Five On Friday - Five Handbag Dupes

So perhaps I'm behind. 

There is no perhaps here, I'm behind.

Sole Society. 

I've seen it at Nordstrom, bought 1 pair of shoes that promptly broke, returned and never thought about them again. But then, I wandered on to their website. I started looking at their bags and realized how many cute designer knockoffs they have, and now, now I am intrigued. Here are a my 5 favorites designer knockoffs!

1. Chloe Marcie Small Saddle Bag - $795 at Neiman Marcus

 OR

You could buy this Sole Society Thalia Saddle bag for $49.95 (what!?)

OR 

Sole Society Tova $49.95

So, let's keep going...

2. Rebecca Minkoff "Finn" Crossbody - $195

We've all seen this beauty...and maybe even considered buying her. But the idea of fringe and toddlers might have freaked you out. (ok, me. I considered it.) 

 OR

Sole Society Rose - $54.95

3. Rebecca Minkoff Sofia Backpack - $345

OR

Sole Society Francis Backpack - $54.95

4. Chloe Hudson Bag - $2390 (try not to whip out your credit card)

OR 

Sole Society Exie Fringe Shoulder Bag $59.95 (limited edition!)

5. Prada Glace Twin Pocket Tote - $2565

OR

Sole Society Farris Winged Satchel - $54.95

I could continue, but it's Five on Friday for a reason. 

The Five Things That Don't Have to Be Reality...Even If You're a Mom

My Five on Friday is a little different today. It's for all those moms, and moms to be out there that are terrified of all things that people say 'happens when you're a mom'. I saw a sketch on SNL this past weekend, and it really motivated me to bring this topic up. I've tried to write posts in the past but wanted to avoid being accused of "mom-shaming". I just want to put it out there that mommyhood isn't the end of the world, or more importantly, the end of Y-O-U.

SO, here we go.

ONE. 

The "Cut"

You can keep your hair. I've seen moms go for this 'knife in the back' cut shortly after their babies are born. I don't get it. I won't do it. You don't have to either. :)

TWO.

Sober.

Ok, so yes, sometimes you do. (Day drinking isn't necessarily the best idea when you're raising kids) But honestly, parenting is all about positive and negative reinforcement. And the positive reinforcement that gets me through the Toddler Witching Hour is knowing that glass (or 3) of Chardonnay await me as soon as Beckett is in his sleepsack. You can still go out, you can still have fun...you jut have to be able to do that wake up with the  baby at 7. (That's why God made Coffee. And E-Boost.)

THREE

Mom-drobe.

Some people think that by virtue of having a child, that suddenly you cover every inch of your body. No more string bikinis (yes, now you have to double knot them - learned that one the hard way), no more short shorts, no more crop tops -- You get the idea. Just remember, you can keep wearing it all.  Wear what makes you feel happy. If you run around in dumpy t-shirts and shorts, you're going to feel dumpy. Get some cute athleisure stuff, or a cotton romper (feels like PJs looks like clothing...) The thing is, the people who will talk behind your back about your clothing, were always going to talk about you anyway.

Who says you can't go to soccer practice like this? Thanks @Toniatrotter!

FOUR.

The Mom-bod

I've never been a fan of the word 'Mom-Bod" because I feel like its often said in a context that suggests that motherhood is a negative, unattractive, thing. Sure having a child changes your body, but (not to be cliche) beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sure, I have some extra skin on my stomach. So what. Your body shape and metabolism is controlled  genetics. I will never be a long legged super model. Just ain't happening. I hear so many mothers just sort of give up and say, "well, I had kids so now I have the mom-bod". Sure, to an extent, pregnancy will put you through the ringer. I gained 30 pounds. But it's possible to get back to where you were, or just the new place you want to be. So maybe you don't get back to pre-baby size, but you work hard and get to the best you that you can get to. As I near my mid-30s my fear of getting out of shape is getting REAL. I've spent the last year working as hard as ever to get into even better shape than I was pre-baby. So don't disparage yourself. Don't give up. Do you. And if you're aren't a mom yet, don't panic. Things might change, but it doesn't have to be bad.

FIVE.
Your Kids Will Run Your Life.

So...to an extent...they can and do. I mean, your kid does have to nap. But, it was super important to my husband and I to raise a child that was an addition to our life, not the other way around. We do not overly cater to our child. If we want to do something, we do it. Sure, sometimes we know it might be a horrible idea. But sometimes, that baby surprises us. Sometimes, he flies all the way to Montana and is a DREAM.  Sometimes we take him to super nice restaurants in Palm Beach is totally behaves. And, sometimes he sprays baby food all over the people in front of us at a baseball game (true story). I think kids are capable of more than we realize. So don't skip going to church  because its nap time. He'll figure it out. He'll sleep at church nursery. Or he won't. But its ok. One day won't hurt him. And, I've found, if you live your life this way, your kid gets really good at adapting to change. 

