Year in Review
      • Christmas Cards 2016
      • How we keep Christmas about Christ
      • My favorite Christmas recipes
      • Gifts for Em
      • December 2016 goals
    • [+] November
      • Our favorite Christmas traditions
      • Marvelous Money: Making a yearly budget
      • Gifts for husbands, dads, and brothers
      • Gifts for sisters, moms, and best friends
      • 14 great gifts for kids
      • Farmhouse Pottery
      • Minted Christmas Cards + A Giveaway!
      • November 2016 goals
    • [+] October
      • Camping with babies
      • The best cooking playlist
      • Planning multigenerational family photos
      • Calligraphy vows prints in our master bedroom
      • How to slow down time, part two
      • Rituals, traditions, and the perception of time
      • How to slow down time, part one
      • October 2016 goals
    • [+] September
      • Signature family dishes
      • Apple cider scones
      • Marvelous Mama Rachael
      • Four years of marriage
      • How to host an articles club
      • Eight month baby favorites
      • June in June: Volume 1
      • September 2016 goals
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Mama Margaret
      • Easy date idea: a dessert crawl
      • A week on the Connecticut shoreline
      • Lisa's all-white French-inspired baby shower
      • What's in our diaper bag
      • Baby shower ideas for Lisa
      • 15 Things I Love About North Carolina
      • August 2016 goals
    • [+] July
      • 12 Things I Miss About New England
      • 7 Tips for Road Tripping with an Infant
      • Pleased to make your acquaintance
      • July 2016 goals
    • [+] June
      • The great Southwest adventure
      • Five month favorites
      • Summer fun list (with an infant!)
      • June 2016 goals
    • [+] May
      • Life lately
      • June's newborn photos by Graham Terhune
      • The story of June's birth
      • Pregnancy book recommendations
      • May 2016 goals
    • [+] April
      • Our favorites from the first six weeks
      • Marvelous Mama MacKenzie
      • Charleston for the weekend (with a three-month-old)
      • Thanking our post-partum nurses
      • April 2016 goals
    • [+] March
      • My favorite natural deodorant
      • Notes from the first six weeks, part two
      • Marvelous Mama Allyson
      • Notes from the first six weeks, part one
      • A blueberry baby shower
      • Spring clothing favorites for baby girl
      • March 2016 goals
    • [+] February
      • Birthday weekend
      • Marvelous Mama Julia
      • Found: the most delicious banana bread
      • Notes from our hospital stay
      • Favorite new artist: Erin Gregory
      • Marvelous Mama Kate
      • February 2016 goals
    • [+] January
      • Marry the kind one
      • Marvelous Mama Amanda
      • Champagne bar with tinsel stirrers
      • The meaning of June's name
      • Marvelous Mama Samantha
      • Say hello to June Chen Thomas!
      • Introducing Marvelous Mama
      • My 2016 guideposts
      • My 2016 inspiration board
  • [+]2015
    • [+] December
      • 2015: A year in review
      • Goal setting for 2016 with PowerSheets
      • Our end-of-year celebration dinner
      • Christmas cards 2015
      • Gifts for Em
      • Planning our newborn photo session
      • Marvelous Money: A new way to watch TV
      • December 2015 Goals
    • [+] November
      • Our new dining room chairs
      • Tips for shopping kids consignment sales
      • Weekend trip to Nashville
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Our soup and pumpkins tradition
      • November 2015 Goals
    • [+] October
      • 12 favorite fall recipes
      • Third trimester update
      • Framed & Matted
      • An Articles Club
      • Blue buffalo check nursery plans
      • House Tour 2015: Upstairs
      • October 2015 Goals
    • [+] September
      • House Tour 2015: Downstairs
      • Baby Girl Thomas!
      • The best way to reheat pizza
      • Weekend trip to Greenville
      • Three years of marriage
      • Telling the families our baby news
      • Fall To Do List 2015
      • Baby registry input
      • September 2015 Goals
    • [+] August
      • Fall clothing favorites
      • Marvelous Money: Our car fund
      • Deciding to have children
      • Maine 2015
      • La Vie en Rose: the Côte d'Azur
      • Something to share...
      • La Vie en Rose: Cassis
      • August 2015 Goals
    • [+] July
      • La Vie en Rose: Provence
      • Strawberry baby shower picnic in the park
      • La Vie en Rose: Versailles
      • La Vie en Rose: Paris
      • Natural wood dresser
      • A spring woodland baby shower for Nancy
      • Inspiration Board No. 105: Spring Woodland Baby Shower
      • Marvelous summer playlist
      • July 2015 Goals
    • [+] June
      • Happy Father's Day
      • No. 45: Go to Europe
      • Wilmington and Bald Head Island
      • June 2015 Goals
    • [+] May
      • Packing for Provence
      • One Love Organics + new face wash routine
      • West Elm nautical collection
      • The drinking water game
      • Em's camping favorites
      • May 2015 Goals
    • [+] April
      • Thoughts on camping
      • Fruit of the spirit: peace
      • Natalie + Joe's summer wedding at the Branford House
      • Marvelous Money: Start Rich
      • Help me choose my new glasses!
      • Our wedding album from Milk Books
      • Weekend in Beaufort, SC
      • Weekend in Savannah
      • April 2015 Goals
    • [+] March
      • Camping 2015 + Texas road trip
      • Spring trip to NYC
      • Marvelous spring playlist
      • Packing for Paris
      • March 2015 Goals
    • [+] February
      • Replacing paper towels
      • Cafe curtain inspiration for the dining room
      • Fruit of the spirit: joy
      • We are going to France!!
