Fives: Snowpocalypse and More

<div style="text-align: justify;"> For one of my blog series [<a href="http://mamaandminiblog.blogspot.com/search/label/fives">Fives</a>], I will be posting five things from that week, whether they are things that happened, things that we tried, things that Niko has learned to do, etc. This week has been a little crazy and out of the ordinary, and seemed to drag a little bit. For whatever reason, every day felt like Friday, but Saturday never came. I woke up every morning so disheartened by the fact that it was yet again, not Saturday. But, then it happened, Saturday is finally here! After we get the house in order, we are just going to snuggle all weekend because it is still freezing outside and I am not going anywhere! But, here are our top Fives from this week. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI3qU18PmtrObhwVMv6P1THfA60g8Mmn5SLRRrrcNModEl7hHAgtLivq_pZ_N9WE9UI3hD2_r2_CEP2RujVRcZCWvoUBj-4HrL6ReUB__IES-CpwYV_5UFM0WB8M7ZQwbP_ocezwMTsw/s1600/IMG_5390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI3qU18PmtrObhwVMv6P1THfA60g8Mmn5SLRRrrcNModEl7hHAgtLivq_pZ_N9WE9UI3hD2_r2_CEP2RujVRcZCWvoUBj-4HrL6ReUB__IES-CpwYV_5UFM0WB8M7ZQwbP_ocezwMTsw/s1600/IMG_5390.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 1. #Snowpocalypse2016 - As many of you were affected by the blizzard of 2016, so were we! It was the first snowfall of the season, but more specifically, it was Niko's first time seeing snow! I will never forget the look on his face when he looked up as snowflakes were landing on his lashes and his tiny button nose. He was in complete awe and amazement. However, that lasted about ten minutes. By the time Saturday rolled around and Niko and I had wrestled for 20 minutes getting him suited up, he was beyond over it. I am pretty sure he hated me, the snow, and not being able to move. We could not get inside fast enough to strip him out of his 18 layers so that he could crawl freely in his normal- more-comfortable clothes. But, once we were inside the nose-to-nose snuggle sessions made the snow day all better again. After many weekends of running around, it was so nice being snowed in all snuggled up. We did not have a care in the world this past weekend, and we did not feel guilty about it either! </div> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE0MrjADFSDarTBa3mpuDScI7YBqJJCD67N023eseZBOu5Vz0vRMuGMS0_iuVrgIigtVmMvEvbUCALPqLgHiAls1HtFUh47EE71RRtIy3l2sIMDZExGAsehEy7WFXfZvuPEeSaPPAVXM/s1600/IMG_5506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE0MrjADFSDarTBa3mpuDScI7YBqJJCD67N023eseZBOu5Vz0vRMuGMS0_iuVrgIigtVmMvEvbUCALPqLgHiAls1HtFUh47EE71RRtIy3l2sIMDZExGAsehEy7WFXfZvuPEeSaPPAVXM/s1600/IMG_5506.jpg" /></a><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 2. We are still working with Niko on eating Cheerios from a bowl without dumping them all over floor and himself. We were only about 60% successful this time, but at least we are getting somewhere! I just keep telling myself that one day he will be able to eat out of a bowl or off of a plate without picking it up and turning it over, which will only make me more sad that he is getting big enough to eat properly. I mean, I just cannot win! HA</div> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemX4RVAXHlo2zoDvmC7L776nxlzqgL1J-20951vldaan2Aq_DOrS0HvS1JS7dgvGBsW1X5w-ZYlW5P0TXIciD21o8LV-xdmMWp2l6n6G5ZcQNB3zSAUduztork94eB8mM57IJu0_pfyg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-29+at+10.28.07+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemX4RVAXHlo2zoDvmC7L776nxlzqgL1J-20951vldaan2Aq_DOrS0HvS1JS7dgvGBsW1X5w-ZYlW5P0TXIciD21o8LV-xdmMWp2l6n6G5ZcQNB3zSAUduztork94eB8mM57IJu0_pfyg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-29+at+10.28.07+PM.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 3. mama + mini: the blog is finally up and running! This week, I finally figured out how to get my blog up and running and even got some posts written and posted. It has been a whirlwind of a week and I am not sure how I managed to do all of this work, but I did it and I am so proud of myself for figuring out all this techy stuff! </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDi1gOfEotV9iVWQi3xmgBl3vOnUf2CnGJXKX2Erz129lvbvXgAr8NCePk_Tv2VsMD_-_SFAhAZZhjnngnzsX-HNr5_wOjjrhC_S0r0X8VuesoaaCErMLlllZ80p3JP5HUMc5pyTy8as/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-29+at+10.48.02+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDi1gOfEotV9iVWQi3xmgBl3vOnUf2CnGJXKX2Erz129lvbvXgAr8NCePk_Tv2VsMD_-_SFAhAZZhjnngnzsX-HNr5_wOjjrhC_S0r0X8VuesoaaCErMLlllZ80p3JP5HUMc5pyTy8as/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-29+at+10.48.02+PM.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 4. Last year, Big Bang Theory aired an episode where Penny and Sheldon conducted an experiment designed to make people fall in love by asking a series of questions and then looking into each other's eyes for a designated amount of time. So, because Penny and Sheldon did the experiment, we obviously had to too! But, in all seriousness, I have always thought that it would be something fun to do with Justin, even though we are already married and know each other inside out. So, this week, I pulled up the questions and we began playing. The results were pretty interesting! I will get into that in a later post, though! You can find the questions <a href="http://36questionsinlove.com/">here</a>. Try it out with your friend, boyfriend, husband, blind date, whoever and let me know how it goes! </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1IPiB9NYhWb8R0YoQ0ksiF3qR6l2jx61wKC9w7SabRRlbHVhJ2TsFOI3AF45XKHrw7Dc9aesqNL0htswpvVBqyWXdDj78OUkdOvOi7ZR1x-drlv8jkqRkZyIlXd_6egdAdUIQ8zcQ4A/s1600/IMG_5181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1IPiB9NYhWb8R0YoQ0ksiF3qR6l2jx61wKC9w7SabRRlbHVhJ2TsFOI3AF45XKHrw7Dc9aesqNL0htswpvVBqyWXdDj78OUkdOvOi7ZR1x-drlv8jkqRkZyIlXd_6egdAdUIQ8zcQ4A/s1600/IMG_5181.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 5. We changed Niko's sleep schedule and dropped one more nursing session, as we have started weaning him. It has been an emotional and long week, to say the least, but we are getting there! Each day and night gets a little bit easier than the night before. So, hang in there mamas who are going through the same thing right now! It does get easier, but it gets worse before it gets better.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> What are you top Fives from this week? Leave them in the comments below!<br /> <br /> XX<br /> Francesca

