Mama + Mini Cold Weather Style

Okay I admit that 90% of the time the outfit selections for Rowan and I do not coordinate whatsoever. Ain't nobody got time for that.

But Rowan is looking more and more like his Daddy lately so I do what I can to make sure people know he belongs to this curly-haired mama.

And when it comes to family photos or any type of outing where I know we'll be taking a lot of photos I usually make an attempt to coordinate. I start by picking his outfit and then I blend in somewhere in the background with a solid blouse or something I've settled on because I hate everything in my closet. #firstworldprobs

One of my favorite outfits to date? This cute little ensemble Rowan wore for our family photos this past weekend. I cannot even wait to see the photos, he was such a little stud!

Vest. Button Down. Jeans. Moccs.

In case you missed it on Snapchat (follow me at HomeSweetRuby), I wore an emerald green blouse (similar here) with skinny jeans and my favorite booties. My husband sported a navy and white check button down underneath a grey half zip sweater. All the heart eyes for my boys.

Another combo that is easy to coordinate with is buffalo plaid. It's everywhere in the stores this Fall, I'm basically counting down the days until I can put this trapper hat on R.

Button Down (old from J. Crew Factory, similar here and here). Trapper Hat (Similar).

Also love this buffalo plaid scarf for mama!

And finally, my most favorite Fall and Winter color ever. Merlot.

Tunic. Sweater Dress. Jeans. Leggings. Hat.

Loft is killing it in the merlot clothing department, FYI. I'm just waiting for all of these to come in the mail because... online shopping problems. I had way too much fun shopping Zara's baby selection... Lord help me if I ever find myself in the actual store! Also, obsessed with this Slouch Headwear beanie for Rowan!

P.S. Girl mamas- if you're still reading this make sure to check out the new collection from Willow Crowns when it drops on November 3rd! Megan posted a sneak peek and I spy some pretty merlot pieces!!

Anyone else coordinate with your mini? I know its tougher for boy mamas but can be super cute for photo ops!

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2014: A Year to Remember

2014, you've been so good to us. Actually, "good" doesn't even begin to describe it. I'm having trouble finding the right word because I can only think about how grateful and blessed we feel for the amazing moments we were fortunate to experience this year.

Like any year there have been some tough times, but 2014 makes it hard to imagine how next year could possibly be any better. And yet, it most definitely will be. Things are about to get a whole lot more crazy, that's for sure!

We celebrated our first wedding anniversary in Europe

Rome (Part 1 + Part 2). Siena. Florence. Venice. Paris (Part 1 + Part 2).

The trip of a lifetime is the only way to describe our European adventure. It was our first trip together across the pond and spending that time with my husband before we started a family was absolutely everything we hoped it would be. If you're considering a trip like this next year, don't think... just book!

We made some truly amazing friends thanks to this little blog

Blogger Night at Moon + Lola

I was 20 weeks here, back when I thought I had a bump. Boy was I wrong!

We vacationed, spent time with family, and played tourist in our own city

Florida. Pennsylvania. Charleston. Chicago.

Asheville.

We made a baby

Coming February 2015...

Found out he is most definitely a boy and showered him with love

It's a Boy. Baby Shower.

We also purchased a new SUV (read: mama + baby mobile) on a whim before looking at any other options. Mostly because mama was tired and hungry and just wanted to get out of there. Not really... but kind of.

These are just the highlights, they don't even begin to touch the seemingly insignificant moments from this year where I put down my camera and soaked in every second of it.  

I don't have resolutions for 2015. Lord knows I will struggle just to keep my head on straight once this babe makes his appearance! If I can manage a shower and not smell like spit up for a half a second a day, I'll take that over anything else. (It's all about low expectations, right?)

And I couldn't talk about being grateful without thanking those of you who follow along. It's truly amazing how this "blogosphere" has become more than just a creative outlet for me, but a place where I've met so many wonderful, supportive people like you! Thanks for being there, friends :)

Wishing you all a very fun, festive, and safe New Year's Eve!