      • Marvelous Money: Preparing financially for a baby
      • Ten year dativersary
      • February 2015 Goals
    • [+] January
      • No. 54: Learn some flower arranging skills
      • A family treasure
      • Our new rug + foyer plans
      • Tips for travel planning
      • Fruit of the spirit: love
      • Why iPhone notes are genius
      • 2015 Goals
      • New year, new topics!
  • [+]2014
    • [+] December
      • 2014: A year in review
      • Tinsel stirrers in the limelight!
      • Christmas Cards 2014
      • Gifts for Em
      • Our new red front door!
      • Marvelous Money: Charitable Giving Accounts
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Littles
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • December 2014 Goals
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Colorful Gifts
    • [+] November
      • Happiest Thanksgiving + Inspiration Board No. 104
      • Featured in Emily Ley's Simplicity Series!
      • Rethinking our wall of art
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Minted does fabric
      • November 2014 goals
    • [+] October
      • H&M home for the holidays
      • My ultimate dream home and other magazine memories
      • Marvelous Money: Why do we spend so much?
      • Porch party
      • October 2014 goals
    • [+] September
      • Fall to do list
      • Caitlin Wilson Designs giveaway!
      • 2014 reading list so far
      • Top 25 favorite chapter books
      • Top 25 favorite picture books
      • Six years of blogging
      • The houses of Serenbe
      • Two years of marriage
      • Jackie + George's Wedding
      • Puffin in Bloom
      • September Goals
    • [+] August
      • Sailing in Maine
      • Replacing my Toms
      • August in Maine
      • House Tour 2014: Upstairs
      • House Tour 2014: Downstairs
      • August Goals
    • [+] July
      • Little adventurer baby shower
      • California Dreaming: San Francisco
      • Natalie and Joe are married!
      • California Dreaming: Yosemite
      • California Dreaming: Monterey and Carmel
      • July Goals
    • [+] June
      • California Dreaming: Cambria, San Simeon, Big Sur
      • Watercolor house portraits
      • California Dreaming: Santa Barbara, Montana de Oro, Cayucos
      • California Dreaming: Malibu, Ojai, Montecito
      • Planning a point-to-point trip
      • June Goals
    • [+] May
      • Summer fun with friends
      • Buckwheat and banana pancakes
      • Shark Tank
      • Front porch inspiration
      • May goals
    • [+] April
      • What we eat, part two
      • What we eat, part one
      • Pysanky eggs
      • Weekend in Charleston
      • Our house's colors
      • April goals
    • [+] March
      • Five favorite abstract artists
      • Marvelous Money: A Beginner's Guide to IRAs
      • No. 49: Canoe down the Haw River
      • Dining room table lighting options
      • The Well's End and other thoughts on reading
      • March 2014 Goals
    • [+] February
      • 60 Before 30
      • Teal and emerald bridesmaid dresses
      • Cuyana
      • A marvelous love story
      • Garlands of love
      • Birthday presents on the hour
      • February 2014 Goals
    • [+] January
      • Finding your team after a move
      • The cure for homesickness
      • New kitchen pendant lights!
      • California dreaming
      • Classic and romantic
      • DIY gold dot stationery
      • Marvelous Money: Paying off debt
      • 2014 Goals
  • [+]2013
    • [+] December
      • 2013: A year in review
      • Christmas cards 2013
      • Gifts for Em
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Littles
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Gents
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Bright Gifts
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • Blessed to be a Blessing: Giving at Christmas
      • December Goals
    • [+] November
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • How we plan our meals
      • Weekend adventures
      • How I organize my blogging
      • How I use my Simplified Planner
      • Face first
      • Our kitchen chalkboard wall!
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • November Goals
    • [+] October
      • Slightly nautical nursery
      • Cozy fall playlist
      • Inspiration Board No. 103: State Fair Celebration
      • Colorful gallery wall
      • Homemade chicken nuggets
      • Marvelous Money: A Beginner's Guide to 401ks
      • Easy Raised Garden Bed
      • Living with kids
      • October Goals
    • [+] September
      • Inspiration board no. 102: Peacock, shale, teal, and emerald
      • Fall to do list
      • Sperry Tent Layout
      • Observations from one year of marriage
      • Traveling wedding friends
      • A visit to the cobbler
      • On longtime friends and weddings
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Money: Why save for retirement?
      • The great area rug search
      • Tips for hosting an adventure dinner party
      • Life lately
      • August Goals
    • [+] July
      • Marvelous Mondays: Gallery wall inspiration
      • Two useful things
      • An ode to golf course strolls
      • Our first apartment
      • Camping with friends
      • Stepping into the Great Gatsby
      • Summertime in Northern Michigan
      • Happy Fourth!
      • July Goals
    • [+] June
      • Summer to do list
      • Honeymoon in Nevis, Part 2
      • Guest post on Snippet & Ink!
      • Honeymoon in Nevis, Part 1
      • Tried and true recipes, no. 2
      • Day one
      • June Goals
    • [+] May
      • Tips for everyday adventures
      • House search update no. 3: The conclusion
      • Home
      • Happy Mother's Day
      • Tinsel stirrers at a baby shower!
      • May Goals
    • [+] April
      • Inspiration Board No. 101: A Nevis Wedding
      • Pet Nicknames
      • Marvelous Monday: Small Backyards
      • Marvelous Money: Tracking your budget with the envelope system
      • Packing for Nevis!
      • Marvelous Money: Tracking your budget with Google Docs
      • April Goals
    • [+] March
      • Inspiration Board No. 100: Anne of Green Gables
      • Picks for spring
      • House search update no. 2
      • Making Things Happen
      • Marvelous Mondays: Easter Eggs
      • Marvelous Money: How to spend money
      • Beyond the Sea: The budget
      • March Goals
    • [+] February
      • The Birthday Party Project
      • Inspiration Board No. 99: Beyond the Sea
      • Beyond the sea: Reception
      • Beyond the sea: Cocktail hour
      • Beyond the sea: Our ceremony
      • Beyond the sea: First look
      • Beyond the sea: Wedding morning
      • Beyond the sea: Rehearsal dinner
      • Beyond the sea: Final preparations
      • February Goals
    • [+] January
      • House search update
      • Marvelous Money: Building a budget
      • Tinsel stirrers in the shop!