featured, fives

Fives: Snowpocalypse and More

For one of my blog series [ Fives ], I will be posting five things from that week, whether they are things that happened, things that we tr...

Niko's First Round Picks Part 1: Top 10 Faves

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIRgIDgGdqBkGTah-QRE5z2_s2hOsenGwpISChkLxr2jVCKkTF57gv5-6Brp__9hduKxoYaqtGCt_ZvWpO8sFGaLp3Kw6Gd67JqUZ3XCWgFzrljGAdnFienuY14Rz9v8mTGXueMdLrlM/s1600/IMG_0310+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIRgIDgGdqBkGTah-QRE5z2_s2hOsenGwpISChkLxr2jVCKkTF57gv5-6Brp__9hduKxoYaqtGCt_ZvWpO8sFGaLp3Kw6Gd67JqUZ3XCWgFzrljGAdnFienuY14Rz9v8mTGXueMdLrlM/s1600/IMG_0310+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> We often get asked what our favorite products and brands are and what products we could have lived without. In the 10 [almost 11] short months since Niko has made his debut, we have been on a mission to find out which products worked for us and which ones didn't. When we went to go register, I remember anxiously combing through Pinterest trying to find out what we needed and what we didn't. I was confused, didn't know what we actually <i>needed</i> and what was going to be a waste of money, and which products actually worked the way they said they would. It wasn't until I started asking other mamas what they loved, that I began to feel more at ease. So, I have decided to return the favor and put together a list of all of <b>Niko's</b> [and mama's] <b>First Round Picks</b> and why they have worked for us and why we loved them so dearly.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 1. <a href="https://www.adenandanais.com/">aden + anais</a> - <b>EVERYTHING</b>. I know that aden + anais is not a new brand, or maybe not even that new to all of you, but I love everything about their products. Their soft, lightweight, breathable muslin swaddle blankets were a lifesaver when Niko was first born, and still continue to be. For as thin as they are, they hold in <b>so</b> much heat. You never have to worry about your sweet little mini being cold again. Trust me, I have tested them out myself! And, since all of aden + anais' products go through rigorous testing before being sold, you have a little less to worry about when you put your head on your pillow at night. We have tried everything from swaddle blankets, to bedding, to even changing mat covers. aden + anais never disappoint! </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 2. <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=50637596&cp=&parentPage=search">Britax B-Agile and B-Safe Travel System</a> - This one was a biggie for us. I wanted to make sure that Niko was going to be safe when being in the car. So, I called my cousin, who is a doctor and carseat certified, to ask for her advice. She mentioned that you cannot go wrong with either a Chicco or Britax carseat, they are the safest on the market. After that, it was just based on preference, but, I have to say, we have been very pleased with how durable, reliable, and safe our Britax Travel System has been.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 3. <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4233184&cp=&parentPage=search">Sofie the Giraffe</a> - Sophie has been <i>so</i> good to us for <i>so</i> many months and through all of those terrible teething moments. She doubles as a toy and as a teether. She keeps Niko occupied while soothing his sore gums. And, the best part is, is that Sophie is made of 100% all natural rubber and food paint, making her super safe for baby. I highly recommend having one for the house and one for your diaper bag, this way you are never without her.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 4. <a href="https://www.4moms.com/mamaroo">mamaRoo by 4moms</a> - Words could not give this product justice. The mamaRoo is a complete lifesaver. I honestly do not know what we would have done without it for the first 9 months of Niko's life. It is a bouncer, swing, and rocker all-in-one and 'it moves like you do.' Niko loved it and we loved it, so it was a win-win. And, one of the best features was that you could control the seat by an app on your phone. I just like when everything is connecting to one place. It makes me feel centered. The price tag is pretty pricey, but if you think about having to buy a bouncer and a swing and everything else that moves, it no longer seems <i>as</i> pricey. