Showing posts with label mommy and me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mommy and me. Show all posts

A Guide To Buying A Mattress | New Year, Better Night Of Sleep

January 03, 2017

It took us awhile but one of the most important things to us during the process to 'green' and detoxify our home was our mattress. If you think about it, you spend an average of 56 hours per week (at least) using that thing - it needs to be a good one. I did a lot of research when looking for our mattress that we currently have thanks to Tuft & Needle, so I wanted to share my findings!
THINGS I LEARNED WHEN RESEARCHING MATTRESSES:

Mattresses are typically super marked up.
Some mattresses can be marked up 6-12 times past what they're worth. This is true for many furniture stores, but mattresses especially. Sales people need to make commission and storefronts have to meet rent, so you have an increase in price when the mattress itself isn't worth nearly what you pay.

The materials most mattresses are made of aren't ideal.
You can read tons more about this here, but some mattresses are made of latex (which isn't ideal and pretty outdated), memory foam (which results in hotter sleep at night because you sink into it), springs (which aren't supportive at all) I mean really when have you laid on a spring mattress and thought, "man I'm super comfortable right now" ha! Lastly some mattresses are made of egg-crate foam which I've personally never felt was comfortable and apparently you're paying for a mattress yet getting 50% less material! So silly.

Layers = glue = chemicals.
No, this isn't a math lesson, it's just common sense. The mattresses that have layers of materials are glued together with adhesive that gives off chemicals and also reduces airflow.

Buying online > Buying in store.
More math, I know... I hate equations, not sure why I'm using them, but really. The reason I prefer to buy online is that you can get it much cheaper. You basically cut out the middle man and reduce emissions and transportation as well, which helps our environment! I'm all for anything that is sustainable! Also, many mattresses are made outside of the U.S. which means we have to import the materials before even transporting them to the location where they're sold.

My solution?

We've had our mattress for around 60 days now. Tuft & Needle sent it to me to review for you, and to be completely honest I've wanted to really use it and sleep on it before writing this review. I never endorse products that I don't fully believe in or use myself. It's important to me to be honest and transparent with you.

I love Tuft & Needle for the following reasons:

1. Their mattresses are made in the U.S. and shipped to you directly.
2. Their products have less glue and adhesives so you don't have to breathe in as many toxins.
3. There are only two layers of materials in their mattresses versus the typical 4+.
4. Their products are SUPER fairly priced.
5. They give back to the community. Mattresses that are returned to them are donated to local non-profits.
6. They have a 100 Night Trial program! Read more about that here!
9. Tuft & Needle uses a NATURAL flame retardant. This is a huge one for me.
10. They're environmentally friendly, as they are made in the U.S. and shipped directly to the residence vs. additional transportation to stores and importations, etc.

TIPS FOR BUYING A MATTRESS:
1. Buy one that's manufactured in the U.S.
2. Find a material that is breathable and less than 4 layers.
3. Find a company that delivers to your door vs. trying it out in store.
4. Try to find one that emits the least amount of chemicals.
5. Do your research and shop around for a fair price.








Thank you so much for reading!

xo. L

Cozy Pajamas + A Link-Up

December 21, 2016



SHOP THE POST:








Jacqueline and I post our link-ups every Thursday! This week our theme is holiday PJ's or you can pick any fashion/beauty related post to link up! Come back weekly to visit us!

1. We kindly ask that you follow the two hosts: L from Living in Color on Bloglovin', Jacqueline from Stylin' In St. Louis via Bloglovin' and our guest host, Erin of Hi Lovely on Bloglovin' (The first 3 links in the link-up.)

2. Please link back to Larissa and Jacqueline's blog on the post you linked to, stating that you joined in on the fun over at Spotlight Weekly.

3. Enjoy reading other blogs and make new blogger friends!



SPOTLIGHT: This week's spotlight is Lizzie of Lizzie in Lace . Jacqueline and I adore her look from last week's link-up! Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello.
NEXT WEEK: Next week we are styling NYE glam style! Thanks so much for linking up each week! Have a fabulous rest of your day!

xo. L



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Picking Out Our Real Christmas Tree | Holiday Plaid + A Link-Up

November 30, 2016

Happy Thursday! This is what we wore to pick out our Christmas tree! I love the tree we got this year. It's perfectly shaped. A tradition we had when I was a little girl was keeping a real tree every single year, so I love getting to share this with G too! It was super chilly so I went with leggings and this comfy tunic from Boutique Amor! G's outfit was so darling with her corduroy skirt and mini hunter boots. I love wearing our plaid mommy + me scarves too <3.