      • Super foods
      • Marvelous Money: Managing Joint Finances
      • Friends of Em + Graham Terhune Photography
      • Board No. 98: Backyard Garden Party Wedding
      • Marvelous Money: The emergency fund
      • Marget and Seth's Wedding
      • Marvelous Mondays: Bedrooms with wood plank walls
      • Marvelous Money: What's your story?
      • Target Threshold Spring Collection
      • Welcome back to the Bachelor
      • January Goals
      • Daily Goals 2013
  • [+]2012
    • [+] December
      • 2012: A year in review
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Christmas cards 2012
      • Board No. 97: Blue and White Christmas
      • Em loves you: A Christmas giveaway
      • Gifts for Em
      • Em for Marvelous Christmas playlist 2012
      • 2012 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • 2012 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Bright Gifts
    • [+] November
      • Blessed to be a blessing: acts of kindness for Christmas
      • Felt mistletoe
      • Christmas cupcake flags in the shop!
      • Marvelous mondays: wreaths
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Gold party outfit
      • Crafting our ceremony: serving communion
      • Our wedding film from Inkspot Crow
      • Marvelous mondays: kitchen banquettes
      • Crafting our ceremony: our vows
      • Modern Christmas newsletter
      • Minted Christmas Cards
      • Crafting our ceremony: music
    • [+] October
      • Inspiration Board No. 96: Falling for Dahlias
      • Christmas trees in baskets
      • Hiking in Asheville
      • Antiquing in Asheville
      • Eating in Asheville
      • Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
      • Gilded pumpkins!
      • Crafting our ceremony: readings
      • Marvelous mondays: caramel apples
      • Pure Barre
      • Advice for first time home buyers
      • Marvelous mondays: gilded pumpkins
      • The hunt is over: Nitsa's
      • On the hunt: David's Bridal
      • On the hunt: The White Dress by the Shore
      • Marvelous mondays: black stair railings
    • [+] September
      • On the hunt: Maddison Row
      • On the hunt: inspiration
      • Fall to do list
      • Marvelous mondays: built-in bunks for four
      • New beginnings
      • Wedding road trip!
      • Wedding planning update: 9 days to go
      • Our wedding registry
      • A good weekend
    • [+] August
      • Wedding planning update: 16 days to go
      • Wedding planning update: 24 days to go
      • A picnic bridal shower
      • Rehearsal dinner outfit
      • Wedding planning update: 1 month to go
      • Favorite group portraits
      • Our wedding invitations, part two
      • Our wedding invitations, part one
      • Invitations out of the house!
      • Matt & Claudia are married!
      • Invitations in the house!
    • [+] July
      • Dreams do come true
      • Paloma's Nest Ring Bearer Bowl
      • Ann Taylor tops
      • Seasonal Home of Gales Ferry
      • Wedding planning update: 2 months to go
      • Mike & Antonia are married!
      • Seth and Marget are getting married!
      • Oilcloth project possibilities
      • Wedding day emergency kit
      • Happy Fourth of July!
      • June Instagram
    • [+] June
      • Accessories Week: Comb + Veil
      • Accessories Week: Earrings + Clutch
      • Accessories Week: Bracelet + Necklace
      • Classic Groom Essentials
      • Summer to do list
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower
      • Wedding planning update: 3 months to go
      • Paper Picks 2012: One Canoe Two
      • Paper Picks 2012: Belle & Union
      • Paper Picks 2012: Alee & Press
      • Paper Picks 2012: Figs & Ginger
      • Paper Picks 2012: Mr. Boddington's Studio
      • Our engagement photos!
      • Cupcake flags + donuts!
    • [+] May
      • Lot 190 + blue doors
      • Wedding weekend welcome packs
      • Wedding planning update: 3+ months to go
      • Busy week ahead!
      • Quaker marriage certificate
      • Inn at Palmetto Bluff: Treehouse
      • Accessorizing
      • Backyard bridal shower
      • Lowcountry Produce
      • Hunting Island State Park
      • 101 in 1001: May 2012
      • City Loft Hotel in Beaufort, SC
    • [+] April
      • Old Sheldon Church Ruins
      • Bridesmaid dress recap
      • Wedding planning update: 4+ months to go
      • Engagement photos!
      • The wedding morning, part three
      • Get yo' cocktails on
      • Vintage silver at the reception
      • Sweet peas in weddings
      • Drink more water
      • Tried and true recipes
      • Ways to Personalize a Groom's Formal Look
      • Tuxedo junction
      • Flea market find: floral frogs
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower: The Invitations!
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower: Inspiration
      • Tips for hiring destination wedding vendors
    • [+] March
      • Black and white dance floors
      • Inspiration Board No. 95: Pastel Spring
      • Wedding planning update: 5+ months to go!
      • Method spring soaps
      • Spring to do list
      • A dress for the mother of the bride!
      • Registering for china
      • Sweet watercolor paintings
      • (Almost) Spring weekend
      • Black and White Cheesecake Brownies
      • Adorably Small Houses
      • Kate Spade Sample Sale
      • Valentine's Day Party Invitations
      • 101 in 1001: March 2012
      • Spring Fling
    • [+] February
      • Here's to 25
      • Colorful Cocktail Napkins
      • Wedding planning update: 6+ months to go!