Five on Friday

Here's what I'm loving this week... and I'm apparently a Huffington Post junkie.

{ONE}

Fighting ISIS on HBO

I heard about this Documentary series on Morning Joe yesterday and I can't wait to watch it.

Vice Special Report: ISIS 2016 Promo

{TWO}

Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom

I saw this on Facebook this past week and laughed out loud. To all my Stay at Home Mom friends - this one's for you.

"Whenever I don't have a pile of laundry, I do teach them French and help them draw Rembrandt replicas with crayons. That hasn't happened yet, but I'm projecting by the time they're in their 30s I'll have reached the bottom of the basket. Pretty excited to get started."

Read the rest here.

{THREE}

So yesterday the Dax Shepard - Kristen Bell Africa music video was trending, 

and somehow that video (which is amazing) led me to this, which I think I love more.

Kristen Bell and her Sloth Meltdown

{FOUR}

Pumpkin the Raccoon.

Looking for someone new to follow on IG? Trot on over to Pumpkin's IG. It's incredibly adorable.

{FIVE}

THE SNOW IS GONE!

Sure, that's not really news. But to me, it's thrilling. #bringbackspring

Five on Friday

{ONE}

Nursery Shelving

Last week I posted about a shelving unit I was considering for my son's nursery. In true Mallory fashion, I've completely changed my mind and ordered something else this week. I found this on Wayfair and I can't wait for my husband to put it together! It reminded me of some of the PB kids shelves, but much cheaper (let's hope it doesn't look cheap...)

Both of these shelves are at Pottery Barn Kids for somewhere around $250-$300

The one that I bought, looks kind of like those two (above) shelves had a baby, and put it on sale.

This shelving unit is only $126 - and I can't wait to get it set up in our nursery!

{TWO}

Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer at the Golden Globes. 

I really am NOT a fan of Amy Schumer, she's so crude. BUT, she was pretty funny in this clip.

Yes, We Admit It ... We Kinda Want To Be Friends With JLaw And...

Hey, Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer. Do you two need a third wheel?

Posted by The Huffington Post on Sunday, January 10, 2016

{THREE}

My current feelings on this election:

Except, can we add Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz to this sign? #scaredof2017

{FOUR}

Moving to a new car seat.

It's official, we are stsarting to phase the infant car seat out. (the first question my husband asked when he saw the new carseat was, "How are we supposed to carry him around in that?!)

The days of being able to lug him around and sit him on the floor of whatever store or restaurant we were in are over. However, how that he's broken the 20 lb mark, those days were becoming quite a struggle.

We went with the Chicco NextFit - this was ranked as the #1 car seat by Consumer Reports this past summer. We love our Chicco Keyfit 30, so it was natural to stay with the brand.

Chicco Nextfit - $299 

(20% off coupons at BuyBuy Baby works on these!)

{FIVE}

We've got a mover on our hands.

My little boy is not quite crawling, but is somehow able to move all over the place these days. I've seen a step or two on all fours, but he isn't full blown yet. I'm preparing myself for the moment he starts opening up all of our built in cabinets and emptying them. But it will be ok...we'll spend a few months of mayhem teaching him not to empty every cabinet that he can open, and then hopefully the novelty will wear off. I'll let you know how that works out. :)

Happy Weekend!

Five on Friday

 {ONE}
Victoria's Secret gave away pants yesterday.

With the purchase of a sports bra (starting at $34) Victoria's Secret was giving away free Knockout Pants. These are my favorite pants. This might have been the best sale. Ever.

{TWO}
New Trailer for Fuller House on Netflix

I'm so excited!

{THREE}

This insanely awkward moment on American Idol 

(the awkward moment when you blame your husband for your not getting through to Hollywood... see 6:30 on video)

{FOUR}
Kiehl's Skincare gift set 

I saw this set at Christmas - but my husband said it wasn't 'appropriate for a husband to buy his wife wrinkle cream for Christmas'. While he's probably right, I still really wanted it -- so after Christmas, I bought it for myself. It arrived this week and I'm anxious to try it. I've always wanted to be one of those people that took special care of her skin, but I must admit I've always been lucky to remember to wash my face at night. I'm finally entering the age where this no longer is cutting it. SO, I'll be trying out Kiehl's eye and wrinkle creams and will report back the results!

{FIVE}
Weekend in Charlotte

This weekend we are going to Charlotte for my nephew's first birthday party! I'm excited to visit with everyone, and I can't wait for Rivers to open our gift to him -- pretty appropriate for his construction themed party. :)

Five on Friday

{ONE} 

Instagram Husband

This video MADE MY DAY.

