Weekend Links: Cuatro

We are swinging into the weekend and I realize that I have totally dropped the ball on this series. I am so behind on posts. I must have 10 half-written blog posts, but I am trying so hard to take the pressure off myself and listen to what I need right now in life, which is a lot of rest.

Remember that in these Weekend Links posts, there will always be a 'Question of the Week'. If you respond to it in the comments below you will be in the running to win something from me that I will mail to you as a token of my appreciation for reading the blog.

Family Friendly Tour Guide: TEMPE, ARIZONA

A few weeks ago, we had the honor of being the guests of Tempe Tourism in Tempe, a hip little town located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix. I grew up in Arizona, and a lot of my family still lives there. But even though I am familiar with the state, there is something magical about getting to play tourist and seeing it through the lens of our two-year-old daughter.

Arizona holds an extraordinary place in my heart and my fondness for Tempe, in particular, grew so much over the duration of this trip. We hope you get the chance to visit soon!

Below is a family-friendly tour guide on everything you need to see and do in Tempe, Arizona. Enjoy!

Our Kitchen Refresh Begins

Goodbye dark kitchen! We are so excited to get started on our kitchen refresh and wanted to make sure that we brought you along with us. We bought our house in August 2016 and have been slowly adding/changing little bits to the home to make it ours. While this kitchen is completely functional and quite beautiful, we have always felt that it doesn't entirely match our aesthetic. We are hoping to go for more of a bohemian zen vibe to match the rest of the house. Think layered textures, earthly materials and artistry!

Where Did February Go? Reflections + Ramblings

The last time I posted was on February 18th. I cannot believe it's been that long since I have said hello to you. These last few weeks have been particularly rough on my family.

Winter was hit back to back with two viruses, and after caring for her for eight days straight, I got the same plague and Perry was left to fend for himself.

I feel like I haven't seen the sky in weeks and to be honest, I am starting to lose myself.

MotherhoodTerra LaRockMarch 2, 2018PPD, postpartum depression, postpartum ocd, mommy bloggerComment

10 Ways to Cope When Others are Getting Pregnant and You're Trying to Conceive

I know how hard it can be to hear about your friends and family members becoming pregnant when you are trying to conceive. There is a constant tug-of-war between the joy that you feel for those who are pregnant coupled with the disappointment that you feel for yourself. This dichotomy of emotions can be difficult to navigate and to be honest, there is no perfect way to navigate it gracefully.

In an effort to help those who are going through the waiting game of trying for a baby, I've put together a list of ten ways to cope when others are getting pregnant and you're trying to conceive.

A Metallic Skirt for Any Occasion

While I love a good basic thermal and a pair of jeans, I am really trying to incorporate pops of color and texture into my wardrobe.

I recently slipped on this pleaded metallic skirt and felt like a million bucks.

I love how versatile it is. I could comfortably wear this to a bridal shower or dress it down as I did in these pictures for a fun mid-mod inspired outing (aka. a lunch date with friends!).

Keep scrolling for outfit details plus a little round-up that I did of some other pleated skirts that I have been eyeing.

FashionTerra LaRockFebruary 17, 2018best pleated skirts for spring, pleated metallic skirts, new fashion blogger, mom blogComment

Valentine's Day Letter to My Love

Perry,

Winter keeps saying that you hung the moon (referring to the actual moon mirror that you hung in our living room). But even though she isn't talking figuratively when she says this, I couldn't think of a better way than to open this letter than to say, babe, in our life, you most definitely hung the moon.

MarriageTerra LaRockFebruary 14, 2018love and marriage, love letter, mom blogger Comments

Master Bedroom Tour

We shoot in the master bedroom so often and it dawned on me that I have never done a full tour.

Our room isn't super big, but it has plenty of character complete with unique ledges and an on-suite bathroom.

We kept this room as simple as possible, filling the space with timeless pieces that we hope to have for forever. We wanted our room to feel inviting and minimal. I love how it came together and am excited to be sharing it with you.

Weekend Links: Tres

Happy Friday, Everyone. I am really looking forward to this weekend. I have a girl's night planned to celebrate a few of our birthdays. I feel really lucky because so many of college friends from Arizona live in Colorado, and although we are spread across the state, when we do get together, we have the best time.

The Perfect Velvet Valentine's Day Dress

This swift dress from Nordstrom is the perfect mix of retro and elegance. I like how it's not too formal, and I can't get enough of the hints of romance with the open back and bishop selves. It is a wee bit short when you put your arms up, so I think it would look great with some black tights and ankle boots.