      • Mini desserts
      • Julie & Julia Dinner Party
      • How to Make a Wedding Website Using Blogger
      • Happy Valentine's Day!
      • Flea Market Finds
      • A creative groomsman "proposal"
      • Bells will be ringing
      • Our videographer + budget realities
      • Easy Valentine's Day DIY
      • A slightly military wedding ceremony
      • Our save the dates!
      • 101 in 1001: February 2012
    • [+] January
      • Wedding shoes: update!
      • The wedding morning, part two
      • Gowns with netted straps
      • Wedding planning update: 7+ months to go!
      • Yard sale chairs remade!
      • Recycled art!
      • Garden bouquet inspiration
      • Bouquet wrap inspiration
      • A Trip to M&J Trimming
      • Bridesmaid Dresses!
      • Our wedding photographer: Tanja Lippert!
      • Player piano
      • Inspiration Board No. 94: Mulberries in Hawaii
      • Wedding shoes!
      • Em for Gems
      • Old Lucketts Store + silver update
      • 2012 Goals
      • Scenes from the holidays
  • [+]2011
    • [+] December
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Christmas in the apartment
      • Our Christmas cards!
      • Gift Wrapping Inspiration
      • Inspiration Board No. 93: New Tartan
      • Em for Minted: Giveaway winner!
      • Inspiration Board No. 92: Candy-Colored Christmas
      • Gifts for Em
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Neutrals + Metallics
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Colorful
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Cool Tones
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Brights
      • Giveaway: Em for Minted!
      • Welcome to Em for Marvelous!
      • Christmas tartan
      • Wreaths
    • [+] November
      • Watercolor letterpress calendar
      • Vintage state towels
      • Peppermint drink stirrers in the shop!
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • The perfect cardigan
      • Thanksgiving dinner inspiration
      • More silver for the reception!
      • Cayman Islands
      • The wedding morning
      • Inspiring menus
      • Sperry tents
      • Faux fur fuzzies
      • Eno River fall foliage
      • 101 in 1001: November 2011
    • [+] October
      • Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
      • Steve Madden flats
      • Candlelit
      • Wedding planning update: 10+ months to go
      • Hostess gift idea!
      • Minted save the date options
      • Rainbow bookshelf
      • Ringing the bell
      • Makeup bags
      • charleston: angel oak & middleton plantation
      • charleston: folly beach & kayaking
      • Donuts at weddings
      • Haw River rock hop
      • Green Knob Trail
      • Edward Hopper stamps
      • Pink in the park
      • 101 in 1001: October 2011
    • [+] September
      • Camping this weekend!
      • Bacon + avocado grilled cheese
      • Embroidering
      • Kendra Scott earrings
      • Wedding planning update: 11+ months to go
      • Fall to do list
      • Summer to do list: update!
      • Venue reveal: our reception site!
      • Venue reveal: our ceremony site!
      • Wedding prep extravaganza!
      • The great venue search (part two)
      • The great venue search (part one)
      • Berry wedding ideas
      • Polka dot gift bags
      • Treehouse Point
      • Pretty hellebores
      • Mini food at weddings, part II
      • Amy Merrick
      • Rope bracelets
      • Charleston: Video!
      • Charleston: French Quarter + Battery
      • Charleston: Eats
    • [+] August
      • Charleston: Folly Beach + Kayaking
      • Charleston: Angel Oak + Middleton Plantation
      • Back Porch Music at the American Tobacco Campus
      • Wedding planning update: 12+ months out
      • Minted business cards!
      • Book baby shower
      • Flea market success!
      • Flag escort cards in action!
      • Back from Charleston!
      • Charleston
      • Black Bean Mexican Pizza
      • Backyard wedding with string lights
      • Summer wedding dress
      • 101 in 1001: August 2011
    • [+] July
      • All time favorites: M and C
      • All time favorites: Lauren and Joe
      • Wedding planning update: 12+ months out
      • All time favorites: Caroline and Clark
      • All time favorites: Liz and Chris
      • All time favorites: Dabney and Rob
      • All time favorites: Erin and Paul
      • All time favorites: Lily and John
      • Mini food at weddings
      • White bouquet with dusty miller
      • My engagement ring!
      • Weekend in Beaufort
      • You will probably want to watch this video...
      • Happy Fourth!
      • 101 in 1001: July 2011
    • [+] June
      • Drink stirrers in action!
      • Marget + Seth engaged!
      • Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad
      • Deep dish chocolate chip cookies
      • Maine Squeeze: We Toast
      • Poppers
      • Board No. 91: Green and Cafe Au Lait
      • Guest bedroom style
      • Fourth of July drink stirrers!
      • Apartment garden: June
      • Flea market find: faux bamboo table
      • Maine Squeeze: More Decor
      • Bathroom plans!
      • Bow-quet
      • 101 in 1001: June 2011
      • Veronica Sheaffer swiss dot gowns
      • Market Imports in Raleigh
    • [+] May
      • Outdoor summer movies
      • BHG winners!
      • Happy Memorial Day!
      • BHG giveaway reminder + recipes
      • Seersucker bikinis
      • Pedestal sink bathroom
      • Apartment garden: baby plants
      • Maine Squeeze: We play!
      • Better Homes & Gardens site redesign + giveaway!
      • National Stationery Show
      • Festive brunch ideas
      • Cheerful ribbon boutonniere
      • Board No. 90: Daybreak
      • Ann Taylor Loft Petites
      • One-piece swimsuit round up
      • 101 in 1001: May 2011
      • Summer to do list
    • [+] April
      • Blue bedrooms
      • Maine Squeeze: We eat!
      • Better Homes & Gardens May Issue
      • Board No. 89: Royal Wedding Sapphire
      • Easter weekend!
