All The Feelings on Mother's Day

Mother’s Day can be heavy. I know this, because I’ve felt it. I think it can be a time of complex emotions for many people. There are people that do not know their Mom. So many that wonder about their Birth Mom and First Mom. Many have had their Mom pass away. Mom’s have had their children pass away. So many people have strained relationships with their Mom and on the flip side, Mom’s have strained relationships with their children. There are Step Moms and families that just don’t have Moms at all. I am grateful for the loving, healthy relationship I have with my own Mother. I’m lucky to joyfully honor her every year on this day. However, throughout my infertility journey, Mother’s Day has brought on a lot of uncertain feelings which I wish I could have just wished away.

On Mother’s Day three years ago we had just completed our first IUI treatment and unbeknownst to me I was actually pregnant. Fast forward to a year later having suffered a miscarriage and many more failed IUIs and IVF treatments I was feeling lost and saddened by our reality. Mother’s Day felt like a punch in the gut. I was pained by a day that emphasized everything I wanted to be, but couldn’t. I remember having trouble wishing my own Mom a Happy Mother’s Day because I didn’t want to think about Motherhood in any given way. I was torn apart, aching to be celebrated as a Mom with no control in the matter that it was unfairly not my time. I decided to use the day as a day of forgiveness to myself for the guilt I carried because of the jealousy, sadness, anger, and loneliness I was going through. I decided I needed to do something for myself on Mother’s Day to lighten my mood. So, I went plant shopping! I bought this plant pictured here as a gift to myself on Mother’s Day two years ago. I felt drawn to this lively angel plant before I even knew it’s nickname. It became a perfect reminder of the one we lost and a symbol of the grace and patience that keeps giving and growing throughout our journey. Today my angel plant hangs about five times as long and full as it was when I first stumbled upon it’s beauty.

This year on Mother’s Day I am feeling pretty chill and happy because I am a Mom, but also because I no longer feel the sadness and pressure of having to feel “the right way” on Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there and a special shout out to those that understand the pain of yearning and grieving what was lost or not yet found and what may never be. It is okay to feel any which way you feel.

Needing to shop for the Moms in your life? There’s still some time. Check out my favorite gift ideas all linked below. xo RCN

 

Gifting A Unique Wooden Watch for Him this Valentine's Day

Lucky for me, I am ahead of schedule this year for Valentine's Day - hooray! Z will unfortunately, be traveling for work, so no romantic dinner on Feb 14th. However, his travel schedule got me moving a little quicker this year for my V Day plans.

The gift came early, and he didn’t mind at all! Sometimes he can be hard to shop for. I think that goes for a lot of hubbies. What do you give a guy that has everything (almost everything)? Easy, another watch! This time, I went with a unique wood watch. And the good news is, he loves the JORD watch I gave him. I am so happy I picked a style and color he likes. I went with the Frankie in dark sandalwood and smoke. The darker color makes it dress up nicely with the right look, like chinos and a handsome white button down. I know Z will wear this one more casually on the weekends, too. Perfectly fitting for when we are hanging out at our favorite beach bar or walking Ethel at South Pointe Park. The material gives it the natural outdoor style that works great for our more relaxed weekends and I like how the wood makes it a little different than the other watches he already has. 


Since Valentine’s Day is a few weeks away, there is still some time for shopping. Link HERE to shop the many other men's watch styles JORD has to offer. Don’t forget to collect your 10% off and a chance to win a $100 E gift card. Good luck and happy shopping! xo RCN

 

Holiday Wish List 2017

$105 (3 piece set), Paper clips or cookies? You decide! Justina Blakeney is one of my favorite creatives. Her bohemian, eclectic, color striking style transports me into a dream world filled with positive vibes and natural wonder (plants!). Her newest collection at Target is focused on bedding, while her original products on her website include paper goods and ceramics like these fabulous canisters.

$28, Just because it's cold out, doesn't mean the music stops. Pick from one of five lovely earmuff headphone colors from Freepeople this season. Plug them right into your iPhone and keep walking' in a winter wonderland.