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 5. <a href="http://babyganics.com/">Babyganics</a> - Babyganics is by far our favorite brand on the market for household necessities. All of their products are plant-based and are safe for baby to explore. We use everything from dish and bottle soap to laundry detergent, to face wipes and toothpaste, and everything else in between. I just feel so much better knowing that everything that is and that will be touching Niko's senstivie baby skin is safe. And, the prices are super reasonable, especially since we use Amazon's Subscribe and Save program, which I recommend signing up for now, if you don't already! </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 6. <a href="http://www.pampers.com/en-us?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pampers_Search_Brand%20Awareness.Exact&utm_term=pampers&utm_content=syErvd6lb|dc_pampers_e_51450771475&gclid=CjwKEAiAuKy1BRCY5bTuvPeopXcSJAAq4OVsDDmiX7Sz-34pVvQaUNBd208ZM9mND-xstjLUq-NEGxoCmTzw_wcB">Pampers</a> - We have tried every brand of diapers and wipes imaginable, from store brand to specialty, and none of them seemed to keep Niko dry and soft like Pampers. We never had issues with weird rashes or leakage [aside from normal diaper blowouts, that is]. And, again, reasonably priced and we save 20% on diapers through Amazon Mom; you can't beat that!</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 7. <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=24709096&cp=&parentPage=search">Baby K'tan Baby Carrier</a> - We tried almost three carriers until we found the K'tan. I just love how easy this wrap is to work with! 1, 2, 3 and baby is all snuggled in nice and secure. Other wraps are hard to manage and don't feel as tight and snug. The Baby K'tan was the best way to wear Niko around the house to get chores done and not having to worry about him falling out.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 8. <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=69525626&cp=2255957.2273443.2255981.69345326.12115656.34641836&parentPage=family">Munchkin Formula Dispenser</a> & <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=56490376&cp=2273443.2255981.2255981&parentPage=search">Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder</a>- Although I am still nursing Niko, this product came in super handy when we were on the go and Niko started eating cereal. It was so easy to take it where ever we went, without worrying about cereal spilling in my diaper bag. You can use this dispenser for anything! You can throw puffs or cheerios, or other tiny snacks in there for when you are on the go. I just love having it around! More often than not, it comes in handy. As for the Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder, I cannot tell you enough how much Niko loved this product! Early on, we would let Niko try watermelon and other fruits to get a feel for what real food would taste like. He loved, loved, loved getting real food through this mesh feeder and it was always so nice knowing that he wouldn't be able to choke.<br /> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 9. <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3088660&sr=1&origkw=dr.%20browns">Dr. Brown's Bottles</a> - Best bottles for reducing colic, spit-up, and gas. There are a lot of pieces to these bottles and they are a pain to wash when you are in a pinch [or just in general], but, they are so nice and so good for baby! Dr. Brown's bottles are also the best bottles if you are still nursing. They create a positive-pressure flow that is similar to breastfeeding, so less chance of nipple confusion! We personally loved the <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3956082&cp=2255957.2273443.2255981.69345326.3088660&parentPage=family">wide neck newborn bottles</a>.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 10. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/eddie-bauer-reversible-cart-highchair-cover/-/A-14955114#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=eddie+bauer+cart+cover">Cart Cover </a>- It took us a while to find a cart cover that we really loved, but we finally found one in Target one day. This product is one of my favorites because it doubles as a cart cover and as a highchair cover when you go out to dinner. It keeps baby all snuggly and comfy, while keeping them from sucking on the cart and picking up everyone else's germs. Plus, would you want to sit on a plastic seat while mama strolled through target for 3 hours every day? I didn't think so!</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> Check in later for more of Niko's First Round Picks! Next time, we will be going over some of our not-so favorite products.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Disclaimer: Not every product is going to work for you and for your mini; each mama and each baby is different, but, at least this list may act as a start! Whether or not you are a new mama-to-be or a super mama of 3, you may find something that works for you and baby that you haven't thought of before on this list!<br /> <br /> XX<br /> Francesca </div>

