Monday, March 28, 2016

Motivation Monday: Being a Mom










   I always knew I wanted children from as far back as I can remember.  I knew that I wanted to be a Mom and start a family but it has been even more incredible and rewarding than I could have imagined.  Ryan and I love to travel, are very career-driven, and are very social so we knew the change in our lifestyles might be a bit of an adjustment. 
   We are absolutely loving our Friday nights playing peek-a-boo and definitely do not feel like we are missing out because our time with Gavin is so precious.  As spring approaches, I cannot believe that Gavin will be 1 in May.  The cliché that kids grow up so fast could not be any truer.  Here's to keeping my baby, a baby, for as long as possible!
   Hope everyone has a great Easter! 


Ever After,
Jamie

Friday, March 25, 2016

Coconut Macaroon Nests



I made these last year for Easter and they were a hit!   I love anything coconut so when I saw the recipe I was sold.  One of my friends is the Executive Producer of the local show, Better Connecticut, and when she shared her segment of making these adorable coconut macaroons that looked like little nests with eggs, I was sold.  Best part is, it’s only a few ingredients and I happened to have everything in my pantry that was needed for this recipe. I had some pink sprinkles on hand so I threw into the mix to add some color.  It’s the perfect treat for Easter!
cocnut2
macaroons1
Ingredients:
1 14-ounce package sweetened shredded coconut
4 large egg whites
2/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


Directions:
Heat oven to 325° F.
In a medium bowl, combine the coconut, egg whites, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla.
Roll into balls and place onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
Using a small spoon or your finger, press the center of the cookie down, and form into “nests.”
Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until lightly golden, 25 to 30 minutes.
Allow to cool, and then put 3 Cadbury mini eggs in the center of each cookie.

Ever After,
Jamie

Sunday, March 20, 2016

What's in my Diaper Bag


    At Gavin's first Dr.'s appointment at 2 days old, we had the ultimate first-time-parent fail. We forgot the diaper bag.  And yes, he pooped.  Luckily, the APRN had an extra diaper and consoled us by saying we were not the first ones to forget the diaper bag.  Ryan and I were so nervous about buckling the car-seat correctly and getting Gavin safely there, that we completely blanked.  Needless to say, we learned our lesson very quickly.
   Now I am on the other end of the spectrum- I like to be fully prepared.  With a 9-month old, you never know how many back-up onesies you'll need or extra snacks for a hangry baby.  My essentials list might be a little overkill for some, but sometimes we are on the go all day and I like to be prepared so we don't have to stop home.
Diaper Bag Essentials:

  • Diapers & Wipes... and lots of extras!  I like Honest Company diapers and Target brand.  
  • I always have a warm hat and sweatshirt or coat for baby. Even if it's nice out, it might get windy or a little chilly at night.  I always pack an extra blanket in the diaper bag and the car just in case!
  • Teething toys.. I usually have a variety since Gavin gets bored easily.  Gavin doesn't take a paci so I stock up on lovies, teethers, and light up hand-held toys.
  • Nursing cover.  I like the lightweight muslin material ones because Gavin hates being covered up and at least these are breathable.
  • Extra bibs.  I am obsessed with the Aden and Anais handkerchief ones.
  • Diaper cream- I use California Baby or Angel Baby.
  • Extra socks.  Gavin tends to lose them a lot.  
  • Baby puffs.  Gavin loves to pick up snacks and eat them more for the challenge than the food (plus he drops half of them) so I pack some in an empty baby jar so I have some to keep him busy on the go.
  • Baby food jars- I buy Babies r Us Organic brand babyfood when they are on sale.  I also bring a banana and spoon to go because I can scrape out bites for him right from the banana with no mess.
  • Now that the warmer weather is here, I will be packing sunscreen and bug spray.  Be careful with these though and make sure you get deet-free bugspray and mineral-based (zinc-oxide) sunscreen.
  • Infant Motrin or Tylenol.  Teething, fevers, pain.. you never know!  I always pack some in case of emergency.
  • Pajamas.  Sometimes we unexpectedly stay out a little later than planned so I always like to have PJs so that we can dress Gavin for bed and if he falls asleep on the ride home, it is much easier to put him to bed.
What's in your diaper bag?

