My Sweet Boy Turns One (and an Out of Office Notice)

Hello, friends! I know it's been awhile since I've actually checked in with a full-blown post. You see, life is crazy busy these days. Working full-time and trying to be a great mom, wife, daughter and friend takes it out of me. It is rare that I actually sit down with the laptop at home.

Today, I'm here to share an update on our life. Our little boy has surpassed his one-year milestone and is now fifteen months. I cannot believe how fast they grow. He is like his own little man now. He's walking (sometimes even trying to run) and babbling in his own language like crazy.



He's smart and silly and steals our heart daily.

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A lumberjack party filled with flannel and fun

We recently celebrated my best friend's son's first birthday. Of course, I want to lend a hand whenever Julia throws a party, but this one was extra special, because her son is also my godson. This is Julia's third child, and each year when one of their birthdays comes around, I always throw out themes I am dying to explore (because up until this point, I didn't have a child of my own).

This time around, I suggested a festive flannel, lumberjack party. Have you seen the endless amount of inspiration out there on Pinterest? With so many ideas to explore and it being a winter month, it seemed fitting. Plus, we can all get behind red and black buffalo check, right?

Here are a few shots her cousin, the photographer behind Ashley Robertson Photography, shared with me from the big day:

Julia found plenty of free lumberjack-themed printables online to use as cupcake toppers and party signage, and we ended up scoring big at Target's after Christmas sale. We discovered a full line of buffalo check items - tablecloths, favor bags, placecards, napkins, cups, etc. - all at 50% off. Plus, we were able to repurpose holiday decor items we already owned - think trees, garland, and reindeer. Additionally, I dug through my summer entertaining stash and pulled out some lanterns.

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The 9 Month Update

Well, hello there! I know it's been a little while since my last post. I've been busy taking in all of the special moments centered around my baby's first Christmas, like his first meeting with Santa (get a glimpse here). It's astonishing how quickly the first nine months of his life has gone. In three short months, we'll have a one-year old.

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A baby boy baptism

I thought I would share a few snapshots from Baby P.'s baptism. My goal was to keep this family party simple, using only party supplies I owned. Low budget, low hassle, because, frankly, baby are expensive and all-consuming.

I put my milk glass collection to use and incorporated grocery store flowers to whip up some basic arrangements. I also incorporated the collection of black and white gingham tablecloths that I had in the closet. I purchased them from H&M for our housewarming party and have used the heck out of them ever since.

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Bringing Nursery Design to Life

You might remember when I first put together the concept for Baby P.'s nursery. It was right around this time last year. My goal was to give our Bluegrass baby a southern gentleman-inspired room, outfitted in black, white, Kentucky blue and kelly green.

My original vision included a feature wall of a black and white gingham pattern behind the crib. Well it turns out the wallpaper I loved was coming from another country. It took so long just to receive the sample strip I ordered. Then, financially it didn't make sense. It was going to end up being crazy expensive and take forever to arrive, so I tweaked my plan.

As a reminder, here's the originally concept:

Here's a recap of what actually came to fruition from this plan: 

Gingham peel and stick removable wallpaper (decided to pass) 

Horse canvas from Brookside Photography (repurposed different horse canvas from my living room) 

Custom silhouette print from Minted (purchased) | Kentucky print (purchased) 

Gum ball machine nightlight (didn't end up purchasing, although I still love it) 

Striped crib sheet (purchased) | Dwell Studio dresser (purchased) | 

Blue and green storage bins (purchased) | H is for Horse tray (purchased)  Hello pillow (purchased) 

Gold floor lamp (Went with a Target one instead) | Dwell Studio crib (purchased) 

Sheepskin (Repurposed different from living room) | Gold pillow (decided to pass)  

Glider and ottoman (purchased) | Black and white storage bin (purchased)

When creating a space, I think it's important for people to remember that it's okay if your space doesn't come together exactly as planned.

The most visually appealing rooms are 1) collected over time and 2) evolve due to trial and error. Sometimes you don't know how the scale of all the pieces are going to come together until you straight up style them in the space. I promise you there will be points where you have to buy things and then return what doesn't work. It is truly a refine as you go process.

So what does Baby P.'s space look like today? Here's a sneak peak:

I'll have to photograph a full tour soon.

In this photo, you probably only recognize the glider, sheep skin, crib and lamp look-alike. All of the other items were either gifts (the tent, toy horse, cloud/star mobile and birch trees), last-minute splurges (the Pottery Barn window shade) or items reused from other rooms (the horse pillow).

While my dream gingham wall didn't come to life, I was able to create some interest. My husband and father-in-law installed trim in a higher-than-normal position. We used Mindful Gray from Sherwin-Williams on the bottom and topped the space off with bright white.

