Skip links

lilflowermama

motherhood + lifestyle blog

Main navigation

STYLE

Christmas cards made easy with Parabo Press

Leave a Comment LIFE, STYLE

This post is sponsored by Parabo Press and as always all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

I honestly can’t recall the last time we mailed out Christmas cards, can you?

Well, I have a really easy and affordable solution for you! Parabo Press offers several beautiful options to make personalized Christmas or holiday cards with just a few simple steps.

There are five different designs and I really love this one because it’s simple and compliments our photos so nicely. Also, you can choose a flat card like this or one with a fold. Some of my favorite holiday cards over the years were a simple flat card so it was an easy choice!

The print quality and weight of our card are really nice too. I’m giving this an A+ for all the above and for the price! 24 cards with envelopes cost $20, that’s .83 cents a card! I mean, right? You have no excuse to not send out Christmas cards haha!

This year we opted for a family photo shoot and yes it was stressful but that’s life with little’s, isn’t it? In the end, we had a lot of fun and Holland kept us on our toes and made us all laugh! Lot’s of fun memories were made! One of my most favorite things about photography is capturing special candid moments and how a picture can capture so much personality.

Please don’t think you have to do a family photo shoot because any collection of your favorite photos would be just as beautiful on a Christmas or holiday card. And, if sending out cards isn’t your jam Parabo Press has you covered with so many other great print and gift options. Another Favorite of mine is making a photo book. They are fun to put together and now we have something to always remember our family photo shoot by. 

Definitely check them out this holiday season because they offer so many beautiful print options for such an affordable price! Remember to use this code, LIL30 for 30% OFF your entire order until December 13.

And if you are local my friend Maria always takes the best photo’s. 

 

xx, Nicole

Breakfast at Tiffany’s mommy + me photoshoot

Leave a Comment STYLE

Breakfast at Tiffany’s will forever be a classic just like the lovely Audrey Hepburn.

Clara and I were given the special opportunity to channel our inner Audrey’s with these beautiful Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s costumes! As soon as we tried them on I knew I had to hire a photographer. I’m so glad I did too.

We also picked the perfect location to have our Breakfast at Tiffany’s moment. I can’t say we are standing in front of an actual Tiffany’s jewelry store. More on that in a minute but I love how this photo shoot came out. The Tiffany’s in Scottsdale is in an indoor mall and I didn’t think it would capture these moments. So, I chose an outdoor jewelry storefront instead.

I’m really happy how everything turned out and can you believe this photo shoot only took thirty minutes? Honestly, I take pictures all the time and usually I get about ten minutes before everyone completely falls apart! In all fairness, thirty minutes seems short but it’s an eternity for a child lol!

Our lovely Breakfast at Tiffany’s gowns complete with accessories was given to us by Utopiat. Clara even wants to wear her little black dress to school!

Each set includes:

Black dress

Tiara

Gloves

Necklace and earrings (Clara’s are clip-on)

Cigarette holder

Complete with a Tiffany blue box to store all of it

Of course, we had to grab a couple coffees and croissants to complete our look too!

So much fun, I just had to write about it and let you see all the full-length photos. Maria is such a gem and I love her as my personal photographer! Take a look at her page because she is amazing!

 

 

xx, Nicole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, the things I have learned-Two year Blogiversary!

Leave a Comment LIFE, STYLE

Wow, two years since I wrote my very first blog post! And, just like that, the end of December marked my two-year Blogiversary!

Blogiversary: The yearly anniversary of someones web-log (blog)

–Urban Dictionary

Let me just say this first, even as I write this, I am apprehensive about sharing my feelings. Mainly because I feel deeply about most things and I’m not very good at putting them into words.

I know kinda strange for a blogger, someone who writes for a living and maybe even over shares for some? I dunno it is strange but it’s because I always want to say the right thing.

When I write about myself its one thing but when I write about my children I am cautious. As a third-time girl mama, I take my role as mama bear very seriously and I never want to share anything that could potentially harm them. This is difficult sometimes and poses some challenges for me but I have to look at the bigger picture.

