Swoon Worthy | Small Business Saturday

I hope you're all recovering nicely from the overindulgence that comes along with Thanksgiving, and  that you got the opportunity to take full advantage of some of the great Black Friday deals that were floating around yesterday.

We had a pretty low key holiday, seeing as we all seem to be fighting some sort of never ending cold/virus over here.  So, we spent the day in pajamas, stuffed our faces, and lounged by the Christmas tree.

Now that we are actually in the throws of the holiday season, it seems that the shopping madness has officially begun.  As much as I love a great Black Friday deal, I am a HUGE supporter of Small Business Saturday.  Shopping small is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, and it always makes me feel good to support the small business owners who work so hard to create some truly amazing products.

This week's Swoon Worthy post is dedicated to some of the small businesses that I have grown to love so much, and the creators of some of my favorite quality products.  Some of them are even offering awesome discounts this weekend, so please take advantage while supporting a great cause!

1.  The Jones Market offers some of the most gorgeous necklaces and bracelets.  They're non-toxic, come in an amazing variety of colors, and are great to give as gifts, or as a treat for yourself.

2.  This shop is hands down one of my favorites when it comes to beautiful and unique artwork.  Their handmade signs are amazing, and they have an impressive choice of quotes, scriptures, and song lyrics available to suit any taste.  They're offering 20% off your purchase today with the code:  THANKFUL.

3.  The absolute best and most beautiful handmade hair accessories are made by this small business.  Their color chioces and Liberty of London prints are to die for.

4.  This shop hand makes some awesome all natural soy wax candles in scents that are just so good.  They're offering 30%, today only, with the code: BF30

5.  These guys make some awesome printed tees, with some of the best phrases on them, including my current personal favorite.

6.  I recently discovered Stop Growing Up.  I love that all of their amazing prints can be purchased as digital downloads that you can print right on your home computer.  I scooped up a bunch to frame for our playroom, and I think these not only make for great decor, but would be great as gifts too.

7.  The owner of this handmade shop is the sweetest, and her products have even been featured by Martha Stewart.  She's offering 20% off today with the code: 20PLAID.

8.  Giving the gift of awesome children's books is always a great idea.  This collection is a definite favorite in our house.

9.  For my fellow expectant mama friends, these are a great investment.  They can be worn as a stylish maternity top while pregnant, and then used as a nursing cover, a shopping cart cover, or to drape over a car seat/carrier once baby arrives!

10.  Last, but not least, I'm offering 15% off your purchase in my own shop, with the code:  SHOPSMALL15.

I hope you'll all check out some of these great shops, and the amazing items that they have to offer!

Have a great weekend!

Thanksgiving Week

Yikes has it been hectic around here! Broken record I know, but it's the truth.  Though we had originally planned on traveling for Thanksgiving we decided, last minute, that we would stay at home for a quiet, low key, feast in our pajamas instead.

Between Max being super sick last week, me not feeling 100%, and the chaos that comes with packing little ones in the car for a roadtrip, we just weren't feeling up to it this year, and I'm actually totally okay with it.

We went and tagged an absolutely ginormous Christmas tree the other day at a local tree farm that was recommended to us by our super sweet neighbors.  We may have been a little over zealous in choosing, because after we returned home, we started thinking that the tree we picked might not even fit in our living room... think National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  We are just so excited to have high ceilings this year.  We are heading back today to chop one down, and whether or not the one we tagged will be it, is still up for debate.

{garland, trees, be merry print}

Aside from that, I'm cooking up a storm, continuing to decorate for Christmas and preparing to literally eat for two tomorrow.  Thank you maternity leggings! 

I thought I'd share the links for some of our favorite dishes, along with some new ones we're testing out this year.

This pumpkin gingerbread trifle it's an old favorite, and is always a crowd pleaser.  

I feel like Ina the woman to go to when looking for a classic turkey breast recipe.

And... for some nibbles while we wait for the main course, I'm sticking with a cheese plate and these flavored roasted almonds.

Lastly, I just wanted to say how thankful I am for all of you who take the time to read and support this blog.  What started out as a hobby, has really grown in to some really amazing opportunities for me, and you guys are the reason for that.

It goes without saying that I am also incredibly thankful for my family and friends, our health, the baby currently growing in my belly, and the roof over our heads.

I hope you all have an amazing holiday, full of time spent with your loved ones and amazing food.

I'll leave you with this, because when I saw it, it made my day!

Swoon Worthy

It's been one heck of a couple of weeks around here.