$33, Ahh, reminds me of Paris. French macarons are a sweet and light delight. Dana's Bakery offers an assorted box including flavors like strawberry shortcake and cookie dough. The colorful treats taste as beautiful as they appear. 

$225, The Carry On is essential for easy-peasy stylish travel. Away luggage comes in one classic silhouette, 4 sizes and 12 colors! The smallest of the bunch is the perfect fit for overhead when flying or in the backseat of your car. Did I mention there is a lifetime guarantee, built in battery charger, TSA approved lock, and 360 degrees of wheeling and rolling!?

$24-$125 (avg.), Lillian Grey Vintage is the perfect place to snag a gift for any home decor lover and vintage collector. Each week there is a new offering available, including anything from blue and white heirloom dessert plates, hand painted floral vases, Staffordshire dog figurines, and of course, there is always something new. I scored the dreamiest beautiful blue and white Calico sugar dish that makes me smile every time I look at it. Who wouldn't want a one of a kind decorative piece for their bookshelf or bar cart!?  

$38, A body scrub for a goddess, and that's exactly why your girlfriends deserve this. Pure, clean and natural sea salt exfoliating scrub sounds beautiful for the bath. If the french girls love it, it's gotta' be good. 

$219-$295, Jonathan Adler designs are one of a kind element that fits quite well into any quirky and fancy space. A JA alpaca throw was gifted to Z and I for our wedding and I highly recommend the luxurious home accessory. The blankets come in many colors and a few geometric patterns that are sure to break up any space and add a touch of pizazz to any living and bedroom, even if in a neutral color.

$37, Okay travelers, here is the perfectly posh gift for your alike friends and family. In honor of Louis Vuitton's travel exhibition running in NYC through January 7th 2018, the brand recently released an expansive collection of city travel guides. Each guide is wrapped in a colorful identifying cover and filled with recent must visit restaurants, hotels, and cultural must stop spots. 

$125, For babies first Christmas, or the soon to be college grad. Just a chic little reminder to "keep savin' that money, honey." Slip a few bills inside if the budget so permits.

$22, Calling all planners. Cheers to almost 2018! Time to get ready planning and penciling in all those trips, events, birthdays and celebrations soon to be had. This is a great gift for anyone you know that has a big date approaching. Anna Rifle Bond never ceases to amaze me with her jaw dropping and eye catching illustrations. 

$40, For your new home owner friends, who may or may not have gone to the same University. Go for one logo, or a house divided flag like this. It's perfect for the rival graduates that share a front door. Chances are you rents would love a flag representing you and or your siblings school's, too.

$50, A bright and cheery tea kettle will make any tea drinker happy. My strawberry shaped tea pot adds just a little extra character to the kitchen. And if it's cute like this polka dot pretty, there is no need to store it away!

$48, The most effortless way to style your look is by layering simple pieces of jewelry. One little piece at a time. Mix and match letters and symbols and gift one solo earring to your most stylish friend. No need for two, just one will do.

$18 (a piece), Are these nordic monogram bowls from Terrain, not the dearest dishes you ever did see? The simple almost unseen Scandinavian letter detailing on the inside is quite precious. Perfect for soup, cereal, dip, jewelry, nuts, buttons, etc. One, two, three or four would be a wonderful gift.

$37, I know, I know. I am usually all about Chanel, and I still am, but I think it is time to expand the color spectrum when it comes to lip color in my vanity. I am really into the shades offered by YSL and I think I can trust it will work great, too. All ladies love a nice new lipstick, especially if it's YSL!

 

 

$38 (set of 4), Cheers to living in a world of whimsy! Who thought Sunday brunch boozing could get any better? August Morgan embroidered cocktail napkin sets are funny and divine. I have too many favorites to pick from, I want them all!

$159, This is by far the most comfortable and noteworthy bathrobe on the market. I received  my Missoni robe a few years ago for Christmas, and it's one of my favorite gifts still today. I wear it when I'm hot out of the shower, chilly with a cold, lazy on a Sunday, and even sometimes I wear it down to the pool, just because it feels so right. (Though, Z refuses to be seen with me wearing it in public) The bath towel material and mid calf length combined with the Missoni weave pattern is a fashion lover's paradise! Drink, please!

