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Holy cow my little nugget is one! Tomorrow marks one year since this happy - go - lucky little boy came into the world, weighing 8lbs and 3 oz. I can honestly say I have never felt a love like this, and I would do absolutely anything for that smile. So when it came to Cashton’s first birthday party I knew I wanted to find a unique, fun and colorful theme that kids of all ages would love. 

After scouring Pinterest here is what we came up with, Cashton is reeling in the “BIG ONE”. Here are some of the details from our day on the pond.

We have a ton of construction in our neighborhood currently with the expansion of our development, thus I had to get creative when it came to prettying up the back yard.  Happy Sign Surprise in Charlotte rents these huge yard signs, which we used to cover the disaster that is happening behind my house. We also attached balloons to draw your attention away from the piles of mulch that are within an eye shot. 

For the decor, I pulled from multiple places. I ordered plates, napkins, cups, favors and gone fishing signs from Oriental Trading Company. I was able to download the Thank You notes for the favors from Etsy and print to card stock right from my home, and our custom wood sign was made by me at an AR Workshop in Pineville.

Pinterest provided lots of ideas for set up and food! Fish & chips net, pretzel fishing rods, “seaweed” grapes, veggie fish tray and “bait box” candy bar. 

Our GORGEOUS two tiered, chocolate and vanilla cake was designed, baked and DELIVERED by Cakes by Carol Middleton. SO affordable and maybe my favorite detail from the party! Did I mention her 1st birthday cakes come with a mini smash cake?!? 

The cake topper was ordered from Etsy. 

For the adult food, we stuck with the fish theme and catered sushi and mini burgers from Cowfish. We wanted all of the details to the party to flow from food to lighting! Simple nets that I ordered from Amazon were hung over our existing chandeliers. And of course we had  to have a monthly photo banner which you can find on Etsy in nearly any theme. 

Finally, the icing on the cake was to find some type of entertainment for the kids. That’s where Oma (grandma) stepped in and ordered a petting zoo from A Zoo 2 You. They have 8 packages at different price points, so your sure to find something to fit your budget. They even have tents for the animals and kids if weather is an issue like it was the day of our party. 

I know this looks over whelming but if you can get out ahead of it like I did and do a little at a time you’ll be just fine! Please feel free to message me with any questions! I’d love to point you in the right direction. 

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Spring has sprung ... and so have the peach tree blossoms! I learned something new this year.. apparently peach tree orchards are “the place” to shoot! 

I was lucky enough to team up with Catrina of Catrina Earls Photography for my favorite family photo yet! This is just a taste of the AMAZING photos Catrina captured! She has such a talent and shares it with the world.

I won't lie to you, my husband HATES photoshoots, but from time to time he will humor my love for making a moment stand still in time. 

Catrina shot our family in one of her many “mini sessions” and had us in and out in 45 mins from start to finish. One photo was even prettier than the next and she really captured the true essence of our family’s love!  

I can’t believe I had no idea that such a gorgeous, whimsical “set” existed right down the road in Fort Mill! 

Photo Credit : Catrina of Catrina Earls Photography 

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Pay It Forward! 

Being kind to one another is something I hope we all strive for. The Giving Keys necklaces will remind you to “dream”, be “brave” and “inspire”. They are fashionable pieces of jewelry that will help you, help others. 

The company’s mission is to help those who are transitioning out of homelessness through employment. However the “giving” doesn’t stop there. They encourage people to buy the necklaces they sell, wear them and then “give” them to someone who needs words of encouragement. 

Gotta love when fashion meets feels! 

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Okay Mommy friends! I found another product to make our lives a little easier and I’m OBSESSED! 

If you know me you know I have a purse fetish, and when I found out I was pregnant I searched high and low for the perfect yet fashionable diaper bag. 

Well check this out! Turns out I didn’t have to look too far! ToteSavvy is an insert for your high fashion bags! 

I know, I had to double take it too! Their inserts come in four different colors and two sizes. (Black, grey, brown and RED!) Yes, RED so all you Louis Vuitton lovers like myself can turn your “never full” totes into the perfect diaper bag!

The insert has a changing pad, key ring and 11 unique pockets that include an insulated slot for bottles, a flat pocket for mail or notebooks and a larger fuller spot for a change of clothes! This thing seriously has MORE pockets than my actual diaper bag! 

