As moms, if we’re being honest, we fancify the dining room table each holiday season to not only be pleasing to the eye but also to lay the foundation for the enjoyment of the meal and fellowship to come. However, we send the kids to eat at the kitchen island that may not possess similar aesthetics. Do they not deserve to have a space to dine with a fun-filled holiday vibe as well?

No need to go on a shopping spree. Unless you want to, of course! Simply pull together a few items that you already have in your possession, just as I have. My son and daughter tend to exchange words centered around what belongs to whom. Hence, the Mickey and Minnie plates. I simply took those to identify their specific place setting in lieu of place cards when setting up our kitchen island.

Additionally, I stuffed my Peters Pottery with extra beaded garland and supplemented it with simple, holiday accents and fresh flowers then placed on the kitchen island for that extra element of design.

During this holiday season, my kiddos have a space to eat pancakes on Sundays or celebrate the joy this season brings. The best part? It is an easy set-up to clean-up and refresh.

Check out our Holiday Edition Gift Guide for the ultimate shop-at-home experience and for more holiday articles. This magazine-style gift guide was created by moms for moms to make your shopping experience a little more enjoyable.

1. Basic White Tee

Don’t cheap out on this one as a great T-shirt can be worn over and over again. Throw it on with leggings and sneakers, or wear it with distressed jeans, heels, and fun jewelry. Dress it up with a skirt (long or short), and tuck it in, front tuck it, or knot it. Voilà – you have multiple outfits from one staple piece.

2. A Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is a must – and there are some great-looking, inexpensive options out there nowadays. Don’t be afraid to hit up Tar-Jay! Headed to the office? A leather jacket looks great with a pencil skirt and feminine blouse. Put it on over your favorite lacy dress to make a girly outfit feel edgier. What about those white tee looks? Add the jacket!

3. Over the knee boots

Trust me, you’ll end up wearing these more than you think. These elongate your legs and make everyone look taller (yes, even for you  shorties out there). Just remember, it’s all about outfit proportions when it comes to boots. You’ll want to wear these with some sort of body con pants – like leggings or a tight fitted pair of skinny jeans. Don’t go too long on your tops, as you want there to be gap between the boots and the bottom of your top. They’re also great with shorter skirts and mini dresses. If you’re not comfortable showing a little leg, throw on a pair of tights. There’s nothing better than a black dress, black tights, and tall black boots. You’ll feel (and look) long and lean!

Be sure to see more style tips from our Magnolia Moms Style Squad on our website and follow us on Instagram.

If you are a mom, you are too busy with getting the kids back-to-school in the first few weeks of fall to spend time worrying with fall fashion, but I’ve put together 5 simple items that can take any outfit to summer-to-fall and beyond! Most of these items you may even have stashed in your closet, but if you are in the market for a few new goodies, we have linked budget-friendly options for you below!

Staple #1 – The Utility Jacket

This item can be thrown on top of literally anything and change it from summer to fall! Because of the edgy details, it creates warmth but is lightweight enough to layer!

Staple #2 – Fall Hat

I was weary of the hat thing because as someone with dark hair, every hat I tried reminded me of the Wicked Witch of the West. Finally, I broke down and ordered a variety of different styles on Amazon and lo-and-behold, the right style hat can work beautifully! I encourage you to go to Walmart or Target and try a few various styles to find the right one for you. Also, I would recommend going with a tan, beige, blush or cognac tone.

Staple #3 – Animal Print Accessory

We live in a day and time where face masks are now considered a fashion accessory and necessary to function in society. I have my leopard print mask on rotation and I’m surprised at how it pulls everything together. Same goes for any animal print accessory – scarf, belt, cardigan, or booties!

Staple #4 – Ankle Booties

I love shoes more than the average female, so I am never upset by an excuse to purchase more shoes. Ankle booties that provide function and fashion are a true win-win! Go with a block heel for more comfort and a slight pointed toe for a sleek look.

Staple #5 – Sweater Tank

In the South, where I live – we don’t experience fall temps until closer to Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to LOOK like I’m experiencing fall temps. That’s why I love the Sweater Tank. It gives off a vibe of cooler weather without me dying in the still 90 degree weather. Again, I recommend a neutral color to transition you into winter, too.

What are you most excited for in the coming season?

The best rule of thumb when designing any new space is make a list of needs and wants. Try not to overthink this part when it comes to your nursery, start with your basics!

1. Selecting a Crib

There are thousands of cribs to choose from out there, so many beautiful options. My best advice is don’t bother with paying extra for the “convertible” crib that turns into a bed later. Find one that you love that fits your budget. Odds are you will never use past the baby bed stage. You will be ready for a change as soon as that itty bitty starts wiggling its way out of there.

