​Mothers Day is just around the corner--that one day a year we take to celebrate all that moms do (which let me tell you, is A LOT!) So what could you possibly give to the mothers in your life to adequately thank them for all the love they give the and sacrifices they've made? Well, I have some ideas for you! Speaking from my personal experience as a mother, these are all things I would love to receive, so I'm guessing other moms might like them, too. 
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Give her a "Spa Day," because moms often put others before themselves and could really use some R&R. (And you don't need to spend a lot of money on this either. I swear, moms love the THOUGHT and effort put into things more than the dollar amount spent.) 

So create a spa experience for her at home with candles, bath salts, tranquil music, a plush robe, a bubbly beverage, and then take the kids to the park so that she can enjoy this moment of tranquility alone. (And don't forget to clean the bathroom first!)

Alternately, you could opt for a spa day gift card, but then you need to make sure she actually has the opportunity to use it. ;)

Give her jewelry with meaning, because moms too often go without hearing "thank you" for all that they do, and knowing how much the work we do matters and means to others can make all the difference in the world. So tell Mom how much she means to you with jewelry that, well, tells her how much she means to you. That reminder on her wrist will reassure her of how much she matters, even when no one is saying it aloud.

I love the company MantraBand because their jewelry is high quality, the messages have meaning, and it looks just as good years later as it did when you first bought it, even if you wear it in the water. 

Here are a couple of top picks for Mother's Day. (And Mother's Day jewelry is on SALE right now, too!)

Best Mom Ever Pendant Necklace 

To the Moon and Back Bracelet (5 color options) 

​They have a lot to choose from though, so you may find some words that better say what you want her to know every day. 

For the gardener (or want-to-be gardener) in your life, this indoor Gardyn is something she'll use year-round. And every time she harvests her produce for fresh meals, she'll think of you. Yay!

Best part, it takes up very little floor space and you barely have to do any work to bring this pesticide-free produce to life. The app that comes with this system makes things super easy, reminding you when it's time to do each step, so it won't be adding extra work to a busy mama's life. In fact, I don't have a green thumb at all, and my plants are thriving. 

The 2.0 is 30% off right now, and you can use code THATBLISSFULBALANCE for an extra $100 off of that! So this is an amazing deal right now if you want to nurture the nurturer in your life with an array of easy-to-grow produce. 
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Give her a night in a hotel...all to herself. Book her a room at a nice hotel with plush bedding and blackout curtains. Have her order room service. Let her sleep for as long as she wants. This is something I think every mom of young children fantasizes about, because breakfast in bed doesn't really feel like pampering unless you don't have to worry about cleaning up the crumbs. 

A sauna blanket for when she just needs a moment to sweat out the stress (because almost all moms probably have adrenal fatigue from running on all cylinders 24/7...yes, 24/7...because even in the night our brains don't turn off.)

In addition to all the health benefits, this HigherDOSE sauna blanket takes up way less space than a traditional sauna, is a fraction of the cost, and you can take it anywhere (like the bathroom...your bedroom...a closet...or you know, when you travel, I guess...) PLUS, they're doing a Mother's Day Sale right now and you can get 20% off with the code: DOSEFORMOM
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I hope those ideas give you some inspiration for how to celebrate Mom this Mother's Day. Just remember, most of all, moms want to feel appreciated. Mamas work so hard every day, so whatever you do, make sure she feels seen, cherished, and loved.

To help us on our journey, let's take a cue from the ultimate pros at just getting started: babies. Babies take their first steps with no knowledge of what it's going to look like, they just know they want to walk. So they try, they fall and they get back up, over and over again until they are walking and then soon running. They don't let those falls deter them for their goal of MOVING FORWARD. They go for it without fear. And that's the key to it: the more we take those first steps, the more easily we'll be able to get up when we fall.