Hopefully, I will never hear one of my daughters say I hurt them because of something I published. My two oldest are still young at seven and six and the most they complain about is all the pictures I like to take! 😂😂

Since, I began this blog my focus has always been and still is to be genuine, truthful, and heartfelt about the things I share. My family is my first priority and sometimes it means blogging life gets put on hold. Honestly, I don’t always like this and I wish I could do it all. Blog fulltime and be Supermom!

So, what have I learned in the last two years?

Well, quite a lot. Like anything in life, it has been good and bad.

THE GOOD:

  • I am a creative, always have been and always will be. Being creative is my happy place.
  • Photography has quickly become a passion and I so enjoy learning more and more about taking great pictures!
  • Blogging is like journaling in a lot of ways and I have learned so much more about myself and my lil’ family.
  • Collaborations. Now, this is not why I started blogging, but it is a lot of fun working with companies and I pride myself on working with ones I love!
  • Learning it’s not about me it’s about others. (I know it’s a good one tho.😉)
  • Making new friends!
  • Hearing someone say they read a blog post and loved it.
  • I have gained more confidence and feel so much more comfortable in front of the camera.

THE BAD:

  • Time is not always on my side to write or curate a post.
  • SEO. Stands for search engine optimization and it helps to improve your google rating but often is a thorn in my side!
  • Analytics and social media and feeling less than.
  • Comparison, thinking the grass is greener on the other side!

#newyearnewdo

As you can see, the good far outweighs the bad which is why I will keep going. Thank you so much for all of you that follow along, it means the world to me. If there is something you would like me to write about please drop me a line in the comments.

 

xx, Nicole

 

 

This year’s Christmas family wishlist 2017

Leave a Comment LIFE, STYLE

Wow, where has this year gone? I am freaking out Christmas is just a month away now!

This is my favorite time of year though. How about you?

When it comes to buying gifts for Christmas or any occasion, I am all about less is more. We all love giving and receiving and opening presents but we don’t put a huge emphasis on buying lots of gifts for Christmas. 

Instead, we make wishlists and buy a few things from each list. My hubby and I don’t always buy for one another. However, he always seems to break this rule! Definitely not gonna complain lol! 

The girls have lots of nice things and with three girls now, there is a lot of cross play and hand-me-downs. If they have big items on their lists, we often pick one or two big gifts to get them for Christmas. Anything left over we usually get for birthdays. Last year, Clara had an iPod and headphones on her list and Luci had a keyboard piano on hers. These were both big gifts and they still love them almost a year later.

Plus, this year we rented a cabin in Northern Arizona so this is a huge gift in itself! Looking forward to lots of family time, hopefully playing in the snow and long walks in the pines. Making memories is my favorite gift of all!

Another big thing in our home and something we all strive to keep number one in our lives is Jesus. We do believe He is the reason for the season and we have formed so many fun traditions during the Advent season.

Our Christmas family wishlist is a combination of items we already own and love along with some of the girls wish list too! Hope you enjoy and let me know what you are wishing for this year.

 My wishes:

Daddy’s wishes:

Home wishes:

Clara’s wishes:

Luci’s wishes:

Holland’s wishes:

 

xx, Nicole

 

3 holiday looks with Berkshire tights

Leave a Comment STYLE

This post contains some affiliate links and I received legwear from Berkshire in exchange for this post.
As always all opinions are 100% my own.

Do you love the holidays?

How about dressing up for the holidays?

Can you believe Thanksgiving is in just two short weeks and Christmas is less than 45 days away (gulp, can you believe it?) I love this time of year! My entire being lives for it! Everything from cooler mornings and evenings to spending time with family and friends and of course dressing up for all of it!

Last year I was preggers, like really preggers and I was not feeling the inspiration to dress up. Instead, I lived in leggings, lol!

This year is a whole new game for me and I’m really enjoying dressing up again especially for the holidays. When Berkshire reached out to me to write a holiday post it totally inspired me. Berkshire has a complete line of women’s hosiery and tights and besides beautiful legwear, they are one hundred percent made in the USA.

I had so much fun picking out these outfits for you and let me just say, I only spent $91 on all three outfits! For a great holiday look, it doesn’t need to break the bank! Plus, if you’re like me, you may only wear a holiday dress once.

