2020 Christmas Cards

It's no secret that I love Christmas Cards, like a lot. I basically couldn't wait to send and receive Christmas cards for so so long. While Hunter was on his mission, I straight up made a fake Christmas card of the two of us because I just desperately wanted to be a part of the Christmas card making club, ha! I was so excited the first year we got married that I could finally send out a REAL Christmas card. I loved every part of designing it, stuffing envelopes, going to the mailbox to send them, and of course the best part... opening the mailbox each day to find new cards! I just love this time of year so much and seeing everyone's beautiful families and how they've grown just adds to the Christmas joy. 

This year, I used a new company for our cards and I am SO happy with how they turned out! We used Paper Culture and the cards are beautiful. They have an awesome variety of design options with all sorts of color as well as simple cards. Each card has so much character and you are sure to find one that you love. The design process was incredibly easy. Uploading photos, placing them, adding and removing text... it was such a breeze! They printed both the recipient addresses as well as the return addresses on each envelope so I got to completely skip the hand cramping and smudged addresses, ha. The cardstock is so incredibly thick and the photo quality is perfect! I honestly could not be happier with our card!

I'm also super thrilled with the company's mission. All of Paper Culture's products are made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Meaning, no new trees are cut down to make your cards! They also do little things in their office like print on two sides of a paper, recycle, compost, and choose to build offices near public transportation. Not only do they do all of that... but they also plant a tree with every single order! they have planted over 1,000,000 trees! Their employees literally pick up shovels and plant trees within their communities. SO cool! 

All around, I am so impressed with Paper Culture and everything they are doing to create a better world and a better way to keep the Christmas card tradition alive. Their cards are currently 50% off until 12/10! Make sure you take advantage of this awesome deal. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy 

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Lace, Satin, and Bows, Oh My!

We've talked about matching Christmas jammies, and we've talked about Christmas cards, now it's time to talk about another favorite Christmas tradition of mine... Christmas dresses! Having two little girls, this is seriously so fun for me! I love choosing something festive and dressing the girls up so pretty. It's so fun to curl Oaklyn's hair and have Cambria wear a pretty, sparkly bow. The girls wear their dresses on Christmas Sunday to church and I try to coordinate mine and Hunter's outfits as well to get a festive family photo. This is a tradition I can't go without. Things like this just make the holidays so fun! Oaklyn is really into "spinny" dresses and looking "pretty" so I'm super excited for this year!

The girls got a little test run wearing their dresses for these photos because I just HAD to show you all the gorgeous dresses from Bonnie Jean. I mean seriously, these dresses are literally everything I wanted! They are tiered with the most beautiful lace and have gorgeous satin bonding. They also have a satin bow placed in both the front and the back making it stunning when looking at it from either view. I absolutely love the way these dresses fit on my girls and couldn't stop staring at them twirling and smiling as they had them on. There's just something about matching little girlies that is so so darling! I'm obsessed! 

There are soo many gorgeous options at Bonnie Jean, I'm sure you'll find the perfect holiday dresses for your own daughters! My girls are wearing the Ava dress, but a few of my other favorites were the Korah, The Westly, and the London! I absolutely think it is worth it to invest in holiday dresses because they can be worn and used throughout the year! These dresses are wonderful quality and will fit the girls for a little while. They will be perfect to wear during Valentine's day and would even be cute for the 4th of July! I also love dressing my girls in festive dresses the whole month of December so they can wear them next year before Christmas Sunday when they get their new ones!

If you're looking to start this tradition this year, or are simply looking for the perfect Christmas dress, look no further! Make sure to look at all the beautiful holiday dresses Bonnie Jean has to offer!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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2018 Christmas Cards!