The point is, it doesn't matter how many times we fall--what matters is if we get back up. And the only way to guarantee failure is if we don't try. So, let's put aside those feelings of fear about what our first step might look like. Embrace the messiness. It's part of the process. Let's put ourselves out there! let's be messy! Let's stumble and fall and laugh at ourselves as we wipe the dust from our knees and try again. The key is: we just have to start, and everything else will fall into place.

It's time to stop letting perfectionism hold us back. Let's normalize the messy middle. It's time to Do the Dang Thing, messy first steps and all. The world is waiting for us to put ourselves out there. So let's get moving, and don't forget to laugh at ourselves along the way. After all, it's all just one big, hilarious, messy, beautiful journey. Are you with me? ​

The holiday season begins officially this week, though I've been getting in the spirit since Nov 1st (and maybe a few days prior...) What can I say...I love the holidays and want the magic to last as long as possible.  I know I'm not alone, right?

I've rounded up a nice selection of luxe and cozy gifts for the women in your life to suit every budget and put a smile on her face, because "smiling's my favorite." (And if you don't get that quote, DO YOU EVEN LIKE CHRISTMAS? 

Okay, okay. Let's get rockin' around this gift guide, because we need a little Christmas, right this very minute...and I only have a little while before my sleeping babe wakes from his nap. 
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1.  A fair isle sweater is a classic you can't go wrong with, and this LL Bean Fair Isle Sweater is a cute and fresh take on that classic she's sure to adore. A little bit preppy, a little bit quirky, and a little outdoorsy. Get this beautiful sweater for $109.

Click here to shop. 

2. As we head into the new year, this simple yet elegant MantraBand will be a beautiful and constant reminder to be present in her day to day, something we all could use a little bit more of in this fast-paced world. Shown here in rose gold, but available in three other finishes, they are discreet enough to wear at work and elegant enough to wear out. I own multiple mantrabands and they do not stain or tarnish even with daily wear, are hypoallergenic, and just $25 each. Find the mantra for everyone on your list.

Click here to shop.

3. For the girl who lives for heels, these Faux Fur Heeled Boots from Target are so cute for the winter weather. I own the black pair, but they also have them in this chestnut color, which would look extra cute paired with the teddy bear jacket below. Best part? Under $40 bucks! 

Click here to shop.

4. Teddy bear coats are BIG right now, and this one is a STEAL at just $30.99. This super cozy Faux Shearling Jacket comes in 5 different colors. The one shown here is camel. Size up for the oversized look. And for bonus points, this would look super cute paired with either of the boots on this gift guide and the pom pom hat. Winter outfit GOALS.

Click here to shop.

5. Does she always have a book in hand? A membership to the Book of the Month Club. would be the perfect gift for that bibliophile in your life. Every month she gets 5 new titles to choose from, and if she doesn't like any that month, she can just skip it and save that credit for a future month. They feature a variety of genres from fantasy to literary fiction to thrillers (my personal favorite.) Starting at $44.99 for a 3 month subscription.

Click here to shop. 

6. This custom and sentimental "Piece of Me" Necklace is something she'll want to wear daily and cherish forever. Personalize it with your own words to let her know how much you love her. Available in multiple finishes starting at $75.

Click here to shop. 

7. Dark Burgundy and cranberry are so on trend this season, and this Over-Sized Faux Fur Scarf from Target is less than $25 yet looks much more expensive. A great gift for the fashionista that won't break the bank.

Click here to shop.

8. A little bit of botanical luxury to melt the stress away, these hand-crafted Calming Shower Melts by Potion are something every woman will appreciate. Made with soothing and anxiety relieving Lavender Oil, and just $15 for a 4-pack.

Click here to shop.

9. Coziness is luxurious, and this CozyChic Robe by Barefoot Dreams will wrap her up like a warm embrace. Another gift I think all women would appreciate, available in a multitude of colors, and it's less than $100. 

Click here to shop. 

10. While we're on this theme of being comfy and chic, these Velvet Slippers look so luxurious, and with a price-tag of just $16.99! You can't beat that. Get them in this blush pink, a muted blue, or black.

