March Mighty Hero Averie Grace

Sweet 2 year old Averie had a large cancerous mass in her chest cavity. It was removed on Aug. 23, but after 4 months of chemo, the mass grew back aggressively and bigger. She is again trying fight back against this cancer! Averie has a rare childhood cancer and is undergoing intense chemo and radiation treatments as well as a recent surgery last week to fight this cancer, pleuropulmonary blastoma.

Every donation made to Averie will go directly to her family. Please send all your love and prayers to this beautiful Mighty Hero.  Click here to donate www.psiadoreyou.com

Averie you are our Mighty Hero. Stay strong and know you have a army behind you! 

We love you!

Averie has a older sister who is 5 and a baby brother who is 2 months old. What a beautiful family!

Averie is so brave! She has been through huge surgery to remove the first tumors and just recently went in for a larger surgery to remove her entire left lung. She is always so happy. Even when she is in pain and scared she will smile. What a amazing little warrior!

5 things you never knew about childhood cancer

One thing we love most about our jobs is being able to help families in a small way that are facing extremely hard challenges. We know that financial aid for childhood cancer is just the tip of the iceberg to make a change, so we want to do more to spread awareness about the facts.

Here are five facts you may not know about childhood cancer:

1. The average age at diagnosis is 6 years old, while adults’ average age for cancer diagnosis is 66.

2. 43 children per day or 15,780 children per year are expected to be diagnosed with cancer. (in 2014)

3.  Incidence of invasive pediatric cancers is up 29% in the past 20 years.

4.  More children die of cancer every year than adults died on 9/11/2001.

5. Childhood cancer survivors are at significant risk for secondary cancers later in life.

Clearly we as a society have a long way to go to give these children a better chance of living a full and wonderful life. Childhood cancer needs more funding for research and there is no reason to delay!

It is our hope that by making people more aware of the reality of childhood cancer, more people will be driven to bring about change.

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with friends and family on your own social media. Every little bit helps!

Top 10 trends to get you through the winter

We loved putting together a pregnancy style post a few weeks ago, but wanted to add something for the non-pregnant gals too.

While February is just about the time we start craving a spring wardrobe refresh, there have been so many great trends going on this winter that can totally get us through the rest of these cold days. All we need is a little inspiration! Read on for our favorites:

1. Winter whites + monochromatic outfits

Via Street Style

We're so glad the "don't wear white after Labor Day" rule is a thing of the past. White can look so chic in the winter, and white on white is even better!

2. Ripped jeans 

Via

Sure, it's not the most practical choice on an absolutely frigid day, but we love the roughed-up look of ripped jeans. Try a DIY or find a cheap pair at good ol' F21 or Target to try out the trend.

3. Long sweaters

Via

This trend is one of our absolute favorites on the list. Long sweaters add a boho look to any outfit and are basically like wearing a blanket. (Pair them with a blanket scarf and then you've got a whole blanket outfit :-))

4. Plaid + stripes

Via Madewell

If there's anything we love more than stripes and plaid, it's stripes and plaid together. Swoon! Try it by adding patterns in similar color schemes.

5. Bright, oversized statement coats

Via The Street Style

A bright coat can totally chase away the winter blues, and an oversized one just makes things even better. The slouchy look is totally cool and cozy.

6. Duck boots

Via Atlantic Pacific

Duck boots are a total hit this season and we're all about it. They're practical and cute — the best of both worlds.

7. Sporty sneakers

Via

This trend has been around for awhile and we're happy that it's sticking around for the winter season. Sneakers are a great option when we want to rotate out of the usual riding boots or booties.

8. Hats, hats and more hats

Via

The day hats became a must-have accessory was a glorious day for us. Trade in your straw summer hat for a black felt variety and you can add instant glam to any outfit. We love cozy knit beanies too!

9. Blanket scarves

Via

We've mentioned blanket scarves earlier in this post, but they deserve their own shout out. "Blanket" is the key word on this one. From now on, normal scarves will never be enough.

10. Over-the-knee boots

Via 

This look includes a wide brimmed hat, blanket scarf and over-the-knee boots, so it's the perfect way to end this post. These boots provide added warmth and look chic as can be with a pair of skinny jeans.

