Q&A: DITCHING THE DIAPER BAG

Note: Over the past few months I've received a few emails from readers asking for input regarding diaper bags. Here's my two cents:

I lucked out and had a pretty easy going pregnancy. In fact, the most complicated part of those 39 weeks was making a decision about what diaper bag I'd use when Max arrived. Once October rolled around and the love nugget made his grand entrance, I was still without a technical diaper bag. For months, I looked all over the web at various options. While there were plenty of cute bags available, I couldn't find anything to fit my personality or aesthetic. When I did come across a tote I sort of liked, I had a hard time justifying the price tag. Diaper bags can be awfully spendy and even the best options still look rather dowdy. For me personally, the whole dilemma felt forced. Now I realize this all sounds slightly haughty, but I'm a bag lady who takes her tote game seriously. 

In the months leading up to your baby's birth, everyone LOVES to tell you how your life is going to change and they're right in a lot of ways. They love to remind you of all that you will have to give up and the little luxuries you'll have to learn to forgo. Perhaps I'm just a tiny bit (A LOT) stubborn, but I refused to bid my favorite bags adieu. I don't know about you, but depending on my mood or outfit I like to switch out my accessories. And if my wardrobe is already limited because of the babe, you better believe I'm going to turn to my trusty bags and shoes for a little pizzazz. Over the past seven months I've learned any tote can be transformed to be tot ready.

The first time I ran errands solo with Max, my bag was chock-full of unnecessary items. As a VERY new and inexperienced mom, I wanted to be prepared for anything and everything—even a zombie apocalypse. There was so much stuff crammed into my tote, I almost began to question my decision to ditch the diaper bag altogether. When I finally arrived at the register to checkout, I was one frazzled hot mess. I couldn't find my wallet or the pacifier I placed aside to silence my wailing newborn. It felt like a disaster and my Type-A(shley) personality knew I needed to reassess my bag game BIG time. Later that afternoon when we got home and Max was asleep, I dumped everything out of my tote and started fresh. After many trips into town, I've narrowed it down to these necessities.

THE ANATOMY OF A MOM BAG:

• THE TOTE // You may be devoted to a bag you already own, or you may look at having a baby as an opportunity to treat yourself to something snazzy. Either way, there are plenty of great options available at various price points. For a splurge, I look to my favorites: J.Crew and Kate Spade. I've also had a lot of luck at Target, Zara, and H&M. When I'm not carrying around something colorful or trendy, I rely heavily on my Transport Tote from Madewell—superb quality and a fabulous neutral option. In the event we're traveling long distance and have to bring more of everything, I really love my Market XL Tote from Herschel Supply Co.—so many great patterns and machine washable.  

• ZIPPER POUCHES // Baggu had some amazing zipper pouches in various colors and prints. I have some that I bought awhile back, but after putting today's post together I realized they're not that easy to find anymore. Aw, shucks! Bring them baaaaaack por favor! At any rate, I bought this set from Eagle Creek when we visited my parents and they work just as well. In fact, with the exception of stuff I keep in my clutch, I can successfully fit all of Max's necessities in the medium-sized pouch. When I look at the graphic I created it's hard to believe, but I assure you it can be done. Note: Whenever I go to the store for a few items, I like to keep a foldable/reusable bag (like these from Baggu) in my tote just in case there aren't any shopping baskets available, which always seems to be the case at our Walmart. 

• YOUR CLUTCH // I like to keep my stuff separate from Max's for organizational purposes and convenience. Finding my keys and wallet is so much easier when stored separately. Ain't nobody got time for digging around a "diaper bag" in a state of panic. I've found that it also makes it a lot easier to grab my main essentials if I choose to switch bags, or for special instances when I run errands alone. I typically stow necessities like my wallet, tinted lip balm, and sunnies in my favorite clutch (Blair Ritchey). In case of emergencies, I carry along a Tide Pen and Chewbeads now that Max is teething. 

