Celebrating Gwen's 1st Birthday

Gwen is one! I can't even believe it (insert ugly crying face). We spent Sunday celebrating our sweet girl with a pretty Swan Soiree party and our family and friends. It's amazing how time feels like it's moving so slow (thank you COVID-19), and at the same time feels like it's flying by so fast. Gwen has baby rolls for days that we can't get enough of, and her personality is just the best. She's always smiling and laughing and has brought us so much joy over the past 12 months.

Having had a baby during the pandemic, and having not seen very many people for so many months, this birthday felt like it should be even more special. My only little girl was turning one, and we were able to spend it with our favorite people after a long hard year. I wanted to go ALL OUT with decorations, and hey, birthdays only come once a year, right? Everyone deserves a fantastic party! I was thrilled when I found Big Dot of Happiness. They offers designer party collections that make it easy for anyone to truly be a party-throwing hero. 

Being Gwen's first birthday, I was looking forward to getting some beautiful photos. With the Swan Soiree design party party decor, I was able to create and capture those precious goose bump moments, making memories that will last a lifetime. 

The kids all loved the gable favor boxes I filled with candy,  and playing with the photo booth props. The photo booth props come in a pack of 20 with masks, mustaches, comment signs and more. They probably had more funning sifting through the options and picking than they did taking the pictures, haha. Oh, and don't worry, a photo booth isn't required to create some super cute moments with these props!

Some of my personal favorites in the party pack were the Happy Birthday banner, which was really great quality and super easy to string together and also the table toppers. I love that these can be used with the wood dowels provided to put into a vase or tape wherever you'd like. I picked up a few blush vases that were a dollar at the grocery store, tied the vases with blush tulle and it felt so fancy. 

I chose to compliment the decor with matching swan cookies and cakes, added a few balloons, and I was all ready for the party. 

Little kids birthday parties are the best! Big Dot of Happiness made it so easy to create unforgettable moments with stunning decor. If you're planning a party, Big Dot of Happiness has dozens of unique themes. A couple favorites of my other favorites I have in mind for next year are the sharks for Winston and mermaids for Gwen. There really are so many cute options, it's hard to choose. You're sure to find something for your birthday star! 

Thank you Big Dot of Happiness for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. 

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It's already June, and time to shower Dad with love (and maybe a goodie or two). I've rounded up a bunch of gifts I've purchased for Jared that he loves, and actually uses. Grab your gifts in time for the big day. You have plenty of time. It's June 20!

Wheeled Cooler: The ultimate cooler. If you love Yeti, then you know. If you don't have anything Yeti brand, all their products are amazing quality. We've left drinks it in our wheeled Yeti cooler over a week and when we grabbed they were still ice cold. The wheels make it so much easier to transport than your average cooler, too. Perfect for road trips!

Massage Gun: This is a deep tissue gun geared towards athletes to relieve soreness. It has four speeds and comes with five applicators for different parts of the body. 

Over the Shoulder Cooler: Jared used this all the time when he goes golfing. We also also been using it lately for Winston's soccer games and it's the perfect size (not too heavy for even me to carry when it's full). 

Earbuds: If you're shopping for someone that likes to work out, these are perfect. They have great sound quality and better staying power than the apple EarPods. 

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Memorial Day Weekend Sales

Memorial Day Weekend Sales

It's one of the best shopping weekends of the year! If you've been eyeing something at your favorite shop, chances are good that it's on SALE this weekend. I'm seeing so many good home, decor and fashion finds. Here are a few of my favorite sales going on NOW! 

Serena & Lily - 20% off everything with code "DIVEIN"

Mango - 30% off order of $120  with code "EXTRA30"

EVEREVE - Up to 70% off

Anthropologie - 40% off all sale items

Express - 40% off everything FOR HER & HIM

CB2 - 15% off furniture, outdoor planters & decor

Old Navy - Up to 50% off 

JCREW - Extra 50%off sale with code "WEEKEND"

SkinStore - Up to 60% off

Macy's - 20% off with code "MEMDAY"

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Sephora S A L E

 

Sephora has two sales per year, and one his happening right NOW! It's a great time to stock up on everyday favorites and try those beauty products you've had your eye on. 

