Christmas 2012

Merry merry Christmas!

Since both of my men are taking some pretty hefty Christmas naps I thought I'd jump on my computer to wish all of you our there a very happy holiday.

Huxley's second Christmas has been absolutely perfect--he woke around 6:50am and was just delighted by everything he saw laying before him. It was a really mellow morning as we leisurely opened our pretty packages---next year I think it will be different scene as Hux learns to rip the paper and tear ribbons off at a much faster pace as he was already getting a bit 'present slap happy'. 

Either way, the joy and excitement that lit up his face could fuel me for years. 

To make the morning as easy as I could possibly make it I had whipped up a yummmmmy Strata yesterday afternoon, and also had fresh cut up citrus fruits so I wouldn't have to do ANYTHING but bake the Strata for breakfast. Our little Christmas breakfast tradition, if you will. 

Matt stayed up ALL NIGHT LONG putting together Huxley's play kitchen. 

That man...is amazing.

I am so very blessed.

To have a warm home, food, love, and family both near & far.

Yes, this is Christmas, and it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

From our home to yours we wish you all good things.

 [our tree after Santa arrived.]

 [Hux loves his new 'gasses' & Ernie book.]

[Christmas jammies!]

Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give us second birth

Jesus, our Emmanuel

xo

A Holiday Outfit Guide for the Littles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

We love love lovvvve Tea Collection. 

Ever since this blog was as fresh & new as little baby Huxley we've been working with Tea. They are just awesome all around, from the folks behind the scenes to the clothes they ship in pretty packages to your front door.

I honestly get a little giddy before each new season rolls out---speaking of which, their Spring Collection will be launching soon, eee!

With each new launch I swoon and say to myself, "Self, this is my favorite set yet.", and then they go and top it the following season. 

With that being said, Tea Collections Winter Collection--which is actually FOUR different sets of Scandinavian influenced pieces that are so ridiculously perfect it hurts---it is my hands-down favorite yet. 

I love that Patagonia was included in the mix, since I go weak in the knees for a good quality puffy coat or knit hat & they go effortlessly with every single outfit on the roster.

& just because it's the season of giving, Tea Collection is giving one of you lucky folks a $100 credit to shop their tasty holiday ensembles!

To enter simply visit Tea Collection & leave a comment below telling me what you'd buy if you won!

Other ways to enter...

 Follow life with the Hux. on Twitter

Follow life with the Hux on GFC

Vote for life with the Hux. (one vote every 24 hours)

Like life with the Hux. on Facebook

Like Tea Collection on Facebook

Follow Tea Collection on Twitter

*Giveaway will end on December 26th, all giveaway winners selected via random.org--unfortunately this giveaway is for US entries only*

xo

& the winner is...

 M & three darlings said...

The Patagonia jacket is ROCKIN.

             Congratulations!! Shoot me an email at lifewiththehux at gmail.com and let's get you hooked up with some Tea Collection goodies! xo

a little story for your listening pleasure...

Currently: Sitting in my car poaching WiFi from Barnes & Noble with a sweet napping child in the back. So this will be brief. Because it's Iced Soy Chai Latte time.

We have extended the Liz Lovely Giveaway & will be throwing a new super fabulous and hint-hint made in Michigan giveaway (hopefully that will be up by tomorrow so check back!).

Until then, Huxley wanted to read you a little story about his friends...

xo

decking the halls + toddlers...

 More like wrecking the halls.

Sometimes I wonder why we do this to ourselves---last year Hux was going on one, & was a full fledge walking, climbing, demolishing machine. Our decorations didn't stand a chance!

The bottom half of our tree was bare & this year...well, it looks basically the same.

There's been broken ornaments (including his Baby's First Christmas...sigh.) ornaments taken apart and then stuck onto fingers--literally stuck, too. We've stuck to having just a couple plastic, felt, and cloth ornaments, and have kept the family heirlooms on the verrrrry tippy top.

Hux is also keen to candy canes this year. Last year he had no clue what "candy" was, and for the most part he just thinks candy is the chewable papaya enzymes we give him, but he knows those pretty red + white striped canes will prove to be something tasty if he could just eat through that darn wrapper...

But his cuteness covers a multitude of sins, I tell you.

He just melts us.

Daily.

[Hux's outfit c/o Tea Collection]

xo

footnote: Today Matt came home for awhile to be with Hux and I...we hugged, and thanked God for our little family, and for today--because tomorrow is never promised. We hurt & pray for all the parents whose babies were taken too soon today in CT... may they find healing and comfort in the one they call Prince of Peace.