featured, nikosfirstroundpicks

Niko's First Round Picks Part 1: Top 10 Faves

We often get asked what our favorite products and brands are and what products we could have lived without. In the 10 [almost 11] short...

m + m style: Dear Lane

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvOLR_qBQ5GYy9pai1wAHglufOpjy1RHrwKPFd84LGGjd6Pd2hcHjcAGBm_-_TQKT-dD9nZdRKNJrtSaNj5DEoMcGVO40vhTNSKaPT7gkogEJUaccZ6hvCL1odT46x0sBP4e_TutaMRI/s1600/DSC_0339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvOLR_qBQ5GYy9pai1wAHglufOpjy1RHrwKPFd84LGGjd6Pd2hcHjcAGBm_-_TQKT-dD9nZdRKNJrtSaNj5DEoMcGVO40vhTNSKaPT7gkogEJUaccZ6hvCL1odT46x0sBP4e_TutaMRI/s1600/DSC_0339.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89fWS1HQilboksytM0zOE8rUMxc2EC7neScMHhxlXKb2xO8b4Bl6jmu41aHY7oeQsbu-QsbFxVwMzkUblO_8U9QZWMXaCidlPEFpAvabydnnnx-cV6MzpypgB2QgOQ3LAw4-zQXc2N5o/s1600/DSC_0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89fWS1HQilboksytM0zOE8rUMxc2EC7neScMHhxlXKb2xO8b4Bl6jmu41aHY7oeQsbu-QsbFxVwMzkUblO_8U9QZWMXaCidlPEFpAvabydnnnx-cV6MzpypgB2QgOQ3LAw4-zQXc2N5o/s1600/DSC_0341.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrKuCNUBL9Brvkbf75_T-68gPGf9OuKovEsszoWShi_SqhZ2jnvyakairdqlASZWTmr1069pKKP9BNfXSW-ad482p3kbwksi-vG68fShWr2oXt7aKZwlvzg6uKrXGn6MrRDy9TylAWbU/s1600/DSC_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrKuCNUBL9Brvkbf75_T-68gPGf9OuKovEsszoWShi_SqhZ2jnvyakairdqlASZWTmr1069pKKP9BNfXSW-ad482p3kbwksi-vG68fShWr2oXt7aKZwlvzg6uKrXGn6MrRDy9TylAWbU/s1600/DSC_0345.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge42ghmKAzWnT5kBxx_-Tb2M2lPkUQEEW4e1E4Ai-pmwrQqKSVNn1dA17epsDBocqvtuT0iWN9g6qw5J5QzoirnezW0mVD7A7Ii4sn9frmG1OLnkwvmDBIj3fyjPe0VZE5y7GT94uZIzQ/s1600/DSC_0350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge42ghmKAzWnT5kBxx_-Tb2M2lPkUQEEW4e1E4Ai-pmwrQqKSVNn1dA17epsDBocqvtuT0iWN9g6qw5J5QzoirnezW0mVD7A7Ii4sn9frmG1OLnkwvmDBIj3fyjPe0VZE5y7GT94uZIzQ/s1600/DSC_0350.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTvGdCV7IrhOuFXRAEJrDqwmchOw8A_87kAfZv_DrFEF8MShQhnoz26UmW4lSFrBqQZLCGcXjjrn_lNMS0PrH85VJqXczqV3Lk_4iU8WInjinGsVDomRBneMD0h-9x8VcEZ4q9R7C21c/s1600/DSC_0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTvGdCV7IrhOuFXRAEJrDqwmchOw8A_87kAfZv_DrFEF8MShQhnoz26UmW4lSFrBqQZLCGcXjjrn_lNMS0PrH85VJqXczqV3Lk_4iU8WInjinGsVDomRBneMD0h-9x8VcEZ4q9R7C21c/s1600/DSC_0351.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVY4SmItlICB67a2V2p_ezy3JFice9Uss5evgjqjJ6OQd2x8ZJ58OFjRwECH5xjQBKACBK5U1-6YuchEYYYdetJ9RKkHiVwA1lZ3lV7HI3EZn4sjQwL75GcnQJXx2i1yhb84rIivFEHrY/s1600/DSC_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVY4SmItlICB67a2V2p_ezy3JFice9Uss5evgjqjJ6OQd2x8ZJ58OFjRwECH5xjQBKACBK5U1-6YuchEYYYdetJ9RKkHiVwA1lZ3lV7HI3EZn4sjQwL75GcnQJXx2i1yhb84rIivFEHrY/s1600/DSC_0353.