Holiday Cards made easy with Basic Invite

December 12, 2018 GabbingGinger

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.

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Do you like classic or creative holiday cards?

XOXO, Gabbing Ginger

Family, Fashion, Favorite Things

Ultimate Amazon Gift Guide

November 19, 2018November 21, 2018 GabbingGinger

The Ultimate Amazon Gift Guide

Please note this post may contain affiliate links.

I know gift guides are super helpful for everyone and I know how helpful Amazon is for gifts so I thought why not combine the two?! Here is a gift guide that includes something anyone will love! Your one stop shop if you will! Also, make sure to ask friends/family if they have their own Amazon Wish List! I know most moms continually keep a list going!

As a busy new mom of two I need easy and convent! I hope this gift guide provides that and will help you fill up Santa’s sleigh with all of the perfect gifts!

Newborn

Baby

Toddler

*Bonus ideas for smaller children: Zoo and museum passes!

Young Children

Teen

College Student/ Young Adult

Mom

Dad

Husband & Wife

Grandma & Grandpa

Bestie

Clean Freak

Cook

Baker

Techie

Book Lover

Fashionista

Outdoor Lover

Music Lover

Traveler

Gift for All

What is on your must have list?

XOXO, Gabbing Ginger

baby, Family, Favorite Things, pregnant

Wee Baby Stella Doll

October 25, 2018 GabbingGinger

Wee Baby Stella Doll For Big Brother

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.

The perfect gift

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

Favorite Things, shoes

Shoes to Fall For

September 25, 2018September 26, 2018 GabbingGinger

Falling in Love with my SAS Shoes

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, Family, Favorite Things, Uncategorized

My perfect Baby Sprinkle

September 13, 2018September 13, 2018 GabbingGinger

Cactus Baby Sprinkle

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 Dessert

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!

The Decor

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!

The Thank You’s

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

Family, Favorite Things, football, fort worth

I ❤ MY TEAM NFL Football #Kickoff2018

September 6, 2018September 6, 2018 GabbingGinger

A LITTLE SOMETHING SWEET TO CELEBRATE NFL KICKOFF

Please note this is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

Football season is here and we are so excited in our house for fall! Now if the Texas temps could just follow suite! I love that crisp football air and the enjoyment that comes from everyone gathering together and watching some football!

Football Fans

If you don’t know my husband grew up in Fort Worth so he is a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan. We love NFL Sundays! In addition to spending time as a family and watching football we love hosting football watch parties at our house. The time spent unwinding with friends and family is so fun and makes for memories that last a lifetime.

Mom Hack #ForTheWin

One of my favorite #MomHacks in getting ready for a fun football watch party is heading to my local grocery store to pick up an easy and themed dessert option and it is affordable! When I saw these adorable officially licensed NFL cakes I just knew I needed to try one out! The reaction in this photo was about how excited I was when I saw our cake in the store! #pregnancycravings I also loved how easy it was to pickup while I was out grocery shopping. I LOVE a one stop shop for dessert! Since I’m almost nine months pregnant and lugging a toddler around I definitely love easy solutions for when I am entertaining guests

As a toddler mom I am really enjoying teaching Tripp tricks in the kitchen and my little helper makes setting up for the party even more fun! Tripp loves to help put snacks in bowls and REALLY likes helping cut up desserts or cake!

I would say that Tripp definitely approved with the how the cake look AND tasted! I can also agree that the buttercream frosting was incredibly yummy!

So moms, friends and family: if you are looking to make a touchdown this football season head to your local bakery and find the officially licensed cakes for every game.

We really enjoyed getting to try out these amazing officially licensed NFL cakes with our friends and family. We are looking forward to having more at our Sunday watch parties!

XOXO, Gabbing Ginger

Decor, Family, Favorite Things

Laundry Room Revamp & Organization

August 29, 2018 GabbingGinger

Please note this post may contain affiliate link.

Laundry Room Revamp

I don’t know about y’all but our laundry room quickly becomes our “catch all” room. It was desperate for some organization. The room is right when you come into the garage so it is a drop zone on top of a laundry zone 24/7. One of my biggest “mom hacks” is just to always be thinking about how to keep things organized and flowing well. This helps make sure there is less stress in the home. I wanted to get things in better order so that when things are dropped there is still some organization and so that the “drop zone” doesn’t start overflowing into other rooms in our house.

I knew getting baskets to help organize all the laundry (dirty and clean) would help tremendously. We have a two story house so we have a bin that I throw things in that need to go up and at the end of the day or at nap time I run it upstairs when we are going up anyway. I knew these baskets would help from the piles being put all over the place and would help keep the locker areas open for bags/personal belongings.

I love the baskets under the locker seat to use for shoes, diaper storage, cord storage and so on. It helps keep the area clean but organized but still gives us a space to put miscellaneous items. Keeping this are from becoming the “pile zone” is important to me. I hate walking into a disaster but want it to serve its purpose for storage and function. I found a lot of this decor at my local home goods and At home but I have linked similar items below!

Woven Blue Storage Bins

Similar Baskets with Linen Inserts

Seersucker Backpacks

Louis Vuitton

What are you favorite ways to organize your laundry room?

