Tuesday, November 20, 2018

60 Christmas Gifts for Little Girls!

Here it is...my labor of love! I've researched and read reviews, looked through catalogs, and scoured the Internet for some of the best Christmas presents for the little girl in your life. And here they are! I'm so pleased with this year's gift guide and hope you'll enjoy it too. :) Happy Holidays!

Affiliate links are used in this post. Thank you so much for your support, as always.

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Hadley got this kiddie camera for her birthday and loves it. It takes pictures and videos, and she especially likes adding special effects to the photos. It also comes with five games.


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A slap bracelet for this generation. This one makes over 50 sounds, and its eyes light up to match its mood.


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My girls love crafting. I like that this kit has a pretty end-result!


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Hadley would adore this little gnome play house. Isn't it pretty?


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This is high on Lily's wish list. The pompom flips to reveal a large unicorn plush, several small unicorns, and a few other unicorn-themed treats.

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If your little one watches "Sunny Bunnies" on YouTube, she'd definitely love the plush characters. I think they'd look cute stuffed in a stocking!

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This Barbie Dream House is at the top of Hadley's Christmas list. You know, moms always want their little ones to have the pretty wooden doll houses, but the kids always want the plastic ones!

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This phone has a lot of features of a tablet but in a smaller form.

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We love puzzles, and this one is beautiful.

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My girls still like playing with their Hatchimals, and this set glows in the dark!

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This book has gorgeous illustrations and a lot of good facts on our 50 states.

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Djeco makes the best crafting kits. The end results are always frame-worthy!

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If you have a unicorn lover, of course she needs this special handbook! And it'd be so pretty on her bookshelf or bedside table.

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Flip sequin obsessed over here. And a unicorn to boot...

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The softest, squishiest toy ever. Hadley has one of these, and I want to cuddle up with it myself. They make great pillows for reading!

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Santa almost always brings the girls a new bathrobe. Love this one.

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Create your own terrarium! We'd love to do this after the holidays.

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A sweet set of unicorn pajamas. This brand makes great quality clothing for kiddos.

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Such a sweet necklace.

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I love the illustrations in this book.

Lola Dutch

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Add these cute little guys to your bracelets. Lily saw this in Target recently and was smitten.

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I played with some of these ponies when I was a little girl! Love anything retro. And everyone must admit, these are so much prettier than the newer version!

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Such a fun craft to do with your kids. I'm intrigued.

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Another fun craft set. We are super into mythical creatures over here.

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A gorgeous pillow for her bed.

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Santa has already picked this up for Lily. Flip sequins + purple = sold.

Flip Sequin Zip Purse

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My girls love making bracelets. This is such a cute kit.

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This looks like a fun set to add to your paint supplies!

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My girls have gotten these for birthday gifts, and they're really fun to put together and hang on your window when you're finished!

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The prettiest llama I ever saw.

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A fun gift to open. Push the popper and reveal your miniature doll and accessories...and confetti!

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Each surprise box comes with a doll and 10 accessories. These are a hit with most girls right now, and we've been giving them as birthday presents!

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My Little Ponies as their younger selves.

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Any child of the 90s (it was the 90s, right?) rememembers Caboodles! And they're back. I used mine for make-up, but I think my girls would love to hide their treasures inside. Would also be great for art supplies!

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Non-toxic nail polish that is safe for little ones. Would make a great stocking stuffer.

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It's not Christmas without Lip Smacker in your stocking.

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Lily gravitates toward anything flip sequin. She'd squeal over this sweatshirt!

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These really are kind of adorable. Open the package to reveal a sad looking pet. Give it a bath and some love, and it becomes fluffy and cute!

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For the budding seamstress.

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Make your own key chain pets!

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A stuffed animal that provides a little light at bedtime.


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The prettiest flip sequin pillow.

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These guys were all the rage last Christmas and now they come as minis that you can attach to a bracelet. Cute for the stocking.

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Another beautiful craft set from Djeco. Trust me, these are good.

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Hadley would love this llama nightlight for her llama-themed room!

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A unicorn sleep mask guarantees a good night's rest.

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We have this book, and the message is so empowering for your little girl. We love these pajama-book sets. They make the greatest gifts.

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Such gorgeous crayons!


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Hadley likes decorating her walls with stickers, which she knows is a big no-no. This would allow her to do the same but with stickers that can be removed!


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This is such a treat for the parents and the kids. Fun to do together, and kids love looking back at their answers.

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Pretty charm bracelets with unique beads.

