Packing Boxes & Big Feelings: How We Helped the Kids Say Goodbye to Our First Home

Moving doesn’t just mean changing addresses. It’s watching your children say goodbye to the only home they’ve ever known. And if you’ve ever had to move with children, you understand it’s not only the packing tape and logistics involved; it’s the emotions put inside each wall, each window, each corner.

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Let the Little Ones Lead

We didn’t announce anything big. We just talked it out gradually while we had dinner, between mac and cheese bites. The news didn’t exactly roll off so well. The conversation with our oldest included him asking if his stuffed animals had to move, too. Both of our toddlers burst into tears for unclear reasons.

Rather than frantically packing them, we assigned them little tasks: labeling boxes with crayons, wrapping the contents of their toys in kitchen towels, and picking whose storybooks would wait until the last to pack.

Memories in Every Room

Our children didn’t notice the furniture and walls. They noticed the spot where they’d taken their first steps, where there remained specks of last year’s birthday party’s sparkle on the carpet, where they’d confided secrets to the dog behind the stairs.

We provided space for all those emotions. We strolled through each of the rooms and spoke of our favorite memories, such as the kitchen being converted to a dance floor and the hallway being the track for laundry basket rides. It allowed them to link the dots between their memories and their feelings. The tears came, but so did the laughter.

Building ‘Lasts’ That Are Experienced As Love

Rather than dwelling on what we were going to lose, we concentrated on making our “lasts” the best they possibly could be. We had movie nights on the floor with popcorn served in mixing bowls. We bedded down to sleep in the living room in sleeping bags. On the last day, we left behind little notes for the next family to discover, including ridiculous drawings, sweet messages, and the occasional secret joke.

It wasn’t an attempt to pretend everything was okay. It was to bear the emotional burden and enable our children to stay safe through it.

The Grown-Up Stuff That Occurs Behind the Scenes

Of course, amidst all this, there was the paperwork. The signings, the coordinating, and the phone calls that inevitably ring through nap time. Between the chaos of packing and reassuring our children, we made certain all the required paperwork was taken care of, using trustworthy real estate title and deed services to smooth our transition. It allowed us to worry less, so we could tend to the things that meant the most to us: our children’s hearts.

Moving Forward, Together

Our new house remains cluttered with boxes, and no one can quite recall where the toothbrushes are. There’s already a picture taped to the fridge and an attempt at a fort going on in the living room, though. The children still mention the old house now and then, and it’s alright.

Moving is not only about what we bring along. It’s also about what we carry with us inside and the ways we create space for our children to do the same.

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Revamp Your Closet in Time For Summer Fun

 

As the summer sun shines bright and the temperatures soar, it's time to revamp your wardrobe with pieces that are not only stylish but also perfect for staying cool and comfortable in the heat. From flowy dresses to lightweight accessories, we've curated a list of 10 summer-friendly wardrobe essentials that will keep you looking chic all season long.

Summer-Friendly Wardrobe Essentials

Embrace the carefree vibes of summer with these essential wardrobe pieces that effortlessly blend style and comfort. From breezy dresses to versatile accessories, these summer staples are a must-have for every fashion-forward woman looking to beat the heat in style.

1. Flowy Maxi Dresses

Enhance summer styling with flowy Maxi Dresses for Women that exude effortless elegance. These ankle-grazing beauties are perfect for warm-weather days when you want to look chic with minimal effort. Whether you're strolling along the beach or attending a backyard barbecue, a maxi dress is your go-to option for staying cool and fashionable.

Quick Styling Guide for Flowy Maxi Dresses:

●       Pair with strappy sandals and statement earrings for a boho-chic look.

●       Add a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses for a touch of glamour.

●       Keep accessories minimal and let the dress take center stage.

2. Breathable Cotton Tops

Stay cool and casual in breathable cotton tops that are perfect for beating the summer heat. Whether you prefer classic tees or breezy blouses, cotton tops are a versatile staple that can be dressed up or down with ease. The lightweight fabric ensures maximum comfort, while the variety of styles allows you to express your personal style effortlessly.

Quick Styling Guide for Breathable Cotton Tops:

●       Pair with denim shorts and sneakers for a laid-back weekend look.

●       Tuck into high-waisted skirts or trousers for a more polished ensemble.

●       Layer under a lightweight cardigan or kimono for added dimension.

3. Comfy Shorts

Keep it cool and casual with comfy shorts that are perfect for all your summer adventures. Whether you're lounging by the pool or exploring a new city, shorts are a go-to option for staying comfortable in the heat. Choose from denim cutoffs, linen shorts, or athleisure styles for a look that suits your vibe.

Quick Styling Guide for Comfy Shorts:

●       Pair with a tucked-in tank top and sandals for a laid-back beach day.

●       Dress up with a blouse and heels for a night out with friends.

●       Layer with a lightweight kimono or oversized shirt for added coverage and style.

4. Stylish Sunglasses

Shield your eyes from the sun in style with a pair of stylish sunglasses that add a touch of glam to any outfit. From classic aviators to trendy cat-eye frames, sunglasses are a summer essential for protecting your eyes while looking effortlessly chic.

Quick Styling Guide for Stylish Sunglasses:

●       Pair with a wide-brimmed hat and sundress for a day at the beach.

●       Wear with a sleek ponytail and bold lipstick for instant glamour.

●       Choose oversized frames for a fashion-forward statement.

5. Lightweight Women Floral Dresses

These light and elegant women floral dresses are perfect for adding a feminine touch in summer. Bursting with vibrant blooms and playful prints, these dresses are perfect for picnics in the park or brunch dates with friends. The lightweight fabric keeps you cool and comfortable, while the floral patterns add a touch of romance to your look.

