Easter Tablescape Using Pieces From Around Your Home

The Easter Countdown is on! Are you ready?? Honestly, this year it totally snuck up on me. I treally thought I had at least another week and it turns out this is the last week soooo... oops! This whole week I've been scrambling to find my girls matching Easter dresses for church and it was ridiculous how many stores I had to go to just to find some that are decently priced and decently cute. Alas, I found some and all is well in my 4 year old's world. As far as their Easter baskets go, I at least have the baskets... Clearly I have a busy next few days... 

I preach all the time that holidays will be as special as you make them. As the mom, or dad, or grandparent, or whoever you are reading this... you have the power to make your holiday as special as you want it to be. I personally try to make every holiday have a special meal. Some examples are heart shaped pizzas on Valentine's Day, a BBQ on the 4th of July, a fancy Christmas dinner, a chili dinner on Halloween, etc... Everyone does Easter a little bit differently but the most common meals are Easter dinner and Easter brunch. While I'm obsessed with Christmas, Easter is quickly becoming my favorite holiday to decorate for. I looooveee spring colors. The muted pinks and soft yellows mixed with robin's egg blue and sage green are just gorgeous with all the white and cream. I decorate my home with mostly white and grey and other muted colors so this holiday is so easy for me to just grab things I already have [or what my mom has ;) ] For this tablescape I chose to make the middle of the table a statement of all things Spring. I collected cake stands my mom and I already had, greenery we already had, bunnies we already had, and then just arranged them all together to look extra springy and extra well... EXTRA! The only penny I spent was on the silverware pockets which are from the Target Dollar Spot and were literally $1 for 8. So what should you be looking for around your house to make a pretty Easter tablescape? Start with a tablecloth. My mother in law had this rose pink one and some vintage lace doilies I threw in the middle. If you don't have one, go grab one from the dollar store for a dollar. They always have SO many colors. You can also go to a local thrift store. They have the best priced linens and a lot of them are super unique. If you want to invest in a tablecloth, here's a cheap option. Next up find some chargers and dishes. I used my moms white dishes because mine are still boxed up but here's an affordable option for white beaded plates that work for any occasion! The chargers are also my mom's but Amazon has a ton of galvanized charger options! I also just used some regular silverware in a paper pocket from the dollar spot. These would be super easy to make too! My mom had these adorable place card holders and I searched the internet for more with no luck... however I did find these adorable wood round place card holders as well as these burlap bow ones! Next Up you're going to want to find all the vases, cake stands, greenery, light colored florals, and other Easter/Spring decor from around your house. If you don't have any florals or greenery... head outside or to the store! I'm sure you'll be able to find bushes, trees, and other wild flowers in your yard to arrange together. If not, trader joe's, sprouts, and other grocery stores have great flowers for cheap! Baby's breath is one of my favorite cheap Spring options. Don't have any vases or cake stands?? Head to your nearest dollar store or thrift store! The dollar store always has vases that are begging to be spray painted and you can make your own cake stands by buying a plate, a candle holder, glass glue, and some white spray paint! I made some for Oaklyn's first birthday party and have used them numerous times since. When arranging, just let the creative juices flow. Work with the different heights and designs you have. I added some inspo photos below and hope that it gets you excited for your own Easter brunch of dinner! I'd love to see photos of what you come up with, so send them my way! 

All my love, 

Aleigh Joy

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Easter Weekend Wrap Up

Easter weekend was a blast!

I was completely wiped out by Monday morning from all the fun, but it was totally worth it.

The week leading up to Easter was one of my busiest weeks in a while, but if you know me... you know I absolutely love being busy haha.

I'm the type of person that begins thinking about holidays like... months and months in advance.

So far in advance that I may already have our Halloween costumes picked out this year, ha!

I got so excited thinking that Oaklyn would care a little more about Easter this year. 

I started to dream up her Sunday outfit and planned a little egg hunt for some local moms. 

We also hosted Easter dinner with some friends and that was so fun!

Soo... here's a little wrap up in pictures :)

Friday afternoon we had a little Easter egg hunt at a local park.

I was so excited for Oaklyn because she helped me stuff the eggs with jelly beans and she was trying so hard to wait patiently all afternoon.

When we got to the park she saw the duck pond and couldn't get her mind off feeding them...