This post is sponsored by Shutterfly. All opinions are mine alone. #partner 

If you've been around here long, you know that Christmas cards make me sooooo happy! Like giddy happy. There's just something so fun about getting tons of happy mail from friends and family during the holidays. It seriously brightens my day getting each card. I love seeing how kids have grown, reading about what everyone did that year, and seeing the different photos and designs everyone chose. We have sent a Christmas card every year we've been married and even though it is a hassle trying to make sure photos get done, I have never once regretted it. I love having updated photos of our family over the years, and I make sure to keep a Christmas card from each year so we can look back at those too. I love pulling the book out each year and remembering what each card looked like. I also think it'll be so fun to show the girls all the cards they were in over the years. 

For a while I chose to design my own card. It was fun to get creative and make it different. Over time though, I realized how much more convenient it is to order them from a company. There are a million companies to choose from, so how are you supposed to pick just one? Don't worry... I've done all the research to make it easy on you ;) After looking into several companies, I can hands down say that Shutterfly is the way to go! They have SO many designs to choose from that there is something for everybody's style. I promise! From gold foil to marble, and gate fold to glitter you are bound to find the perfect card. Once you've selected your card literally all you have to do is upload your photos and then drag them into the desired spot. You then have the option to use your address book and let Shutterfly address all your envelopes for you! They have cute designs and fonts and it makes it so quick and easy. Plus, your envelope will look SO cute! After that, you can order personalized stamps and have them delivered right to you. Then, you're done! I mean seriously, a few clicks and your cards are completely done! How cool is that??

Now I'm sure you're thinking it's too good to be true... but trust me it really isn't! The card quality is lovely and they arrive in a timely manner. You will definitely not regret choosing Shutterfly. This year I used a Tiny Prints design which is owned by Shutterfly and can be accessed through their site. I chose a tri-fold card and I seriously love it! Make sure to order your cards this weekend to get their Black Friday deal of 40% off everything! They will be having a Cyber Monday sale too! 

I hope you have fun sending and receiving cards this year!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Finding A Back To School Routine

This post is sponsored by Sparkling ICE but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I spent practically all summer wishing I had signed Oaklyn up for preschool. I love the kid more than I can handle, but I knew she was beyond ready. She spends a lot of her days following me around looking for something to do. She has tons of toys and plenty of things she could do, but she just wanted something more to challenge herself. We put her in gymnastics to give her something to do but she then broke her foot... oops. I ended up very last minute finding out I could still sign her up and we went for it! She was beyond excited and I was too! Finally a break! hahaha...

On the first day of school we spent extra time getting her ready and talked all about the fun things she was going to learn and do. It was so fun to see her walk in without any fear. I on the other hand, shed a few tears seeing my baby in school for the first time. I was SO excited for her, yet couldn't believe we were already at that point. It was the weirdest feeling leaving her there and just leaving. I missed her throughout the day and was just looking for things to do. When we picked her up, it was such a fun reunion. We were all happy to see each other and had so much fun talking about her day. 

We're now into week three of preschool and I have come to realize that having a routine really helps! Oaklyn does afternoon preschool because she has always slept in. So, we go about our morning as usual leaving a little extra time to get ready. We make sure to do her hair special for preschool and I involve her in picking out her outfits for school. It's such a fun time to talk and hangout together before we're apart. As I do her hair she gets to eat a snack so she doesn't go to school on an empty stomach.

Then we load up the car and head to school! After walking her in, giving hugs and kisses goodbye, and watching from the window for a minute... I'm a free mom! Well... free from toddler mom ;) haha. I still have my baby Cam but she can't argue with me yet sooo I'll take it! After Oaks had been to preschool a few times I realized how wonderful it was to be able to enjoy a special "mommy drink" in the car while running errands. Cambria is still rear facing so she can't see me and even if she could, she can't talk and beg for some! I love being able to enjoy a Sparkling Ice drink as we get the to-do list done. I drink water all day everyday. It's really all I ever drink. So, it's really fun to add some flavor and fizz to my day! Sparkling Ice comes in 16 great true to life flavors, has zero calories, and zero sugar. I love that the colors and flavors are all naturally sourced. My absolute favorite flavor is Pink Grapefruit. 

