Tuckernuck Top, Hudson Jeans, Tuckernuck Blanket Scarf

We’re back!

And I’m back to writing in bullet point form. ;)

A few things:

Anyone else find the enormous number of sales going on right now a bit overwhelming? They’re the perfect opportunity to save on holiday shopping, but they also stress me out and make me feel like I need to get everything done now or else I’m an idiot. I’ll be rounding up some of my favorite “Cyber Monday” deals today (so be sure to check back if you’re looking for some shopping inspiration), but let’s all remember that there will be lots of sales throughout this month. If we don’t get all our shopping done today, it’s not the end of the world. :)

We made it back from the East Coast in one piece! AND: I have a relatively easy week ahead of me. I’m planning on spending some quality time with Emma, decking out our house for the holidays (did you see this?!), catching up on emails and contracts (everything is a mess), finishing Emma-related thank you notes (I’m so sorry, friends and family), sending out our holiday cards, tackling some big Christmas present projects, and writing some better blog posts. I feel pretty badly that this site hasn’t been very cohesive lately, and that I’ve had to rush through a lot of my content. I know, I know. It’s just a blog. But I really do love it, and it definitely bums me out when I’m unable to put in the time and effort it takes to make it something I’m proud of. Of course, I have some much more important things going on in life right now, but I’m excited to sit down and take the time to reflect and write. I originally started this site because I needed a creative outlet, and ironically enough I feel like I haven’t truly written anything of great consequence in, like, a month or two? Get ready for some longwinded verbal vomit. ;) Apologies in advance.

One thing I am excited about is the fact that I’ve developed a newfound adoration for photography. I’ve always loved it, but you know when you start to integrate your hobbies into your work, and those hobbies often lose their appeal as a result? That kind of happens to me with photography every now and then. But with Emma’s arrival–and my break from freelance photography–I find myself grabbing my camera way more often on the weekends than I used to. I also somewhat credit this change to our stroller, as my camera weighs a zillion pounds and now I can simply pack it underneath the stroller and not have to carry it. ;) Seriously, though: I LOVE STROLLERS. There’s a place for everything! Coffee cup, diaper bag, jackets, blankets, totes, shopping bags… I’ll never be able to going back carrying my bag on my shoulder. The horror. ;)

What else? Oh! The car ride back to Chicago. I forgot to tell you about that. It couldn’t have gone better. Well, I guess we could have gone without the two major poop explosions that occurred (and not being able to find the wipes for one of them), but all things considered, Emma is an angel and I really don’t understand how a four-month-old infant could be that good for such a long trip. Love you, Boo Bear! We’re totally going to the toy store this week. And maybe Baby Gap. (I have a problem.)

I don’t think I’ve ever been more sleep-deprived. You’d think this would have happened when Emma was first born, but she’s always been a champ with sleeping. (Like mother, like daughter.) So, no. This has nothing to do with our newborn, and everything to do with my choices, haha. I opted to stay up with family until the wee hours of morning nearly every day last week, and now I feel like I’m going to die. The holidays are awesome, but man: I’m a wreck!

We forgot ALL OUR CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS ON THE EAST COAST. I even emailed myself a reminder to grab them from the basement the night before our departure, but alas: there was so much to remember, and I neglected to check my email. ;) Anyone else still have a ton of stuff at their parents’? At this point in life, it’s pretty unacceptable. But it’s so hard to remember to grab the stuff or figure out how to fit it in our tiny Prius every time we’re home. Mom and Dad, maybe you should just throw everything out. I mean, I don’t even know what’s in those tubs! Sorry, guys. Love you, and thank you generously storing everyone’s crap over the years and never once complaining. You’re welcome to all my old CDs, too. Because I know you’ve always wanted every Dave Matthews Band album ever.

Since we don’t have any ornaments, we’re going to get crafty. We’ll use twinkle lights, of course, but we’re also thinking about stringing cranberries and popcorn! I’m sure Noodle will have a field day with that.

These photos were taken a while ago, as you can see from the fall foliage… but sigh. Why is fall so short? I wish so badly we could have six months of it! I absolutely love being able to wear tops and sweaters with scarves, sans jacket. But it’s okay. I have my buddy, and Emma has her Foot Muff. We will survive our first Chicago winter together! (Side note: my favorite party tops and dresses from Tuckernuck are above!)

Tuckernuck’s Cyber Monday Sale is ON. I love shopping Tuckernuck sales, as the site is set up incredibly well, the savings are insane, and the collection is always carefully curated. So if you’re going to shop one sale today, make it this one. No stress, as everything is guaranteed to be gorgeous! Take 20 percent off sitewide (use code “GIVE20”), 25 percent off orders of $500+ (use code “GIVE25”), and 30 percent off orders of $1,000+ (use code “GIVE30). Recent Tuckernuck blog posts here, here and here. And did you miss the Barbour Giveaway?!

I’m really into bow pumps with chunky heels right now. Shop my faves above! And oh my goodness. Just bought these from the Shopbop sale with code “GOBIG16.” Nordstrom has ’em in navy, too.

Okay, that’s enough babbling for today. Off to start my low-key week! :)