Christmas Gift Guide for the Mama

1 2 3 4 5

I'm a fan of snuggly, comfy, practical, useful & pretty things. 

Oh, and bling.

Well--not so much bling, but that maybe someday [& soon] to death do us part, forever and ever day.

No pressure Matt.

xo

it's back...the dreaded eczema.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of NEOSPORIN® ESSENTIALS™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We had a pretty good break from the red itchies but as soon as the temperature went south, along with the humidity, poor little Hux's skin took a turn for the worse.

It first started when we were in Michigan in November--much cooler temps, and a really dry woodstove-heated house took it's toll on Huxley. He also was stealing bites of his Grandma's morning yogurts, which I suspect played a big role in the massive breakout too...darn dairy! We keep hoping he will phase out of it, but the reality is that he just can't tolerate it. 

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects 35 million Americans. With Hux, his eczema starts on his stomach and back. It's appears as a slightly raised skin-toned circular small patch that is everywhere. Putting lotion on him feels like greasing a piece of sandpaper. It's awful. 

Lately though, his eczema has been popping up in the creases of his elbows and knees. Some irritants or triggers can be rough fabrics, such as wool, soaps & fragrances, cold and dry weather, and ironically, heat and sweating too. 

We have come up with a barrage of counter-attacks for when eczema strikes.

A humidifier in our room

Keeping our place at a comfortable temperature (around 67)

Omitting dairy from our diet

Infrequent baths (just sponging Hux down with a washcloth on non-bathnight)

Slathering Hux with skin protectants such as NEOSPORIN® ESSENTIALS™ & Coconut Oil

 

NEOSPORIN® ESSENTIALS™ is an awesome new solution we've found for eczema. I love that it contains colloidal oatmeal, which is what we use in the bathtub when Huxley does get bathed. This cream is anibiotic and fragrance free, which is another plus in our books.

We are determined to get the red itchies out of the picture for good, but until then, we have our ammuntion ready...

 

xo

Liz Lovely Cookies Giveaway!

It's cookie season, and I for one couldn't be happier. 

Christmas cookies are magical, and if they happen to come from Vermont & a little place called Liz Lovely, well...this is where the magic is born.

Liz Lovely bakes up fair-trade, organic, vegan, & gluten-free cookies.

Now one might see vegan or gluten-free and think "tasteless", "dry", or "gross"...but trust me, the awesome folks at Liz Lovely sent us some samples to try & they are far from any of those adjectives.

My favorite are the gluten-free Snickerdoodles in all their moist cinnamonny glory. Matt on the other hand loved the dark chocolate double dipped pretzels...seriously...they were gone overnight.

These are the perfect Christmas present for you co-workers, friends, family, Postman, newspaper boy, manicurist, honestly--whoever you give these to will be thrilled!

These giant cookies come in packs of two--perfect for sharing, & can be tossed in the freezer to keep their freshness...or enjoyed cold!

Want a chance to win $30 worth of Liz Lovely cookies?

To enter simply visit Liz Lovely's website & comment below on which cookie sounds the tastiest to you!

Other ways to enter... 

 Follow life with the Hux. on Twitter

Follow life with the Hux on GFC

Vote for life with the Hux. (one vote & entry daily)

Like life with the Hux. on Facebook

Follow Liz Lovely on Twitter

Like Liz Lovely on Facebook

*Giveaway EXTENDED to December 21st& winner will be chosen via random.org*

(Prize may not arrive by Christmas)

xo

PS: The Flutter & Twirl Giveaway winner was chosen and announced HERE!


and the winner of the Liz Lovely giveaway is...

NlincolnD12 said...

voted for you

December 19, 2012 10:12 AM 

congrats! shoot me an email at lifewiththehux at gmail.com and let's get you some cookies! xo

Happy Birthday, Honey Mama!

Huxley lovesssss his Grandma.

He will literally scream with delight when she comes on the video chat, and is her little shadow whenever we visit.

(Hux is currently glued to my computer screen pointing to the photos of them both saying, 'It's my Mama, it's my Mama!!")

We wish we could be there for her big day, but instead will have to send all our love & good vibes to her from the East Coast. 

Happy Thirty-Something'th Birthday, Mom...

we love you very very very much!

xo

Linvilla below freezing...

What do you do with a toddler & a store below your place that has a bunch of old apples and bread?