2. Invest in Additional Storage

I always recommend to my client that storage is where you want to invest a little more money in. Select a dresser big enough that it can grow with them. Their things may be tiny now but as they grow, so do their clothes!

Invest in a good piece now and it can grow with them.  This can also be used as a changing table. Do not waste money on strictly buying a changing table. You will have that sucker listed on Facebook Market before you know it.  Buy yourself a changing pad with a washable cover and there you go!

Tiered trays, decorative boxes, or baskets make great storage solutions for diapers, wipes, lotions etc. Shelves above the dresser can also work for extra storage as well. These are inexpensive details that can make a very cute difference in the style.

3. A Comfy Chair is a Must

A comfy chair is a must for those late nights; one that rocks or glides, and a swivel can be nice. These are also available in many prices ranges to help fit your budget. I usually suggesting picking a neutral fabric just in case you plan on having another baby.

A pretty blanket and pillow make all the difference to help personalize a neutral chair. A small accent table with the chair comes in handy while you’re rocking your sweet angel to sleep.

Floor lamps can also work great in this space. When baby starts scooting around a table lamp can be an accident waiting to happen but a floor lamp is an safe alternative.

4. Find Your Inspiration

Whether you are having a boy or girl make baby’s nursery your own. After selecting your crib, storage, and that comfy rocking chair; fill in from there. Find something you love like a piece of art or a beautiful fabric and let that be your inspiration. Don’t stress over everything being perfect and pristine, its all going to get thrown up on eventually.

“Babies don’t keep” as they say and neither does a nursery so enjoy the process and do not overwhelm yourself. Stick to the basics with the furniture pieces and think outside the box with the details and accessories, they are what truly make the space personal and perfect for your baby to be.

Follow along and see how Victoria Prevost of Vintage Vic designed each unique tablescape by using the same base of plates and silverware. We hope you can take these ideas and find items in your own home to recreate these Spring designs.

A Little Bit of Whimsy

Spring brings flowers, bunnies, eggs, and chicks with it, but who says it has to be pinks and pastels? We love this take on Easter by using red, blue, and green as a base. Take a walk through a strawberry patch and see if you feel warm weather in the air!

The linens used for the whimsy tablescape is this green and white check table runner layered with an antique white linen trimmed in red, embroidered with red, blue and yellow eggs.

These adorable strawberry patch dishes were added to enhance the red and just brings a summer time feel. We love the ways the red berries tie in with the red accents and the yellow butterfly brings out the yellow eggs in the linen.

Start by adding some base items to the table. Books are always the perfect height-building item to use in design. We couldn’t love this metal, antique cake plate anymore as the center of the table design. Layer items to help you build height to your table, like these wine glasses and mirrored tray. Together they make the perfect display for your treasured item.

Now finish your table off with the perfect accessories and treasured pieces that you own or find at your local antique/thrift store. Here are some precious pieces, Vintage Vic, used to finish off this whimsy Spring tablescape.

This is a look that would bring a smile to the kiddos and grandparents face at Sunday dinner. We just love this fun, rustic, child-like design! What items do you have at home that could recreate this look?

Rustic Farmhouse Style

Using the base of the same white plates, flatware, and glasses; the linens are changed out for a lace, crochet table cover along with purple accent plants. The plates are the inspiration for the entire look of “rustic purple in Spring”.

Oh how we adore these purple flower and bird plates! Again, add the height-building items to add depth to your table such as books, plates, and nothing screams rustic farmhouse more than a dough bowl!

Vintage Vic filled this dough bowl with green moss, bright purple flowers and robins eggs.

Finish the look off with some of your favorite rustic finds. Here are a few treasures we found while shopping at Antique Aly!

Adding different colors and textures to your tablescape adds an unique and layered look that adds interest to any table. What do you think about the finished look?

Stately Antique Design

So spolier alert! As much as we loved the whimsy and rustic farmhouse looks, the simple details Vintage Vic added to this statly tablescape was a total winner.

Using the same base of white plates, she did change out the glassware and added the coffee cup and saucer. No formal Southern table is complete without a cup and saucer for coffee with your Hummingbird Cake for dessert.

Again the linens and accent plates were exchanged for this beautiful white linen tablecloth and these very simplistic almost retro plates. We just love the different styles and textures this table adds to our different design ideas.

Sticking to the simplicity of this look there is no height-building elements. There are several different layers of textures. This unusual centerpiece is a Wedgewood Rams Head soup tureen with antique door knobs used to resemble eggs in a basket.

But what seals the deal on this “stately” dinner tablescape are the concert bust of the dog and rabbit! And they’re in their best dinner attire. How perfect are these guys?