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Merry Christmas Eve

Wishing you and your family a safe and very Merry Christmas!

 

I'll be taking a short break this week to celebrate Christmas with our little family here in Charleston, but make sure to follow on Instagram to see what me and this big ol' bump are up to!

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Christmas in our Home + Link Up!

Today is the final holiday link up with me, Katie, Lisa, and Annie! I can't really wrap my head around the fact that Christmas is already less than 10 days away... or that we'll have a little babe crawling around this time next year!

<div align="center"><a href="http://homesweetruby.blogspot.com" title="Holiday Linkup"><img src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q792/lisampray/holidaylink-upbutton_zps47581a5e.jpg" width="250" height="250" alt="Holiday Linkup" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Because I'm closing in on my 8th month of the pregnancy I took it easy with our Christmas decor this year. It's been tougher than I expected to muster the energy to go all out like I normally do, let alone take it all down a few weeks later, so we stuck to the basics.

the tree

We try to get ornaments from all of the places we visit, so this year we added Paris, Venice, and Rome. And of course one for Rowan!

 
This was the first year we purchased a real tree and it's absolutely my favorite tree yet! And I'm pretty proud of my giant bow at the top even though that beast took about an hour for me to make. 

Tree Skirt.

the mantel

Love seeing that 4th stocking on our mantel! You better believe Santa will be dropping off some things in Rowan's stocking this year.

One trick I like to use with our mantel is to get tree clippings for free from places like Home Depot and use them to fill in the bare spaces in the faux garlands. It makes a big difference and brings more of that evergreen smell into the house.

Stockings.

I love that our house has such an open plan living space, especially since we spend the majority of our time there. You can see our tree from almost every part of the house. Including my office, which I love!

No Sew DIY Deer Pillow. 

We also have a few little Christmas details in our entryway and on our dining table. I'm still pretty crazy about the plaid decor (if you didn't notice yet!) so I reused our table runner from last year which I made from a huge tablecloth.

Now all we need is my favorite Christmas music, a fire in the fireplace, and some hot chocolate! Or if you're my husband, you get my favorite Pinot Noir and drink it without me...

Now its your turn! Link up with us and share your Christmas posts below!

An InLinkz Link-up

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Friday Favorites

This week has been absolutely crazy around here and I couldn't be more excited for the weekend! Of course I'm linking up again with Amanda, Christina and the rest of the Five on Friday crew!

Baking

Finally having some weekends at home is giving me a chance to get some festive Christmas stuff done, like baking cookies! Though I admit I'm really struggling not to eat the cookie dough... I'm a huge sugar cookie fan and decided this year I'd do them a little differently with royal icing. I can't wait to share these with you next week!

Christmas Cards



Minted has done it again! Even though I switched the design from "the more the merrier" at the last minute, I love our cards this year! (You can see ours from last year here) And the free recipient addressing was such a good call, especially since my hand is still cramped from writing out baby shower thank yous! Definitely recommend!

Nursery Progress

Pom Pom Throw (they have lots of colors, love this one too!). Name Blocks. Elephant.

Y'all we're finally getting somewhere in the nursery with just 9 (or less) weeks to go! Thanks to a Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware Baby sale (20% off everything with the code PRIVATE), I managed to commit to some things for the room! And I'm loving the pom pom blanket and name blocks above... they would be great gifts actually!

J. Crew Factory Sale

Just wanted to give y'all a heads up, J. Crew Factory is having a huge sale in the store! My husband picked up my favorite jeans for $15. (Let's hope I can fit in them post-baby... eek!) Everything is 50% off plus you get another 15-20% off at the register. Major Christmas shopping opportunities here people! I may not fit into much but that won't stop me from raiding the accessories and shoes... or sweatpants.

