Sunday, December 20, 2015

Let Them Know Movement

In light of the holiday season 
and recent events bringing people together around me,
 I've had the opportunity to reflect and recognize the greatness in people. 

I think a lot of times in this big scary world it is easy to see how many 
wicked, bitter, mean, and confused people there are out there. 
But do we take as much time to count 
the selfless, genuine, friendly, and truly amazing people there are in this world?

I want to recognize the positive and praise the kindness.
So I've decided I don't want to sit back and think to myself how awesome these people are, 
I want to #letthemknow!!! 

People everywhere are incredible. 

There is the sweetest lady at the Sephora where I live. 
Every time I see her she is extremely kind and genuine. 
She helped me remember that everyone is beautiful in their own special way 
when I brought my sisters and she raved about their natural beauty 
that I've just become accustomed to. 
I'm going to let her know! 

A darling teenager at my favorite drink shop exudes light. 
Truly. 
She is happy and friendly. 
Always giggling and smiling. 
I'm going to let her know

The mother of one of my dancer students who waits for me to lock up every night, the nursery leader in my church who has taken care of the littles for 2 years, a beautiful woman I used to teach kindergarten with.... My list goes on and on and I am going to #letthemknow

Now if you notice... I've said "going to". 
I haven't done this yet. I'm going to be doing it with you! 
We will #letthemknow together. 
Trust me. It's going to seem weird and awkward. 
People really don't accept praise well. 
Shouldn't we change that? Shouldn't we be willing to accept our flaws AND our strengths? 
Yes. This will take time. But I'm done making excuses.
There is greatness in this world that needs to be remembered.

So here's what we are going to do... 
I've created a #letthemknow stationary. 
There are two templates. Square and letter. 
You can:

A. Download the square template 
and with a photo editing app add text to share via Instagram, FB, text, etc.

B. Download the letter template 
for you computer savvy peeps and type text in Photoshop or word and share via email or print. 

C. Print out either template 
and hand write your message to hand deliver or mail. :)




Just right click to save the images. 
If you have problems with the download feel free to contact me and I will email you the templates!

You can let ANYONE know. A grandma, spouse, the mailman, teachers, grocery store clerks, your child, a neighbor, ANYONE! 

If you feel so inclined, I would love to see if you have participated. 
Write about your experience with #letthemknow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. 
using the #letthemknow hashtag. 
Feel free to tag my blog account @lovenotesbylauryn or my etsy account @almostnoelle. 
Even if you don't use my templates and just use a sticky note or tell someone in person, 
I want to hear about it!
Can't wait to see how it goes for everyone! 

Happy Holidays to everyone!
xo_lauryn

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Casual Dress + Leggings + Lace-Up Booties = Perfect Fall Outfit

Hello friends!
I LOVE today's outfit. 
It is so cozy yet still stylish and cute. 
Perfect for the momma life.


This top/dress is absolutely incredible.
It is SO comfortable and I love the way it flows. 
I paired it with some 
ponte leggings (which I don't think VS sells anymore {sad}.)
lace-up boots 
and layered necklaces.
LOVE the way it turned out. 
Thanks so much to SheIn for the fabulous top.
If you haven't already, 
check out shein.com for INSANE deals on some of the cutest styles around. 
You can almost always find exactly what you're looking for.


I love this pic of our mommy & me boots! 
These are my FLY London boots.
I usually don't spend this kind of money on shoes,
but these are the most comfortable shoes EVER!
They're perfect for walking around
and they don't look like granny shoes.
SCORE!

d e t a i l s:
top//shein
boots//fly london
necklaces//american eagle

Peace out lovelies.
xo_lauryn

Friday, October 9, 2015

Halloween Party on a Budget!


Every year since we have been married, my husband and I throw
a Halloween party for our family and friends.
It's tradition!
Well this year, we are working toward getting the hubby through with his undergraduates
to be able to apply for dental school.
I've also been staying home with the baby and needless to say,
our party this year had to be on the cheap!
So here are some budget friendly ideas for your Halloween shin-dig this year.