Creative Valentine's Day ideas for your man

Why are guys always SO hard to do something thoughtful for? Girls are totally easy — flowers, a sentimental letter, candles, a spa gift card...but how to guys like to be pampered on the day of love?

We've been racking our brains trying to think of something for the men in our lives, so we figured we'd share the best of our findings. Read on for some inspiration!

1. Love letter review night. Spend the evening looking through memorabilia from when you first met. Share notes, pictures, and bonus points if you let him read your diary!

2. Plan a year of dates in a box. We love this idea from The Babes Ruth blog. It takes the guess work out of the weekend and gives you something to look forward to at least once a month - though you could certainly plan even more!

3. Write "open when" letters. This one requires a lot of thought — which is what makes it such an amazing gift! It's completely free of cost, but 100% full of love. See this blog post for more details!

4. Relive your first moments together. - Whether you go to the place you first met or eat at the restaurant you first had dinner together, reliving the early days of your relationship will surely spark some fire.

5. Make a slideshow of memories. This blog post gives a tutorial on making the easiest slideshow ever — find some sweet photos of your time together and you are set!

6. Send text messages throughout the day that each start with,  “I love you because…” This one makes the whole day a little bit more special, and it's very easy to do. Send a text every hour or at least a few throughout the day. Everyone loves to hear why they are loved!

7. Give him a Sensual Valentine box. This list wouldn't be complete without something to really spice things up on Valentine's Day. :-) This blog post gives ideas for a light-hearted, fun way to appeal to all the senses with your man.

8. Dinner in bed. We all dream about breakfast in bed, but dinner in bed could be just as amazing. You'll avoid the busy restaurant seen, don't have to get dressed up, and can cozy up and watch a movie, go to sleep — or not — immediately following the meal. :-)

Mighty Hero Hayes

Meet our Mighty Hero Hayes. He is our hero for the month of February. This handsome little stud needs all our love and prayers as he starts treatment next week. We are sending all our love and prayers to you! Every penny of your donation will go to Hayes. Go to  www.psiadoreyou.com Stay strong handsome! You got this!

 

In December, Hayes started getting sick. He was throwing up, sleeping a lot, and wouldn’t really eat. Every time Steve and Savanna took him to the doctors, they told them he just had a virus… it was going around. After hearing this for five weeks, they knew it wasn’t right. They had five other kids at home and none of them were sick. If it was a virus, someone else would have caught it. 

On January 7th, 2016, they decided that they needed to take him to Primary’s Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. They did a scan and found a mass in his brain. 

The next day Hayes went in for surgery to have it removed. They were able to remove the tumor but it was large and malignant. The tumor was sent to pathology. 

On January 19, 2016, pathology came back and Hayes was diagnosed with Choroid Plexus Carcinoma, an extremely rare form of cancer that affects 1 in 3 million people. It’s so rare that doctors in Utah have never treated it. 

It is very early yet and we do not know much information right now, but we do know that the family is going to need every bit of help they can get to provide Hayes the very best treatment.  They have enough to worry about, we don’t want them to have to worry about any financial burdens. Even though they have medical insurance, we know there will be lots of things they have to pay for. 

Hayes is a tough kid and is a fighter! In fact, his parents told me that he has a triplet brother that is much bigger than he is. They still remember their first fight over a toy. Hayes had this tenacity although his brother was stronger, Hayes had this unbelievable determination to fight for what he wanted. Hayes was the last baby born out of the triplets and immediately was put on a ventilator. He quickly got off the ventilator and was eventually the first baby to come home. His parents have always known that Hayes is determined. He has a tenacious mentality that they haven't seen from their other kids. 

His middle name is Kyle, after Chris Kyle from American Sniper. He has defied the odds from the beginning… when they first found out that they were expecting triplets they initially heard only two heartbeats. The ultrasound revealed three babies, but they couldn't hear his heartbeat. The Doctor wasn't very optimistic that he would develop giving him a 50/50 chance, but after only a week they went back and heard Hayes' heartbeat. He was determined to come to their family and be a part of the happy chaos that is the Tate family! 