These two handsome guys are ready for a delicious Sunday roasted chicken dinner and we are too!! The completed look of this formal tablescape just really came together and we are so in love with everything about this! How do you think it turned out?

We hope our three different tablescape ideas have given you some inspiration to dig through your closets and cupboards and pull out all those old treasures you’ve kept tucked away. Start with your base of linens and dishes and build up from there!

A very special thank you to Vintage Vic and Antique Aly for putting together these amazing tablescapes. You can follow them both on facebook and on Instagram @msvintagevic and @antiqualyms.

But because I am a firm believer in stepping outside of my comfort zone to inspire and empower others to do the same, I put one foot in at a time and pulled the bikini bottoms up high! I wanted to share with you all the great suits I found.

I want to start by saying a little disclaimer. I realize that every single one of you is not 5’3 and weighing in at 130 lbs (ish….I haven’t weighed in awhile so that’s a guess). I have carried and given birth to two babies and I’ve gone up and down in the ten pound range the last couple of years (currently up on that side) AND I may be a bit fluffier than is socially acceptable to be posting public photos of myself in a bathing suit ….all that to say to you – mama – as you read this, be kind to yourself and be kind to me. We good? Then, let’s begin.

I am a huge fan of Target (I mean, aren’t we all?) but definitely for swimwear.

I have shopped with them in the last few years and love the styles and the sizing accommodations. The quality is also very good and the price is on point! I also know that most of us live near a Target store and can be a convenient place to shop and right now you can order online and have it shipped right to your door!

Important Details When Selecting Swimwear

When I am shopping for a swimsuit for my current season of life – I look for a variety of details. I prefer a higher waist in a two-piece and a supportive top that is sized in a bra-size versus a Small, Medium, Large. I prefer wide shoulder straps that don’t dig into my arms. I literally squat down a few times and bend down to act like I’m lifting a child while in the fitting room to make sure nothing falls out! When I am standing vertical again, I like to ensure I am not constantly “fixing” my suit. I have a 6 and a 4 year old and we go to the pool or beach, I am rarely just sitting pristinely on a beach chair reading a book (although I do love to do those things). I am up, digging in the sand, helping to jump waves, tossing kids in a pool, wrapping them up in towels, picking up all sorts of pool-beach toys, and have to be up in a seconds notice in case a float falls off. I also like to look cute and since it’s a sunny season I prefer color over black.

Winter Blues – Away

First up, this cute cobalt blue two piece. Even though the bottoms are a mid rise, they are still flattering and the top with the twist detail is really cute! I did all the jumping, squatting, and bending over things and it held up well. I also loved the back with the double straps. Just a small detail, but helpful for keeping things in place.

Red Hot

I loved this swimsuit! Except for I grabbed a Size Small and needed a Medium to give me some more length in the torso. Online there is a style that is actually called “Long Torso” and even though I wouldn’t have considered me having a long torso, I needed it more for support for the boobs. The ruffle detail was feminine and I loved the color! Perfect for when I have a tan – (Again!)

MONOKINI …huh?

This suit style has a name! It’s a Monokini and I was weary of it because it reminded me of a trying to step inside a straight jacket – but once I got it on, I was pleasantly surprised! The print was good and the lines were flattering. Again, I needed a medium to fit the best, but couldn’t run back for a second one.

Stripes Are Oh So Good

The fact that this checks off so of my boxes on my list is already a great start. Vertical stripes, a bra-size top, high-waisted bottoms, and super cute! The thinner straps were one of the only downside, but it was still very comfortable. Also, the cage cutout details are on-trend and modest, but add edge to my mom-vibe.

Color Blocks

This was one of my favorite suits! I love the colors and the way that the pattern flatters my shape. It comes with a neck strap and while with my kids I would need that – but I also felt very comfortable in this to be active and moving around while strapless. Overall, this took home best overall award!

Leopard and Ruffles

Eh – this one was o.k. Although as I write this, it has all the things that I don’t usually care for in a suit (thin straps, mid-rise, not a bra-size) and it didn’t deliver when I did the jump, squat, bend exercise. Cute print, but that’s about all it offered.

Color Block 2.0

I wanted to love this one as much as the other color block one because I love the colors and the cut, but for this one to be as comfortable I needed the size up and they didn’t have it in the store. (Size Medium). My boobs kinda fell out while bending over so that’s why I’m thinking it may not have worked – even in a bigger size, but if I was smaller chested maybe it wouldn’t be an issue. This may work well for our more-petite chested -gal pals!

