September 2015 | Dearest Lou

Traveling with Your Toddler on a Family Vacation

Ethan Robinson is a passionate traveler and a dedicated family man. He continues to have more adventures together with his family, whether it’s a hiking day to the local scenery or a trip out of the country. He is also an online marketing strategist who works with local and international clients. Deftly combining his creative work and his passion for his family, he is currently partnering with Piggyback Rider, an innovative supplier of child carriers and family trip essentials.


Image provided by Cecilia Harvard

Family travel can be really trying with little kids. A lot of preparation is needed to make sure that things will go along smoothly, taking care that needs are met. Still, with good planning, you and your toddler can both enjoy the vacation with less hassle. Check out these tips to make your family trip easy and bearable for your little one and the entire family.

Keep a slower pace
Toddlers have a whole set of different needs that have to be taken into account throughout your trip. They have less patience in addition to a shorter attention span, and their bodily needs and whims are also things you need to anticipate. This is why you need to keep a slower pace on your trip to avoid sparking tantrums.

Parents know that their toddlers’ energy levels depend on several factors. One minute they might have you running around to keep up with their playful capers, while on the next they might be demanding to be carried around or be tired enough to go to sleep.

Have a realistic outlook
Planning a tight itinerary and trying to following through every detail might not work so well when you travel with your toddler. Make sure to have plenty of leeway so that you’ll be able to make room for different sets of needs. You might need to take a break every now and then to accommodate your kids’ needs, so be sure to anticipate and include that in your itinerary.

Incorporate your kid’s usual schedule
Toddlers usually have a set itinerary – for sleeping, eating, resting, playing and more. On your trip, it’s best to incorporate these routines and plan around them for an easier time. Try to travel when your little one is asleep or long after or before this time to eliminate cranky bouts. Mealtimes should also be observed, with plenty of snacks and toys on hand, especially your kid’s favorite playthings.

Brief your toddler beforehand
When it comes to things that might seem new for your toddler, such as a plane ride, it’s best to do a bit of preparation to ensure that everything will not seem too foreign. By doing this, you can help make the adventure even more thrilling for your little kid, making the trip twice the fun. 

Preparing your toddler this way may also potentially lessen the stress levels he or she might encounter. In addition, it’s important to keep yourself relaxed and calm, so that your toddler can take the cue from you and have fun as well on the trip.

Traveling with little kids on a trip with the family may seem challenging, but it is not at all impossible to succeed at it. All you need is ample preparation, anticipation, and a little bit of spontaneity to keep up with a toddler’s demands. With these things on hand, the entire family should be able to enjoy the trip together, with lots of memories to share.

MINTgem Style and IG Giveaway









Pictures by: Kandice Breinholt Photography

Bracelet c/o || Blouse || Jeans || Boots (similar) || Watch || Hat (similar) || Lipstick (Taupe (M))

Today's look features this stunning handmade gold and opal bracelet from MINTgem.

Woohoo! We're half way through the week and it's the last day of September. I'm so excited to decorate and start planning this years Halloween costumes. Daryl and I have a few fun/creative Halloween costume ideas in mind but we really want Zaden to choose and give us a theme. I'm hoping we can stop by our local Halloween Costume store and see if anything catches our little guy's eye.

When it comes to my jewelry collection I have tons of necklaces but I'm lacking in the bracelet department. I really need to step up my arm candy game. Lately I have been trying to wear more bracelets and watches and am always on the hunt for pretty pieces to add to my collection. MINTgem has you covered whether you are looking for simple pieces that can be worn on their own or stack-able jewelry, there's something for everyone.

MINTgem sent me this lovely gold and opal bracelet to style. Like I said I don't have very many bracelets or watches so I paired it with one of my favorite watches that I won a few months back on my girl Fati's IG. I love wearing these two pieces of jewelry together!

MINTgem is currently having a HUGE sale. 50% off everything with code FALL15SALE. Coupon code is valid now through Saturday October 3, 2015.

PS: If you haven't already you should enter the MINTgem Giveaway I'm hosting on Instagram. A winner and their bestie will EACH win a $22 store credit to MINTgem. Giveaway is open until tonight at 9PM MST, winning duo will be announced and tagged on the instagram photo 10/1/15.

