8 of the Cutest, Cuddliest Easter Bunnies

Good riddance polar vortex, hello Spring! I saw some of the first crocuses poking up through the ground the other day and the sun made its debut this past weekend. It was still a little cold to go out, so I took Lucy and we basked in the light by the window for a good 15 minutes - Vitamin D, we missed you!

For us, Spring also means planning birthday parties and Easter surprises, so I got myself in gear this past weekend and started looking for some fun gifts and supplies. I plunged deep into the rabbit holes that are Pinterest and Etsy and came up with some cute and cuddly bunny friends for the kiddos.  Here are eight of the cutest, cuddliest Easter bunny plushes for your viewing pleasure:

1. Bella Bunny
2. Beach Bunny
3. Maileg Maxi Bunny
4. Paris Bunny
5. Mini Boheme Bunny
6. Super Bunny
7. Magnolia the Bunny
8. Balthazar the Bunny

25+ Sweet (but Sugar-Free) Easter Gifts for Kids

I have nothing against a little candy on holidays, but I like to fill Violet's Easter basket with other things too. Here are over 25 of my favorite alternatives to the sugary stuff:

1. Rainbow Stacker
2. Flower Jump Rope
3. Colored Pencils
4. Egg Shaker
5. Bunny Bag
6. Beeswax Crayons
7. Silly Putty
8. Pinky High-Bounce Ball
9. Paint Your Own Bunny
10. Eggling Crack and Grow Plant
11. Boon Odd Ducks Rubber Duckies

12. Inch by Inch

13. Ant Farm
14. Wooden Sailboat
15. Blabla Wooly the Sheep
16. Bubbles
17. Play-Doh Eggs

18. Pat the Bunny

19. Tulip Clips 

20. The Tiny Seed

21. The Runaway Bunny

22. Easter Egg Crayons

23. Wooden Duck Call

24. Red Metal Watering Can

25. Embroidered Tulip Clip

26. Egg Cup Car

27. Garden Treasure Box

P.S. 50 More Easter Gift Ideas + Free Printable Bunny Bag

Family Room Updates

A few months ago I was trying to decide whether or not to squeeze a mini gallery wall into this little corner of our family room and I did this mock up and took a picture for debate purposes (during which Violet hopped into the picture and kind of stole the show):

So anyway, I decided to go for it, and while it's still a work in progress it's not looking too shabby at the moment. Things are actually nailed to the wall this time rather than leaned, taped, or sticky-tacked, so that's an improvement! (And the cats decided to get in on the action in this picture - Violet was at her grandparents'):

We also were considering replacing our rug with something a little bit more plush. I love the look (and price) of flat woven rugs, but they aren't exactly the best for kids to crawl around and play on. I hated to spend the money at the moment - plush, pretty rugs can be sooo pricey, but luckily we were saved at the last moment by the lovely people over at Rug Pad USA. We had a no-slip "pad" before, but it definitely didn't add any cushioning whatsoever. I never realized what a difference a good rug pad could make until we tried one out. They sent us one of their premium-lock rug pads for the family room and an eco-cushion rug pad for the rug in Lucy's nursery, and I am truly amazed by the improvement they've made. The rugs are so much more comfortable to walk and sit on and don't shift around like they used to. Definitely recommend them.

Now if only I could get a better camera I'd be a happy camper. Ours kind of bit the dust - it's just old I guess and isn't taking nice photos any more, so I've been stuck with just the iPhone for now. Someday maybe we'll be able to afford a shiny new DSLR! A girl can dream, right? Luckily the iPhone isn't so terrible. Here are some cute pics I got of Violet and Lucy romping around on the couch the other day:

Not too terrible for a phone. This is like their favorite thing in the world to do these days - rip all of the pillows off of the couch and bounce around like crazy people. And Violet just loooves when Kev builds forts and slides and things for her them. Being a kid is the best. No wonder Violet never wants to grow up :)

P.S. You can find us on Instagram @alovelylark

An Update on Violet's Room

I've had a few people ask to post some updated pictures of Violet's space, so I had a few extra minutes the other day thanks to my parents (what would we do without them?!) and snapped some new pics. We've switched out the twin bed for a toddler bed, as I mentioned here, added a little stool/nightstand for her water cup at night, I'm trying to come up with a new rug solution because the old one had gotten pretty gross (it's REALLY hard to vacuum because it has raised areas. Remind me to never buy a rug like that again! There was definitely a reason this one was on sale), switched out the curtains (love the pretty tassels - thanks Serena & Lily!), and other than that just a few new accessories - sheets (purchased on super sale and being used in both Violet and Lucy's room), pillows, and artwork (mostly Violet's paintings and my DIY project). Just as a reminder, here's what it looked like when we moved in:

So without further ado:

I haven't done much to the dresser area, but I do have a few things I want to change, so I'll share that area after I spruce it up a bit. I have had my eye on this lamp from Land of Nod for like a decade now, so that will probably be in the mix, and I'm considering a pegboard project...stay tuned :) So there ya go. Maybe someday I'll finish up the nursery and take a few photos of Lucy's room too!
xo, Lauren

