Theodora Jane

If y’all don’t know by now, Pink Lily is my absolute favorite boutique to shop at. If you ever took a peek into my closet, you would definitely know that. They were my first ever online boutique I shopped with, and their pieces have taken me from college, to my professional life, all the way into motherhood. It was only appropriate I made a separate gift guide for them.

Here are my current favorites, some of which are on my current wishlist too. There’s really something for every girl, every purpose, every occasion here.

SOMETHING COZY:

1. Buffalo Plaid Sherpa
2. Monogrammed Sherpa Fleece Pullover (DOORBUSTER FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY $30 — I’m having JD get this for me for Christmas!)
3. Camo Fleece Pullover
4. Faux Fur Jacket

SOMETHING FOR SLEEPING:

1. Fuzzy Throw Blanket: Comes in four different colors to choose from! Many people have said this feels nearly identical to Barefoot Dreams for way less.
2. Furry Slippers: These come in SO MANY COLORS. You cannot go wrong with gifting a pair of these luxuriously soft slippers!
3. Plaid Pajama TOP & BOTTOM (each sold separately)

SOMETHING BOLD:

1. Coffee Graphic Sweatshirt : Absolutely love this one. This one really speaks to me lol.
2. Mama Sweatshirt : Have this one and I wear it regularly! I size up to a large for a super oversized fit.

Also another few of my favorite graphic sweatshirts HERE, HERE & HERE (this last one is perfect for my Bachelor/Bachelorette fans)

SOMETHING LEOPARD:

_{(for all of my leopard print obsessed girls like myself)}

1. Plush Leopard Robe (Comes in 2 colors!)
2. Leopard Makeup Case
3. Leopard Barefoot Dreams inspired blanket (the best designer inspired one out there!) However, THIS SPECIFIC ONE is currently ON SALE FOR $50!!!

SOMETHING TO ACCESSORIZE WITH:

1. Wide Brim Hat — also THIS ONE that I have and wear regularly if you don’t want the chain!
2. Rectangle earrings (brand new launch!)
3. Apple Watch Band (probably could’ve gone into the leopard category lol). Other solid colors HERE.

SOMETHING PERSONAL:

1. Monogrammed Tote — also THIS ONE, and THIS ONE if you want something printed!
2. Monogrammed Pullover: This is that amazing corded sweatshirt material that everyone including myself raves about.

To check out the full website & get more gift ideas, visit my link HERE . Thank you so much to all of you who shop through my links! I wholeheartedly appreciate your support! Xoxo

Now is the time more than ever to show our favorite small businesses just how much we love what they do. I happen to have a number of dear friends who own small businesses & I see the effort, time & labor that goes into keeping their businesses afloat. With one of the toughest years to date on small businesses across the globe, what a better time to support them & their businesses by grabbing a few holiday gifts from their shops? I went ahead & rounded up a few of my top picks from some of my favorite small business owners, while discovering a few new small businesses to support along the way:

1. Customized Book Stack: My friend Shannon is the face and creative behind her store Forever June Co. She is hands down one of the craftiest, most talented women I have known. I have a customized book stack with all of our names on it: JD, Teddy, Livvy, Chloe, Louis & Mason. Makes a great addition to any home.
2. Carbivore Graphic Tee: Who doesn’t love a funny graphic tee? I feel like so many of us can relate to this, especially around the holiday season.
3. Mama Bear Graphic Sweatshirt: One of my favorite things to own as a mom are anything and everything that say MAMA. This one is way too cute & from the same shop as the Carbivore tee. This one is on my wishlist.
4. Customized cutting board: I actually have TWO options from two different shops! If you want something more simple, I love the one in the collage itself listed HERE. If you want to add a customized recipe onto a cutting board, check out this shop HERE.
5. Patterned Rolling Pin: I know what I’m getting my mama! Perfect for cookie making and decorative baking toppings.
6. Cocoa Button Up Sherpa Jacket: One of my absolute FAVORITE small businesses to shop at! She has some of the cutest selection of clothing all at extremely affordable price points. Use code “THEODORA15” for an additional 15% off of your purchase!
7. Gotta Have It Tunic: I am SO excited for this piece to come in! Absolutely love this brand new mother daughter owned boutique by my friend Jess. She has all affordable & practical pieces for everyday wear. Use code “TEDDY20” to get 20% off of this and the entire website!
8. Personalized Face Mug: I bought these for my parents last Christmas and they are the mugs they use EVERY SINGLE DAY, lol. I am requesting one for myself this Christmas 😉 You can get your kids, your husband, boyfriend, fiance, wife, girlfriend, dog, cat, etc on it. There is also a travel mug version HERE.
9. Leopard Starbucks Reusable Tumbler: I have about four of these tumblers from this specific shop & I am obsessed! They have held up so well over the last year and a half and not a single scratch or peeling from the vinyl. She has so many patterns and options to choose from!
10. Customized Apron: If you know someone who loves cooking / baking as much as I do, this one is adorable.
11. Chunky Knit Blanket: I seriously don’t know who wouldn’t love this as a gift. So many beautiful colors to choose from.
12. Custom Name necklace: I have one with Livvy’s name on it & it’s one of the most sentimental pieces I own.
13. Customized Insulated Water Bottle: I’m the girl that always has a water bottle on hand in my diaper backpack. This one is cute and comes in a number of fun colors & styles to choose from.
14. Customized Family Ornament: How fun is this to give as a gift?! I think this would be perfect for newly weds, new parents, or even for your own family.
15. Chain & Herringbone Layered necklaces: I have the herringbone necklace from Forever June Co. & it is one of my most worn accessories along with my butterfly necklace from there HERE. These necklaces do NOT tarnish & are surprisingly extremely affordable. Grab this bundle for the holiday season.
16. The Harley Huggie Earrings: Also a favorite of mine from Forever June Co. These are on my personal wishlist this season 😉

