Hello Celeste

lifestyle and motherhood blog from pasadena, california
MUST HAVES WITH BABY

HOW TO EASILY GET YOUR TODDLER TO GO TO BED

By on February 17, 2018

Our Bedtime Routine is a daily task that we are close to having mastered. I am lucky that my daughter has always loved sleep, but there are a few things we do that encourage her to get yawning at night.

The first step of our bedtime routine is bath time. Having a bath is a great way to signal it’s time to wind down for the evening. I like to introduce calming scents in and around the bath to help get my little one feeling cozy and ready for cuddles. A few weeks ago we said goodbye to baths and switched to showers. She actually really enjoys standing showers and it’s been a lot faster of a process, too.

This is the Shower Filter I shared on Instagram. It helped us SO much getting Lila to have eczema free skin. With her normal skin care routine and this filter she is doing great!

In the shower I’ll wet her bath sponge and put a nickel size of body wash on it. I’ll rub this all over her body focusing on the skin that was exposed that day. Usually arms and legs. Then I will wash off the soap and wrap her in a towel without drying her off.

While she is all wrapped up I take her straight to her bed and lay her down. With her skin still damp I apply her eczema cream onto her applicator and rub it into her problem areas. Her areas that will flare up are her knees, behind the knees, her elbows, her left foot, and her left hand. Then I put on her pajamas and move on to her hair.

I always spray her hair with detangler and then work through it with a wet brush. Once it’s brushed and there are no tangles I’ll work about a dime size of mousse through her hair starting at the ends. It makes a huge difference in the way her hair looks the next day! We can’t get enough of this particular jelly mousse. I love that it keeps her hair in place and still feels soft to the touch. No crunchiness!

Next we brush teeth, I recently found a toothbrush for her that I really like. I’ll link it along with all my bedtime favorites at the bottom of this post.

Now that she is all ready for bed we will play in her room together for about half hour. I’ll put on her sound machine or play some calming music, in effort to keep the mood ready for sleep. When it is time to turn out the lights I will cuddle next to her and then usually she will fall asleep pretty quickly.

And…. That’s our routine! It usually takes an hour start to finish. It’s a lot shorter since we switched to showers from baths. I do notice it helps her to get the last little bit of energy out to play in her room after bath time. That was something that I didn’t know to do until it just happened one night and she fell asleep so much faster. So now it’s just part of the routine. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments. Happy Snoozing!

An Easy Toddler Bedtime Routine

  1. Bath Time

  2. Listen To Soothing Music

  3. Put On Pajamas

  4. Brush Teeth

  5. Read A Book

  6. Spend Time Cuddling

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FUN AND SIMPLE VALENTINE’S TO MAKE WITH YOUR TODDLER

By on February 6, 2018

We spent yesterday getting ready for Valentine’s Day with my favorite little Galentine. I love to make holidays festive for my little lady and she loves to help pick presents for others. Especially when there is chocolate involved. We stopped at our local See’s Candies for some of their fabulous chocolates and yummy lollipops for our friends and family. It’s our go to chocolate shop for every holiday. And in my opinion it’s the best gift to receive. We picked up a few boxes of their lollipops along with some lollipop holder Valentine’s cards. They are so dang cute and the best part is Lila can put them together all by herself. She thought it was so fun and really felt ‘involved.’ She got to pick the flavor for each of her friends (vanilla for everyone!) and also scribbled a little something on each card.

We also got a few bags of their chocolate hearts to tape one to the cards Lila wants to make for a few of her cousins and special friends.  That is if there are any left because I can’t stop eating them. Ha!

Are you ready for Valentine’s Day?
*This post has been sponsored by See’s Candies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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ALL THINGS FEMME

SKINCARE TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WINTER

By on January 23, 2018

I am so excited to share with you some skincare tips to help you get through the winter months. As much as I love the winter, I hate how it makes my skin feel. Things are looking up this winter since I got to hear from the amazing Dr. Barba, a dermatologist from Dove. She shared some ways to get your skin through these winter months and looking it’s best just in time for spring.

These are my top 3 tips that’ll be sticking to this winter:

 

  1. Care for your underarms.

Dr. Barba notes that underarm skin is sensitive and can easily be irritated by the textures of the garments we all use to bundle up this time of year. That’s why we need a product that keeps us hydrated and protected. Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirantis formulated with moisturizers to help alleviate irritation and leave you with softer and smoother underarms, as well as 48-hour wetness protection.

I recently had a pretty bad irritation in my underarms and it had me reevaluating all the products I was using as well as my daily routine. Underarm care is something that I used to overlook completely. I had no idea how much something as simple as the texture of my clothing could irritate me. I also was using a few different deodorants and threw them all out and I am sticking with my og deodorant since the junior high locker room days, Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant. Right now I am loving the beauty finish scent. Makes me smell and feel feminine all day long. Check out Dove Advanced Care online.

