Pretty Prudent Wishlist: For the Little Reader


In the past we’ve shared with you our Best Books for One Year Olds, Best Books for Under Two, Best Books for Four Year Olds, Kids’ Book Gift Guide 2012, and more. All of those recommendations still ring true today, but there are some recent books we’ve had the pleasure of reading that I think are just so awesome I had to share them with you. So please allow me to update y’all with some of the latest and greatest in children’s reading material, as approved by Scarlet, Clare, Quinn, and/or Gordon.

For more holiday gift inspiration check out Pretty Prudent Wishlist For the Home, For the Crafter, For Your Beauty Kit, For the Pets, and For the Baby.

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen, the follow up to my favoritest kids’ book ever, I Want My Hat Back. Not every story needs to have a perfect moral. You will laugh out loud.

Octopus Alone, the second book from Divya Srinivasan, author of the adorable Little Owl’s Night. In this story Octopus wants to be alone, so he heads out to the deep blue sea, but along the way he realizes he is not that shy after all.

Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey: Through rhyme and stunning illustrations, author and artist, Emily Winfield, brings to life the magic of the dream world that begins as soon as you close your eyes and fall fast asleep.

My Prudent Advice: Lessons for My Daughter: The follow-up to my first book, Prudent Advice: Lessons for My Baby Daughter (A Life List for Every Woman), this is a guided journal in which mothers can fill in their own prudent advice for their daughters. I’ve also added a few new pieces of advice, along with prompts to get you started – My hope is that when you think of home as an adult you feel…


Rosie Revere, Engineer: Rosie Revere is an inventor on her way to one day being an engineer. When her Aunt (Rosie the Riveter) comes to visit, Rosie Revere attempts to make her the most magnificent flying contraption. However, things do not exactly go as plans and Rosie learns that even though something didn’t turn out quite as she expected, it can still be a success.

Dragons Love Tacos: Did you know that dragons love tacos? They sure do, but there is nothing they dislike most than spicy salsa. See what fiery commotions ensues when jalapeños sneak their way into the dragon taco party.

Maude and Claude Go Abroad: This vintage classic is one of Jacinda’s top picks and is great for new readers. While Maude and Claude are on their way France they end up going overboard only to find themselves saving a whale from harpooners. Let the adventure begin!


No Fits, Nilson!: It’s all fun and games for Nilson and Amelia, that is, until the smallest thing happens and Nilson’s gorilla-sized temper through the roof. Sound familiar? This playful story has become a bedtime favorite.

Ten Little Rabbits: Another one of Boneau favorites is this beautiful book that explores Navajo traditions through counting from one to ten.

Too Many Tamales: All is well until Maria loses her mother’s ring inside one of the many Christmas Eve tamales. Read along as you follow her on the hunt for a diamond in the masa.

Flight 1-2-3: Through numbers and pictures this new book is perfect for prepping your little traveler for his/her first flight. We love that it uses images of common airport signs and airport security to prepare children for what to expect.

‘Twas the Mouse Who Saved Christmas: Our kids are all big fans of the newest personalized Christmas book from MarbleSpark. This new spin on the classic Christmas story puts your child front and center. Pipp the mouse goofs up and accidentally tears off a child’s name from Santa’s list. Follow Pipp as he scurries to put your child’s name back on before Christmas.

The Day the Crayons Quit: It’s a catastrophe! It’s a calamity! It’s one hilarious book that brings crayons to life as they attempt to settle their inner turmoils. Which color really is the true hue of the sun – yellow or orange?

A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story: We’ve been reading this holiday book a whole bunch lately. All Opus the penguin wants for Christmas is to fly. On Christmas Eve he comes to Santa’s rescue and learns that even without the ability to fly he can still soar. Find out what surprise Santa brings him on Christmas morning.

Make Magic! Do Good!: Dallas Clayton’s new book of poems is funny, whimsical, and a family favorite for sure. We first fell in love with An Awesome Book! and An Awesome Book of Thanks! This new book is nothing short of, well, awesome!