Seeing Spots

I hesitated grabbing this one for the try-on because I thought it may be a bit too much going on, but the simplicity of the suit allows for all the colors and dots! It’s also a flattering fit and because it is full coverage, it allows for a lot of movement and flexibility without losing modesty! My daughter loved all the colors of this one (it was her favorite) and I did too.

Tropic Under

This should have checked a lot of my preferences, but I think in this print there was too much going on. I didn’t care much for the cut-out underneath the top and the tie at the high-waist. Maybe with a solid top the bottoms would be more desirable? Thank you, next!

That wraps up my post/review on Target swimwear for Moms! What was your favorite from the try on? What is your favorite style for swim season and your favorite place to shop?

Thank you for reading and be sure to share it with your mama-village!

And I want to share that process with you.

Both Krystal Watson, of Orderly Fashion, who transformed my master closet and Cassidy Turnage, of Chaos to Clean by Cass, who turned my catch-all laundry room into a workable space, used the same process to declutter and organize.

And it worked!

Krystal and I started in my master closet. See my embarrassing “before” photos below. I’m not sure how I found anything in that closet. Clothes I didn’t wear were crammed in with shoes all over the floor. I had so much stuff just thrown on shelves making it very difficult to find anything. Every morning was a struggle to find what I needed to get dressed for work.

Step 1. Pick one area in your home and remove everything from the space.

Pick just one area in a room, not the entire room. For example, select to start in the pantry as opposed to the entire kitchen. Work in small areas and then move to the next. Just work area by area. That way you don’t get too overwhelmed.

Remove all items from that space. Everything.

As you are removing the items, lay everything out on the floor or your bed in like categories, ie: skirts, jeans, t-shirts. Don’t try to purge at this point, just pull it all out. It’s important to note here that if you are purging clothes, shoes, accessories be sure to get those items for dressers and other closets you may have any of those items.

2. Clean the space.

Clean the space once you have everything removed. Once the space is empty wipe down shelves and cabinets for a clean surface. Vacuum or mop floors as well.

3. Start to purge your items.

During this step you need to ask yourself three questions:

• Can I still wear it/use it? This may be an item that no longer fits or you aren’t able to use because it no longer works. Important note here: don’t hang on to things with the intention of fixing it or one day getting back into that suit or dress. It needs to go!
• Is it still in style? You know that dress you’ve been saving since pre-baby hoping to one day wear it again? Well that was 13 years ago and no one is wearing baby doll dresses anymore. No matter the items, whether they are what-nots, table clothes, or shoes is it somethings that’s still stylish? If not, it needs to go!
• Do I love it? Look I get it somethings you just have to keep for necessity sake but when purging really ask yourself, “do I even like this thing?” When was the last time you used it or wore it? If it’s been longer than 4 months (and I’m being generous here) it needs to go!

While sorting your items during the purging process, create 3 different piles: keep, donate, and trash.

Be sure to bag up all trash and throw it away. Research donation centers in your area for a worthy charity to donate your clothes and household items. During my closet purging process I filled 5 garbage bags of clothes, shoes, blankets and sheets. I also donated 3 suits I had been holding onto for years that I had never worn. For the first time, I was able to see what I had in my closet.

Now for the keep pile.

4. Put all items back in the space.

It’s very important to find the proper organizing supplies for your space. Go through the baskets, totes and bins that you already have and see if you have anything that will work in your space.

I honestly found this to be one of the hardest steps to do on my own. I had a hard time determining which containers would work best. In my closet we used baskets I already had, saving me some money.

In the laundry room, I found these adorable little totes at Walmart for around $6. I needed 8 of them.

Be sure to replace all your hangers with non-slip hangers. I used Better Homes and Garden Non-slip Ultra Slim Hangers. These are thin, no slip hangers that work great with any items.

Label all containers with like items.

Krystal Watson, of Orderly Fashion, gave a few tips when organizing the items you are keeping. Keep shoes off the floor. Arrange your closet by color or lifestyle then color. My closet is organized by lifestyle: work wear, casual, lounging and sleepwear. Display beautiful shoes or handbags on shelves.

Purging and organizing your space doesn’t have to be hard. Do one small space at a time making it easy to manage so you don’t become overwhelmed and not complete the task. Hiring a professional can really help you let go of things you’ve been holding onto. They have a keen ability to find homes for those things you have no idea what to do with. Or they get rid of it!

Cassidy Turnage, of Chaos to Clean by Cass, reassured me that “it didn’t get this way overnight and it won’t be fixed overnight either. Live in the space once your have organized it and see if that works for you. If not, make adjustments.”

Simplifying and organizing your space makes it so much easier to find thing saving you time. And let’s face it that’s our most precious resource.

For more tips and motherhood stories visit www.magnolia-moms.com.