I'm Gilty, everytime.

 Oh, Gilt.

You temptress, you.

So many great items up for grabs at a fraction of the cost right now!

Are you Gilty yet?

Sign up HERE today!

xo

Valentine's Day Sponsor Promo!

Every time I do a Sponsor call (which has been few & far between lately) I am always baffled by how quickly the month turns.

Since January went way too quickly, and Valentine's Day is one of my favorite cheesy holidays, I've decided to throw a major promotion for the month of February.

$15 LARGE Ad Spots (typically run $50/month)

(200x200)

Things to look forward to?

Baby on the Way Features

How to Tame a Toddler

Vitamix Recipes

& hopefully some more stellar giveaways!

It's about time we make some new friends & sponsors around this joint so what do you say?

Contact me if you are interested today!

lifewiththehux@gmail.com

xo

Huxley--lover of the cold & snow.

Someone loves snow, & I mean really loves snow.

If Huxley had it his way he'd ride his toboggan until April.

[Apologies for the crickets on the blog lately. Between life & all the germs that have invaded ours--well, things have been far from normal around our place.]

xo

ps: today's the last day to enter the Collegien Giveaway!

Huxley's First Dentist Appointment

Huxley had his first Dentist check up today, and although it maybe was premature (the dental hygienist said kids usually come in at three), Hux was a complete Prince. I am always so humbled by my sweet child's easy going nature, especially when he is 2 hours overdue for nap time!

No cavities, awesome teeth, although we had to start flossing since his little chompers are so close together, and Hux is getting his 2 year molars. 

Finally, the light at the end of the Teething Tunnel!

xo

we need YOUR vote!

Hey guys! Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a lovely little weekend wherever you may roam.

The folks at Top Baby Blogs have reset the vote count again--just as we climbed back into the Top 20, of course. 

 We love that you make our little blog nook a part of your day. 

How about Top 10 this time around?

xo

CLICK TO VOTE

(you can vote once every 24 hours by clicking the link & the owl on the left)

a Collegien Giveaway...

We simply adore Collegien & their fabulous/comfy/adorable/non-slippery/packable/giftable slipper socks. With so many patterns and styles it's so incredibly hard to choose! Bonus points for making them in adult sizes too, because us big kids need to rock sweet slipper socks with the best of them, am I right?! Collegien also makes the prettiest tights & snuggliest socks--offered up in a rainbow of colors. 

Collegien is pretty much a dream come true for your feet. 

To enter to win a pair of slipper socks visit Collegien & leave a comment telling me who you'd gift your pair to, yourself, your Valentine, your new baby Niece, hey, these would even make for a stellar gift for your grandparent!

Other ways to win...

 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 Collegien on Facebook
Follow Collegien on Twitter

*Giveaway will end 1/28 & winner will be drawn via random.org*

xo

& the winner is...

 Hi I'm Frank said...

follow on GFC

                       January 23, 2013 at 8:53 AM

 

                             Shoot me an email at lifewiththehux@gmail.com to claim your prize! Congrats!

Huxley turns Two!

Happy Happy Birthday sweet Hux!

Can you believe a whole year has been added to your Book of Adventures? 

Mommy and Daddy took you an Aquarium over the weekend--yet another first for you, and you loved it! Tonight we're having a little Birthday dinner with your Aunt & Uncle. Quiet and low-key. With cupcakes, of course.

You have stolen so many hearts in your two years on this planet with your loving nature, and playfulness. You remind us all what it's like to be young & encourage everyone to get down on the floor with you and embrace imagination. 

We thank God daily for placing you in our lives. 

We are so very blessed.

xo

Huxley One Year Ago

Huxpressions.

This face.

I will never grow tired of staring at this amazing little being.

We cannot even begin to wrap our heads around the fact that Hux is turning 2 on Monday.

No big plans or fancy party is on the agenda, but I do have a couple tricks up my sleeve to make it a very special day indeed for our boy.

We celebrate him daily.

xo

Buying for Baby 2013 Edition

1. 4Moms MamaRoo - Perfect for those moments when two arms just aren't enough.

2. bumGenius One-Size Snap Closure Cloth Diaper 4.0 - We plan on continuing to cloth diaper & we are hoping that Hux is fully potty trained by July *fingers crossed* but just in case we are going to need to add to our stash.

3. Aden & Anais Moonlight Bamboo Swaddle - Since Baby will be arriving just in time for the hot hot summer these light swaddling blankets will pretty much be all the little love will be wearing & much cooler than the heavy flannel ones we used with our winter babe.