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDghYr-neKM0Idqnl-h0XHLi_Txt-xbXfb9fR2gjwvohCGbXtOs8g1tEZ483sUw4ob5aiaAgMXSDidnK02bFX6RivMOrAgww7IQTpMHMDgM4ObphK67j7uCJK_xbTVfc9aqfB94mqZHQ/s1600/DSC_0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDghYr-neKM0Idqnl-h0XHLi_Txt-xbXfb9fR2gjwvohCGbXtOs8g1tEZ483sUw4ob5aiaAgMXSDidnK02bFX6RivMOrAgww7IQTpMHMDgM4ObphK67j7uCJK_xbTVfc9aqfB94mqZHQ/s1600/DSC_0384.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3JWC-raeTCjqFz8wJTEjbAEpeacGoqh9PfgQTObP9slAmu-DF7pbFDFm4CslroOL5Y_UBzC3zTFvDiJhaq6CehLjhfiJJ1jlCfLi9CGQxeSHoXunNCS9nS7mLpOZRdIZhxn6MI5kLg4/s1600/DSC_0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3JWC-raeTCjqFz8wJTEjbAEpeacGoqh9PfgQTObP9slAmu-DF7pbFDFm4CslroOL5Y_UBzC3zTFvDiJhaq6CehLjhfiJJ1jlCfLi9CGQxeSHoXunNCS9nS7mLpOZRdIZhxn6MI5kLg4/s1600/DSC_0388.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3s7rbgVJfiInOG9rwER9kF5T_FQStsHfqdM-DSPIZILZgemi-KqF_wPVpnEcva7bOgIbxa26nao-tL2reIjgHdz5Bqj8ckZ2hpyRFFkcoGlYv7fCKpuPOi2OxawCAgAu1OCAediFmg8/s1600/DSC_0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3s7rbgVJfiInOG9rwER9kF5T_FQStsHfqdM-DSPIZILZgemi-KqF_wPVpnEcva7bOgIbxa26nao-tL2reIjgHdz5Bqj8ckZ2hpyRFFkcoGlYv7fCKpuPOi2OxawCAgAu1OCAediFmg8/s1600/DSC_0391.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7u6mjwpYVl5i5-WXaZP_nrkOLUsphyphenhyphenNnE-IblfWOaoR0Uo0vCp9kdNYxxL9s9LQ6LKvYBoDQcTgDV2QuoNNek6pBUODXtIokohG_yARpaGyP2CBVRCKVnMalcK8T1muY6uXWtVWsD9I/s1600/DSC_0393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7u6mjwpYVl5i5-WXaZP_nrkOLUsphyphenhyphenNnE-IblfWOaoR0Uo0vCp9kdNYxxL9s9LQ6LKvYBoDQcTgDV2QuoNNek6pBUODXtIokohG_yARpaGyP2CBVRCKVnMalcK8T1muY6uXWtVWsD9I/s1600/DSC_0393.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gNdPRFeO0GEAtSw1b4FRA7Fgu1gmdPh8DfqVGlrzd5-aO1TAwskDZHe85SdXgOWwKD6-6GNcZnIEHt1bHM9mLn6A0b1gFDRq9hWG_q0mR0AO7Nh_F3VowjDE_zMizkR1VoRTwgnm2hU/s1600/DSC_0394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gNdPRFeO0GEAtSw1b4FRA7Fgu1gmdPh8DfqVGlrzd5-aO1TAwskDZHe85SdXgOWwKD6-6GNcZnIEHt1bHM9mLn6A0b1gFDRq9hWG_q0mR0AO7Nh_F3VowjDE_zMizkR1VoRTwgnm2hU/s1600/DSC_0394.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooqxHfCfymTcZhfv_atflyIELQ2UgO7Nk1Tg_a8_UqKIePSUJyQhisVCLLkiPXINHPZ-Em3mkSqoffsGzpVPVy8XTb8ncRHA9klKky0AGGBjwCxYmwNoix7tvBG5PamYBFtUyqAKzwjQ/s1600/DSC_0395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooqxHfCfymTcZhfv_atflyIELQ2UgO7Nk1Tg_a8_UqKIePSUJyQhisVCLLkiPXINHPZ-Em3mkSqoffsGzpVPVy8XTb8ncRHA9klKky0AGGBjwCxYmwNoix7tvBG5PamYBFtUyqAKzwjQ/s1600/DSC_0395.