In partnership with Eloquii

A few things herald the arrival of the holidays: twinkling lights, the smell of balsam in the air, ribbon and wrapping paper, out-of-office email messages, and fresh joy in our hearts. This year, with our new baby girl, I wanted us to have a proper holiday card. This is baby’s first Christmas after all, and I want to remember this time.

These Eloquii x Paper Source holiday cards make me so happy!

If you’re unfamiliar with Paper Source, the cards are super high quality, the prints are vibrant, customizing is easy, and shipping is fast. I love that you can add extras, like these beautiful spruce green envelopes lined in gold foil. So special!

You can select your favorite card styles and prints–there are many, look here!

Here are my tips for a great family photo.

1. Plan to take photos in late November to early December to allow enough time for printing and mailing in time for the holidays.
2. Make your outfits festive, but opt for styles that feel true to everyone. I wanted everyone to be comfy in their outfits so that we could get out the door easily.
3. Mom pro-tip: Hats and bows on kids add a wintry touch to your photos–and they make hair styling a little easier too.
4. Plan the right setting for your photos, one with plenty of natural light. Maybe it’s your backyard, your living room, or the Christmas tree farm. I love rustic Christmas vibes, so we went to this beautiful red barn near our home.
5. Take images in the morning if you have little kids: that’s when everyone has plenty of energy and good cheer.
6. Have someone you trust behind the camera. I worked with my longtime photographer and friend Jessica Castro.
7. Choose the photo in which you look the cutest–OK OK, the best photo overall, lol.
8. Have fun and save the outtakes! One day, we’ll look back lovingly on those moments.
9. Add bright or lined envelopes to your holiday cards; they make them extra special.
10. Enlist the kids’ help in signing and stuffing cards into envelopes. Julia especially likes affixing stamps and dropping letters off at the post office.

Want to get your own holiday cards printed? Check out all the options and use this special discount code: PSXOQ30. You’ll save 30% off entire order OR save on custom products + 30% all other items. Valid through 11/24.

P.S. This dress from Eloquii ended up being such a gorgeous choice (it’s easy-to-wear, light, and doesn’t wrinkle, making it a great choice for pictures and parties.) You can find it here! I’m also wearing the coziest Eloquii pajamas above, find those here!

Outfit details: Dress, Blazer, Earrings

This weekend I got the rare chance to go on a date with my husband. Being together for 10+ years and being parents (& expecting!) means our relationship looks a lot different from our early dating days. But that moment when I walk out wearing a new dress I love and he sees me—that still feels the same all these years later.

OMG this dress! (Here in white.) It’s from the new collection at Express that includes sizes 00-18! I’m always happy to learn about having a new, fashion-forward place to shop. Sometimes it feels like a modern, minimalist dress like this is the hardest thing to find. You have to check if your local Express carries the collection in-store; otherwise, it’s available online. This dress is stretchy and runs a little big. (If you’re in between an 18 and 20, I say go for the 18!)

I love the square neckline, the slit, and this modern pink blazer. When in doubt about accessories, go with a classic white pointed pump and white sunglasses. These pom pom earrings have vacay vibes (a girl can dream) so I added those too.

In the end, dating my husband is one of my favorite things to do, if only for the quiet moments we can share at dinner or a laugh shared at a non-animated movie. The moment is always fleeting because soon we’re back home in parent mode. The dress and heels and makeup come off. Leggings come back on and I tie up my hair. But then, we both get to share snuggles with a lovely little human and well, that’s pretty wonderful too.

In collaboration with Express
Jessica Castro Photography

This post is sponsored by Mirum

Today we’re talking about some easy ways to switch up your style!

Playing with scents is one way to refresh your style because scents inspire moods—which inspire looks. I tried the new Caress Botanicals Body Sprays in both peony and violet and these classic, romantic scents became the inspiration for today’s look. Spritz some on after your morning shower and the scent lingers long after. Here are the scent notes:

• Caress Pink Peony: Top note: White Orchid, Heart note: Pink Peony, Base Note: Tonka Beans 
• Caress Sweet Violet: Top note: Tangerine, Heart Note: Sweet Violet, Base Note: Musk 

Another way I refresh my style: finding a new dress! One of my favorite classic styles is navy stripes and this dress gives me that + a feminine ruffle. Hello new look.

The simplest way to change your style is through new shoes and accessories, especially if they’re on sale. That’s how I got these metallic sandals and fringe earrings. Heads up: with Memorial Day around the corner, it’s time to keep an eye on all your favorite shops because those deals. are. coming.

Finally, you can always switch up your look through hair and makeup. A dewy face mist, a new blush, a fresh haircut: all these make me feel new.

Want to try these Caress Botanicals Body Sprays for yourself? Find them at Family Dollar!