Find some animals and feed them, of course!

xo

mitten-free weather? I'll take it.

Hello there friends--hope this week has been treating you kind.

We've been having some pretty unseasonably great weather around these parts & have been enjoying the final moments of leaving the house without having to bundle up.
(Which is awesome for us, because Huxley hates clothes & coats and mittens and hats...unless it's a Michael Jackson-esque hat...)

Not much else going on around here to report, but we do have a really fun giveaway coming up (and one ending!) so keep checking back--there will also be more ridiculously cute photos of Hux no doubt.

xo

things we love lately...

Green Smoothies

Kind of obsessed with these as of late.

They taste like summertime in a glass and if I go the rest of the day eating bread & cheese, well...this mean green beverage has me covered!

(not that I'd ever just eat bread and cheese for lunch and dinner...)

Here's the recipe if you wanna jump on board the Green Smoothie Train...

Handful of green grapes

half of a Satsuma orange (you can substitute any citrus really, I am just a tad crazy over Satsumas!)

1-2 stalks kale (I've been groovin' on the Dino variety)

wedge of lime (with peel)

half of a banana (best if it's frozen)

cup of pineapple chunks (I freeze these too)

large handful of spinach

splash of filtered water

you can add ice, but I like to freeze the banana & pineapple and the omit the ice

*We always use organic produce and if it's local--even better!*

Blend & enjoy!

Freshly Picked Moccasins

Buying little people shoes is not high on my list of 'Things I Love to Do'.

They're pricey. 

Your babe outgrows them in a week.

Most of the boys styles out there leave something to be desired. 

It wasn't until we were so sweetly gifted a pair of Freshly Picked Moccs that my Toddler Shoe Horizon was broadened. 

Hux wears them all the time. 

They are soft. Comfortable. The fit perfectly but have plenty of give to grow with him & last well into Spring. 

We love love love Freshly Picked & will definitely be getting more pairs throughout the years!

Gilt

Gilt.com has been my go-to site for online shopping since the pregnancy days. 

We've found so many awesome deals--including Huxley's big Christmas present, a Kidcraft Play Kitchen (we got it for half the price that website is advertising!).

If you haven't shopped Gilt yet you are missing out!

But! Lucky you! You can get $25 for your first purchase by signing up & shopping today--pretty rad huh?

This Shoenhut Piano is on sale for $42--plus your $25 off...that is a steal, folks!

Sign up & get shopping HERE!

xo

a Toddler's Holiday Gift Guide

1. Loog Guitars Triangle Wooden Beginner's Guitar

2. Donna Wilson Knit Hat

3. Donna Wilson Cyril Squirrel Fox

4. Finger Printing Art Set

5. Orange Plaid Tiny TOMS

6. Melissa & Doug 'Cook's Corner' Wooden Play Kitchen

7. Goat-Milk Striped Longsleeve Onsie

looking for December Sponsors!

Holy moly, it'll be December next week!

We haven't done a Sponsor blerb in quite some time & well, what better time to boost your advertising ventures than in December? 

The most magical month of the year. 

& I promise that we have some pretty magic-filled things in store for the blog this month...

Holiday Gift Guides, some fabulous Giveaways--just to name a few, and of course...

all things Huxley.

Our readership has been growing and growing with a demographic of mostly women between the ages of 20-40, who are either preggers, have kids or both & live in the US. 

(although we have readers from throughout the world, which is way cool,  shout out to you lovely readers in the Netherlands!)

Check out our Ad Spot Rates HERE & shoot me an email (lifewiththehux@gmail.com) if you're interested!

& as a little Holiday gift to you, I am extending a review with the purchase of a large ad-spot ($50 savings!)

We'd be so stoke to partner up with you as we love love love all of our Sponsors & only work with the coolest of the cool.

xo

life with Hux, lately.

Alright, Mamas with kiddos that never stop...

What do you do with your babe all day?

I feel like I need to be way more structured with Hux now that he's in school twice a week. He love love loves that place, but I want him to be more excited about home + Mommy than Teacher Sam & circle time.

This is a typical day with my little man lately:

We've been starting our days at 5:45-6am everyday, thank you very little Daylight Savings

This is also now the time Huxley likes to tell me, "Poop. Potty." 

Pretty exciting in terms of the potty training situation!

I let Hux flush & say "Bye Bye Poop", and wash & dry hands.