      • Formal accessories on a budget
      • Ombre cakes
      • Vintage Village
      • Maine Squeeze: Lemonade and Cookies
      • Swiss dot wedding fashion
      • Nautical bags
      • En plein air piano
      • Maine Squeeze: They make their vows
      • Keds
      • Cherry blossom weekend!
      • 101 in 1001: April 2011
    • [+] March
      • Maine Squeeze: The girls get ready
      • Swell towels
      • Cherry blossom wedding ideas
      • Board No. 88: Soft cherry blossoms
      • H&M pillows
      • Maine Squeeze: We wake up very early
      • On being green
      • Board No. 87: Plum and evergreen for Caroline
      • I stop writing the poem
      • Happy St. Patrick's Day!
      • Maine Squeeze: We eat lobster!
      • P&P packaging
      • Making an inspiration board
      • Chebeague Island wedding
      • Maine Squeeze: Wharf jump!
      • Bridal shower tin cans
      • Board No. 86: Beyond the sky blue sea
      • Anthro headbands
      • Pierrepont Hicks Spring
      • My whole heart
      • 101 in 1001: March 2011
    • [+] February
      • Happy birthday to me!
      • Maine Squeeze: Rehearsal and wiffle ball!
      • Janet Hill Studio
      • Bridesmaid dresses
      • Long distance maps
      • Maine Squeeze: We raise the tent!
      • Apartment garden: the seedlings!
      • Winter travels: the Old Edwards Inn
      • Board No. 85: My Summer Valentine
      • Happy Valentine's Day weekend!
      • From Song of the Open Road
      • Polka dot dress, version two!
      • Maine Squeeze: More preparations
      • Bow-Bedecked Car
      • Anthro Color-Dipped Dress
      • Tulle tables
      • Maine Squeeze: It begins
      • Creative escort card ideas
      • 101 in 1001: February 2011
    • [+] January
      • Board No. 84: Bold Yellow
      • Casual wedding portraits
      • To paint or not to paint?
      • Shower curtain update
      • Happy Monday!
      • Polka dot dress
      • TOMS update
      • P&P valentines!
      • Board No. 83: The Most Delicate of Delicates
      • Colorful dresses
      • Robert Allen Khandar fabric for sale!
      • Better Homes and Gardens January issue
      • John Robshaw Textiles
      • New York, New York!
      • Pink + gold wedding invitations
      • New favorite wedding dress!
      • 101 in 1001: January 2011
      • 101 in 1001, Vol. II
  • [+]2010
    • [+] December
      • Happy New Year's Eve!
      • A very merry Christmas to you!
      • Black Bean Soup with Cumin and Jalapeno
      • Board No. 82: Pinecones and Sage
      • Nutcracker tonight + 101 reminder!
      • Christmas CD Swap Wrap Up!
      • Modern Christmas from JL Designs
      • Black and white Christmas
      • Comfy winter bedroom
      • Christmas cards!
      • Board No. 81: Softly Shining Christmas
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Metallic
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Neutrals
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Cool
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Warm
      • Board No. 80: All that Glitters is Gold
      • Modcloth for New Year's Eve
      • 20x200 on One Kings Lane
      • Happy December!
    • [+] November
      • Colorful blocks
      • Thanksgiving Recap
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Sycamore Street Press Announcement
      • Recent project
      • Board No. 79: Jewel Tone Thanksgiving
      • Christmas CD Swap!
      • Toms shoes
      • Four weddings...
      • Possible Curtain Fabric
      • Shutterfly Holiday Cards
      • Thanksgiving table inspiration
      • Inspiration Board No. 78: Fall Figs
      • In which I consider buying a leopard jacket
      • Out to Dinner: The Grove Park Inn
      • Gifted Magazine
      • Happy November!
    • [+] October
      • The Middle Daughter
      • Blues + natural texture
      • Cherry wedding
      • Minted Holiday Cards
      • Tree trunk side tables
      • Frye Boots
      • Applique wedding dress
      • Someone please have a baby so I can buy you one of these
      • Toast & Laurel
      • 101 in 1001: Favorites!
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part III
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part II
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part I
      • Board No. 77: Rich Fall
      • Weekend Project: Closet Cleanup
      • Nate Berkus
      • Cool and classic cocktail party
      • Kitchen ferns
      • Basil centerpiece
      • Sweet Potato Harvest
    • [+] September
      • My china pattern
      • Navy and Yellow Bunting
      • More relaxed portraits
      • Gorgeous recipe styling
      • Fall Fashion Week: J. Crew
      • Fall Fashion Week: Old Navy
      • Fall Fashion Week: LOFT
      • Fall Fashion Week: Land's End Canvas
      • K + C Get Married: The Film
      • Dark August
      • Breakfast Jewelry
      • The Ribbonerie
      • Out to Dinner: Vin Rouge
      • Monday, Monday
      • Inspiration Board No. 76: Black and White Summer
      • Happy weekend!
      • Happy September!
    • [+] August
      • Kate + Cormac DIY: Ribbon Drink Stirrers
      • Shower curtains
      • Blue and white decor
      • Peach and Pearl in Brides!
      • What I learned
      • The bunting is up!
      • Loading the truck
      • Addison's Vision
      • Allow me to introduce...
      • Paper wedding bells
      • Classically elegant Stephanie Williams wedding
      • Peony pave posts
      • Retro getaway car
      • Relaxed family portraits
      • Rubber lace coasters
      • Cookie reception
      • Classically elegant Cooper Carras wedding
    • [+] July
      • Neiman picks under $100
      • Max & Margaux
      • New in the shop!
      • Front Door Decoration
      • Board No. 75: Spring Green Garden Party
      • Summer
      • Casual Interiors
      • Welcome to Maine!
