Pretty Pumpkins

Several pumpkins I'd love to have adorning our doorstep this Halloween:

via Country Living

via Martha Stewart

via Better Homes & Gardens

via Family Circle

via Two Hearts Together

Where Have You Been All My Life?

Just a few of my favorite new discoveries that make being a mom a little bit easier.

No mess, no spoon, no bib. Throw it in your bag for feeding on the go. My life just got sooooo much easier (and my diaper bag just got so much cleaner). They may be a bit pricey, but these baby food pouches have changed my life. 

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I've always read about how squirty bath toys never get fully drained and can harbor bacteria and other gross stuff. I always thought "Nah. No big deal. I'll just squeeze them out really well." Charlotte was chewing on a relatively new squirty toy the other night and came up with a mouthful of nasty black sludge. So, so gross. No more squirty toys at our house. Here are some of my top picks that won't become a cesspool of disease and pestilence:  

Foam bath shapes

Fish & Splish Boat Set

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And what's a mom without a good to-do list? I'd be lost without my lists. I've tried out tons of to-do list apps and TeuxDeux one is by far my favorite. Simple, streamlined, and accessible via web or iPhone. 

What are your favorite baby/big kid products these days?

Punchbowl + Discount

Party season is here. It all starts with the Halloween party. Then a Fall soiree, a Thanksgiving get-together, and onto a slew of Holiday parties. Sprinkle in a few birthdays, and before you know it you've got yourself a whole herd of details to wrangle. 

Don't stress. Just hop on over to Punchbowl, sign up for your free membership, and get your party on. Design free digital invitations and plan event details all in one place. Did I mention it's free? Another must: the event calendar (think: no more awkward missed-birthday apology phone calls). 

The nice people at Punchbowl are offering 25% off membership upgrades to my readers between now and October 25. Upgrading your membership unlocks more design options and special features to make party planning a breeze. Just go here to upgrade your membership, and use the promo code CALLMECHRIS25 at checkout.

Inspiration: Monster Birthday

Here's what I have in mind for Charlotte's first birthday. I want to have fun with her Halloween birthday, but I don't want to do the predictable orange and black.

Party details: Hand-made party hats, tons of balloons, bouquets of spider mums, piles of pumpkins, monster cupcakes, an orange daisy chain, a few ugly dolls scattered about, a pink candle, and invitations I designed just for her. (click on the links for photo sources).


Have a great weekend!

Normal

 

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are..."

--Mary Jean Iron

This is the first time in several months where life has slowed to a more "ordinary" pace. I'm not preparing for or unpacking from a trip. I'm not involved in planning any major events. I'm not in the middle of a crisis (knock on wood). Life is just normal...baking cakes, playing soccer and splashing in the back yard. Normal days are what keep me going. Well that, and sneaking a treat after the kids are in bed for the night. :) 

P.S. Thank you, Katherine for the quote...it's become my motto.