• DIAPER DUTY // In most cases, we make short trips into town so we don't have to worry about taking A LOT with us because we're always pretty close to home. I like to keep my bag stocked with OXO's travel wipes dispenser, two diapers, a tube of Aquaphor (multipurpose ointment that can be used for a variety of things), one disposable changing pad, and this diaper bag dispenser. After a few blowouts, I quickly learned it's nice to have this dispenser on hand to store dirty clothes, etc. I have a cute travel changing pad that I used initially, but since we rarely use it and it's kind of bulky, I swapped it out for one of the disposable options from Munchkin. Note: The Diaper Bag Buddy featured in the graphic is something I keep in the glove compartment in our car just in case of an emergency.

• ODDS & ENDS // In addition to the items already mentioned, I like to keep an extra onesie handy in case Max makes a mess. I've learned that it's also a good idea to keep a small toy on-hand to keep him entertained, especially if we're waiting to checkout or he's teething. While Max never really took to a pacifier, I keep one in my tote just in case. Sometimes it's nice to shove in his mouth when we're stuck in a long line and he's getting extra fussy. It never seems to work for long, but I figure it's worth a shot. Now that Max likes to feed himself, I typically bring a transition cup along with some formula. I've found it keeps him satisfied when we're working our way through HEB or Walmart. 

• MISC. // When we traveled with Max to visit my parents this spring, I ordered this diaper bag insert and it was incredibly helpful when keeping my oversized tote organized. There were tons of various pockets to hold bottles, diapers, etc. If you don't want to rely solely on zipper pouches, this is an awesome option to transform any tote into a diaper bag.

To all the moms out there, what are some of your necessities? Where have you found cute diaper bag options?

Q&A: QUESTIONS & ASHLEY

Lately I've received a handful of emails regarding the baby gear we've used with Max and what I'd recommend to new and expecting parents. With just five months under my belt, I'd hardly call myself an expert on the matter; however, I do know I wasted a lot of money on stuff we barely used—most of which was purchased to "prepare" for his big arrival. Ha Ha! Go figure. While 90 percent of the essentials mentioned in today's post were purchased AFTER Max was born, I feel confident suggesting them to anyone with a bun in the oven. Each baby is different, but you can't go wrong with the following basics:

• Newborn Sleeper Gowns // I had NO idea how much I'd love these until Max arrived. We had a couple of gowns on constant rotation in the early weeks. It was pretty much the only thing he wore when he was at the house. They made diaper changes so much easier especially late at night when nobody's got time or the patience for snaps and buttons.

• The Miracle Blanket // Flyboy is a swaddling master, but our little Houdini always managed to break out and that's when he'd wake up. Nooooooo! Once we started using The Miracle Blanket (around two months), we noticed that Max would sleep for 6+ hour stretches at night. It was especially handy in the middle of the night when we were too tired to achieve the perfect swaddle. In the event you or someone you know is dealing with a colicky baby, I would recommend this in a heartbeat. It was one of the few ways in which we could soothe Max when he was incredibly fussy.

• White Noise Machine // We started out with an app on our phones, but ended up purchasing this sound machine when we realized how much Max enjoyed the white noise. Sure it might sound like we live in a wind tunnel at night, but that's a small price to pay for some sound snoozing. I also think it's one of the main reasons Max can sleep through anything.

• 4moms Mamaroo Swing // Hands down, my all-time favorite baby essential! I attribute any productivity that's gone on in the past few months to this miracle device. We ended up purchasing ours about a month after Max was born, and our life improved the moment it arrived at our doorstep. Sweet freedom!

• Puj Foldable Bath Tub // Hi, my name is Ashley, and I can't stand clutter. I'm rather picky about how items are stored. Oh, and I get all sorts of anxiety whenever items waste perfectly useful space. Woot! Type-A(shley) in the house! All confessions aside, this foldable tub is a dream come true. It was especially handy in the early days when Max was tiny; it offered some security and structure whenever we'd bathe him in the kitchen sink. I typically store our Puj on a hook that's hidden behind my bathroom door. I adore the simple design and that it's user-friendly. No space issues or clutter around here, my friends! I'm also really excited to use it on our upcoming trips because it's so compact.

• Cloth Diapers // As I purchased items to prepare for Max's arrival, my mom suggested I buy a pack or two of white cloth diapers. It didn't take long for me to realize why they would become so handy for spit-up, blowouts, and burp cloths. The plain white color makes it easy for me to throw into the wash with our bath towels and bleached if necessary.