Click here to shop. 

11. I have the original Mia from Clarisonic from years ago, and it's still going strong. They recently upped their game with this new Mia Smart Sonic model with multiple brush heads for cleansing, makeup application, facial massage and more. $199 for the basic unit and $249 for a holiday gift set. This won the 2018 Fall Beauty O-wards in Oprah Magazine.

Click here to shop.

12. This Gratitude Jar is beautiful enough to put on display, and comes with the gifts that daily gratitude brings. Would be a wonderful family tradition to read some of the things you were thankful for throughout the year at the Thanksgiving table. Just $45 for the set.

Click here to shop.

13. This Sherpa-Lined Flannel Hoodie by  LL Bean will keep her warm and cozy on those chilly days. With a preppy casual look in this plaid relaxed fit, it's perfect for layering and under $80. 

Click here to shop. 

14. You might recognize this jumpsuit from my Baby Gift Guide, because who can resist matching Holiday Jumpsuits for cozy days at home? (Or out shopping...I won't judge...)  These 100% organic cotton jumpsuits are so soft and comfy, and come in sizes for the whole family, starting at $19.99.

Click here to shop.

15. If you live in New England, you know Bean Boots are CLASSIC and reliable. They still hand-stitch them one by one right in Maine as they have been since 1912. This pair is a fresh take on their classic, featuring a great-looking plaid pattern on the wool upper, cozy shearling lining, and warm insulation in the boot bottom. They also have a ton more limited release colors in a variety of styles to suit your personal fashion desires. These boots are quality and the molded rubber soles keep your feet dry. Best duck boots PERIOD. I own the classics and Chelsea. Prices start at under $100 for certain styles.

Click here to shop. 

16. The perfect warm & cozy gift for a new mommy (and her babe!) You might have seen pictures of Teddy and me in these cute Cable-Knit Faux Fur Pom-Pom Ski Hats on my instagram. They are a good snug fit with stretch, and just $10.99 for the pair with six different color options from brights to neutrals.

Click here to shop. 

17. An inexpensive yet trendy gift for that jet-setter in your life, this White Marble Passport Case is waterproof and made with RFID blocking material. Oh, and it's under $10. 

Click here to shop.

So there's my 2018 round-up! I hope it sparks some ideas for the ladies in your life. I know I'm ready to do some shopping, but first, back to snuggling with my babe by the tree while the snow comes down.

If you haven't checked it out yet, take a peek at my Baby Gift Guide for the babes and kiddos in your life. I'll have the Guys Gift Guide posted before the end of the month, too, after getting some overindulging on turkey and all the fixins'.

Happy Holidays (and happy shopping!)

​**Have something you'd like to see me cover in a future post, tell me below!

Baby, it's cold outside, so let's start thinking about the holidays...and presents underneath the tree. But before I get started, I'm just going to whip up a mug of hot cocoa and a batch of gingerbread cookies to get me in the right state of mind. Thinking treats, you know? (I swear...it's purely for holiday brain fuel!) If you want to join me, be my guest. ;)

Most of these gift ideas are things I've already bought or are going to be buying for my baby boy (who will be 4 months by Christmas), so keep in mind that most of these gifts will be for that age-range, but some of these ideas will work for older kids, too. There's a range of price-points, which I will mention in the text below each item, and every photo will be a clickable link to make it easier for you to shop (because parenting is time-consuming as it is!)

Cocoa in hand, let's begin! 
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1. Meet Everest the Penguin, from Cuddle and Kind. Not only are these hand-knit dolls ethically made, the sale of each doll provides 10 meals for children in need, so it's a gift that inhabits to true spirit of Christmas and the season of GIVING. I gave one of these dolls (Sebastian the lamb) to Teddy when he was first born and have Everest the penguin set aside for him for Christmas. I also snagged a bunch more to give to me nieces and nephews this Christmas because you really can't beat the message. 