 

  1.  Lay off the intense exfoliation.

Exfoliating feels great, but when you do it too much or too often it actually removes the essential oils from the skin, which can lead to breakouts. So get rid of those dead skin cells regularly, but don’t exfoliate so much that you’re dehydrating your skin even more. Something I am way too guilty of is over exfoliating. When I am in the shower I scrub, scrub, scrub! These past few weeks I have taken the exfoliators out of my shower and I notice my skin is already thanking me. Who would have thought less is more?

 

  1. Get into a bedtime routine.

Bedtime is the best time to hydrate your skin. If you’re looking to decrease collagen breakdown you might want to consider these three quick steps recommended by Dr. Barba before hitting the hay:

  1. Wash your face.
  2. Apply a retinol.
  3. Moisturize.

My bedtime routine really is key. A simple 3 steps keep it realistic for doing long term. I found myself loving my moisturizer more and more even though I hate putting creams/lotions on, my skin is really thanking me.

 

Thank you for reading and I hope these tips help someone else get through the winter months.

*This post has been sponsored by Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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MOM LIFE | MUST HAVES WITH BABY | TRAVEL

CITY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: PACKING LIGHT WITH TODDLER

By on December 30, 2017

The older Lila gets the less we usually need while on an outing. I try my hardest to travel light, but I admit I have a safety net knowing that I packed our car for just about every scenario. I find myself wanting to carry a diaper bag even less when my husband is out with us. Don’t get me wrong I sure do love carrying a bag but sometimes when you’re in the city it’s just easier to travel light.

Since Lila is still in diapers one thing that we can’t ever leave in the car is diapers, wipes, and a changing mat. I absolutely love this changing kit from Skip Hop. I have been using the exact system since Lila was just a baby. I love that there is a place for the essentials and easily clips to the stroller or can slip into the under basket. I am a sucker for anything blush so I just upgraded to their new blush print! I love the textured pattern on the front and it feels so good getting a new, clean one. This time I tossed the red wipes case that it came with and threw in my favorite wipe holder in it’s place. I should have done this years ago!

Aside from packing light, we also travel light with the coolest stroller ever. We have had this stroller forever but it never gets old how small it folds up. It folds up into the size of diaper bag and has a carrying strap for you to hold it by. When we park in parking structures and have to walk up the stairs my husband will carry it and I’ll carry Lila. Then we get to the car we talk about how awesome it is that we didn’t have to wait for the elevator. Ha! It’s also useful for those restaurants that aren’t exactly kid friendly and don’t know what to do with your stroller while you eat. We just fold it up and throw it under the table.

I actually get stopped almost every time we go out and people ask about my stroller. Either they know what model it is already or they’ll say ‘is that the one that folds really small?’ My husband will roll his eyes overtime we get stopped because he knows I love to talk about our stroller with strangers while we are out.

So this our travel system right now! Light, practical, and easy to transport from point a to point b. If you have any questions let me know in the comments.

 

Gear: Stroller// Changing Station// Wipes Case // Bottle Bag

My Outfit: Shoes// Sunglasses 25% off with code: CELESTEDIFF

Lila’s Outfit: Dress// Leggings// Shoes

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MUST HAVES WITH BABY

PUT A NAME BUBBLE ON IT

By on December 18, 2017

From play group to play dates our sippy cups get thrown around. Our favorite little pink cup used to stand out from the crowd but these days it has become more and more popular. When searching for a name label it was important to me that the label was waterproof. We wash our cups so much that I didn’t want to have to reapply a new label every time I washed it. I found these labels from Name Bubbles and they are perfect. They are waterproof and actually pretty life proof! Our cups get tossed around so much so these labels really come to the rescue, making sure we always know which cup is ours.

If you are looking for some labels for your kiddos these are the way to go! I also snagged a 15% off code for you too 🙂 Enter promo code: OHHELLO at checkout.  UNICORN LABELS PACK

XO,

Celeste Wright

 

*This post has been sponsored by Names Bubbles. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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MOM LIFE

HOW I AM SKIPPING THE GROCERY LINES WITH MY TODDLER

By on November 27, 2017

We have all been there.

Well at least I’ve been there. With an overtired and cranky toddler getting pushed around in a shopping cart desperately trying to get each item on my list into the cart. We pass by the crackers, she cries for crackers, I give her the crackers. We pass by the cookies, she cries for cookies, I give her the cookies. And so on and so forth. Before I know it I can’t even see my kid because she is under a pile of snacks in the shopping cart. Then we get into the checkout line and out comes my telephone my kid is so sugar-ified that now she wants to run around. This is just fine for a Tuesday morning at 9am, but the last thing I wanted to do during this busy holiday season.