I think you can probably guess how the egg hunt went... ha!

Right as it was go time she sprinted the other way towards the ducks looking back at me terrified that I would make her stop.

When I told her to come back she yelled, "Ducky hungry!"

Needless to say I picked up the eggs for her and she indulged in jelly beans after making sure the ducks were fed haha!

as you can see... she already had her plan set... bread in hand before the egg hunt haha

On Sunday I got up earlier than usual and Hunter was shocked, haha!

Seriously, I love my sleep!

I made some cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs and we all got ready for church.

The cutest thing ever was after I got Oaklyn all ready in her Easter dress, she looked at me and said, "show dada new dress!"

She ran out and got so excited for him to see her all dressed up.

I actually had to wipe a tear away because it was the cutest.

She has such a crush on her daddy haha.

After church I ran inside to set up Oaklyn's Easter basket.

Hunter and Oaks came in after and the second she saw it, she sprinted full speed ahead!

She loved going through her goodies with dada and eating her favorite candy ever, jelly beans!

I started on dinner right after that while Oaks and Hunt played "egg hunt" over and over.

We had two of our couple friends over and my sister in law and her boyfriend for dinner, dessert, and games!

The menu was a pretty traditional Easter dinner with ham, funeral potatoes, bacon and garlic green beans, a yummy pear and spinach salad made by kiely, rolls from audrey, and then carrot cake and carmelitas for dessert!

The weather was so perfect we ate outside and all in all, it was just an awesome day!

Oaklyn's Dress | My dress (similar) | Oak's Pink Moccs | Oaks Yellow Shirt (similar) | Oaks Jeans (similar) | Oaks grey moccs | Hunter's Tie (similar)

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Floral Forever

Every day here in Utah has been different weather wise, but I can definitely feel that spring is in the air!

When I think of spring I obviously think of Easter, but I also think of bright colors, dresses, and of course... flowers.

I've always dressed on the girlish side and appreciated a pretty dress, but I mean, what girl doesn't love flowers??

Receiving them, planting them, painting them, wearing them, or even just looking at them... I feel like every girl just has to love them!

I for one, think that they totally brighten my mood!

Floral prints have always been among my favorites.

 They just always draw my eye.

I also love the convenience of a maxi dress, so when I saw this one from Lindsay's Secret Closet, I couldn't resist!

Floral prints are so classic, I really don't think they will ever go out of style.

That being said... I'm so excited to introduce this dress as the next dress in the series #mymammastyle!

It can be so much easier than you think to look cute as a mother of little ones so start with something cute like this dress!

I love that this dress can transition perfectly with each season.

The timeless floral print is perfect for both spring and summer, but the darker colors in the dress are also perfect for fall and winter!

I think it would look adorable with a jean jacket in the fall or a longer coat in the winter!

I also love that it is a maxi dress!

Maxi dresses look good on just about every frame. 

They aren't form fitted so they just hang on your frame creating a slim look.

Something I also love about maxi dresses is that they work perfect with heels or flats, so you can decide to either dress it up or dress it down.

This particular dress is made a little shorter, but I personally love that you can see all of my wedges!

These wedges are old, but were hidden in the back of my closet for far too long so I got to rekindle my love for them ;)

In fact, Hunter asked me if they were new when he saw them, haha!

This dress is from Lindsay's Secret Closet and I am totally loving this online store!

Every single thing in the shop is super affordable and trendy and perfect to add to your "mom wardrobe."

Is there a better combo?

This particular dress is actually under $30! Score!

I'm so excited to style this dress differently through every season.

I'm sure you'll love something from Lindsay's Secret Closet so I have partnered with her to bring all of my wonderful followers a promo code!

Go ahead and use code: ALEIGHJOY for $5 off your purchase of $35 or more! :)

What is your current favorite print?

Let me know in the comments!

And, don't forget to tag your photos with #mymamma style to get featured on my blog!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Dress | Wedges (similar) | Floppy Hat | Watch | 

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Easter Basket "Must Haves"

We have been absolutely loving the spring weather we've been having lately!

All the snow is melted in the valley and the sun is shining bright!

It's still in the high 50's/low 60's but we've had a few days in the high 60's and I'm totally soaking it up!