I know this is a bad habit but typically I am a fashion OVER function girl, especially when it comes to my purses, but now I can have the BEST of BOTH worlds!  

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OMG! I went to the sweetest play date / photo shoot with Cashton this weekend!

It was a BIG weekend for Cash, as he had TWO photoshoots. (More photos to come) My girlfriend Danielle put together an adorable “Babies and Bubbles” brunch!

This was the first time Cash and I have been on a play date. It was incredible to meet other Mommies in the area and get the kids together.

The kids ranged from 4 to 10 months and they all seemed to really enjoy each other and play together. (As did the mommies!)  What was so special about this afternoon was the fact that Danielle was able to have a photographer come to take photos of the kids!

Song from Blooming Dreams Photography was amazing with the children and really captured the fun of the afternoon! Her sets were just perfect for the 1st day of Spring!

These are just a few of Song’s behind the scenes photos! I can’t wait to share the rest with you once she sends them over!  

Photo Credit: Song at Blooming Dreams Photography

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Mother nature got anyone else down with this COLD a$$ weather? Well let me tell you something... when you get up at 3am for work and it’s 26 degrees outside, your mood is “nah”! 

I think we’re all ready for the return of spring! So, I thought this shirt was VERY appropriate for my OOTD today! It’s adorable and totally what’s on my mind! 

“Mood: nah” white long sleeve top from LL Scene 

Gold choker from Nordstrom Rack 

Gold watch by Michael Kors

Knuckle ring by Kendra Scott

Paige blue jeans from Nordstrom Rack 

Tan Ugg boots

Gold mirror sunglasses from Target 

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Okay … this is a hard one to write, and long! If you have to bail now I won’t be offended, but it’s about to get real. I felt the “breassure”! 

I SO BADLY wanted to exclusively breastfeed! It was pretty much all I thought about in the days leading up to my delivery. I made sure I had EVERYTHING I might possibly need. I bought a boppy, and made lactation cookies, I made sure I had privacy scarfs, bras and nipple cream. I even went as far as getting nipple shields incase my little one had trouble latching on.

I was prepared… and if for some reason shit went sideways I could always pump! I was going to do this! How could I not? I had taken the classes and read every statistic known to mankind about how beneficial breastfeeding was for my little guy! 

Things got off to a rocky start in the hospital when the on site lactation consultant told me … “Just shove him on there!” Uhhh okay?

After bringing Cash home from the hospital I saw a dramatic drop in his weight, so it was off to the pediatrician where I discovered my milk wasn’t coming in fast enough. Our ped was great, she talked me through the fact that I would have to supplement for a while until I was producing enough, and she set me up with Jan Ellen who was our practice’s private lactation consultant. 

Let me just say this … Jan Ellen is a legend among our parental friends and was truly a god sent to me! She took so much time with our family… answering questions and truly TEACHING me how to get Cash to latch on. (Not just shoving face to tit and hoping for the best) 

So I had to supplement a little … no big deal right? I was back on track! 

Weeks turned into months and I was STILL supplementing! Most of the time I was giving Cash WAYYYY more formula than breast milk. There were times I would pump only an ounce. AN OUNCE! ONE OUNCE! Do you know how deflating that is?!?!? 

My OBGYN even tried to put me on a prescription to help milk flow. (Which helped for a moment, but it’s not something you can be on long term … it’s more of a “jump start” if you will) 

I tried EVERYTHING! I felt like I was letting myself, my family and most of all my son down. Plus to make matters worse I SWEAR every time someone asked about Cash it was followed up with the dreaded question “Are you still breastfeeding”? I was so ashamed and irritated I even lied about it. 

Finally after 3 months of fighting with my body over milk production, I looked at my husband with tears in my eyes and said “ I just need you to tell me it’s okay to quit.” I was wearing myself out mentally and physically. 

At the end of the day there is so much pressure put on women to breastfeed and to be fair we put a lot of “breassure” on ourselves too. Everyone’s journey through motherhood is different and challenging at times, that is why it is so important to support each other as women. 

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SnOMG!!!!! It never really snows in Charlotte. The “white stuff” might fall twice a year, and when it does, you better make the most of it before it melts away. (It only lasted 7 hours this morning!) 

Today’s snow fall was a special one though, because it was the first time our little guy got to experience bundling up and exploring the unknown! 

Cashton’s face when he woke up this morning was priceless! I could tell he was curious about the blanket of white that was on the ground outside. So we threw on our owl toboggan and marshmallow coat and booked it to the backyard to build a fire! 