• Aden + Anais Swaddling Blankets // We received these as a gift and ended up buying another set after we realized how invaluable they were around our house. They're perfect for swaddling and tummy time, but also double as a great nursing cover and burp cloth. We have one staged in every room and bag. 

• Bibs // Run, don't walk, to the nearest Ikea and stock up on these cheap bibs. For less than four dollars, you get a pack of three. These striped necessities are not only soft, but they wash up like a dream. 

• Ergobaby Carrier // We purchased a few different carriers (Baby Björn, Solly Baby, etc.), and this is my favorite. In the beginning, I was a little hesitant to invest in an Ergo carrier, especially when it already felt like we were dropping money left and right on baby crap. Oops, I meant gear! If I would have just ordered this one from the start, I would have saved us some time and money. I think what I like most about the Ergobaby 360 is that it offers back support, which the others seemed to lack. It's no secret that Max is growing like a weed, and since Flyboy is tall and I'm short, we needed a comfortable carrier that would suit both of our body types. This is a keeper that's worth the investment.

• Toys // Max wasn't too terribly interested in toys for the first few months; however, he started to enjoy this Haba Magica Clutching Toy and this Oball Infant Rattle around the three-month mark. I also keep this Plan Toys Bird Rattle in my purse for whenever we're at the store and he needs something to chew on or play with.

• Organic Cotton Blanket // Can you ever have enough blankets? I didn't think so. I ordered this one from The Honest Company, and I absolutely adore it! Perhaps the textured polka dots might give it away? This sweet throw is perfect for cuddling and napping. It's been especially handy this winter whenever Max and I are out and about running errands. It's the perfect weight to keep him warm and drape over his car seat.

• Nuna Pipa Car Seat // Deciding on a car seat and stroller seemed like the most overwhelming task when we were preparing for Max. I'm SO glad we got the Pipa Car Seat and Pepp Stroller. This top-rated Nuna car seat is superior quality, lightweight, and easy to install. I especially love the canopy. When the stroller adapters are attached to the Pepp Stroller, the Pipa Car Seat can be used. Flyboy and I have been impressed with the stroller's smooth ride and compactness when folded. It's also lightweight, easy to set up, and close down.

• Boudreaux's Butt Paste // Around the three-week mark, Max got a diaper rash, and this paste took care of it within a day.

• The Honest Company Diaper Bundle // Frequent diaper changes are bearable when you're working with eco-friendly diapers adorned with adorable prints. Who's with me?! I also love the convenience of having the diapers and wipes mailed to our doorstep each month. It's one less thing to have to remember or juggle when we go grocery shopping.

• The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD // Dr. Harvey Karp's how-to video is a must for any new parent. I can assure you, it's SO worth the painful 80s hair styles! After watching the DVD one night, I could instantly see a new confidence in the way that Flyboy approached Max. We both learned new ways to soothe him effectively.

If you find yourself overwhelmed in the baby aisle or defeated by confusing customer reviews, just know that so many of us have been there and we survived. Remember that you don't have to have it all figured out. You already have just what your baby needs. With time and a subscription to Amazon Prime you'll figure out the rest! I promise.

Q&A: Questions & Ashley

QUIRKY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ANY OCCASION

Over the past few weeks, I've received a handful of emails and they've all shared the same request. "Where do you buy all of your stationery?" Um, do you have an hour?! After compiling a letterpress list for a few dear readers, I figured it was time to share m' favorites in the form of a blog post. I apologize for getting all GIF happy this past week, but there are honestly too many cute cards to feature and I figured it was the best way for me to share a few I really adore. Now, on to the list... You down?!

