lesleymurphy

3 Ways To Decorate Your Home for Fall

November 10, 2023 by lesleymurphy 5 Comments

Welcome to our Thanksgiving Table! I didn’t want to go overboard, but here are 3 quick and easy ways to bring in the change of seasons.

Ways To Decorate Your Home for Fall

Tablescapes

Creating a captivating tablescape doesn’t require the finesse of a seasoned decorator like Sandra Lee- creativity and imagination will go a long way. Since moving back to the South around the corner from the hostess with the mostest (my mom), I like to play the part, buy the fresh flowers, and set the table.

To set the stage for our Thanksgiving spread, I opted for a simple yet festive organza table runner as the canvas. Pairing it with two pillar candles softens the mood and adds some height to the table. For those cautious about an open flame, flameless candles serve as an equally enchanting alternative. A stroll around the neighborhood in search of the brightest leaves I could find, added sustainable decor that elevates the table in an authentic eco-friendly way. Sustainable decor FTW!

Shop

Tablescapes

The stars of the show? Velvet pumpkins! I’m obsessed with these velvet pumpkins, and I don’t think I’m alone here. I’ve seen SO many variations of these all over the place this year from local shops that sell Daria’s original silk pumpkins pictured here to Etsy dupes and Amazon finds. These were the main focal point of the table, finished up by the actual place settings from Target and Pier One. The china is from my great grandmother! A cherished heirloom makes the table that much more special and unique.

In the

details

Mirror/Mantle Accents

This antique floor mirror has been my favorite part of the house to decorate, mostly because it’s my favorite piece we own at the moment. I loved getting creative with how exactly to decorate with it because we don’t have a mantle over our fireplace. BUT if you do, this idea can easily translate to a mantlepiece.

I went to a local florist (shout out Tipton Hurst) and bought two long strands of their beautiful Fall garland – also available here, here and here. I simply draped it over one side of the mirror while filling in the gaps and holes with smaller bouquets. And I bought a few metallic pumpkins to add as floor decor (can also use real pumpkins. Just make sure to throw them out before the rot). I jazzed it up a notch with flameless candles and long feathers.

Fall

Colors

Front Door Decor For Fall

This one is obvious 🙂 I’ve grown up for 33 years with a mom who has always done an amazing job with making sure our home is welcoming, full of warm vibes from the moment you lay eyes on the place. From Easter to Thanksgiving to Christmas, the cheer is here and the details are not missed. During Fall, a simple round-up of mums from your local garden center accompanied by eye-catching colored pumpkins in assorted hues and statement lanterns makes for the most colorful welcome! OH! And don’t forget the quintessential wreath, of course!

Option for my crafty friends who like to DIY this season (all power to you):

Fall wreaths are a great place to express your creativity. It starts with a trip to a craft store to buy a foam wreath (or a more natural option from Amazon). Go crazy in the fall decor isle picking fabric leaves and artificial pumpkins and pinecones. Option to buy the leaves and decor from Amazon too. If you want to go the sustainable route, forage for some extra foliage like bright leaves, pinecones, etc around your backyard. Get creative with ribbons or burlap bows to add a personalized touch. This is a fun way to get your toddler involved from foraging to placing. But make sure an adult handles the hot gluing or poking into the foam base. 🙂

As autumn unfolds, these decor ideas embrace rustic fall charm in a practical sustainable way. Whether you’re focusing on the intimate setting of your dining room or extending the warmth to your front door, the details matter. Embrace the coziness of the season, and enjoy the creative process of transforming your home into a haven of fall charm. This is the warm-up for the coziest time of year.. Christmas decor is right around the corner for our little family.

Note: this post was published in September 2021 and updated in November 2023.

10 Destinations to Celebrate Beating Breast Cancer

October 30, 2023 by lesleymurphy 1 Comment

Thanks to Expedia for sponsoring this blog post.

I’ve always loved this question because it comes with joy, excitement and a desire to live life to the fullest. Some want to celebrate in ultimate relaxation while others want to dance the night away while quite a few want to finally embark on that bucket list-worthy trip.

As a breast cancer survivor herself, my mom wanted the latter: That blowout, once-in-a-lifetime, jaw-dropping experience that swept her off her feet and sent her soaring through adventure after adventure because let’s be honest…once you’re bitten by the travel bug, there’s no return. Since she was diagnosed in 2014, we’ve been to Thailand, the Maldives, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, Fiji, Canada, Hawaii and New Zealand together. My mom has always been a go-getter, but beating cancer has given her a new lease on life. I’ll be the one next to her, passport in hand, saying “Where to next?!”

Traveling Beyond Breast Cancer

Expedia is committed to helping make your travel go farther by donating a portion of every booking made through their dedicated site and partnering with Susan G. Komen to raise breast cancer awareness. Expedia is pledging to give a minimum donation of $200,000 to Susan G. Komen from June 1, 2023, until May 31, 2024.

