A Nursery for Margaux

It's hard to believe that we moved to Michigan almost two months ago! The days have been busy with settling in, adjusting to our new surroundings, and exploring this cute little town. Our housing situation is pretty temporary as we figure out our next step (to rent or to buy, that is the question!) but we're doing our best to make things feel cozy and like home.

I knew that the first room I wanted to tackle was Margaux's nursery. She's 14 months now, that age where she's definitely not a baby anymore but also not a full blown toddler either. I wanted her room to inspire creative play and foster independence while still channeling calm and peaceful vibes. I took a lot of cues from the typical Montessori-style room and sprinkled in our own sweet bohemian style.

Margaux loves loves books! She likes being read to but she's also exploring sitting quietly by herself, flipping through pages, and "reading" to her dolls. I created a cozy nook that is devoted solely to story time. The shelves are just the right height for her to choose the book she wants to read and having a chair of her own to rock in definitely makes her feel like a big kid (this vintage rocking chair sat in my nursery long long ago!)

This cubby shelf makes organizing toys so simple. Staying in line with Montessori philosophy, we only keep a few toys out for Margaux to play with at any given time and everything is within her reach. Extra toys are stored in baskets and we switch out and rotate play things every couple days. This has worked really great for us. Margaux never gets bored or over stimulated and my minimalist heart loves that there's not toy clutter everywhere!

The 'Live Wild, Flower Child' window painting is from our baby shower. I love that it hangs in her room now. I think about the sweetest memories whenever I look at it!

Hands down, my favorite piece in the room is this woven rug from Armadillo & Co (you can find the exact rug here)! It's made of the softest jute so not only is it way comfy to sit and play on, but it's extra sturdy and durable. The perfect combo for a kiddo room. It also happens to be, like, the most beautiful rug I've ever laid eyes on, don't you agree!?

The nursery is forever a work in progress as Margaux grows and her needs change but for now we really love spending time in this room. Now if we could just convince her to sleep in her crib through the night! What do y'all think? Have questions about sources or about Montessori style toddler rooms? Leave me a comment below!

Clean Eating // Earl Grey + Strawberry Granola by YumUniverse

Source: YumUniverse

And now for the latest installment in the never ending back and forth saga that is me and clean healthy eating. I'm trying, y'all! I really truly am but lately I'm just kind of failing miserably. I start my days with the best intentions of consuming only healthy nutritious things, but then life kind of gets in the way and more often than not, my day ends up looking like this... a green smoothie for breakfast, my 2nd or 3rd cup of coffee and a handful of almonds for lunch, and a Little Caesar's Hot N' Ready for dinner. Yikes. Clearly balance is not my strong suit right now.

So it couldn't have come at a better time, when I recently received a copy of Pantry to Plate, the new cookbook by Heather Crosby of YumUniverse. Heather is somewhat of a clean eating guru and I've long admired her style and the seemingly effortless way she embraces a completely plant based diet. I'm currently cooking my way through Pantry to Plate and it's seriously changing my mindset about what I'm putting in my body. I love that the recipes are simple, flexible, and accessible, proving that while clean eating is definitely a journey to a lifestyle change, it doesn't have to be a struggle! I thought I might share some of my favorite Pantry to Plate meals here on the blog. Why not start with one that's the perfect way to kick off your day!

When I first cracked open the book, I was immediately drawn to this granola recipe for a couple of reasons. First of all, granola is my go to for a quick and filling breakfast or sweet snack. Secondly, this recipe is suuuper simple and it makes a big ol' batch. And last but not least, I love the way the citrus and vanilla notes from the black tea combine with the berries for a seriously unique twist on an old standard. Serve with Coconut Yogurt, homemade Dairy-Free Milk, or a scoop of Nice Cream (all recipes you can find in the book)!

Earl Grey & Strawberry Granola

Serves 8+

Ingredients

3 cups (240 g) rolled oats
1 cup (240 ml) raw, unpasteurized honey
¾ cup (105 g) raw, unsalted almonds, chopped
½ cup (70 g) raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
¼ cup (30 g) raw, unsalted pepitas
¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves, ground in coffee/spice grinder
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
¾ teaspoon sea salt

1 cup (20 g) dried strawberries

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large bowl, combine the oats, honey, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, olive oil, tea, zest, and salt. Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer roughly 1⁄4 inch (6 mm) thick. Give it a light press and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 
10 minutes, until toasty, golden brown. 


Once cooled, transfer the granola to a large bowl and break apart; fold in the strawberries. Store in an airtight container in the pantry or fridge for 4 to 8 weeks. 


Get your copy of Pantry to Plate here!