      • Edible centerpieces
      • One Month Out
      • Summer camp
      • Lewis & Sheron Fabrics
      • Weekend Project: Handmade Wedding Signs
      • Bright gingham shorts
      • Board No. 74: Bold Blue and Red Picnic
      • Happy Fourth!
      • Happy July!
    • [+] June
      • Buttermilk and friends
      • Dream Home: Hideaways + Nooks
      • K + C wedding invitation
      • Figueroa Mountain Wedding
      • Whoopie!
      • Emersonmade Sneak Peak
      • Board No. 73: Daisy Blue
      • Happy weekend!
      • Les petites douceurs
      • Good Bones Great Pieces
      • How to find fun things to do!
      • i love you much(most beautiful darling)
      • Oriental rugs in interesting places
      • Kate's alphabet bridal shower
      • Friend ship
      • Board No. 72: Pomegranate + Plum
      • Gilded wood blocks
      • Alligator stationery
      • 101 in 1001: June 2010
      • Today I love...
    • [+] May
      • Alphabet poster round-up
      • Dream Home: Outdoor living spaces
      • Miyuki Sakai
      • Favorite fabric sources
      • Honeysuckle perfume
      • Board No. 71: Hamptons Pool Party
      • Happy weekend!
      • Daybreak
      • Summer dresses
      • Lobster welcome dinner
      • Dream Home: Exposed beams, open feel
      • Sailor's knot bracelet, v. 2
      • Board No. 70: Red and orange ranunculus
      • On Turning Ten
      • The non-toss ceremony exit
      • Netflix queue
      • Zebra shorts
      • Porcelain farmer's market containers
      • Bulletin board wall
    • [+] April
      • A Blessing
      • Vintage beach engagement session + style board
      • Dream Home: Snuggly Beds
      • My new favorite...
      • Timeless glamour
      • Lobstah
      • Blackberries for Amelia
      • Alphabet bridal shower invitations
      • New in the shop!
      • Striped paper straws
      • Striped paper straws
      • Board No. 69: Fruit and Flowers
      • Coda
      • New bike
      • Bunting invite + bunting cake
      • Dream Home: Kitchen Island
      • Indian Summer at Lands End
      • DIY: Paper Dogwood Flowers
      • Dream Home: Walls of Books
      • Bunting Portraits
      • Board No. 68: Black and Red Gingham
      • Box of sunshine
      • Hummingbird
      • 101 in 1001: April, 2010
    • [+] March
      • Dream Home: Filled with light
      • Mini bunting
      • Dream Home: Deep Window Seats
      • Save that date!
      • Board No. 67: How Does Your Garden Green?
      • New looks from old standbys
      • Board No. 66: Zinc and Deep Royal
      • My new favorite...
      • Orange you glad
      • Bunting 101: Help!
      • Vintage silverware garden markers
      • And my Oscar goes to...
      • Oscar Party Prep
      • Bamboo for you (and me)
      • 101 in 1001: March, 2010
    • [+] February
      • DIY Calligraphy
      • Bunting cards
      • Spring dresses
      • K + C: Google Docs
      • Persimmon & Pink
      • Valentines: A Recap
      • Campfire votive
      • Board No. 65: Stone Fruits, Baking Tarts
      • Valentines: Hearts in nature
      • Task lamps
      • Valentines: Knottedrush
      • Dinghy Driving
      • John Takes a Hike!
      • Board No. 64: Cassie's Sunburnt October
      • Valentines: Catbird
      • Valentines: Rifle Paper Co
      • Valentines: Bird & Banner
      • Valentines: Woven paper hearts
      • 101 in 1001: February, 2010
      • Board No. 63: Woodsy Lodge
    • [+] January
      • Bright + cheery childrens' bedroom
      • P&P Valentines on Etsy!
      • Pie bar
      • I'm headed to New York!
      • Quilled marriage certificate
      • Go Jane
      • Enter Maribel
      • Fourth&Folded
      • J. Crew complaints no more?
      • Bold and Happy
      • Ikea tent
      • Heart print
      • Short, puffy ones
      • Board No. 62: Pink and Blue and Gold Tinsel
      • Pottery Barn to the rescue!
      • Recipe storage
      • Bedroom Inspiration, v. 341
      • Dress like a cupcake
      • 101 in 1001: January, 2010
  • [+]2009
    • [+] December
      • Merry, Merry Christmas... one day early!
      • P&P Christmas, Day 7: Movies
      • StillMotion
      • Monday, Monday + Winter
      • P&P Christmas, Day 6: Our decor!
      • Lovely Love Shoot
      • P&P Christmas, Day 5: My favorite things
      • High-Boys
      • Board No. 61: Cherry and Sky Holidays
      • Monday, Monday + One Horse Open Sleigh
      • P&P Christmas, Day 4: My Cards, Part I
      • Holly Farrell
      • P&P Christmas, Day 3: Gift Wrap Inspiration
      • More Modcloth
      • The hunt for the bridesmaid dress is on!
      • Board No. 60: Aqua and Green Holidays
      • P&P Christmas, Day 2: Wreaths
      • Wedding by the Sea
      • Board No. 59: Eucalyptus, Cream, and Coral
    • [+] November
      • P&P Christmas: Playlists
      • The 12 Days of Peach & Pearl Christmas!
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Amy Atlas Thanksgiving
      • NieNie
      • Board No. 5: Blue and Orange Thanksgiving
      • Board No. 58: Hello Navy and Yellow!
      • Board No. 57: Pumped Up Sherbet
      • Board No. 56: Primary Picnic
      • Board No. 55: Nautical Knots
      • Birch bark chivaris
      • Driftwood Ceremony
      • Reader Mail: Sweater Dresses
      • Thanksgiving table
      • Cabbage bouquets
      • Board No. 54: Blooming Navy
      • Monday, Monday + Heart
      • Party time! My dream look
      • Party time! The Menswear Look
      • Party time! The Runner-Up
      • Apple crate side table
      • Love never fails
      • Board No. 53: Gilded Halloween
      • Monday, Monday + Pumpkins
    • [+] October
      • Happy Halloween!