This first-holiday outfit is perfect for Thanksgiving I think. I’m wearing Berkshire fishnet tights and they are so comfortable with my OTK boots. Here’s a little secret too, this dress is two years old! But it is still very much in fashion with its boho-style and bell sleeves. My purse is two years old as well, got to love that! Total spent on this number is only the price spent on my OTK boots and they were on sale!

My second-holiday look is all about red velvet while rocking another pair of Berkshire tights. Besides fishnet, a diamond print like this screams holiday to me.

The skater skirt flare with the tights make me feel girly and my suede, fringe, booties and leather jacket make me feel a little edgy.

Lastly, I finally own a sequin dress! This little number is so fun and the color reminds me of champagne! Also pairing this look with another pair of Berkshire tights. I chose to wear their slimming tights to keep those sleek lines and to feel even better in this dress!

What do you think of these holiday looks?

xx, Nicole

Friday favorites: fall edition

Leave a Comment STYLE

Yay it’s Friday or I like to say, it’s Friyay!

Fall has finally arrived for us Phoenicians and I am sooo happy because it is my favorite season of all. I mean it’s our shortest season, like three months worth but never the less my favorite.

This post contains some affiliate links. These links help me to provide better content along with earning a possible comission. Clicking on links does not cost you a thing. -xo

I have been crushing on a few things lately and I thought it would be fun to share with you. After all, this is really what my blog is all about, sharing my favorite things.😍

First up on my favorites list is the over-the-knee boot. For some reason, I have been afraid of this iconic look in the past. But I finally tried on a pair and it was instant love!

the over-the-knee boot

Balloon arches

Holland just turned ten months old and as much as I want to be in denial she will already be one in two short months! I am already planning the festivities and pinning away on Pinterest and I am in love with these balloon arches.

They range from simple to elaborate.

image: Pinterest

 

image: Lauren Conrad

Kale ya!

Another thing I was afraid of, kale. I mean it can be gross in my opinion but the health benefits far out way all of that.

So, you know how I fell in love with kale? Smoothies. I am obsessed with Salad and go’s kale and banana smoothie! It is so good and it makes me feel good too. Another favorite of mine is a finely chopped kale salad. Something about a fine chop makes the texture way more palatable. Once I master my own version I promise to share.

Last on my list is velvet. This is such a pretty look for fall and perfect for the holidays.

Actually velvet = holidays in my book. 

Velvet everything head to toe

 

xx, Nicole

Beautiful minimal jewelry for the everyday mom

Leave a Comment STYLE

I’m starting to think minimal is becoming a theme in my life…haha!

Well, when it comes to certain things like jewelry it needs to be! Especially if you have two little hands that like to reach and pull most things. I’m describing my nine-month-old peanut, Holland. Babies are curious and they like to reach for EVERYTHING like your jewelry!

Happiness Boutique reached out to me and instantly I fell in love! They have so many different pieces of jewelry and something for every woman too. Since I am back in the season of carrying a baby on my hip, I decided to pick two different minimal styles for the everyday mom like myself.

This first style is a heart-shaped pair of studs. They are as beautiful and minimal as it gets in my opinion and I love them! Something I should also note is I have sensitive ears and so much of the time I can’t wear certain pieces because my ears will react and usually end up in infection (sad face). So, naturally, I was a little worried I may have a problem with these too. Good news though my ears didn’t react and I really love them! 

Rose gold heart studs C/O: Happiness Boutique

The next pair is a beautiful ear jacket and yes, still very minimal. They do hang down a tad more than the pair of studs but still very close to the ear and still feel very secure. The triangle shape is sleek and minimal, perfect for an everyday look and also great for dressing up a bit for work or a date.

Geometric ear jackets C/O: Happiness Boutique

What do you think? Do you love beautiful, minimal, jewelry too?

You can shop these two looks above and if you use code: lilflowermama you will save 10% off at checkout until November 13th.

Happy weekend!!

xx, Nicole

My favorite mom jeans for Fall!

Leave a Comment STYLE

Here it is I’m finally sharing my favorite mom jeans for the Fall season!