Traveling Beyond Breast Cancer

10 Destinations to Celebrate Beating Breast Cancer

1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

That’s 1 person in the U.S. every 2 minutes.

By booking your lodging through this website, you are contributing to Susan G. Komen’s efforts to provide hope and help to people with breast cancer and their loved ones.

From wellness retreats to girls trips to national parks, here’s my list of celebratory places to travel as a breast cancer survivor, previvor, breastie or caregiver. Y’all deserve it!

Banff National Park

Destinations to Celebrate Beating Breast Cancer

Who: For those who love the outdoors and find healing in Mother Nature

Where: A stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of those must-dos when you find yourself in the middle of Alberta, craving a beautiful vibrant blue glacial lake.

Why we love it: Banff National Park was my very first trip after my double mastectomy back in 2017. I found it so healing to be surrounded by nature and completely by myself. I’ve now visited 3x and can’t wait for a 4th! Sure, we’re beyond spoiled with the amount of National Parks to explore in North America, but this one is special with its picture perfect mountain town, vibrant lakes, majestic mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds. And who’s friendlier than a Canadian?! Short answer: No one.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

amalfi coast | Destinations to Celebrate Beating Breast Cancer

Who: For those who want the bucket-list, wide-eyed, jaw-dropping trip full of splurges, sun, and shopping again and again and again.

Where: I love staying in Amalfi because it’s very central between Positano and Ravello. We booked Miramalfi Hotel as our LimitLes hotel (hello, girl’s trip!) and loved everything from the Beach Club to the 10 minute walk to town. Hotel Santa Caterina is another impeccable hotel and where we stayed on our honeymoon last year!

Why we love it: Novelist John Steinbeck once said of the region, “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” Truer words have never been spoken. Put this one on the list.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Who: Adventure and thrill seekers, wine lovers, hiking enthusiasts

Where: The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments! I’ve stayed here 3 times and have a 4th stay booked for February during my LimitLes Travel retreats! If that’s not a rave review in itself, I don’t know what is. It’s a 20 minute walk into town, it’s luxe without being pretentious, and all rooms look out at Lake Wakatipu.

Why we love it: Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is situated in the Otago region of the South Island. If adrenaline pumping activities are what you’re after, look no further than the birthplace of bungee jumping. If the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the scenic attraction of The Remarkables aren’t enough, the Central Otago wine region will have you tasting bottles before noon. Don’t even get me started on Milford Sound.

Aspen, Colorado

Who: For the skier, the hiker, the outdoor goddess, the mountain maven, the luxe lover and anything in between.

Where: Hotel Jerome doesn’t disappoint with its storied past, prime real estate downtown, its beautifully bold interiors and spa. Don’t miss J-Bar inside where the best burger is made for your eating pleasure.

Why we love it: No matter if you’re in Aspen for the summer or Aspen for the winter, it’s in season 365 days of the year. I’m a warm weather girl, a skier, a mountain lover, a hiker and an all around outdoorsy person, and I don’t mean just taking back beers on a patio, either. From wildflowers to mountaintop yoga, this destination blooms during the summer just as much as it comes alive in winter months.

Vienna, Austria

Who: Christmas market lovers, music enthusiasts, summer hikers

Where: Look no further than the Ritz-Carlton Vienna where you won’t want to remove yourself from the rooftop terrace, but if you do, Pastamara bar downstairs will lure you in with its tableside Campari trolley visits.

Why we love it: It’s clean, it’s safe, it’s charming, it’s livable. Vienna will take you in and never let you go…especially if you visit when the Christmas markets are in full swing!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Who: Design afficionados, Danish pastrie lovers, coffee fanatics, history buffs, and urbanites

Where: The Nimb Hotel located overlooking the Tivoli Gardens. It’s a family favorite, and I can see why. The Gardens will lure everyone from the youngest to the oldest inside its manicured walls.

Why we love it: Consistently voted as one of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark is hip, historic and, well, happy! The Copenhagen capital of cool is drenched in Scandinavian architecture, great coffee, dining and waterways.

Tokyo, Japan

tokyo at night | Destinations to Celebrate Beating Breast Cancer

Who: For the weird and the wonderful. The flashy and the fun. The zesty and the zen.

Where: The question is…where not? Luxe hotels are a dime a dozen in Tokyo, so between the Hoshinoya Tokyo, Four Seasons, Park Hotel Tokyo, Shangri-La, and The Peninsula…the list goes on and on.

Why we love it: Tokyo can be anything you want it to be. From sipping match lattes to relaxing at an onsen spa to stuffing your face with the best sushi on the planet to shopping til you drop at all the amazing boutiques to indulging in ramen vending machines, it’s there for the taking.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Who: Beaches babes, sun worshippers, whale watchers and night owls

Where: Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection is hard to beat but Chileno Bay, Las Ventanas, and The Cape certainly try! You can’t go wrong with any of these.