I'm pleased with how the space came together. Although, it did take months. I was still adding finishing touches even after our baby boy arrived, but that's okay.

So, what do you think? Are you an evolve-as-you-go type of decorator?

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A bun in the over and burgers on the grill: Highlights from a baby boy shower

On Simply Sarah Style, I often talk about how to pretty things up, but today, I thought I would share a manly approach to celebrating. My colleagues and I thought we would throw a "bun in the oven and burgers on the grill" shower for one of our designers and his wife.

Well when you discover your company grill no longer works, its time to take action. And by take action, I mean get in your car and drive to White Castle. I guess most guys love White Castle, so there's no shame in our last minute "catering" plan.

Since this took place at work during happy hour, we thought we would keep it simple with typical burger/picnic foods.

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Beyond the obvious, 10 tools for new moms

I admit it. I was the girl at the baby shower who brought the cutesy outfits and monogrammed bib. Then the tables turned. I was expecting my first baby and quickly realized I needed practical items...many of which I didn't even know I needed. Yikes!

I instantly felt like a bad gift-giver, because I had been giving people the things they actually like to spend their own money, not the practical things they needed. Think about it. As a new mom, aren't you excited to buy cute clothes and accessories? But, you're not excited when you realize how many practical things you need, and those things, my friend, aren't fun to spend your money on.

The items above ended up being godsends. They're items that make my life as a mom easier, especially as I try to master the parenting game. Some are unexpected. Some are a little more typical, but the brand or texture truly made a difference to me.

• Rosie Pope Blankets - We keep two of these in our diaper bag. They're small enough that they don't take up much room, but large enough to throw over the car seat as a protector from the rain, wind, etc. Rosie Pope has the cutest line of baby clothes and accessories. I absolutely adore the blankets we have and have given her flamingo bibs and burp cloths as gifts. (For the record, bibs and burp cloths are practical items. I didn't have nearly enough when our sweet boy was born. Can you ever have enough bibs or burp cloths? I think not.)

• Fischer-Price Rock-n-play Sleeper - I had no idea I needed this specific model. My friend, (a seasoned mother herself) actually pointed out that I wouldn't be happy with the brand/model I originally selected. She said, "You need to take that back immediately. I promise you'll thank me later." She was right. I purchased the same model she had and have to say this is the most useful piece of gear we own. The difference between this model and others is the fact that this one rocks itself. Most vibrate, but require you to physically rock the sleeper yourself. This one does it all! It rocks, vibrants and plays several different white noise sounds.

• Baby Saline Spray - Our sweet boy was so stuffed up during his first few months. Listening to him try to breathe was awful. It even affected his eating. We used this spray often.

• Nose Frieda - My husband still thinks this is gross. Essentially, you use a tube (a sanitary tube) to suck snot out of your child's nose. Crazy, I know, but it works. It's not cheap either, but is worth the investment when clearing your child's nasal buildup.

• IKEA Kallax Shelving Unit - Seriously, this is the best addition to your child's closet! Depending on the size of the closet, use it horizontal as a side board to create storage and an extra surface space, or use it vertical as a standard bookcase.

• Babies-R-Us 2-in-1 Activity Walker - We just ordered this during a sale and only ended up paying $25 for it. It's been perfect for our five-month old, who is not content just hanging out in the sleeper anymore. He wants to move. This walker is adjustable, so you can set it at the perfect height for your little one.

• OXO No-spill Formula Dispenser - I started out breastfeeding and eventually switched to formula. I had no idea this handy container existed. I was just carrying around a full canister until my best friend suggested this small dispenser.

• Boon Yard Drying Rack and Accessories - Cute and pratical! Can't beat that. I'm surprised by how many people comment on this drying rack when they visit.

• IKEA Drawer Storage Organizer Bins - Seriously, get these. Get one set for each of your dresser drawers. You'll thank me later. They're perfect for organizing socks, bibs, pacifiers, clothes by size...you name it! 

Seasoned mommas - What are your go-tos?

(Affiliate links were included in this post.)

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A "ready to pop" baby boy shower

I'm excited to share a glimpse at the "ready to pop" shower my colleagues threw as a surprise for me and my baby boy shortly before my due date. They know I have a weakness for popcorn, especially all of the specialty varieties at Patty's Popcorn in Hyde Park, so they felt the "ready to pop" theme was perfect. Plus, I'd been feeling like I was ready to pop at that time.

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Baby boy update

(Finally hitting publish on this post I started months ago.)

Our baby boy arrived in March and life has been a whirlwind ever since. This boy has stolen our heart (and also all of our time), so please excuse me while I continue to take a bit more time off. I'm still mastering the art of mommyhood. 

In the meantime, I thought I would share some photos our of precious boy. Meredith from Lifelong Memories Photography captured these moments for us the week after our son was born. 

