Everett is ONE! Let's Celebrate with a Freshly Picked Giveaway! (CLOSED)

Birthday Presents for YOU!
I haven't been secretive about my love for Freshly Picked moccasins. They are simply the best shoe for a baby, even before they start walking. In honor of my little boy turning a WHOLE YEAR OLD over the weekend, I am partnering with Freshly Picked to give away a pair of his favorite moccasins to one lucky winner! Make sure you follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below to enter :)

Why We Love Them.
Everett's first pair of moccasins were gifted to him while he was still in the womb, from his girlfriend who was also in the womb. So you could say that Freshly Picked has a bit of a sentimental value in our household. But even more than that, these shoes boast an adorable design, supple 100% genuine leather, pristinely tailored construction, and delectable rainbow of color options. We probably own too many, but they are outrageously cute and they hold up SO WELL. And. I'm going to be honest. My child loves to teethe on these shoes. I can throw all the teethers in the world at him, but all he wants to chew on are his leather moccs. I often find him, gnawing quietly on his shoe, foot still in. He loves them. LOVES THEM. I have just relished dressing him up in his sweet moccs over the past year, and I'm already scheming over new colors that he has to have. Kelly green, anyone? Yes. Kelly green. They probably need to make that color first.

Why does my child look like he's going off to college? WAAAAAAHHHHH.

This little cutie sat so sweetly at the table on the front porch and let mommy preen over him. He's really gotten so, so big. How. HOW?!

Everett is wearing Freshly Picked Utah Collection moccs in Red Rock, c/o. Gap Onesie. Target shorts.

We Love Giveaways!
If you love these moccasins like we do, make sure you enter the Birthday Boy's Rafflecopter below! This giveaway will run for one week here on the blog. The randomly chosen winner will score a pair of moccasins, their choice of size and color. Sorry, this giveaway is only open to US residents, and you can't have won any other FP gear within the past 60 days. Best of luck to you all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easter Recap.

Easter Sunday.

What a joy it was to celebrate Easter as a family of three. Observing the cornerstone event of my faith, the divine resurrection of Jesus Christ, and sharing that exciting truth with my son, well, that pretty much takes the cake. Stevie and I had so much fun putting together Everett's Easter basket, getting him dressed up for church, and playing with him throughout the day that we completely failed at taking a family photo. Who does that?? Well, us apparently. We just took endless pictures of our little man discovering Easter eggs and, you know, chewing on them. Oh well. I tend to over-photograph our life in general, so while we might not have a ton of family pics from his first Easter, we have plenty of them from the day before and the day after.

This was our first Easter at home with family in many years. The past few years we've been in Boston and New York, so Easter has been an extremely chilly, friend-oriented holiday. We are grateful for so many unique Easter experiences, but this year with Everett was the best yet. It was just so much fun, introducing him to the traditions of the celebration, and even though he's not fully grasping it yet, it's just the beginning!

A Tisket, a Tasket.

I might have overdone it on the Easter basket. Well, it wasn't an Easter basket as much as it was a piece of luggage, his own little luggage bag! We are doing a good bit of traveling over the next few months, and I can't keep stuffing his goods into sticky Trader Joes tote bags. His bounty floweth over. And so of course, the bag just had a few goodies inside, MOSTLY NEEDS, like a bathing suit and sun hat and swim diapers. And a toy. And a book. And maybe some new shoes. I MIGHT BE OUT OF CONTROL.

We had so much fun, worshiping at church and then having lunch with family. And then egg hunting with cousins! And then crying a good bit. It's okay, it's an emotional day for all of us, Everett. 

I hope you all enjoyed your Easter as much as we did!

A Freshly Picked Valentine Story.

A Freshly Picked Valentine Story.

Guys, my baby boy has a Valentine.

I want to say, "I don't know how this happened!" - but I really can't do that. Because I know exactly how it happened. I dressed up my son, took him over to my friends' house, and we proceeded to play babydolls with our real-life babies.

Sometimes moms need to have a little fun, too. Because there aren't adult jumperoos for us to lounge in all day long. SOMEONE INVENT THAT.

