Despite the first day of December being only a few days behind us the holiday season is in full swing. If you are like me, you haven’t even started your shopping yet. And if you are like me, you need all the help you can get. So, today I rounded up some toddler gift ideas. Last week on Instagram you expressed interest in a toddler gift guide and honestly I was really happy as it helped me make some decisions on what we are going to get Declan. Toddlers can be tricky to buy for as their attention and preferences change with the wind! BUT I am hoping this toddler gift guide helps you find something for each of your little ones!
Can you believe Christmas morning is just a few short weeks away.??? This year I am so excited to spend Christmas up in the mountains with my parents. It will be just magical! Here’s hoping for a white Christmas morning. How are you spending your Christmas morning???
christmas Morning Goodies
This year I wanted to give you some inspiration for making December 25 even more festive and enjoyable. Everything is under $100 and some of personal favorites are even under $50 like this MUG, these BOOKS and this face MASK . I made sure to include items for you (the lady of the house), the kiddos, your man and the home. One of the things I love the most about Christmas morning is all the fun decor that sets the scene. Like these DISHES and this fun DISH TOWELwhich is under $10. I suspect that most kiddos are up super early on Christmas morning but if they aren’t or even if they are this cable knit THROW ,which comes in 6 other colors, is perfect for snuggling by the fire . If wearing Christmas pajamas doesn’t spark the magic on Christmas morning I am not sure what will so I found perfect ones for YOU, for the KIDDOS and for HIM. Keep your toes warm in these cozy $89 SLIPPERSthat will also be perfect for the rest of your chilly winter nights.
After presents, in our family, we end of lounging around while the kiddos play with their new toys. After the chaos of Christmas morning fades and everyone chills out I wanted to make sure the adults were still entertained. This KINDLE and this CAMERA are great for the parents to “play” with on Christmas morning. In all honesty I love Christmas almost more than any other day of the year… I mean who doesn’t?!? Ha. But adding little touches of fun holiday decor, clothes and games is a great way to keep the magic of Christmas alive.
What are your favorite X-mas morning must haves?? Do you have any fun or long standing fun traditions that your family does? Share them with me- I would love to hear them.
I love being at home. I love snuggling up with an early morning coffee or relaxing on the couch with glass of wine after a long day. But both of those guilty pleasures can leave my teeth a little less than brilliant. Luckily I found a teeth whitener that takes care of that! Enter Smile Brilliant. I am giving away one FREE whitening kit- enter HERE. Just in time for the holidays!
my story:
Teeth whitening was always something I wanted to do but never found the time and I was just a little nervous. At the end of the day it feel on the back burner. As a busy busy mom and wife I find it hard to fit everything into a short 24 hour period (if I want to sleep at all) so I was excited when Smile Brilliant asked if I wanted to try out this easy at home whitening kit! I jumped at the opportunity…. your smile says so much about you and I wanted mine to say wonderful things! You guys… it’s fabulous! There are no lengthy dentist appointments, no on-going follow up and it works brilliantly (pun intended). As a daily coffee and tea drinker I was surprised at how well this at-home whitening worked for my teeth. While I don’t drink red wine (ugh, allergic) I am confident Smile Brilliant would be the perfect whitening option for those of you who enjoy your evening Merlot.
I know there are a lot of critics of at-home whitening and I am going to say bring it on… Smile Brilliant has thought about all of you.
the critics silenced
“Those whitening strips or retainers never fit my teeth so the whitening doesn’t work.” Well, with Smile Brilliant you get to make your own impressions fit to your own teeth. They send you a putty, you make a mold of YOUR teeth, send it back (in a pre-paid envelope) and they send you personalized plastic trays! It is so customized and personalized you are set up for success from the first time you whiten.
“It takes forever to see a change in my teeth.” Well, patience is a virtue… that you don’t need to have with this kit. I saw results after the second use. Seriously. The kit is designed to be used every day or every other day for a couple of weeks. And while that sounds a bit long I promise you see results each time. You can wear your trays anywhere from an hour to three hours a day. I did about 45 minutes to start and moved my way up to an hour every two days. I found this routine fit best in my daily schedule. Find what works for you and go with it.
” I have sensitive teeth so I can’t whiten.” Agreed that with other whitening products this is true BUT NOT with Smile Brilliant as each kit comes with desensitizing gel that actually works. Use after each whitening session for 25-30 mins and all that sensitivity goes away. It worked for me!
my thoughts on results + Giveaway
Before whitening began
After 2-3 weeks of consistent whitening
Here is the deal… I love the results and I love this product. While the photo may not seem that dramatic (it is all unedited) I know my smile is cleaner and brighter. As someone who puts their face all over the internet I can tell you I feel more confident and happy with my smile after using Smile Brilliant. And to be honest I think the results are much better in person (the photos do not do it justice). Truth be told it took me a couple tries to really get on a good schedule with whitening and using the kit, I mean I am human. The key is consistency and once I found that it was really easy to use my bleaching trays. I typically did my whitening just after Declan went to bed while I was picking up from the day and cleaning the kitchen. In the end I am very happy and satisfied with the results and my smile shows it. Finding what works best for your life is key and I promise the results are all worth it.