If you missed it, I went away for a couple of days to Cape Cod last weekend to spend some time with family.  Since I've been back, Max has come down with some sort of virus, that left us stuck in the house all week long (besides a couple of trips to see our pediatrician), and me with a severe case of cabin fever.  You're all well aware of my several-trips-to-Target-a-week routine... thank goodness for online shopping, or I might have been suffering from some serious withdrawals over the last few days.

I finally snuck out for a short while yesterday morning, for a doctor's appointment of my own... my 20 week ultrasound (more about that here), it's a boy!!!

Finally, after all of that excitement, I was actually able to sit down with my laptop, and get down to business with this week's Swoon Worthy list.

I am so looking forwards to Thanksgiving festivities over the next week, and the official kick-off of the holiday season, but in the meantime...

1.  Run, don't walk, to Target, or the grocery store, or wherever you can find the holiday flavors of this stuff.  The white chocolate peppermint is my personal fave!

2.  It's finally here, and I can't get enough!!!

3.  Loving this trend... and anything that I can buy that isn't maternity, yet still fits the bump!  I bought it in brown and love how cozy it is.

4.  Just because I can't drink, doesn't mean the rest of you shouldn't indulge in some festive spirits!

5.  Another favorite item that I've added to our collection of holiday decor this year!

6.  Go, make these now... you won't regret it!

7.  For my fellow expecting mama friends, loving this winter coat that I snagged on sale in the cream color.

8.  I try to pick up one of these table covers for holidays, whenever they're available. M&E love them.

9.  When I was in Cape Cod last weekend, I ordered these flavored roasted almonds, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them.  I'm dying to attempt this version... and I think they'd be great to give as holiday gifts!

10.  I'm always a fan of a great pair of boot socks!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Gender Reveal | It's a...

It's official, the family name will without a doubt be carried on, and Ella will be well protected by her two brothers!

We're seeing blue around here, because it's a... BOY!!!

I literally headed off for this morning's ultrasound appointment feeling totally clueless as to what we were having, and though this little guy seemed to already be exhibiting that genuine stubbornness that tends to run in the family, when he almost didn't cooperate, he finally uncrossed his legs and revealed the family jewels.

It's kind of crazy, because I know a lot of ladies who are pregnant at the moment, and it seems as though almost every last one of us are carrying little boys!

This ultrasound was my first 3D experience, and it was seriously amazing.  How cool is it to actually see what your future child looks like on the inside!!!

I'm feeling very thankful for the important things; the fact that everything is looking good, that our baby is growing as expected, and that he is healthy... and then I'm excited and looking forward to the fact that we can finally start shopping and considering names for this little fella.

We really are so blessed.

Holiday Gift Guide for Littles

ONE//TWO//THREE

FOUR//FIVE//SIX

SEVEN//EIGHT//NINE//TEN

I've been in the holiday spirit for a bit longer now than I should probably admit.  This time of year just makes me so, so happy.

I'm trying to be proactive this year, and have already started my shopping, with the hope that I am not completely overwhelmed a week before the big day, though let's be honest, I most likely will be anyways!

I love putting together these super fun gift guides, so keep a look out for a bunch of others in the near future (Handmade favorites, for him, for her, etc.), but in the meantime, I thought I'd share some of our already-owned favorites, as well as some of the items that will be under our tree this year.

What are some of your favorite items for little ones?  I'm always on the lookout for new ideas.

Cape Cod Weekend Rewind

This past weekend can be best summed up in the following photos.  Peaceful, relaxing, serene, and full of laughs, great company, amazing food, and lots of wine (for everyone but me, of course!)

I literally never go away with out my husband and kids... really and truly, NEVER!  So a few months ago, when all of the women in my family began planning a weekend away together at my Aunt and Uncle's summer home in Cape Cod, I was both excited and hesitant.

Naturally, I was thrilled at the idea of spending time with all of the wonderful women in my family, and at the notion of a few days worth of "me time", but hesitant, because just the thought of leaving Max and Ella for a full 2 days and nights had me feeling immediately anxious.

Low and behold though, I put on my big girl pants, and hit the road for a few days with my family near the beach.

Cape Cod is insanely beautiful, and I had such a blast exploring, shopping, snacking, and just hanging around with my family.

It was a great trip, and a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my sister, cousins, and aunts.

It felt so amazing to be instantly bombarded by M&E yelling "MOMMY!!!" the moment I walked through the door.

I'm still not sure that I feel great about leaving them for solo trips often, but a few days away was just what this mama needed to feel a little refreshed and totally appreciated upon returning home!

I hope you're all having a great week!

I Have a Confession to Make...

