A Girl Named PJ

A Unisex Diaper Bag

February 28, 2013

I’m all for diaper bags that don’t look like diaper bags. Take mine, for example. With it’s classic shape and sophisticated color (the one I have is eggplant), it can easily pass as a large purse, gym bag, or carry-on. In fact, it’s designed to be used as all of those things.

That being said, it didn’t have quite as many pockets as I needed to store all of Levi’s diaper-changing paraphernalia, and despite it’s oversize appearance, it was always stuffed to the brim. Oh, and there’s no way JB would carry it, as it clearly looked like a woman’s bag. (He had his own “manly” diaper bag in charcoal grey.)

So I’m kind of loving this SoYoung Charlie diaper bag. Made from rugged canvas, it’s utilitarian style is both practical and unisex. Plus, it seems to feature an abundance of interior space and pockets–even an insulated bottle pocket. It also converts from a shoulder bag to a backpack and includes the ever-essential stroller straps.

What are you (or were you) looking for in a diaper bag? Would the SoYoung Charlie meet your needs?

The SoYoung Charlie Unisex Diaper Bag is also available on Amazon.

{Thanks, Emily!}

My Orange Bathroom

February 27, 2013

The first thing that JB and I did when we moved into our house almost four and a half years ago was paint. We started with the first floor, turning the warm-hued rooms into cool living spaces. The kitchen had a cottage-like feel to it thanks to golden yellow walls but is now bright and airy in pale robin’s egg blue. Our living room and dining room were previously painted in a traditional taupe that we swapped for a more modern grey.

The one room we didn’t change was the powder room. Despite their preference for muted colors, the previous owners painted the small bathroom a bright tangerine — and it was love at first sight for me. I’m not typically one for loud or garish colors, but when tempered with soft white wainscoting, the orange walls of the powder room seemed to fit my style. In fact, they made me unreasonably happy!

I recently received a bottle of Method’s new White Nectarine Handwash Gel from their spring collaboration with Orla Kiely and immediately knew that the cheerful bottle would live in my orange bathroom. Plus, it also smells unbelievably delicious.

There’s no doubt that orange is happy color, but you may not feel inclined to paint a whole bathroom in such a bright shade. (Also, I wouldn’t recommend putting on makeup in a room with tangerine-colored walls!) In small doses, however, orange accents may be just what you need to put some pep in your powder room.

PS: Raise your hand if you hoarded cleaning supplies the last time Method collaborated with Orla Kiely! (I totallllly did!) If you love Method + Orla Kiely, be sure to enter this amazing giveaway on Method’s Facebook page. Five lucky winners will win a stylish Orla Kiely handbag filled with the entire limited edition spring collection, valued at $230. (Mobile users click here.)

{Orange bathroom in collage via Elle Decor}

Today’s post was brought to you by Method. As always, all opinions are my own.

I’m an aunt!

February 26, 2013

The first thing I did upon waking yesterday morning was check my iPhone for an email or text from my family. My sister was scheduled to have a C-section at 8:45am EST. I knew 7:15am CST would be too early for the baby to have been born, but I was hoping to have received some sort of update on my sister’s status.

Nada.

I texted my parents, who were waiting in the hospital, after dropping off Levi at Montessori. It was now 8:45am CST.

“Status update???”

My dad responded that my sister was taken to the OR on time and that he suspected the baby had been born. And then a few minutes later, he wrote back with the official news that my nephew had arrived and weighed 6lbs 7oz. But no length and no name.

An hour later, my brother-in-law sent a group text message to his family members and mine with a photo of my sister holding her new baby boy. She looked amazing, and he was so sweet. But still, no length and no name.

Nearly an hour and a half after that, my mom reported that she ran into the doctor in the hospital cafe. (She, my dad, and my sister’s in-laws were still waiting for the OK to go up to the recovery room.) Dr. F told my mom that the baby was long, lean, and…blond!

Meanwhile, JB kept calling the house from work. “Does he have a name yet?” “I think his name is going to be Isaac.” “Have you heard anything yet?” “What is his name??”

Finally, at 11:57am CST, my sister made the long-awaited announcement via group text.

Baby Max arrived at 9:19am EST on February 25th, weighing 6lb 7oz and measuring 19.7in long. I was able to meet him via FaceTime at 1:23pm CST while Levi was napping.

He stirred when he heard my voice, trying to open his eyes to see me. I think that’s because my sister and I sound a lot alike! The little guy was extra sleepy because he never got the memo that today was going to be his birth day.

We were able to FaceTime again in the evening so that JB and Levi could see Max. It was so adorable to hear Levi say “bay-bee” when Max’s face appeared on the screen.

“Is that baby Max?” we asked Levi.

“Mac! Mac!”

Welcome to the family, Mac — I mean, Max. Thanks for making me an aunt!

{my dad’s photos}

My everyday essentials (and a giveaway!)

February 22, 2013

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Let’s talk about everyday essentials. We all have go-to products that are part of our daily routines, from skincare and wardrobe staples to gear and technology.

Some of my everyday essentials include easy-to-wear lace underwear, a gentle face cleanser that even removes eye makeup, and skin-softening argan oil for dry patches. I swear by this hair dryer and practically live in my chunky Michael Kors watch. These cowboy-style booties are comfortable and versatile, and I love my MZ Wallace bag because it doesn’t look like a traditional diaper bag. When I’m sitting at my computer, I wear fingerless gloves to keep my always-cold hands warm, and I never leave the house without my favorite sunglasses.

You can learn more about my go-to products (including six more favorites) by checking out my Beso “Everyday Essentials” collection. If you don’t know, Beso is this amazing one-stop shopping site featuring millions of products from your favorite stores and brands. It doesn’t actually sell anything; it’s more like a curated search engine that allows you to compare prices. You can then use Beso’s collections feature to organize your finds or to create visual wishlists to share with potential gift-givers. Cool, right?

To get you started, Beso is giving away $100 to spend on your everyday essentials — or something from my collection! Simply sign up for Beso, create a collection of your go-to products (or dream products), and then share a link to you collection in the comments section below. It may seem complicated, but I promise you it’s easy! I made mine while watching “Cougar Town.”

One winner will be chosen using Random.org on Friday, March 1st, so you have a week to create your Everyday Essentials collection. Good luck!

Today’s post was brought to you by Method. As always, all opinions are my own.

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