My favorite part of preschool days is picking Oaklyn up. I love hearing what she did and learned and the kids she played with. I wish so badly that I could be a fly on the wall to watch her, but I'll settle  for sitting with her and talking as she eats her after school snack. She loves when I save her a little bit of my "special drink" aka Sparkling Ice and I feel good about her drinking it since it is full of vitamins and antioxidants. 

Whatever your new routine may be as your kids go to school for the first time or head back to school maybe even for the last time, remember to enjoy it a little with a special treat like Sparkling Ice. Click here to order Sparkling Ice on Amazon where you can find all 16 flavors! Also, being an Amazon Prime member will get you up to 15% off with free delivery when you Subscribe & Save. What's your favorite flavor?? 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Making A Goal To Get Outside This Summer

 This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. All opinions shared are mine alone.

I've always loved being outside. The fresh air, the sunshine on my skin, the cool breeze, the pretty flowers and green trees... I love it all! I grew up with a very active family that loved being outdoors. Several of my childhood memories include hikes, bike rides, and walks/runs. My parents helped create my love for being outdoors really early on. After becoming a mom, I realized just how important being outside is for my mental health. Being out in the fresh air and getting active has really helped me stay sane... haha! Thanks to Babbleboxx, I recently found some awesome products that will help me get outside even more this summer!

First up is the AfterShokz Trekz Air Open-Ear Headphones

Okay you guys, these headphones are seriously incredible! I go running three times a week and I always bring Oaklyn. Music motivates and inspires me to run harder and faster, but I also need to be able to hear Oaklyn. I've tried just keeping my phone in the stroller, having an arm band... nothing has really worked for me until these! With Aftershokz I'm able to enjoy my music without shutting out the world around me. AfterShokz open-ear headphones allow you to hear it all! I'm able to run up-hill listening to my favorite pump up song and hear Oaklyn tell me she needs another snack. One of my favorite parts about Trekz Air is that they are so lightweight, sometimes I even forget I'm wearing them! They are also designed to embrace any elements thrown your way. From rain to dirt, and in my case sweat to front yard sprinklers (ha!) I know they will last through it all. Trust me, you're going to want to check out these amazing headphones and get some for yourself. Check them out by clicking here!

Next Up is Brew Dr. Kombucha

You've probably been hearing about Kombucha all over the place, but what exactly is it? Kombucha is a fermented tea. Dr. Brew kombucha is live and active, 100% RAW and unpasteurized. It is also Non-Alcoholic. Dr. Brew uses a form of non-heat distillation to gently extract the alcohol but keep the goodness. This beverage makes it possible to treat yourself! Clear Mind is their most popular flavor with notes of rosemary and sage. Each herb included has the ability to assist in mental clarity and focus. The strawberry basil flavor is deliciously refreshing and was my personal favorite. It is the perfect refreshing, summer beverage! Find out more about the brand here.

Another favorite is Heliocare® Daily Use Antioxidant Formula

This product is a natural dietary supplement with antioxidant effects on the skin. It is clinically proven and dermatologist-recommended for over 25 years. Heliocare contains Fernblock® PLE Technology, an exclusive and powerful antioxidant extract that is naturally derived from the extract of Polypodium leucotomos (PLE), a tropical fern native to Central and South America that aids in eliminating free radicals to maintain younger-looking, more resilient skin. I'm pretty young, but I definitely could be taking much better care of my skin. Heliocare makes it easy for me to get the skin I've always wanted. These little Capsules are Vegan, Gluten-free, and Free of artificial dyes. The sun can negatively impact your skin, so if you plan on being outside all summer like I am, these are a must! Find out more here.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Next we have Skratch Labs Drink Mixes, Energy Chews, and Energy Bar

Skratch Labs has created a variety of different products to help you recover after working out. Their products are not only tasty, but they are also made with all natural ingredients. Skratch Labs prides themselves in creating products made with only ingredients that will help you perform and feel better. I have found several companies with products that have questionable ingredients. It's refreshing to see that Skratch does not.