Why we love it: Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came. Esperanza should probably be featured in the Cheers opening credits because it’s exactly that way. The property is also on a private beach with 5 swimming pools to choose from so this hotel exudes fun in the sun. Go off property and see whales during the winter months and clubbing year round if that’s what you’re after!

Scottsdale, Arizona

scottsdale - Destinations to Celebrate Beating Breast Cancer

Who: Spa lovers, luxury resorters, shoppers, and golfers alike

Where: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is big, bold and oh so beautiful. I’ve been here for a girls trip, and we also planned our 75-person LimtiLes reunion here this year. The property is enormous, but they have done a superb job of creating intimate spaces along the grounds.

Why we love it: Scottsdale is home to more destination spas per capita than any other U.S. city. Need I say more?

Bali, Indonesia

Who: Those seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, wellness and an Eat, Pray, Love moment

Where: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is above and beyond.

Why we love it: Imagine a place in this world where beauty exists at every corner, where delicious food is at your beck and call, where your sheet thread count is so high you’ll never want to wake up, and where the biggest question of the day might just be, “Beach or pool?” It’s so nice, we took LimitLes twice!

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How To: Make a Halloween Board

October 25, 2023 by lesleymurphy Leave a Comment

I LOVE a festive board. They’re fun, easy to create and instantly make you the hostess with the mostess at your next gathering. I like to think of them as a form of creative expression as I roam the grocery aisles trying to decide what I want to pile on. Here’s how you can get into the spirit of the season with just a quick trip to the store! In fact, I found all of these ingredients in one trip to Target. The orange pumpkin spice pretzels are gone from my local store, but the pumpkin spice cookies are a delicious fill-in. If your Target is missing black Concord grapes, blueberries can also work in their absence 🙂

How To Make a Halloween Board

Creating Your Own Pumpkin Board

Search for your biggest round serving board or platter in your cupboard. If you don’t have one, this is a great option that I just picked up from Target.
Secure your goodies with a variety of orange and black-colored snacks.
Place the triangle eyes on the board first. This allows you to get the face started before working around them.
Get your center. I placed a row of Cheeze-Its down the middle so that I could then work the two sides afterwards.
Line the left side of the board with apricots, pretzels, popcorn and carrots – going around the eye. Then line the right side with whisps, puffs, goldfish, and crackers – going around the eye – until the board is completely covered.
Add more black or orange foods to fill in any gaps – I used tictacs.
Add black concord grapes for the pumpkin’s smile being careful not to shift the snacks below.
Add slices of cucumber at the top of the board for the pumpkin’s stem.
Serve ranch dressing or hummus on the side if need be for the carrots and cucumber slices.

Ingredients

1 large bunch of black Concord grapes

1 handful of blackberries

1/4 of a large cucumber

1 package of dried apricots

1 package pumpkin spice pretzels

1 bag cheddar cheese popcorn

1 bag baby carrots

1 box Cheeze-Its

1 bag Whisps cheese crisps

1 bag Cheeto Puffs

1 carton tictacs

1 bag goldfish

1 box Mary’s Gone Crackers

Ranch dressing or hummus to serve on the side

Note that there will be a lot of snacks left over after making just 1 pumpkin, depending on how big your board is! If you have a few smaller boards, think about making a couple of pumpkins or save the rest of the snacks for you or the kids 🙂

Additional foods that would also make for great snacks: peeled clementines, cheese slices, BBQ chips, blueberries, sliced orange bell pepper, cheese balls, cheddar rice crisps, peach candy, pumpkin spice anything.

Happy Halloween, y’all!

Gift Ideas for Breast Cancer Patients, Previvors and Breasties

October 23, 2023 by lesleymurphy 6 Comments

That’s where a good support system comes into play. YOU are needed now more than ever. If a loved one gets down and becomes weak, be their strength. Check-in regularly. Visit often. Provide emotional support. I’m often asked by friends and followers about what to give patients to make them feel better or show they are loved. After watching my mom go through treatment, supporting my sister through her preventative double mastectomy journey, and after getting a prophylactic double mastectomy myself, here’s my best advice on gift ideas for breast cancer patients, previvors, and breasties.

Gift Ideas for Breast Cancer Patients, Previvors and Breasties

Food or Meal Delivery Service

UberEats, Cook Unity, or your local food delivery service is a godsend for those going through treatment and recovering from surgery. Give a gift certificate or send food straight to their door. Home chef and Blue Apron are good options for meal-delivery services as well (but keep in mind the person on the receiving end will need to actually do the cooking whereas services like UberEats deliver food ready for immediate consumption YAY). Another idea for in-towners is organizing a meal train, a free meal calendar set up amongst family or friends who are close by.

Spa Day

I’ll never forget – my mom gifted me a massage the week before my surgery because she wanted me to feel pampered and lie on my stomach one last time before having to be on my back for months following my double mastectomy. Little did I know I’d be reverting back to that moment many times as I chilled flat in bed during recovery. A week after my surgery, she took me out for a mani/pedi. I still had my drains, but it was such a good excuse to get out of the house and feel pampered.