• Sugar Paper // If I had to choose my all-time fave paperie, it would have to be this one. No question about it.
• Rifle Paper Co. // The first time I really splurged on pretty paper was during college and I owe the addiction to Rifle. 
• 1Canoe2 // My love for 1Canoe2 needs no explanation. Remember that time I visited their studio?! Holy swoon!
• Kate Spade New York // I sometimes feel like Kate Spade stationery is designed with me in mind. Can you say delirious?!
• 9th Letter Press // How can so much whimsical goodness be packed into one website?! Eek, I love it!
• Idlewild Co. // I've already added a few of their prints to my collection, now it's time to stock up on note sets.
• Thimblepress // Who couldn't use a doodle hug?! I don't mind sending or receiving cards designed by Kristen Ley.
• Quill & Fox // This is definitely one of my favorites on Etsy. It's usually my go-to for Valentine's Day and Easter.
• Pei Design // If I want to feel Parisian chic, I can rely on Pei Design for inspiration. That's kind of a paper must, right?
• Brim Papery // A recent addition to my list of faves, I simply adore this note set. Donna Meagle, eat your heart out.
• Sycamore Street Press // Such a delicate array of type and design. The art prints are just as lovely.
• Ashkahn // Absolutely hilarious! Prepare to giggle hysterically at the cheeky collection. Emphasis on CHEEKy.
• Moglea // When I dream about designing letterpress, I can't help but hope it looks something like Meg Gleason's work.
• Dear Hancock // Ever since I laid eyes on this birthday card, I've been hooked! What's not to love about a gigantic cake?
• Parrott Design Studio // If I was going to send snail mail to Flyboy, I'd definitely send this card.
• The Social Type // I blame my obsession on the gold foil and lovely script.
• Hello! Lucky // If you're looking to add a few "Thanks and Blanks" to your stationery collection, look no further.
• Egg Press // Seriously the sweetest selection of illustrations circulating around the Interwebs. One of each, puh-leez!
• Blackbird Letterpress // The animal diecut cards are precious. You must see for yourself. 
• Anemone Letterpress // I've been known to hoard most of the cards I've purchased from this shop. Oops!
• Emily McDowell // Witty words and colorful illustrations. Browse Emily's work and you'll find yourself snorting.  
• Yes Ma'am // Erica Loesing's designs are so simple and chic. I still need to snag these striped postcards.
• Hello Small World // Such a cheerful selection of note cards. I wish I would have found this one back in February...
• Printerette Press // Their custom designs make my heart skip a beat. Birth announcements, anyone?!
• Ma and Grandy // Another Aussie stationery company that I adore. Remember my ode to the shop here?!
• Hammerpress // I can't get enough of the bright patterns and vintage looking designs. These badges are super cute!
• Mr. Boddington's Studio // I usually end up purchasing Christmas cards from here every year.
• Fig. 2 Design // This is what happens with Kate Spade and Sugar Paper collide. Yeah, it's wicked good.
• Ladyfingers Letterpress // I recently professed my love here. For the record, I'm still just as smitten.
• Ferme à Papier // Cat Sato manages to illustrate small celebrations beautifully. Her collection of paper is brilliant!
• Little Low // In search of local Texas letterpress options, I clicked my heels when I found this one from Austin.
• A. Favorite Design // They have a card for EVERY occasion. I'm not even kidding about this one. 
• The Great Lakes // If your BFF had time to doodle and create cards, I'm sure she'd design something like this.
• La Familia Green // Alright, alright, alright... If this Matthew McConaugHEY card doesn't get you, I don't know what will.
• Lady Pilot Letterpress // Another amusing website that will leave you chuckling at the comical selection.
• Steel Petal Press // Because cursing doesn't count when it's printed in fancy script. That's letterpress logic.

I apologize in advance for the lack of organization to m' list. When I get excited, it's hard for me to categorize my thoughts in any systematic way. Pretty paper seems to have that effect on me. I'm certain I've missed a few of my favorites, but I plan to add to this list as I think of them. We'll consider this a good starting place. Enjoy and happy browsing!

Q&A: DECORATOR IN DISTRESS

QUESTION:

Dear Ashley,
I feel like I know how to put an outfit together, but I have the hardest time translating my personal style into my home decor. Help!

Sincerely,
Decorator in Distress

ANSWER:

When I read your email, I initially got excited and then I was stumped as to how I'd effectively answer your question. I know what I like, but how can I relay these ideas to my readers? After a rambling discussion with my mom, I grabbed my notepad and I couldn't jot down my thoughts fast enough. I get a rush whenever that happens, so thank you! I'm going to attempt to explain the thought process I go through as I approach decorating our house. There's no real right way to do decorate your abode, but this approach makes the most sense to me. Because you said you have a good grasp of expressing your style with clothes and accessories, I thought I could show you how key pieces from your wardrobe say something about the way you tackle interior decorating. Let's get right to it, shall we?!