2. When I was a kid, my mom was an Usborne book consultant, and I remember loving their books. They sparked my imagination back then, but I had forgotten how downright amazing the quality of their books are until I saw one of my IG friends post a preview of this "Peep Inside The Nutcracker" book on her instagram stories. The photos don't do it justice, so I'm going to post a video of it on my instagram highlights if you want to check it out at Instagram.com/ThatBlissfulBalance under "Gift Guide."

I bought this one to read to Teddy BEFORE Christmas, and he loves it. The textures and cut-outs make for a truly magical and imaginative read, perfect to get you into the spirit while you cuddle with your little ones next to the tree. This book is thick and sturdy enough for toddlers, but can be enjoyed by ALL AGES. (Even grown-ups will appreciate it.) I was so impressed with this one that I'm probably going to buy every other book in this series for future gifts.

3. This one is perfect if you're into matching jumpsuits on Christmas morning as they have this in sizes for the whole family. This Burt's Bees Holiday Jumpsuit is actually listed as one of Oprah's Favorite Things for 2018, so it pretty much has the gold seal for quality. It's made of 100% organic cotton and is so soft and comfy. I am featuring this on my ladies gift guide as well because even if you don't have kids this is such festive and cozy loungewear for the winter, and oh so cute!

The price for the baby sizes is $19.95 and there are other prints if the peppermint stripe is not your thing. Would be super cute for a family photo, too!
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4. If you don't know this about me already, I am all about products that have a lot of bang for the buck, so even though this Skip Hop Explore and More Activity Center is on the pricier end for a baby gift, it is something that grows with your child through toddler years converting into an activity table, so there is plenty of value to be had. I have seen many babies of IG enjoying the stimulating activities and just knew I needed to get this for my Teddy, who will be old enough to use it by Christmas, and I am so excited to see him use it!

5. If you follow me on instagram, you've probably seen me post this brand. I LOVE how soft their 100% organic cotton jammies feel, and they have such adorable prints. They now carry jammies for bigger kids, too. I plan to add this Parade Organics Snowy Trees '2 Way' Zipper Romper to Teddy's collection now that he's outgrowing all his kimono nightgowns. I love that it's a smaller company and they print all the fabrics by hand! 

6. I love a lot of the Melissa & Doug toys for their encouragement of learning and make-believe play. Teddy is a bit too young for the wooden toys at this time, but this soft play mat is perfect, and I love that it folds up for easy travel. We got this Wild Safari Playmat and the Town Playmat with soft cars for him to drive, but they also have a Farm Themed Play Mat as well. 

7. We aren't quite at the teething stage yet, though it's coming, and in addition to being completely retro and adorable, this Sophie la Girafe teether is a classic, being beloved by generations since 1961. It's made of 100% natural rubber with a soft texture for soothing sore gums, and it just looks so darn cute. 

Listed at $23.40 on amazon, this would be perfect for a baby shower gift as well!
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8. When I first saw these personalized hand-crafted wooden Noc Noc Christmas Blocks pop up in my instagram feed, I knew I had to get them for Teddy. They have such a classic look to them and would make wonderful keepsakes long beyond their childhood years. They are made to order in Australia, so make sure you get your order placed with enough time to arrive by the holidays.

9. Okay, so this one is more a gift for the parents than the baby, but I'm sure the baby appreciates any way that allows them to be close to their mama or daddy, so it's still a gift they'll appreciate. This particular one is great for Disney lovers, It's the Lillebaby Disney Baby Airflow Carrier. If you're planning a Disney vacation, this would be the perfect one to take along with you because of the breathability of the material (and the print of course!)

I personally own the  Lillebaby 6-in-1 Carrier in Classic Black with Gold Details and the craftsmanship and thought put into this carrier are so gorgeous and functional. I love that it transitions from newborn to toddler, making it a great investment (I told you, I like a good value!) The lumbar support means no back pain and it just feels so well-made and sturdy. I am blown away by all the thought put into the design and how the different clasps have hideaway pockets when you aren’t using them so that it has a sleek look instead of a bunch of hanging straps. I love it, and Teddy does now, too.