Hope you love these small businesses as much as I do!

Wanted to go a little out of the box this year with the dogs gift guide. This year, I noticed American Eagle launched an entire dog collection, which I most definitely took advantage of for our own dogs (don’t tell Chloe or Mason!), and wanted to include some gift ideas that weren’t limited to toys they would just destroy. So, I expanded my search beyond Bark Box & Amazon and included a few pieces from Pottery Barn– because sometimes our pooches deserve to be as boujee as we are. Here are my top picks for the holiday 2020 season:

1. Interactive puzzle game
2. Hide-A-Squirrel game (Chloe has this and LOVES IT)
3. Harry Barker Spa Set (Pamper your pup!)
4. 3-in-1 Personalized Pet Bed
5. Wicker Dog Toy Storage basket
6. Faux Fur Puff Ball (an extra fluffy bed for the dogs who love ALL. OF. THE. COZY.)
7. Mason Stoneware Pet Treat Canister
8. Couch dog bed (I really think a brand new dog bed is a great holiday gift for your pup, especially if they’re in the market for a new one– also wanted to include a few at different price points)
9. Cup of Bark Roast Coffee
10. Squid
11. “Sloffee” Break Dog Toy (have to get this for Mason & Chloe)
12. Dog Treat Launcher
13. Llama in Pajamas dog toy
14. Sherpa Camo Hoodie (planning to get this for Mason!)
15. Leopard Sherpa Hoodie (and I may just have to get this one for Chloe!)

Aside from the kids gift guides, I think the gifts for your pets is my second most favorite gift guide to put together. I mean, how could we ever forget our pets?! Last year unfortunately I did not include too many options for cats. Why? Because I often find my cat is near impossible to shop for. He’d rather a paper clip over a fancy swimming salmon any day. But many of you reached out in need of some next-level cat toy ideas that will wow your cat for maybe more than a mere minute. So here we are. Enjoy 😉

1. Interactive swimming fish in pool toy: Great for the cat who thinks he/she is a beast & can conquer all prey–also great if your cat isn’t afraid of water.
2. Windmill cat toy: Supposed to tease your cat with silly toys/lights and eventually they will get the hint they need to take a swat at it.
3. Self rotating ball with feather: Are you getting the hint that cats might really love the interactive toys? Do you just love those ones you can set it and forget it? Just turn this on and go.
4. Rolling ball tower: A classic that many cats including my own actually likes. If it passes the Louis test, it’s certified good.
5. Cat tunnel with included toys & accessories: Louis LOVED his when he was a kitten & if we still had it, I’m sure he would be using it. Unfortunately ours got destroyed during a cross country move, so he may be in the market for a new one.
6. Life-like swimming fish: You thought I was kidding about that robotic swimming salmon didn’t you?

There’s no better time of the year than the holidays to really support those small businesses. That said, I wanted to include a separate post for some children’s Etsy toys that I found that would also make excellent gifts!

1. “Play Dough” ice cream set
2. Classic Wooden Blocks
3. Customized Toy Chest
4. Wooden Cutting Board pretend play set
5. Whimsical teepee (other options are available, as well as play houses!)
6. Wooden baby gym
7. Wooden bowling set
8. Custom wooden name puzzle
9. Learning Tower

Stay tuned for other gift guides coming your way!

This year’s gift guide covers just about everything on Livvy’s wishlist or toys she already owns and LOVES. I added a variety of toys too, because she doesn’t just only play with wood toys or only with electronic toys. I believe there’s something in this guide for every type of child.