// He's probably just hiding his feelings, Finley. Boys are good at acting aloof. //

// These two. I can't even handle it. //

// HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A PRETTIER VALENTINE. The answer is no. //

// Some couples wear their matchy-matchy Chuck Taylors. Some couples simultaneously rock the Nikes. I once wore matching Vans with my skater boyfriend (yes I was in 7th grade, and yes, I still regret not keeping those rad sneaks.) But these two? Well, they're little moccasin wearers. And by little I mean that they are 6 weeks a part in age and my son is wearing shoes two sizes bigger than her. No big deal. Mom loves him. //

// Here, let me help you open the present I brought you. Here, let me help myself to a snack of the present I brought you. //

// He's all, "This snack is a different flavor than last time. " And she's all, "A book?!" (Feigned surprise, really thinking, "Where's the chocolate and flowers, man??" )

// Mom, he bought me a book. How am I supposed to read into this?? //

// Some boys get nervous to hold a girl's hand. Everett just wanted the chance to hold her foot. //

// Nailed it. //

Everett's Advice for Other Bros:

1. Never Show Up Empty-Handed.

Needless to say, his gift was well-received. This little lady, sweet Finley, politely accepted his on-trend choice and even pretended to look away when Everett lost his cool and was overwhelmed with the urge to NAP. What a classy broad.

2. Look Fresh.

In his case, Everett was looking extremely fresh - hence the footwear. Bathing really helps a brother out, too.

3. Give Her a Compliment.

A nice, "Hey Finley, cool head bow," would do just fine. But in his case he patted her soft rose moccasin and everything that needed to be said in that moment, was said.

4. Suck Up to Her Parents.

This isn't hard one when you're 6 months old and so cute that it physically hurts. Things get more challenging when you can actually open your mouth and say something awkward.

5. It's Okay to Cry.

He's a sensitive, communicative soul. We are lucky that she is so laid-back and optimistic about his opinions.

Match made it Heaven? Only time will tell.

Remember, sweet son, Mommy will always be your first love. And probably your first reason for needing some therapy.

Happy Valentines Day to you all!

Disclosure: this post is completely UNSPONSORED by Freshly Picked. Seriously. It's just that my friend Lena and I have a serious Freshly Picked moccasin addiction. And our kids are just cuuuuuuute in their little Valentine-y mocc selves.

Happy Valentines Day Gift Picks

Happy Valentines Day Gift Guide by oykristen // 1. Freshly Picked Carryall // 2. Kate Spade for Keds Linen Champions // 3. Terrain Locket // 4. Terrain Hydrangea Earrings // 5. Anthropologie Butterfly Potholders // 6. Sonnet James Isabel Dress // 1. Sundance Billiard Bottle Stopper // 2. The Drunken Botanist // 3. Jeni's Berries + Chocolate Collection // 4. Mast Brothers Chocolate Bar // 5. Michael Kors Tie // 6. Williams-Sonoma Copper Mug //

Happy Valentines Day Gift Picks.

The conversation in our household about Valentines Day went a little something like this:

Me: "If I bought you a cuff, would you wear it?"

Him: "A cuff?"

Me: "Yeah, a cuff. Like a bracelet... but like, a man's bracelet. Leather and such. A man cuff."

Him: (After a long pause) "Probably not."

Just so you know, I was was referring to something woodsy and awesome, much like this or this (but obviously, something a fraction of the price), but clearly, such a gnarly item would not have been appreciated by my uninterested husband.

Instead, here are a few gifts that probably would work. Both for him and for her :)

For Her:

1. Freshly Picked Carryall

This brand has pretty much stabbed my wallet in the heart. Everything is SO GORGEOUS. Just take all my money. And my pride. But give me this leathery salt water taffy goodness.

2. Kate Spade for Keds Linen Champions

Keds are the best everyday sneaker. I've been living in mine, although this collaboration with Kate Spade is making me want, nay, need another pair.

3. Terrain Locket

Ooh la la. The enamel is a mod twist on the traditional locket, and I like it.  

4. Terrain Hydrangea Earrings

How gorgeous are these? This is such a very delicate and beautiful gift, perfect for your sweetheart!

