Mama/Daughter >> New Years Eve Outfits

New Years Eve outfits are a blast to shop for.  It's that one outfit and style that you will be taking into the New Year.  This year I decided to go with some fun flowy long sleeve dresses for Ev and I, since it's freezing here!  And I added some gold and sparkle accessories.

mama outfit: dress // necklace // bracelet // flats

daughter outfit: dress // headband // tights // boots

I would love to see what you are wearing on New Years Eve.  If you would like to share on Instagram, hashtag #ucstyle.

SNOW >> And Firsts

Our first snow was something so special for both kids.  This year was the first year Everly actually understood what it was and how fun it is to play in.  And this was Silas' first experience ever to the white fluffy stuff.  Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of winter, but when there is snow on the ground, there is just something special in the air.  Plus, it automatically puts a smile on my face when I see my daughter smile...and snow makes her super giddy...I wish I could have caught the whole thing on video.

Everly's Outfit Details: Hat -  Bobo Choses, Hoodie - Mini and Maximus, Snowsuit - LL Bean

Silas' Outfit Details: Hat - H&M, Snowsuit - Carters

I can foresee many many more days out in the snow in my future. :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

Don't forget to enter our giveaway!  Today is your last day to enter and we will announce our big winner tomorrow!!!!  Can't wait!!!

Wish List & Traditions >> Claire Hall

This has been such a fun series for us.  It has also been so awesome to get a little peek at what's on some of our favorite ladies wish lists this year.  It's been hard to put a wrap on this series, because we have been having so much fun with it, but we are ending the series with a bang!  ;)  Welcome, Claire!  Claire is such a charm!  We met Claire via Instagram about a year ago and her feed is on our daily stalk list.  Well, I guess we don't really "stalk" her anymore, because she has become such a dear friend.   Claire has a way of making everyone feel special - she is such a sweet heart!  We know you will love this girl as much as we do, so if you aren't already following her on Instagram, Go!

Enjoy!

++for mama++  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

++for cub++  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

About:

My name is Claire and I am better known as @kawaiigirl79 on Instagram. I love kids fashion and pretty and colourful interiors. I live in N.Ireland with my hubby and 2 kiddos Noah, 5 and Ruby, 3. I am a working mum and I love blogs and Instagram!  I love shopping so it was fun to pick out my Christmas wish list. Since my son only wants anything Star Wars or angry birds themed for Christmas, I decided to choose some things for my daughter and myself.

Traditions:

We don't really have any out of the ordinary traditions really. For the last number of years we take it in turn each Christmas. One year we go to my parents for dinner and then the next year we go to my husbands parents. As much as I love this, I want to try to start a new tradition where we stay at home on Christmas Day and can take our time opening presents in front of the fire, knowing we don't have to rush off anywhere. I want to cherish this time and make memories of our own in our own home. Of course we will visit our families, or they will visit us, as that is what Christmas is all about eh? Maybe one day I can host Christmas dinner at our house? Too bad I am a terrible cook and we are vegetarian! Ha

2014 >> Urban Cub

We are so excited for year 2014 and we have so many fun things and big plans in store for this blog!  It's been such an awesome journey for us so far and this blog - this little place on the web, has become so much more to us then just that.  We have made amazing friends along the way and this little place has become such a HUGE part of us.  We launched on Oct 1st, and only 3 shorts months later, we stand is awe of where we are now.  This blog is a blessing to us in so many ways and we are overwhelmed, and quite humbled that you all come stop by and read it.  We might not have it perfect all the time, but that's okay, because we want to be real here.  We simply want to thank you - each and everyone of you for following along and for believing in what we do.  We are having a blast and we can't wait to continue this all in the New Year, imperfections and all!

In 2014 we will be bringing you a lot more lifestyle posts.  We want you to be able to see us behind the scenes and get to know us as we get to know you all(please if you are lurking around, say HI!).  Our main focus will always be geared toward fashion and sharing inspirations with you that have inspired us personally, but with that being said, we also don't want to limit ourselves.  In 2014, we don't want anything to hold us back.  We might go "this" way with our blog and then go "that" way with it later.  We simply just want to "be" and to live in the moment of inspiration.