Go Back to School With A+ ASOS Accessories





It’s that time of year again. School is back in session, the seasons are changing, weather is cooling off, and all of this means two things: new fashions and back to school sales! This year, refresh your style and start off school with an A+ in fashion with amazing deals from ASOS.

Having good fashion is not all about the clothes you wear. One great way to show off your style is by properly accessorizing! Instead of lugging around a big typical backpack, check out this year’s selection of smaller, cuter, and easier to carry ASOS bags. This one featured today is the ASOS Slot Through Backpack. It’s nice and compact and can carry all of your back to school essentials. If this bag isn't your cup of tea there's a huge variety of perfect back to school bags on ASOS right now. To save some extra cash, search for additional discounts online!

Don’t miss out on some great discounts; check out the ASOS back to school selection today!

This post has been sponsored by Groupon. Thank you for supporting the brands that I love who help support our family♥  

Evy's Tree Style: Diana Wrap






Pictures by: Kandice Breinholt Photography

Wrap c/o || Shirt (similar) || Jeans || Boots (loving these) || Necklace

Today's look features The Diana Wrap from Evy's Tree.

Hooray for the start of a new week. This month has been so crazy busy for me and has flown by so quickly! I can't believe before the end of the week it will be October and Halloween and all those fun holidays are just around the corner. I have so much on my to-do list this week it isn't even funny.

How pretty is this cardigan wrap from Evy's Tree? When I opened the box it was love at first site. This isn't your typical cheap lightweight $30 cardigan.. definitely on the pricier end but a classic piece that will be worn over and over again. When it comes to pieces I absolutely LOVE I feel that it is definitely worth investing more money. I love that there is extra material that can be used as a cute hood and the black and ashy gray color are versatile colors that can be worn with just about anything. I styled my Diana Wrap with a tan tunic, black jeans, booties, boho bib necklace, and a berry lip.

PS: I totally forgot to randomly select and announce last week's giveaway winners. Check out the posts to see if you won:
Jane Basch Giveaway
GroopDealz Giveaway

Linking up with: The Style Files & On Trend Tuesdays

Motherhood is My Muse











Pictures by: Kandice Breinholt Photography

Mama's wearing:
T-Shirt c/o || Pants || Vest || Booties || Earrings || Diaper Bag c/o

Z's wearing:
Shirt || Shorts || Shoes

Today's look features this awesome diaper bag from TWELVElittle and this sweet shirt from BLANQI.

Hello and Happy Friday!! Who's ready for the weekend? I most certainly am. How precious are these photos Kandice took of Z and I? To say I'm obsessed with how perfectly she captured us in a mere 5 minutes would be an understatement. When I first received these images I was shocked that my baby looks like such a KID in these photos. Immediately after seeing these the famous quote from Forever My Baby came to mind.

"I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always, 
As long as I'm living, 
my baby you'll be.”

This diaper bag from TWELVElittle is a game changer. When it comes to bags I'm either a messenger bag or backpack kinda girl. I love that it's unisex and that it fits all of my needs and MORE. This backpack is so spacious, is lined with water-resistant coating, and has so many different pockets. I love the hidden pocket at the very bottom of the bag, it comes in handy for snacks or Zaden's favorite toys. The bag has not one but TWO insulated side pockets perfect for juice boxes and water bottles. I also have to include that I love having a portable changing pad that isn't bulky what-so-ever, makes changing diapers easy-peasy. If you are in the market for a diaper bag LOOK NO FURTHER! Check out TWELVElittle

Also want to take a moment and tell you guys about this tunic from BLANQI. When it comes to shirts I gravitate towards longer t-shirts and tunics since I can wear them with my leggings. I also find the longer fit more flattering on my body. This t-shirt is one of my new favorites. I love the sweet message on the front and the fit is fantastic. If you are pregnant, a new mama, or simply like support wear I highly recommend checking them out. 

Zaden Style: Puddle Jumping












Beanie || Sweater || Hoodie || Bottoms (similar) || Boots

Utah can't seem to make up it's mind on whether it's summer or fall. Last week we had amazing cooler temps and lots of rain. I was certain the cooler temperatures would stay but sadly today is in the 80's again.. BOO!

On rainy days, Zaden and I like to put on our rain boots and head outside to go puddle jumping. We do it just about anytime it rains and this time I wanted to document it. He's the best puddle jumper I know.