Please note this post may contain affiliate links!
Hey y’all! It has been a quick minute since I have done an OOTD post. I thought I would showcase a classic casual holiday look! Check out the details below. I am hoping to bring back more fashion post in the coming year!
The holidays are upon us and that means it is time for Holiday Christmas Cards and updating business stationary.
Basic Invite makes designing your custom stationary and cards so easy. I know I love personally writing and receiving notes and cards in the mail. I wanted to add some that were specific to my blog because I work with so many wonderful people and love dropping random notes to them when I have the chance. It was so much fun going through all of the different color, font and design elements to find the perfect look for my cards.
While I was designing my business stationary I feel in love with all of their Holiday Cards! Basic Invite has streamlined the process and have some great functions that very few stationary sites have! Here are some of the features that made me love using their website for my business thank you notes:
Almost Unlimited Colors – Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. This is what we feel sets us apart from almost any other online stationery company and is what we feel is our biggest draw.
I know I am very particular about colors because I want my brand to be consistent. The instant preview was easy to use and made designing super simple!
Custom Samples – Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see exactly how it will print as well as feel the paper quality before they ever have to place their final order.
I think this makes the perfectionist in me so happy! You can make sure everything looks and feels right in person!
Address Capturing Service – Basic Invite offers an address capturing service that allows customers to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses which will be stored in the customer’s account and can then be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all Christmas card orders.
THIS IS LIKE THE ULTIMATE MOM HACK. How much easier are Holiday cards when you don’t have to deal with addresses?!?!
PS They have Over 500 Christmas card and holiday card designs!
Right now Basic Invite is offering 30% off with coupon code: holi30
Make sure to also check out Basic Invite on their social media channels! A big Thank you to Basic Invite for gifting me the amazing stationary.
Do you like classic or creative holiday cards?
XOXO, Gabbing Ginger
The holidays are CRAZY for delivery of packages. Last year I was inspired by blogger Katey McFarlan and I started a tradition of leaving out friendly snacks to thank them for all of their hard work. I mean come on I basically order all of Christmas off Amazon so needless to say we get a lot of packages.
They work hard and work in the elements so this is such an easy way to say thanks! I received several thank you notes from drivers in appreciation so of course I brought it back this year!
I thought I would have a free download of the graphic I use as a sign. It is super fun and festive and way better than if I try to handwrite something and I know some of you will appreciate that.
Here is the download for the Door Step Thank you!
What do you do to show appreciation during the holidays?
XOXO Gabbing Ginger
Newborn
What is on your must have list?
XOXO, Gabbing Ginger
Please note this post may contain affiliate links or gifted products.
Thanks for checking out the products I love. Below are a few extra details on the products with links to where to buy! Hope you enjoy!
Haakaa: If you didn’t know the Haakaa Breast Pump is made of 100% silicone and sticks to any flat surface with its suction base. The increased capacity lets you express even more milk at once!
Hatch: If you didn’t know this is a sound machine, night light and a time to rise alert machine all in one!
Ollie Swaddle: If you didn’t know the Ollie Swaddle reduces waking suddenly due to the Moro reflex or spontaneous arousal and helps to maintain supine position.
Binxy Baby: If you didn’t know the Binary fits most standard grocery store carts (even a Costco cart at the narrow end)! It can hold the car seat and support up to 50 pounds in weight. Ideally used for babies approx. 6-8 months until they sit up on their own. ***BONUS ITEM*** Lulabu Soothe Shirt: If you didn’t know this is a “kangaroo” pouch that allows you to baby wear with out the hassle of a wrap or carrier.
DockATot: If you didn’t know the DockATot is a multi-functional lounger, co-sleeper and playtime lounger. It comings in two sizes (Deluxe for 0-8 Months, Grand 9-36 months).
All of these products are lifesavers in the newborn days. Make sure to check out the video on my thoughts on each product and why I love it!
I am getting a lot of questions on the nursery and how the rug I talked about HERE is holding up. The nursery is almost complete (2nd kiddo problems). The Lorena Canals rug is wonderful.
What are your must have newborn products?
XOXO Gabbing Ginger
Postpartum Update Week One
Please note this post may contain affiliate links.
Below are all of the products I mention in the video. Click the photo!
PS don’t miss the birth vlog/blog HERE!
What were your top products for postpartum life?
XOXO Gabbing Ginger
When I sat down to write this birth story I decided that talking through it might be a little easier. I have so much to say and convey and I feel like text just wouldn’t do the story justice. Plus, during this pregnancy I did pregnancy updates via my YouTube Channel… so why not continue the journey that way? Below you will find video and some bonus labor and delivery photos! I really loved getting to put my story into words and while it might not be minute by minute accurate I think since it is still fresh it was easier to remember how everything happened!
PS If you missed my birth story with my oldest baby Tripp check it out here.
Checking to see if she is indeed a girl. Ha!
I seriously just couldn’t believe how fast and calm everything was! Also, can we just take a second to give props to how great pregnancy hair is? I will embrace this since in a few short months it will all fall out!
If you wonder where baby A gets her double chin from… that would be me lol! And while this isn’t the most flattering picture of me I think it is my favorite because it shows how truly excited I was in that moment to meet baby A!