Recipe from YumUniverse Pantry to Plate © Heather Crosby, 2017. Photographs copyright © Heather Crosby, 2017. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, The Experiment. Available wherever books are sold. theexperimentpublishing.com

NEW INTENTIONS FOR A NEW YEAR

The first week of 2017 has passed. It was a quiet and cold one around here. I spent most of my time hanging around home, cleaning the apartment top to bottom (there's nothing like starting a new year with a sparkling clean house!) and getting in lots of baby snuggles to stay warm. I also spent some time reflecting on a few intentions for the coming months. My intentions for the new year are far from lofty. I have a feeling this year is going to be full of changes for my little family so I'm already channeling all the chill vibes I can muster. This year, my goal is to keep it sweet and simple with a focus on slowing things down and living more mindfully. Check out my resolutions for 2017 below.

Learn // More about plants! I recently found out that the Garfield Park Conservatory here in Chicago offers horticulture classes through their volunteer sessions (there's also a composting and bee keeping program) How cool is that!? I'm so ready to take this crazy plant lady thing to the next level!

Make // With a new baby around, we're trying our best to eliminate products in our home that contain chemicals, perfumes, and dyes and make the transition to all natural. I've always wanted to try my hand at home made cleaning products so now seems like the perfect opportunity. Send your favorite recipes my way!

Do // Carve out half an hour in the morning just for me. Sounds like such an effortless goal, but I think it might be the trickiest to stay consistent with. As a mama, it's hard to find time to do the little things that I love so much- take a bath, read a book, practice yoga, even just sip a cup of coffee and stare off into space. Heck, I think any of us are hard pressed to find time for those little things these days! I'm making a promise to myself to wake up just half an hour earlier for a little alone time so I can be my best and most present self for the rest of the day! #selfcare2017

Explore // The city's museums, parks, and forest preserves. Free and baby friendly is the name of the game in 2017 and I'm so lucky that I live somewhere with so much to offer!

Do you do the resolutions thing? Have you set any intentions for 2017? Hope your new year is off to a lovely (and productive) start!

Shop my look: Oversized Knit Kimono + Floral Dress c/o Pink Blush  // Dolce Vita Booties sold out but shop similar here!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE // HOSTESS GIFT

Tis the season for endless Holiday parties and visits to friend's and family's homes. There's nothing I hate more than showing up empty handed- total etiquette faux pas! But sometimes the traditional flowers or a bottle of wine seems so cliche. I put together this collection of fun and quirky gifts that will have your host wanting to invite you back again and again!

It doesn't matter whether or not your host is instrumentally inclined- even the most tone deaf will adore this colorful ukulele!

Full of recipes, how-tos, and anecdotes this coffee table book from Kate Spade will elevate anyone's hosting game. And I mean c'mon, that pink cover!

Who wouldn't want to cuddle up in this cheeky knit blanket from Cold Picnic!?

Candles make a lovely hostess gift but this super modern pyramid incense burner + copal incense sticks are way more unique.

If you're lucky, you'll have your morning coffee served in this oh so lovely copper French Press. And throw in the matching coffee scoop for good measure! (#seewhatididthere)

How gorgeous is this Candleholder String from ferm Living!

Enamel pins are all the rage so gift the cutest ones around! Herbie Heart by ban.do, Everything is Cool by People I've Loved, I Am Fun by ban.do

Vinyl is a way cool gift to give a way hip host. Score some extra cool points by going with something slightly obscure (like Miles Davis)!

Hello Margaux Moon...

She's here! And just like that I am forever changed.

Margaux Moon came into our lives on October 19th at 2:40pm. She has the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen and little cheeks that make my heart turn to mush.

We are settling into being a family of three and I am slowly and sweetly falling into motherhood- accepting little failures, celebrating all the tiny victories, discovering that I need surprisingly little sleep to function, resigning to being covered in breastmilk and spit up pretty much all the time, and truly learning the meaning of love- this is a feeling like no other!

Welcome to this wild world, my little Margaux Moon. I am so thankful to be your mama!

"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies- "god damn it, you've got to be kind." - Kurt Vonnegut

*all photos by Amanda Hall

LOVE TRUMPS HATE

To say last week was a doozy would be an understatement. Like most of the country, and the world, I've been left feeling bewildered, angry, afraid, deeply deeply sad, and at a loss for what I can do. I took the weekend to mostly abstain from social media (Facebook, we seriously need a break) and reflect on how I can positively impact change and best be an ally to the marginalized and hurting communities around me. I wouldn't call myself a particularly politically active person, at least not until now, and in no way do I claim to have all the answers, but I definitely know a good place to start is putting my money where my mouth is. My family lives on a shoestring budget, but we are donating  as much as we can to causes of justice and equality. And I encourage you to do the same. I found this article to be a really great resource for organizations that most need our support.

This blog is a safe space for your voice to be heard. Feel free to start a conversation in the comments below. Or email me if you need a kind or encouraging word. I'm here. We are in this together. And love will always trump hate.

