Gifts For The Kids | Our Favorite Toys

If you are anything like me I like to get a head start on Christmas shopping especially for the kids because they are my favorite to shop for!  The joy and excitement that Christmas brings them makes me so happy.  I get such a thrill out of trying to find the perfect gifts for them. Today I thought I would share a few toys we own and love that would be great gifts for your little ones.

|| Building Blocks

I am a huge fan of Melissa and Doug Products.  I like that they are wooden and not too flashy or loud.  Some of the talking plastic toys drive me nuts.  

I gave Sterling these for Christmas last year and we play with them all the time.

Even Frances Moon loves these!  These blocks are so sturdy and will last for years.  Now they come in all natural color which I really like.

Another favorite in our house is puzzles.  Sterling still loves the big Melissa and Doug puzzles. Whenever he has friends over that is what they want to do (for like 10 minutes then they move on, must be a boy thing never entertained for long).

|| Dinosaur Floor Puzzle

If you have kids between the ages of 1-2 these smaller puzzles that make sounds are great for teaching them animals.  We own a few of them and love them.

|| Animal Noise Puzzle

also comes in a vehicle noise puzzle.

I am that Mom that loves books and loves giving books as gifts.   I swear it has made my kids love books too and that makes me happy.  Sterling loves story time at night, so much so in fact that is frequently his punishment if he acts up he loses story time.

A few of our current favorite books:

Where the Wild Things Are | Flora and the Flamingo | The Little Engine that Could |

Corduroy | Harold and the Purple Crayon|  Good Night Moon | Runaway Bunny

and if you don't own the book The Tickle Monster, it is a must!  This is one of Sterling's favorite books and we read it often!  He loves being tickled with the blue gloves it comes with.  This makes a wonderful gift.

|| Tickle Monster Book

Sterling is a child that loves to dress up. After having him I quickly learned it was so easy to find costumes for girls but difficult to find ones for boys.  Thank goodness for Melissa and Doug.  We have a bin in his room filled with costumes he can play with.  I think it is a great way for them to use their imaginations.  This pirate one is on heavy rotation always.

|| Pirate Costume

We also have the doctor costume.  It is pretty adorable.  and the great thing about these costumes is they can wear them for several years.  This is Sterling when he was probably around 3 and almost 2 years later it still fits him and he loves it.

|| Doctor Costume

They also have these other different costumes.  I am tempted to get Sterling the chef one because he loves cooking with me.  He is always wanting to wear my aprons so I think it would be perfect and you can get their name monogrammed on the apron!

Fireman | Knight | Police Officer | Chef

I know this seems random but Sterling has a globe in his room that he loves.  We look at it almost everyday.  He is so curious about other countries and where places are.  I think it is a great educational and fun toy.   This globe is especially cool because it lights up.

|| Globe

Both of my kids love stuffed animals and I have to say Jellycats are some of our favorites.
We have this Giraffe and Hippo.  They make great stocking stuffers or to sit out from Santa.  You can view all the different animals here. 
Giraffe (on sale) | Hippo

Sterling has been begging me for this game.  We bought it as a gift for one of his friends and it is all he can talk about.  This will be under the tree for him for sure!

|| Rock Em Sock Em

If you are curious these are a few things I am getting the kids this year from Santa.    

Nordstrom has such a great toy and gift selection this year, they really stepped up their game.   Nordstrom even compiled a section with all their best toys and gifts you can shop it here.

Any other recommendations of stuff your kids love?

this post was sponsored by Nordstrom all thoughts and opinions are my own always.

The Maxi | Holiday Dress Part 2

I know for many sequins are too much for the holidays and you want something more subdued that you could invest in and wear year round.  

I have actually never owned a long sleeve maxi dress until this dress and I have to say I am loving it.  No need for a jacket like a Summer maxi this one keeps you covered and warm.  I am a huge fan of the Clover Canyon line and found this dress at Nordstrom, where I do most of my dress shopping these days.  I fell in love with the color and the style.  My dad and Matt both even commented how much they liked it and usually they are mum on my outfits.

 Clover Canyon Maxi | Black Ballet Flats
 

I love that it can dressed up or dressed down.   I dressed mine down with ballet flats but you could easily wear heels and a sparkly necklace to dress it up.

and because outtakes are funny.  The wind would not corporate with my hair.

another favorite from the Clover Canyon line that is not a maxi but you are still covered up is this long sleeve dress.  I always love the Clover Canyon patterns and colors, such fun dresses.

|| Clover Canyon

If you have work parties or something where you need a more conservative dress a long sleeve maxi is a great option.  I also really love this Ella Moss one!  The black makes it so versatile. 

|| Ella Moss Maxi

I am totally obsessed with this Alice and Olivia Maxi and it is 40% off!  The colors are amazing and  it is stunning.

|| Alice and Olivia Maxi

This green is perfect for the holidays and after.

|| Ella Moss Stella Dress (on sale)

and for the price this black maxi is a steal- under $80!    The back has a cool cut-out detail too.

|| Felcity and Coco Maxi

Shop some of my favorite maxis below that would be perfect for the Holiday season.  I like to order a few to try since Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns!

this post was sponsored by Nordstrom, all thoughts and outfit choices are my own.