I cannot get enough of his little toes in the photo below!

Our boy is full of so many expressions and this photo was snapped just at the right moment, catching the start of a yawn.

I plan to periodically check in with a post here and there, but will not be holding myself to my previous once-a-week schedule. I promise I have plenty of baby shower photos to share though! Lots of inspiration. My family, friends and colleagues were so good at spoiling baby P with thoughtful themes and the most precious goodies.

In the meantime, let's stay in touch through social. You can reach me most often through Facebook (Simply Sarah Style) and Instagram (@simplysarahstyleblog).

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Entering nesting mode

Dear blogging friends and avid readers,

As we approach the due date for our first child, I've decided to take a little blogcation. I would like to take the remaining two months before our new baby boy arrives to spend quality time with this handsome guy and prepare our house and the nursery.

While my pregnancy has been a smooth ride, I honestly feel like a slacker. I'm typically a planner in all aspects of my life, but with this baby, I've ironically been so laid back. I haven't done a ton, except go to my doctor's appointments, read my BabyCenter emails and ponder name options.

That's why I feel it's now time to shift focus from other personal priorities (like blogging) to getting ready for our next adventure, so the next two months will be all about preparing for Baby P.

Not having to worry about developing and photographing new content for the blog will be a relief. I'll still periodically post to social media, so you can follow along with updates and inspiration, particularly on Facebook and Instagram.

I thank you for following along for the last five and half years and hope you'll bear with me as a take a little time off. I do promise to share Baby P's southern gentleman-themed nursery when it's complete.

Happy 2016, my friends. May it be filled with joy and many personal victories!

(Photos by our dear friend, Steve from Brookside Photography)

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A look back on 2015

It's definitely been a memorable year...one full of many professional and personal milestones. I thank each and every one of you for sitting down with Simply Sarah Style to catch up on inspiration and life happenings. So here's the list...the most popular posts of 2015:

#10

Our gender reveal party

#9

A Betsy Ross American flag-themed bridal shower

#8

A quick and easy yard sale makeover with Krylon

#7

How I stumbled upon $40 chairs at Ballard Designs

#6

The Wedding Series: Part III

Access more of the wedding series: Part I, Part II, Part IV, Part IV and Part VI.

#5

This "My Kentucky Tee" can be your Kentucky tee 

#4

My 12 days of Christmas Home Tour

#3

Holiday gift giving with Hallmark Gold Crown

#2

One dresser: 3 different ways (Another Bargains & Buyouts score)

I'm excited to share that this Dwell Studio dresser will be making an appearance in Baby P.'s nursery! 

("What I didn't show you in my last Bargains & Buyouts post" and "Another reason to love Bargains & Buyouts" were also popular.)

#1

Breakfast entertaining made easy with Yoplait Plenti

Thank you for your continued support of Simply Sarah Style. Here's to 2016!

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Nursery planning for our Bluegrass baby

The countdown is on until the March arrival of our baby boy. Up until a week ago, I had not purchased a thing for this child. I guess I'm in denial as to how much nursery furniture and all the baby necessities costs. 

Black Friday sales kicked me into gear though and I cranked out a nursery concept. We decided to go with a Kentucky-themed nursery, and when I say, "Kentucky," I don't mean the University of Kentucky. Although, that is where Mr. P. and I met. I think we're going to go with a southern gentleman-themed room with some Kentucky fair. Think all things that are great about the Bluegrass!

I was delighted to discover that the Dwell Studio dresser I purchased from Bargains and Buyouts is actually from the nursery line, so I was able to track down a matching crib and an attachment that would make the dresser a changing table. Talk about the jackpot! Even better, I purchased the crib and attachment for 20% on Black Friday.

As far as color palette, we decided to go with black and white with hints of gray, gold, royal blue and kelly green.

We plan to include a black and white gingham wallpaper pattern. I'm still deciding on the extent in which I will incorporate the wallpaper.

Here's my concept:

Gingham peel and stick removable wallpaper | Horse canvas from Brookside Photography

Custom silhouette print from Minted | Kentucky print | Gum ball machine nightlight

Striped crib sheet | Dwell Studio dresser | Blue and green storage bins

H is for Horse tray | Hello pillow | Gold floor lamp | Dwell Studio crib

Sheepskin | Gold pillow | Glider and ottoman | Black and white storage bin

Okay, stick with me on the gingham wallpaper. I think a normal person might think this is overkill, but look how great it looks in the samples below...

Peel and stick wallpaper by Livettes

Pottery Barn Nursery

Classy Clutter living room

I'm excited for our Black Friday shipments to arrive from Land of Nod and Dwell Studio. Although, Dwell Studio said our crib won't arrive until February 12. Fingers crossed it's early!