P.S. Violet's original big girl room + Violet's nursery

Sources
Tassel Curtains: c/o Serena & Lily
Pull-down Map: eBay
Wall Hooks: West Elm
Doll House: The House that Jack Built
Tiny Dollhouses: Lille Huset
Bed: IKEA
Faux Sheepskin: IKEA
Train Set: IKEA
Umbra Horizon Crunch Can: The Container Store
Stool/Nightstand: Serena & Lily
Basket for Books: Dunnes Stores
Letter "V": Anthropologie
Sheets: Anthropologie
Bench: IKEA
Bench Cushion: DIY
Bookshelves: IKEA
Star Pillow on Bed: Hello Milky
Colorful Pillow on Bench: Fine Little Day 
Gold Pillow on Bench: H&M
Mountain Poster: Fine Little Day
Blocks: How Now Design
Map Puzzle: Zulily
Alphabet Puzzle: The Land of Nod
Dresser: Craigslist Find
Star Garland: DIY

8 Favorite Toddler Beds

I'll admit that I originally thought that toddler beds were a complete waste of money - why have an extra piece of furniture that your child will quickly outgrow when you can go straight to a twin bed? But then we made the switch with Violet and I changed my tune. She just didn't feel comfortable at all in a big, tall twin. As soon as we purchased her little toddler bed from IKEA you could instantly see her relax and get excited about the prospect of a big girl bed for the first time. While it may not be for everyone, if your kid is anything like mine you will be in need of one of these pint-sized life savers, so here are eight of my favorites:

1. Kalon Studios Caravan Divan Toddler Bed: $595
2. RH Baby & Child Tate Toddler Bed: $399
3. IKEA SUNDVIK Toddler Bed: $149
4. Oeuf Classic Toddler Bed: $648
5. Land of Nod Jenny Lind Toddler Bed: $399
6. IKEA OVRE Toddler Bed: $139
7. Kalon Studios Echo Toddler Bed: $1045
8. Ados & Co Handmade Massive Lime Junior Bed: $845

We went with the IKEA SUNDVIK for Violet because we loved the look AND the price, but if I had a little more wiggle room in the budget I probably would have sprung for the Tate or Jenny Lind toddler bed. The others are way out of our price range, but they're oh-so-pretty! The other thing I like about the toddler bed is that when Violet does finally outgrow it, it will fit quite nicely in our tiny nursery. So how did it go for you? Did you kid go straight to the twin or did you need a transition piece? I'm hoping that the big girl bed transition goes a little smoother for Lucy when the time comes! xo, Lauren

Summer Baby Essentials

I've teamed up with the lovely folks over on Baby List to share a few of my favorite Summer baby essentials, and I'm excited to say that I'll be writing for them regularly! You can see the full post and all of the sources here. xo, Lauren

Fun Finds to Spark the Imagination

I have always believed that the perfect kids’ room in some way sparks the imagination. Bright, playful colors and patterns, an abundance of whimsy and fun, and thoughtfully chosen toys and decor help to whisk your little one away into a daydream world of lions and tigers, sailboats and hot air balloons, magical cities and cowboys and fairies. You can check out a few of my favorite finds to create just such a space over on my latest idea book for Houzz.com. xo, Lauren

Handmade Love

Aren't these handout canvas banners from Jimmy Marble so fun? I love the bright colors and loose, hand drawn typography. They'd be so perfect in a little one's room, or anywhere in the house really! xo, Lauren

Mom Style Vol. 1

I don't know about you, but most days I just want to be comfortable. I'm not going to get all dressed up to play with my kids at home, go to the grocery store, or take a trip to the library. But I also like to feel like there's a difference between my bedtime and daytime looks. So since I've been at home with my kids, I've been on the hunt for pieces that are comfy but still cute to add to my every day wardrobe. Here are a few standby's as well as a few pieces I'd like to add to my closet:

1. Jeggings: I know, I know - worst word ever, but I love love stretchy jeans. They are flattering, comfortable, and practical and go with just about everything
2. Cute sweatshirts: Sweatshirts are so cozy, but they aren't all created equal. I look for pretty colors and a slightly thinner and less bulky material.
3. Scarves: I love a cute scarf to dress up pretty much any outfit. Infinite scarves are my favorite because you don't even have to take the time to tie them.
4. A glam pair of stud earrings: I don't wear the dangly type much these days, because odds are they will be ripped out of my ear lobes in t-minus five seconds by my ten-month-old, but a pretty pair of earrings can go a long way to make you feel a little bit more put-together.
5. A cute/funny t-shirt: Much like the sweatshirts, not all t-shirts are created equal. Go for something that is slightly more fitted with a more modern and simple look.
6. Nail polish - you don't have to go to the salon, but just painting your nails a simple color can make you feel a bit more, well, polished :)
7. Hair accessories:  clips, barrettes, headbands, scarves - anything other than a Goodie hair tie will go a long way toward making your dry-shampooed hair feel fancy.
8. Cute pair of flats: Moccasins, flats, or loafers are way more stylish than slippers, sneaks, and flip flops but can be just as comfy and practical for chasing after toddlers.
9. A sparkly necklace: Instantly dress up a tee, or most anything, and hide it under your shirt when those chubby little fingers get too close :)
10. A denim or chambray shirt: super stylish and equally comfortable. Plus they're great for nursing.

So there are my cold-weather faves - if you have any favorite pieces or tips that make you feel good about yourself, please please share! xo, Lauren