Find Me On: WITH/ANOTHER

Offering a space for makers and admirers alike, W I T H / A N O T H E R is a brand new online journal bringing together a collective of creative Chicago women. The focus is on simplicity, small gatherings, exploration, and an essential lifestyle. By highlighting the women who make Chicago a notable city for creatives, W I T H / A N O T H E R focuses on discovering local visionaries, gathering inspiration for an authentic life, and connecting with likeminded ladies. "We believe that when people come together with one another, creativity and community flourish."

The darling women behind the blog are local creatives, Mandy Lancia and Abby St. Claire. (You might remember that Mandy and I collaborated on a Plant Swap together earlier this summer?) I absolutely adore these ladies- from their clean and saturated style to their approach on a well thought out, simple and beautiful lifestyle. They are seriously sweethearts through and through and I love the burst of energy that they are bringing to the local community!

W I T H / A N O T H E R has already featured a wide variety of women in the Chicago creative community- so many that I admire and am inspired by. Shop owners, artists, makers, influencers- I'm totally smitten with the way in which Mandy and Abby have shared these women and their stories. So I was blown over honored when they asked if they could feature Foxtail + Moss! I met Mandy for coffee recently and we chatted about everything from professional weed photography (don't ask) to baby stuff to her upcoming trip to the Pacific Northwest. And then I rambled through some interview questions which you can read here.

Thank you so much for featuring me, ladies. I cannot wait to see where this project takes you and the creative community here in Chicago! Follow W I T H / A N O T H E R on Instagram for some seriously lovely inspiration!

LIFE / STYLE : Good Clean Autumnal Fun + Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

Over the weekend we took a short road trip to the west side of Michigan to meet up with a few friends and go apple picking. It's become a yearly tradition of ours- we call it the Good Clean Fun Autumnal Outing! I get absolutely dorky over Fall activities- hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches- when the weather cools and the leaves change, I need it all in my life! We visited Jollay Orchards- a darling little farm that I highly recommend checking out if you're in the area.

Of   course we picked waaaaay too many apples. Like, way to many. I've been making applesauce and apple muffins and apple pear cranberry pie and having apple butter and toast for breakfast every morning and I still have a whole huge bowl full of apples! So when a friend told me she was using her haul to give homemade apple cider vinegar a try, I figured why not!? I'm a huge fan of ACV. Like down a tablespoon of the stuff every morning kind of fan. There are so many benefits to using apple cider vinegar- check it out! I followed a combination of this recipe and this recipe and currently my apples are fermenting in a huge jar in my pantry. I'll definitely let you guys know how it all turns out in a few weeks. In the meantime, if you have any tips, send them my way!

Live Wild, Flower Child // Our Boho Baby Shower

You guys, our baby bash was featured on 100 Layer Cakelet this week and I'm just so darn excited to share a few photos with you! It was seriously the most special day. We gathered at one of our favorite local taco joints, Antique Taco, to feast, laugh, listen to records, and celebrate our little Moonpie with a boho themed party! Head on over to 100 Layer Cakelet to see the full feature.

Up  until this point we had kept the whole boy or girl thing a secret, so we decided to reveal the baby's sex at the shower. As guests arrived, we had them place their bets. Toward the end of the shower, we brought out a piñata and let family take a swing. It was by far the highlight of the day- so incredibly fun to see the surprise and joy on everyone's faces as the piñata exploded into a cloud of pink confetti and candy! There were lots and lots of happy tears. We drew a name from those that had cast a girl ballot, and the winner took home a special little raffle prize- a box of Moonpies, of course!

We  asked guests to fill out these Wishes for Baby cards designed by Kirra Reyna Designs. I've read over them so many times since that day. The answers make me laugh so hard and tear up and feel all the feelings. It's incredible to know just how loved this little girl is already. She is so lucky to have an amazingly bad ass village of people in her life to support her!

The Foxglove Studio adorned this macrame backdrop (by My Macramania) with wild flowers and greenery and it literally made my heart go pitter patter!

Seriously  the most dreamy and fun day! I wish I could relive it a million times over. You can see even more photos on the Avery House blog. I worked with such an incredible group of vendors to make my boho baby dreams come true and I can't thank them enough! Check them out below.

Venue & Catering: Antique Taco / Photographer: Avery House / Flowers: The Foxglove Studio / Flower Crown: Asrai Garden / Macrame Wall Hanging: My Macramania / Cake & Cookies: Alliance Bakery / Mini Donuts: Stan’s Donuts Chicago / Hand Lettered Window: Papa-to-be Matthew Bremer / Invitations & Wishes for Baby Cards: Kirra Reyna Designs / Piñata: Bash Party Goods / My Dress: Free People (similar here) / Make-up: To Have & To Glow