4. Graco SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat - Best price, reviews & most of all the highest safety ratings. We used the same seat for Hux, but unfortunately it expired (yes, weird, carseats DO expire!).

5. IKEA Gulliver Crib - We are kicking ourselves for selling Huxley's gorgeous crib & changing table last summer, but he literally never slept in it! This purchase isn't high on our priority list since Baby will close by my side for the first month or so, but if and when we do get a crib, this one is perfect. Cheap, aesthetically what we like & convertible.

6. BOB Revolution SE Duallie Stroller - This is actually my second choice in double stroller, in my dreams Hux & Baby are cruising in a Bugaboo Donkey. But the price tag on the Donkey is steep, and the bells and whistles are definitely intimidating. The BOB is affordable enough & will be perfect for mountain strolls (you know...when we move to the mountains & all.)

7. Clara Von Zweigbergk Themis Mobile - Such a pretty pretty piece for the new combined nursery.

xo

on involvement.

[Hux got a wee taste of dark chocolate over Christmas]

Hux is involved by default in pretty much everything we do & we wouldn't have it any other way. Lately though I've been trying to be more mindful of encouraging Huxley to participate in things I would typically save for nap time---mainly for my own convenience. Things such as baking, cleaning up, and crafts that are a little bit advanced for his little hands are being incorporated into our new routine & you know what? He totally loves it and exclaims, "I helper!!"

It just goes to show our little babe is becoming such a little man, and a helpful, compassionate, caring one at that. 

We are so very blessed. 

Have a lovely little weekend everybody.

xo

...

Happy New Year!!

It seems my New Years announcement was a tad ambiguous...this little man is indeed going to be a BIG BROTHER! We are just entering the 2nd trimester (holy smokes) & nearing 14 weeks along.

I feel great, aside from this horrendous sinus & ear infection that has taken over both myself and Huxley. 

Matt and I are so incredibly excited, with a healthy dose of nervousness to boot. Having two in tow is going to be such a fun, crazy, awesome challenge, but we are both certain that Huxley will be amazing--as he always is, and effortlessly transition into his new role come July. 

Along with being just beyond thrilled, I am feeling some guilt & sadness for our last moments with just Hux. When he's wrapped around my neck snuggling me I can't help wondering what it'll be like when the baby arrives and my arms must hold not one but two. I know this is a natural part of the process. I don't dwell, but those thoughts & feelings are there and I don't think they'll subside until we're really in the thick of it (after baby is born). 

We look forward to sharing our adventure with you & send all good things.

xo

2013.

It's gonna be a good year.

xo

snow day

 It is a glorious white out here in the Philadelphia area.

Mama had a snow day from work (more like Mama had a horrific drive trying to get to work and had to be rescued a half mile up the road). 

We pulled out the toboggan and played until Hux's mittens were covered in little snowballs and he was obviously chilled to the bone. Despite his protests we managed to get him back indoors where he is now soaking in a bubble bath & thawing out while Daddy plays DJ on the shower radio.

I made a deliciously perfect pot of hot & sour soup to eat on today. It's the best way to warm up your insides, and is so darn easy to whip up! I used this recipe as a guideline. 

We hope you are all staying warm & safe on this wonderful winter weekend. 

xo

Baabaazuzu Fingerless Glove Giveaway!

This final holiday giveaway is brought to you by BaabaaZuzu--a wonderfully fabulous Northern Michigan based company that I hold near & dear to my heart.

All of their cozy products are lovingly handcrafted & made with up-cycled wool. Perfect for this cold weather we're having in Philadelphia--every piece makes me long for a chilly winter afternoon stroll.

Baabaazuzu has so kindly offered up a gorgeous pair of fingerless gloves for one of you lucky readers--think of it as a New Year gift to yourself!


To enter, stop by Baabaazuzu's site & comment on which color scheme you'd pick for your fingerless gloves.

Then jump on Facebook &
 Become a Fan of Baabaazuzu on Facebook

Other ways to up your chances---

 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

Tweet about the Giveaway & leave link in comment

*Giveaway will end on January 1st! Winner will be selected via random.org*

xo

PS: Liz Lovely & Tea Collection Giveaway Winners announced HERE & HERE!


& the winner of the Baabaazuzu Giveaway is..

Marti D said...

I would choose the black red & grays

December 30, 2012 7:38 AM 

Congrats! Shoot me an email at lifewiththeux at gmail.com to claim your prize!!

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