I've seen a lot of my blogger friends posting these so-called "confession" blog posts, where they divulge a bunch of random truths about their day to day lives.  The posts are super entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoy reading them, so I thought I'd hop on the bandwagon and try my hand at a similar style post.

I generally like to keep things pretty lighthearted and somewhat edited around here, but sometimes I think it can be really refreshing to read the unedited version of people's lives.

So, here goes nothing...

1.  Kids with runny noses pretty much gross me out more than anything.  I can handle explosive diapers, cleaning up vomit, and most other yucky things, but seeing a kid walking around with their nose running into their mouth makes me want to hurl.  M&E have had colds the majority of this fall season, and you better believe that I have tissues on hand 100% of the time and that I am constantly chasing them around to wipe their noses.

2.  I recently took on a work-from-home position with my husband's company to help him out while he is working out of town here in NY, and I am seriously questioning if I have bit off more than I can chew.  Between blogging, running a small handmade company, being pregnant, and taking care of 2 kids, I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm in over my head... however, I know there are other women out there who do more, so I am sucking it up, adding more coffee to my daily regimen, and plugging through.

3.  I am off to Cape Cod this weekend, for a girl's weekend with a bunch of the ladies in my family.  I am totally looking forward to it, but this is the first time I have ever left my kids (who are 18 months and almost 3.5 years) overnight, other than when I had to leave Max to deliver Ella.  The time away is MUCH needed, but I have serious anxiety about it.  I know my husband will handle things just fine, but I absolutely hate being away from my babies. I'm that crazy mom.

4.  I wish so badly that I was one of those pregnant women who was "all belly", however, when I gain weight, I seem to gain all over.  At 19 weeks in, my hips are huge, my butt is huge, my face is huge... you get the point.  I wish that I craved fruits and veggies and other healthy foods while pregnant, but the truth is, I would much rather indulge on carbs and sweets, so I am seriously in fear of how much work I will have to do after I deliver this baby.

5.  I used to really enjoy styling my hair, putting on make up, and rocking a great outfit, but more often then not lately, I'm lucky if I get to put on bronzer and mascara, the "mom bun" has become my go-to hairstyle, and maternity leggings/yoga pants are my best friend.

6.  I have already started decorating for Christmas.  I realize that many of you will think this is insane, but the holidays are my most favorite time of year, and I am always so depressed about how short the season feels, so I decided this year, that I am an adult, and if I want to decorate early, I can.  Besides, the kids are absolutely thrilled, which makes my heart happy.

I think that about covers it for now.  Happy Thursday!

Maternity Must Haves | Part 2

maternity/nursing poncho | body oil | comfortable slippers

belly stickers | support tank | pregnancy pillow

Seeing as I'm getting closer, and closer, to the half way point in this pregnancy (19 weeks tomorrow!), I figured now would be a good time to share part 2 of what I refer to as my "Maternity Must Haves".

It goes without saying, that you could make it through nine plus months of pregnancy without owning these products, but I've found that during this current pregnancy, as well as with the prior 2, that many of these items make me really happy, and much more comfortable... and lets be honest, comfort is key when your growing a tiny human!

cover me ponchos-  a recent find, this product is seriously amazing, and I truly wish I had it for my other 2 pregnancies.  Not only can this poncho be worn as a stylish maternity top, but after baby arrives, it works as a nursing cover, and can also be used to drape over your baby carrier/car seat.  It's super comfortable and soft, and it's multi-functional, all of these points make it a must have in my opinion.

honest company organic body oil-  I love misting this stuff all over after a hot shower or bath.  My skin tends to get tight and dry, particularly over the winter months, and I love how lightweight this moisturizer feels.

comfortable slippers- pick whatever brand you like here... my Uggs have long been my favorites, but really the point is, comfy feet are so essential during pregnancy.  I have been fortunate in the past, and have not yet had the pleasure of dealing with swollen feet, but if your prone to them, you may want to go with an open back/slip on style... either way, your feet will thank you, and they're great to have when delivery time arrives!

belly stickers- okay, not exactly a necessity, but I think that these belly stickers are a super cute and fun way to document your growing bump!

support tank-  worth it's weight in gold.. seriously though, these are a bit on the pricier side, but once you slip one on, you will want to wear it every day, and you will certainly get your monies worth.

pregnancy pillow-  this item has recently become a definite must have for me.  I never owned one when I was pregnant with M&E, and decided to splurge this time around.  I'm a stomach/side sleeper, and now that I'm getting to the point that I can no longer sleep on my belly, I need to pull out all the stops to get in my Zzzzz's.  Some people say that you can purchase an inexpensive body pillow, but this gem is pretty much my new best friend.