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I mean. The llama lover has to have this.


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If you have a dancer, this would be a great book to give.

Tallulah's Tutu

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Y'all...llama lip gloss!?!?

Llama Lip Gloss

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Hadley would adore this tool set.

Durable Kids Tool Set

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Both girls have been wanting walkie talkies. I think these look like so much fun!

Funkprofi Walkie Talkies

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Lily saw these dolls in Target recently and fell in love. They're the same size as American Girl's Wellie Wishers, and they're only $20! They really are pretty and well-made.

Glitter Girls Doll

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Hadley got this for a birthday gift, and she has it next to her bed. She loves that it lights up, and it's a great teaching toy.
Illuminated World Globe for Kids

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The best sleeping bags. Get it monogrammed for a special touch.

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Such a pretty beanie to keep her head warm this winter.

Foil Print Beanie

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Hope you enjoyed this list! Let me know if you purchase anything here, and keep me posted on the items your little girl is asking for this year! Happy shopping! :)


Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Christmas Pajamas for Little Girls

Aah, it's time for matching Christmas pajamas! There are so many cute options out there this year, and I've rounded up my favorites below. Enjoy!

**Affiliate links are used in this post. Thank you for your support!**

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Starting out with my favorite pair. I picked up these for the girls to open on Christmas Eve. I love that they're different but still Christmas-y! 

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I always love little ones in white pajamas. So innocent.
 Snow Animals 2-Piece Pajamas

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These are really cool. Love the bold colors!

 Geo Tree 2-Piece Pajamas

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You can't tell here, but this pair glows in the dark!

Glow-in-the-Dark Christmas Light Pajamas

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Adore these...the dark green is so unique.

Green Pinecone Ballet Pajamas

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How fun would it be to not only have Christmas pajamas but to have a snuggly robe too?

Candy Pink Holiday Fleece Robe

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Lily would love this pair or any pair that comes with fleece pants.

Holiday Squad Pajamas

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Such a cute nightgown option. 

Christmas Dog Fleece Sleep Gown

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Really thinking about picking these up for both girls. How darling would they be twinning with their dolls?

Christmas Matching Gown and Doll Gown

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Love the woodland theme on this pair. Would look equally as cute on a little boy!

Reindeer Pajama Set

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A nod to Madonna, maybe? ;)

Express Your Elf Pajamas

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A reindeer with ornaments on her antlers...perfect for the season.

Oh Deer Pajamas

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My girls like a Granny nightgown. I love that this one is blue and breaks from the traditional red and green.

Frosty the Snowman Nightgown

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You need to go to the link to see this pair close up. Christmas llamas!!!!!

Holiday Llama Pajama Set

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Pink and red is always the sweetest combo to me. Love the coat-style shirt and the little collar.

Santa Coat Pajama Set

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Lily actually has this nightgown and says it's the softest. She wants to wear it nightly.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Nightgown

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Unicorns and Christmas trees = my dream come tree.

Holiday Unicorn Nightgown

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A simple, darling set.

 Merry Everything Pajamas

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If you're a big Disney person you should definitely pick up this pair. So stinkin' cute!

Mickey & Minnie Mouse Pajama Set

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Can never go wrong with fair isle. These are sweet, and I love the addition of blue hearts.

Fair Isle Reindeer Pajama Set

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If you have the pajamas and robe, you might as well have the slippers, right? How cozy do these look?

Sherpa Reindeer Slippers

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Another slipper option, and this pair comes with a sleep mask too!

Santa Squad Slippers and Eye Mask

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And one more sleep mask option. How fun to look like Rudolph while getting your beauty sleep?

Reindeer Sleep Mask

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Hope everyone enjoyed my picks! Are you getting in the Christmas spirit yet or are you waiting until the day after Thanksgiving? Happy Holidays, friends!


Friday, October 26, 2018

Life Lately

It's been so long since I've written one of these posts I've almost forgotten how to do it. I know what held me back from first starting my blog, so many years ago, was the uncertainty of where to start. I feel like that's kind of where I am now. But like I did then, I'm reminding myself to just start somewhere. Anywhere. So here I am.
 
It's finally fall, and the cooler temps are bringing us to life! We celebrated Hadley's 5th birthday in early October. How can this baby be 5 already? I'll never know.
 
 
 
 
We celebrated her birthday at home, and she requested a filet in lieu of a cake. That's my Hadley. :)
 
 
 
We sent birthday snacks, hats, and plates to school, and she had such fun celebrating with her classmates.
 