Dry Bar Gift Card

If you’ve never been to a Dry Bar before, they are pretty much the most amazing answer to feeling down and out and straight up GROSS. The sweet staff members at Dry Bars around the country wash, dry and style hair however you want it – perfect for mastectomy patients needing a pick-me-up after recovering in bed for days on end.

Dry Shampoo

I adore dry shampoo, and this stuff comes in handy the couple of weeks following surgery. For me, I couldn’t shower for a while (read: not sanitary) so being able to have somewhat clean hair with dry shampoo was blissful. If you know someone going through chemo, don’t gift this as they will probably be losing hair soon, if they haven’t already. Living proof is my hands down favorite dry shampoo.

Scarves & Headbands

Talk about great accessories for those going through chemo who want to cover their head from time to time. Many beautiful and funky options exist out there – go crazy on what your loved one might like 🙂 After treatment is over with, they can even use it when they travel (my favorite plane accessory!). Headbands of Hope is an amazing organization where every item sold gives one headband to a child with cancer.

Hair

scarves

PJs, Robes, Slippers, Socks, Pillowcases, Blankets & Eye Masks

Comfort to the rescue! Sometimes there’s nothing better than feeling the soft silk of a pillowcase on your cheek as your drift off to sleep or the fluffiness of divine slippers beneath you. If you’re gifting PJs, remember mastectomy patients probably prefer the button-downs and robes with pockets (perfect for drains!).

Sleep

sets

Sleep

must haves

All Natural Beauty Products

From Osea mineral mist to the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, these natural products will have any patient feeling revitalized. Self-care and self-love are important on any day of the week but especially on recovery days. Help a sistah out by giving the gift of beauty 🙂

Au

natural

Run Errands, Pick Up Kids, Walk the Dogs, Schedule a Cleaning Service

This is probably the most practical gift out there for chemo or mastectomy patients. It’s basically helping with LIFE which is what’s really needed at the end of the day. If you have a good friend or family member going through a hard time, they might appreciate you taking care of these tasks more than anything else. Cleaning for a Reason is a non-profit that gives the gift of free house cleaning to people undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. To this day they’ve served over 14,000 people and about $5,000,000 in house cleanings! If that doesn’t give you ALL the feels, I don’t know what does.

Thoughtful Words via Greeting Card

Sometimes, we just don’t know what to do or what to give. Nothing sounds good enough. Thoughtful words can really pack a powerful punch in terms of encouragement.

Emily McDowell’s cards

If you don’t exactly know the right words to say, Emily McDowell’s cards say the important stuff for you with beautiful sayings like “The darkness is not an end. It’s a hallway. Keep going” and “Kicking Cancers Ass”. Wise words of encouragement, girl. Straight forward sentiments are the best sentiments. Personalize it and send it off or better yet, hand-deliver!

Books

Treatment and recovery time is no joke. Books are highly recommended for patients as they spend hours in bed.

Gift Ideas for Breast Cancer Patients, Previvors and Breasties

A friend gifted my mom ‘The Silver Lining‘ when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. It’s a supportive and insightful guide to breast cancer written by a vegan eating, marathon running 39-year-old mom with no history of breast cancer. When Robin Roberts was promoting it on GMA she mentioned, “I wish I had this book when I was going through breast cancer.”

Another one I’ve heard a lot about from an eating perspective is Cancer Fighting Kitchen Book. Tough: Women Who Survived Cancer, The Book of Awakening, Not the Breast Year of My Life, Dear Friend are all great motivational reads written by Cancer survivors. If you’ve read a great book recently, lend the paperback to your friend/family undergoing treatment. My favorite reads: Scary Close, 10% Happier, Eat Pray Love, To Shake the Sleeping Self, Untamed.

Adult Coloring Books

This could be for your crafty friend or an artistic mom who needs to get their fix while still recovering. Boobies gone but I rock on, I Am A Cancer Warrior, Calm the F*ck Down & Maybe Swearing Will Help are all great. Pair with dual tip markers for the perfect care package addition!

Netflix or Amazon Prime Membership

Ohhh yes. Peruse through page after page on Amazon or spend the day watching a new series on Netflix. This time is for rest and recovery – so take a load off and enjoy the quiet time. Give the gift of Amazon Prime Membership or Netflix email gift card.

Flowers

Sometimes fresh flowers just make people smile. I remember after my surgery, the house looked like a florist shop. It was so beautiful and smelled even better. I was so thankful to those who sent them because it was as if they found a way to bring the outdoors inside to me while I was bedridden for days on end. I typically like shopping local when I can, but you can even opt for Urban Stems (and their Breast Cancer Awareness Collection where $10,000 goes to BCRF during October!) or Amazon flowers from a small business.

Meaningful Jewelry

The Giving Keys

Courage. Brave. Love. Believe. Hope. These are just some of the messages on jewelry from The Giving Keys, a pay-it-forward company devoted to doing good in the world. Every product purchased supports job creation for people transitioning out of homelessness. A friend of mine who had a preventative double mastectomy about a month after me gave me her INSPIRE bracelet from The Giving Key. It’s now my turn to pass it onto someone who inspires me 🙂 Gotta love the gift that keeps on giving.