If you follow me on snapchat (@aleighjoy) then you know Oaklyn and I go to the park at least 3 times a week, but usually more!

I love that it gets all her energy out before nap time and ensures we get fresh air every single day.

It is feeling so much like spring and we're just giddy over here!

Hunter and I love going on walks and I noticed some of the "popcorn trees" are starting to get blooms on them and we both got so excited!

I can't wait until the mountains are filled with green, the canyon is blooming with wildflowers, and we can sandals again!

I get so excited over just about every holiday and it's ten times more fun with a baby.

I loved that for as long as I can remember, my mom always had an Easter basket laid out in the morning for us.

I'm so excited to carry on that tradition with Oaklyn.

I know she won't fully understand what is going on for at least another year, but I'm still going to give her an Easter basket this year :)

Here's a few "must haves" I've come up with!

Bonnet | Romper (similar, pink floral not online) | Bows | Paci Clips | Sunnies (in dollar section, here's some other cute ones online) | Moccasins

What are your Easter basket must haves this year??

I'd love to know!

Especially must haves for men... Is that a thing?

Do I get my husband an Easter basket?

I hope you're all enjoying the sunshine as much as we are!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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A Perfectly Spring Day

Oaklyn and I caught a yucky cold this week.

We both came down with it on Monday.

Runny noses, coughs, sneezing constantly, soar throats, and messing up sleep schedules.

It has put me in a bit of a funk.

Along with Oaklyn's party I've been planning for ages being over and family leaving town, I just feel kind of... blah.

The past few months we have been rushing around like crazy trying to purchase and put together everything for the party.

I made lists upon lists and loved feeling busy, and after 3 hours on a Saturday, the party was over.

Now, I have nothing to do but the normal stuff and that just doesn't feel fun.

Oaks and I woke up a few different times this morning but couldn't seem to get out of bed just yet. 

We kept falling back asleep over and over and since we had nothing to do today, we just kept letting it happen.

Once we got up and got ready for the day we just hung around the house.

Oaklyn destroyed every inch with a granola bar in one hand and a carrot in the other.

Once I caught her in the bathroom ripping the toilet paper to shreds, I decided it was time to head out.

I knew if we found our way at some of my favorite stores, ie Target, Old Navy, Hobby Lobby, and TJ Maxx I would just buy things we don't need and don't have the money for.

So, I packed up the stroller and headed out for a jog/walk.

Oaks was incredibly content and we both were loving the sunshine!

I've been avoiding jogs the past few months because it has been freezing outside.

Today however, was gorgeous!

The birds were singing, there was a light breeze, the bees were buzzing, the sun was shining bright, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

I think it was just what Oaklyn and I needed.

She kept looking up at me and smiling so big and my heart felt so happy.

Often times when the seasons change, I feel a bit of nostalgia and don't feel quite ready.

This time around, I'm feeling every bit ready for warmer weather, blossoms on trees, and picnics at the park.

Oaklyn has the cutest little pair of leggings from Willy Bean Co.

They are such an adorable spring print and I love every bit of the way they fit.

They are so well made and fit just right. 

I love the color of these leggings, they just scream spring to me!

I think Oaklyn is a huge fan of them too, because some of her best naps have been taken while wearing them ;)

Coincidence? I'll leave that up to you... ;)

I love everything about these adorable willybeans and I get so excited to see all the new prints Kambri releases!

Want to get a pair for your little one?

Use code ALEIGH15 for 15% off your purchase until March 1st at midnight!

And make sure to check out her instagram to stay up to date on all the cute leggings!

What is your favorite part of spring?

And more importantly... which pair of willybeans are your favorite?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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The First Month

Being that Oaklyn's two month birthday is coming quite quickly, I think it's about time to finish up this post and publish it...
(side note: this was mostly written when she actually turned a month old so just jump back in time...)

So... I've kept a baby alive for one whole month!

3 weeks ago, I truly didn't think I was going to survive ha.

But, I did. 

And I can say now that those first few weeks really are worth it.

Oaklyn slept from 10:45pm-5am last night without waking up. she then fell back asleep around 6 and slept til 8:45. 

I feel like a new woman today!

So here I am, not napping while she does but catching up on her first month of life.

On Tuesday February 24th we were released from the hospital.