Speaking of decor...Have you been following along with the 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes? Through this tour, you'll get an inside peek of some of the blog world's most noteworthy homes. Seven of the tours are already live, with more being published this week.

December 1

Evolution of Style | Dixie Delights

December 2

Provident Home Design | Life and Home 2102

December 3

Simple Details

December 4

Pink Clutch Blog | This is Happiness

December 7 

Bless'er House | The Tale of an Ugly House

December 8 

This is Our Bliss | Classic Casual Home

December 9

Primitive and Proper

December 10

Shine Your Light | Driven by Decor

December 11

Suburban Bitches | Our Storied Home

December 14

Simply Sarah Style | Rough Luxe

Enjoy!

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Our gender reveal party

He or she? What will our little pumpkin be?!?

A few weeks ago, we held a gender reveal party to share our big news with family and friends. I struggled on selecting a concept and color palette. Since our party was the night before Halloween, I thought we should stick with a fall theme, and because pink and blue would be easy, we went that direction too.

I only decorated a small portion of our house...essentially our sunroom. I infused a few fall touches (painted pumpkins, candy apples, etc.) and tried to make several of the goodies myself.

Because we were entertaining a group of 40 people, we kept it simple with just drinks and dessert. I knew that I could not prepare a full dinner for a crowd this size after working all day.

As you can see, Katy from Spoonful of Sugar Cookies never disappoints. She is my go-to resource when it comes to a custom cookie.

My mom and I decorated apples with Candy Melts from Michael's and quickly cranked out some Rice Krispie treats.

God bless my dear goddaughter for volunteering to dig through the massive barrel at Fresh Thyme to pick out all of the blue and pink taffy! And for the record, the blue taste far better than the pink.

We gave out these adorable candy wands from Lisa Frank as party favors. Yes, I said, "Lisa Frank," but this is a different Lisa Frank...You should totally check her out on Instagram. She puts together the most adorable party packs!

On the spot, we asked our parents to the do the honor of cutting the cake. 

They were so surprised and delighted to be heading up the unveiling. 

And I think they were even mores surprised when they cut into the cake!

So we'll be welcoming a baby boy to Team P!

Love something you saw? Here's the source list:

• Cake: Home Grown Cakes
• Cake Topper: Confetti Mama
• Party Favor Candy Wands: Hand Crafted Parties
• Cookies: Spoonful of Sugar Cookies
• He or She Banner: Oh How Charming
• Sequin Tablecloth: Designer Shindigs
• Taffy: Fresh Thyme Farmers Market
• Balloons: Undercover Hostess

A very special thanks to our dear friend Steve from Brookside Photography for capturing this milestone!

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Our biggest news yet

The hubby and I are in for our greatest adventure yet! We unveiled some big news with our family last month via a bottle of wine and my sister-in-law was sweet enough to edit all of our video footage together into one cut. 

In the first portion of the video, you'll notice my mom doesn't even get the news at first. Then the look on her face is priceless.

In the second video, you'll see my dear grandma who passed away the week after we shared our news with her. Having this very special moment captured on video is invaluable and something I'll aways treasure. To make the timing of this pregnancy even more special, we are due right over my grandma's birthday. It definitely feels like this pregnancy is part of God's circle of life. While we no longer have my grandma, we will be welcoming a new child into the family.

It seems like this pregnancy is cruising by...We find out whether we're having a boy or girl next week!

(We've had several questions about our custom wine labels. We purchased them from Ten Twelve Designs on Etsy. They were super easy to apply. I used a Barefoot bottle of wine since it has a little baby foot-looking graphic on the cap.)

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My First Red Egg & Ginger Party

This past summer, my husband and I were invited to a Red Egg & Ginger Party to celebrate the arrival of our friends' new son, Griffin. Of course, I'm always down for a good theme, but I was at a loss at what to expect at a Red Egg & Ginger Party... none the less what to bring as a gift.

After a quick Google search, I learned a little more. "In Chinese culture, a baby's first month birthday calls for a celebration. Proud parents introduce their latest addition to friends and relatives by holding a red egg and ginger party" (according to About.com).

I also learned that you either bring a gift featuring a tiger to watch over the child or money in a red envelope to serve as "lucky money." I ended up finding the cutest little baby booties featuring a tiger.

The lavish celebration was held at the Oriental Wok on Buttermilk and did not disappoint. From the menu selection to the decor elements, this was one memorable event. 

The monogrammed eggs at each place setting were absolutely adorable! They were filled with ginger candy, which was actually quite good.

Griffin is one precious baby. I'm talking model-qualty! 

Adam and Melissa must be so proud.

We had a fabulous time! A special thanks to Melissa for allowing me to share an inside look at this special celebration.

Have you ever been to a Red Egg & Ginger Party? 

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