Describe your personal style in FIVE words. Now pick five pieces from your closet that directly represent each of these traits—these need to be pieces that you'd go to the grave with if you had to. They're items that say something about YOU and that you never see yourself parting with. Like ever.

Here are five words that describe MY personal style and how I interpret them:

1. Colorful—Bright Hues
2. Playful—Cheeky, Polka Dots, Leopard
3. Comfortable—Cozy, Ease, Ballet Flats,
4. Classic—Stripes, Button Downs, Sweaters 
5. Layers—Accessories

When you approach your home, I think you should assemble pieces of inspiration and analyze them closely. Create an interior design board on Pinterest, collect tear sheets from magazines or catalogs, and fabric or paint swatches. Just as you might glean your favorite glossies, style guides, or blogs for outfit inspiration, you should do the same with shelter magazines, decor books, and Pinterest. Analyze what you've collected and think about the following questions:

1. What makes you happy? (Color, Art, Architecture, Typography, etc.)
2. What grabs your attention? (Color, Architectural Features, Texture, Clean Simple Lines, etc.)
3. How does it make you feel? (Comfortable, Chic, Feminine, Fun, Simple, etc.)
4. What does it say about YOU? (Interests, Family, Location, etc.)

I'll go ahead and share my answers. As you read them, I think you'll see how my responses correlate with the five words I chose to describe my personal style:

1. Color makes me happy. I thrive off of a punchy palette. When I stumble upon a room that I love, my eye always goes to the pop of color. When I throw together an outfit, I know it's not complete without a splash of color.
2. Always look for the WOW factor. Like any great outfit, what's the ONE thing that really sets this look apart from the rest. In each room, what makes a statement? What's unexpected? Where's the playful piece that sets your home/outfit apart from the rest or special to YOU?
3. I want our home to be comfortable and cozy. I want it to be a place where we can have fun and celebrate. I want it to be relaxing for family and friends. Even when life's a little mundane, I want to be surrounded by things that evoke favorite memories and bring us delight. I want the place to feel lived in with lots of pillows, books, happenstance gallery walls, etc. I think of these as the layers to a cozy home.
4. Classic pieces are a necessity in any home, but they don't tell a story about the people who live there. Invest in great basics, but incorporate details that show your interests, where you've traveled, where you come from, etc. When a stranger walks into your home, what would they learn about you? Does your decor describe you best? Just like an outfit, the way you present yourself to the world says a lot about who you are and what you want people to know about you.

What makes a great wardrobe? Quality pieces that are versatile. Now translate that to your home and focus on acquiring those key pieces. From there, embellish with accessories or knick-knacks. You don't always have to spend a lot of money, but sometimes it pays to invest in something really special. Just ONE item can be a real game changer. You'll know it's special when adding it to your home makes you want to do cartwheels, and it's the first thing that someone mentions when they visit your space. It's got the wow factor and adds pizazz to the design of your digs. Trust me, it will feel worth the investment. For some of us, it's easy to justify splurging on a fabulous pair of shoes or handbag. Well, great drapes or a phenomenal piece of artwork can make a real impact. Suddenly the aesthetic of a room filled with Ikea or Target furniture is elevated to something really unique and special. When you have timeless staples, you can swap out the old with new or trendy tchotchkes to change the look of your home. Your style should evolve and so should the look of your home. As your interests grow, let that be reflected in your decor or your wardrobe.

Discover your aesthetic and don't be afraid to experiment!

IMAGE CREDITS: DRESS: Classic // Layers (1, 2, 3) // Colorful // Comfortable (1, 2) // Playful (1, 2) // DECOR: Classic // Layers // Colorful // Comfortable // Playful

Q&A: QUESTIONS AND ASHLEY

I thought I'd start a new series on One Fine Day and call it Q&A: Questions and Ashley. I invite you to ask me anything (personal, silly, advice, etc.), and I'll do my best to answer. I'm terrible when it comes to responding to emails, but I've found that I'm quick to reply to random reader questions because they're fun. In the past I've helped plan outfits for special events, created moodboards for new homes, and scouted wedding and birth announcement from my favorite stationery shops. Feel free to email me or comment below with questions you'd like answered. I plan to feature reader questions every so often along with my responses. Fancy that?!

And if this doesn't interest you, don't forget about that snazzy Valentine's Day Gift Guide posted earlier today!