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK7z58S6hdvlNJ-qadCRa4AYhkwqBnCZiUfaj82e8-Glw0rdm9TQm1xEii9CzvPWtKZz0UVAiPiPbvB4SqMMyZu7kwFvsSav6Llybwbwb2Ozhar1DHNeiYmefC3IpUDXGs5vYPEyWUf8/s1600/DSC_0398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK7z58S6hdvlNJ-qadCRa4AYhkwqBnCZiUfaj82e8-Glw0rdm9TQm1xEii9CzvPWtKZz0UVAiPiPbvB4SqMMyZu7kwFvsSav6Llybwbwb2Ozhar1DHNeiYmefC3IpUDXGs5vYPEyWUf8/s1600/DSC_0398.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSlCNa93iBxDBQwV4eclXuUSQYe7s3qCiDjpyT1J0Juf4_pk7Dj1YJ59wiQWb5MWEbEHx15XAIqq76CLDLxba5b8s_VcVMI-93IqD0gd4CKBRcSbV8VOztZNg0nh5P8iV631Y-eFwWSo/s1600/DSC_0399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSlCNa93iBxDBQwV4eclXuUSQYe7s3qCiDjpyT1J0Juf4_pk7Dj1YJ59wiQWb5MWEbEHx15XAIqq76CLDLxba5b8s_VcVMI-93IqD0gd4CKBRcSbV8VOztZNg0nh5P8iV631Y-eFwWSo/s1600/DSC_0399.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oXSqy61DDIcPKdPHG-wD4YGeInW4aHwfFUHTweYt_7udrA-_upMf2-Ejwy8BQzLvo8sG8wKTzZlVby3M6VfvcZ1uGm751Ixcgc1yVPTLw7i0Q1j1PncLJFCBNtfCFVCFQX4PB7xTp3A/s1600/DSC_0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oXSqy61DDIcPKdPHG-wD4YGeInW4aHwfFUHTweYt_7udrA-_upMf2-Ejwy8BQzLvo8sG8wKTzZlVby3M6VfvcZ1uGm751Ixcgc1yVPTLw7i0Q1j1PncLJFCBNtfCFVCFQX4PB7xTp3A/s1600/DSC_0404.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> During that past 6 months, we were lucky enough to be chosen to rep a number of different small shops on Instagram. One of our favorite shops to rep for was <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DearLane">Dear Lane</a>. Dear Lane is a specialty Instagram shop that outfits the little outdoorsman[woman] in your life. The quality of all of the pieces that we received were amazing, so, so soft, and held up nicely through wash and wear. Devin truly makes sure that each piece is carefully made with love and she adds her sweet, special touches to each package. Each product is truly unique, super adorable, and can be worn by both boys and girls, although, there are some pieces that are gender specific. Dear Lane is a made to order business, but the turnaround time is only about two weeks, and I have never had an issue with shipment. My package always at my doorstep on time and in perfect condition. You just have to order your little one something from Dear Lane! You will not be disappointed!<br /> <br /> XX<br /> Francesca</div>

