My Everyday Adventures

We are thrilled to post our 3rd installment of My Everyday Adventures....and we would love for YOU to join us! Use the hashtag #myeverydayadventures on Instagram to showcase an image from your weekend.

We want to share more of our life with you....& wanted you to be able to share more of your life with the My Everyday Moms Instagram community!  Join us! Use the hashtag! Enjoy this season with your family!

We use the app "OVER" to write on our photos - this is also where you will find the little mountain "adventure" icon we placed on our photos below. You can mark your photos too!

We look forward to following YOUR everyday adventures! kelli + vanessa

//KELLI

My little family and I took a last minute trip to Missoula. The snow is melting here in Montana....so it was a beautiful breathtaking view as we were driving around the lake. Ohhhh Im so looking forward to summertime!

// VANESSA

This weekend was spent digging into our bluum box & having fun with all the goodies inside! Stella's favorite little surprise was this adorable rattle ... HUGE hit & I think it's super adorable! We're big fans, bluum. xo

i heart the bluum box

Stella & I both LOVE when this bright orange bluum box arrives on our doorstep ... it means a ton of fabulous goodies are inside for *both* of us to try! The concept behind bluum is genius ... you pay a small fee every month to be sent hand picked items specifically for your little one to try out. I appreciate how much detail goes into each box ... even down to the packaging itself! I was first introduced to bluum by a blogger friend who had posted a discount code for the first bluum box ordered. I quickly jumped at the chance because I had heard such great things. Well, I am SO happy I did ... I can not say enough about how much I love the company, the products inside & the people who run it!

I am incredibly thrilled to say bluum is offering our readers a 50% discount code on their first box order. Which means ... YOU can try this out too! DO IT ... I promise, you'll love it & so will your little one.

The 50% off discount code is : savesm50 // visit bluum.com to sign up!

And to add to the sweetness, bluum is giving away ONE toddler or baby box to one of our readers!!! All you have to do is sign up for the Kelli + Vanessa newsletter on the sidebar of our blog & you're entered to win. We'll announce the winner THIS Friday [3/29]. Easy enough ... !

Thank you to bluum for being so generous & for creating a killer product!
Vanessa + baby Stella
xo

My Everyday | Creator Series Featuring ... Nicole Gonzalez of Bluum

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
I was born and raised in NYC. I met my fiancee in high school and we have been stuck on each other ever since. We have a beautiful son, Lucas Leon, who is the light of our life. He is the most charismatic, loving little boy I have ever laid eyes on and I count my blessings every day that he's all ours. We did things a little backwards (first comes love, then comes baby..) but I wouldn't have it any other way. My family of boys pretty much rocks.

 
[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
Lucas is 15 months and our bed time routine has changed very little since we brought him home. We take a long bubble bath (sometimes mommy joins him ;) and sing, dance, play until his little fingers and toes are wrinkled. A massage, fresh pj's, and a few tickles later it's time for his bottle. Every night we snuggle on the couch with a blanket and he falls asleep on my chest. I don't put him him in his crib until he's literally snoring. I still get told (ahem..hi mom!) that I should put him down before he falls asleep, but to be quite honest, I wouldn't have it any other way. I treasure those quiet moments after a long day (and he's still my little baby!)

[#3] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you and you've got 45 minutes of personal free time...how would you spend it?
45 minutes? That's an eternity in toddler world! If I'm all caught up on emails and the little guy is snoozing, I love to veg out and catch up on trash tv. The Kardashians is a guilty pleasure. Please don't judge me!

[#4] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?
Our bedroom is where a lot of love and play time happens. We live on a high floor and I adore the natural light and big open windows looking out into the city.

[#5] Share with us a little back story on Bluum & what your role is with them. 
Bluum is a subscription service for moms and little ones 0-36 months. Our team of amazing moms curate each box based on your babies age, developmental stage, and your preferences as a mama. I work on brand development, social media, and bringing moms the skinny on awesome products for their kiddos!

