Melificent

Holiday Cards by Minted: Giveaway!

I know you may be thinking it is way too early to be scheming about holiday cards, but my friends…the time is nearing. We are only a few weeks away from the big guy in the red suit, and I’m here to be your trusty reminder: book those shoots. Book ’em because you are going to want to snag some of these beautiful holiday cards from Minted’s 2016 collection.

While searching through, I was not only happy to see so many great designs from independent artists, but also to see so many kinds of families represented in their selections: same sex, kids, childless, and fur babies! It’s refreshing to see a modern perspective on what a “family unit” is these days. With that said, these are some of my favorite designs of the bunch:

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I personally like my cards to be modern, understated and inclusive of all my family and friends that may not celebrate the same. I like a simple, positive message and I never say no to a little gold foil sparkle. I’ll be revealing which card I eventually chose, along with our corresponding holiday photoshoot, here on the blog, so make sure you stick around!

And I won’t be the only one revealing gorgeous Minted cards for the holidays. Two of my readers will be winning a $125 gift card to Minted to spend on your own holiday cards! Think of it as Christmas coming a little early. 😉
All you have to do is follow this link!
The giveaway will last one week (ends Halloween) + winners will be chosen shortly after. Good luck everyone!

 

Disclosure: this post was sponsored by Minted.com, but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Life with Luna: Hot Dog!

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Before we headed off to Disney to celebrate Luna’s big first birthday, we had a very small party at our place with close family and friends. Although Luna got a little overwhelmed with all the faces and ruckus, it was a good time. Funny to say that she handled the trip to Disney way better stimulation-wise, but it’s true! I think it is different when new people invade your own space.

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Since we were going on this big trip, we decided to keep the theme with Disney and made it a Mickey + Minnie party. Again, the whole point was not to shell out a bunch of cash for a party, but rather for a trip that we could all enjoy, so I kept things minimal. Sure, you may think this isn’t very minimal, but for a party planning obsessed nut, I assure you it is. Almost all the details were DIY’ed by yours truly, including the favor bags, mason jar vases, and glitter one. However, some of my favorite decor were the prints I got from ChatBooks. They now not only offer photo books, but also these beautiful prints. You get to choose which 5 you would like printed from each of your albums. I totally love them, and strung them off the large “ONE” balloon, as well as scattered them on the table. Now that the party is over, I have no idea what to do with them, so any ideas would be great! They are so beautiful and such amazing reminders of how much she has grown up already and all the moments we have shared.

Thank you so much to everyone for your feedback on my last very heartfelt and emotional post. These little ones really know how to do a number on your feels.

 

**This post was not sponsored by Chatbooks at all, I just love the service and wanted to share it with all of you.

 

One.

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I remember an old friend commenting on my gender reveal, “it’s like she’s always existed and is only just now showing up to the party.” I couldn’t have stated it better. I named my future daughter in high school, and since then, I have dreamed of Luna. Little did I know the heartache that would lead me to her. Just like I knew when her older sibling came into my world and soon after left it, the moment Luna showed up, my entire being perked. It was almost like the black and white world I was living in became awash with color. I find absolutely no coincidences in life. None. Luna was no different.

When I was at my lowest (about 4 months before becoming pregnant), I visited The Wizarding World. After spending about an hour in the wand shop looking at which wand spoke to me, then, in the depths of despair, loneliness and confusion, I chose Luna Lovegood’s wand. Because at that moment, I desperately wanted to be more like Luna: loyal, brave, honest, confident and unabashedly herself. Four months later, I returned to Wizarding World with my husband as a sort of do over to make new, better memories together. It was there, while riding on the Hogwarts Express, that I knew Luna was with me. No coincidence. And then, the color came back into my world.

And its never left.

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The term for babies conceived after a loss is “rainbow baby.” No coincidence. And funny enough, instead of the child learning from their parents, I feel like I’ve been the one learning this past year. Even funnier? Luna has taught me to be loyal, brave, honest, confident and unabashedly myself. No coincidence. She has made me both extremely vulnerable and strong. She has also taught me to be selfless and to appreciate every little moment, because every single one that makes you laugh, cry or in between, matters. Life truly is magical and she has opened up that world to me. And I am forever thankful that she chose me. That she waited for the perfect time to come to us. That she was always mine and I, hers.

Happy first, my lion.

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What I Wore: Smells Like Mommy Stress

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Man, life has been crazy lately. I thought things were difficult at the beginning of mommyhood, but now that Luna is about to be one (!!!), I feel like I don’t have any time for anything! My organization skills have been pushed to the max, and I have no idea how I’ve been able to cross things off my list. There are a lot of transitions coming up as well, which has me kind of in a state, so to speak. I even got a muscle spasm in my neck from the stress. My work schedule is completely changing (so thankful to have work, seriously), I’m planning an intimate party for Luna and her first trip to Disney World (!!), the hubby’s birthday shortly after and then I’m headed to MegaCon Tampa Bay to return just in time for Halloween. Oh, and have I mentioned Luna is starting day care in November? It’s a lot. Almost too much. But I’m rolling on this wave, and trying my best to not lose my mind. Having it all takes your all, it seems.

In between the madness, I try to appreciate the little moments that really mean so much. After taking these photos, we were driving back home and I put my head on Luna’s lap while she was in her car seat. She found this hilarious and started giggling uncontrollably. I took in her laughter, breathed her in, and cried (with love + happiness, of course). When things get to be too much, I find just looking at this little thing I made to make it all right again.

Tee; Geek Girl Gang {now available in shop!}
Jeans; Forever 21
Hat; Forever 21 {similar}
Sneakers; Jane.com
Lips; Colourpop’s Kapow

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Nerdy Must Haves

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Eat the Rude patch; this one is for all those Fannibals out there. One of the greatest lines ever, “eat the rude,” has become the take away quote for Hannibal fans. I think this patch would make the perfect addition to your fandom vest/jacket. If you are like me, and are putting together fandom-specific vests/jackets (currently working on my Sailor Moon one), then I suggest getting your hands on more affordable ones through AliExpress. Don’t say I never hooked you up, ladies! 😉

Potter Baby Bandana; something that really saved our lives and baby Luna’s style when she was suffering from severe acid reflux was baby bandanas. Rather than having her in an ugly and bulky bib when we would go out on the town, we would put one of these cute bandanas on and it would catch all the spit up, while not impeding on fashion (because duh, Luna has to keep up her reputation). This Potter ugly sweater one is so perfect for the upcoming holiday season. I’m not the only one swooning over it either, because it is currently sold out. Make sure to let PetiteGeekChic know you want more!

Kylo Ren print; all hail Nan Lawson! She has been one of my favorite artists for awhile now, and her work can be found scattered all over my house (most recently in Luna’s nursery), but she has been churning out some quality fandom prints lately. I featured her Kylo Ren, but she has a complimentary Rey (wouldn’t they look great facing each other???), an amazing Eleven, and this touching Snape print.

Stranger Things pin; if you are like me (and everyone who ingests pop culture like it’s air), you are a fan of Netflix’s Stranger Things. It’s everything that is good with the world, and makes my little 80’s heart happy. I am thrilled to see so many artists making swag to honor it, and I cannot wait to add this sweet Hopper pin to my collection.