Hux is set up with his Juice + Pre-Breakie Snack + Sesame Street time

I'll fix breakfast while Huxley lounges... l typically his favorite chicken sausage and fruit, although lately he's been letting me sneak in some cheesy eggs

After breakfast we bombard Daddy & try to rouse him for work. 

Once Matt is out the door we get dressed (although sometimes, to be honest, we jammie it up for awhile...) and ready for whatever the day has to offer. 

Typically we run some errands around this time & then if Hux hasn't crashed (typically at noon he will nap) we will lunch, but usually we eat after nap around 2pm since he is snacking inbetween anyways

From 2-6pm is the gap I need to get more creative with. 

Here are a couple things we like to do during this time:

Paint

Color

Craft

Sing & Dance to the Toddler Station on Pandora.com (I like to include yoga poses, and body part recognition with our dances...such as "touch your toes! touch your hair!" etc)

Reading books

Playing Educational Games on the iPad

Baking

Outdoor playtime

We do dinner (typically before Matt gets home, because bedtime is rapidly approaching).

It's either bathtime(which happens 2-3 times a week now because Hux's skin is sooo sensitive to the dry air) or just a washcloth to the bod

I coat Hux with coconut oil, jammie him then it's books & bed.

I know it sounds like a lot, and somedays it feels like enough, but any new fun, fresh, creative & budget friendly ideas are totally welcome!

Until then, we'll be the ones with paint on our faces...

xo

On weaning your babe...

I thought I'd make it official.

Because, posting it to a blog makes anything official, you know...

Hux is weaned at 22 months.

It's bittersweet & I truly believe this kid would've been at the boob until his first day of kindergarten.

Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it's just not for me...really.

The hardest part about weaning, for me, has been that I can't instantly comfort Hux, which to be honest, is really all our nursing sessions had become.

Huxley seems to be adjusting okay, and doesn't really bother asking for them anymore. He is still the same snuggle bug he's always been--LOVE that, and I love that he will cuddle me just to cuddle and not for the boobs.

All & all, it was time.

I'm so very thankful that I was able to nurse Huxley this long, albeit not exclusive, but it's still something I will always hold dear to my heart. All our little moments that breastfeeding gave us as Mother & Son have taught me so much about myself as a parent and has bonded us for life. 

xo

Christmas Eve Jammie Sale at Goat-Milk NYC!

Growing up, every Christmas Eve we got to open one present--our new Christmas pajamas.

I love this little tradition we had & have kept it going with Huxley.

Sometimes it's tricky picking the one pair of PJs for the occasion, but guess what...

Our favorite favorite favorite Goat-Milk line of organic kids basics is having a pretty stellar 25% off sale on their Tartan Thermal Bottoms.

Can we say, Perfect Christmas Jammies?

Go. Shop. Be Merry.

xo

Thankgiving #2-- in the books.

It's no secret in our house that Thanksgiving is Matt's faaaaavorite holiday.

My first clue was probably when he cooked an entire Thanksgiving feast in the middle of July. For no reason & then again in October just to "practice" for the Big Day.

His plate last night weighed atleast 4lbs.

It was kind of ridiculous.

...& delicious!

We have a new dish to add to our menu, and you should add it to yours too---corn casserole, yuh-um. 

Thank you Pinterest!

Hux on the other hand was all about the Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider & drinking from a big boy glass. He could give two rips about food. Unless it's ice cream. Or whipped cream. 

Or anything covered in those two things.

He is unofficially weaned, too...(still asks for them 3-100 times a day) & one would think that would help his appetite, but nope. 

I'm praying once these canines are through we'll have a voracious eater.

If not I'm just going to cover his broccoli in whipped cream...

(not really.)

I am so thankful for all of you, our family & friends, and even people we've never met, but still are bonded through a common love..Hux.

We hope you have a lovely weekend resting & digesting!

xo

'Tis the Season--Flutter & Twirl Mobile Giveaway!

Today's Giveaway is from Flutter and Twirl, an adorable Etsy shop that sells handmade mobiles with just the right amount of whimsy and woodland.
 My favorite thing about Flutter and Twirl is that Sara, the creator, puts so much love into her beautiful  designs.

Sara has been generous enough to offer up one mobile with a retail value of $55 USD to one lucky life with the Hux. reader.

To enter simply visit Flutter and Twirl & comment below on which mobile you'd like to have as your own. 

For extra entries you can...

- Follow life with the Hux. on Twitter

-Follow life with the Hux on GFC

-Vote for life with the Hux. (one vote & entry daily)

-Like life with the Hux. on Facebook


*Giveaway extended until Friday, December 7th! Winner will be chosen via random.org*


xo

Congrats & check your email HD!

