Baby

December 15, 2017

Harper 11 Month Update

headband | cardigan | sweater | leggings | moccs

Our little Harper girl is growing up faster than I can even stand and she is officially 11 months! Somehow time with all the house things seemed to drag by, yet her time here with us has flown by!! Talk about not one bit fair! I don’t know if its just because I know she is my last little babe, but it is completely breaking my heart. I have had a few good cries about it in the last month because I’m just not ready for any of my people to grow up! Since I can’t seem to stop that, I wanted to at least do an 11 month update to share whats new with our sweet Harper girl.

MILESTONES…

Loves pulling herself up, so she is always walking around the room holding on to baby strollers or walking toys.
Is wearing mostly size 18-24 month clothes and size 3, almost 4 diapers. She is only weighs 5 pounds less than Houston so I’m sure she will pass him up in no time! She is our chubby girl + I am obsessed with it!
Has 6 teeth and is working on 2 more right now. SO I’m sure you can imagine the teething fun!
With the move she is finallllly getting a chance to sleep in a crib for the first time and has been doing so well with the transition!

SWEET THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW…

She has the sweetest little growl that we all die over. I think she knows her brothers + sisters think its hilarious.
Her little personality has been showing more and more. She is almost always happy and loves when all the peoples attention is on her. She still has a little bashful side which is totally adorable too.

We can’t wait to experience her First Christmas together as a family in our new home. We are feeling beyond blessed + so grateful, and just trying to enjoy every second before they all grow up! xx

crib | bedding | pajamas | picture | rug

beanie | sweater | leggings | moccs

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Holiday

December 13, 2017

Meaningful Gifts

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When we packed up all of our stuff to move from California to Utah, I realized we had way too much. After donating a lot I decided it was time to simplify things! I was tired of buying toys that don’t last or grow with my kids. Joe and I really wanted to focus more on meaningful things that will create memories with the little people. With that in mind, we made a plan for birthdays this year, and took it to one of the main sources of toys + presents…nana + papa!

Instead of buying more toys or things they’d quickly lose interest in, we asked them to focus on gifting experiences. Something that would be more meaningful. Like any grandparents, they want as much time with their grandkids as possible, so they were easily on board!

Each of the little people got to plan their own day with their Nana + Papa. The amount of excitement that went in to planning their individual days was crazy. Hunter wanted nothing more than the one on one time with them. Being the oldest she doesn’t always get that, so she loved her day! She chose to go to the aquarium, dinner, and shopping for some new chokers. Hudson was all about the adventure of choosing anything. He chose to go indoor skydiving! And then there is Hayden. Her number one wish was to get ice cream and not have to share with anyone! Sounds like she has learned something from her mom!

As you can see these were such simple days, but they were so meaningful to my people. They have not stopped talking about it + are already making lists of ideas for next year! My mom and dad loved it so much they are going to do it for Christmas this year too! Do you have any out of the box gift ideas? I’d love to hear! xx

nightgown + slippers | babies pajama’s + here | harper robe | firetruck

coat + similar | sweater dress | boots (old) similar + here

photos: aubrey taiese

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Home

December 11, 2017

House Update: Flooring

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It is time for another update and we have some good news…WE ARE IN!!! Oh my gosh you guys, I can’t even tell you how exciting it is to be able to finally say that! If you follow me over on Instagram, you’ve seen a few sneak peeks. I was overwhelmed with the positive feedback + hundreds of questions on our flooring, so I am sharing all the details here today!

As I mentioned a few months ago on Instagram, we did tile in the kitchen and bathrooms upstairs. We went back and forth repeatedly trying to decide if we should carry it in to the basement. After talking to local friends + hearing from lots of you, we decided to do a wood downstairs since tile is so cold in basements.

When we started looking for woods, I had an exact color in mind. I wanted it to be light and bright, but not read too yellow. I immediately noticed that all of my favorites were from the same company, Hallmark Floors. Once I started working with them, I knew I’d find just the right one. They actually ended up having a few I fell in love with and it made deciding so hard!

When I told them I just needed to see it in the space, they put me in connection with a local dealer, Jeff from Specialty Carpets. You guys…if you are building in Utah you have got to call him. Jeff was amazing!! He brought all of the samples that fit the style I mentioned to the house so I could see them in the space. He was so patient and answered my millions of questions.

We ended up going with Alta Vista in Laguna Oak. We love the color! Going with a natural product that was timeless and would last with the proper care was so important to us. It turned out just how I pictured, and I love how it keeps the basement light and bright.