I was so thrilled to have her to hold finally! Our family is so lucky for her to be apart of it. Big brother is adjusting well and she already has daddy wrapped around her finger! She has been the sweetest baby and seriously was worth the wait!
Did you have a fast or a slow birth? I don’t know about you but I am addicted to watching and reading birth stories. Every story is so unique and special and I love hearing how everyone’s unfolds.
XOXO Gabbing Ginger
We are so excited for Tripp to become a big brother. I have been researching ways to help kiddos with the transition of a new baby. One thing that resonated with me was having a “baby” for the big sibling to “help” do things with when you need to tend to the baby. Tripp is ALL about helping and having responsibilities these days so I thought a baby of his own would be perfect.
He has been playing with the baby and practicing with him. He has loved his baby and when baby came home he definitely had a better understanding of being gentle and how to help mom with baby.
What I love about the Manhattan Toy Company is that they recognize that we are profoundly influenced by the toys we play with.
That in every little pair of hands lies not a marketing opportunity, but a chance to positively affect the future.
That having a sense of humor means the difference between enduring life, and enjoying it. If it doesn’t contain a wink and smile, it isn’t worth making.
We remember every day that every invention on this earth was dreamed into existence.
We remember that the most powerful thing any of us play with in this life is our imagination.
Now you create your custom wee baby Stella doll.
I think as adults we forget how important it is to use our imaginations. I have loved watch Tripp playing “pretend” with his baby. It amazes me how much he knows to do without me teaching him. Kids really do watch us more closely than we realize.
These dolls are adorable, durable and a great size. They make great gifts and the fact they can be customized just takes it to the next level. It is seriously a great first baby doll – that can look just like your child! Check out how you can customize one for a special kiddo in your life today!
XOXO Gabbing Ginger
I don’t know about you but this HOT summer + pregnancy has me hoping, paying and thinking all the fall vibes. We have finally gotten a little taste here in Texas and it has been amazing!
I have been having major envy of everyone and their “fall hauls”! I don’t want to go on a shopping spree right now since I am 9+ months pregnant and won’t know my real “fall” size. However, something that I realized I COULD shop for was shoes.
As a busy (and about to be busier) mom I am always looking for comfort but something that is cute too. I want functional quality that will last more than just one season. This is especially true with shoes… I want to make sure they are quality not only for style but for comfort too!
When I saw the Dylan boot from SAS Shoes I knew I HAD to have them. This Texas girl fell in love with the bootie style cowboy boot! Bonus is that they are super comfortable even with a small heel and they are so versatile (they also come in black).
The Dylan Book features soft Italian suede covering the outside of the bootie with smooth leather lining inside. A plush padded insole provides all-day comfort and a durable back zipper makes it easy to slip on (perfect for pregnancy when it is hard to bend over). A leawood stacked heel adds character to this trendy style. Make sure to treat with the SAS Water-Resistant spray and keep these kicks looking new from season to season. Handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy.
These boots can go with leggings, jeans and dresses too. They are great of the transitional fall weather but will also be great during cold days! I love the camel color because it can easily go with so many things. Another plus is that they will really accentuate all my leopard print which I LOVE and is on MAJOR trend this fall!
What is your favorite fall trend?
XOXO Gabbing Ginger
Baby showers and sprinkles are so much fun! I am lucky to have a friend who LOVES to party plan and has a business that helps plan events, design interiors and even does gift giving. Needless to say when she plans something it becomes something perfect and wonderful.
Taylor has helped me put together home decor around my house and has helped me plan baby girls cactus nursery (reveal coming soon). She knew how much I loved the nursery theme so she transitioned that into a theme for the baby sprinkle.
I will link everything possible below. Taylor and one of her long time friends run Southern Reflections, LLC.
You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram. So if you are in the DFW area (or even further) they can help you with interior design, event planning and even gift giving!
I really do feel that every baby should be celebrated and it was so fun that my sprinkle was small and intimate compared to my baby shower with Tripp (which by the way Taylor planned too)! I loved getting to chat and of course opening all of the girly gifts was a plus too!
The shower theme was cactus and we enjoyed brunch and these super yummy cupcakes and cookies from GC Cakes. She did such an amazing job they not only looked fantastic but tasted amazing too!
Seriously, pictures don’t do the balloon/floral centerpiece justice. It was so beautiful and fun! The flowers are from Trader Joe’s and the Balloon Centerpiece is from Party Warehouse.
Everything was seriously so stunning and perfect for a cactus baby sprinkle! I loved the pinks, greens and creams. It was perfect in every way!
My hostesses all did such a fabulous job so I wanted to give them something useful, cute and of course pink! My friend Meg over at Gingy Love made the vinyl monograms for me, I purchased these cups and made this printable (you can download it for free here: Sprinkle Thank You.)! I just cut and glued to plain white gift bags and added a pop of pink tissue paper.
For the thank you gifts for attendees we did small succulent plants from Lowe’s and I printed the same graphic a bit smaller. I I got small wood sticks and glued mini clothes pins and stuff them in! Super easy and affordable!
I seriously had the most perfect sprinkled loved getting to spend time with my friends and family! Baby girl is sure lucky to have so many wonderful women in her life! I want to thank everyone who was a part of it and especially my friend Taylor who made it truly magical!
Thanks to these beautiful hostesses!
XOXO Gabbing Ginger