[#6] How does Bluum work & what are some of the benefits of receiving one of those cute packages in the mail? 
Each month you get a box delivered straight to your door step. Inside, you will have 4-6 full size products for you and your little one to try and love. The point is to find what works for your family without ever having to leave your home and become inundated with the overwhelming amount of products on the market. We bring you the best, and all our picks are mom and baby approved! 

Creator Series GIVEAWAY | sign up for the Kelli + Vanessa newsletter list on the left sidebar of this blog & you'll be entered to win a baby OR toddler Bluum box. Winner announced & contacted by March 29, 2013. Easy enough!


50% OFF DISCOUNT CODE for your first Bluum box! Code: savesm50 // AWESOME & totally worth it!



Be sure and follow @bluumbabygirl on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday Adventures

We are thrilled to post our 2nd installment of My Everyday Adventures....and we would love for you to join us! Use the hashtag #myeverydayadventures on Instagram to showcase an image from your weekend.

Right now, Kelli is taking a break from social media on Fridays and Saturdays - to be more intentional and present with her family. So she'll post a photo of their weekend adventure together - whether that's a family hike, a trip to the mountains or her adventure in making in baby food for Ezra!

Vanessa is planning and prepping for sweet Stella's 1st birthday, so I'm sure we'll get sweet peeks into her crafty party details! 

We want to share more of our life with you....& wanted you to be able to share more of your life with the My Everyday Moms Instagram community!  Join us! Use the hashtag! Enjoy this season with your family!

We use the app "OVER" to write on our photos - this is also where you will find the little mountain "adventure" icon we placed on our photos below. You can mark your photos too!

We look forward to following YOUR everyday adventures! kelli + vanessa

/// KELLI

This weekend was a busy one for us, but we were intentional about having a low-key Saturday morning together as a family. We found a super cute wooden toy for Ezra on Friday afternoon so we just enjoyed a morning of eating raspberry-banana pancakes and watching Ezra play with wonder! 

// VANESSA

This weekend, Stella & I had a little one on one time so I quickly grabbed my camera for a quick shoot. Max that she'll sit still is like 5 mins, so I do them quick! I love this series because it motivates me to grab my "real" camera & snap some image that I know I will treasure for years to come! LOVE her.

My Everyday Featuring ... Lindsay Michael

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.

Oh my. Let's just say I'm a redeemed Child of God. Thankful for His grace and overwhelming kindness in my life. I got married when I was very young and after several years of healing from brokenness and finding only what the Lord can do I came out stronger and with such a gratitude for living this one precious life we have. I do have two beautiful children from my precious marriage and I'm now remarried to a sexy Welshman with a little 7 month old flower named Poppy. I can't tell you enough how good God is. 

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?

There's such an age gap in my older babes and Pops. Hayden is almost 8 and Kyler will be 10 in July. I try my best to make special time for each of them and it just depends what time of day it falls. My older son still asks me to tuck him in at night so that's really my favorite. My 7 year old loves to snuggle and watch movies and during the day I honestly love nursing Poppy. 

[#3] Name Three Instagram MOMS who inspire you?

This is hard guys! I really love @mrswhittaylor @cloisteredaway and @tiffanyruda I could list so many more but these are 3 I always enjoy not only their beautiful photos but the hearts behind them.

[#4] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you and you've got 45 minutes of personal free time...how would you spend it?

Ha! Really?! Kidding. Truly I love being outside if its sunny. I'd make an iced coffee and go sit outside. A nighttime option would be an extra hot bath. Hands down.


[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?
I swear by gray v necks. I heart dressy casual. My go-to's are always a pair of booties, a head wrap or turban, and my tribal shawl from the Oxford trunk. And the gray v neck but that goes without saying right?

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?

I'd probably share the dining room because that's my favorite room. We have an amazing mid century kitchen table and a huge chalkboard wall. It's just cozy and livable. Plus what better way to fellowship with friends over food and drink?

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.
This is funny. I mean we all have messes and unkempt hair and bad breath. Have you heard the quote "a photo tells a thousand lies." ?  I'm quite the optimist, yes you can see a smile in a photo and have just gotten in a huge argument or had the worst of days but why document that? Share beautiful things, faces, words that stir your soul. Remember the good parts. And don't post a photo of me without a bra. Mkay?!