Christmas Link Up

Don't forget about the last of the holiday link ups with me, Lisa, Katie, and Annie on Tuesday! Share your favorite Christmas cookie recipes, decor, traditions, etc. I can't wait to see all the festive posts!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Only one more before Christmas, can you believe it?!

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Gift Guide: for Her

Confession: I'm really behind on Christmas shopping. I just can't keep up this year. It may or may not be due to the extra 20+ pounds I'm sporting, but I'm even cutting back on my decorating a bit. Don't worry, I'm still all about the cookie baking!

Basically I'm a total slacker on the shopping front, but killing it on the lounging by the fireplace thing. On any given night you can find me on the couch with a blanket, hot chocolate, and my iPad. How else am I going to get my shopping done? I'm starting to sweat it though because I'm getting close to the Christmas shipping deadline... I may actually have to step foot into a store other than Target.

One thing I do need to pick up a gift for is our girls gift exchange, which I'm so excited for this year! Here are my favorite picks in case you've got a friend or a gift exchange to shop for!

Wine Glasses.Notebook. Blog Planner. Jewels. Beanie. Wine Glasses. Tassel Key Chain. Mug. Tray. Slippers.

I love all the girly things here, and would totally want any of this! How about the long stemware paired with a great bottle of Red? Hello Olivia Pope fans! And someone please tell me I'm not the only one still shopping?!

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Bundling Up

With temps set to hit the 30's this weekend (yay!) I'm officially ready to cuddle by the fireplace, sans my usual glass of wine this year, and bundle up. I'm having such a hard time passing up cozy gloves, scarves, and chunky, over-sized sweaters this year. They are easy to wear with a belly and without... win!

So today I thought I'd round up my favorite winter accessories, aside from the ever popular Target plaid scarf that practically every blogger (including me) owns and loves. While I'm at it, I'm linking up with Annie, Stephanie, and Laura!

 1.2.3 (Also love these, both are super soft and cozy!). 4. 5. 6. 7.

I know the pants don't really fit in here, but they have been my go-to lounge wear for the past few weeks and I had to share. I wish they came in more colors, but I'm pretty sure I'll be buying a second (or third) pair very soon. They are so soft! And I wasn't even looking for gloves but couldn't pass those fair isle ones up when I tried them on in the store.

And of course we can't forget the mini. I doubt we'll take Rowan out much this winter since he will be brand new and all, but I'm totally planning to snatch up some of these baby winter accessories after the holidays. Look out Baby Gap, I'm coming for your after Christmas sales!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5 (Also love these). 6. 7. 8. 9.

If you can't tell, I have a thing for pom poms, baby bear ears, and red and black accessories this year. I also can't get enough of the Fair Isle pattern this year. What are some of your favorites this winter?

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Winter Favorites

Brrr! It's cold outside! I hope everyone has been able to stay warm and cozy the past two days...  I know our 18 degree low is nothing compared to the North and Midwest right now. My blood has certainly thinned since moving here but I still love these cold nights... they make for perfect cuddling!

The cold weather last night was the perfect excuse to lay on the couch, online shop (but not buy) on my iPad, and watch the Downton Abbey premiere and a slew of House Hunters on the DVR. If that evening isn't the epitome of laziness, I don't know what is. I successfully managed to cross nothing off of my to-do list.

I don't know if our overall tiredness is a result of taking down all of the pretty Christmas decor this weekend (and our house looking completely empty.. ugh!), the fact that we were so behind on rest the past two months that it finally caught up to us, or our out-of-shape bods getting a butt kicking at the gym. Probably all of the above. Let's hope its not a sign of getting sick!

Here are my go-to's this winter season... because hey, it does get cold here!

Down Vest (optional Monogram!): I'm loving my J. Crew herringbone vest this season, but I think I just found a new love... this vest is currently on sale and with a monogram, its just $30! I may or may not have to brake my "no spending" rule for this deal... sorry husband.

Pants. (Also loving these) Another reason to love working from home: its perfectly acceptable to wear these all day, every day.