$52.80, Wish, Dream, Peace, Luck...all good virtues to bestow upon a dear friend, sister, Mom, cousin, or co-worker. A pleasant fortune on the wrist is placed in just the spot that often catches the eye at the right moment to be reminded of such things.

$35, Spice up your life with this collection of empowering female entrepreneurial stories filled with advice and inspiration for all women. In the spirit of women empowering women, this book is quite the gift. Girl power!

$39.95, This is the happiest cheese tray I ever did see. I hate cheese, and I still love this platter. Fishs Eddy has an eclectic assortment of serveware, glassware and dinnerware that are great conversation starters for anyone from political lovers to vintage connoisseurs.

$99-$199, For anyone that likes to cuddle up by the fire, gaze under the stars, runs errands in the chilly morning of Winter, or frequents tailgates and barbecues in the fall time, then a Patagonia pullover zip up is a must.  They come in many different fabrications and patterns and the brand has an amazing history that any nature lover would love to represent!  

$48, In this case, two is definately better than one. Baublebar is offering a few different set combinations with 2-3 drop earrings. This colorful set is by far my favorite. It's there perfect giftable for any fashionista!

$12, Need I say more? For the bakers, gardeners + bakers, and plant, floral lovers. I totally want a set of these for myself this Christmas!

$33-93, A new accessory for Ethel, is a new accessory for me! Consider this a gift for dog and dog owner. Crew La La is a brand I became familiar with when last visiting Charleston, SC last year. I stumbled upon these precious pup collars and leashes in a boutique and have been obsessed ever since. There is an endless amount of pretty patterns to pick from, something that suits all cast of characters. Select from gold or silver finishes and spend an additional $18 to have the collar custom engraved.

$54 (each, $108 total), It wasn't until I lived on the Beach that I learned of the brand Amuse Society, a casual and suave surf beachwear brand that carries femininely designed wetsuits and classically cool loungewear and bohemian swimsuits and trendy graphic tees. No matter the attire, each piece is comfortable and oh so beachy. Every girl can use a matching lounge set for after surfing, skiing, whatever. I am digging this one.

$29, I am a major Drybar junkie. If you ever have the opportunity to get a Drybar blowout, don't pass it up! A GC to the Drybar is a fabulous gift, but really any product from there is just as fab. The little box of detox offers a few of the necessities in keeping healthy fresh hair on the go, and keeps those locks looking lux. Another great giftable is the Drybar duo dry shampoo and conditioner.

$128, Anything as classic and iconic as Pendelton is a great brand to start with when looking for giftables at the holidays. This Motoring Blanket is great to throw in the car and pack along for travels, picnics, beach days and nights.

$199, For anyone who has a KitchenAid mixer and loves to cook. Not only does the pasta attachment make for a fun night with the family, hanging out in the kitchen and making fresh pasta together, but it's also a sensible gift for those that cook from scratch and don't mind taking a little extra time to do so. This gift is on my personal list this year!

$11.95 (+ shipping), Calling all candle lovers! Wax melts are my latest favorite. When I was home to my parent's over Thanksgiving, I couldn't help, but adore the strong scent of wax melts when I entered the downstairs bathroom. Sounds funny, but it smelled amazing! These holiday packs, designed like little gingerbread men, come in warm cozy scents from Snowy Day to Cinnamon Roll and you even get to decide between black/white or red/white baker's twine for wrapping. For a more complete gift, include a wax warmer like THIS rustic one from Kohls. 

$18, Any baker or chef would love a cute set of tea towels. It's always a luxury in the kitchen to replace your dirty tea towels with a clean set of equally adorable and fun cloths. Paper Source has a great selection of hobby and demographic oriented patterns that would make many, more than happy.

$65, The best notebook is the one that is reusable - a notebook cover! Tortoise shell anything is quite attractive and seemingly timeless. The patent material punches this up a bit' and makes it even cooler. Great for any gal that writes, and works a lot or a little.