I want to give you all a chance to get a free Smile Brilliant kit- that’s a $139 value. With the holidays coming (or in full swing) this would be a great gift for yourself! As you step out for all those parties make your smile stand out. It is easy to enter! Just click HERE!! And for an extra entry subscribe to my blog below.
You voted for the black denim outfit and your wish is my command. I really do like that function on Instagram as it really helps me bring you content that you are interested in. And in case you are wondering over the knee boots won today and I will get you that post later this week.
This post hits close to home-not just because I am writing it but because I am living it everyday. And I’ll tell you friends, it is hard to stand up for yourself and know your worth. In a saturated industry like blogging it is easy to fall down the rabbit hole of “I am no better than anyone else”. It is easy to hold on to the idea that I have no credibility doing this and why would someone want to work with me.
BUT if I continue with that mind-set than I am proving I may not have credibility. If I don’t climb out of the rabbit hole than I am not better than anyone else. Now, easier said than done but a great motivator to start the process.
I can not believe we are halfway through July… like actually where does time go???
This post has been a work in progress as I was struggling to find the words to really convey my message; to be honest I am still not sure I have found them. BUT none-the-less here is the post…
How do we as parents cultivate and foster the passions and interests we see in our children?? At what age should we do more than encourage and start pushing?? And why so much pressure on ensuring our children have such narrow passions???
So recently I was nominated for a blogger award byAlyssa from Teddy Bears and Lipsticks!! I was so honored and totally caught off guard. This award is really an opportunity to share a bit more about myself and what my blog is about. In this blogging business we are constantly being measured up against each other and these types of #shoutouts really remind us how much support and collaboration is happening. Part of my goal with Pish to Posh is help others feel fabulous and so at the end of this post I have nominated 5 other bloggers that are worth you taking taking a look at!! Thank you Alyssa for this award!
Fearless Award Questions:
Who are you?!
HI!!! I am Amanda. I am a wife, a mother, a lover of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, a sister and a friend. I am a Colorado native but have lived all over the world including Berlin and most recently, London. My dog is my best friend and confidant and I love macaroni and cheese. There are few things in life I like more than lazy weekends spent with my husband and son.
What is your blog/instagram all about?
Well….it is lifestyle, motherhood, fashion and a bit of humor. I love to write about my life and the way my mind works- I try to see the bigger picture in life and my hope is to inspire others to live their true authentic life. I love fashion and clothes but I love my son and my family even more. I write about being a mother but not how to be a mother. Sometimes I write about other bloggers and sometimes I write about my travels and adventures. My Instagram is my life captured in little squares put out into the world in hopes of inspiring someone to smile, to laugh, to reflect or to connect.
What do you LOVE about blogging/instagramming?
Freedom of expression. I love being able to share my world with others. I love connecting with like-minded ladies and I love meeting creative souls who challenge and inspire me. I love being able to share a snipet of my life but still keep some things close to my heart. I love being able to express myself in a manner that is true and authentic to who I am and who I want be.
What do you not love most about blogging/instagramming?
Such a loaded question!!! I put a lot of pressure on myself to grow, to engage and to be better. I do not love those feelings as they can be overwhelming and consuming. I hate the feeling of wonder when I publish a post (either on the blog or on Instaram) as to whether it will be received positively. And sometimes I loath Instagram because just when I start to figure it out I realize I have no idea what I am doing #beingtotallyhonest
What are your goals (big & small!) for your blog/instagram?
To start the goal was to create a platform where I could showcase the person I knew myself to be. As this journey has continued I want to inspire people. I want to connect with people and I want to provide an opportunity for people to feel connected. One of my goals is to never loose my passion and to remember why I started this. My goals, for both IG and the blog, are to remain authentic and grounded- be true to myself.
If you could be better at one thing, what would it be?
In general life it would be flexibility. I am person who craves structure and routine. I am working, everyday, to be more flexible.
In the blogging/Instagram world it would be photos. Both taking them and editing them. I would love to be more creative and artistic when I am behind the camera.
Who are your biggest supporters? How/why?
First and foremost my husband. He has to endure endless hours of chatter about hashtags, outfit choices, Instagram content, photo shoots and blog content. Next is my mother who reads every single post I write. My best friend has been an incredible supporter by initially encouraging me to start the blog and for continuing to push me when I want to quit.
What do you wish there was more of in your life
Tricky question… should I could go emotional and deep or go real and witty….
I wish there was one more chance to say goodbye to my grandmother.
Fearless Award Secret Facts:
I danced from the time I was three until I graduated high school. Ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, tap- I did it all.
I can change a flat tire.
I love graph paper. Writing on it, making lists on it, creating my Instagram plan on it.
I could (and have) eat a whole pan of brownies.
I do not eat crusts on toast… and therefore neither does my son!
I met her when I moved back to Denver and I could not be happier about it. She is a fashionista who keeps herself grounded in the mommy world with her adorable son.
This pretty lady is one of the happiest people around. She is constantly smiling and her smile is so contagious- plus she wears the cutest outfits around!