G'S OUTFIT: Dress worn as top (similar) | Similar skirt | Hunter Boots | Bow and Anchor Co scarf c/o


SHOP THE POST:





Jacqueline and I post our link-ups every Thursday! This week our theme is plaid or you can pick any fashion/beauty related post to link up! Come back weekly to visit us!

1. We kindly ask that you follow the two hosts: L from Living in Color on Bloglovin', Jacqueline from Stylin' In St. Louis via Bloglovin' and our guest host Aria of The Suburban Hippy Momma on Bloglovin'.  (The first 3 links in the link-up.)

2. Please link back to Larissa and Jacqueline's blog on the post you linked to, stating that you joined in on the fun over at Spotlight Weekly.

3. Enjoy reading other blogs and make new blogger friends!



SPOTLIGHT: This week's spotlight is Kallie of The Flexion Flat  Jacqueline and I adore her look from last week's link-up! Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello!
NEXT WEEK: Next week we are styling WINTER LAYERS! Thanks so much for linking up each week! Have a fabulous rest of your day!

xo. L



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Mommy & Me Plaid + 10 Flannels I'm Loving This Winter

November 22, 2016

I am so pleased to be sharing these photos of G and I. This is actually what we wore a few weeks ago when we went to vote. Anyway, I love that these photos capture the essence of our days together. We spend lots of time reading her favorite books, dancing, listening to music, and playing with her instrument set! I wills ay that my house doesn't always look this clean, however ;)
Gracie's Outfit: Top (40% off) | Pants ($6)




Here are ten flannels I feel are absolutely essential this winter! Flannels are always in style, by the way, so you are by no means spending those dollars in vain!







xo. L

Preparing My Children For Social Media

November 08, 2016

*Thanks to Sophos Home for sponsoring today's post, and inspiring today's discussion.
We live in a scary time to be parents. I'm sure that every generation says that, but I honestly believe that the rise of the internet has both negatively and positively affected us. You see, we live in the age of cyber bullying, and child predators, and social media without monitoring. These are things that aren't in G's immediate future, but they are coming and I worry about them constantly.

While I greatly value platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, I know that one day that will change as G decides it is time for her to join those worlds. I don't know about you, but she's only 17 months and already showing interest in my phone and her dad's iPad. We haven't introduced her to the world of technology yet, but when we do, I've decided it's time to have a concrete plan for what we can do to protect her.

What if I told you that I found something that could potentially give you peace of mind when it comes to your children's safety while using your computers, iPads, and phones? Yes. I've found something that will work wonders in protecting their technology time. But it gets better -- this software is absolutely free.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN FOR SOCIAL MEDIA/THE INTERNET


1. I plan to have knowledge of all of her passwords to all social accounts. 
One of the biggest mistakes that parents make is too much freedom too quickly. I didn't have a computer in middle school, and in high school I didn't really start browsing the web or using social media platforms until my senior year.(wow, I'm old) so I honestly do not have a ton of experience to draw on. I also had very relaxed guardians - they could have cared less what I did with my free time.

That will not be the case with G, however. My husband and I have decided that we will run/manage/check in on all of her accounts as long as we are paying for her phone bill, internet time, etc.. This allows parents to be in complete control of what is being offered to/seen by their children while browsing the web.


2. I plan to monitor those accounts and all web browsing with strong anti-virus software, Sophos Home.
I couldn't be more thrilled to share Sophos Home with you. Their anti-virus software protects your home and devices from malware, ransomware, viruses, and inappropriate sites. Oh and it's FREE!
3. I will install web filters on our computers and phones.
Web filters are going to be giant when it comes to parental controls! Loook at how with Sophos Home you can choose to block/allow certain content that your children may come across on YouTube, or when playing a game on Disney.com. I absolutely love this feature, and have already downloaded Sophos on my laptop and phone for this feature alone.
4. I will limit her computer/phone time as much as possible. 
Yes. Total mean mom mode, but honestly, she will thank me for it when she is older. I want G to know the people she interacts with. I want her to remember their faces and the looks they make. She can't do that if she's looking down at her phone constantly, right? I don't know - as someone who is immersed in the world of social media, I must say I don't know if I want that for my own children. I would love for her to spend time outdoors, connecting with the earth and atmosphere. 

