ever since having kids, each holiday season has been getting more and more exciting! this is the first year that adam has pulled together a christmas list: he asked for a “city,” so i did some sleuthing and found some fun blocks that i hope will fit the bill. and while edie is still young, she’s old enough that we know exactly what she likes and we get to enjoy watching her unwrap a dollhouse complete with tiny dolls to play with. and not only are the kids getting more into the spirit, but our holiday traditions are starting to take shape. my mom was always a huuuge fan of christmas, so i have very fond memories of pulling all the decorations from storage, and very carefully placing her nutcrackers on the shelves to display, and thoughtfully arranging the intricate ornaments on the tree. it’s been really fun to enjoy that same tradition with my own kids.

so when we received these darling christmas baubles from our friends at Cath Kidston, adam and edie were jumping up and down in excitement. they literally claimed a few ornaments for themselves and sat entertaining themselves for a good 30 minutes, which was a success all on it’s own. ed didn’t have the patience to decorate with us, but it gave me an opportunity to do something special with adam. he snuggled up in his dragon printed pajamas and we got to work. it was a special time for us to enjoy those tiny pleasures that really are the most dear during this otherwise hectic time of year. with a special thanks to Cath Kidson for adding just the right touch of nostalgia and whimsy to our holiday season, from morning walks to disney surprises to our very own christmas celebration. and if you’re looking for some special pieces to gift during the holiday, they have the perfect collection.

courtesy of cath kidston: twinkle jumper, flower jacuard skirt, boys jersey pj set in dragons, set of 4 crochet christmas baubles

The holidays are upon us, and while I’ve resolved to hit the ground running in preparation for the season, I know it won’t do me any good if I can’t also remember to slow down and take the time to enjoy the little things. One such detail that has really been helping me to be more mindful and to stay in the present are my morning walks with Adam. Our tradition began when he was just a baby. I would wake up the in the morning, get us both dressed up for the day, and head out on a stroll to the neighborhood coffee shop. Even if there was nothing else to do for the day, it was this little routine that really helped me to feel alive and ready to tackle my day.

Fast forward a few years and my little guy is nearly 4-years-old! What was just a simple morning routine has now grown and blossomed into something even more special than I could have imagined. Adam is no longer nestled in his baby carrier, but walking right beside me. When we get to the coffee shop, he holds the door open for me, and picks out a carton of milk from the refrigerator all by himself. We walk at his pace, stopping to pick dandelions or splash in puddles. And in those moments, he teaches me so much about slowing down and looking at the world through those wide eyes of a child. All with just a simple morning walk through the neighborhood.

And this season, we’ve partnered with the iconic brand, Cath Kidston, to share all of the joy in those precious details. I was so excited when they first contacted me because I still remember the brand from when I was a kid in the ’90s! They first launched in 1993 with a small shop in West London, selling car boot finds and vintage fabrics before Cath began designing and producing her own prints and products. They have since grown into a renowned brand available across the globe. I can still remember going with my mom to the local fabric shop and falling in love with those playful, vintage-inspired prints on oil cloth and cotton. So of course, I’ve been hit with a wave of nostalgia picking out matching outfits for me and Adam, with their cheerful details and modern vintage design. And I’m so excited to continue to share even more of our favorite details from The Home of Modern Vintage throughout the holiday season!

***

Adam is wearing: Marching Band Breton Stripe Boy Long Sleeve T-shirt, Mono Guards Boys Jeans, Guards Kids Watch

I’m wearing: Oil Painted Posy Dress, Tweed Coat, Medium Leather Duo Cross Body Bag (with a vintage beret and vintage boots)

***