[closed] Giveaway: $50 credit to use at BodenUSA.com

Do you know what's awesome? My mother-in-law. She has great taste, and is the person who introduced me to Boden, a UK company that makes the most adorable children's clothing, ever. Both Jude and Caroline own several Baby Boden and Mini Boden ensembles, which I just adore:

Caroline in this top and leggings // Jude in this shirt and shorts

The quality is top notch and the clothing holds up remarkably well, despite frequent wear and washing.

When I began my maternity clothing hunt, I discovered that Boden has a maternity line, as well. In fact, they carry both women's and men's clothing in addition to their cute, cute, cute kids' clothes. It is truly a family brand. I donned their maternity leggings in a post last week and I also own one of their "essential maternity tees" and a pair of full panel maternity skinny jeans:

Um, how cute does this model make pregnancy look?!
[ Leggings // Tee // Jeans ]

I am head over heels for the jeans and can't wait to show you (I'll try to find someone to snap a photo while I'm here). I've been wearing those and the leggings non-stop since leaving Texas on Saturday.

Whether you have yet to experience the wonderfulness of Boden, or if you're already an ardent admirer, I am delighted to offer one very lucky (USA based) Adored Austin reader the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to use at BodenUSA.com.

Oh, my heart. Cute kids in cute clothes! These are some of the Boden things Jude and Caroline own.
[ tee // tunic // blazer // blouse // cardigan ]

Bah! What will you get if you win? Something for you or something for someone else? To enter, simply fill out the form below. No need to follow a bazillion social media links, jump through digital hoops, or give me your internal organs for extra entries. Just let me know what you dig on BodenUSA.com. Please only one entry per person:

[form removed and giveaway closed 12/3/2013: Winner was Laura Y.]

In the meantime, Boden has some great promotions going on:

• 25% off Everything plus Free Shipping | Monday, 17th November to Saturday, 14th December *This offer is site-wide and will be running at the same time that the below offers are* 
• 30% off Separates (Tops/Shirts/Skirts/Trousers (not Boys’ or Men’s)) | Monday, 25th November to Thursday, 28th November 
• 30% off Everything plus Free Shipping | Friday, 29th November to Monday, 2nd December 
• 30% off Everything and 50% off Boden Favourites plus Free Shipping | Monday, 2nd December 
• The Free shipping code is N013.

Oh, man. I don't do black Friday, but I do do some Cyber Monday-ing. I will be taking full advantage of those promos. Check out Boden's webpage, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see what's going on.

What my two year old son likes to wear

Jude is two years old + three months, and this is my favorite age that he's ever been. His personality has really become apparent (he's a sweet little ham), and he has lots of opinions that he is not shy about making known. He definitely has favorites: a favorite book, a favorite song, and favorite things to wear.

I always told myself that once my kids were old enough to pick out their clothes to wear for the day, they can. Kids get to make so few decisions in life and let's face it: clothes are just clothes. If Chris and I have already approved of the clothes that our kids own, I don't see a reason why they can't choose what they want to pair together, so long as it's weather and situation appropriate. There's a part in the book If I Could Keep You Little that really resonated with me:

My grandparents used to let me dress myself, and I think it's what contributed to me dressing the way I do now.

I love what Jude picks out for himself. He really likes accessorizing, and his trademark is striped socks. This is what he wore yesterday and is typical for what he chooses to wear on weekdays:

  1. hat // 2. tee from Shirts that Go // 3. sunglasses // 4. striped socks // 5. gray cardigan // 6. Levi's // 7. velcro Chucks

And three became four

Well, hello there! Apologies for the long and unexpected absence from the blog. I had a baby, y'all! All is well, but if you ask me if I've slept through the night yet, the answer is no and please don't ask me again until 2014.

We've been spending time with out-of-town family who have been a tremendous help while my pelvis heals. I feel 90% better, and I've finally been able to get out an about. One of my priorities was to get some photos done, so last Thursday I got to meet Kim, the incredibly talented photographer behind Coati Photography. She had my family over for session, and I just love how she captured us:

[credit: Coati Photography blog]

outfit details // Me- pants: Old Navy / blouse: Marshall's (similar) / scarf: c/o Raven + Lily / shoes: Minnetonka // Chris- sweater: Calvin Klein / pants: Levi's / shoes: Dr. Scholl's // Jude- sweater: Gap / jeans: Levi's / shoes: c/o Minnetonka // socks: Gap (similar) // Caroline- dress: Gap / pants: Old Navy (similar) / bow: Amazon

We'll probably end up using some of Kim's photos for our Christmas cards unless the kiddos give me a stellar Santa picture akin to Jude's 2011 Santa photo (one can only hope, right?).

If you're an Austin local and you're toying with the idea of having professional photos done either for your holiday cards or to document your life's milestones (new baby, pregnancy, engagement, etc), I cannot recommend Kim enough. Her work speaks for itself, and because she recently adopted a sweet baby boy, she is shifting to doing more lifestyle photography (versus events) so her prices are incredibly reasonable. Take advantage while you can!

For more info visit: Coati Photography website | blog | Twitter | Facebook