Target runs make things get done!

Target has helped me amp up the magic of Christmas this year!

We recently did a Christmas necessity haul at our local Target and got EVERYTHING we needed to *Wrap up* this year right! 

(Yes, y’all know me.. a sucker for a good pun.)

After hitting Starbucks for my venti hot white chocolate mocha with extra everything we headed over to the dollar spot and bullseye’s playground to pick up gift bags, tissue paper, and drawstring North Pole Santa sacks (not pictured for obvious reasons)

We headed to the back and the major Christmas display section to hunt for Wondershop wrapping paper I just had to have and got 2 rolls of the new ASL merry Christmas pattern release. 

(I may go back for more!)

During the search, we found licensed Spider-Man wrapping paper that we absolutely couldn’t pass up with a major Spidey fan at home!

We found our magic scotch tape and bought 4 rolls because I absolutely refuse to run out and I wholeheartedly tape my presents to death.

And on the way to the checkout line, we also found a limited edition only available at target Christmas countdown book that we just absolutely had to have anyone who knows me or my family can tell you we do holidays in a very big way so a story to read every night was a must-have.  

At checkout, my husband grabbed me a Starbucks mocha Frappuccino (the 2022 snowflake edition) because he knows that I need mom fuel to get through the undertaking that is wrapping copious amounts of gifts for everyone we love and stashing them under our tree and all over our house.

I’m absolutely floored by the quality of products and the availability of the things that I truly want and need at my local store I’ve never had an issue with customer service and unlike the majority of places that I have no choice but to shop when I go into target my anxiety lessons instead of flying through the roof. 

I’m always grateful for the opportunity to write segments such as this one and to be able to slow down and enjoy little moments I always look forward so dearly every year to picking that year‘s wrapping papers and gift labels and making each year special down to the little minute details that some people would not appreciate or even notice but that’s what the season is about for us slowing down and spending time and effort towards the people that we love and appreciate most. 

Merry Christmas. happy holidays and a fantastic new year from everyone at Tatorthoughts and from our house to yours!

We hope you guys have a wonderful safe holiday and we cannot wait to see you in 2023!

I’m back with another Unique Baby Holiday Clothing Review – Thanksgiving 2022

It’s no surprise that holidays are a big deal they are for many people and always have been for our family especially with the painful road we had to walk to get to our kids. We soak up and celebrate everything. 

Especially the “little” things because they turn into the bigger more meaningful moments long term. 

As I’ve mentioned in several past features here we’re huge fans of Unique Baby as a brand and company & the convenience of their availability on Amazon is top tier!

Keeping with tradition we’ve ordered our children’s Thanksgiving outfits for 2022 from unique baby. 

links to items found here:

Unique Baby Girls Thanksgiving Dinner Outfit 2pc Denim Turkey Set https://a.co/d/5bHmtQS

Unique Baby Boys Eat Play Thankful Thanksgiving T-Shirt https://a.co/d/gmD9sZ2

These are so cute and extremely fitting for my children’s personalities. 

Everything we’ve ever purchased from them has been so sweet, such high quality and a memorable staple in their childhood and in our family memories. 

Being festive is fun and with these two life is really sweet.

Thanks for tagging along on our family journey, We appreciate you so much!

From our family to yours happy holidays!

🖤October Ipsy 2022🎃

Y’all I am absolutely loving my October 2022 ipsy bag!

I honestly didn’t think I was going to love ipsy as much as I do as I’m not super into subscription boxes however.. ipsy gets it right!

October makes my third bag as I received the August glam bag X curated by Alicia Keys. 

Y’all know I love October and it’s not just because of my birthday it’s literally because of everything. The weather changes in Georgia and I feel like I’m at peace for three months out of the entire year… if you live in the south you know what I mean.

Hoodies, bonfires, pumpkins, going outside without a plague of mosquitoes or heat stroke, Halloween, hot chocolate, caramel apples y’all I could go on but it would be a shame not to mention that September and October are literally the only times throughout the whole year that I can buy home decor because I use Halloween decorations as 365-day decorations in my house! 😂

Anyways back to Ipsy…

The October bag is described as

“Spooky yet stylish, this month’s bag possesses everything you need for frightfully flawless skin and ghoulishly glam looks—all in a bewitching design you voted for. Happy Haul-oween!”