 
Before her steak dinner, she opened presents and got some really fun gifts this year...her favorite was a VTech camera from her Nana and Grandad.
 
 
 
 
 
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October is also a fun month because it ushers in the Mississippi State Fair. We went one afternoon, after school, and had the best time just walking around and eating all the bad-for-you food. The petting zoo was our favorite, and I'm convinced we need to find an alpaca to adopt.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Lily celebrated the 50th day of school last week so we pulled out her poodle skirt from the year before. I found it on Amazon, and I'm glad we have it so Hadley can wear it one day too.
 
 
Hadley's school had "Dress Like a Farmer" day, and they milked pretend cows, gathered blueberries, and shucked corn. She's got to be the cutest farmer there ever was!
 
 
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Lily wanted to sign up for gymnastics this year, and I have to admit I was hesitant. She took ballet and jazz last year and hated (yes, hated) every second of it. We found a gymnastics place here that would let her try it out first, without the commitment, and she did and has loved every minute of it. She's in a beginner's class, and her goal this year is to master a cartwheel. She's come so far, and I'm really proud of her persistence and courage to try new things. She's really proud of her bridge and practices them approximately 100 times a day.
 
 
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Rob and I have been to two Mississippi State football games and have had so much fun on these "dates." Our Bulldogs aren't doing as well this year as we'd like, but we've had a good time being there to support them.
 
 
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I'm still working a few weekends a month and usually enjoy my time at the hospital...even though many days it is stressful and I feel like I need to clone myself to properly take care of my patients. But that's the life of a nurse, I guess. I'm working on Sunday and am hopeful for a good day.
 
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Lastly, I just wanted to share a few snaps of my girls...
 
Oh, you could never convince me there is anything sweeter than a sleeping child. (I hope she'll want to sleep with Bunny forever.)
 
 
School picture day for Hadley. She picked out her outfit for pics, and I love it.
 
 
Took this of Lily right before school drop-off. I know I'm crazy, but my heart always sinks a little when I drop them off. I'm thankful they love school, but I do miss them when they're away.
 
 
 And this cutie in her headband. She's gotten so headstrong about her clothes and accessories! She's definitely more of a girly-girl than I ever thought she'd be!
 
 
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Hope everyone reading this is well! Life is good and smooth right now, and we'll take it and savor it for as long as we can. I'm certainly thankful for the good. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend.
 
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Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Easy Enchilada Bake

If you're looking for an easy weeknight meal packed full of protein, here you go! Bonus: it involves a slow cooker and requires very little prep!
 
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Easy Enchilada Bake
Southern Living: Slow Cooker Suppers
 
1 (19 oz.) can enchilada sauce
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (11 oz.) can yellow corn with red and green bell peppers, drained and rinsed
3 cups chopped cooked chicken (I used a Rotisserie chicken)
1/2 cup mild salsa
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, drained and divided
2 large eggs
2 Tablespoons chopped jarred roasted red bell peppers
1 (8 1/2 oz.) package corn muffin mix
6 oz. pre-shredded Mexican four cheese blend
 
Stir together enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, chicken, salsa, scallions, and 1/4 cup each of the chopped cilantro and diced green chiles in a lightly greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
 
Whisk eggs in a medium bowl; stir in roasted bell peppers, muffin mix, and remaining diced green chiles. Spoon batter over bean mixture in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until cornbread is done, about 1 hour. Sprinkle cheese over cornbread; increase heat to high; cover and cook until cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Spoon into bowls and garnish with cilantro.
 
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Easy peasy. And made plenty for at least one night of leftovers, maybe two! Enjoy.
 
 
 


Friday, October 12, 2018

Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

It finally feels like fall outside here, so I knew I wanted to make some soup to welcome in the cooler days! I combined bits and pieces from two recipes to make the perfect Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup! Original recipes are from Life Made Simple and Two Peas & Their Pod. It's a great hearty soup and is easily a meal in itself!
 
 
Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
 
1 lb. Italian sausage, rolled into 3/4 teaspoon size balls
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups chopped kale
1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups half & half
2 cups cheese tortellini
 
In a skillet brown the mini sausage balls until cooked through. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Place the sausage balls on a plate lined with paper towels.
 
In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and carrot and cook until tender, 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
 
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add in the chicken broth and whisk to combine. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 6 minutes.
 
Add sausage, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, kale, tortellini, and half & half. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes or until the tortellini is fully cooked.
 
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve with crusty French bread.
 
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