1. Brown Bear Puzzle Blocks game: If your kid is as obsessed with Brown Bear as much as mine, get them this.
2. Egg Hatching Game: Livvy recently became fascinated by these, as the chicks make a sort of “peep” sound when you press down on them. Great for teaching sounds.
3. Music kit: This is very similar to the one Livvy has but has A LOT more. Wish I would’ve purchased this kit for her instead! And all a great value.
4. Expandable Ball: I am currently using this for speech therapy for Livvy and for working on getting her to focus. She loves making the ball get big and then small again, and likes to see how it works.
5. Melissa & Doug race car ramp: Another major win from this beloved toy brand! Livvy plays with this daily. If you have a kid that loves to tinker or loves cars, get them this! The bottom of the ramp provides at least 5 different ways to play with this to help your child learn sounds, science and more.
6. Activity Cube: Livvy has one of these and typically chooses a different side each day. Each side provides different types of entertainment.
7. Melissa & Doug Baby Doll: Livvy has this baby doll and the excitement on her face when I first gave it to her was truly one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever experienced with her. The body is nice and plush and “feels life-like.” Excellent choice for pretend play!
8. 100 words electronic book: Livvy also has this book and is getting really good with recognizing objects to their words. It’s a nice change from a standard board book as this one is more interactive.
9. LeapFrog Speak & Learn puppy: Just purchased this for Livvy as a Christmas present! We are huge fans of LeapFrog toys & Livvy is a huge fan of puppies, so its a win-win lol.
10. Stackable rings: These are similar to the ones Livvy has, but I think these have better colors and the high contrast colors will be great for baby or toddler.
11. Melissa & Doug Take Along Sorting Barn: All kids seem to love farm animals, and this particular toy works on sorting, organization and also teaches about all of the animals.
12. Melissa & Doug Take Along Tool Kit: For the child who loves to build!
13. Melissa & Doug Show Pony Stable: Livvy absolutely adores these horses. What I found really neat was the fact that the bottom of the barn talks about each of the different horse breeds & what they’re known for. There’s always something really educational with Melissa & Doug toys & that’s why we have as many as we have for Livvy.
14. Kitty Kat Keyboard: Livvy was at a friend’s house and seemed to really enjoy this, so we picked one up for her for Christmas!
15. Animal Nesting Dolls: Another great recommendation from a speech pathologist friend of ours! Grabbed these for Livvy for Christmas as well.

OTHERS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COLLAGE GRAPHIC:

16. Little Tikes First slide

17. Learning tower (great for being able to help bake/learn with countertop surfaces)

18. Minnie Mouse Ride On Car

19. 3-wheel scooter

20. Veterinarian pretend play kit

21. Melissa & Doug Frozen Treats pretend play

22. Melissa & Doug Beauty salon pretend play

23. Melissa & Doug Grocery Store companion collection — pairs REALLY WELL with the Melissa & Doug Food in food groups (Livvy has these and loves them)

24. Melissa & Doug Magnetic Chalk Board with alphabet letters

25. Melissa & Doug Baking play set

26. Wooden name puzzle— customized with your kid’s name!

27. Wooden kids bowling set

28. Wooden Hand Crafted Baby Gym

29. Children’s play teepee

30. Wooden Kids cutting board

Stay tuned for more!

You may have seen the post on my Instagram feed featuring a dessert-like shake I drink as my post-workout treat. I wanted to share it on here with all of the products featured, including my Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder. One scoop of this unflavored powder can reap many, many benefits for hair, skin, nails, athletic performance** bone & joint health**, among many others. I’ve used it in my morning coffee or chai as well! For now, I’m sharing my go-to protein smoothie below until I come up with a few other tasty recipes in the kitchen.

You’ll need:

• Chocolate protein powder: I use a plant-based protein powder but whey is completely fine too!
• Peanut Butter: I prefer Skippy Naturals just for taste. I used to use organic PB but I’ve had a sensitivity to a lot of nuts after having my daughter…no idea why, but our bodies are crazy like that.
• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: Comes with the scoop—these are unflavored, so they will not impact the taste of your drink whatsoever.
• One Banana: To make your smoothie colder, use a frozen banana!
• Unsweetened unflavored coconut milk (or milk of choice)— I prefer coconut milk to cut back on my dairy intake and it makes the smoothie feel lighter.

Directions:

1. Place one scoop of chocolate protein powder, one tablespoon of peanut butter, one scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, and one banana in the blender. Add your milk (use as much or as little as you like depending on your desired thickness).
2. Blend well & enjoy immediately!

Hope y’all enjoy this recipe! I’ll be back with more.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Figured I’d hop on here real quick (as I know y’all love a good bargain as much as I do), and share a few Amazon home, beauty and kids finds I recently purchased or already own.