Be sure and follow @herwelshness on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

Introducing ... My Everyday Adventures

 

We are thrilled to introduce My Everyday Adventures....and we would love for you to join us! Use the hashtag #myeverydayadventures on Instagram to showcase an image from your weekend.

Right now, Kelli is taking a break from social media on Fridays and Saturdays - to be more intentional and present with her family. So she'll post a photo of their weekend adventure together - whether that's a family hike, a trip to the mountains or her adventure in making in baby food for Ezra!

Vanessa is planning and prepping for sweet Stella's 1st birthday, so I'm sure we'll get sweet peeks into her crafty party details! 

We want to share more of our life with you....& wanted you to be able to share more of your life with the My Everyday Moms Instagram community!  Join us! Use the hashtag! Enjoy this season with your family!

We use the app "OVER" to write on our photos - this is also where you will find the little mountain "adventure" icon we placed on our photos below. You can mark your photos too!

We look forward to following YOUR everyday adventures! kelli + vanessa

Introducing ... Creator Series

// Introducing "Creator Series" - a new series that highlights art & business. Many of the moms we feature also happen to be entrepreneurs and we want to continue building our community by connecting you to their shops and sites. This icon will be displayed on the profile photos of those moms who also run creative businesses of their own. Be sure and stop by, encourage and support our fellow momma's! instagram.com/kelliandvanessa #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday | Creator Series Featuring ... Florence Wetterwald of blabla Kids

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.

I was born and raised in Bordeaux, France. I studied Art and Design in Italy and came to the US for an internship for a couple of months. That was ten years ago, I am still here… with a husband, two kids and Blabla…a foot still on the old continent, the other across the pond,

trying to find a happy and creative balance that I infuse in my life and work.

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?

My favorite time of the day with my teenagers is when I come back home, in the afternoon.
We laugh about everything and nothing. School is over, homework can wait, the piano wakes up, the kitchen warms up, cats, dog and chicken run around…

[#3] Name Instagram MOMS who inspire you.
@KristinRogers / @Houseinhabit / @DeraFrances

[#4] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you & you've got 45 minutes of personal free time ... how would you spend it?
I would read…novels, travel magazine, art books…my mind can't stay still…

[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?
A skirt with a peacock feather pattern, an indian looking dress by isabelle Marant.  A pair of mustard Bensimon tennis shoes.

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?
This one because it gives you an idea of what really goes on in here...

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings. 
I don't like to post picture of myself but like my home pic it's an honest one…

*CREATOR SERIES DISCOUNT: for our My Everyday readers, use coupon code kv15 for a 15% discount on your next blabla purchase! Offer expires on 3/10/2013. http://www.blablakids.com/*

Be sure and follow @blablakids on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday featuring ... Madelon Verdoorn

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
I live in Holland, am happily married to the love of my life, have a son of 3 and a baby girl of 9 weeks. I studied social work and after various jobs in different disciplines I ended up working as a Consultant at a Recruitment Agency (since my boy is home for 3 days a week). I love meeting and talking to new people, so I guess it suits me. In my free time however I like to watch creative people, have creative thoughts and dream big. But do not do anything yet... Baby steps, I'm going to learn how my 'real' camera works this year! 

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
My favorite time is actually the weekend, when we are all together. Just hanging around in our house, or doing things as a family of four. With a newborn it is a bit harder to go out and do fun stuff with our older child. When my husband is around, it is so much easier! 
My favorite time of the day with my son is bedtime. Just the two of us. First we read some books and then we talk about his day. I love hearing him talk and know what goes on in that little head of his!
Because i'm still on maternity leave, my favorite time with my baby girl are the days my son goes to preschool and I can just look and cuddle her all day long without feeling guilty towards my boy!

[#3] Name Three Instagram MOMS who inspire you.
just 3?! there are moms a lot of people admire, so do I, but amongst many others, I  truly admire @meaghancurry, @lisamboyce and @newleafrags. I just love how honest they are and how they let (and stimulate) their children to be their funny, creative and authentic selves!