10.  Indoor "outdoor" play seems to be all the rage this year, and though this kind of toy might be beyond a young baby's level of play, these handcrafted campfire sets by Nixi Lauroo are perfect for toddlers and young children while being soft enough for baby as nursery decor, and something for them to grow into.

They have multiple color schemes to suit your decor. The one seen here is classic, but I ordered the limited "Pumpkin Spice" with birch logs. I love the little magnetic marshmallow sticks, but I'll be saving those for when Teddy gets older.

So that's what I have so far, but check back as I might add a couple more items as I find them. And be sure to check out my other gift guides as well, which I'll link here once they get posted.
I'll update the links if I find a better price for you, too. 

Thanks for checking out my Baby Holiday Gift Guide for 2018. Happy Holidays!

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble. Cauldron Burn and PUMPKIN bubble!

If Fall makes you pumpkin crazy and you're looking for another way to indulge, whip up this simple smoothie! Depending on your mood and occasion, this HEALTHY and yummy smoothie can be made two ways: a spookier green slime version as seen above (great for kiddos or a creepy Halloween party treat) or the more traditional look of pumpkin pie....but in a cup. 

The fun part of this is that the spooky kid-friendly version actually has a TRICK in its ghoulish glass...extra VEGGIES! And you can't even taste them! It's just pumpkin spice and everything nice.

I personally like to go in a creepy direction for Halloween parties, so the "spooky" slime version of the smoothie is more of my jam for a party. Typically one doesn't look at something slime green and expect to taste pumpkin though, so when I drink this smoothie not at a party setting, I like to drink it from an opaque container so that the color doesn't trick my tastebuds. As much as I love my greens, it's not the most appetizing color for drinking...unless of course it's Halloween!

Because I am always looking for ways to sneak more greens into my daily diet, I will always opt for the spooky version of this recipe, especially since the pumpkin flavor is all I can taste when I drink it. Smoothies really are a great way to get a good amount of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats in a single tasty serving, and if you use frozen fruits & veggies, you can always have the ingredients on hand without worrying if something has passed its prime. (Tip: if some of your fresh produce is nearing its prime and you don't think you'll use it in time, wash it and freeze it to use in a smoothie later!)

And why limit this to just Halloween? Pumpkin is pretty much standard fare at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and though the slime version is probably not going to go over as well for those particular holidays, the orange pumpkin spice version of the smoothie would be a perfect addition to a holiday brunch with your friends and family...if you aren't sick of pumpkin spice everything by then. Personally, I'm waiting impatiently for peppermint mocha season as that's my favorite time of year.

But I digress, so let's get to those recipes.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe (makes 2 servings)
Ingredients:

• 1 c. of Canned Pumpkin (not the pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 tbsp date syrup or nectar
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1 1/2 - 2 c. of water or milk of choice
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 c. ice

To make the spooky GREEN version, add:

• 1 c. frozen spinach and/or kale

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks or spooky spiders.
3. Serve in small mason jars or drinkware of choice.

Calories per serving: 154 (if you use milk for the liquid, add accordingly)

I'd love to know if you use this recipe for your Halloween party, and if the spooky slime version is a hit with your little ones! And if you make any modifications, I'd love to hear how they turn out. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog, and Happy Halloween!

xoxo, Ludella

At that point I just wanted to keep going as I was: screaming and writhing and maneuvering my body instinctively to the pangs of the contractions. It was the most intense and painful experience of my life, and I could not have made it through without the amazing support of Evan and that nurse who were so encouraging. She told me to start pushing through the contractions. We went through different positions monitoring the baby’s response. She had called a NICU unit in just in case because his heart rate was dropping with each contraction and they worried his cord might be wrapped around his neck. Soon I started to feel that urge to push. I had read about it, but it’s hard to describe until you feel it. Your body is telling you what to do, which is so amazing.