5. Anthropologie Butterfly Potholders

Some women take offense to kitchen-related gifts. I am not one of those women. But manfolk, make sure your woman is one of those women who also loves kitchen play before you purchase these for her. And maybe throw in a jaunty little spatula while you're at it. For the spanking. I'M JUST KIDDING.

6. Sonnet James Isabel Dress

This brand is a new obsession of mine. "Playful dresses for playful moms", and they are so adorable! Breastfeeding-friendly, easy to clean and suuuuuuper cute. I mean, look at all that color-blocking. The days of mom jeans are over (praise report!) This little number is high on my list for sure. I'm a sucker for some strong marketing.

For Him:

1. Sundance Billiard Bottle Stopper

This is a rad toy for a rad boy.

 2. The Drunken Botanist

This is why we should all be gardeners. 

3. Jeni's Berries + Chocolate Collection

This is a seriously great gift. My hubby loves ice cream. He would DIG THIS.

4. Mast Brothers Chocolate Bar

The trendiest chocolate. Russell Stover is for SUCKERS.

5. Michael Kors Tie

For the dapper laddie in your life. Some men gotta suit up, might as well help them dress the part.

6. Williams-Sonoma Copper Mug

Don't you like to imagine that your dream man is sipping his morning coffee out of this? Like, atop a mountain? In a rugged flannel shirt? Yep. Yep yep yep.

I hope you have a happy time shopping for your love!

The 8th Day: Holiday Gift Guide for Little Ones

Holiday Gift Guides: Little Ones by oykristen // 1. Miu Color Aroma Diffuser // 2. Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers // 3. Uncle Goose Wood Embossed Spanish/English Blocks // 4. Jellycat Stuffed Animal & Book Set // 5. Skip Hop Alphabet Play Mat // 6. Freshly Picked Moccasins // 7. Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set // 8. Winnie the Pooh Classic Library Set // 9. Boogin' Head Pacifier Clip // 10. Skip Hop Safari Xylophone  // 11. VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube //

Holiday Gift Guide for Little Ones.

Oh baby. I have tried to be really good this year and not purchase too much for my little one. But I spend every single day with him, so I am constantly reminded of all the different things he "needs" as he is developing. This was a really fun gift guide to put together, because I would love all of this for my own little one! Happy shopping for your under 1-year-old!

1. Miu Color Aroma Diffuser

We fondly refer to this as the "moo moo" in our house. This was an excellent gift recommendation from my big sister. A little tip for all you mamas with sleep-challenged little ones - diffusing certain essential oils is supposed to help them sleep! We've been using this in our baby's room for a few weeks now and have started to notice a dramatic difference (I've mostly been using a little lavender.) This particular model is great because it can double as a fun color-changing nightlight when the kiddos get a little bit older. Big sister says.

2. Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers

Can you say stocking stuffer? Everett doesn't really suck on these. He chews them. But they are his paci of choice!

3. Uncle Goose Wood Embossed Spanish/English Blocks

Pretty much the most gorgeous wooden block set I've ever laid eyes on. There is a very small window of time when parents actually get to pick out their childrens' toys and clothes - and I am going to capitalize on that right now!

4. Jellycat Stuffed Animal & Book Set

These are the sweetest stuffed animals, and I love the interactive story that comes with them! Everett has the puppy and is hoping to add the fox to his collection soon :)

5. Skip Hop Alphabet Play Mat

This mat is the perfect place to spread out all those toys and let those little ones learn to roll over and crawl!

6. Freshly Picked Moccasins

I die. These are the most gorgeous baby shoes everrrrrrr. Santa might have splurged on these this year. Might.

7. Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set

Because my husband says that boys need balls.

8. Winnie the Pooh Classic Library Set

I think childhood reading is one of the most important things in the world. Who doesn't remember the classic tales hailing from the Hundred Acre Wood? Ah, the good ol days. This particular collection is a bit advanced for babies, but it would make a really special gift.

9. Boogin' Head Pacifier Clip

These little contraptions make such an enormous difference. We need lots of them. Stocking stuffer!

10. Skip HopSafari Xylophone

Isn't this a fun one? Great for those little musicians in the making!

11. VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

Let's keep those busy brains busy! 

Anything I missed? What else is on your gift guide/wish list for your little one? Oh happy day!