1. Face Washing Headbands: Comes in a pack of three! Great for removing makeup at the end of the day, and keeps your hair from getting wet. You can find them HERE.
2. Melissa & Doug Wooden Fishing Puzzle: Purchased this for Livvy as I’ve noticed she seems to enjoy playing with wooden toys. The fish have magnets attached to them so the wooden fishing stick can pick them up. Really cute and a lot of simple entertainment. You can find it HERE.
3. Stride Rite Tulip Sandals: These are pricier children’s sandals, but everyone raves about them, including my mother who used to buy them for me! As y’all are aware I have been on the hunt for well-fitted children’s sandals for Livvy and I’m hoping these fit her properly. You can find them HERE.
4. Glycolic Resurfacing Facial Pads: Bought these to use on my face at before bedtime. These also having glowing reviews, so I hope they work well for my skin! You can find them HERE.
5. Stride Rite SR Tech Sandal: Also bought these for Livvy to have another option to choose from. I’m going to be keeping only one of the two pairs, but both had great reviews so I figured we’d try both before making a decision. You can find this style HERE.
6. Faux Hydrangeas: Bought these because I am in the process of making a faux flower arrangement with a vase I purchased on sale from Target (can find the vase HERE for those interested). I couldn’t find a single batch that were inexpensive AND good quality so I think there’s 10 of these coming in, bless. At least there’s room for trial and error, lol. I’m planning on using these in the vase and adding it on top of the small book stack at the entryway of our house. You can find the faux flowers HERE.
7. Dead Sea Mud Mask: Another Amazon beauty product that is brimming in 5-star reviews. Who doesn’t love a good face mask? I’ll be using this when baby girl goes down for her naps, or before bedtime. You can find the face mask HERE.
8. Cold Brew Coffee Maker: I really needed to pick this up because I can’t afford to keep going to Starbucks every single day for a cold brew… this contraption is another one that has a cult following and is loved by many. You can find it HERE.
9. Chanel Coffee Table Book: I’ve had my eye on this book for YEARS. Yes, years. No joke. But I didn’t want to spend $40 + on it…I love books, but not enough to spend $40 for a book that sits for decoration. This one is finally on sale for only $18 so I just picked it up for our home. You can find it HERE.

Hope you guys love these!

Xo, Theodora Jane

We’ve been slowly getting our California house together bit by bit, but because it’s a rental and we don’t plan to permanently settle here, we haven’t wanted to invest a fortune into decor. I’ll be honest— the architecture and style of the homes in our area is so far from the modern farmhouse I desire, so decorating both the interior and exterior of the house has posed quite a challenge.

During my hunt for budget-friendly decor I stumbled across a few finds from both Target and Walmart. Never thought I’d be singing the praises of Walmart furniture but the company must have undergone a major rebrand or makeover of some sort, because the quality and offerings of products have skyrocketed while the affordability factor has remained mostly the same. In short, I’m impressed.

I knew this summer I absolutely wanted proper patio furniture, but also knew I wasn’t going to spend an arm and a leg. Most patio furniture I’ve come across online tends to run for $600 and up–and while I’m sure it’s excellent quality, not worth the $$ if you’re a military family like us preparing for another move in possibly less than a year. I snagged this patio set on sale for about $270. The price has gone up a little since, but I’d still consider it affordable. It’s a smaller conversation set, so definitely perfect if you don’t want a larger patio set up or have a smaller porch. The rug looks far better in person than on the photo and was only $19 from Home Depot (which is a steal, as most of the rugs I was finding were $100 and up). Our pillows were also on sale. All details linked below:

• Patio set HERE — similar HERE , HERE , and HERE (wanted to give y’all a few options in color and price).
• Throw pillows HERE and HERE
• Patio area rug HERE — linking a cute Target option HERE for $64 .

We’re also trying to work with the interior of our home, so I wanted to share a few affordable Walmart home finds. We haven’t purchased all of these pieces just yet. My last order included the pillows, the mirror, the cotton plant, and the dish rack. I have the lantern in my cart as well as the vase and dish set. We have a clock very similar to the one shown, as well as the candle holders. I also wanted to share the throw blankets with y’all because they’re so simple, fun and practical. All are linked below!

• Dish rack HERE (it is sort of a splurge as far as dish racks are concerned, but we have other Simple Human kitchen products and they’re indestructible). We actually purchased the compact version of the Simple Human dish rack, but it isn’t on Walmart, so I’ll link it HERE via Amazon. More affordable option HERE
• Throw pillows: blue patterned pillow HERE , neutral tassel pillow HERE
• Antique gold mirror HERE
• Cotton plant accent HERE (that vase I believe is not included)
• Farmhouse clock HERE
• Dish set HERE
• Grey vase HERE
• Wooden lantern HERE
• Candle holders HERE
• Throw blankets HERE

Hope that gives any of y’all looking to redecorate or start decorating some inspiration!

Xo, Theodora Jane