This is a black bag donned with a raised spiderweb, A silver spider zipper, and dark purple trim absolutely my aesthetic but then again I have not yet received a bag that I didn’t absolutely love. 

in this month’s bag I received:

Clean beauty brand CHELLA’s Blushing Rose Eyeshadow Palette

E.L.F. COSMETICS Big Mood Mascara in Black

IT COSMETICS Confidence In Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream

SEPHORA COLLECTION Smooth + Blur Primer

FENTY SKIN

Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum with Niacinamide

I love that when you rate products they listen and it helps improve your future bags.

I also really enjoyed the opportunity to give away five free bags to friends this month. 

I love eyeshadows but I’m very particular about which ones I use. The same goes for mascara. 

And I am working diligently currently to find a good skincare routine supplement that works well for me as I’m still really enjoying my Seint beauty skin care said that I’ve featured on the website before. (if you haven’t already seen that review go check it out!)

As all of you probably know I’m not a girl who enjoys being limited so the more options I have available to me the better and with my combination of skin care needs My ipsy subscription has been a huge help. 

I’m loving toners and primers at the moment

And I found these to work really well for my skin. 

I fully support self-care and #TreatYourself even if I haven’t always been the best at holding space for that in my own life. 

I look forward to my ipsy subscription every month now and I can’t wait to see what the November 2022 ipsy glam bag X box curated by Becky G has in store for me. 

Will I continue to receive ipsy bags long-term? I’m not sure. But I do know that some of these products I will be using in preparation for my wedding next year. 

And I haven’t yet decided if I will continue receiving glam bag X or if I will drop my subscription down to the classic glam bags only. I have not had any experience so far with glam bag plus so I may try that in the future just to shake things up some. 

Overall I feel like the traditional glam bags are well worth the subscription price and I’m currently happy with my choice.

If you are interested in signing up or would like to purchase ipsy as a gift use my link: https://www.ipsy.com/oupgliqc

2022 family Halloween costumes reveal

We absolutely love celebrating holidays. Especially Halloween and Christmas and while we always have coordinated Christmas attire this was our first year doing a family-themed costume. 

My kids are 14 months apart at 2 and 3 years old. One of their latest huge obsessions is the live action cat in the hat movie staring Mike Myers that just recently celebrated its 22nd anniversary. 

It is currently streaming on Netflix in the US and is set to leave Netflix on October 31 of 2022. 

So it is only fitting that we dressed our children as “thing 1” and “thing 2” per their request and my husband and I had matching shirts that said “mother and father of all things”

Amazon to the rescue!

Links to the exact products purchased are as follows:

Thing 1&2 Kids Deluxe Costume https://a.co/d/dltd06p

Spirit Halloween Toddler Thing 1 and Thing 2 Dress Costume

Dr. Seuss Mother of all Things Emblem RED T-shirt https://a.co/d/cdxCJGm

Dr. Seuss Father of all Things Emblem RED T-shirt https://a.co/d/fogskf0

These costumes are some of the most well-made ones we’ve ever bought! 

I’m sure as many people know costumes are usually poor quality constructed, they don’t wash or wear well and they attract EVERYTHING from fuzz to mystery glitter and end up looking like you’ve rolled around in a dog bed by the end of the night. 

These however were quite the opposite!

I was pleasantly surprised and extremely pleased by the end product. 

I loved the Mittens on my sons costume and their ease of use and removal. The interchangeable numbers on both costumes were extremely helpful as this prevents you from having to buy specific costumes just because of the number. Both costumes came with a one and a two for use. 

The tights on my daughters costume were very well-made and not see-through at all, 

And I liked the fact that the back of her dress was a zipper closure in theory if she wanted to she could wear this dress without the sticker thing number emblem on the front as a very pretty dress, same with the tights! 

I need my son‘s number Velcro to his outfit however my daughters was held on by a sticky 3M backing. This was the only drawback I found I wish hers were more reusable as his was. 

My husband and I are no stranger to matching as we’ve done it many times however these shirts were extremely cute well-made and easy to purchase directly from Amazon. 

