Valentine's Day Gift Idea: The Heart Knot

I love to shop local, and even more than that, I love it when I find out that something I absolutely love is handmade right here in Columbia, South Carolina.

At the beginning of 2013, I started seeing these stunning rope, heart-shaped necklaces on everyone I knew. And I finally asked about it and they said, “That’s The Heart Knot.”

The Heart Knot

Then I got them for my mom and for Nina for Christmas, and gave Todd a strong hint that I’d love one for Christmas, too. And, y’all. I get stopped every time I wear it because someone wants to know about it. It’s just so beautiful.

The Heart Knot

I chose the big, gold, braided rope because I love that it can really turn a basic outfit into something special.

Because I love The Heart Knot, I just wanted to share it with all of you. These beauties are all handmade by Mary Kent Hearon right here in South Carolina. And Mary Kent even told me that she is on standby for Valentine’s Day gifts. (That’s precious Mary Kent Hearon in the photo below wearing her gorgeous heart knot that is the longer version of the one I have. Gah! I love that one, too!)

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This post isn’t sponsored. I just wanted to spread the word about something I love and thought you would love, too! I’m already trying to decide which Heart Knot I want for summer time…. I think I love the coral one!

The Heart Knot

 

Are there any beautiful, handmade things where you live? I’d love to know about them!

summer clothes for boys!

One of the most frequently asked questions I get in emails and blog comments is, “Where do you shop for your boys?”

I have to admit that when I first found out that I was expecting a boy when I was pregnant with Hudson, I didn’t really know where to start. I’ve written before about shopping for a baby boy, which is really oh so much fun! You can read that post here. Most of my choices for baby boys have stayed the same over the last four years. (Four years! How did that happen?)

So I just thought I’d share some of my favorite brands and places to shop for my little guys. Now that Hayes is a full blown toddler (wearing a size 2T and 3T) and Hudson is a preschooler, my shopping choices have changed a little bit.

The most wonderful thing about when boys start to wear separates in the summer (as opposed to John Johns and bubbles), is that they can wear them for at least two seasons. Hudson is even wearing some clothes this summer that I bought for him when he turned 2! (When they lose that baby belly, the shirts can be worn longer and the shorts start below the knee and end up slightly above the knee, which I think is so cute!)

boys swimwear

 

For swimwear, I have found some really cute things. Hayes wears Hudson’s hand-me-downs, of course. But Hudson has some suits this year from Vineyard Vines, Ragsland, and Shrimp & Grits Kids. I also found a pair of matching swim trunks from Zulily that I purchased with credits. Another great brand is Funtasia Too! They usually have really cute appliqué tees that go with the swim trunks.

I prefer shorter trunks for little boys, as opposed to board shorts or trunks that come past the knee. Just my personal preference.

kelly's kids boys

 

Another one of my absolute favorite resources for shopping for my boys is Kelly’s Kids. I wore Kelly’s Kids when I was little and my boys wear it, too. I think the quality is absolutely fantastic. It’s a little bit pricey, but like I said before, when they’re wearing separates, they can wear them for at least two summers. And then Hayes gets Hudson’s hand-me-downs.

I love these matching brother outfits! Hayes still wears John Johns and shortalls for Sundays, but I mostly keep him in separates during the week.

kelly's kids boys 2

 

Another couple of adorable Kelly’s Kids outfits for this summer. Those white shorts are one of my favorite things. You can cinch up the waist and let it out so they can wear it for a couple of years. And I love that I can mix and match the shorts with different color polos.

mini boden choices for boys

 

We just love Mini Boden. I love the big appliqué tees, the soft pullovers, the comfortable polos, and even the cute little soft shorts. (I like shorter shorts on little boys just because their legs are so short and Mini Boden does have a few options for shorter shorts for boys.)

ragsland boys

I always joke that my boys wear a little uniform of white appliqué tees and gingham seersucker shorts. I also love little smocked tee shirts. It’s says “little boy” without being too stuffy and it’s easy for them to play. Ragsland has a fantastic selection of separates and absolutely adorable clothes.

honey bee tees boy clothes

Perhaps my absolute favorite place to shop for summer play clothes for my boys is Honey Bee Tees. Darby’s blog, Fly Through Our Window, is one of my all time favorites, and her shop is also a favorite. The t-shirts are so soft and I just love the sweet, simple designs. And that red crab hat has hardly left Hudson’s head so far this summer!

vineyard vines boys

 

One of my favorites for Hudson has been Vineyard Vines. It is definitely pricey, but we got him a couple of button down shirts, a couple pair of chinos, and he just alternates those for Sunday mornings. I also love pairing the button down shirt with those awesome white shorts from Kelly’s Kids. And that Vineyard Vines Shep pullover is the absolute cutest thing! Hudson loves his VV t-shirts to wear to the pool and just around the yard on Saturdays.

 

Other Great Resources

I also love to shop through my friend, Ashley’s shop, She She Made. She makes the most adorable custom outfits for boys and girls, but I have especially loved the separates she has done for Hayes over the last year. So cute! (She also has a Facebook page where she hosts sales and you can follow her on Instagram @sheshemade.)

Another couple of great resources for basic polos, solid tees, and solid shorts (that aren’t too long) are GAP and Old Navy. I’m really particular about pants, but every boy needs a pair of comfortable khaki shorts and just some basic tee shirts.

I go to a lot of trunk shows in the spring and fall and that’s where we get most of our boys’ clothes. My favorites are Hannah Kate, Kelly’s Kids, Shrimp & Grits Kids, Blessed Be The Name, and Orient Expressed.

So I think I’ve successfully shared my favorites for shopping for boys. I’m super thankful that we have two boys and all the boys clothes make their way through two little guys!

mom style for spring

I am far from a style expert. And I would be very hesitant to ever offer fashion advice to someone else. But I know what works for my body. And I know how to shop for myself.

It’s clear that I have a certain style and that has become even more narrow and defined since becoming a mom. I need clothes that move and keep it easy for me to move. I have to be able to set up the stroller, get in and out of the car a lot, lift big boys, and sit on the floor.

I am not a fan of shorts. And skirts just aren’t practical in the summer time. I like some cropped pants, but I prefer to roll up a skinny jean.

But I love me some jeans.

So I put together some of my favorite items for the spring and summer. I have some of these things and some of these things are on my wish list.

We’ll be spending the summer at the zoo, the children’s museum, the beach, and just piddling around town. And when the temperatures reach 110, we won’t be going anywhere.

But let’s not focus on summer. I prefer to enjoy spring for as long as possible before even talking about summer. All the shopping information is under each set if you’re interested.

Mom Style Spring

Spring Mom Style 2
Spring Mom Style
Mom Style Spring 3
Mom Style Spring 4
Mom Style Spring 5
Mom Style Spring 6

i heart today!

Because of these beautiful things found on other blogs, TV, and Jildor Shoes this week!

  • Lulu the Westie by Erin Vey on her blog, Bark. Erin Vey does it again! (I’m still sad that Fiona didn’t win her contest, but because we were honorable mention we got a great card and book from Erin and some great Gracie notecards.)  Other than Golden Retrievers, Westies are my favorite dogs. Their little faces are so expressive!

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  • I’m addicted to HGTV right now– specifically Spice Up My Kitchen and Divine Design with Candice Olson. Here is one of my favorite rooms by Candice.

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  • Can I please have these shoes in every color? Now? Thanks!

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