Online shopping is my go-to and I know I talk about it quite a lot. The biggest reason I do is that it saves me time and money. Plus, it’s fun to check out what my other fashion bloggers are buying as well. Many link their outfits making shopping so much easier. Think of it like your own personal shopper and it may help your favorite fashion blogger make a commission too.

I love to link my finds and outfits and hopefully, it takes a lot of guesswork out for you. I just joined ShopStyle to make things a lot easier for you to shop blog posts and soon I will be adding a tab for you to shop all my looks right here on the blog. As always if you have any questions I would love to hear from you too.

Ok, let’s talk mom jeans and I’m not talking about the hilarious SNL parody lol! I’m talking jeans you feel good in and can wrangle kiddos and still feel comfortable and beautiful all at the same time.

My favorite, favorite, is always a good pair of Levi’s. I am always happy with the way they fit along with staying in our budget. I’m loving this pair with the blown knees from Shopbop. I’m wearing a size 27 in this pair and honestly, I disagree with the reviews. I really think these fit more true to size. I tried a 28 and they were both big at the waist and back of the leg. If you like your jeans to fit in all the right places, I suggest going true to size.

Do you like this bodysuit? Would you laugh if I told you it’s just an old leotard haha. Let me tell you it totally works and it’s something a little different from my usual tank or tee which I love.

Another pair I’m loving is this pair from JCrew. I scored them from a Nordstrom’s sale and they are so comfortable and again fit in all the right places. I went true to size with them also.

So, I don’t always get dressed in a blazer and heels but it’s nice to trade my yoga pants and Nike’s every once in awhile. 😉

xx, Nicole

Coral floral flirty off-the-shoulder dress

Leave a Comment STYLE

Coral, floral, flirty, dress. Now say that three times fast! 😆

I am in love with this dress! My favorite color is coral, I love flowers and it’s off-the-shoulder too. This dress combines so many things that I love!

When I first saw this coral dress I thought it would be perfect for a date on our anniversary coming up but I really couldn’t wait to wear it. So, when the hubs and I went on a date recently I got all dressed up. Honestly, I love this coral number so much I may just wear it again on our anniversary!

Another thing I am crushing on is this bag! I’m sure you have seen it spread across magazines and Instagram. Well, it’s not the highly sought after Cult Gaia ark bag, the true authentic original, but it’s an awesome dupe if you ask me for less than half the price! See when I spot a super trendy item like this I have to ask myself two questions. 1. Is this a trend I will see for more than one season? 2. If not, is it worth the price and would I be just as happy with a good dupe? I went with a good dupe on this one and I am really happy I did.

I am also not a hundred percent sure if this is just a hot trend right now or if we will see it again next year? Hard to determine fashion trends sometimes isn’t it? One trend I hope continues to stick around though is the off-the-shoulder style because a good majority of my wardrobe consists of this look!

dress//bamboo clutch(similar)//earrings(similar)//heels

H A P P Y F R I Y A Y!!

xx, Nicole

 

Gingham peplum top + black skinnies

Leave a Comment STYLE

Two styles I really love. Gingham and cute peplum tops!

Gingham is one of those classic prints that are always in style and I totally have a crush on every single peplum top I see!

This was actually a date night look, but I think this outfit is great for day or night. So easy to rock this with heels like this or with flats too, which is exactly what I did later. I knew our date was going to require moving around and racing the clock so I changed into flats. Then, it was a quick change back into my heels for dinner and drinks!

Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this? LOL. A girl needs options especially when dates are a bit harder to come by raising three little girls.

I feel like this cute peplum top looks best with my favorite pair of black skinnies. These were an awesome score I found from a previous Nordstrom sale and they were only $40! Let me just say, I love Nordstrom mainly for their sales and impeccable customer service. AND, most importantly I am a huge online shopper because of #momlife! If I don’t like something or it doesn’t fit I know I can always send it back for FREE! Enough said right?

Owning a good pair of black skinnies is like owning a great LBD am I right? I would buy 10 more of this pair! They are Topshop and the first pair I have bought from this brand and I’m in love. If you are looking for a comfortable pair of black skinnies, I would highly recommend them.

 Peplum top//black skinnies//earrings

xx, Nicole