Hayes is a tough little guy and is surrounded by an incredible family, including amazing parents, a 9 year old brother, a 7 year old sister, a four year old brother and his fellow 10 mos old brother and sister triplets. It takes a village… and there is a strong village that will be there for Hayes and his family every step of the way.

After meeting with the Oncologists at Primary's Children's Medical Center and doing our due diligence with St. Jude's, Savanna and I have decided to stay here for Hayes' treatment. The treatment could start as early as Friday, but we will definitely be starting by next week. It will consist of an aggressive chemo therapy regime of 6 month's inpatient. Savanna will be at the hospital with Hayes while I stay home with the other 5 kids. We are extremely grateful for the support so far and we will continue to lean on it for these next 6 months. We are extremely grateful for the love everyone has shown us. We plan on beating this and having a party in July to celebrate. It's time to beat cancer and Hayes will do it. I know! #prayforHayes #Hayestough

Valentine's Day gifts under $30 for everyone on your list

Valentine's Day is sneaking right up on us! But considering we're still in recovery mode from all the Christmas spending, we plan to keep our Valentine's Day gifting on the thrifty side. Here are come inexpensive ways to show your love to friends, significant others and kids!

1.

These Anthropologie candles are our absolute favorite - any friend would be so excited to have one of these to cozy up their home in the winter months! $28

2. 

We love the idea of collecting holiday-themed books to take out just for the season. It keeps your kids interested and makes bedtime extra fun. This sweet "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" spin-off is perfect for the occasion. $6.99

3. 

Sometimes a card is all it takes to show someone you care. We're skipping the traditional cheesy cards for a different kind of cheese this year with this cheeky style from Urban Outfitters. :-) $5

4. 

The men in our lives are simple creatures: they don't need much...but they could always use a new pair of socks! These festive heart socks from Old Navy are just subtle enough that any many would be willing to rock them. $5.94

5. 

We don't care who you are — man, woman or child: you will go crazy over these gourmet rice crispy treats by The Crispery. They are ooey-gooey in all the right ways and will change the way you see rice crispy treats forevermore. $24.99

6. 

Another perfect gift for a girlfriend, this Forever 21 jewelry dish quotes our favorite Beatles line and would get used on the daily. $5.94

7. 

Though handmade gifts are always appreciated most, they can be overly time-consuming. This book does the legwork and makes a thoughtful gift as easy as pie. It'll help you say "I love you" in all new ways! $10

8. 

Skip the chalky candy for a longer-lasting version of the Valentine's Day classic treat. This sweetheart Rubik's Cube puzzle is perfect for the older kids in your life who love a good challenge. $5

Winter pregnancy style inspiration

Freezing winter temps can put your fashion game in a rut come January and February, but when you're pregnant, things can get really rough. Thank goodness for Pinterest and street style blogs, bringing us inspiration just when we're resorting to pulling out the same pair of sweats for the third day in a row.

For today's post we've compiled a few of our favorite winter maternity looks to keep things fresh until that baby comes along!

1. Sweater with fur vest. We love the layering and texture going on here!

Via @merricksart

2. Form-fitting tee + button-up shirt. Again, layering is essential in the winter, and essential when trying to conceal a growing bump. Match made in heaven!

Via @leannebarlow

3. Edgy prego style. We love that this look is edgy, sporty and comfortable all at once.

Via @midwifeyhooper

4. Tunic over jeans. This longer top allows coverage and warmth while giving a more boho look to a button-up. Love!

Via @thestyleditrix

5. Maternity overalls. These exist?? This girl is rocking this look so hard, it makes us believe we can do it too.

Via The Northern Light

6. Put a belt on it. Even with flowy tops, it's always flattering to define the waistline with a growing bump.

Via GBO Fashion

7. Bodycon dresses. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, bodycon dresses are a great way to appear slimmer during pregnancy — no loose layers to make you look bigger than you are! Paired with over-the-knee boots and it's downright model status.

Via Little Blonde Book

8. Layer tops of different lengths. While the first top would be too short on its own, layering it with a longer lace top makes it totally maternity-friendly. Genius!

Via The Daybook