Overall this year‘s costume choice was a great one! I’m very happy with the way things turned out and the durability of it all. 

my daughter loved the headband that came with her costume however my son wanted anyone other than him to wear the hat that came with his for that I blame sensory issues but he still looked absolutely adorable as thing one and I wouldn’t change a thing!

So far my children have lived up to their character inspirations and been ABSOLUTELY WILD In their costumes but they won’t be this little for long so we are soaking it up for as long as we can. I’d say our first family costume experience was a win!

Thanks for the memories, Dr. Seuss!

Unique Baby Amazon children’s Halloween outfit haul 2022

We all know by now that I am the mom who celebrates everything. 

My two favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas. 

In our family, it is a tradition to dress for every holiday until and unless our children tell us they don’t want to anymore.  Halloween 2022 is no exception. 

(my family often compares me to Beverly Goldberg.. I am not mad about it!)

This year we invested in a casual Halloween outfit for each child as we usually do in addition to a Halloween costume. 

*costume to be revealed later*

These casual outfits came from one of our favorite Amazon small businesses – Unique Baby – that has been featured on our website before and will more than likely continue to be. 

You can purchase these exact items while supplies last at these direct links.

Shirt: Unique Baby Unisex Halloween Pumpkin Shirt https://a.co/d/hGhTmL2

Outfit: Unique Baby Girls Scary Cute Black Cat Halloween Hoodie Outfit https://a.co/d/gQQA7TO

This year we purchased a size 4T in the shirt and a size 2T in the outfit and they fit perfectly. They wear and wash well, and are the perfect attire for any pumpkin patch visit and other fall family fun. 

I’m always very pleased with my purchases from unique baby and it will be a very sad day when my children inevitably outgrow the sizes that they offer. Although I’m sure that will be quite some time beings as they offer matching parent sets as well. 

It’s always a joy to create these special memories with my family. They don’t stay little for long!

Happy spooky season y’all!

Fall is upon us! 🎃🎃


Xx Tator

Ipsy September did not disappoint!

I just received my second  ipsy subscription bag and I’m loving it.  

The holographic bag is giving me all the nostalgic vibes from being a kid in the early 2000s! this months bag is packed full of goodies and described as: “Whenever you lose sight of how strong and capable you are, this month’s bag design is a loud and proud reminder that no matter what comes your way—you got this!”

in this bag I received:

CIATÉ LONDON Definer Liner in Starburst

This is a brand that I haven’t previously heard of maybe I live under a rock I don’t know but this is one of the best metallic liners I’ve ever owned and I love it!

GOLDFADEN MD Bright Eyes Dark Circle Radiance Concentrate

I’ve had dark circles my entire life so I’m genuinely hoping this lessens them quite a bit, and it’s for that reason that I am so glad I get things like this specifically curated for my needs and the things that I enjoy.

HEMPZ Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Body Butter

this is again a brand I’ve never heard of and a product I wouldn’t ordinarily buy for myself but I will try anything at least once.

Life is all about broadening your horizons!

MEG COSMETICS Marine Serum Cleanser

this item I chose and I’m extremely glad I did it feels so refreshing on my skin!

TWEEN.TY Tightening Cream

This brand is also new to me however I’m a mom enough said. 😂

LARUCE BEAUTY LR007 Tapered Blending Brush

This month I got a bonus item and that happened to be a brush

i’m really excited to be able to continue to use these products and see how they work long-term and possibly change my purchasing habits based on something new I find that I prefer over my current products.

I love getting happy mail!

Xx Tator

Welcoming the 2022-2023 school year in style with Mibasies

I can’t believe I’m saying this but summer is rapidly drawing to an end and the 2022 – 2023 school year is right around the corner that means like millions of other students my baby will be going to school..

FOR THE FIRST TIME AT 3 YEARS OLD!

Of course, we had to do back to school right, and thanks to the great people over at Mibasies we did just that! 

We’ve decked these kids out in adorable, extremely well made very functional back-to-school items everyone needs from backpacks fit for the smallest of students to lunchboxes pencil cases, and elementary school-sized backpacks for everyone.

Entire MATCHING SETS of fabulous back-to-school staples!