I have been using Milk and Eggs service instead of going to the grocery store for months now. Their produce is absolutely amazing. I would compare their their fruit and veggies to farmer’s market quality, but with grocery store prices. (Yeah, score!) But really the best part is I take the shopping list off of my refrigerator and after my toddler is asleep I sit down and on my phone or computer I make my order. It’s delivered to my doorstep before I wake up the next morning and I start the day feeling productive with a well stocked kitchen.

I can’t say enough good things about this service, or about not having to to grocery shopping with my two year old. I mean I love shopping with her at the mall, Target, or wherever. But grocery shopping? Skip. If you want to try Milk and Eggs with me this holiday season I snagged you a 40% off coupon- and 40% off groceries, I mean c’mon. When does that ever happen?! Happy Holidays everyone!

Enjoy 40% off your first purchase at MilkandEggs.com when you click this link or copy and paste it in a new browser: http://i.refs.cc/7oLxIJB5      (coupon will automatically be applied to your cart)

*Photos by Rebecca Orlandini Photography

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MOTHERHOOD | OUTFITS FOR MOM | TODDLER FASHION FAVORITES

WAYS TO PROMOTE TODDLER INDEPENDENCE

By on November 21, 2017

Hi Everyone!

It’s no secret that my little lady, Lila, is my BABY. I have defiantly been known to be a helicopter parent because I am pretty much that girl’s shadow. Since she is my first and only kid I have been keen on not missing a moment. I mean, not missing a singlemoment. She spends nearly one hundred percent of her time with me. I rarely will have my mom watch her for any reason. I can’t explain why I feel so attached to her, I just never want to be without her. Does anybody else feel that way?

Now that Lila is in full on kid mode I wanted to share with you ways that I have been encouraging her independence in different ways around the house. It’s hard for me sometimes to stop myself from just doing everything for her.

 

In The Kitchen

  • If I am cooking in the kitchen, I give Lila a special title of “Kitchen Helper.” She begs to be called this and will do anything I ask as long as she is referred to by this nickname. Figuring this out was a game changer in getting her excited to help out.
  • While in the kitchen I will ask her help for getting ingredients out the refrigerator. She can reach even the highest shelf in our fridge so unless something is really far back or blocked by a lot of other items, she can grab things with ease.
  • When the ingredients are being chopped or mixed I try to include her as much as possible while still being safe. Her favorite thing to do is pour pre-measured ingredients into bowl or mix with spoon in bowl.
  • When lunch is getting cooked I will hand her items to put items in trash. She really loves putting things in the trash can and my husband will ask her to do this from all over the house.

 

Mealtime

  • One thing I have never done is fed Lila. You know like put some on a spoon and fly it into their mouth pretending it’s an airplane? Not me. Ever since Lila started eating solid food I put her plate in front of her with a fork/spoon and let her have at it. At first mealtime was pretty messy, but the better her hands got with utensils the less messy it became. Since she has never had help, she doesn’t expect it. She is very independent when it comes to eating and even picking what she is hungry for.
  • I usually will offer two options and let her pick. This makes it easy because she has control over what she is eating while I get to pick what the options are. We do this for snacks and full meals.
  • When mealtime is over Lila will actually ask for a wipe and wipe her own face. It is something she started doing all on her own and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She sometimes needs help with her hands and if she asks I will help her.

Dressing

  • I have shared this before but Lila’s Montessori closet has a clothing rack with all of her available options. The majority of her outfits that she wears inside or outside daily are all created by her. I do monitor which selections go on the rack, but when it comes to picking outfits it is all her. Unless we are taking photos where she needs to be wearing a specific outfit. I really do try to never go against her outfit choices once they have been picked out.
  • Things that she can do by herself while getting dressed/undressed include:
  • pulling her shirt off of her head
  • pushing her arms through sleeves 
  • pulling her socks off 
  • putting her shoes on
  • pulling her shoes off
  • putting shoes in the shoes basket by our front door

Laundry

  • I have shared this before but Lila’s Montessori closet has a hamper where she puts her own clothes in a dirty bin after they have been worn.
  • When the bin fills up she will help me transfer the clothes from bin to washer, washer to dryer, and dryer to bin.
  • We are having a hard time learning how to fold without turning the clothing into scrunched up piles. We will get there! haha. (Tips welcomed!)

 

In The Bathroom

  • Washing handsis something that I do need to watch her do because she is up on a high stool. But she does the water and soap all on her own.
  • Letting me know she needs a new diaper. She will always tell me when she needs a new diaper and even go and get one for me to change her.Potty training is around the corner and that’s a whole new ball game.
  • This is simple but I alwayslet her pick which towel to use when she gets out of the bath. She will pick it before hand and we use it when she needs to dry off.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed these simple ways I am encouraging independence at home. We are adding to the list everyday it seems that before I know it I’ll have a little citizen on my hands.