INVITATIONS
Naturally, if you are going to have a party you will need to send out invitations.
If you want a darling place to go, check out Paperless Post.
Their invitations are PERFECT. With so many lovely options.
When a representative reached out to me asking if I'd be interested in posting about their product,
I had never heard of the company.
When I saw all the beautiful images and options I couldn't help but jump on board!
Not only do they have invitations, but cards, stationary, and more!
Here are some of my favorite halloween invitations from the website.
And some of these are completely free... I can handle that!





DECORATIONS
Here are a bunch of diy decoration ideas:
-tassel garland
-halloween paper pennant banner
-decorated mason jars
-black yarn shaped into a spider web
-paper pinwheels 
-painted pumpkins
-photo booth
-decorated front doorhalloween decor




FOOD
Any real budget party calls for a ....POTLUCK!!
As the host, you provide the main dish.
Something like crock pot pulled pork, chili, or soup does just fine.
When sending out your invite, ask each guest to bring a side or a dessert.
If you choose you can assign someone to bring rolls and drinks or provide them yourself.
For a fun, inexpensive drink we always resort to
homemade root beer and cream soda with dry ice.
Easy, cheap, and festive!


GAMES
After throwing a few Halloween parties,
I've found that the simple games end up being the most fun.

Here's a few of our favorites:
-the "bowl" game-
Our awesome friends taught us this game.
It is seriously so fun and all it costs you is some paper!
Directions can be found here.

-heads up-
This is the game you see people playing in lines at Disneyland
and there is currently a Charlie Brown Halloween deck that is pretty fun to play.

-minute to win it-
There are really so many Halloween Minute to Win It games.
I found some fun lists here:

-relay race-
You can do things like, wrap yourself like a mummy,
fly on a broomstick, bob for apples, etc.

-pumpkin ring toss-
Use the pumpkins from your contest (below)
and some mason jar lids for a fun ring toss area.


CONTESTS
For our party, this is where we are choosing to spend a little money.
Each winner gets a $5-$10 gift card,
but you could do a king size candy bar or a liter of soda to keep it inexpensive!

-costume contest/parade-
If you want to costume parade for the little kids
put on some fun music and have everyone walk in a designated pathway.
After the parade, everyone puts in a vote for the favorite-
this can be done by collecting pieces of paper or by "shouting".
Host declares a winner and winner takes home their prize!

-timed pumpkin carving contest-
Have each guest who wishes to participate bring a pumpkin to carve or decorate.
Time the contest for 30 minutes then declare finished!
Each pumpkin is then taken to be displayed and voted upon by other guests
(no voting for your own!).

-guess the candy amount-
A classic game, but is a nice activity for people to do when they first arrive.
Have one or a few jars filled with candy corn, Recess Pieces, or Halloween M&M's.
Count how many you put in each jar.
Guests write their name and estimate on a piece of paper and put it in a bowl.
Winner gets the jar!
Bonus: This activity can also double as decorations. :)


Halloween is my absolute FAVORITE holiday. Can't wait to throw this fun party!
Tell me how yours go too!
xo_lauryn

Friday, October 2, 2015

At Home Manicure Essentials

I am one of those people who truly believes manicures are necessary.
Call me a princess, but I hate when my cuticles get nasty and my nail beds need filed.
So I regularly get a manicure...from myself. ;) 
Super easy, as long as I use these tools. 
Here's the step-by-step process I use. 
Done in 15 minutes or less. Oh yeah, baby.

STEP ONE//
Prep your cuticles.
Use any cream or oil to soften up your cuticles. 
I like OPI Avoplex.

STEP TWO//
Push cuticles back with orange sticks.
You can pick them up at basically any drug or super store.
Or buy them on Amazon here.

STEP THREE//
File File File.
With a course file (I use the Trim brand), file your whole nail
including the cuticles and the sides to grab any hang nails.
Continuing use of the course file, shape the nail how you want.
Once you've done that, use the 7-way buffer/file on each nail.
I also use the Trim brand for my buffer. 
There are 7 parts on the buffer, you just follow the order on there..and it finishes with a shine!