7 Vegetable Minestrone Soup + The Best Cornbread Ever

I love a good soup on a chilly day especially one I can toss in one big pot and let it simmer for awhile.  This can also be made in your Crock Pot if you prefer, just saute the veggies first and then put everything in the Crockpot on low.   I let this soup simmer for a few hours and just added in the pasta close to time to eat because it cooks quickly.  This soup was so delicious and filled with so many yummy veggies.   The cornbread is a family favorite.  It is so easy to make and so good.  It pairs perfectly with the soup.   It is a recipe you will want to save, trust me this cornbread is awesome.

|| 7  V E G E T A B L E   M I N E S T R O N E  S O U P ||

adapted via

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion

2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 medium yellow squash, chopped

2 medium zucchini, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 - 15.25 oz. can whole kernel sweet white corn, drained

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

 1 box chicken broth about 4 cups (plus more if needed)

1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta ( add more if you like more pasta)

1 - 15.5 oz. can Great Northern beans, rinsed & drained
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
2 teaspoons hot sauce

1 - 6 oz. bag of fresh baby spinach 

Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a dutch oven over medium high heat.
2. Add onion to pan; sauté 3 minutes, until softened, stirring frequently.
3. Add oregano and garlic; sauté 1 minute, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in squash, zucchini, carrot, and corn; sauté 5 minutes until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. 
5. Add Chicken Broth and sauteed veggies to your pot.  Add in Ranch Packet and about 2 teaspoons hot sauce
6. Add pasta and beans to pot; cook 10 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Ladle soup into bowls and top each bowl with cheese.

 || B E S T  C O R N B R E A D ||

- 2 packages Jiffy cornbread mix

- 3 eggs beaten

- 1 8 oz sour cream

- 1 stick of butter

1 14 oz can creamed corn

Melt butter in 9x12 dish @ 350 degrees.  Mix other ingredients and pour in pan.  Bake 30-40 mins.

Obsessions || The House and Holiday Edit

I have been in a real home mode lately wanting to update and spruce things up.  I have also been full on holiday mode dreaming about decorating and entertaining for the upcoming holidays.  Here are a few things I am loving on the house front.

|| Draper Plates

I love these plates for holiday entertaining!  The gold pattern makes such a pretty statement.

 || Draper Glasses

These glasses would be great alone or even better paired with the plates!

|| Agate Coaster Set

I actually have these in our den and love them!  These would make a great stocking stuffer too.

also  in hot pink.

|| Josephine Desk

I am on the hunt for a new desk in my kitchen and this is the forerunner, you can't beat the price it is under $200 and currently extra 25% off.

|| Snowflake Pillows

I love the idea of putting out seasonal pillows at the holidays.  I don't like ones that are too flashy and too much color I love ones that can just fit in with your current decor.  These are my favorites I have seen so far!

 also loving this smaller Holiday pillow as well.

|| Big Book of Chic

Confession I am a book hoarder, mainly coffee table books and cookbooks but I can't get enough of them.  This is the mother of all coffee table books and on my wish list!

 

|| Fair Isle Cheese Board

Is this not the coolest cheese board ever??  I just love it and I am always looking for new ways to present apps.  It also has matching glasses and a decantor that are amazing.

|| Mood Moss Wreath

I love the idea of these simple wreaths for the holidays.  On sale right now too.

|| Diptyque Candle

I think I may be the only person never to own a Diptyque candle.  I have heard nothing but rave reviews about them, really want to try one.  Any favorite scents?  Baies is the one I most often hear about.

|| Alpine Tree Skirt

I can't stop thinking about these tree skirts from Serena and Lily.  I love the modern vibe of them.

 || Bergen Napkins + Table Runner

This is just perfection for the holidays.  I would use this for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

|| Michelle Armas Dark and Stormy

I am huge fan of Michelle Armas and many of her prints are on sale on OKL right now.  Would love this one for my dining room.

|| Simon Pearce Christmas Trees 

I just love these glass Christmas Trees.  My mom has a few and I admire them every time I am home.   I would love to start my own collection.

and if you want the same look for less I just found these similar trees on Pottery Barn.

|| Woven Deer Head

I love the idea of hanging this near my bar area with lights around it.