I took my sweet time getting ready to leave because I was beyond nervous to take her home with us. 

I knew my mom was coming that night, but babies don't come with an instruction manual and I suddenly felt like I had no idea what I was doing.

Nursing was still super difficult and frustrating, she screamed every time we changed her diaper, and I was so sleep deprived I almost fell asleep every time I blinked.

We had everything packed, Oaklyn was in her going home outfit I had picked out forever ago, and we took our first family picture.

We put her in the car seat, said goodbye to the nurse, and the next thing I knew we were a family of three driving home for the first time.

We opened the front door and stuck her car seat on the counter and just looked at her...

"What do we do now?"

She was still sleeping when we took her out of the car seat so we stuck her in the crib and Hunter took a shower singing every sappy father daughter song he could think of.

Suddenly, I burst into tears. And I couldn't quite figure out why, but the only reason I could think of was that things were now different, much different and I don't do very well with change. 

I was tired and overwhelmed and I missed having my husband all to myself. 

Then Oaklyn started crying and it hit me, hard. 

Nothing would ever be the same. 

I had quite a few more emotional breakdowns that first week, my hormones were crazy!

Thank goodness my mom was there to take her from me when I needed a break, cook dinner, and help me still see daylight ha.
After baby hormones are insane.

The next week got a little easier. 

This time Hunter's parents were there and Oaklyn was getting a little more used to life. 

We did a whole lot of nothing but watch her sleep, which was exactly what I needed. 

When it came time for hunt's parents to leave the breakdowns started happening again. 

I had no idea what I was doing, and I was still SO tired. 

Oaklyn's little face warmed my heart but I have never had to rely so much on The Lord. 

I must have prayed every 10 minutes of every day for patience and strength to be able to give this baby the love and care she needs. 

Her constant need to be held made it impossible to get anything done.

I have never been more grateful for Hunter than I am now.
He has helped SO much. 

There were days that Oaklyn would be crying and I had no idea why but it was so heartbreaking to see her little face turn red and her eyes well with tears so I would just cry with her until she fell asleep in my arms. 

Around the fourth week of her life she began to have more regular sleep patterns and decided daytime naps are necessary.
Thank goodness.
I was able to get a few peaceful showers in and even ventured out of the house alone a few times.
Thankfully her umbilical cord finally came off and we were able to give her, her first real bath which she completely loved!
She began smiling SO much and developed an obsession with ceiling fans.
She started to become WAY more active and incredibly strong, even though she's not the biggest fan of tummy time.
She's a motion girl. She sleeps pretty good at night as long as she's swaddled up nice and tight, but during the day she HAS to be bounced, rocked, in the swing, in the stroller, wrapped on me as I'm walking, or moving in the car.
Nursing... oh nursing.
I was so adamant about doing everything in my power to nurse my baby. Well, she had other plans. So after several tries and failed attempts, I pump and bottle feed her breast milk because that is the only way she actually gets fed. I hate pumping, but I'm so glad I have the option.
It's crazy how much your life changes when you have a baby.
You can be so sleep deprived and your back can hurt so bad from rocking a baby all day, and yet their tiny everything's make you wish  you could go back to the first time you held them and do it all over.
I'm able to be home with Oaklyn all day every day and experience every new sound and facial expression she makes.
I'm there for every milestone and meltdown.
It can easily get pretty lonely, but I'm so glad I'm able to be her mother and watch her grow daily.
Hunter couldn't be any more proud or happy to be a father.
I love watching him with our daughter and I'm SO thankful for all of his help!
We may be a bit biased but we truly believe she is the prettiest little girl alive.
Hunter may be in for it during her teen years ;)
He hair grows longer daily and her eyes are getting bluer as well!
Her little features are adorable, and I'm so excited to watch her grow :)

I rambled quite a bit in this post.
But my mind is anything but organized these days.
So, here's to her one month post in efforts to remembering it all :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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Because I'm Happy

Mostly I'm just writing this post because Hunter is most likely going to be gone for a few more hours and I'm quite bored... (stupid spring semester cramming crazy assignments at the last minute) but also because there a few very little things that just meant a whole lot to me that made me particularly happy. So, why not blog?

