A couple of weeks ago I took a mama's day off. Being surrounded by my littles all day everyday is enough to crave some alone time. That day of shopping, eating, and drinking coffee was so refreshing and renewed my soul.  But it also made me ask: how can I steal a few moments of peace within my busy days with kiddos?  I'm often out and about with them at playgrounds, play dates, doctors' appointments, and carpool. Why not be intentional about relaxing when I'm waiting for or with the kids? Since I love coffee and am from New Hampshire where you can't drive 2 miles without passing several Dunkin' Donuts® Coffee Shops (I miss that!), I'm creating a "moment of relaxation kit" that will help me relax and enjoy my favorite Dunkin' Coffee Creamer anywhere. Here's how to create your own kit:

Hello! We're back to the Pretty Real Home Series. This time, we're interviewing Jessica of Live the Fancy Life.  Jessica has become one of my closest friends over the past couple of years.  We bond over blogging, our boys (who are just a couple of months apart), and a love for design, parties, photography, and writing.  If you've never checked out Live the Fancy Life, you just have to. Jessica has such a way of making "fancy" life seem attainable. It's pretty, fresh, positive, and chock full of amazing inspiration.  Jessica is a beautiful person and coinciding with this series, has a beautiful home.  So let's chat with her and get some great advice shall we?

When I pull up to Genevieve's school and watch her playing outside, something happens.  I can't explain it but there's something about her being outside of my care for so long (It's still new). And whatever it is, my mind and heart begin racing with both my wishes and my fears for her little life. And sometimes I have to fight back tears. When I watch her play,

Today starts our Pretty Real Home series.  I don't think I'm alone in feeling a bit clueless at times when trying to decorate my home.  It can be really intimidating to attempt to create pretty spaces that are also practical sanctuaries for our families.  Add to that the pressure of Pinterest and the ability to peek into stunning homes with the click of a mouse or the tap of a finger, and it's enough for analysis paralysis to set in.  If you love to decorate but also get overwhelmed, this series is for you.  If you are obsessed with design, this series is for you.  If you want a pretty home where your very real family can live, work, and play, this series is for you.  If you have no clue when it comes to decorating but want to make some improvements, this series is for you.  Basically it's for everyone. ;) The women who will be sharing have various budgets, time, and circumstances, but they all have one thing in common. They design with intention and it shows.  I'll kick off the series with my thoughts.