Loving Lately: Mom of 3/Holiday Edition

1. Christopher & Banks Pull On Denim Jegging

These jeans are the ideal combination of comfort, style, and reasonable price point. They look and fit great, especially for this post-partum mom bod, and they are super comfortable with the elastic waistband. I've been a convert to high-waisted jeans in the last year or so (although, you won't see me tucking my shirts in) and these jeggings come up to just below my belly button. Best of all, they don't sag or stretch out, even after wearing a few days in a row! Which, obviously, is my modus operandi right now.

2. A Windham Hill Christmas

Christmas music is playing constantly in my house or car during this time of year. I love hearing seasonal tunes in the background throughout my day, and the collections by Windham Hill are lovely renderings of traditional favorites. Also, see below... I've been listening to this album on my Amazon Music account!

3. Technology, in general

And Amazon, specifically. I've ordered pretty much all of my Christmas presents here, as well as some new mom/baby essentials -- from diapers and wipes to nursing tanks and compression leggings. And you can't beat Prime 2-day shipping. We also use the Amazon Firestick with our television, and this means plenty of catching up on shows while I'm on "maternity leave"! My favorite shows lately have been Outlander, Poldark and Fixer Upper. I also love the Kindle app on my iPhone, since I enjoy reading during those late-night nursing sessions, and also the BabyHub app for tracking feedings.

4. All the coffee

Caffeine is a necessity when running on 2-3 hours of sleep at a time, and my older children are early risers, so dragging myself out of bed by 6am requires coffee ready in an instant. Pop a pod in the Keurig and we're ready to go! Once again, ordering through Amazon makes it super easy to keep these on hand!

5. Diaper Purse Organizer

I have all kinds of bag, purses, wallets, satchels and other carrying accessories (what woman doesn't!), but not all of them are "diaper friendly". This little organizer tote makes all the difference. Slide it into a regular purse or satchel, and suddenly it becomes a diaper bag! It also makes for much easier transition between purses -- mom's gotta stay stylish, you know. ;)

6. Scents of the season

I enjoy lighting scented candles year-round, but something about the smell of a Christmas tree, gingerbread or peppermint permeating the house really gets me in the holiday mood. These cute little tins by Paddywax also make great gifts or stocking stuffers!

What are your favorites this time of year?

Currently: October 2015

Listening: Sleeping At Last. Absolutely one of my favorite musicians. He is talented and prolific, which means no shortage of new music! Atmospheric instrumentals and beautiful tunes with  meaningful lyrics. Gets me every time.

Reading: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Just finished this one and I LOVED it. I'm a sucker for late-19th/early-20th-century historical romance. I've seen the BBC film version several times (Richard Armitage... swoon), but haven't read the book until now. Well worth it! Plus, the Kindle version is free! And call me vain, but I pretty much love any book in which the main character's name is Margaret. ;)

Richard Armitage as John Thornton | Daniela Denby-ashe as Margaret Hale 

Watching: Speaking of 19th/20th century masterpieces... Far From the Madding Crowd. Another swoon-worthy romance movie for your next girls night in. I haven't read the novel yet, and Thomas Hardy tends to be dark, but I can tell you right now it's a happy ending.

Wearing: All things fall! Scarves, boots, vests... so many favorite pieces. These items have been making a regular appearance: Fall Floral Scarf - Target (similar); Navy Quilted Puffer Vest (J. Crew). I've decided I need a plaid scarf/shawl...and lots more flannel shirts. Also, there are SO many fashion blogs out there (reference: below). When do they find the time??

Vest Styling Ideas

(you know... for when I leave the house)

http://alonestarstateofsouthern.com/2014/10/08/preppy_fall_fashion/

http://thetinyheart.blogspot.com/2014/11/look-what-i-got-old-navy-quilted-vest.html

http://www.partialtopink.com/2014/10/quilted-vest-plaid-flannel/

http://www.southerncurlsandpearls.com/2014/09/puffer-vest.html

Cooking/Eating: Chili! It must be just the time of year, but I've been in a chili kind of mood a lot lately. Not only is it easy to throw together in the crockpot, it also freezes/stores well for enjoyment at a later date! Here's a new favorite recipe inspired by DH's preference for bean-free chili: True Texas Chili

Image credit: Epicurious.com

Exploring: Boca Grande, Florida. We'll be heading there at the end of the month for a family wedding and I can't wait! We went to Florida this past January to visit family, but Northern Florida in January is still wintertime -- not quite a sunny beach vacay! Boca Grande is much farther south, on the Gulf coast, and we'll be visiting the super cute Gasparilla Island. So excited to soak up some sunshine and celebrate with family before we get ready for a chilly Midwestern winter.

Yep... looking forward to this beach view.

Admiring: The artwork of Charles Young Walls. Although I don't make as much time to paint these days as I'd like, admiring the work of other artists and staying involved with the local art league keeps me inspired and excited about opportunities to keep this passion alive!

"Majesty Rising" 36x30, Oil on Canvas - Charles Young Walls 

Planning: Little man turns 2 years old at the end of November! Making plans for fun toddler gifts and a special family dinner in his honor. Plus, we'll be traveling to see family in Georgia for the Thanksgiving holiday, so I'm checking out fun activities to try out while we're there.

What is keeping YOU busy this October?