      • DIY Friday: Dictionary Art
      • Alterna-Bedding
      • Dreamy
      • Veggie Week
      • Pinwheels
      • Balsa wood bouquet
      • Falling for fall
      • Wedding weekend brunch: the recipes
      • Wedding weekend brunch
      • Board No. 52: Bond + Baby's Breath
      • Monday, Monday + Leaf Portrait
      • City Guides + Weekend Plans
      • DIY Friday: Painted Furniture
      • Moving Announcements
      • Sources
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 51: Blue and Orange for Catherine
      • Monday, Monday + A Writing Desk
      • Mulled Cider
      • Brunch Inspirations
      • My new favorite...
      • Joy + Amy at home
      • Board No. 50: Prizewinning Party
      • Monday, Monday + Vintage Fall
      • DIY Friday: Brunch invitations!
      • Fall Travels: Blue Ridge Parkway
      • My new favorite...
    • [+] September
      • Fall Travels: Serenbe
      • Fall Wreaths
      • Board No. 49: Wild Roses
      • Monday, Monday + White
      • My new favorite...
      • Inkwells
      • Red carpet style
      • Monday, Monday + Hydrangeas
      • DIY Saturday: Upholstered Headboard
      • Flea Market Finds
      • Flea Market
      • Catherine's Blue and Orange Palettes
      • Tips for the newly engaged
      • Sister Peach & Pearl: Engaged!
      • Board No. 48: Bluebell and Buttercream
      • Monday, Monday + A Swing
      • DIY Friday: Monogrammed Tote Bag
      • Haven in Paris
      • Upcycled Birthday Card
      • Anthropologie for a Wedding
      • Tuesday, Tuesday + The Beach
      • DIY Friday: Nautical Porch Garland
      • Audrey
      • Riding boots
      • crewcuts
      • Driftwood Hearts
    • [+] August
      • Board No. 47: A Formal Affair
      • Monday, Monday + RH in Paris
      • Happy Weekend + Chalkboard Paint
      • Summer Travels: Seaside, FL
      • My NEW new favorite...
      • Back to school II
      • Back to school
      • Board No. 46: Alice in Wonderland
      • Happy Weekend + Handmade Soap
      • Bake It Pretty
      • My new favorite...
      • Latte Bowls
      • Paint Chip Placecards
      • Be My Guest
      • Board No. 45: Teal Appeal
      • Monday, Monday + Porches
      • Happy Weekend + Confetti
      • Boston Photographers
      • My new favorite...
      • Julie & Julia
      • Board No. 44: Orange Sherbet
      • Monday, Monday + Flags
      • Happy Weekend + A Tree Party
      • We've Moved!
      • My new favorite...
      • Summer Travels: Island Shower
      • Stars in Residence
      • Summer Travels: Wildflowers
      • Summer Travels: Cherry Republic
      • Board No. 43: White Elephant
      • Monday, Monday + A Castle
    • [+] July
      • Happy Weekend + Cotton Candy
      • Summer Travels: Amish Country, Ohio
      • Board No. 42: Amber in Connecticut
      • Board No. 41: Amber on the Vineyard
      • Board No. 40: Amber in the Caribbean
      • Thursday, Thursday + A Survey
      • Happy Weekend + Sunflowers
      • Uniqlo Neutrals
      • Two Projects
      • Bear with me...
      • Happy Weekend + Bouquet
      • Ikea + victory
      • J. Press
      • Happy Tape
      • Kris + Matt: A Jack + Jill Shower
      • Board No. 39: Hand in Hand at the Edge of the Sand
      • Monday, Monday + I'm Back!
      • Hans & Catherine
      • Monday, Monday + Parents
      • Rubie Green
      • Praia Piquinia
    • [+] June
      • Board No. 38: Cherries Jubilee
      • Monday, Monday + Road Trip
      • Happy Weekend + Polas
      • Have to have Hable
      • My new favorite...
      • Venue Scout: Kirkwood Gardens
      • Board No. 37: One Morning in Maine
      • Monday, Monday + Hats
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Paperwink
      • Kristin & Carter
      • Venue Scout: Church Landing at Mill Falls
      • Board No. 36: Lemon Drop Martini
      • Monday, Monday + Head in the Clouds
      • Happy Weekend + Kitchens
      • Peonies
      • My new favorite...
      • Brea & Tom
      • Felix Doolittle
      • Board No. 35: Romance in the Garden
      • Monday, Monday + Roses
      • Happy Weekend + Wedding Season
      • Currently Coveting...
      • Through Her Eyes
      • Announcements
      • Swayspace
      • Board No. 34: Roman Holiday
    • [+] May
      • Happy Weekend + Retro Glam
      • The Last Emperor
      • Lizzie's Bridal Shower
      • Alice Temperley Camps
      • Board No. 33: Old Glory
      • Monday, Monday + Memorial Day
      • Happy Weekend + 2009
      • My new favorite...
      • Alissa & Ryan
      • Interview Outfit
      • Vintage Engagement Shoot
      • Rosecliff: The Party!
      • Board No. 32: Fiesta Afternoon
      • Monday, Monday + Teacups
      • Happy Weekend + Adirondack Chairs
      • My new favorite...
      • J. Crew Inspiration
      • Rosecliff: The Accessories
      • Board No. 31: Lilacs in Spring
      • Monday, Monday + Lilacs
      • Happy Weekend + Cousins!