GLDN Boob Necklace

Oh how I love the designs produced by GLDN. They have this boob necklace (called Au Naturel) that arrived on my one year double mastectomy anniversary, a little present to myself. The necklace is part of the La Femme collection to celebrate femininity in various forms. Half of the profits go towards Global Fund for Women to empower women around the world. YASSS girl power.

Year 901 Boob Earrings

I am low-key obsessed with my boob earrings from Year 901. The proof is in my ears (since I’m currently wearing them). I love the little blurb on the website to explain in more detail: “Everyone loves a good set of boobs. Each pair are uneven like real tatas.” Hell.to.the.YES. I received two pairs of boob earrings and gifted one to a boob buddy. You can buy them from Madewell or if you purchase from Year 901 directly and use my code ‘boobs15’ for a discount!

Boob Everythang

You better believe I have this Boob pouch where a percentage of proceeds goes to Planned Parenthood. I also drink my morning coffee out of this boob coffee cup (and here’s another). I’m also obsessed with potters from In Good Company.

Boob Wrapping Paper

If you’re going to send some nice gifts, you might as well make it boobaliscious. Complete your package with Julie Ann Art’s boob tape where a percentage of proceeds goes to Planned Parenthood.

Robe (with drain belt!)

I’ve recently been alerted to the modern-day drain apron! The Miena robe from Ana Ono (available at Target!) comes with a drain belt that lets you wear the robe during treatment, recovery, and beyond. The thoughtful design helps to make life a little easier when you’re dealing with unique medical needs. This one

If you have more ideas, please share in the comments 🙂 The more ideas the better!

Practical items for recovery: 13 Things to Know Before Undergoing a Double Mastectomy

Gift a care package: Mastectomy Care Package Ideas

Give the gift of a party: How to Throw a Ta-Ta to the Tatas Party

Gift a comfy bra: The Best Double Mastectomy Bras to Wear After Surgery

Give the gift of scar therapy: Healing from Surgery with Embrace Scar Therapy

Note: This blog post was originally published in 2019 and most recently updated in October 2023.

The Ultimate Baby Registry: My Top Picks

October 19, 2023 by lesleymurphy 6 Comments

This post was a labor of love because I wanted it to be chock full of our favorite things – and there are a lot 🙂 A combination of the tried and true must-haves that we used with Nora + the latest and greatest pieces that we’re so excited about. Any of these things would make amazing gifts, and remember – what works for us may not work for someone else. A large part of this post is very personal, and I hope y’all find it helpful!

The Ultimate Baby Registry: My Top Picks

Lounge

Snuggle Me Organic Lounger

It’s exactly as it sounds…this lounger is designed to snuggle your baby’s whole body 🙂 This snuggling sensation is highly effective at calming and comforting your baby when you need extra support. We used this every day and multiple times a day for Nora to lounge or sleep in (while supervised for all the Karens out there).

Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner

Believe it or not, cradling and feeding a baby is an arm workout – no matter if you’re breast feeding or bottle feeding! I took this pillow to the hospital with Nora and SO glad I did. We used it for the first few months for easy feeds.

Graco Baby Swing

Mom life is a lesson in doing everything with one hand…but sometimes you need two. Nora loves this swing as it either soothes her right to (supervised) sleep or leaves her content looking at the world around her!

Ergobaby 3-in-1 Bouncer

We borrowed this our first go-around, but I’m happy to report we’re the new owners of our very own baby bouncer since we loved it so much with Nora!

Lovevery Play Gym

Lovevery has been a staple in our house from Day 1, and I’m excited to say I just broke out this play gym again for Baby 2. It brought back so many memories from playing with Nora. This would also make for an amazing shower gift!

SLEEP

Newton Crib Mattress

If you’re questioning what crib mattress to get, look not further. Seriously. This one is SO comfortable, but more importantly, breathable. You can literally put your mouth on it and continue to breath allowing safe sleep for your babe.

Love to Dream Swaddle Up

I love the unique design of these swaddles allowing babies to sleep in their natural arms UP position so they can self-soothe by touching their face and sucking on their hands, just like they did in the womb. It’s snug around the torso to provide security while only taking a few seconds to swaddle (my favorite thing!).

HALO Sleepsack

This always reminds me of the Beyoncé song and turns out I love BOTH the sleepsack and the good jams. While it does take a bit longer to set up and adjust than the above swaddle, it’s just different. With this one, baby sleeps with her hands either by her sides or folded, and I feel like she really does love how it holds her so snug!

HALO BassiNest Luxe

Rated “Best Bassinet” by Good Housekeeping and Babylist, this came highly recommended by y’all on IG! It allows for extra close safe sleep and has built-in white noise and vibrations for extra soothing. We also got the Newborn Insert for extra hugs.