STEP FOUR//
Use a cuticle trimmer.
Be careful not to over cut your cuticles. You don't want any bloody fingers!
Just make sure you get the excess.

STEP FIVE//
Wash & Scrub.
Using a sugar scrub of some sort, wash your hands in warm water for about a minute.
I LOVE Bath & Body Works' Just A Minute Scrub.

STEP SIX//
Lotion.
Trust me, your freshly exfoliated fingers will be so happy to be moisturized.
It's best to use a hand cream...
I love the Look Ma New Hands also from B&BW.

STEP SEVEN//
Base Coat/Color/Top Coat
Use a towel to remove the lotion oil from your nails.
Use a base coat, a color if you want, and finish with a top coat.
My favorite base coat is Revlon Colorstay Base Coat
 & my favorite top coat is the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat.

Now enjoy your beautiful, soft, fresh hands!
xo_lauryn

♥ ♥ ♥

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Fake Screen Printing//Easy DIY Quote Tee

Easy easy DIY Quote Tee Tutorial for you... 
All you do is use this fabulous paint!!
Yes, I know its a super simple post tonight..
but when I found this stuff I couldn't help but share.
This Tulip Soft Matte Fabric Paint is no ordinary type of fabric paint! 
It literally dries up and looks like it has been screen printed.
I just hand drew mine, but you could easily do any stencil or print and trace a cute font. 
I recommend using multiple coats. To make mine look super solid I used about 3 or 4 coats of paint. 
I'm in love with this stuff. Try your hand at it... You're gonna LOVE it.

Goodnight friends!
xo_lauryn

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

thank you from the bottom of my toes

A little bit ago we celebrated my little babe's first birthday.
I wanted to send out thank you cards from him. Not me.
So I came up with a little "personalization" from my sweet boy...
Teeny foot prints!


I just bought blank kraft paper cards 
(you can get them at any craft store, mine are from hobby lobby)
then painted my little boy's foot white and stamped it on the cards....
and yes, 
as you can imagine many feet looked a little distorted, but they are still such cute little toesies!
I waited for the paint to dry then just wrote on top with my handy prismacolor brush pen.


Easy peasy, and perfect way to personalize a thank you card for littles who can't write...
let alone talk much. ;)

'til next time!
xo_lauryn
♥ ♥ ♥

Monday, June 15, 2015

14 mom hacks you gotta know

There are some AMAZING parent hacks out there. Trust me. 
I love these two on Buzz Feed: 
There's some tricky hacks here so check them out if you haven't already. 
H O W E V E R....
I can honestly tell you that after searching right and left for parent hacks I have NEVER seen these ones...and that's not even a ploy to get you to read this. These are just tried and true tips that I have learned from friends, cousins, parents, and grandparents...or my brain. hehe.


o n e//
Put vanilla extract on a rag or piece of paper towel to ease toothache pain.
My dad did this one for us when we were elementary kids. It definitely helped achy teeth!

t w o//
Use two tension rods for the shower. One rod for a transparent shower liner and one rod for the shower curtain itself. That way, you can just close the liner when you shower to keep an eye on the babe/s.

t h r e e//
Let your baby chew on a frozen waffle (eggo) to help with teething pain. 
(Make sure your baby can handle mashing food with his/her jaw. When the baby chews on the waffle enough it will thaw and the baby can bite off little pieces.....learned that the hard way folks.)

f o u r//
Freeze baby food in ice trays and put a straw/popsicle stick/or spoon in each to use as baby food "popsicles".


It makes for happy teething babes and helps the baby "self feed" baby food without dripping sweet potatoes.

f i v e//
Get a long carrot, peel it and use for teething babies.


(Make sure it is LONG so the whole thing can't end up in their mouth!) 

s i x//
Use a hanging shoe holder to store diapers in the baby's closet.