Quick Styling Guide for Lightweight Floral Dresses:

●       Pair with wedges or espadrilles for a chic daytime look.

●       Layer with a denim jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings.

●       Accessorize with dainty jewelry and a crossbody bag for effortless charm.

 

6. Wide-Brimmed Hats

Stay shaded and stylish with a wide-brimmed hat that adds a touch of sophistication to your summer look. Whether you're lounging poolside or exploring a new city, a wide-brimmed hat provides much-needed sun protection while elevating your outfit.

Quick Styling Guide for Wide-Brimmed Hats:

●       Pair with a swimsuit and cover-up for a chic poolside ensemble.

●       Wear with a maxi dress or romper for a day of sightseeing.

●       Choose a straw or woven hat for a beachy vibe.

7. Lightweight Scarves

Add a pop of color and texture to your summer outfits with lightweight scarves that are perfect for layering. Whether you wear them as a necktie, headband, or belt, scarves are a versatile accessory that adds personality to any look.

Quick Styling Guide for Lightweight Scarves:

●       Tie around your neck for a classic, Parisian-inspired look.

●       Wrap around your head as a headband for a retro vibe.

●       Knot around your waist as a belt for a bohemian touch.

8. Breathable Sandals

Keep your feet happy and stylish with breathable sandals that are perfect for summer outings. Whether you prefer strappy sandals, slide-ons, or espadrilles, a comfortable pair of sandals is a summer wardrobe essential.

Quick Styling Guide for Breathable Sandals:

●       Pair with shorts and a tank top for a casual daytime look.

●       Wear with a sundress or maxi dress for a more dressed-up vibe.

●       Opt for neutral colors that can be easily paired with any outfit.

9. Lightweight Kimonos

Add a touch of bohemian flair to your summer wardrobe with lightweight kimonos that are perfect for layering over tanks and tees. Whether you choose a floral print or a solid color, kimonos add instant style and versatility to any outfit.

Quick Styling Guide for Lightweight Kimonos:

●       Layer over a swimsuit for a chic beach cover-up.

●       Pair with denim shorts and a crop top for festival-ready style.

●       Wear over a sundress or jumpsuit for added coverage and flair.

10. Trendy Tote Bags

Complete your summer look with a trendy tote bag that's both stylish and functional. Whether you're headed to the beach or running errands around town, a spacious tote bag is a summer essential for carrying all your essentials in style.

Quick Styling Guide for Trendy Tote Bags:

●       Pair with a casual outfit for everyday wear.

●       Choose a bright or bold color for a statement-making look.

●       Opt for a straw or canvas material for a beachy vibe.

Conclusion

With these 10 summer-friendly wardrobe pieces in your arsenal, you'll be ready to take on the season in style. From flowy dresses to breathable accessories, these essentials are sure to keep you looking chic and feeling cool all summer long. So go ahead, embrace the sunshine, and make the most of this fabulous season with fashion-forward flair! And, if you need a place to start your search for summer must haves, I highly recommend you check out Macy's, as they always run amazing deals that save you money, and their selection of clothes and accessories for the whole family, makes it my go to for one-stop shopping, especially for summer essentials.

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Why Jewelry Always Makes an Amazing Gift

 

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When it comes to gifting special presents for loved ones, money has long been a popular choice. There are many reasons for this, and these are why people regularly choose to give those they love in their lives jewelry. The beauty of gifting jewelry is that there are seemingly endless options, and there is always something for everyone, regardless of their preference or style.

Let's take a closer look at why jewelry always makes the right gift.

Versatile

Regardless of your budget, style, or preferences, the thrill of finding that perfect piece of jewelry is unmatched. Whether it's for a grandfather, auntie, sibling, best friend, or spouse, something will always resonate, making the gift-giving experience truly exciting.

Long Lasting

The right piece of jewelry is not just a gift, it's a lasting treasure. Regardless of when you buy it or where you purchased it, jewelry stands the test of time, becoming a cherished item that can be worn over and over again.

You can gift your children a bracelet that grows with them as they get older, or you can build a collection of jewelry for your loved one that fits a theme. You can deliver a thoughtful, lasting gift to take them through the ages, or you can build memories into the piece by having images printed on the metal or as a locket, for example.

Conveys Feelings

This might seem like a lot to put on a simple piece of jewelry, but the right jewelry items can really be instrumental in conveying how you feel about someone, even if you don't have the words to tell them. Whether you are looking for the best place to buy diamonds to create an eternity ring for your spouse or as a push present, or you want to gift all pockets to your parents with family pictures in there are a lot of sentiments that can be added to gift via jewelry and this can make it all the more special.

Customizable

While there's a vast array of jewelry to choose from, there's also the option to add a more personal touch. Customizing a piece of jewelry makes it truly unique for the recipient, showing them that you've put thought and care into their gift.

You can choose to customize the metal, the gemstones (if you choose them), the settings for any stones, the dieting, and more to help you create a one-of-a-kind item you can guarantee no one in the world will already have.

Eye Catching

When you gift jewelry, automatically give someone something that catches the eye and people's attention. Even the box it is presented in will be eye-catching and elicit gasps. While it might be obvious that you are gifting jewelry, the box will conceal the type of jewelry inside, making it more attention-grabbing. So, if you want a show-stopper as a gift, then jewelry is the right choice for you.

There is never a reason not to buy jewelry, and finding the perfect piece of jewelry with careful consideration can be an amazing gift that the recipient can treasure now and for any year to come.

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