I hope you enjoyed this fun little post and may have learned a little more about me and Pish to Posh. Thank you to Alyssa for nominating me- I was truly honored and surprised! My hope is that you have found a few more ladies to follow. Let them fill your feed and inbox – i promise you wont regret it.
With Love,
What To Do Next:
Compose the post on your blog (or Instagram? Could be kind of fun?!) and THANK the person who nominated you! Be sure to link to their blog/Instagram!
Answer the Fearless Award questions (the questions that I answered above). List out 5 secret facts about yourself/blog/brand. Have fun with this!
Post on your blog/Instagram! If on blog: Include the Fearless Award graphic (available here & here). If on Instagram: use the hashtag #BecomingFearless and tag @stylecollective_
Nominate at least 5 #bossbabes who you think align with the Style Collective mantra of women championing women! List them and link to their blogs/Instagram. Include a sentence or two on why you love their blog/Instagram!
Inform the nominees that you’ve elected them for the Fearless Award! They should post their answers and award rules on their blog/Instagram
Are you totally intrigued by the title and wonder what I may have to confess?????
If you are then I have done my job by hooking you… if you aren’t then scroll on by.
May is Nation Mental Health Awareness Month and millions of Americans and even more world wide are affected by mental health issues. As someone who suffers from anxiety (my BIG confession) I am ever eager to help educate, acknowledge and support those who are also effected by mental health issues. To start I want to offer a few resources for individuals who may need extra support and then I will shed light on my own journey.
To preface I am not an expert on mental illness. This is about my journey and my story only. My hope is that someone find comfort, identifies with this or feels less alone. Furthermore, it is fairly theraputic for me to write this- I mean at the end of the day Pish to Posh is place where I have always felt free, confident and honest.
I was first diagnosed with anxiety in my mid-twenties and began seeing a therapist. My symptoms ranged from full blown panic attacks where I could not breath, I would be hysterical and flee the situation at any expense (emotionally, physically and monetarily) to a daily shortness of breath, to indulgence in alcohol and at times a lack of interest in just about eveything. My symptoms became over bearing and ruled my life and so I was encouraged to see a therapist. Through many sessions focusing on being true to myself, releasing myself from the pressures of others and allowing myself to feel respected and loved I began to feel much better and to have a handle of my life. My panic attacks stopped, my shortness of breath subsided and I began to feel passionate about my life. At that point in time I began and completed my Masters in Special Education and became a teacher.
Flash forward 8 years to after Declans birth. My anxiety returned only this time it was intertwined and coupled with severe postpartum depression. Recognizing the signs and triggers my mother accompanied my to my 6 week postpartum appointment where she spoke to my doctor about my mental health…. I was relieved and appreciative of this as I was only focusing on my inability to care for my medically challenged newborn son. At that moment I felt a sense of relief and a sense of support that I am forever grateful for. My mom knew I needed help and she knew I was too stubborn and too proud to admit I was no longer in control of my anxiety. I had worked so hard to learn my triggers, to understand my mental abilities but in that moment I was unable to see what was right in front of me.
Declan is now three years old and I am still dealing with my anxiety. Some days I use medication to enable myself to get through the tough times but most of the time I work on acknowledging and owning my triggers. My triggers, now, are almost identical to those from my early twenties… my need to please everyone, my fear of failing and my desire to have people accept me. I started Pish to Posh as an avenue to showcase the person I FEEL and know LIVES inside me as too often people saw me and thought of me as a weak over emotional person. I have friends who have no idea I suffer from this mental health condition (well they do know!).
I have been pretty tight lipped about it as to not paint a perception or image of someone or something I am not. Recently, I have made some changes in my life and been very intentional about who I surround myself with, who I confide in and who I trust. Over the last several years I have learned to hold my life close to my heart and to protect myself. Has this changed some of my relationships??? Yes, it certainly has. Has it changed my marriage?? Yes, it certainly has. Has it changed my life??? YES, it certainly has.
Some days are easier than others and some days are down right hard. That is the thing with mental health… I can try and try to control it and I can try and try to “overcome” it but the truth is that I have anxiety. Each day I am faced with the choice to let it overtake me and consume me or to work hard and change my life. Everyday I choose. Sometimes I make the easy choice and let it consume me, let it keep me away from social situations, let it rule my marriage and let it influence my parenting. But most days I choose to admit that I have anxiety, take a deep breath and challenge myself to make a small change that will help me feel free. Because that is the thing… I feel trapped. But only I can change that- through my actions, through my thoughts and through leaning on my support system.
This dress was gifted to me by the wonderful ladies at Shopstevie Colorado. Check out their websitefor the best summer casual looks. Their products are so easy to wear, fit perfectly and reasonably priced. This blue plaid gingham is less than $40. It is a flowyier fit but runs true to size. They have such a great selection of casual summer dress and ship all their products!
These Steve Madden platform sandals are slowly becoming my favorite summer sandals as they are ever comfortable and such a great neutral that they pair with anything. I wear them with shorts, dresses, skirts and denim. This floral bag is not as readily available anymore but I have linked several other bright floral bags and this same bag in a different color.
Have a great week everyone!! If you haven’t already make sure to subscribe to ensure you never miss a post.