      • Plastic
      • Schooled
      • Board No. 30: Bread and Olive Oil
      • The Island
      • Technical Difficulties
      • Happy Weekend + Bookshelves
    • [+] April
      • DIY Swizzle Sticks
      • House Stalking No. 3
      • Rosecliff: The Face
      • Skinny Minnie, v. 2
      • Board No. 29: Cowboy Take Me Away
      • Monday, Monday + the Seashore
      • Happy Weekend + Buds
      • Reader Mail: Rugs + Curtains
      • Framed
      • Ceara & Nate
      • Rosecliff: The Jewelry
      • Board No. 28: Build Me Up, Buttercup
      • Monday, Monday + Bicycles
      • Happy Weekend + Golf
      • Egg Press Sample Sale
      • Today I love...
      • Rosecliff: The Hair
      • Board No. 27: Kid Gloves
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + Smooch
      • Porsche & Larry
      • DIY Embellished Cards + Lined Envelopes
      • Reader Mail: Leather & Metallic Sandals
      • Rosecliff: The Dress
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 26: Opulent Pink and Navy
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + Radishes
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In My Hand)
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In Action)
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In Print)
    • [+] March
      • Rosecliff: Location
      • Guest post on Rock 'n Roll Bride
      • Board No. 25: Gold Rush
      • Monday, Monday + The Sun
      • Potting Puttering
      • Mine!
      • M & C
      • Down on the farm
      • Board No. 24: Spring Fling
      • Poster print winner!
      • Monday, Monday + Vanities
      • Giveaway Reminder: Win a poster print!
      • Happy Weekend + Cumberland Island
      • My new favorite...
      • Well Wed Cape Cod: Amelia Rose
      • Well Wed Cape Cod
      • Board No. 23: Luck of the Irish
      • Poster Print Giveaway!
      • Monday, Monday + Georgia
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Board No. 22: Sweet Cream
      • Board No. 21: Orange Pop
      • Board No. 20: Rainbow Sherbet
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • A Banner Day
      • Sedona Bride
      • See Sea Lorraine Dress
      • Custom Inspiration Boards!
      • Board No. 19: Tuscany in Texas
      • Monday, Monday
    • [+] February
      • Happy Weekend!
      • A Shower By Any Other Name...
      • Handle & Spout
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 18: Classic Summer Navy
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Please, Mr. Postman
      • Today I Love...
      • From Me to Yoo
      • Short Dress Brides
      • Board No. 17: St. Valentine's
      • Monday, Monday
      • Bow Wow
      • Olive You
      • My new favorite...
      • DIY Daisy Wreath
      • Allison & Mark
      • Board No. 16: Blackberry Black Tie
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + A Truck Portrait
      • Skinny Minnie
      • Valentine's Day Chocolate DIY
      • Chocolate Raspberry Tea Cakes
      • Megan & Randy
      • Board No. 15: Cream and Sugar, Please
    • [+] January
      • Happy Weekend!
      • My new favorite...
      • DIY Hair Flower
      • Casablanca
      • Vote For Me!
      • Board No. 14: Style Me Pretty Vineyard
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Vines, Light Bulbs, and Cardboard: Oh My!
      • DIY Wine Charms
      • Mr. and Mrs. Coconut
      • Board No. 13: Dainty Brunch
      • Happy Weekend + Lemonade
      • House of Telsa
      • Soft Neutrals
      • Organizing Bathroom Drawers
      • Board No. 12: Daisy Chain
      • Happy Weekend!
      • My new favorite...
      • Creativity Headquarters
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 11: Willow Ware
      • Happy Weekend + Ruffles
      • The 101 in 1001 Book
      • 101 in 1001
  • [+]2008
    • [+] December
      • A Night at the Ball
      • Martha's Butterscotch-Pecan Cake
      • DIY Bell Chandelier
      • Board No. 10: Pop the Bubbly!
      • Happy Christmas Eve!
      • Board #9: Merry, Merry Christmas
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Last Minute Gift Idea!
      • Molten Chocolate Babycakes
      • Going to the Ballet
      • Board #8: Elegant Evergreens
      • Happy Friday!
      • Put your stamp on it
      • Inspiration Board #7: Blue Christmas
      • Happy Friday!
      • Beach Dwelling
      • Ruffle Cake Stand
      • This Just In...
      • Displaying Holiday Cards
      • Inspiration Board #6: Pinecones and Chocolate
    • [+] November
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • My new favorite...
      • A Little Southern Wedding Love
      • Inspiration Board #5: Blue and Orange Thanksgiving
      • Have a sweet Friday!
      • S'mores Y'all
      • A Dreamy 99 Cents
      • It's almost 2009!
      • Happy Friday!
      • My new favorite...
      • Etiquette Dinner
      • Stone Wall Votives
      • Happy Weekend + A French Tree House
      • Inspiration Board #4: Teal, Yellow, and Black
      • Inspiration Board #3: Punch, Blush, and Green
      • Blue Hill Reserve
      • Vote!
      • Patrick Dougherty
    • [+] October
      • Going, Going, Gone
      • My new favorite...
      • Jenna Lyons House Tour
      • Inspiration Board #2: Green Apples
      • Pink and green Bird Ornament Set in the shop!
      • New Garland Cards in the shop!
      • Oh, My Deer!
      • Just Peachy
      • Just married?
      • Lazy Sunday
      • New Cupcake Cards in the shop!
      • Butterfly Weekend
      • House Stalking #2
      • The Duchess = Eye Candy
      • Have a lovely weekend!
      • Fall Fashion: Current J. Crew Favorites
      • I'm a finalist!
    • [+] September
      • Fall Fashion: J. Crew
      • Cool Hand Luke
      • Have a relaxing weekend!
      • That's what she said...

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