featured, mandmstyle

m + m style: Dear Lane

During that past 6 months, we were lucky enough to be chosen to rep a number of different sma...

The Mama Behind the Mini

<div style="margin: 0in;"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hi Mamas! Thank you for stopping by our blog, mama + mini. Creating a blog has been a long time dream of mine, and I am finally making it come true. I hope you are along for the ride, for I am excited to see where it takes us!</span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><br /></div> <b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in;"> <div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a little peek into our life and the mama behind the mini: My name is Francesca and I am a twenty-something<span style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll white;"> small town girl who traded in her big city life for country living. I am an aspiring stay-at-home mama and Susie Homemaker, a wife to an amazing man, and a new mama to the most handsome little man, who happens to be the inspiration behind mama + mini. Before entering mamahood, I was well-known for my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes, perfectly tied bows, and beautifully draped bunting banners. You could find me in the kitchen whipping up a delicious baked treat, crafting and DIYing it up in front of a good chick-flick, or keeping up with my horoscope and celebrity gossip--two of my biggest guilty pleasures. Nowadays, you can find me elbows deep in bubbles and bathtub finger paints, singing along to our favorite songs, playing-teaching-learning, never-ending nose-to-nose cuddles sessions, and trying to balance this beautiful life as we now know it the best that I possibly can. We have come a long way since our first days together, but every day I am still learning something new about life, love, and our little mini. </span></span></span></div> </div> </div> <div style="margin: 0in;"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll white; font-size: small;">Watch as our new life as a family of three <i>unfolds</i>. </span></span></div> </div> <div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "crushed"; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxrdfkVsWJk1zZoa2t0wWflDJbW6BcnzJjiKcyTsSWJ5Pw-fZRJxSjJirjS4RZY7dAic7dgwcjXfuzfTMVQwqcOYoO008P6FUE9Z5Kzb3h-HYPi4xEymQo9ESBNFFahllDRAgvFbS4bc/s640/blogger-image--1965847971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxrdfkVsWJk1zZoa2t0wWflDJbW6BcnzJjiKcyTsSWJ5Pw-fZRJxSjJirjS4RZY7dAic7dgwcjXfuzfTMVQwqcOYoO008P6FUE9Z5Kzb3h-HYPi4xEymQo9ESBNFFahllDRAgvFbS4bc/s1600/blogger-image--1965847971.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> XX</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Francesca </div>

about, featured, mamabehindthemini

The Mama Behind the Mini

Hi Mamas! Thank you for stopping by our blog, mama + mini. Creating a blog has been a long time dream of mine, and I am finally making it ...