This year we chose:

•1 dinosaur print preschool/ kindergarten backpack 

•1 dinosaur print lunch box

•1 dinosaur print soft zip pencil case

•1 rainbow mermaid elementary age backpack

•1 Rainbow Mermaid Lunchbox

•1 Rainbow soft zip Pencil Case 

I love how well-constructed these items are as well as their beautiful print options. 

Yes, some things are made to match but there are so many different options that you could comfortably mix and match to suit your child’s likes and desires. 

You can tell that there is a lot of attention to detail and durability as well as ease of use and parent-child peace of mind. 

We know kids will sit things down and lose them and this detail-oriented company has thought about that. Their items have name labels on or inside them preventing total loss should something be dropped, misplaced, or left behind which I LOVE!

The lunchboxes even have buckle handles, exterior water bottle pocket access, and sturdy zippers even the smallest children can use with ease without worrying they’ll break or won’t be able to access their lunch without a struggle. Made from strong and water-resistant polyester fabric with an insulated interior and reinforced stitching these are top-tier lunch bags to fit ANY STYLE! They come in different liter sizes to suit the age of your child and even have interior mesh zipper pockets with three-layer insulation!

(Seriously, as an adult I’m living for some of these products myself and my kids are just as excited!)

The sparkling unicorn lunchbox suits my Girl SO WELL & the adorable positive affirmations listed on the back of the lunchbox are a bonus. it even has a carrying strap she can use to carry it like a purse!

The pencil cases are crush-proof and made of The same sturdy durable material and stitching we’ve come to expect from mibasies as it Carries nicely across all of their products, with an interior removable divider and mesh pocket there is more than enough room! Trust me parents skip those bulky plastic pencil boxes this year we all know they fall and break every chance they get!

I love that you can even label the exterior with your children’s names these were made with PRACTICAL use in mind and I as an educator and parent am totally here for it all!

I love these backpacks and I’m super pleased with the quality and versatility, you don’t find many kid’s backpacks that are both entertaining and aesthetically pleasing while simultaneously being sturdy and functional. 

There are several pockets even with the backpack geared towards preschool & kindergarten age and all are well embroidered with the mibasies brand that doesn’t detract from the quality or cute factor.

During my youngest son‘s recent surgery we even took his new Mibasies dinosaur print preschool backpack to the hospital with us! We got so many compliments and it served us so well even on such a chaotic day. Holding everything we needed for him including snacks in the front insulated lunchbox pocket that is attached as one piece to the backpack itself. Which is something we thoroughly enjoy. our Dino lover was not disappointed!

Really words or product photos don’t do this much justice! Even the glitter products are made with STAY PUT GLITTER so your child gets all the glam and personality with none of the fallout mess! 

You’ve got to see these products for yourself I could talk all day about the aspects that I love but nothing compares to seeing them in person or seeing your children regardless of age light up with excitement for the upcoming school year. 

We are so grateful for our continued partnership with such great companies and so thankful to add the amazing people at mibasies to that list. 

Thank you again for the opportunity to post this with permission and share my experience with your products with all who will benefit. These products are worth EVERY PENNEY. We will be long-term customers of Mibasies in every avenue!

If you weren’t already convinced One of my new favorite retailers for all things school can be found on Amazon and even hosted impeccable deals as part of this year‘s prime days. 

These products are stylish, functional and giftable we will definitely be purchasing more products from them as the need and desire arises. 

Shop mibasies products on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/mibasies/page/A71306A4-75CE-47F6-9F2A-F9CD074B55C5?ref_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto

Shop the Mibasies website here: https://mibasies.com/discount/YAY0101

Join the Mibasies Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1606422262896185/?ref=sharehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1606422262896185/?ref=share&exp=8ce3

Ipsy Subscription? First Impression Subscription Experience Review

I received my first ipsy bag!

I’m not typically someone who indulges in subscription boxes or in this case bags but when I was offered a free one from one of my make-up-loving friends I couldn’t resist. I simply had to see what all the fuss was about and I must say I am more impressed than I thought I would be!

I’m happy with how cute the bag itself was, how well everything was packaged, and the simplicity of everything. I’m also glad I got to pick one of my items because that’s always nice and made it have a more personal feel for me. The only thing I wasn’t thrilled about was knowing everything that I was getting in the bag. I guess it’s nice if you want to know but it should be an option to reveal it or keep it a surprise. It also takes a while to arrive so I wasn’t necessarily expecting that but I guess it’s Okay when you get used to it. 

(Does this mean Amazon has me spoiled with their two-day delivery?)

I also got a free trial of their refreshments subscription which was nice to be able to try and see what kind of products they offer however because I’m so particular about specific things like razors and aftercare I don’t think I will continue that portion of my ipsy subscription. 

I will say personal preference aside that I think that’s a nice option to have since ipsy bags are delivered once a month depending on your subscription and you wouldn’t have to make any impromptu store runs for shaving supplies or really any of the other things that they offer through the refreshments tab in the app as it would be essentially sent straight to you with your bag. (*glam bag X happens quarterly and if you are a refreshments subscriber you will still receive your refreshments shipment with your glam bag X, even though during those months you will not receive a traditional bag.*)

About the bag: July 

“Get whisked away to tranquil waters, sea breezes, and sandy toes. July’s beach-inspired bag invites you to soak in the beauty of the summer.”

Although each bag is different due to product availability and different responses to the Ipsy personal style quiz this is what I received in the July 2022 bag.

  1. ACE BEAUTÉ –  Blushed Up Blush in Rosy
  1. BASIC BEAUTY- Lengthy Lashes
  1. PRESTIGE COSMETICS – Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner in Smoke
  1. SMASHBOX COSMETICS – Original Smooth & Blur Primer

(This is the item I chose)

  1. THE NUE CO. – Barrier Culture Cleanser

Overall it’s been a positive experience!

I’m pleasantly surprised &  I would probably rate this whole thing ..maybe a seven out of ten? Sounds pretty solid to me. it’s not overwhelming but the process was easy, the products I received were quality and I like it overall. 

I’ll be back when I get my August glam X order with updates.

If you are interested in trying IPSY for yourself or giving a subscription as a gift use my referral link:https://www.ipsy.com/oupgliqc

-Xx Tator

It’s officially Fourth of July weekend and it’s time for outfits that fit the occasion!

Matching patriotic sibling outfits!

2022 has been one of our family’s best years yet, it’s obviously not without hard work though so when we have a reason to celebrate anything we do it and we do it right. You’ll know I’m a mom that is extra AF when it comes to celebrating literally anything – my family doesn’t call me Beverly Goldberg for nothing!

From day one of my children’s lives I’ve always been THAT mom…

•The mom that customizes everything I possibly can.

•The mom that coordinates holiday & themed outfits every time.

•The mom that has been coined the queen of personalization. 

And I don’t regret a second! Of course, I know one day all of this will come to an end with my kids no longer wanting to do that and it’s fine, but right now they love it and I love being festive and even when it’s over I know I’ll at least have these countless holiday memories and precious family photo shoots to look back on and smile.. it’s really just my thing and I love that they love it too!

So for the Fourth of July 2022 nothing has changed! We went with an adorable unisex shirt from unique baby on Amazon for my son & a FEDPOP American flag dress for my daughter both of which I love! Remember you don’t have to dress your children of either gender the exact same way for them to match.

I love this shirt for my son and I love that he can also wear this to school and represent the values that we’ve tried so hard to instill in our children by doing so yes I’m fully aware that he’s only three, however, good values start young.

The links to purchase these items from Amazon are below: 

Flag dress: 

FEDPOP Toddler Girls American Flag Dresses Independence Day Outfits Kids Patriotic Clothes 4th of July Stripe Dress 2-8 Years https://a.co/d/dzbrNh8

Unisex liberty shirt:

Unique Baby Unisex Kids Patriotic American 4th of July T-Shirts https://a.co/d/bOveciT

Remember it doesn’t matter your title to a child whether you are a parent, an aunt, a grandparent,  A foster family, Or anything that makes you family by love or by blood you can make a difference in their lives. You have the power to make every day special, you only have 18 summers, only so many holidays., Make them count. 

I’m fully aware holidays can be hard, so celebrate to your heart’s content or don’t. 

Do what best suits your needs but please remember while you’re out there living your best life it’s always better to ask for a ride or call a ride service rather than drink and drive. it takes a split second to change your life forever and end someone else’s. Please don’t be the reason someone doesn’t come home this weekend. Don’t drink and drive. 