Sign in and use code OMGSPRING to receive member discount during the event:

Rouge: 20% off from 4/9 - 4/19

VIB: 15% off 4/13 - 4/19

Insider: 10% off 4/15 - 4/19

SUN

Coola has been my go-to sunscreen for years. They have the best smelling sunscreen long-lasting sunscreen, and is super easy to apply. I love the makeup setting spray with SPF, too!

I've used the Glow Screen SPF + Primer on my face for over a year now and am obsessed. The slightly tinted lotion blends in easy, and leaves a light glow without glitter or shine. I use this on no makeup days alone or under my makeup as my primer and SPF. The body version is new. I can't wait to try it!

FACE

Urban Decay Setting Spray - The best setting spray you'll find to keep your makeup in place (even under a mask). 

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream - This cream feels and smells super luxe. I've used it for years at night and have noticed a huge difference in the evening of my skin tone. 

Charlotte Tillbury Pressed Powder - I've only been using this about a month but love the way it makes my skin appear smooth without being drying or caked. I use the lightest shade, fair.

NARS Bronzer + Blush Duo with Brush - This is such a great set. Perfect for travel or anyone whose been wanting to try these NARS cult favorites without buying the full sizes. The Laguna Bronzer and Orgasm Blush colors work for so many different skin tones. 

HAIR

I've been using this Oribe shampoo and conditioner for years. The gold lust line will make your hair feel super soft and smell amazing. I do rotate in my Olaplex shampoo and conditioner and even Moroccanoil hydrating shampoo and conditioner occasionally, but the Oribe is what I use most frequent.

Olaplex No. 3 is a must have for keeping your hair strong and healthy. This has been a staple in my haircare routine for years. If there's one thing to get at the sale, make it this!

Another staple in my routine is the Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray. This is the perfect leave-in conditioner + protecting spray and smells AMAZING!

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Baby Favorites: Most Used 5-8 Months

 

Spoons

I've used these for both babies. They have the cutest color options and wash well. 

Ball Set

Gwens favorite is the pink ball. She loves to teeth on it. The others light up or rattle. 

Sit Up Chair 

This is great for teaching your babe to sit up. I feed Gwen her baby food in this right now.

Silicone Bibs 

I've used several wipeable bib brands but these are my favorite. They aren't quite as thick and stiff as other brands, so they are more comfortable my babes. 

Cushioned Baby Mat

I move this from room to room so I have a soft spot for Gwen to play. 

Activity Table 

I bought this for Winston when he was smaller and it's been worth every penny. There are three different language options (English, Spanish, French). I use it now for Gwen with the legs off, and she crawls around it to press all the buttons and turn the music and lights on. As she grows and starts to pull herself up and stand, I'll add the legs back on. 

Bouncy Chair 

This is constantly on our most-used list. She'll nap or watch cartoons in this bouncer. The cover come off easy to wash and it lays flat for travel or storage.

Teething Toy (Sophie the Giraffe)

A must-have teething toy. Fits perfecting in a babies arms. Both my kids have loved Sophie.

Sleep Sack 

I swear by this sleep sack style after my babes are past the newborn stage. The Halo Sleep Sack is a wearable blanket, washes well and has a two-way zipper. 

Wood Activity Gym 

I love that this activity gym is so darn cute, but it truly is so functional. Gwen will use it laying on her back on the playmate or I'll put it in front of her while in her bouncy chair. 

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Favorite Shirt Jackets

The shirt jacket (shaket) is everywhere now, in every price point, so I wanted to share a few of my favorite save and splurge picks with you, in case  you're looking to try one out, or need to add more to your closet. I'm wearing my favorite Ruby Jacket from Free People in these images and have it in several colors. It's a bit of a splurge but I've had my first one for years. They wash great and transition in to Spring and Fall perfectly. 

Splurge-worthy

   

          

One / Two / Three / Four

Save on these (all under $60)

One / Two / Three / Four

When it's colder, I like to pair my shirt jacket with a thick sweater, and because it's oversized, even sweaters with bat sleeves fit. I throw this on over a midi dress in the Fall and Spring. 

xo, Crystal Marie

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