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Family, Favorite Things, FItness, pregnant

Fit Pregnancy

August 15, 2018August 15, 2018 GabbingGinger

Fitness is one of my favorite ways to implement self care into my life especially during pregnancy. I also have a little obsession with workout clothes. When I saw this tank from Fit & Flirty I knew I needed it in my life. Thanks to Fit & Flirty for gifting me such a fun product!

I really love this shirt because while I know I can’t enjoy rosé right now but yoga and wine on Sundays are some of my favorite way to unwind and get ready for the week. Also, check out this awesome article of 8 reasons to include champagne into your life because it explains how a little bit of bubbles can benefit your health! I really am looking forward to being able to enjoy a glass of wine and some yoga… I know it is still a bit a way but it is something that I really do enjoy and can’t wait to start getting back into getting my body into shape and enjoying a little treat every once in awhile!

Fit&Flirty has so many great merchandise options! They were so kind to give me a code for 15% off it is SWEATPINK6. Seriously SO many cute tops with fun sayings!

For those of you who have been following my pregnancy I wanted to let you know some of my favorite you tubers for at home pregnancy workouts! Perfect for some namaste on your Sunday or any day of the week! Seriously, these workouts are perfect for busy moms because they are short and sweet but keep you moving!

I love that they have so many options from yoga, to cardio to kickboxing! It helps keep things interesting which I for sure need during my workouts! Check out my two favorites below:

@bodyfitbyamy

Body Fit by Amy Pregnancy Playlist

@moretonic

TonicPregnancy Yoga Playlist

What are some of your favorite fitness clothes and what are your favorite online workout programs?

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Favorite Things, pregnant

How we chose our baby girls name!

August 13, 2018August 13, 2018 GabbingGinger

Hello everyone!

If you didn’t know we announced our sweet baby girls name; Annabelle Jeanne. Check out the video when we revealed the name!

I have gotten some questions on how we chose her name. For starters for those of you that don’t know our son is named after his dad and grandad but his nickname is Tripp (because he is a third). When we found out we were pregnant I actually went through my ancestry.com page and looked at all of the names in my family that were “A” names. I wanted to have at least one of the names be something from my family. Also, just an FYI I love names that can have nicknames!

The First Name

Through my research and once we knew we were having a girl I had found that my great grandmothers name was “Anabel” and immediately loved it! I mentioned the name to my husband and he loved it too. However, we kind of felt like hey that was too easy… so we went through a ton of other names seeing if they fit…. but in the end we came back to the name Anabel. We both however, wanted to spell it differently. After some talking we decided on Annabelle and I loved all the nickname possibilities!

The Middle Name

For a middle name we knew we would some how incorporate my mom’s name; she passed away about 6 years ago. We went back and forth on using Jeanne or Marie but in the end thought it would be fun to use the name “Jeanne” pronounced “Jean” [FYI my mom pronounced her name “Jean-ie”]. Jean is actually my husbands mom’s middle name and was her mom’s middle name too. So it worked out that it actually is a family name from both sides!

So there it is… how we chose the baby name. I won’t lie it was really hard and it took us awhile before we finally had a name and we went back and forth for awhile.

PS Did you have a hard time with baby names? Also, would y’all like to see a “top ten” names list video?

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Family, Favorite Things, pregnant, Uncategorized

3D Ultrasound| Little Brother sees sister for the first time in 3D!

August 7, 2018August 7, 2018 GabbingGinger

A couple weeks ago Mark, Tripp, my in-laws and myself went to have a 3D Ultrasound of baby Annabelle (name reveal video here). This was my first time ever experiencing a 3D ultrasound and I want to thank Hello Baby for hosting my family to this wonderful experience.

Family of 4 — HelloBaby First Family Photo

My first pregnancy I didn’t think I “needed” a 3D ultrasound. This pregnancy I wanted to do a few special things because so many things are different the second time around (like I totally forget to do weekly belly shots). That’s where the 3D ultrasound came in. After this experience though I would recommend anyone to do this during pregnancy. You get SO much more time to see your little one then in the typical doctors office ultrasound. All in all we were there for almost an hour and the majority of the time we were getting to see baby!

I loved that if the baby wasn’t cooperating that they build in time for you to walk around and drink some juice. If that still doesn’t work you can reschedule once for free! Another thing I absolutely loved is how family friendly they were. They engaged with the whole gamily and let Tripp get up close and personal!

Everyone was welcome and they were SO accommodating to my two year old. They had a play basket, let him sit with me and even let him press buttons on the ultrasound machine (I mean that is every two year olds dream, right?!).

Future doctor? — Tripp Playing on the Ultrasound Machine

Some odds and ends if you are local to Fort Worth Area and want to visit Hello Baby.

Pricing:

Heartbeat Experience: $50
Gender Experience: $75
3D/4D Bonding Experience: $130
3D/4D Total Experience: $190

Add on’s:

CD with all images from Ultrasound $10
USB with all images from Ultrasound $15
Small Heartbeat Bear $25
Large Heartbeat Bear $35

Regular vs. 3D ultrasound — Sweet Annabelle

I absolutely loved visiting Hello Baby and they were so sweet during the whole experience. It is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life and would tell anyone it is a must do during pregnancy!

Did you have a 3D ultrasound during pregnancy?

XOXO Gabbing Ginger