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Pumpkin Bran Muffins Recipe (with Secret Ingredient)


Many, many years ago I hosted Thanksgiving for my then boyfriends entire family. We are talking about parents, 4 brothers and sisters, their spouses and two small kids. It was insane of me, but hey, I was 24. I did so much planning and shopping, I had dinner for the night before and every possible dish we could want for Thanksgiving. Everything was going perfectly, that is until they all walked down the street from their hotel to our apartment for breakfast on the morning of Thanksgiving. I had completely forgotten about breakfast! There was nothing to serve anyone except some raw turkey. I was mortified. Thankfully someone made a bagel run and in no time we had food.

Since that day I have vowed to make muffins ahead of time to serve for breakfast. It’s so simple and I make them ahead of time and freeze. All I have to do now is remember to take them out the night before.

Those first few years I made bran muffins, you know, to prepare our digestive system for what’s to come. Now that there are more kids on the scene and plain ol’ bran muffins are left abandoned, I’ve started making pumpkin muffins and I secretly add bran. There’s never a crumb left with this tasty recipe.

Check out the Pumpkin Bran Muffins Recipe (with Secret Ingredient) after the jump…

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The Perfect Day in Boston

A couple weeks ago I shared with you how I went on an amazing East Coast road trip with The Luxury Collection and One Kings Lane, then last week I told you all about how magical our stop in Vermont was. Here’s me having a magical afternoon with Meg Biram and Andrea Stanford, both of whom I adore like sisters.

Our next stop was in Boston, where I just had the most amazing couple of days. We went to a fish market, wandered around Boston common, and I even borrowed a bike from The Liberty Hotel for a morning workout on the St. Charles River. It was lovely, watch the video above to check it out.

Watch the video for a quick minute overview of our amazing weeklong trip from Vermont to Boston to NYC.

Then check this out… One Kings Lane is hosting a three-day Boston-inspired home furnishings sale.

one kings lane boston decor sale

I am sure you will find something to fall in love with, as hard as I fell for Boston.

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Pretty Prudent Wishlist: For the Pets


Throughout the past year we have accumulated quite a plethora of four-legged creatures in our Pretty Prudent homes. I have three adorable kittens and Jaime has one dog, two chickens (RIP Ultimate Fighting Chicken), a turtle, and a cat. Whew! I think I got them all. While we were putting together our wishlists for the year, it only seemed right to make a special one for our furry friends. We kind of love them after all…

For more holiday gift inspiration check out Pretty Prudent Wishlist For the Home, For the Crafter, For Your Beauty Kit, For the Little Reader, and For the Baby.

I’m pretty obsessed with this pop-up Cat Tent from Urban Outfitters. I know the purrrfect place to put it.

There’s nothing quite like a homemade gift, so try your hand at making these Pretty DIY Cat Toys from Design Sponge.

Get a custom watercolor portrait made of your precious pet at Dimdi. You might want to put in your order soon since the holidays are quickly approaching.

This modern Umbra FishHotel Aquarium is a design-savvy spin on the classic fishbowl. It’s stackable so you can keep the party going for a “condo-like appearance.”

The LocoLaser Interactive Laser Pointer has provided us endless amounts of fun. This cat teaser might just be finding its way into our kittens’ stockings this Christmas too.

Treat a pup to this comfy and colorful Sugar Skull Pet Pillow from Free People. It’s made with eco-friendly fabrics and is machine washable, just in case those muddy paws get all over the place.

Free People also has these beautiful ombre rope leashes in jade and maroon. They are handmade in Brooklyn by the Found My Animal organization that donates money to promote awareness of animal rescue around the country.

Jaime loves the Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Dog Toy for her dog, Princess Cheese. It’s awesome because you can unscrew and screw it back together, and add rawhide treats or different types/colors of rubber attachments to it.