I loved the sport hydration drink mix because it did just what it was supposed to for my body. Not only do I work out six times a week, I also nurse my baby three times a day... the combination of the two leaves my body needing to hydrate often. This sports drink is formulated with 800 mg of electrolytes per liter. (twice the level of Gatorade) This is the average amount of salt active people lose when they sweat. The sport recovery drink mix is also great because it helps you recover faster than using carbs or protein alone. The sport energy chews provide a slow drip energy that won't make you crash. The anytime Energy Bar is made with plant based protein and is tasty enough to eat any time of the day! The anytime hydration drink mix is a sports drink for people who hate sports drinks! The electrolyte level is similar to that of national sports drink brands but is made with natural can sugar, real fruit, and nothing artificial. Click here to find out more about these products and receive 20% off your order with the code TRYSKRATCH.

And last but definitely not least, we have T-Rex® Tape

Let's be honest here, we all have had situations where our duct tape just wasn't strong enough to get the job done... but how is that so?? Isn't duct tape supposed to be ferociously strong?? T-Rex tape is! It is built for intense holding power so you can use it on long lasting home repairs, awesome DIY projects, or any other task at hand. T-Rex tape has a double-thick adhesive that holds up in any climate and environmental condition. Head outside this summer and find projects you can accomplish with T-Rex Tape. Click here to find out more about this brand!

So what are your summer plans this year? Are you making an effort to get outside more?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Creating A Water Baby

This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own

Oaklyn was a winter baby. She was born in February and I knew that we still had some cold Utah months ahead of us, but my heart ached for summer days outside. I hated being cooped up all day and craved sunshine. When summer arrived, I was SO excited to take Oaklyn swimming for the first time. (Learn more about teaching your little one to swim on the Tach Me To Swim website.) I bought her a cute little bathing suit, made sure she had a swim diaper, packed the towels and snacks... I mean seriously, I thought it was going to be the best day ever. Oaklyn really liked her baths so I thought for sure she would love the pool. Turns out... she hated it. She stuck her little legs up when we tried to dip her in, she cried even if we held her, she hated the water hitting her face, the bathing suit kept falling down, and I was so sad! However, I should have stuck with it and continued to expose her to water. Instead, I just assumed she hated swimming and we hardly went the rest of the summer even though I LOVE swimming. 

Growing up, we swam a ton! My parents put us in swim lessons early on to ensure we were safe around large bodies of water and then we spent tons of time on different vacations where swimming was always on the agenda. We went to Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Hawaii, beaches in the South of France... I remember spending tons of time in the water. I was so bummed when I thought Oaklyn didn't love water as much as I did. After that summer, it took several other trial runs to get Oaks to like being around the water. She still pretty much hates when it is in her face and I had to bribe her to play in the splash pad last summer... but we have definitely made progress.

I decided that I wanted to expose Cam to water in a positive way early on. We started with baths in a baby bather, moved to sink baths, and also let her play in the big bath. I always smile at her and show her how to splash and she just loves it. With summer on the way, I knew it was time to start introducing her to the pool. I wanted to create a positive water introduction experience with her and started trying to find ways that would help excite her. I knew I had found baby gold when I saw the SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float. Not only is SwimWays an industry leader in helping children learn to swim, but they also promote water safety. The Infant Baby Spring Float is the most creative baby float I have seen yet. It has a sun canopy, it is fabric-covered, has a soft seat that cradles baby, and a 3-point harness to keep baby secure. To make mothers even more comfortable with bringing their babies into the pool, there are additional security features that include dual inflation chambers, child safety valves, and a wide base with an inner spring around the outside edge of the float for stability. I tried not to get my hopes up, but with this float, I was almost positive Cambria would have a really great experience. 

