Introducing ... Harvey Robert Bland

We're back to blogging with some great news - Harvey Robert Bland was born Friday, Dec. 28 at 9:04 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs, 13 oz and has the most adorable chubby cheeks and little man face you've ever seen. He looks just like his Daddy!

Melina was a rock star throughout labor and delivery, even though both were tough, and Proud Papa Matthew was super supportive and sweet. I had the amazing honor of being there through it all - yes, even the leg holding, pushing and crowning! It was incredible - more intense than my own deliveries, probably because I saw everything (and I mean everything!) I'm so thankful Melina and Matthew let me stay and be a part of such a special experience.

Little Man Harvey is home now and hopefully eating like a champ. I'll post more pictures soon, but until then, please keep Melina and Harvey in your thoughts and prayers. Many of you know what those first few days home can be like : ) More on Harvey soon ... and Happy New Year's Eve!


- Kara

Eat: Justus Drugstore

Last weekend, Matthew and I had one of the best food experiences of either of our lives at Justus Drugstore. This little hidden gem is in Smithville, a good 40 minute drive from the Plaza/Brookside area where we live, so we decided it was a great place to go prior to the birth of our baby since I could drive us home (sober). This was a good idea since Matthew indulged in quite a few cocktails while we were there. He's a sucker for a good Manhattan.

We made 8 p.m. dinner reservations, which we were a little worried about since that's been my bedtime the last few weeks, but I didn't have any problem staying awake during this meal.

We had the best seat in house - located right next to the open kitchen and got chatty with the owner and exec. chef, Jonathan Justus, a few times during dinner. Nice guy!

Now on to the important part - the dishes.

We started off with the farmers plate and the egg and cheese sandwich. Let me describe. The farmers plate was a selection of about 5-6 house-cured meats. Basically every imaginable part of a pig. It was divine, truly. The egg and cheese sandwich is nothing like you'd think. It was deconstructed and meant to just tear through and let everything run together. Again, every bite was to.die.for.

Farmers plate

egg and cheese sandwich. See what I mean? Nothing like you'd think.

We decided to skip the salads, even though I was eyeing the goat cheese fritter salad and moved on to the main course. They had everything from rabbit to short ribs to fried chicken. Normally, I'm aching for pork at a place like this but after the glorious meat selection we had just devoured and my pregnancy cravings for anything "comfort," I went with the special of the evening, boneless fried chicken with mashed potatoes. And oh heaven it was good. Matthew had the short ribs and shared only one bite. We both ate every last bit of our dinners and couldn't stop talking about how each bite was tasting better than the last. Seriously, we were turned on by this meal. :)

And in true Edit style, I dug into my entree before I could take a picture. Sorry readers!

But, I did manage to take a quick snapshot of my dessert, which I took home because I couldn't put another bite of a food in my mouth.

I ordered the carrot cake beignets. Yes, you heard me right. I devoured those babies the minute we walked into the house, then went straight to bed. And you betcha - I had a night filled of heartburn, but it was well worth it!

I highly recommend making the hike to Smithville for dinner at Justus Drugstore. It is pricey ($25-40 for an entrée) but a great place to go for a special occasion. We promise you won't be disappointed!


- Melina

Nurture: New Traditions

I'm in a hurry this morning (Wednesdays are the craziest for us Cowie girls), but I wanted to share a few pics from our recent holiday outings - and what I hope become new traditions.

First, we took the girls on the Cinderella carriage ride on the Plaza. They loved it! Evie told me: "Mom, this is a dream come true." Seriously, those very words.

Nora wasn't quite so eloquent, but she enjoyed herself all the same. After our carriage ride, we had dinner at Blanc Burgers + Bottles on the Plaza - love that place, especially with the girls in tow.

Then last weekend, we made gingerbread houses with Mom at the community center in Nixa. It was really messy but fun - though the girls may have eaten most of the candy intended for decorations ...

Hope you all have been enjoying the holidays as much as we have - and creating some new traditions of your own! Off to speech for Nora, preschool/pre-k for both girls and then work for me! Have a great day!


- Kara

Edit Visits: Parlor, A Blowdry and Beauty Bar

Last week we went to Matthew's work holiday party. The last few years I've really enjoyed getting ready for this festive event, but this year was a little different. I was feeling very LARGE, wasn't excited about the maternity dress I had to wear and knew I'd be sober the entire time. :) It was safe to say I needed a little pick-me-up, so I headed to the Plaza and went to Parlor Blowdry and Beauty Bar.

This is what they had to work with (yikes!).