Baby blanket

I’ve lost track of how many blankets we have in this house, but it seems like we need all of them! One for every room 🙂 I love this one because it’s lightweight but still oh so warm.

Infant Optics Baby Monitor

We bought this monitor when Nora was 6 months and haven’t looked back. Previously, we had a wifi-enabled monitor for her but really disliked many things about it. The infant Optics DXR-8 Pro has amazing video quality and reliable monitoring.

Slumberpod

Truth be told, I haven’t used this YET but definitely plan to with Baby 2 during our travels. Other families have sworn by it for a dark, quiet place for your baby to sleep while in a pack n’ play!

The Original White Noise Machine

Ahh, the soothing ambient sounds of rushing air. I’ve been using this exact sound machine for years, and now Nora loves it, too! Whenever we go into her nursery, I swear I see her eyes get heavy 🙂 Works like a charm.

Baby Shusher

They call it the sleep miracle…and it is. This machine basically mimics a human “shushing” sound, soothing babies to sleep. Pro: It’s portable! Con: It only has 15 and 30 minute timers. I know some babies wake up when the set timeframe ends…wawaaaa.

Hatch Baby Sound Machine

Technically this is the third sound machine listed on here in a row. See a trend? The main reason we love it is for the nightlight feature! A simple manual tap and late-night diaper changes are good to go! We can customize color, brightness, sound, and volume level.

EAT

Our favorite bobbie formula, baby brezza, and other newborn eat must haves

Bobbie Organic Baby Formula

This organic formula nourished my first-born for a whole year. Not only is the product incredible, but the WOMEN who make up this company might be even better. If the travel industry doesn’t work out, I’ll put my resume in the ring to work for this company.

Baby Brezza

Like a Keurig for baby formula, this thing is SO AMAZING if you’re formula feeding. Nora was very spoiled and had a bottle made in .3 seconds. With various temperature levels, ounces and formula settings at the push of a button, we’re pumped to use this again with Baby 2!

Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottles

If you’re pumping or formula feeding, these bottles were Nora’s fave. She didn’t take to the first bottles we offered, so Alex jumped in the car for a Walmart run. I know these bottles have many parts to them, but I love the fully vented design and how they offer a paced, controlled feeding.

Boon Lawn Countertop Drying Rack

With bottles come loooots of parts and lots of cleaning. I personally like the white countertop drying rack (over the green) and while it will certainly take up precious real estate, this is much easier than drying + constantly taking out nipples and tops from a drawer throughout the day. I also love the stem and twig accessories for nipples and pacifiers.

Munchkin Baby Formula Dispenser

No need to lug around a large container of powdered formula when you and baby are out and about. Munchkin makes on-the-go bottle feeding easy with this guy. It’s so nice I bought it twice 🙂

The Every Day

The Ultimate Baby Registry every day essentials

Nuna Pipa Lite Infant Car Seat and Base

We had two different car seats for Nora and loved each of them. You can’t get much lighter than the Nuna Pipa Lite, and that doesn’t sacrifice for safety one bit.

Nuna Mixx Next Stroller

There are travel strollers and then there are every day, neighborhood walking strollers. This one is the latter with amazing suspension, allowing for the Nuna Pipa Lite car seat adapter in the early days to a forward facing seat for the toddler days.

Diaper Changing Pad

What’s a nursery without a changing station? A comfy changing pad is a necessity. We were gifted this one from a good friend!

Changing Pad Covers

Dress it up with whatever design your heart desires. We have these exact ones!

Ubbi Diaper Pale

So slim, so functional, so…pretty! I never thought I’d describe a diaper pale that way, but here we are.

Angelcare Baby Bath

This might be my favorite item, but I’m partial to baths 🙂 Nora LOVED her baby baths as an infant, and I can’t wait to see baby 2 in here! The reviews speak for themselves!

Noodle & Boo 2-in-1 Newborn Shampoo and Body Wash

This is one of my favorite gifts to give at a shower (with a little rubber ducky!). I loved when I was gifted it alongside the body lotion. It’s plant-based, tear free, hypoallergenic and EWG verified which means they meet the EWG’s strictest standards for health and transparency. They also have a “Lowest Concern” rating meaning they have few or no known or suspected hazards to health or the environment.

Copper Pearl Hooded towel

I love how soft and beautiful these hooded towels are! Pro tip: put them in the dryer when you make baby a bath so they’re warm when it’s time to get out! Yes, Nora was very spoiled.

Dua Design Moses Basket

I wanted to see Nora in a Moses basket before Nora was even born! First off, it’s just the cutest concept ever. A baby in a basket HELLO! But it also doubles as the best portable changing station! I’ve taken this all over the house and even to Gigi & Papa’s house.

Skip Hop Diaper Caddy

Easy carry from room-to-room for all things baby. From diapers to wipes to aquaphor, the easy transport is a Godsend for diaper changes in the house. Pssst…this also works very well for postpartum essentials for mom. Pads, witch hazel, ice packs and peri bottles can be carried from bathroom to bathroom!