 

Last night I was watching Netflix (I've developed an unhealthy obsession with the show Revolution) because Hunter had to go back to the school (I swear he lives there) to finish a group project. Then there was a knock at the door. I usually don't answer the door when Hunter isn't home, but I looked out the peephole to see some friends! My quiet, boring night of Netflix with myself, turned into Hunter coming home earlier than expected and all of us playing Nertz 'til 1:30 in the morning. Of course hunter won every single round, but we all did pretty well too. I guess haha. I'm just so grateful for the friends we have made here and for the memories we have already created. Tonight we have plans to go to the Orem summer festival. Who knew every city in Utah county does a summer festival?? Guys, I really truly do like Utah.

 

 

This morning we went to go clean our church building. We talked to another guy there who thanked me for my remarks in stake conference. I was already feeling pretty happy when we walked outside to see two men from our ward loading up a whole bunch of American flags into a truck. Hunter and I wondered what they could be doing with that many flags, but just continued on our way. As we drove home we noticed that those two men put flags in the yards of our ward members. It was such a cool sight seeing the flags waving in the wind. We got home and noticed they even put one in the grass of our complex. It made me smile thinking that they spent their Saturday morning trying to make other people's day. Well, it worked. I felt so much pride for our country and for being a part of a wonderful ward.

 

 

Lastly, I went to check the mail after eating some breakfast. Hidden between the junk mail, grocery store ads, and wells fargo credit card bills, was a little card from an address I didn't recognize. Last Sunday, Hunter and I were asked to speak to the Primary kids during sharing time about temple marriages and making covenants with your spouse and God. Inside that little card was a thank you note from the wonderful woman who asked us to speak. I smiled right as I opened the card and once again felt so grateful for the wonderful people in our ward.

 

 

So, there ya have it.

I'm just about as happy as a clam over here.

(who thought of that saying? Are clams even happy?)

 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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A Grateful Girl.

We had a really lovely weekend.

We accomplished "adult things", we ate yummy dinners, we enjoyed sunshine, we enjoyed time with each other, the pool opened, we made peanut butter cookies, we spent time with our lovely new friends, I cut Hunter's hair, we felt God's love in the temple, we got milkshakes, we planned our trip to California, we got really excited for our cruise, and in the midst of it all we grinned ear to ear as we discussed how getting married was the best decision we could have possibly ever made.

I don't know what I did to deserve the life I'm living but I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all the many blessings I have in my life as I laid my head down on my comfy pillow to fall asleep last night. 

My husband was breathing heavily beside me somewhere in dreamland, a wonderful Sunday was coming to a close, and we were ready to start a new week. 

Weekends always go by much too quickly.

I've always hated when Sundays hit around 9 o'clock. I begin dreading falling asleep because I know the next time I open my eyes, I'll have to get ready for a new week.

I was contemplating this last night. Why do I dread a new week so much?

I mean sure it's quite possibly because a carefree weekend is over, but really the week days aren't all that bad.

I like my job. A lot. Especially since a 5 week old baby just came.

(I'm in love with her. She's just so squishy.)

I really love coming home and being with my husband again.

I love cooking dinner, doing the dishes together, and just enjoying our time together. 

I came to a conclusion that

A: it's just a social norm to hate Mondays and a new week

&

B: I forget how wonderful this little life of mine is right now because there is always something more and something else to look forward to.

But last night was different.

It was the first Sunday in a while that I felt excited to see what memories this new week would bring rather than dreading it.

I was counting my blessings rather than making mental lists of what could be and what needs to be.

I felt truly happy.

There was something in the way Hunter was peacefully breathing beside me that made me reflect on these things.

I love him. I really love him.

And, I love that he is a constant reminder to me that I am living the life I dreamed of since the day I met him.

There was something in my reflection in the mirror with my apron on and a mixing bowl in my arms that made me think back to all the Sunday's I dreamed of cooking for my husband. 

There was something in our family night discussion that reminded me how perfect the gospel is and how lucky I am to have married a returned missionary.

There was something about reading my book in my lounge chair next to the pool with my husband right beside me that made me smile about our simple, yet oh so wonderful life. 

(I really didn't mean for this to sound "braggy" at all.

I'm just happy, and grateful, and in love.

And, this was the result.)

Here's to another week, and another reason to smile.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

(Pardon the screenshots of snapchats)

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