Carmex Chapstick. I've tried tons of different chapsticks but for whatever reason, Carmex works the best!

Burt's Bees Hand Salve. I find myself using this a lot recently because my hands get so cold and cracked during Ruby's after-work walk! Even better get, get yourself the Tips and Toes kit, you'll be thanking me!

Five Crowns. This is one of my favorite card games to play on the fold out table while we lounge on the couch.  You can play it with two people but it gets really interesting with 4 or more.

If you have anything to add to my winter must-haves, I'd love to hear it! Also, anyone totally getting into Valentine's Day yet? Or just me?

Also I want to thank those of you who reached out on Friday with advice for our trip to Europe! I know I've said this before but I have the absolute sweetest readers!

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Not Your Grandma's Hot Chocolate

Last week I shared our Christmas house tour with you all and I noted that I've had quite the hot chocolate obsession this year. So much so that I converted our liquor stash area into a hot chocolate bar. Last night my husband and I decided to spike our hot chocolate, and with the assortment of mini liquor bottles we have, we had quite the variety for tasting. Today I wanted to share our favorite combination, which I'm warning you in advance makes you want to cozy up on the couch and go into a hot chocolate coma. Or maybe that's just us because we're totally getting old?!

I'm not going to be very technical about the directions, because honestly I didn't really measure exact portions. Its pretty sweet, so if you're going to skimp on anything, I'd say cut back on the cinna-sugar vodka.. it's got a ton of flavor!

Spiked Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

1 large cup of hot chocolate (you can use the packets if you want)
1 shot Cinna-Sugar Twist Vodka
1 shot Whipped Vodka
Dash of milk
Marshmallows and/or Whipped Cream
Cinnamon sprinkled on top

Basically just make your hot chocolate and add the vodka. Easy peasy!

Mug

I admit, I added a pirouette cookie to mine. There was so much cinnamon-y goodness in this cup, I promise you won't realize you've got two shots of liquor in there!

Anyone else spike their hot chocolate? No, just me? Oops. :)

Linking up with Schue Love and The Lovely Cupboard!

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Dear DC...

You were a ton of fun, but I'm so glad to be home.

After multiple flight cancellations, changes, and delays, I finally made it home late last night from my trip to DC.  It was such a long day and I shutter to think that lots of people had it much worse than I did. While I attempt to catch up on life today, I give you my weekend in photos and some of my favorite places to visit if you happen to find yourself in our beautiful Capitol!

Our weekend started off with the best ever Italian at my favorite place in Arlington, VA, called La Bettola Italiano. It's this tiny little place that is always kind of empty, but I can never understand why because their food is fantastic and is such a great price. I got baked tortellini (holy cheesiness) and my friend and I did some much needed catching up over wine.

On Saturday we took my Hybrid Dodge Charger rental (which was awesome but kind of intimidating to drive, by the way) and headed out to Virginia wine country to two of our favorite wineries... Barrel Oak and Aspen Dale.

Fabulous wine, fabulous scenery.

On Sunday, we headed to Georgetown to do brunch at Serendipity, do some shopping, and then visit the Capitol Building (my favorite in all of DC... though I might be partial) to see the Christmas tree. There were giant snowflakes falling while we were perusing our favorite shops and we were really taking in all of the Christmas decor.

The bottom photos are from a very eclectic coffee & sweets shop called Baked and Wired.

Freezing cold despite wearing multiple layers and looking puffy all day!

By the time we got to the Capitol we were getting pelted with ice crystals. So on our way to the metro, we stopped in the Botanical Garden to get warm for a bit. In my years of living in DC and working next door, I never went into the Botanical Garden. Truth be told, it wouldn't normally be my thing but when its 20 degrees outside and the inside is decorated with massive poinsettias, gourd replicas of DC monuments, and a bad ass train set, it's pretty great.

I hope you all had a great weekend and got into the holiday spirit like we did! See you back here tomorrow for another fun (and easy) Christmas project! 

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