There you have it expectant friends!

Swoon Worthy

If you know me personally, or have been following this blog for awhile now, you are probably well aware of the fact that I am Christmas obsessed.  If you didn't already know that fun fact, then consider yourselves warned.

It is literally taking every ounce of restraint that I have, not to tear down every last piece of fall decor, and start decking the halls, and I can't promise that I'll be able to hold out much longer.

You might find that these Swoon Worthy posts are about to include more and more holiday related links as the next several weeks roll by... I promise that I am trying to exercise some sense of control, attempting to embrace fall for a little bit longer, so consider this, me apologizing in advance, if you are not a holiday lover like myself.

Now... with all of that being said, here's what I'm swooning over this week, including a few great holiday finds...

1.  Always a supporter of handmade shops, this one is one of my new favorites.

2.  This duo can do no wrong, and their holiday collection is no exception!

3.  Can't. Stop. Listening... JT for the win, always!!!

4.  Is there anything better than an oversized, drapey, cardigan this time of year?  I think not.

5.  Another handmade shop that has been mentioned here on Kozy & Co. many times before, their new "red cup" shoes that drop this morning at 11:00 am PST are just too much! Swooning hard.

6.  Every time I am pregnant, I have an undeniable craving for toast, and avocado... this simple breakfast idea is perfection!

7.  See, I told you that I was embracing autumn... even if it is in the form of amazing adult beverages, that I don't even have the ability to consume!

8.  For my pregnant and nursing mama friends, I recently had the pleasure of working with this amazing company that makes trendy ponchos that serve as maternity tops, nursing covers, car seat covers, and more.  You know I adore a product that serves many purposes!

9.  Nail polish color obsession as of late.

10.  It's here... the infamous list of "favorite things", that many of us wait for with baited breath!!!

Enjoy your weekend, friends.  I'll be spending mine trying to hold myself back from breaking into Rubbermaid totes full of holiday fun!!!

Maternity Style with Pinkblush Maternity

It's no secret that I've been pregnant quite a bit over the last few years,  and while many of us know that being pregnant can be tough on a women's body, I'm pretty sure that a good majority of us can also agree that finding fashionable clothing, and still feeling on trend while growing a tiny human, can be difficult too.

In the past I have been asked by expectant friends where I go to find cute maternity clothes, and though I've always had a small handful of go-to stores when it came to maternity clothing, this time around, I felt like I needed to find something new... another option in terms of trendy maternity clothes.

{sweater c/o pinkblush maternity}

That's when I stumbled across Pinkblush Maternity.  Ladies, if you are pregnant and looking for cute maternity clothes, this company has you covered and then some... from maternity maxi dresses, to tunics, to sweaters, shawls, and pants, Pinkblush carries it all.

They have 100% become my new go-to for clothing while pregnant, however I have to note, that in regards to the styles I have already received from them, I will be wearing them even when I am not expecting!

{maxi dress c/o pinkblush maternity}

I am so thrilled to have found quality, stylish clothing to wear while I am pregnant that has more of a maternity boutique feel to it.

{tunic c/o pinkblush maternity}

Pinkblush maternity offers amazing style choices while still maintaining wallet friendly prices, which for our currently growing family is a big deal.  As much as I adore wearing my yoga pants on the daily, it's nice to know that when I feel like stepping up my game and want to attempt to look put together, I now have another option in terms of maternity style!

Halloween 2015 | A (mostly) Photo Recap

Another fun Halloween is in the books!

We're coming off a weekend full of sugar-induced excitement!

We kicked Halloween morning off with some festive donuts and spent the rest of the day preparing for the evening's festivities!

Then it was off to the neighbor's for a little party before we headed off to trick or treat!  Max had an absolute blast collecting candy, and ended up walking much farther than we expected... insisting that he carry his candy bucket the whole time, even though it was clear it was so heavy that he was practically dragging it.  He kept announcing how much he "loved Halloween", and "loved getting candy"

Ella walked on her own for a bit, but was a little all over the place, so for sanity's sake, she and our neighbor's youngest ended up getting wheeled up to people's doors via stroller, but she seemed to take in stride, still attempting to say "trick or treat" and "bye bye".

All in all, a successful night!

On Sunday, we noshed on candy, and dined on this soup... you know, to balance all of the sugar out with at least some veggies.

 Now it's back to knitting/crocheting my heart out... and thinking about all things Christmas from here on out!

Have a great week!