What’s in my Bag: How to Pack Your First Diaper Bag

This post is sponsored by Target. Thank you for inspiring us!

Daddy's First Diaper Bag_Layers

When it came to preparing for Clare’s arrival, I knew I needed a guy-friendly diaper bag if I ever wanted Rick to tow that heavy load. While he is man enough to carry my purse in a pinch, selecting a diaper bag that made a unisex statement was key. That statement was… “this kid is yours too pal so get ready to pull your weight in baby gear.” Ha, I kid, sort-of, no I don’t. Here’s our favorite no-frills, but all the bells-n-whistles, man-friendly diaper bag from Target stocked with all the goods you need whether baby is rocking the park with mama or grocery shopping with the big guy.

But before we get into the details, can we just pause and swoon over these brand new dads back before they were the seasoned experts they are today? Sigh, as if shopping for all this adorable baby gear wasn’t enough to make me want another little bundle of sweet baby goodness.

What’s in my Bag: How to Pack Your First Diaper Bag

Jaime and I pulled together some of our favorite items from Target, along with a few other shops, that we feel can easily work for both Mom and Dad. It was not easy staying on the task of shopping for baby. A newborn definitely needs Mom to have a cute, spring pair of espadrilles. Can you put those in a baby registry?

What’s in my Bag: How to Pack Your First Diaper Bag

Get the scoop on how to pack Dad’s first diaper bag after the jump…

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3 Days in Albuquerque with My Girl

albuquerque New Mexico

After our wonderful mother/daughter trip to South Dakota last Spring, Clare and I were eager to once again get away for a one-on-one trip. This time our adventure took us to the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. We spent a quick three nights in Albuquerque taking in all of the beauty, fun, history and green chili peppers this gem of a city has to offer. If you plan a trip, here’s the wonderful things that you can’t miss…

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Read on for a wonderful 3 Day Albuquerque New Mexico itinerary…

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DIY Mason Jar Easter Basket

DIY Mason Jar Easter Basket
Since Easter is a hop, skip, and jump away, we wanted to share this adorable mason jar project from DIY Mason Jars: Thirty-Five Creative Crafts and Projects for the Classic Container…and you thought you’d seen it all. This mason jar Easter basket is an easy peasy project you and the kids could make this weekend. Give them out to friends and loved ones, or use a few to decorate the table on Easter Sunday.

After you make them, fill the mason jar baskets with handmade gifts like a pretty wristlet key fob, a scrap-busting memory game, and confetti eggs.

DIY Mason Jar Easter Basket

Check out the DIY Mason Jar Easter Basket after the jump…

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World’s Best Cake Recipe from Sweet Paul Cookbook

World's Best Cake Recipe + Sweet Paul Cookbook Giveaway
We are drooling over this new book, Sweet Paul Eat and Make: Charming Recipes and Kitchen Crafts You Will Love. And love it we do. One minute you’re thinking, I want to eat that right this second, and the next minute you’re thinking, I’m totally going to make that right this second! This book starts out with tasty breakfast options like morning biscuits, and delicious cinnamon rolls. You then go on a culinary voyage through brunch, lunch, dinner, and of course, dessert.

World's Best Cake Recipe + Sweet Paul Cookbook Giveaway

This isn’t only a cookbook though, Sweet Paul has also included handmade crafts for the table. The clothespin trivet is one of my favorites. You will also learn how to dip dye a tablecloth using vegetables. To say this book is inspiring would be an understatement.

World's Best Cake Recipe + Sweet Paul Cookbook Giveaway

We are excited to share that along with sharing the World’s Best Cake recipe with you from this book, we are also going to be giving away a copy to one lucky winner!

World's Best Cake Recipe + Sweet Paul Cookbook Giveaway

Check out the World’s Best Cake Recipe from Sweet Paul Eat and Make: Charming Recipes and Kitchen Crafts You Will Love after the jump…

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DIY Simple Swaddle Blanket

DIY Simple Swaddle
Sara and Melissa from alice & lois design studios are here today to share their adorable swaddle blanket tutorial. First, before we go any further, can we just talk about how gosh darn cute this little baby is? I can’t even handle it. There’s also another cutie modeling a swaddle after the jump.  Alright, back to the tutorial…

You may remember our first DIY Swaddle Blanket with Pattern and then the New and Improved Swaddle Blanket. This version Sara and Melissa are sharing today requires very minimal sewing and is made out of cotton gauze. If you’re racing to come up with a last minute baby gift, this could definitely be it. For more crafts and handmade gifts check out the Alice & Lois Etsy Store, as well as the DIY Projects on their site. They have great Easter crafts, like the bunny bowls.

Let’s get started on the DIY Simple Swaddle Blanket tutorial after the jump…

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Living in Pastels

We have our hearts set on pretty pastels in the home this month. Bright, spring kitchens, colorful pastel playrooms, soft pastel dining rooms, we love it all. I find that I tend to gravitate towards the more muted rooms with a pop of pastel color, but that’s not to say I don’t dream of having a pastel kitchen with a mint refrigerator and rows of pastel bowls.  Be inspired to incorporate spring pastels into every room, and then share a photo with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest board.

See all our favorite pastel finds after the jump…

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Strawberry Basil & Lemon Basil Hand Pies

Strawberry Basil and Lemon Basil Hand Pies
Last week I spent a few days at my sister’s new house to hang out with her and my niece Anabelle. On Monday afternoon we got a dose of early April showers, so we baked these tasty hand pies to warm us up. This recipe is a cinch and was something even my three-year-old niece could help with.  Right after they were done we pulled them out of the oven and let them cool for just a bit. Then we made cups of tea and devoured them while they were still warm and gooey. I want to make more right this minute. Let’s get started…

Check out the Strawberry Basil & Lemon Basil Hand Pies recipe after the jump.

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How to Add Leather Cuffs to a Sweater

How to Add Leather Cuffs to a Sweater
We are always on the lookout for creative projects people have crafted up, so when Kate from Nearly Crafty approached us about her new upcycling sweater tutorial we were thrilled to share it with you. It’s a Hot Mess Mommy type of project – affordable, stylish, and easy to make. I definitely have a handful of sweaters that could use a makeover for spring.

Complete your look with Kate’s tutorials for a Anthropologie-Inspired Pendant Necklace, Beaded Cuff Bracelet, and Tressed Chain Bracelet. They are all great additions to your jewelry collection, and simple to make.

Learn How to Add Leather Cuffs to a Sweater here…

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