Having a child is like a rebirth for parents too! You get to “relive” every first, all over again, through your child's eyes. Even the smallest moments make the BIGGEST memories! 

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Ahhhh ... My little guy is FINALLY sleeping in his own bed! Praise the Lord! 

Like MOST new moms, I wanted my baby close by when I brought him home from the hospital. So naturally he slept in a bassinet in our room for the 1st few weeks, or so I thought. A few weeks turned into a month, then 2 and finally at month 3, Cashton out grew his mini crib. I was devastated! “What do I do now?” I thought. 

The floor plan of our home is not the most conducive to having children. Our master is down stairs and all the spare rooms are on the second floor. Cash was going to be wayyyyyy to far from me! 

What if I didn’t hear him cry out in the middle of the night? What if something happened and I couldn’t get to him in time? All these fears flooded my brain. So, I did the only thing to do ... I gave up my bed and slept upstairs in the guest bedroom next to his nursery. 

After what seemed like the longest month of my life, sleeping on a mattress that was intended to keep guest from staying too long, I finally decided to sleep in my own bed. I set up not one but two baby monitors, and it took me HOURS to fall asleep that night. I must have gotten up 10 times to check on Cash ... but guess what? He was fine!

In fact, I almost think he sleeps better up there ... I think it was more of an adjustment for me, then him!

Photo credit: Jacqueline Marie Photography

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Wow... I blinked and Cash was 4 months old! 

Talk about a TON of changes in 4 months! Cashton is getting bigger and stronger everyday and is coming into a BIG gregarious personality! I’ve NEVER seen a baby smile so much! Trust me I’m not bragging if anything I am the MOST thankful... and waiting for the other shoe to drop!

I always say “God only gives you what you can handle”... and he must think I’m a wussy! I had an amazing pregnancy (yes, I was one of those women who loved being pregnant... annoying I know!) a LONG but manageable delivery and now I have the happiest baby boy! 

We had a lot of milestones this month! We are sleeping in our own room (which is a whole post of it’s own to come) and we started solid foods! Beginning with single grain rice cereal and avocados. 

Cashton also learned how to roll over this month and prefers sleeping on his belly, even though it makes me a nervous wreck! He also learned how to push himself up which makes me feel better about the belly sleeping. 

Cash is also growing like a weed and at 4 months old is in 6 month clothing! Oh and did I mention he cut his 1st tooth this month too!?!

Now if I can just get him to sit up on his own. I guess we’ll work on that in month 5!

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It’s #TBT! A couple weeks ago Cashton had his first celebrity encounter! Ahhh the perks of working in radio! 

Maney and I had a private meet & greet and performance to host for Disney Star Sabrina Carpenter! You might know her from “Girl Meets World” on the Disney channel but she is also a very accomplish vocal artist! 

I was totally stressed out about taking him to a “work” event, because I couldn’t find a babysitter and my husband was out of town on a business trip. No worries though, Cash was an angel and Sabrina was the coolest about it! 

After performing “On Purpose” and “Thumbs”, which Cash seemed to love, Sabrina even posed for a pic with my little guy. 

I can’t wait to add this one to his baby book! 

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Baby wearing is all the rage for Mommies, but how did dads get left behind in this sweet bonding moment? The majority of baby carriers are made for women ... Not to say that a dude couldn’t wear them too, but a man carries weight differently than a woman does. 

Guys carry weight from their shoulders, while women displace weight more from their hips. My husband is OBSESSED with this carrier by Mission Critical made by men for men. (and Cashton seems to LOVE it too) 

Not only does it allow my husband to “pull his own weight” when it comes to our son, (pun intended) but it also gives him his own identity. Instead of strapping on my floral carrier, this gave him the manliness of a military grade flak jacket that made him the envy of all the dads in his guy tribe. 

It’s fashionable enough for him and functional enough for me. The baby goes on the front and they have an accessory pack for the back. You can connect a backpack for travel, bottles, diaper packs and more... whatever you need! It seems like they’ve thought of it all!

https://www.missioncritical.cc

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Yes! My little nugget is getting a TOOTH! I can’t believe it either... mainly because my pediatrician told me I was crazy when I mentioned to her I thought he was teething. She said, “I’ll look but I think that’s a couple months early”. 