FashionTerra LaRockFebruary 8, 2018velvet mini dress, velvet dress for Valentine's Day, best velvet dressComment

Valentine's Day Wish List For Him + Her

Love is in the air! I am such a sap for anything romance related so I thought I would round up a few items that Perry and I have been eyeing lately. We are spending Valentine's Day in Arizona, and we can't wait to escape the cold. Almost every year Perry and a handful of high school friends, together with wives and children (every year another child or 2), have gathered together to reunite and be silly. This great get together has traditionally fallen on President's Day weekend, and since we're adding on extra days this year, we will also get to spend Valentine's Day with family! We can't wait to slip into our swimsuits and hit up the heated pools and hot tubs.

Happy almost Valentine's Day, everyone!

Trying for Baby 2: Reframing the Waiting Game

Another month passes, and as I get closer and closer to the nine-month mark of trying for baby #2, I can't help but imagine what it would be like to be almost due and nearly 40 weeks pregnant. We have now been trying as long as it would have taken to carry a baby to term.

I spend so many moments imagining my sweet Winter no longer being my only child and at the same time, being fully present. I fear if I spend too much time daydreaming about the future that may or may not be, I am inadvertently wishing her to grow up a little quicker than fate intends, and God knows that I don't want to do that.

Craving Spring with Kroma Phone Cases

Although we have had a mild winter in Colorado so far, there have been a few stretches of days where we haven't seen the sun and it's been too cold to go outside.

Right around the time that February makes its way onto the front page of our calendar, I notice myself forward thinking about and craving spring; and instead of resisting it, I let the excitement set in as we start to plan out our backyard garden.

The first step in the process is to always visit our favorite greenhouse to talk to the employees and owner about design plans and soak in the beautiful sights of greenery.

Sweet Valentine's Day Crafts For Kids

Happy February, everyone! I can't stop thinking about how I felt in February three years ago as it was the month that we found out that we were pregnant with Winter. It's such a unique memory for us.

I have always loved to celebrate love, and while I don't always get caught up in the commercialism of Valentine's Day, I really love any excuse to decorate with hearts and do things with my family that is all things LOVE related.

Winter is getting to the age where she is enjoying arts and crafts and helping me when I create fun things. Below is a little round-up of the Valentine's Day crafts that we intend to try together as a family.

Morning Meditations in Motherhood

There is a new technique that I have been trying in the mornings with Winter that I wanted to share with you. It's called 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and it's as simple as the name!

Sometime during the day take two minutes to tap into all five senses and observe what is going on around you. I find the most simple moments for this meditation technique is when I am getting my daughter ready for the day, heating up my morning coffee or when I am doing the laundry. Here's how it works:

Weekend Links: Dos

Well, due to the recent events that took place with our little one (you can read it about it, here), I am way behind on the blog, including Weekend Links.

Remember that in these Weekend Links posts, there will always be a 'Question of the Week'. If you respond to it in the comments below, you will be in the running to win something from me that I will mail to you as a token of my appreciation for reading the blog. Last week, I sent everyone who commented and gave me their address a small package :)

Top 7 Apps/Services to Help You Organize Your Life

I don't know if you're like me, but I tend to get so overwhelmed with clutter. There is so much clutter in my house, on my phone and in my mind. Clutter just seems to be the one thing that I can't seem to tackle. This isn't good because I notice that when my external space is less organized, the less regulated I feel on the inside.

Dear Daughter: A Letter Of Gratitude

Dear Winter,

It's been awhile since I have written to you. I feel like in the last week, following the accident you had (you can read about it more, here), we have become even closer than I ever thought imaginable.

MotherhoodTerra LaRockJanuary 21, 2018dear daughter, letters to baby, mom blog, top mom bloggers Comments

Marriage After Baby: Adopting Some New Ways to be Selfless + Connect

I can't believe it's been nearly three months since my last marriage update. I feel like so much has happened since October. Perry and I are making daily strides to redefine our relationship and stay a cohesive, loving team.

Play Kitchen Essentials

Winter is really starting to get into pretend play. We spend hours "making" pancakes and sandwiches and feeding our furry friends such as all of her stuffed animals and our dog.

I searched high and low for the best products out there to complete her kitchen set, and I wanted to share them all with you. I love that she can cook alongside us while we make dinner. I hope you all enjoy these products as much as we do. Not only is playing kitchen great for a child's imagination, but it also helps to develop strong eye-hand coordination and fine-motor skills!