[#4] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you and you've got 45 minutes of personal free time...how would you spend it?
check IG. Taking a shower, read a magazine, drink a coffee or just sit down and do absolutely nothing. I don't need much to make me happy.

[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?
I just gave birth, so most clothes don't fit yet (or will ever again...). For the last few weeks I have worn skinny jeans (low rise of course) and baggy sweaters. And if it's been a rough night: red lipstick!

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why? 
My house looks like this everyday.

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.
There is not much I don't post on IG, especially after reading the blog 'keep the mom in the picture' from Allison Tate (must read for every mother!). Because I document everyday life, I even post dark and blurry photos... I normally don't post my kids naked, except this time!

Be sure and follow @madebylon on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday Featuring ... Jessica Cudzilo

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
I am a type-A, introverted homebody who loves to travel the world. I grew up wanting to be a marine biologist (Free Willy anyone?!) and then a teacher and then, thanks to Patch Adams, a doctor. But after nearly flunking out of my freshmen year of college I concluded it'd be easier to marry one. Somehow that dream lined up perfectly and I in-fact did. We were best friends in college, kissed toward the end of our senior year, got engaged two weeks later and this year we will celebrate our 10th anniversary. (And, yes we got married when we were 13 because I'm only 23.) We thought we'd have two kids and a dog, but infertility kept the kids thing from happening so we adopted a special needs dog. Then, adoption made the two kids thing possible and then our dog died so we've learned together in the words of Mick Jagger, "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime you just might find you get what you need." (Thank you, Jesus!) Oh, and I founded and run The DEFINE school.

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
I don't know why this is.. really, truly... because I'm usually totally frazzled and undoubtedly looking like I'm about to start crying, but the time between 5-8 pm. We play music and we (try) to make a reasonable dinner. We eat and discipline is delivered a half-dozen times to our 1 and 2 year old for throwing food, putting a scratch in the table with their fork, dumping their water, etc, etc. Then, we dance and play and put each kid in timeout at least once and strip 'em naked and they run wild and free before jumping in the bath. I clean the kitchen and he scrubs them clean like they're going in for surgery and they scream their brains out. Then, they run around nekkid some more and laugh gleefully and then we do books and bottles and Bible stories and prayers and singing and it's in that moment that our family's time is so so special and sacred. 

[#3] Name three Instagram MOMS who inspire you.
@laraacasey / @underthesycamore / @wanderingwithmary **[Mary does not have biological children, but living in Uganda caring for orphans so that makes her a mom in my eyes.]

[#4] What challenges have you faced in balancing motherhood and your passion for creativity?
Every challenge that ever existed. Does that sound dramatic? Good. I thrive on quiet, alone time. I thrive working on personal projects and being productive. I thrive being an active mother. In a perfect world I would never miss my kids when I worked and I would never desire to work in a quiet room when I was with my kids. But, all of it ... every passing minute I am being VERY intentional about being present and I am learning (oh am I learning!) how to say no, how to set boundaries, how to take care of myself and how to NOT fret when not everything gets done in a day. My kids are my number one priority and man do I friggin' ADORE them. I do not want to look back on the hundreds of pictures I take every week and not remember the moments because I was so mentally distracted. You know what I mean? 

[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?
Most days I'm in workout clothes (loving me some Pure Barre these days!), but on my off days it's a comfy pair of jeans and an oversized sweater. 

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why? 
Our living room. In many ways I feel I've outgrown the design of the room, but who has the money and who has the time!? So, it is what it is and I love it because it's where we spend most of our quality time together. Around the fire, reading books, rolling on the floor, eating breakfast sitting on the couch, watching a show on the iPad or just coming in and out of the house - it's our Grand Central Station. 

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.
It's a blurry mess and the girls look like they're being harmed, but my husband is actually "wrestling" them and they are laughing hysterically. Our girls LOVE to roll around on the ground with him.

Be sure and follow @Jess_Cudzilo on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms