Today I’m excited to be partnering with HERSHEY’S in preparation for ‘Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day’ tomorrow, April 28th! I have a unique work situation and am blessed to be able to work from almost anywhere as long as I have a camera and computer with me, whether I’m home with Isla and Dash or on vacation with my family.
Lately Isla’s favorite thing to do is crawl EVERYWHERE and play with blocks! Last week we had fun painting these blocks and she has been playing with them nonstop (download this PDF for DIY blocks and my mom’s homemade brownie recipe!). I love having Isla Rose and Dash playing at my feet while I work so these blocks have been perfect to occupy her while I work! They’re also perfect if you’re a parent of young children, and need an activity to entertain your child in a new environment or one they’re not quite used to (read: with you at work, anywhere out of the house).
Whenever we need a break we stop to have a little snack. My favorite treat during this pregnancy so far has been chocolate (and let’s be honest, it’s always been a favorite but I love it even more when I’m pregnant ;). Growing up, my mom always made these delicious homemade brownies that call for HERSHEY’S Cocoa and I give Isla a few tiny bites and she always opens her mouth for more (but I have to keep a close eye on her so she doesn’t give any to the fur brother! And she honestly has more fun making a mess and spreading the frosting everywhere rather than eating it!). While she’s little now, I’m excited to continue the tradition of enjoying my mom’s recipe together as Isla grows up and can start helping too.
I have such a passion for everything I do, especially the last year working to launch my clothing line! It’s easy to get caught up in life’s everyday moments – from running errands to small and large work tasks (at times those can seem endless!). But my very favorite thing in the world is to be a mom so no matter how crazy my day gets I always take time to be with Isla!!! Always remember it’s good to take a break, remind yourself that happiness is a choice and that we all should not let the day go by without a special “Hello Happy Moment.”
xo, Rach
Brought to you by The Hershey Company.
Isla is so beautiful…she’s just too cute for words
NEW POST | https://fashionmandate.wordpress.com/2016/04/27/the-chic-look/
Thank you! We certainly think so :) haha
Xo Rach
This is lovely! Yes chocolate is so good!!
Paula- http://www.livingpaula.com
SO good!! haha I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks so.
Xo Rach
Perfect photos… (: love your style.
my blog – Daniela
Thanks Daniela!
Xo Rach
Such cute photos, Rach! I love baking with my kids too and definitely have my bag of tricks (blocks, cars, little toys) for when we leave the house. :)
You have to have a bag of tricks or else it’s impossible to get things done!! haha
Xo Rach
I love this!! What a sweet post and such sweet traditions from your mom :)
– Jensyn
http://www.stripesinbloom.com
Thanks Jensyn :)
Xo Rach
This is so sweet, literally! Your blouse is lovely and Isla looks so cute. Gorgeous photos and post!
http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
This is so cute and Hershey is definitely a go to snack. So delicious! I can only imagine how much Isla loves it!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Hershey’s is the best!!! And Isla did love the brownies but she loved playing with them more haha
Xo Rach
Your hair look amazing, girl! <3
xo Vanessa | http://www.thetrendique.com
Oh thanks Vanessa!! You are so nice :)
Xo Rach
Very well said, I totally agree with you, “happiness is a choice” and not a place or destination. Those who always think that only if I can do this or have that, than I will be truly happy, they are just kidding themselves. Anyways, I really loved the pics today of Isla and Dash they are so cute. It’s so sweet how they always play together :) xo, Emily
http://bailylamb.com/soft-surroundings-store-opening/
Thanks for your comment Emily!! Sometimes it’s hard to remember, but it really is a choice. And I definitely think they are the cutest duo around! :)
Xo Rach
Those tiny bites look beyond delicious! Totally agree with your Hello Happy Moment idea.
xx. The Coastal Confidence
http://the-coastalconfidence.com
Thanks Aubrey!!
Xo Rach
Where’d you get your shirt? I love it!
Those brownies look amazing!!
It’s great that you are able to work as hard as you do but still able to be home with your family! Family is everything!
xo Bryn
http://www.waketonroad.com
Family really is everything!!! Thanks Bryn :)
Xo Rach
I love brownies but haven’t made them in forever, I’ll have to check out the recipe. I wish I still had my grandmother’s recipe, she used to make the best brownies (they may have been from a box-I’m not sure) but they were amazing!
Be careful with the blocks, my little one at Isla’s age was playing with plastic blocks in her playpen and lost her balance and fell on one of them. All of a sudden I saw blood!! It has cut the very outer corner of her eye. I was right next to her when it happened. That was our very first trip to the walk-in clinic, I was frantic not knowing if it was just a cut or in fact damaged her eye. Everything turned out okay, but it really does only take a second (I can see you’re sitting with her as was I, babies are so curious!) Also, I know you painted your own blocks, they are super cute! Sometimes paints labelled non-toxic are okay for young children however they are not intended to be consumed and babies as we know put EVERYTHING in their mouth. In the past I’ve bought eco-friendly water-based non-toxic blocks for my little one but they are sealed so the paint can’t come off-just watch that she doesn’t put them in her mouth.
Thanks for your comment Jenny!! I’m sorry that happened with your daughter, thank you for sharing. I do keep a close eye on her but you’re right, babies are curious! So I will for sure be more cautious.
Xo Rach
This is too cute, Rach! She’s getting SO big! My heart melted at the sight of the first pic, look at the position of her little legs! I agree, it’s definitely important to take breaks and truly cherish the moment, especially when there’s little ones, they do grow so fast! Thanks so much for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
You are so sweet Jalisa!!! I hope you’ve had a great Wednesday as well :)
Xo Rach
So cool!
Shall We Sasa
You have a beautiful baby! Isla is too cute
http://www.myhappynook.com
Such a great post and love these pics of you and Isla…and those treats look so yummy!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
Those brownies look amazing! Love these photos of Isla with you in the kitchen.
http://www.livinginsteil.com
Thank you Vanessa!
Xo Rach
Love this post! Isla is so cute!!
xoxo
Sharan
http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com
You’re doing so amazing as a working and hands on mama!! Such an inspiration in every way!
http://lartoffashion.com
Wow, thanks Natali!
Xo Rach
Isla’s smile in the last photo is just too cute. What a happy girl!
http://www.giltedgeblog.com
That photo is my very favorite one!!! I just had to share :)
Xo Rach
Sooooooo adorable … So much love all around. Love from the Princess Isla, love from little furry friend DasherBoy . I love it! A beautiful post! :)
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Thank you Mia :)
Xo Rach
those brownies look good!
Fede
http://www.fedefashionandcupcakes.blogspot.it
Oh my gosh they were SO good! haha and they’re all gone now.
Xo Rach
She is SO adorable!! Love this post. :)
How Gorgeous
My favorite snack is always chocolate…especially brownies. Yum!! I love the pics in this post. It certainly is a blessing to work from home, but of course challenging with kids and pets. Great tips!:)
~Krisztina
http://www.krisztinawilliams.com
I totally agree. Some days are challenging but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Thanks for commenting Kristztina :)
Xo Rach
Those brownies look delicious!
Tasha Juli
http://www.stylesplendorbliss.com
Really LOVE this post
Wise words. It goes by in a flash. My “baby” graduates from college in June and she, along with her older sister, have given me so many moments of joy and pride. It is so easy to get lost in a to do list. Grab each moment and cherish it.
Thank you Anne, how sweet. Congratulations to your “baby” on graduating from college. That is such an amazing accomplishment!
Xo Rach
Those brownies look delicious!
xx Hannah
http://thenaturalizednewyorker.com
It is difficult to spread the passion around, especially when you are passionate about so many things! What a beautiful family!
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Isla looks so adorable in these pictures and those brownies look delicious!
stay styled,
Lindsey
IG: stay_styled
BLOG: http://staystyledblog.com/
Such an adorable post!! Love that you have this family recipe! XO
@stylemelauren
http://www.stylemelauren.com
Oh my goodness, she is too cute!! I love your snapchats of her and Dash.
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com/
Thanks Jamie!! Sometimes I feel like they’re the only things I post about on Snapchat haha.
Xo Rach
Isla is THE cutest, chunkyest, sweetest baby ever!
Haha thanks Makayla!!! I sure think so :)
Xo Rach
You are a pro! Your daughter is gorgeous!
http://www.lesleyandeve.com
Thanks Lesley!!
Xo Rach
Isla is too cute!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Lovely photos! I wish I had your kitchen!
http://misspippisstyle.blogspot.hu/
I love Isla’s sweet smile in your last photo! Those brownies look so good. I’m going to have to try the recipe. I have only ever made boxed brownies. I just wanted to tell you congrats on your clothing line! The pieces are amazing and you truly are an inspiration to me. :) And I couldn’t agree more that being a mom is the best thing in the world. I have a 2 year old daughter and I am due in 2 weeks with a little boy and my heart is so full with happiness that I get to be their mom. :)
Rachel
Simply Rachel Nicole
Thanks Rachel!!! Congratulations on your soon to be baby boy! That is so exciting!!! Being a mom really does give me the most joy in life. Best of luck to you!!
Xo Rach
The recipe looks really yummy !!! Maybe try with regular butter since is way healthier and it will provide good fats for your developing baby :) Blessings !
Oh I love that suggestion! I’ll definitely have to try that :) Thanks!
Xo Rach
beautiful post Rachel! and the pictures are SO cute!
Thank you so much Brooke!
Xo Rach
Isla’s smile is so sweet :)
http://www.satinsundays.blogspot.com
Isla is just so precious!
Also where did you get your blouse. It is beautiful.
Thank you Mary!! It’s Rebecca Taylor from Nordstrom :)
Xo Rach
She’s so cute! Those brownies look yummy :)
❤️ xoxo,
Lily | pslilyboutique.com
Love this post! This is so true about to make the time to spend with your kids. Just like you, I always make sure my son has a full attention no matter what! Your daughter is precious!
http://fabuloustorture.blogspot.com
I love this. really sweet you are.
http://beautifullamps.bigcartel.com/
Isla’s little smile is adorable!! I also am practically drooling over those brownies right now
BlondieInTheCity.com
Love the hardwood floors! Do you know the brand & color?
Thanks!
Great words of advice, Rachel! Happiness truly is a choice. We all have different circumstances to contend with but at the end of the day our attitude determines so much of what happens to us and how we impact those around us. It’s obvious that you are a happy mama. :)
Your blouse is gorgeous-so soft and feminine and Isla looks like such a fun, happy baby. Great post!
x
Karla
I wish I could be a Sweet mama like you, one day, and to have a baby with Isla smile.
You are the cutest girls ;)
xox
Greta.
beautiful and adorable, beyond words :)
I can’t even handle Isla’s cute little face. Someone obviously appreciates chocolate ;-)
This is so sweet! Love seeing your baby girl and can’t wait for baby number two!! Such a cute family♥
http://www.pamelayaquelin.blogspot.com
This is so sweet! I love being able to work from home with my two little ladies and even more so I love sharing the traditions my mom passed down to me with them! Especially arts and crafts and anything creative. I remember sewing and paint with my mom quite a bit. Thanks for sharing!