Pushing took a lot longer than I thought it would because he was getting stuck. They told me that because I was doing a great job pushing, they would like my permission to use the vacuum instead of an emergency c-section in case things took a turn for the worst. His heart rate was going back up between pushes, but would still drop with each contraction. I didn’t end up needing the vacuum though, and pushed our baby boy into the world at 7:17am on 8/23 at 8 lbs and 20 inches. The whole labor was only a little over 5 hours, though intense from the start.
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And it turned out that the cord was not around his neck, but it was incredibly short, so he had gotten stuck trying to get out. His head was very cone-shaped and bruised, but he was healthy...and he was ours...and the whole thing was worth every uncomfortable moment and ounce of pain. I am so in love, & so grateful that I had my amazing husband by my side encouraging me the whole way. He has been so supportive throughout my pregnancy & so helpful in my recovery. I feel incredibly blessed.

Now, I cry daily looking at my baby because of how much love I feel for him, and how much love I feel for my husband. I had the birth experience I wanted, and I am so happy. ❤️❤️❤️
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One of my "nesting" obsessions while pregnant became turning our empty downstairs patio into a relaxing oasis. I'm not entirely sure why this became an obsession, but pregnancy does some weird things to your priorities and timeline. (Around the same time I became obsessed with organizing the fridge.)

We had a hot tub installed on this patio last Fall, but the rest of it was just completely blah and blank. It's under our 3 season sunroom, so it's covered, and I wanted to make it feel even more like an outdoor room so that it was more aesthetically pleasing to look at from the hot tub and could also be an additional entertaining space (or a place for me to sit and relax at while Evan went in the hot tub since I couldn't while pregnant). With the baby on the way though, I didn't want to splurge too much on the furniture and decided instead to invest in a few key decorative pieces to keep the project stylish but still affordable. 

The furniture is typically going to be the big ticket item for a patio, but because I wanted to add so many decorative pieces to give it more of an outdoor room vibe, I selected something in a more affordable price-range for the patio set. (Items linked at the end of the post for your reference.)

The other place I saved money was on outfitting the support columns. They are just standard skinny support columns and not pretty to look at. I considered wrapping them in more decorative column wraps, but would still have wanted to add curtains for pops of color and more of a room vibe anyway, so I decided to skip the column wraps and just opt for the outdoor curtains. I could have gone a size longer with the curtains, but for the sake of making mowing the lawn around the patio easier for Evan, I got a shorter size that kept them off the ground. (Though looking at these photos, I now realize I took them when the lawn hadn't been mowed in a while. Haha. Oh well. That's #reallife for you.)

I think the curtains really enhance the space with their pops of color and help hide the plainness of the support columns, and make it into more of an outdoor living space. (That's what I was going for, anyway!) Evan installed a fence on the other side of the hot tub to make it feel even more like a room (and to hide the lawn mower that he stores on the other side!) The next step will be to extend the ceiling material over to the fence. 

For the sake of some year-round (and zero maintenance) greenery, I added some faux plant accents and more pops of color with the outdoor throw pillows (which were HomeGoods finds). I love sitting out here (when it's not too humid) and staring out into the greenery of the trees on our property while I schedule out my weeks. Of course it's all a matter of personal preferences, but for me, I felt like my mission for a patio paradise was accomplished. It really is a relaxing oasis for me now and I love sitting out here more than on my deck for an outdoor space because of the overhead shade. Excluding the fencing and hot tub (and vintage bicycle!), the whole project was a little over $1200. 

My favorite piece is probably the topiary flamingo. Would love to know if any of the pieces in this post inspire you, so feel free to drop me an email or leave a comment below!

Mothers Are Magic Shirt by Bee & Mae
Color Intense Lipstick by BEAUTYCOUNTER in shade "9-5"