{TWO} 

Holiday Baking

Today my mom and I are going to do some baking, and I'm so excited! We are pulling out all of my grandmother's old recipes and tin cookie cutters - a Christmas tradition that I've had to do on my own for the last 3 years. It will be nice to have some help this year! Cut out cookies (as we call them) are my favorite Christams cookie, and I probably eat 95 cookies in the 2 weeks leading up to Christmas. (Last year I never got around to cooking the last batch, so the dough stayed in my freezer....and it was my secret guilty pleasure snack. I can't ever resist cookie dough.) I'll be snapping some pics today, and sharing the recipe this weekend!

{THREE} 

6-ish Month baby photos

We had professional pictures taken of Beckett recently and I ADORE them. Need a photographer in the Greenville area? You've got to call Dear Lissie Photography!

{FOUR}

Christmas Sales

I must admit I've been pretty impressed wit the deals floating around this holiday season - I've scored some amazing deals!

Now, just because Cyber Monday and Black Friday are over, don't think you've missed out. THere are still some great deals to be had and I've rounded up a few that I came across this week.

Victoria's Secret / / Free Shipping on $50 & Workout Pair (bra + pants) for $75

J.Crew // 40% off of sweaters (30% off everything else) & 40-50% off sale

Pottery Barn // 20% off your entire purchase + free shipping

Hanna Andersson // 30% off sleepwear (not to late to get some Christams #hannajams!)

{FIVE}

Biltmore at Christmas

Last Sunday we ventured up to Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC and it was fantastic! It was my first trip to the estate and I loved every minute of it! It was sort of like being on the set of Downton Abbey. I was a little surprised at how much I had learned about the social norms/customs from that era just by watching D.A., as most of what the audio tour told us about everyday life was rather similar to what is portrayed on the show. The Christmas decorations were gorgeous, and Beckett stayed awake talking (screeching and babbling) the entire time. 

Five on Friday

{one}

Christmas Hanna Jams

My mother in law purchased Hanna Andersson pjs for all of the grandkids (5!) this Christmas. Over Thanksgiving, my sister in law and I dressed our little ones in the adorable Hanna Jams, and I'm completely obsessed. I can't wait to snap some pics of Beckett with his cousins in Montana in a few weeks!

{two}

Ben Carson calls a terrorist group a popular chickpea dip. Seriously, what adult that has ever watched a tv news broadcast doesn't know how to pronounce Hamas? And more importantly, why is he attempting to give a lesson on Israel-West Bank politics? This isn't school, it's a speech to rally support. #facepalm

And then Donald Trump said this:

{three}

My child's fear of Santa is REAL.

{four}

Homemade Christmas decorations

This year I got a little Martha Stewart and decided that I wanted to make my own decorations using real greenery. My parents live on 6 acres and have a ton of cedar and pine trees - the perfect source.

After days of clipping, trimming, and pinning greenery onto wreath forms. My pictures aren't great - but you get the idea!

{five}

I posted about this earlier in the week, but I'm just so pumped about it, I'm going to bring it up again! I snagged these baby animal prints online during the Cyber Week sales - buy 3 get 1 free. To purchase this print framed from Restoration Hardware, you would have to shell out $199 per picture. Or if you scour the internet like me, you find the photographer's page, order the print, and buy cheap Amazon frames and score this look for less...$150 less. (Even deeper discount if you got the free print on Tuesday!)

To see all the prints go to Sharon Montrose's site - The Animal Print Shop.

Five on Friday

I simply can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. WHERE IS NOVEMBER GOING?!

Here are my top 5 this week....

{one}
House Painting

My number one this week is getting my upstairs painted! I am so excited to see the new colors, and to get started on the nursery. I shared a few photos yesterday, and will continue to show you the progress!

{two}
Christmas Decorations

Since moving into our new house, I've been dreaming about how to decorate for Christmas. I know. I have a slight obsession with the holiday. Over the last 3 years we've been living in small rentals, and so we don't have that many decorations. So, I have been searching all over the internet to find the perfect wreaths and garland. After my Pottery Barn wreath fail, I was wary of purchasing through them. I had received several Frontgate catalogs and decided to give them a try. I'm in love and was so thrilled with everything (except that it all went on sale the following week)! The wreaths we got were so gorgeous, and full! We purchased the Grand Majestic Wreaths and Garland and HIGHLY recommend it. I accidentally bought the corded wreaths instead of cordless, so that is my only complaint...but that's totally my fault.

This is the flexible garland for railings (again, bought corded on accident, so now its a table garland)

Grand Majestic Garland (as things I arrive, I've just been putting them up)

Several different types of greenery

Close up of berries

Here is one of the wreaths (30") also Grand Majestic Series (playing with ribbon here)

Close up

I've spent the last week playing with ribbon and bows trying to figure out what style bow I want. My goal is have all the wreaths ready to go for the weekend of Thanksgiving so we can get them up on the house!

{three}
The little French boy interview.