They are the perfect width and utilize vertical storage!

s e v e n//
You probably know the whipped up egg-whites to use as hair mousse trick, but did you know that beat up egg whites can help ease the pain of burns? Fancy, eh?

e i g h t//
Use a baby's crib as a ball pit! 
Got this one from our nanny...walked in and she had poured the whole thing of balls in our baby's crib and he was LOVING it. 
Thanks abber-doodle.

n i n e//
Instead of buying expensive "toddler" meals like ravioli and mac & cheese, get a can of chunky chicken noodle/veggie soup, drain the liquid, and put on the high chair for baby to easily pick up small pieces. Or there's always spaghettios!

t e n//
Keep cupboards shut with a rubber band or a hair band.


 Easy fix, especially for apartments. Also super easy to take on and off!

e l e v e n//
Track baby milestones the simple way....take pictures on your smartphone.
You don't have to write down EVERY milestone exactly WHEN it happens. Just snap a picture on your phone when baby reaches a milestone and write it down later when you have time. The date should be in your phone when you go back!

t w e l v e//
Keep a bin of toys in the front/living room.


Get a cute decorative bin. You can hide them in the corner, under the coffee table, behind the couch. That way, when you are all in the "hang out" zone there are some go-to toys for the kiddo to play with while you keep an eye on him/her. Bonus tip... switch out the toys every few weeks to keep baby happy!

t h i r t e e n//
Put your baby in the sink when you are getting ready.


Yes. This seems fairly dangerous. I know. But it seriously helps with getting ready time! Especially for a needy baby! When your babe is more immobile, you can put a towel in so the baby can lay there comfortably. When your babe is more mobile, give him/her a few brushes or toys to play with. Just refrain from using your curling iron or other hot tools while baby is there... and most importantly...keep an eye on your baby.


f o u r t e e n//
Keep wipes in a cupboard by the highchair.


We keep a thing of wipes next to our plates. When the little guy is all done with eating, I quickly wipe off his face and hands then wipe off the tray. Fast, easy cleanup right there!

I totally intend to add to this list as I become a parent to older kids, more kids. But for now, this is my list. If you have any secret parent hacks I HAVE to know them. So comment, message, instagram, tweet, facebook....whatever your tips!

xo__lauryn

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Momma & Me Style//Walk Trendy + Row.

I have some exciting brands/shops for you all to check out today.
I recently collaborated with Walk Trendy, an affordable fashion online store with DARLING clothes!


They sent me the beautifully printed top pictured below.
I got SO many compliments on the beautiful blouse when I wore it. It fits absolutely perfect.

I also won a giveaway (yaay!) a little bit ago from Row.
They have so many cute kiddo tees.
My little guy didn't fit in the shirt when I ordered it, but he fits now!!
...and the shirt is so super cute!

well...at least momma loves giving kisses



eat. play. sleep.





momma___

bebe___
leggings//(hand sewn by yours truly)

xo__lauryn
♥ ♥ ♥

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Baby Style//Chambray & Shorties

Instagram shops are popping up all over the place. 
I totally love any reason to shop small...
but I especially love doing trades!
I was able to do a custom illustration in exchange for some incredibly made
baby shorties and leggings from the shop Belle's Whimsies on Instagram.
Her work is absolutely incredible. The fabric is so soft and cozy and the sewing quality is FAB!
So go follow her shop!
We got to wear the darling shorts in our Mother's Day shoot...
too dang cute!





BABY ONE:
shorties//belle's whimsies

BABY TWO:
tee & shorts//target

cutest babies. 
I LOVE IT!!
happy day friends!
xo__lauryn

Sunday, May 3, 2015

SUMMER SUNDAY BEST!

 Here's just a quick post to let you all know I'm still alive. 
;)
I wore this quilted crop top a while ago over a jumper. 
You can see it in this post.
I put in on this morning expecting to wear it under this tank maxi dress, 
But I liked it way better just on top!

And take note of my beautifully freshly died hair. My amazing friend did it. 
So if you are in Utah, send me an e-mail and I'll hook you up with her talent!





last but not least....an awkward picture. you always have to see these.
sunglasses+crop top//target
maxi dress//kohls
necklace//american eagle
midi rings// h&m

Because most of these items are old and no longer available,
I created a set for you with similar items.
summer dress similar styles




Here's to a happy week!
xo__lauryn
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