Iris Ann Owens ↠ 10 Month Photo Shoot

Ten months, that number took me off guard. How did we get to double digits, and HOW are we just over a month away from ONE? I'm not ready!

I think I've said this every month I've posted, but ten months is so much fun! Iris has started doing a big, hilarious, over-the-top grin when you say "CHEESE!" and it has me in tears daily. She's a non-stop talker at home and then (just like her mama) when we get out in public, she gets super quiet and stares people down if they talk to her...until she has a bit to warm up and then she's back to her loud (she gets her vocal chords from her daddy) chatterbox ways. She loves story time and her favorite books are the ones with animals in them, and she gets really excited when I get to the lions and "rawr". She also loves to growl and rawr all day long.

Iris loves her two older boy cousins, Hunter and Hudson (they are 10 and 5), and we don't worry about her holding her own with them! On the 4th of July, she was in the dog pile wrestling (they were being cautious) and having a shouting match with Hudson. We were all cracking up! I know she's going to love it when she can run around on her own with them and Hunter is already talking about when he can babysit her. 

Our wild and crazy girl also loves to be tossed around, chased, tickled, and to have her arms/legs/belly chewed. She does flips and I can't wait to get her in a baby gymnastics class this fall! She can stand alone and is SO close to walking. We think she could, but she gets unsure if you let go while she's walking and immediately sits down...see last pic. I'm ok with that, because the way she turns to make sure you have each of her hands in yours before she takes off is the sweetest thing...

Happy 10 months, love! Now to start planning her birthday party. Excuse me while I go look at all her newborn photos for the millionth time. 

♡ MALLORIE

Just Porter Backpack Review and Giveaway.

We were sent a backpack from Just Porter to try out and give our honest review. Dave has carried it every day since, so this post was written by him for you all! Enjoy and make sure to enter the giveaway at the end...

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Win. That was my first thought when I got this Streeter Commuter backpack from Just Porter and it's still what I think when I pick it up to head out nearly a year later. The build quality is higher than any other bag I've owned, and considering I'm a veteran and have lived all over the world, that means something to me! I've owned many bags over the years which fell apart. I don't anticipate having to replace this one any time soon. 

I've had several "weatherproof" bags which only meant it delayed my gear getting wet vs. keeping it dry. I've had this bag in all kinds of weather with no issues, building an unusual trust in it I haven't had with most other bags I've owned. This is due to the multiple layers and subtle attention to detail features such as the rubber upper zipper cover on the front. Even though it's deemed the "Commuter," I've taken it to the trails just the same and even used it on my motorcycle.

The bag has plenty of storage and fun compartments - I'm not sure I've found them all yet! I particularly like the inner laptop section with the strap to hold it in place. The larger inner compartment can take on several books, a few days worth of clothes, and so on, along with a well placed organizer section for a small notebook, pens, etc.

Moving to the outer layers, my only slight issue are the magnetic clips. I love the idea, but it can be a challenge to open the bag one handed. The magnets are strong, which is a major plus when I want it closed, but because of that they tend to snap back together before I can get to the next one. It's a minor issue and one easily overlooked when considering all of the other wonderful features. These type clips are great with gloves vs. the conventional snaps! 

As stated by most other reviewers, this is a comfortable bag. The mesh covered padding on the back keeps the air flow moving and I particularly like the length of the top straps, enabling me to add a roll like my military style rucks. The side straps are helpful for getting that extra pair of shoes/boots, rain jacket, or water bottle secured and easily accessible. 

I've used this in a professional setting fully suited-up with a tie, on my motorcycle, on the trails, and for weekend trips without worrying about it and isn't that what a great product is? I highly regard products which exceed my expectations and leave me to my tasks at hand vs. having to consider their failure. There's no doubt my family will have more of Just Porters' products in the near future. 

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Dave really does love that thing and carries it everywhere. Just Porter also donates a bag full of goodies to children who need a backpack for each bag purchased. How awesome is that? You have a chance to win a Piko backpack in the color of your choice here...

Just Porter Piko Backpack

♡ MALLORIE