HD said...

voted for you

sproutsomethinggreen at gmail.com

December 6, 2012 9:53 PM 

before the cold came in..

It's a fine line between fall & winter here on the East Coast.

These photos were taken (yikes) before Halloween during Hux's first pumpkin carving experience.

He's such a little character this boy.

Everytime the camera comes out he says, "cheeeeese". 

Hopefully he does a good job at our family photo session? Hopefully.

Lately we have been working on some pretty big milestones with Huxley.

Weaning & potty training.

I know. We are really shooting for the moon. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

xo

...& we are computing again!

Whoa...

It feels so awkward being on a computer!

After using only a smartphone or iPad to be connected to the WWW I am now back on a grown-up size computer, and can't stop trying to touch the screen to select things...woops.

Anyways, HI! 

We missed you. 

We hope you are still around, because sakes alive, Hux has gotten even cuter. 

If you can believe that...I didn't think it was possible myself!

But, seriously, our little Huxman is coming up with new ways to make us smile all the time, and communication has become almost effortless.

I promise you will be bombarded with photos + videos (and a new Giveaway to boot!!) and all things Huxley from here on out...

& to kick things off, a little video of Hux's favorite game, "Pop Pop Ew".

We shot this video the night he started playing the game with us--we didn't have a clue where it came from & was cracking our stuff up! I finally asked his school if they had a game like that, and sure enough, they did! What a little sponge!

xo

a quick resurfacing...

Sorry for the crazy MIA spell. 

Hux dumped an entire cup of coffee into my MacBook Pro & killed it. 

Total bummer moment, & for time being I am just putting this little note up via Matt's iPad--which is not very condusive for blogging. 

Shortly after the whole computer debacle happened Huxley and I hopped a flight to MI to avoid Hurricane Sandy---which was looking pretty gruesome at the time & heading right for us.

So, that is where we've been. 

Holed up & riding out the storm with Papa and Honey Mama as Hux now calls his Grandma.

(We are now back in PA, and have a mostly dry home and power.)

We send our love, thoughts & prayers to any of you affected by Sandy.

She was quite the beast.

xo

Pumpkin Carving outcome...

Despite Mama having a bum ankle (rolled it on a stupid Black Walnut at the park with Hux) we made the best of our weekend together.

Went out to breakfast, carved a pumpkin and just all around enjoyed our time as a little unit.

I'll be posting some fun Giveaways soon as the Holiday season approaches, and some new Toddler Food ideas that have been a big hit in our house.

As promised, here is the results of the carving session...

...maybe we'll have better luck next year.

xo

Goat-Milk Room To Grow Event

We love love love Goat-Milk clothing & we wanted to share with you this amazing even that is ending tomorrow...go, shop & do good today!

ROOM TO GROW IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO

ENRICHING THE LIVES OF BABIES BORN INTO POVERTY

THROUGHOUT THEIR CRITICAL FIRST THREE YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT.

THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES PARENTS WITH ONE-ON-ONE 

PARENTING SUPPORT AND ALL OF THE NEEDED BABY ITEMS TO 

CREATE A SAFE AND ENRICHING HOME ENVIRONMENT. IN THIS WAY, 

ROOM TO GROW HELPS ENSURE THAT CHILDREN WILL ENTER 

KINDERGARTEN READY TO LEARN AND CONTINUE ON TO SUCCEED

IN SCHOOL AND WORK, THEREBY MAKING IT MORE LIKELY THEY WILL

BREAK THE CYCLE OF INTERGENERATIONAL POVERTY.

pre-Halloween shenanigens.

Fall is totally kicking butt.

It's gorgeous here in Pennsylvania & today was no exception.

I got a wild hair and decided to dress Hux in his "Max" costume c/o The Radical Thread Co. You know, to make sure it fits, etc etc.

Mainly, I just think he's ridiculously cute with an animal nose & whiskers painted on him.

Tonight we are carving Huxley's first pumpkin! Hopefully he doesn't get a case of the "Ucky Hands" as we call it...(he gets it from his Mama).

There will be video & photos galore of that experience--you can count on it!

Until then,

here is the cuteness:

xo

mornings with Hux.

Another tooth coming in.

Seriously?
When will the madness end?

Very sleep deprived & cranky parents over here, but Hux always has a way of turning our frowns upside down...

xo