Ever After,
Jamie

Friday, March 18, 2016

Siesta Poncho Styled + Giveaway











   Ponchos are a perfect go-to piece on a Friday because it's comfortable yet chic. Since my office allows semi-casual Fridays, I love to dress comfortable so that I can wear what I wore to work to whatever I am doing later that night.  Plus, a poncho is flattering for those days that you feel like covering up a little; we all have those days.
   Now is your chance to win the Siesta PonchoMarch Madness has begun.  GO UCONN!! And of course, giveaways all month long her on the blog.  To enter simply follow me on Instagram!  That is all- so easy!  For an extra entry, like me on Facebook.  If you already do both, you're already entered!  Winner will be announced on Wednesday.  Good luck everyone and stay tuned for social media contests all week long.

Siesta Poncho c/o Cabi| Destructed skinny jeans c/o Cabi | Lace-up booties Charlotte Russe also seen here | Cuff bracelet also worn here | basic long-sleeve tee : Old Navy
photo credit: 5-Diamond photo
Ever After,
Jamie

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

March Madness Giveaway Launch

 

   March Madness is pretty much a holiday in my household because my husband is obsessed with NCAA basketball.  He is a huge University of North Carolina fan and he pretty passionate about it!  I, on the other hand, am a University of Connecticut alum so I tend to root for UCONN, although I am not nearly as passionate as Ryan is.
   Since the true madness begins tomorrow, and I know I will have very little of my husband's attention for the rest of March, I am doing my own March Madness.  Now through March 31st, I'll be giving away an item in every single post!  From clothing, accessories, and beauty products, I've partnered up with some amazing companies to do some awesome giveaways.  To stay updated on how to enter each giveaway, make sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more details.

Stay tuned... first giveaway starts Friday!

Ever After,
Jamie

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Cabi Spring Collection Giveaway!













Explorer vest c/o Cabi | Destructed skinny jeans c/o Cabi | Sophia sweater c/o Cabi | Lace up booties Charlotte Russe | Helios cuff c/o Cabi | Michael Kors weekender bag similar here

To enter the giveaway simply follow me on Instagram and also follow Cabi on instagram! Winner will receive their favorite Cabi piece from the spring collection.  For an extra entry, follow me on Facebook and comment your favorite piece from the Cabi spring collection.  Winner will be announced on Wednesday 3/16.  Stay tuned for giveaways all month long!
Photo credit: 5 Diamond Photography
Ever After,
Jamie

Saturday, March 5, 2016

My Weekend Wear


 




   Monday through Friday you will usually find me in blazers, work pants, and heels.  Since my work-week is filled with business attire, I rarely get a chance to dress down during the week.  I love being comfortable on weekends, especially on days I do not have much planned other than maybe shopping or running some errands.  Mind you, I rarely wear flats (I'm a wedge-girl!), but I could not resist the color of these adorable bright cherry Forever 21 flats. A loose graphic tee and some skinny jeans are pretty much my weekend uniform.
Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!  What is your go-to weekend style?

Nest week, I am starting some awesome  March Madness giveaways!  Follow me on instagram for updates on chances to win awesome items all month!!

Shop the look: Forever 21 flats | Destructed skinny jeans c/o Cabi | Azul beaded bracelet c/o Cabi | Graphic tee: T.J. Maxx similar here

Photo credit: 5 Diamond Photography


Ever After,
Jamie

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Red Carpet Event Round-up!


  One of the best parts of my job in media and advertising is meeting amazing, successful, talented people.  Also, it's being exposed to incredible businesses and charities.  On Oscar Sunday, the TV station I work for, WTNH (ABC affiliate in CT), broadcasted live for our CT Style show from the AIDS CT Red Carpet party.  It was an amazing cause and a great success!  I had a mini-wardrobe issue because I was originally supposed to be loaned a dress from Asiye's Boutique, but unfortunately my 5'2 stature, even with my highest heels, was not tall enough without some hemming.  Luckily, I had a dress in my closet from another TV event I went to a few years prior.  I was lucky that I could suck in enough as my my zipped up the dress, hoping it didn't snap! :)  The picture above is from the event in Hartford, with one of my co-workers, Kate, who helped pull off the success of the broadcast.  Her creativity and hard-work definitely shined through! 
  Another event I attended a few weeks ago, was my good friend's App-Launch Party.  Ashley Stone has been a friend of mine for a few years now and she is an incredible hair stylist and entrepreneur.  She owns Beauty Entourage and she just launched the Beauty Entourage App which is a free beauty app that makes booking hair and makeup appointment super easy.  You should definitely download it!  I am so proud of her hard-work and success.  I love being surrounding by such amazing talent because their energy and charisma is infectious.

 {Beauty Entourage also has a product line.. my favorite is the dry shampoo + hairspray!}

Ever After,
Jamie