That being said, I know that teens will be teens and kids will be kids. Lots of YouTube time is in my distant future... Thankfully, I've got Sophos Home to give me the peace of mind I need as a parent!
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Wearing: Mama Bird Tee | High Waisted Shorts | Panama Hat | Dagne Dover 15-inch tote c/o | Tory Burch 'Miller' sandals

Watch this really hilarious video from Sophos Home about steps to protect your kids when it comes to online safety! I literally laughed out loud at this!
Check out SOPHOS HOME for more info on the software, and directions for how to download and install for FREE!

xo. L

Four Free Outdoor Activities To Do With Kids + Buddha Pants

October 17, 2016

*Thanks to Buddha Pants for sponsoring today's post!
I'm pretty excited to be sharing this post. As a stay at home mama, I've had to be pretty resourceful when it comes to free things to do. Now that Summer is in the past and Autumn is in full swing, we are spending a ton of time outdoors again. I just feel better when I get outside and breathe fresh air. Here are five things that I do almost weekly to get out of the house with my (almost) toddler.

Also keep reading below for a review of these amazing mommy and me matching pants that G and I are wearing for these photos. I am actually wearing them right now and never want to take them off!
FREE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS

1. Feed the ducks some oats at a local pond.
This is our go-to activity right now, mostly because it's two-fold. First I babywear while I take G on a walk around the pond. She is super into all things nature, so we talk about our surroundings. I've noticed kids can get bored with constant silence, so I try to talk about the mundane things I see that are actually really exciting for her. haha.
2. Check your local town calendar for movie nights, toddler craft days, etc.
This is such a big one, I feel like - I never knew things like this existed before becoming a mom. My mama friends and I are always scouring our town's calendars for activities. We've done Movies in the Park where they show a movie one afternoon or evening on a big screen in the grass! There are also free craft activity days too, so check your town's calendar, and maybe even the ones surrounding you. If you live in a giant city you are bound to have tons of free options!
3. Play with your kids at a local park/playground.
Okay, I know what you're thinking... "Wow, a park, what an innovative idea" but honestly this one is underrated. I feel like we all spend time at parks, but have you ever played the "lava monster" game with your five year old? It will make you feel like a child again, in a good way. All of your worries will melt off. My kindergarten teacher side is coming out a bit, but when I used to teach my students would beg me to play with them. When I finally would give in, it would seriously make them so happy to see me running around the playground playing 'tag' or 'freeze monster' because it made me more relatable and likable.

You don't have to do it all the time, but it's honestly the best feeling and you'll be surprised how good you feel if you do try it out.

Tip: Bring special toys that are only "park toys" to the park.
If you are a parent you've probably already figured this one out, but rotation is sacred. Keeping the same toys in the living room, playroom, car, or using the same ones at the park can be a curse! It's important to keep a rotation going so that you keep your kiddos guessing! If you always play with a ball or scooter at the park, eventually your kids will get bored with them. Try to switch up your supplies each time you go and it will make for a better experience! 
4. Have a picnic outside and bring books to have a special readathon.
This one is big if you have kids that love reading like little G. I do have to keep her books in a rotation but she is a total book lover. I plan whole outings based on books! Bring a special "book blanket" and some snacks with a bag full of books and you have a good hour of entertainment! (I keep snacks close by to entice G to stay on the blanket since she is fully mobile and all over the place now.)
*She is blowing kisses in these photos haha!
My Outfit: Buddha Pants c/o | Hat || G's Outfit: Buddha Pants c/o

G and I are wearing our matching Buddha Pants in these photos! I wear them to do yoga in the mornings and evenings (I'm such a beginner, but learning more every day) but I also wear them out! These harem pants are SO comfortable, stylish and why on earth would I turn down a chance to match with my little one?! I wore them sort of folded up, but you can also pull them down for a different look. They are 100% cotton and come in several colors and patterns!

Honestly, chasing around my little toddler is hard enough - I need to be comfortable while doing so! I love that these pants are super easy to take along with you too! They actually fold into the pocket and it turns into a little bag to hold them! I am going to get a pair to put in my diaper bag since they are so easy to store. You can never have too many back up outfits with kids, right?

Where would you wear your Buddha Pants? Be sure to check out their site here: BuddhaPants.com, and use this code for 20% off if you decide to get some for yourself: LivingInColor

xo. L

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