Her Deluxe Wooden Chicken Coop Hen House has also worked out great for the chickens. It keeps any pests from getting in, and is compact but still roomy inside. Perfect for the backyard farm.

Last, but not least, are these stylish ceramic cat bowls that I love, and the flavored puffs my kitties love!

We’d love to hear what is on your pet wishlist this year in the comments below, or on our Facebook and Twitter.

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DIY Confetti Bows


Since the gift-giving season is almost here we wanted to share these adorable DIY Confetti Bows made by Marisa from Omiyage. You might remember her from the cutest DIY Washi Tape Popsicle Cards this summer. I love the look of these bows and how different you could make them by mixing and matching washi tape and confetti colors. I want to try and make modern ones with black and white polka dot washi tape with black, white, and neon pink confetti.

While you have the confettti out, try making Marisa’s Confetti Mail and Confetti Dots Drawstring Bags. Decorate holiday presents with Washi Tape Bows

Find out how to make DIY Confetti Bows after the jump…

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Jaime and Jacinda Retreat to the Desert

Pretty Prudent Riviera Palm Springs

Here’s the thing about writing a book. The creative energy behind building a volume of all of your thoughts on a subject and turning it into not only a visual experience but also a useful tool for those who share your passion is intoxicating, especially with an amazing friend and business partner like Jaime. It’s a wonderful experience for all of the reasons that you can imagine.

PRetty Prudent Home Rivera Palm Springs

The one aspect that the most challenging in writing a book is, well, doing it. Basically you have a few firm deadlines from your publisher and from there you are left alone to be a responsible professional and set a timeline for creating a huge body of work and throughout this process, life carries on, business carries on and therefore you still have immediate, urgent deadlines. Try telling a two-year-old that you will get him his drink by March of 2014 at the very latest, ha, every minute of every day there is something more pressing than writing your book.

Pretty Prudent Home Riviera Palm Springs
But no worries, through years of experience Jaime and I have developed a fail-proof system for completing huge projects (and making important life decisions but that’s another story) in a beautiful and timely fashion. We go into hiding in Palm Springs. Try it, you will love it. No really, we insist, no excuses. Make this happen. Even if you have no huge project or important life decision on your plate, still make this happen.

PRetty Prudent Home Rivera Palm Springs
When Riviera Palm Springs enabled us to make our retreat Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr style with an invitation to stay at their historical desert resort, we smoked a Cuban and said, “sure thing daddio” as we toasted them with a glass of bubbly. Well, for sure the champagne part.

We were on our way to paradise with laptops, notebooks, and red pens in hand….

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Pretty Prudent Wishlist: For the Baby


Thanks to folks at The Honest Company for sponsoring this post.

Now that we’ve made our wishlists For the Home, For the Crafter, and For Your Beauty Kit, it’s all about the cute and adorable baby. Here we’ve rounded up our favorite baby gift ideas to help inspire your holiday shopping…


First off, we cannot say enough great things about Honest Company diapers. While being so cute with fun patterns, they work wonderfully and were totally leak proof. For the holidays, make a Welcome Baby package with diapers, healing balm, wipes, and a butterfly teether for a new mommy. Since kids get so many toys, Mom will love you for a practical, but still wonderful gift, like an Honest Subscription.

These Apple Park Woodland Mushroom Rattles make great stocking stuffers. They are made from 100& organic cotton and cotton corduroy.


Surprise the new mom with the sweetest new book, Hello World from I See Me! This is the copy we had made for Amber’s new baby, Beckett.


You may remember when Lily & Gus made this beautiful elephant out of an antique quilt of mine. This one-of-a-kind gift is sure to be treasured. Simply send in your fabrics (baby clothes, quilt, blankie) and Ashley from Lily & Gus will turn it into a stuffed animal keepsake. You can see the sea horses she made from my daughters’ dresses here.

I always loved receiving adorable baby clothes like these hip baby leggings from Little Cocoa Bean. Do they come in my size too?