Call it a mother’s intuition, but I knew my little guy was in pain, so I continued the baby Orajel and Monday night when I was applying the goop to Cashton’s lower jaw ... there it was! A jagged razor like little tooth budding up from his tender little mouth.  

He’s only 4 months old, but I knew something was up when my happy little guy stopped smiling and started drooling like a dog and gumming my arm! 

Momentarily, he is feeling better and laughing and smiling again but I know it’s just a matter of time before we start the cycle again for another one! 

In the mean time I’ll keep the teething rings on ice, since they could be needed at a moments notice.  

Moral of the story ... follow your instincts! 

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As most of you know I do a morning radio show here in Charlotte, North Carolina and we are currently being featured on the television show, My Big Fat Fabulous Life on TLC. Well Maney and Roy, my counter parts, got asked to LA to film this season’s reunion show and since I was on materitey leave for most of this season I got left behind.

No worries! Here is something you will learn about me... I LOVE TO TRAVEL and given the day off, nine times out of ten I will be on the road. So, since our show had off this past Friday for filming... I was off to Florida! 

I wanted to share with you one of my favorite vacation outfits from the weekend! It was Fashion Friday and I was feeling this little number! 

Do+Be white off the shoulder top from KLa Boutique 

Peach layered choker from Kla Boutique

Distressed blue jean shorts from H&M

Beaded geometric beach clutch from Laraethnics Boutique in Santorini Greece  

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It’s National Margarita Day!!!!  Call the babysitter,  grab your girls and head to happy hour!

 I opted for a liquid lunch with my boys from the show! Maney ordered a mango margarita and Roy and I of course did the skinnyrita thang. (We’re watching our girlish figures. lol)

 Anyhow I wanted to put my own spin on this holiday and since I LOVE Champagne, I called up my momma (Yes she’s a bartender) and we came up with this little concoction !

 This way if you can’t make it our to celebrate National Margarita Day you can still fiesta with a cocktail once the kids go to bed.

 You’re Welcome!

 Ingredients

•      1 Lime wedges

•      2 tsp Agave syrup

•      4 oz Lime juice, fresh

•      3 oz Silver tequila

•      4 oz Champagne

 In a shaker, begin with lime juice, a touch of sweetener and silver tequila! Fill your glass with ice, and pour half of your lime mixture then top with champagne and garnish!

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If you are a mom to a newborn, let me be the first to tell you ... IT GET’S EASIER!!! I promise! 

I won’t lie to you... being a mom is the hardest, yet the MOST rewarding job you will ever have! All those longgggg sleepless nights will soon subside and thats when the real fun begins!

The milestones will come fast and furiously! The first time your baby smiles, tummy time and morning snuggles will be memories you will cherish forever. 

However there will be tough times ahead and struggles that every 1st time mom will face. Let’s be honest ... there’s a learning curve!!!! Thus I wanted to share one of my latest struggles with you. 

Getting Cashton to eat solids seemed like it was going to be an up hill battle. (See video above. Haha.) All I can say is don’t give up! Slow and steady! Sometimes you just have to be persistent and pretty much talk them into it! I know it sounds CRAZY but they are taking most of their cues from YOU! If you get frustrated... they will too! 

After a few days of faking out my little man with a ton of “Ohhhh Mommy loves the cereal. Nom nom nom!” He wasn’t 100% on board yet but he was curious enough to open his mouth. Now he’s ALL IN! 

It also took some trial and error on my side to find a consistency that he liked. 

Long story short ... YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We all have struggles and I am happy to share mine as I go!  

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Disclaimer: I had a baby 4 months ago and I’m aware my body is not totally back to normal yet ...so be nice! ;) 

 There are a couple things I could not live without after I gave birth! Sleep, ice (yep you know what that was for!) and a good hands free pump bra! First of all let me just say there are NOT a ton of attractive designs on the market, however after some research I found one that I LOVEEEE!

 Ollie bras are a newer company that provides support and pumping access while still being fashionable. It reminds me of a lululemon bra in the sense that it can be worn everyday or to workout.

 The bra comes in soft and durable solids or really cute prints. My fav is the bitsy print, which is a floral design, which matches pretty much anything in my workout drawer.

 If you’re a mom or mom-to-be then you know the importance of multi-tasking. Ollie bra’s gave me the freedom to do other things while I was pumping. Whether it was typing up a work email or playing with my little guy, I never had to worry about leaking or holding onto my pump.

 http://www.olliegraybras.com/#features