Xx – Tator

Birthdays can be both beautiful and hard on the heart

**I’m well aware that this won’t resonate with everyone but I wouldn’t be doing my heart, my children, or my story justice without sharing it. I’m nothing if not unapologetically authentic.**

Now that I’ve successfully celebrated my children’s birthdays for 2022 I’ve had a chance to sort my feelings, this isn’t to say these feelings are clean-cut, rainbow-colored visions of happiness that fit neatly into boxes because I’ll tell you that couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

We’ve done the birthday photos, I’ve made the posters, custom ordered cakes bought all the gifts, and every other detail that goes into celebrating another year with 2 incredible humans 3 months apart. 

I dive in head first going above and beyond even topping my best because they deserve it, they’ll always deserve it but as I’ve said many times before it’s extremely hard to watch your children grow and thrive every day, never missing a day and still feel like while the days are long the years are so incredibly short. Conceptually I know I only get 18 birthdays, 18 of each holiday, And 18 summers if I’m lucky before they’re no longer children and I’m aware that so many parents and families get even less time. 

While I’m grateful for every moment I won’t say those moments are easy. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t parent through the Lens of loss and trauma from it. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with that though.

Things are different when you’re the one who keeps memories alive so dates and days that should have been often get the better of me. 

I do my best not to let my pain shadow the celebration of the life we have with Raiden & S.p.  But it is a constant in our lives. It’s a part of my motherhood story and the parental origin story of my husband. If anything the fact that we carry such big feelings constantly drives us to do and be better by the day, especially on big ones like birthdays and holidays.

While I grieve for love lost I also see how blessed we are with every second. 

I study my children’s faces, their speech, and each step because I know tomorrow they’ll be just ever so slightly older. 

I’ll always long for the babies they were but I’m so blessed to watch them grow and thrive by the day. As cliché as it may sound I love getting to meet them and know more about them EVERY SINGLE DAY yes I’ve known them every second of their lives but each day they become a little bit more of who they are supposed to be and I’m just glad that I get to play a part in that it’s one that I don’t take lightly my kids are my everything and I know every parent everywhere with half a heart can relate.

My kids are my driving force for everything I do. They are my greatest adventures and my best contributions to the world by far. 

My children are heaven-sent gifts for my husband and me and we couldn’t ask for anything better. 

The hope I have for these children is immeasurable. The pride I feel grows by the day though I always believe it’s impossible. 

I’ll never be able to put the caliber of my love for them into words though I’ll never stop trying. I simply hope they know it. 

I know they’re still little, they’ve only turned 3 & 2 but each year hits my heart with a wave of sadness, confusion, and joy. 

Sadnesses that yet another chapter has ended and we’ll never be back there again, confused as to how it all happened so soon, and absolute joy because while one chapter ended another- the next year has begun. 

Meaning, that each day, week, and month in this chapter is an opportunity to do more, be more, and spend even more time making memories. That’s a blessing!

Every parent wants their children to have the best in life possible and that looks different for everyone. All my kids’ needs are met, they’re growing and succeeding in life, and they have nice things but that’s not everything. I want my children to have experiences, an abundance of love, and unwavering felt safety. The most important of which money could never buy. 

I’m completely aware that this is a long sappy post, but sometimes the things no one talks about are the ones we should be talking about!

Grief, gratitude, and happiness can and often do go hand & in hand. It doesn’t make you ungrateful or any less blessed to put a name to your feelings and allow yourself to feel them in your own time and space. 

That’s the point of this post, honoring all the emotions that come up around birthdays and empowering those like my family who have to feel it all. You are not alone. 

Should my children ever read this I hope they’d take away my love and admiration for them from all that I’ve said. 

I’m beyond grateful for the last half-decade of my life because it brought me my wildest dreams come true! My website, two healthy pregnancies, my children, my marriage, countless precious memories, and the book I’m writing to honor it all simply because my children deserve to have their stories told. 

Life is truly beautiful sometimes we just have to go through some of the most unimaginable pain and situations to truly see how precious and genuinely perfect even the most minuscule obscure things are. 

So with that, I wish my beautiful, healthy, kind, caring, intelligent, incredible children a happy 2nd and 3rd birthdays. 2022 is only halfway through and it’s been a beautiful adventure so far