We are so excited to finally be in the house! It is amazing to see all my visions come to life and I really couldn’t have done it without our designer Ashley. She has been incredible to work with and I highly recommend her. She took my vision for a few rooms in the house and totally turned them in to a reality. I can’t wait to start sharing more details with you so stay tuned! Also if you have any questions at all feel free to leave them in the comments and I will try and answer them all!!

photos: aubrey taiese

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Looks

December 10, 2017

Instagram Round Up + Weekend Sales

top | joggers | slippers || harper headband + moccs

It is move in day!!! I honestly can’t believe it is here. It’s crazy, exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. We still have a long ways to go as we don’t have carpet, garages, and a bunch or our cabinets are not done, but this seemed to be the only weekend that Joe had off. And honestly I (we all) didn’t want to wait one more second to move in. The next few weeks are going to be a mess of finishing up projects before Christmas but it’s all okay. Spending Christmas in our new home together will make up for everything!

I’m sharing some of the outfit details that didn’t make it to the blog – along with all the joggers and sweats because I haven’t put on real pants for over a week! haha. Also, I rounded up the best sales from the weekend and linked to all the gift guides I’ve shared so far to help with any last minute gift ideas. xx

. . GIFT GUIDES . .

. . WEEKEND SALES . .

Gap: 40% off with code: DEAL
J. Crew Factory: up to 60% off everything
West Elm: up to 30% off with code WAYMORE
Anthropologie: 30% off all clothing
ASOS: 30% off select items
Madewell : 20% off $100 or 30% off $200 with code OHWHATFUN
Target: BOGO 50% off Shoes, Kids Clothes, Jewelry + Accessories
Old Navy: Up to 60% off everything

cardigan | top | jeans | shoes | hat

sweatshirt | sweatpants

headband | sweater | leggings | moccs + here

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Holiday

December 8, 2017

The Perfect Dress for any Holiday Party

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The holidays are in full swing and I can’t even believe it! Although being squished in this tiny rental has felt like an eternity, the last few months have really flown by and I can’t believe it is already Christmas! With the holiday season comes allll the fun get togethers. Whether it is the company Christmas Party, your family party, or just a night out with friends one question always comes up. What do I wear?! Finding something that is the right amount of dressy can be tricky. I started the hunt early this year and recently came across a major win. You guys, this dress (ONLY $42!!) is the perfect dress for any holiday party. If you follow me on Instagram, you saw a little sneak peek because I couldn’t wait to share!

. . shop more black dresses . .

The first thing I love about this dress is of course how versatile it is. You can pair it with a fun bootie like this one to give it a more dressy casual look. The booties give it the edge to kind of stand out, while the lace overlay keeps it still looking polished and nice enough for a party. If your party is a little more dressed up, throw on some heels and a leather jacket. A nice heel will always elevate + dress up a perfect black dress like this.

Another reason I am obsessed with this dress is the fit. It is perfect for any body type. I don’t know about you, but form fitting + holiday parties are not a match in my book. Holiday parties are full of yummy food and the last thing you want to be doing is worrying about sucking it in! I love that it has a loose fit so you can be comfortable and relaxed and worry about more important things, like wear the treats are! haha!

Last but definitely not least is the price! For $40 you have one piece that can be styled for all of your parties! And who doesn’t love saving where they can this time of year? This will for sure be my perfect dress for any holiday party! So I wanna know, what are your go to holiday looks?! xx

. . shop more black booties + heels . .

photos : aubrey taiese

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Lifestyle

December 7, 2017

5 Kid Essentials for Holiday Travel

coat | sweater dress | boots || hunter: jacket | dress | jeans | hunter boots + socks || hudson: jacket | shirt | pants | shoes || hayden: jacket | hunter boots + socks

houston: jacket | shirt | jeans | shoes || harper: dress | headband | moccs

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I get asked all the time how I pack for all 5 of my little people, without taking up too much space. It’s safe to say I have had a few years of practice. I always stick with a go to plan that makes it quick, organized, and super easy. With holiday travel just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my 5 kids essentials I pack every time!!

SHOES : My first item on the list of travel essentials is always shoes. Shoes can be big and bulky and take up a lot of space in a suitcase. My solution…I always pack one pair of shoes for each of my people that can work for multiple outfits/events. For the girls, I usually go with their Hunter Boots. They are such a great versatile option. For parties, they can wear them with tights + a dress. If they are just going out to play they can still pair them with jeans. I do the same for the boys. I always grab a slightly dressier shoe than their usual tennies. That way it can be dressed up but still comfortable for every day.

JACKET : My second packing essential is a good jacket. Travel, especially in the winter around the holidays can be chilly. Layering is always my go to. When you are living out of a suitcase you don’t want it to get too bulky. I avoid hoodies and big snow coats that take up a lot of space, and usually opt for a nice jacket like a fitted bomber for the boys or leather jacket for the girls. By choosing a nicer jacket, you can wear it over dresses for the girls, or a nice collared shirt for the boys, but once again it still looks great with their more relaxed play outfits.