Parlor opened this fall and this was my first time using their services. If you're not familiar with blow dry bars, they are awesome salons that just offer a wash, blow dry and style for a fairly low price. Parlor charges $35 for the wash, dry and style. You can choose from several different hair styles such as beachy waves, stick straight, beauty queen volume, power pony and more. I chose a combination of volume with a beach wave.

It was so nice to have my hair washed and blown out. My poor stylist didn't get to talk much because I was zoned out. I literally thought I was going to fall asleep in my chair. So relaxing!

The space is super modern and girly. I loved the yellow and white chevron painted walls, glossy white furniture and gorgeous chandeliers. It's a great place to have a girls night. You can rent out the space and bring in food and beverages. They do serve wine and cocktails while you're there too. I opted for a chocolate chip cookie.

So how was the final product? Overall, I was pleased with the process. I enjoyed having my hair washed and fixed, but I wasn't blown away (pun intended!) by the style. It was nice not having to do it myself, but I could have done something similar. Let's put it this way, I didn't get any compliments on my hair at the holiday party, nor did my husband really notice. They style didn't hold up for a second day either, though I'm moving around in my sleep a lot lately, so that could be why.

Here's the after shot.

If you're looking for a dramatic hair makeover, this wouldn't be the place to go. But if you're looking for a little pampering with girlfriends, I would definitely recommend Parlor.

Here's a shot of us at the party!

- Melina

Edit Holiday Sale

The countdown to Christmas is on ... do you have everyone checked off your list? And have you even thought about what you'll be wearing to Christmas Eve and, if you're lucky to have a babysitter, New Year's Eve? We have a few ideas for you, and all are priced for even the stingiest of budgets!

First, let me introduce our black and gold wool dress - perfect for an office party, New Year's Eve or even to work with a sweater. We have two mediums and two larges left, and it's only $25! Looks so good on Mom, who rocks it with black boots and tights.

Black and gold wool dress, $25

Our next holiday dress is priced incredibly low at only $20! We have two smalls, two mediums and two larges. This dress can definitely take you through the holidays and into spring. Dress it up with heels or down with boots and a belt.

This little leopard number was a popular one this fall, and we love how it works all year long! Only one small left, and priced to sell at $30. I have this one in a large and wear it with a black blazer and heels for meetings or boots and a sweater for a more casual look.

Our final sale item, and we only have one left in a size medium. The top is sheer with bronze studs on the collar, $35. I have this one in a medium too and wear it with black leggings, a long black tank and brown riding boots. Super cute and flattering too, I'm sure I'll be wearing it for one holiday gathering or another ...

See something you like? You can email us at editkc@gmail.com to purchase any of these items. Shipping is free! If you're in the Kansas City area and want to stop by to try something on, we'd love that too! Just let us know, and we'll set something up.

Besides these sale items, we also have several winter scarves left, all priced at $22, and gorgeous jewelry - great for gifts if you're still shopping!

And get excited, we're heading back to market at the end of January and plan to have some amazing and affordable spring trunk shows in March and April! Let us know if you're interested in hosting one, our calendars are filling up fast!


- Kara

All I Want for Christmas

Is someone to clean our house!

I'm so excited that we're finally having someone come out tomorrow to "deep clean" our home before the baby comes. If you're familiar with our house, you know we moved in two years ago this coming March. Before we moved in, the house was vacant for a long time and then was a rental. It was very neglected, and while I tried to clean it as much as I could, I know I didn't do a great job. PLUS we were remodeling the kitchen, so we had construction dust and well, you know, I'm sure some of its still hanging around. Yikes!

So, as part of our Christmas present, my mother-in-law is paying for someone to come clean tomorrow. They came out to give us a bid a few weeks ago and said it would take SIX hours! Whatever it takes - I want this house spotless. And of course, I have an ulterior motive. I'm hoping I can convince Matthew to make this whole professional cleaning experience a regular thing. Fingers crossed!

Do you pay someone to clean your home? If not, any advice on how to get it all done with a baby at home?

- Melina

Shop: Baby Announcements

Since I've decided (rather baby has) that I have another three weeks of waiting, I've started shopping around for a birth announcement to send out. There are so many sweet ones to choose from and since we don't know what baby Bland is, the choices are even more endless right now. I've rounded up a few of my favorite  baby boy and girl ones, so I'll be armed with some options as soon as he/she arrives!

Tiny Prints

Tiny Prints

Minted

Pinhole Press

Pinhole Press

What do you think? Any suggestions?

- Melina

Nurture: Gymnastics

We passed another new milestone over the weekend - the girls' first gymnastics "meet!" They did an excellent job, showing off their skills ...

Cheering for their friends ...

... and watching the older girls wow with impressive tumbling routines.

Both performed solo on the floor, bars and beam with big "ta-da's" at the end of each trick.

And they received their first trophies - Nora was not impressed and would have preferred something much larger ...

All in all, it was a great experience and another first for our little family.


- Kara

Three More Weeks of Waiting . . .

I'm tired of being pregnant. I'm tired of being tired. I'm tired of not being able to get off the couch with either help or a second or third try. I'm tired of being winded every time I go up the stairs. I'm tired of getting up to pee in the middle of the night, and I'm really tired of not knowing if I've had a baby girl or a baby boy in my tummy the last 9 months.

Can you tell I'm ready to give birth?

My good friend Mary, who is due two weeks before me, is going in this morning to be induced. I'm so happy that she didn't have to wait til her due date to see her baby girl. I know she was suffering just as much as me, if not more.

I hope someone lets me have this baby a bit early too. In the meantime, Matthew and I are ticking off a few last-minute to-dos and getting in some much needed "us" time before we become a family of four (including Stew man).

Any advice on how we should spend our last few weeks together? I'm getting TONS of sleep, so I don't need help in that department. Movies? Dinner out? We'd love your suggestions!


- Melina

All That Glitters

Being ridiculously pregnant around the holidays has its advantages, such as eating even more than normal at holiday meals, but one thing that I'm really missing out on this year are the holiday parties. No more drinking too many glasses of champagne, spending hours getting dolled up, and my favorite holiday party staple - a fun sequin dress. So, here's my round-up (all under $100) of drool-worthy glittery dresses that I won't be wearing this year. Hope you get a chance to!

Ark & Co., $99

ASOS Swing Dress, $96.75

H&M, $49.95

Zara, $99.90

-  Melina

Work It Girl

I don't love to work out. I do love to eat. Not a great combo, especially now that I'm in my 30s and a mom of two. Boo!

For the last few months, I've been dabbling at Weight Watchers, losing about seven pounds just by eating a little bit better. Still many splurges, but I've been keeping track and doing okay. Not great, but not terrible either.

I know I need to work out, but there are so many excuses. I'm a busy mom. I stay home with the girls. I also work. I'm tired ... the list goes on and on! But I'm going to make a change! You are my witnesses - don't let me back down!

Last night, I convinced my former yogi friend Alicia to join me for a mixed flow class at Darling Yoga in Overland Park. It was amazing!

The class was super challenging for me, a total yoga novice, but it was a supportive environment and I felt like a got a great workout. And the end part - what's it called? Oh it was wonderful. The teacher had this star projector so when she dimmed the lights, it was magical, and gave us each mini massages. She had some kind of yummy smelling lotion, and it was all just so soothing and peaceful.

Then this morning, I shocked my body at Fusion Fitness at Mission Farms in Leawood.

I have never worked out so hard in my life! The moves were really tough - even for those who seemed to know what they were doing (not me!), and I have to admit ... there were a few times I felt like I might throw up/pass out. But it was motivating too. Just about everyone in the class, and it was packed, had amazing bodies. AND they appear to be just like me - 30-something year old moms, many who probably work and take care of kiddos too. No excuses, we were all there by 6 a.m., way before our kids ever opened their eyes - and I left feeling completely worn out and so sweaty gross, but excited too. These classes at Fusion could be just what I need!

Tomorrow I'm signed up for another morning class - this one at 5:30 AM - and I hope to take another yoga class at Darling Yoga on Saturday.

I hope I can do it! Let me know if you have any suggestions - how you stay motivated, where you work out, how to balance family/work exercise? I'd love to hear from you!


- Kara

Win $700 for gifts and a personal shopper!

It's week two of the Time Warner Cable Enjoy Holidays Better contest on Twitter, and you'll definitely want to enter! Up for grabs? $700 for holiday gifts, and TWC will do the shopping and wrapping for you!

Read the official rules here and head to Twitter asap to enter. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Thursday. All you have to do is share why you should win, including @TWCable_KC and #EnjoyHolidaysBetter in your entry. We'll draw a winner Friday morning.

Last week's winner of a holiday home makeover by Julie Blanner of Coordinately Yours and Custom Christmas Lighting was photographer Claire Ryser of Lee's Summit, who didn't have a tree, lights or hardly any holiday decor before we stepped in!

Julie took these photos, not me, doesn't everything look gorgeous?

I'm sure Julie will have more photos on her blog soon, so be sure to check it out and follow her for amazing design tips and inspiration - she is truly talented and so nice too.

Don't forget to enter this week's contest for the holiday gift money and a personal shopper! I'd love for one of my friends to win!


- Kara