In the wake of the French terror attacks it is heartwarming to see videos like this. When our days are filled with thoughts of fear and anger, it is important to remember to love, to remember those who were killed, and to never let terror win.

(Also, I want to adopt that child. SO cute.)

{four}
Pickens County Humane Society

The Humane Society of Pickens County is in danger of having to shut its doors shortly after 2016 if it does not receive more donations.  This year the Pickens County Council only budgeted $77,000 for the shelter - reducing the 501c3's budget allocation by nearly $50,000 in comparison to previous years. The real problem for the PCHS is its lack of ongoing support - an issue for which it is actively seeking a solution. The PCHS hopes to have a "Friends of" group created by year's end, but for now is in desperate need of donations. If you're stumped on what to get that tricky-he-has-everything person in your life, why not make a donation in his/her name?! 

Also, they have this dog, and I think I'd like Santa to bring her to me.

http://www.pickenscountyhumanesociety.com/

{five}
Donald Trump just made it worse.

Just when you thought it couldn't. He couldn't possibly say anything more offensive.  Or wrong.  He does.

Databases of Muslims. REALLY?! Is this America?

Five on Friday!

{one}

Miss Adventure Episode Four

While this one isn't my favorite, I still really enjoy Anna Kendrick. I wish Zosia Mamet was more like Shoshanna on "Girls"...her real self isn't nearly as entertaining.

{two}

Family Room Club Chairs

I finally chose fabric for my club chairs...and I chose neither of the fabrics I talked about last week. Instead I chose this take on a classic herringbone pattern

{three}

New Simple Recipe

I found this recipe on Pinterest and absolutely loved it! It was crazy easy, and didn't look like it. My kind of meal.

Salmon Stuffed with Sun dried Tomatoes, Spinach, and Feta

To get the recipe, go here.

{four}

This fox hat.

My mother in law bought this in NYC, and I L-O-V-E it. I want Beckett to wear it everyday. For the rest of his life.

{five}

Open Studios

Last weekend in Greenville was Open Studios - essentially an 'art crawl' around the city. If you're ever in Greenville o this weekend, I highly recommend it. I am not much of an art conoissuer, however I really enjoyed going from gallery to gallery looking at the works of local artists. Not only can you find some amazing peices for your home, but also support local artists! One artist that I really enjoyed (of several) was Joseph Bradley.  I couldn't get many pictures, but I did get some of Bradley's  -- so here are some of my favorites. (Sorry these pictures aren't great, I didn't intend to use for the blog - just to send to my husband!)

 This weekend a college friend is staying with us and another is coming to visit on Saturday, so I'm looking forward to a weekend of storytelling, laughing, and of course some wine!

Have a great weekend!

Five on Friday

It's Mallory, here...your long lost blogger friend. I'm hoping one of these days I will learn to balance baby and blogging but for now...well, you can see how well its going.

{ONE}

Two Videos EVERYONE should watch. Chris Christie is stepping out - away from the pack - and speaking out on how America treats drug addiction.

{TWO}

The t-shirt you need to purchase.

I have bought 2 of these tops (black and white stripe and blue and white stripe) - both for $10 at Nordstrom (usually $18). If you need a workhorse-everyday t-shirt (but you still want to look cute) get this top.

The Nordstrom Clearance sale has the solid red on sale for $10...so yeah, I got a third. I've found that it's a great top for fall AND great for a nursing mother who doesn't want to wear ugly ill fitting nursing tanks every day. I might stay at home, but I can't be one of those moms that just wears yoga pants all day. Of course there are days when I do wear workout attire all day, but after a day or two of that, I can't handle it anymore. I just feel like a little piece of me dies when I don't wear real clothes.

So, as I find comfy mommy friendly and cute stuff, I'll be sure to share!

{THREE}

Pottery Barn Hack

My husband and I want to create a gallery wall in our family room. I found a box of frames on Pottery Barn - but they were over $200. So, I took a risk and ordered a set for about $43 off of Amazon. They may be total crap. Or, they might  be perfect. Stay tuned...if this works, I will probably be buying another set!

{FOUR}

Christmas Candle round up

Last year I posted about this AMAZING Christmas candle, and a few weeks back about this one. Now, I have a third. So I thought I'd put them all here for those of you who want you entire house to smell like a Christmas tree (me). 

I bought mine locally at Savvy in Greenville. If you're local, I'd encourage you to buy there! If not, you can find it online (link below).

Thymes Frasier Fir Candle $29

{FIVE}

Club Chairs for the family room. 

Now that we have a rug and a couch, we are looking for some swivel club chairs. We've narrowed it down to this chair  by Rowe. (The sample online is not so cute, but I promise its cute!) I'm trying to decide between 2 fabrics below. I love love love the plaid (prettier in person, the room was dark) but it could be busy on 2 chairs. Maybe it should be an accent? Which do you like?

Rug

Fabric options...