*Photos by Rebecca Orlandini Photography

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MY DAY IN LA | OUTFITS FOR MOM | TODDLER FASHION FAVORITES

A WEEKEND AWAY AT THE JAMAICA BAY INN

By on November 15, 2017

Hi Friends!

Happy Monday. I have swing music playing in our clean living room with our bags already unpacked and I am feeling like it is indeed a happy Monday. Last Friday we headed west to Marina Del Rey and stayed at the Jamaica Bay Inn- the cutest spot right on the beach. When we arrived to the hotel it was pretty late at night and pitch dark outside so we went straight to our room. Lila was so excited to be in a new place and wanted to explore so badly. I told her in the morning we would make sure to explore every inch of the place but that she had to go to bed. When we woke up in the morning we went straight to our balcony and realized how beautiful the grounds were. The sun was shining bright and you could smell the ocean breeze- it was pretty fantastic.

For breakfast we ordered room service and watched Disney Channel with Lila on the bed. If that’s not vacation I don’t what it is! After breakfast we got dressed and walked around the grounds and then the beach. There was an adorable playground right there on the beach and we had to tear Lila away from it. When we all have worked up an appetite from playtime we took a short walk back to the hotel restaurant. That restaurant became a quick favorite of mine, their fish tacos I am already craving again! After lunch at the hotel we checked out the gorgeous heated pool with a view. Lila absolutely loves to swim and the temperature of this pool was beyond. When we were done at the pool we went back to the room and gave Lila a shower and got her in cozy clothes hoping we could get her to take a nap, since she got all of that exercise at the pool.

Later in the evening we stayed in the room since it was dark outside. What’s up with it getting dark at 4 o’clock these days?? The room was so cozy it was really easy to just hang out and lounge. We brought a small backpack of activates for Lila to do and play with so she was happy just to have music on and coloring with her toys around her.

I definitely did not miss home this trip. Something about those ocean ions just keep your mind at ease. I also loved our morning walks around the hotel. It was such a beautiful place to explore and experience. I already want to come back to just to get those fish tacos and go on a walk through the sand with Lila.

Thanks for reading! If you are looking for a place to stay while visiting Los Angeles, look no further!

 

XO,

Celeste Wright

 

*Thank to you the Jamaica Bay for hosting us this weekend.

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MOM LIFE | PLACES IN PASADENA

It’s #NationalBundtDay + Things I’m Thankful For

By on November 14, 2017

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and sometimes it is way to easy to get sucked into the holiday. This year I am doing best to not forget to look my left and look to my right, at the two most important people in my life. Lila is growing so fast that sometimes I want to stop myself from blinking. In my opinion she is at the perfect age. She is so fun to be around and so good at making an ordinary day feel special. I love that about her. She makes a simple trip to the grocery store a special adventure. Sometimes we are pirates looking for the perfect oranges and sometimes she’ll have a brilliant idea where we have to rush to the coffee shop to hide from the bergens.

I will take any excuse to have a relaxing afternoon with my girl. I hope everyone gets to enjoy a slice of cake outside in the sunshine today!

 *This post has been kindly sponsored by Nothing Bundt Cakes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
**Photos by Rebecca Orlandini Photography

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MONTESSORI | TODDLER FASHION FAVORITES

FALLING FOR FALL FASHION

By on September 28, 2017

Clothing Rack from Alluring Company

amber skirt leotard with long sleeves from Sugar Plum Lane Baby // deer skirt leotard with long sleeves from Sugar Plum Lane Baby // grey gingham romper from Sugar Plum Lane Baby // pumpkin romper from Sugar Plum Lane Baby // clementine ruffle leo from Remie Girl // “bonjour” overalls from Lily and Beau + 20% entire shop with code: CELESTE20// print harem romper from Hallmark Baby // swing dress in marigold from June and January

 

Hey Friends!

Today I wanted to share with you an update on Lila’s Montessori closet. Since October is creeping up on us I decided to swap out some of her blush pieces for a few pieces that are a bit more, fall. I love pumpkin colors on Lila!  I wanted to get a few key pieces that would work paired with pieces she already has in her closet as well as on their own.

Since it probably won’t get cold here in Los Angeles until later this year, I decided to get her a few rompers and dresses that she could wear on a warm day but could easily pair with tights and a sweater if it gets cold. The amber skirt leotard with long sleeves is Lila’s favorite piece on her rack and she wants to wear it everyday. We also got these Mini Melissa shoes that I am really excited about! What are some of your fall favorites?

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