Baby Nail Trimmers

Nail cutting made easy! This electric nail file is designed to safely and quickly trim nails from both babies and adults believe it or not. It is super soft with cushioned sandpapers file head attachments. With a LED light aimed at fingernails, you can trim your baby’s nail even while they are asleep.

NoseFrida

Your baby can’t blow its own nose, so this tool allows you to suck out the boogers for them. Yep, sounds disgusting but you’ll get over it. Better yet, just get Frida Baby everything.

Jellycats

No nursery is complete without a few adorable stuffed Jellycats! This is the lovey that Nora has had since before she was born and still carried around to this day.

Le Petit Baby Book

Document the first year of baby’s life with this lifelong keepsake! It’s a reason to take a ton of photos and a place to mark milestones. I literally JUST finished this exact one for Nora (which was a gift during her shower 2.5 years ago!).

Travel

Doona Car Seat/Stroller

Our very first baby item was the Doona because you can’t leave the hospital without a car seat! If you’re a traveler or like convenience at home (yeah who doesn’t), the Doona is a must. The only one of its kind, it converts from a car seat into a stroller within seconds. EASY PEASY. I will say it lacks suspension for long walks so you’ll probably need a second stroller for that activity.

Babyzen Yoyo 2 Stroller

This is HANDS DOWN the best travel stroller available. We didn’t buy this until Nora was out of the Doona, and it’s been our best purchase ever since. When folded, it’s so compact that it can fit inside the overhead bin. We also just got a second one for Baby 2 complete with bassinet, bells and whistles.

Dagne Dover Diaper Backpack and Tote

I’ve searched high and low for the best diaper bags around, and the answer is simple. Dagne Dover has a couple favorites whether you like the backpack style or tote style. I have both and can tell you they’re incredible functional, spacious, and a work of art. The thoughtful touches like bottle holder, stroller clips, changing mat, and luggage sleeve make these a no-brainer.

Guava Lotus Travel Crib/Pack ‘n Play

While we didn’t use a pack n’ play too often with Nora, they’re a very handy travel accessory for babies! When Nora was an infant, we only traveled to a few places in the pandemic. Each place we went either already had a crib available or we rented gear for ease.

Carriers

Solly Baby Wrap

This wrap allows me FREEDOM! With two hands, I got so much done when I wore Nora. It also claims to reduce infant crying and increase connection. We love LOVE how soft and cozy it is.

BabyBjorn Carrier Mini

Tiny babies need smaller spaces which is why I love this carrier in the early days. It’s incredibly easy to use/put on and also made of mesh material making it breathable and great for indoor chores to outdoor walks.

Ergobaby Omni Breeze

The carrier that is ready for the newborn to the toddler with great airflow and all carrying positions.

Care

Package

Burp cloths/Diapers/Desitin/Aquaphor/Portable changing pad/Wipes/Pacifiers/Diaper Bags

One of my favorite gifts from my shower came in the form of a functional care package. Can’t get enough of this stuff, so even though I didn’t OHHH and AHHH over this one, I appreciated it SO MUCH!

So Many

Onesies

Teeny Tiny

Socks

Baby

Books

Is there anything I’m missing on this longggg list that you loved? Let me know!

What I’m Packing in My Hospital Bag: Round 2

October 13, 2023 by lesleymurphy 1 Comment

Turns out those contractions were Braxton hicks and some good ole’ fashioned back pain. Baby is still in the womb, but a little practice run never hurt anybody! I referred back to my blog post on what I packed in my hospital bag with Nora, and it was really helpful. I think this time will be different considering I’ve been there, done that! Here are the goods:

What I’m Packing in My Hospital Bag: Round 2

Mom

Our hospital provides all necessary postpartum items for mama like ice packs, witch hazel, pads, disposable undies, peri bottle and stool softeners (leave room in your bag for these take-home goodies!). This is usually typical of most facilities, but I like to stock up on Frida Mom boy shorts (the BEST things to live in postpartum) and if you think you’ll need more than what the hospital might provide, the full Frida Mom Recovery Kit. Psst… this would also make for an amazing baby shower gift for mom!

The essentials

ID, insurance card, wallet.

Sleep shirt

I wore a similar one throughout my time at the hospital with Nora. It was so comfy to hang out in while soaking up all the newborn snuggles + made for easy icepack/diaper changes for mama.

Throw blanket and pillows

We brought two blankets and two pillows from home last time and thought it was a clutch move! The hospital pillows are thin, so I’m glad we brought our creature comforts from home.

Compression socks

I brought these to the hospital the first time and was so glad I did. My feet were swollen after delivery and these helped so much!

Slides

These are my new favorite things from Amazon Prime Day! Talk about walking on CLOUD 9! These pillow slippers will be great for walking around and keeping my feet protected from plantar fasciitis (can also work in the shower!). I’m usually a size 9, but I’m so glad I read the reviews and got the 7.5-8.5. They’re the perfect fit.