DRESSES : Third on the list is dresses. Obviously this is for the girls but is one of my biggest tips so it needs its own category! Dresses take up almost zero space in a suitcase. They are also such a versatile option. My girls love to wear them with jeans or leggings underneath for everyday. When it comes time for a holiday party, all we have to do is switch to some nicer tights on the bottom and we are done. No need to pack a completely different outfit.

KHAKI PANTS : This essential is for the boys! I always make sure to include a good pair of khaki jeans/pants. They are nice enough for parties with a collared shirt and nice shoes, but look great with a simple tee and jacket too.

PAJAMAS : My last essential is of course what they are going to sleep in! I think the biggest problem with packing pajamas is we always pack them like they are going to be playing outside in them. You do not need a pair for every day! To save on space, I usually pack a pair for every other day, so we aren’t reaching the need do laundry stinky stage, but aren’t over packing by adding a new pair every day.

With these essentials in mind, packing always goes pretty smooth at our house. My older people know what to grab + can pack for themselves (sometimes), which is so helpful in the craziness of holiday travel! So now I wanna know..are you headed anywhere fun this year?! xx

in collaboration with Nordstrom

photos: aubrey taiese

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Looks

December 5, 2017

The Coat You Need In Your Closet

coat + similar | sweater dress | boots (old) similar

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Every once in a while, I come across a rare gem while shopping. One of those pieces that you want to call alllll your girlfriends and tell them they need it in their life! This tan coat is my latest amazing find and I cannot get enough!

First of all, it is so cozy. I’ve told you before, but I’ve literally never had to buy a big coat. With that being said, you can imagine I’m feeling a little nervous for a real Utah winter! I really don’t like the feel of big bulky coats. This coat is so warm and cozy. It feels like wearing a big comfy sweatshirt, but gives you a classy put together look on the outside.

Another thing I love is that it is such a classic style. The cut is such a timeless look, it will be on trend for years to come, so you don’t have to worry about your investment not being worth it. I asked a handful of my Utah girlfriends for their recommendations and they all said this one because it wears so well. It is a coat I know I will wear for years to come because the look is so simple + timeless.

Last and definitely not least, is how versatile it is. It is the perfect length to wear with sweater dresses for that extra cozy feel. It also goes perfectly with a pair of skinny jeans, a basic tee, and booties. The simple style makes it easy to dress up or down and still feel like its a good fit!

. . shop more sweater dresses . .

. . shop more coats . .

photos: aubrey taiese

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Baby

December 4, 2017

Baby’s First Christmas

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As if the holiday’s weren’t special and exciting enough, this year is Harper’s First Christmas and it makes everything that much more magical! Having a baby during the holidays is always so special. I’ve never had a baby be this old on their first Christmas! I can already tell it is going to be so much fun! Her little personality is shining through so much these days, and the older kids love introducing her to new things! With it being Harper’s First Christmas, I thought it would be a great time to share some of my favorite traditions we do for each of the little people on their first Christmas, as well as some new ideas for the whole family!

Baby’s First Ornament…

This one is definitely my favorite and something I think is so special! I like to try and find an ornament that mentions “First Christmas” or their name so it has special meaning. My people love to find their ornaments every year and ask me questions about when they were tiny. Since this will be our first Christmas in our new house, we want to start some new traditions too! We will have room for 2 trees now, so we thought it would be fun to give the little people a new ornament every year, and let them have their own tree in the basement that they can start to fill up with their ornaments! It will be fun to pick out ornaments that go with their different personalities and likes, and I know they will LOVE finding them every year.

Timeless Gifts…

Another tradition I’ve tried to keep up on with each of my babies, is to get them one timeless gift that they can look back and know it was from their first Christmas, and maybe even keep for years to come when they have their own little people. I love this Fire Truck because it will never be looked at as “out of date”. You can even personalize it with your little ones name.

Pajamas….

I’ve mentioned on here before that every year my little people get to open new pajamas on Thanksgiving. Since those are Christmas themed, I love to get them some on Christmas Eve too. As you can see by the pictures, I gave in and gave the babies theirs a little early! They were too cute and cozy to resist, and I about died when I saw Harper in this sweet robe.

Whatever your tradition might be, they are the things that make these holiday moments so special. I’d love to hear what you do for Baby’s First Christmas + some of your favorite traditions!

photos: aubrey taiese

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Looks

December 2, 2017

Instagram Round Up + Weekend Sales

knit cardigan | top | jeans + here | shoes | hayden boots

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It’s been another fun week of getting the house together. haha. Just trying to survive this last insane week of finishing up all the last minute things. So basically I’ve been living in my joggers everyday! Seriously I can’t remember the last time I wore jeans. Plus a little house update….right now we are planning on moving in next Saturday!! But things change daily so it could still change but we are all praying it doesn’t!