If you can’t resist a cute new pair of shoes check out one of our favorites – the See Kai Run Adalynn Sneaker. All our prudent babies have them! They are made for early walkers, so they are extra comfy and great for growing feet.


For the winter months, Gordon recommends Bogs Footwear. He seriously does not take them off. Bogs are 100% waterproof and machine washable (for those post-puddle mishaps). The pull-on handles also make them extra easy for little ones to put on.

I have always had my eye on the gorgeous handmade BabyJives Mobiles. There is an array of mobiles to choose from to fit every type of nursery: butterflies, rainbow hearts, clouds and stars, sailboats, paper planes, and many more.

You can’t go wrong with a fun new toy like this Bird Smackeroo from Pottery Barn. While you’re there, pick up a soft Cable Knit Stroller Blanket to bundle the new baby in.

For more holiday gift inspiration check out Pretty Prudent Wishlist For the Home, For the Crafter, For Your Beauty Kit, For the Little Reader, and For the Pets.

Thanks to folks at The Honest Company for sponsoring this post.

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Pretty Prudent Wishlist: For Your Beauty Kit


Finding new items to add to my beauty collection is kind of a favorite pastime of mine, so I’m extra excited to share our best beauty finds with you today. Here you’ll find a bit of everything (from hair to nails and all that comes between) to inspire your holiday shopping. While some of these products are just a click away, there are others that you can find right in your local drugstore. Let’s start with one of my all-time favorites…

This Sensational Vivids Lipcolor line from Maybelline is one of my absolute favorites. The colors are so vibrant and fun they really make your lips pop.

You might be able to tell from our Day Time Makeup Look from Smashbox video that we are big fans of all things Smashbox. I adore their Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream, and Jacinda loves their Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream. Their new Smashbox Wonder Vision Eye Set would make a great holiday gift.

The Blush/Bronzer Duo from Sephora is a staple in my makeup drawer. It’s a perfect basic to throw in your bag for when you want to give your skin a little extra glow.

I highly recommend a Pro Angled Blush Brush for the cheeks, and the Classic Must Have Smudge Brush for the eyes. You can also get them at Sephora.

When you’re hitting the road for the holidays, bring along the prettiest makeup brush travel kit from Sephora too.

Of course you’d definitely have to get these pink makeup brushes from PK Hair Art to match too.

This is one of Jacinda’s favorite Face Powders from Benefit Cosmetics. Isn’t the color stunning?

Don’t forget a strong sunblock that will keep your skin well protected, like this one from The Honest Company.

Touch up your makeup with this awesome Duck Leg Mirror from Shop Ten 25, and grab a copy of Making Faces for beauty tips to help you along the way.

Now let’s talk hair…

This is the best hairpspray in the world. I promise you.

A reliable conditioning mist that isn’t filled with harsh chemicals is great for getting out knots and minimizing frizz, like this from The Honest Company.

Jacinda and I recently discovered the wonders of the Hot Air Rotating Brush. It makes blow drying your hair go so much faster.

These bobby pins from Anthropologie are so adorable I can’t take it. They say ciao, bonjour, and hello.

This pretty Headband from ModCloth is so classic and elegant. It’s definitely a piece you could wear all year round.

Nailed it…

butter LONDON has come out with their newest Bespoke Holiday Trio: Whistle & Flute. You could try this nail tutorial with them.

A Gel Polish Starter Kit can be a fun an unexpected stocking stuffer.

Smell oh so sweet after using You Smell Soap from none other than, You Smell. It’s made in the US with natural products and works to moisturize and hydrate your skin.

See by Chloe perfume is one of my favorites to put on at home, while the flowerbomb roller perfume is great for bringing with you. You can find both at Sephora.


Put all your new favorite beauty items away in the Vintage Cutout Oval Cosmetic Bag from CHEMJOY, or make a pretty & quick makeup bag of your own.

For more holiday gift inspiration check out Pretty Prudent Wishlist For the Home, For the Crafter, For the Little Reader, For the Pets, and For the Baby.

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