Hatch robe

I didn’t use a robe last time, but I’m going to bring my Hatch robe this time around because it truly is so comfortable and one can never have too many creature comforts from home.

Going home outfit

I’ve been eyeing this set for so long, and I finally pulled the trigger on Amazon Prime Day recently. It’s really cozy with a bit of a waistband that will be perfect for postpartum.

Phone charger

Whether you’re on your phone while laboring or blasting a playlist, the battery can go FAST. Consider this extra long cord in case the plug is further away from the bed.

Dagne Dover diaper tote

I’ve been carrying this around since May as my own carry-on/handbag with no regrets. Yes, it’s a diaper bag which makes it even more useful to me these days 🙂 I swear by it!

Monos luggage

Look. Some people walk in the hospital with a weekender bag, but don’t feel bad if you want to take an entire suitcase. Some of these items are heavy-duty, after all! With blankets, boppys and your partner’s stuff, I promise you’ll fill it in no time!

Baby

The hospital will provide you with formula, diapers, swaddles, blankets and hats for baby. We relied on them for these items with Nora.

Baby toiletry bag

Because baby needs a catch-all, too! Think aquaphor, baby comb, etc. Even if I don’t put a lot in it for the hospital, I’ll use it for years to come at home and while traveling.

Dagne Dover diaper backpack

I don’t think we’ll bring this to the hospital just because baby’s stuff will fit inside the suitcase, but I still wanted to include it here because it’s a phenomenal diaper bag!

Boppy Pillow

I loved using this for feeding support with Nora so we’ll be bringing it back. I just bought this cover for more pillow protection this time around!

Going home outfit

My mom got this gown monogrammed for the baby with this hat. I can’t wait to see her in it!

Baby blanket

I adore this blanket so much because it’s warm without being too hot – the perfect weight!

Bobbie organic formula

Because it’s the best!

Car seat

Don’t forget the car seat on the way to the hospital! We swear by our Doona, and I’m excited to break it out again for baby 2!

Toiletries

Mama toiletry bag

How cute is this one to match the baby’s?! I love mine and use it all the time 🙂

Ilia lip balm

I sleep with lip balm at my bedside and never leave home without it. Hospital air can feel dry so don’t forget this one!

Ritual Prenatal/Postnatal vitamins

My body is about to make miracles happen. I can’t forget to continue to nourish ME while doing it.

Body lotion

Hospital air can be so dry, and I love this moisturizer to throw in my bag/purse. I trust all Honest Beauty and Baby products and love how clean this brand is 🙂

Skincare

I LOVE all things Elemis, Osea and Tula right now.

Dry Shampoo

I never washed my hair at the hospital the first time, but if you need a refresher, dry shampoo always does the trick.

Hair brush

Because who knows what labor will look like (cue nervous laugh).

Makeup bag

To each her own! Some women want all the photo ops and some like it more au naturale. I’m obsessed with all Tarte make-up right now!

Toothbrush/toothpaste/body wash/shampoo/conditioner/deodorant

Ya know, the bare necessities. If you’re able and cleared, a shower post-birth feels oh so good!

Skip links

lesleymurphy

Ways To Decorate Your Home for Fall

Tablescapes

Mirror/Mantle Accents

Front Door Decor For Fall

Option for my crafty friends who like to DIY this season (all power to you):

Note: this post was published in September 2021 and updated in November 2023.

Thanks to Expedia for sponsoring this blog post.

Traveling Beyond Breast Cancer

10 Destinations to Celebrate Beating Breast Cancer

1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Vienna, Austria

Scottsdale, Arizona

Psst…Get rewarded for booking travel through Expedia, and earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals, flights, rental cars and more!

Further reading:

How To Make a Halloween Board

Creating Your Own Pumpkin Board

Ingredients

Gift Ideas for Breast Cancer Patients, Previvors and Breasties

Food or Meal Delivery Service

Spa Day

Dry Bar Gift Card

Dry Shampoo

Scarves & Headbands

PJs, Robes, Slippers, Socks, Pillowcases, Blankets & Eye Masks

All Natural Beauty Products

Run Errands, Pick Up Kids, Walk the Dogs, Schedule a Cleaning Service

Thoughtful Words via Greeting Card

Books

Adult Coloring Books

Netflix or Amazon Prime Membership

Flowers

Meaningful Jewelry

Boob Everythang

Robe (with drain belt!)

MORE

Note: This blog post was originally published in 2019 and most recently updated in October 2023.

The Ultimate Baby Registry: My Top Picks

Lounge

SLEEP

EAT

The Every Day

Travel

Dagne Dover Diaper Backpack and Tote

Carriers

Burp cloths/Diapers/Desitin/Aquaphor/Portable changing pad/Wipes/Pacifiers/Diaper Bags

Is there anything I’m missing on this longggg list that you loved? Let me know!

What I’m Packing in My Hospital Bag: Round 2

Mom

The essentials

Throw blanket and pillows