If you follow along on instagram you might have saw our super sad news about losing our puppy 2 days before Thanksgiving. It was such a sad thing and the little people are just starting to come out of it. We are still wanting to get another puppy but are going to wait till we are in the new house and hoping to find one right around Christmas. So we’ll keep you updated. I linked a bunch of our outfits from the past two weeks below and also included all the sales from this weekend!

. . WEEKEND SALES . .

Gap: 40% off your purchase
J. Crew Factory: 50% off clearance
West Elm: 20% off in stock items
Pottery Barn: 20% off + free shipping
Anthropologie: 40% off sale items
Old Navy: up to 50% off
ASOS: 30% off party wear

leather jacket | top | joggers | tennies + here

jacket | stripe top | jeans $88 | left boot | right boot

t shirt | jeans | harper leggings | moccs

favorite scarves here | here | here | here

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Looks

December 1, 2017

Loungewear: dress up or down

sweatshirt (sold out) – similar here | pants (sold out) – similar pants | leather jacket | hat (similar + here) | watch | shoes || harper headband || houston pants

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Loungewear … a girls best friend! Ha! But really, it is definitely a go to around here. Now as much as I’d like it to be acceptable, when I say “loungewear” I don’t mean my robe! This is a clean, put together version of comfy that is much more acceptable to leave your house in!

First off, lets talk about why I love it. The number one easy reason to guess is, it is so comfortable you guys. When I’m working from home or running quick errands I want to be comfortable and this style definitely checks the box.

Second, I love how easy it is to dress up or down. I can be comfortable when I’m at home with the babies, but throw on a pair of flats and a jacket and be put together enough to run some errands. If you pick the right items that are still form fitting enough like my favorite joggers, you can even pull off a night look. And who doesn’t secretly want to wear what feels like pajamas 24-7? I’ve linked a bunch of my favorites here, but would love to hear what your go to picks are too!

xx kails

. . shop more loungewear . .

photos: aubrey taiese

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Looks

November 29, 2017

3 Secrets for Creating a Timeless Look

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When it comes to adding pieces to my closet, I always make sure that it checks one box first. Is it Timeless? I try to find things that I know can transition well through different seasons + styles, so they can be mixed + matched with different looks. With that criteria in mind, I’ve narrowed down my three tips for creating a quick + easy timeless look…

PICK A PAIR OF SLIM FITTING JEANS…

My go to pair are these black jeans. I’ve shared these a million times, but they are 100% my favorites. The fit on them is unbelievable. They seriously feel like butter. Not only are they so comfy, but black is such a slimming color, so it looks good on every body type. So who can say no to comfort + slimming at the same time?!

. . SHOP MORE DARK JEANS . .

FIND YOUR FAVORITE BASIC TEE…

A basic tee is the easiest way to keep your outfit clean + simple. They never go out of style so that is a major win! The variety of necklines make it easy to find one you love for your body type too. I’m already obsessed with this one I recently found. The sleeve length is just right, and I love the fit. The v neck is the perfect addition so I can highlight the necklaces I wear daily. When picking my tees, I usually stick to neutrals. Black is my favorite of course to add to the simple and slimming, and white is my other favorite. The best part about basic tees is they are so affordable, you can always have a few to rotate!

. . SHOP MORE JACKETS + TEES . .

INVEST IN A LEATHER JACKET…

I wish I would’ve realized this years ago. So you have probably noticed that since I got my leather jacket a couple of months ago, I’ve been hooked. I wear it at least a handful of times a week and love how versatile it is. It goes with everything from my favorite joggers and tennies, to a dress + heels. So to me it is the finishing touch to any outfit to pull it all together and make you feel ready to go.

If you put these three tips to use, you will have a timeless look with hardly any effort! So I wanna know…what do you consider your signature look?

photos: aubrey taiese

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Looks

November 28, 2017

Favorite Beanies + Scarves

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Now that we are back in Utah, cold weather is just around the corner. I’m not sure this “California Girl” is ready!! I’ve been prepping by actually buying my first big winter coat, and searching for all the best beanies and scarves! Also I found so many cute ones, I had to share my favorites with you! If I’m missing out on some amazing winter item…please share with me in the comments!

xx kails

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Looking For Something?

Harper 11 Month Update

Meaningful Gifts

House Update: Flooring

Instagram Round Up + Weekend Sales

The Perfect Dress for any Holiday Party

5 Kid Essentials for Holiday Travel

The Coat You Need In Your Closet

Baby’s First Christmas

Instagram Round Up + Weekend Sales

Loungewear: dress up or down

3 Secrets for Creating a Timeless Look

Favorite Beanies + Scarves

30 DAYS TO AN ORGANIZED HOME

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