So, we loaded up the girls and took them to the pool with everything but the kitchen sink in the stroller... #momlife. I got the SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float all set up and was shocked how easy it was. Then, it was go time. I got Cam in her little bathing suit and we stuck the float in the water. I passed her off to Hunter who securely buckled her in and she was in heaven. She sat back and lounged while loving looking all around. She was also shaded by the removable and adjustable canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection. But the best part, was that I was having fun too! The float has built-in handles making it possible for me to swim and enjoy myself while also knowing she was secure and safe. Once Cam found the water with her feet, she was loving splashing and moving all around the pool. I didn't hear her cry once even though it was past her nap time. Not only did I have a great experience, but I know Cam did too! I was so excited to have the SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float because I know it was key in helping create my little water baby. Now I'm so excited for summer and all the pool days we have ahead of us!

Where is your family swimming this year? Backyard, beach, community pool, lake, or a vacation?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Loving Every Little Thing

Thank you Carter's for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

I remember every minute of my pregnancy with Oaklyn. I remember the restless leg syndrome, the first kick, decorating the nursery, buying her first dress, every ultrasound, the heartburn... ohhh the heartburn! I also remember all the nights I couldn't fall asleep because of the anxious anticipation of her arrival. No one prepares you for what's to come once the bump turns into a bundle of joy. No one can prepare you for the new forms of emotional and physical exhaustion that come from parenting. The thought of that overwhelmed me and consumed me. The day I had Oaklyn, a wave of fear had swept over my entire being and suddenly I felt like the captain of a sinking ship. To be honest, the whole first year felt that way for me. I am so glad I took so many pictures of her, otherwise the whole year would forever remain as a cloudy blur to me.

When I found out I was pregnant with Cambria, I immediately knew that I wanted to do everything possible to enjoy the first year instead of jumping aboard that sinking ship again... There are so many amazing firsts that happen in the first year. From taking a bath to eating solid foods, and rolling over to pulling up onto furniture, every day is an adventure. I wanted so badly to be present during Cambria's first year and I desperately wanted to love every moment. I wanted to love the way she smelled after a bath and snuggle with her in a soft blankie. I wanted to enjoy the newborn sneezes and feel joy at the first belly laugh. More than anything, I just wanted to remember that it all goes by so incredibly fast so every moment is worth cherishing. So many people told me that same thing when I had Oaklyn, but it took me experiencing it to understand.

When I started going through all the old clothes we would be passing on to Cambria, I quickly discovered we needed A LOT more of the basics. All of the white onesies and neutral colored pants of Oaklyn's were clearly used the most. The fluffy dresses and cute rompers were always fun, but I knew immediately a trip to Carter's was in order to grab some darling pieces from the Little Baby Basics Collection. Carter's makes cute and comfy pieces for newborns and babies from sizes preemie to 24 months! I've heard form several different people that Carter's is one of the only places that actually carries preemie sized clothing too! I learned pretty quickly with Oaklyn that quality clothing is very necessary. It'll be used a ton and you want your baby to feel comfortable in it. Clothing from the Little Baby Basics line is soft, hold up during all of baby's adventures, and the prices are just right. 

When it comes to the basics, here are my favorites! First up is the bodysuit! Otherwise known as the onesie. Or, basically all babies wear in the first year, ha. It’s the ultimate basic for wearing by itself or layering under other outfits. They have expandable shoulders and snaps made to last. I also really love the easy outfit sets. It helps build baby's wardrobe with different pieces that all match! The tees also have expandable shoulders and the pants have a soft elastic waist. And lastly, I love all the bundles! They make it so easy to give shower gifts, and for mom to buy several pieces at once. You really can't go wrong with this line, so make sure to stop in to your nearest Carter's asap or check out the selection online! You can even get 20% off $40+ now through June 30th with code CART4342 online or 066944 in store!

From one mom to another, spend less time worrying and more time cherishing during the first year. By shopping the Little Baby Basics collection, you'll be able to spend more time loving every little thing and less time trying to figure out which baby clothes to get ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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