Urban Cub has partnered up with some amazing brands to showcase - for mama, papa, cub and even for around the home!  And we are SO beyond excited!  We are thankful for the amazing people that stand behind these companies, that in return stand behind us and put their trust in us as we showcase their items as we see fit.  It has been such an honor and privilege to partner with such amazing people and we simply want to extend the offer to YOU!  If you think your brand/shop/items would be a good fit for Urban Cub, we would love to hear from you!  We are going through a lot of transitions as we enter the New Year and would love for you to join along in our adventures!  Also, we love having guests on our blog; if this is something that interests you, please send us an email as well!  We would love to hear from you and hear what you have in mind!

Again, THANK YOU!  To EVERYONE!  We love you guys so much and this place wouldn't be the same without you!

We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  We hope you all are enjoying this season, as much as we are!

XOX,

Urban Cub

p.s. Brittany is spending Christmas in the Bahama's with her family.  She will not return until after the New Year.  Things on the blog might not be as "full"(and fun) around here and that is because she is on vacation and I am a one man team... And simply lost without her!  :)

p.s.s.  Don't forget to enter our #uc12days giveaway on Instagram!  Can you believe we are down to 5 days till Christmas and to announcing our big winner?!!

THIS BRAND >> Scotch & Soda

THIS BRAND >> Scotch & Soda

Since Brittany and I both have kids ages 2 and under, we tend to feature brands in those sizes, but we have received a lot of requests lately to start sharing brands for "kids", or "tweens".  I decided to share one of my all time favorites.  I'm already hoarding some items from this brand and can't wait until Everly can fit into them!

Dutch brand, Scotch & Soda mix trends from different countries to create an original style with a strong identity.  Amazing quality fabrics, super-positions and embroideries are the signature of this brand.  Their FW14 season, the two lines Scotch R'Belle for the girls and Scotch Shrunk for the boys - celebrate the american spirit with star pattern and white, blue and red shades.  You will also find fun printed leggings, sheep jackets and ethnic inspiration dress' : all the adult trends adapted to a trendy and casual collection for the youngsters.  Scotch & Soda also often send out goodies with their packages and this season your children will play with animal masks.  How fun!?

Scotch and Soda just recently launched their SS14 collection and it's simply AMAZING!  You can check out the girls selection here and the boys selection here.  In fact, while you are there be sure to check out their incredible selection of childrens accessories.  This brand has created my favorite accessories for kids - You can view the girls accessories here and the boys accessories here.  

In love with this brand as much as I am yet?  To top it all off, right now Scotch and Soda is offering free ground shipping on all orders and they ship out in 1 business day.  I may have just snagged a few of my favorites...  ;)

All photos from Scotch and Soda.  You can view the rest of their look books here.

Wish List & Traditions >> Jill Tafoya-Allen

This weeks Wish List and Traditions guest has become such a dear friend to the both of us.  We met Jill on Instagram (go figure), and instantly fell in love.  One thing that really drew us close to Jill is her love for the same clothing brands as us, but really that's just the beginning of it.  She is so kind, so hip, so cool, so funny and she brings the party wherever she goes.  Seriously there are legit "LOL, ROTF, BAHAHAHA" moments all the time with this one.  Jill is also well-known around the IG world for her children fashion inspirations and for her two gorgeous girls, that make anything they wear look amazing.  We love this amazing lady and her two sweeties and we are so excited to have her share her Wish List and Traditions with you all today!

Enjoy!

++cub++  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

++mama++  1 // 2 // 3 // 4

About:

My name is Jill, I'm a 27 year old stay-at-home mom to two girls, Ava (age 7) and Cobi (13 months). We live in the Pacific Northwest and enjoy spending time with family and close friends, exploring nature and the outdoors, and finding good bakeries for treats. The holidays are my absolute favorite time of year; there is just always something magical in the air and I love watching my kids partake in everything that makes this season special.

Traditions:

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year! When growing up, my mom made every holiday a big deal, going above and beyond to make it special for us kids. I've tried to do the same with my family!
Some of our traditions include the appearance of the ever-popular "Elf on a Shelf" each year after Thanksgiving to "watch" the kids and report back to Santa. Our elf, Lulu, often causes quite a bit of mischief as well.
Each year, as a family, we choose the names of two children from a Giving Tree and supply them with gifts for a good Christmas. Ava enjoys helping me shop for the gifts since I usually pick children close to her age; I also feel it teaches her the importance of giving back and spreading love.
We participate in many local Christmas events including A Christmas Ship Cruise on the river in Portland, Christmas Tree lighting in Portland, Zoo Lights, church Christmas concerts and plays and many other things. Like I said, we love Christmas!


Thank you Urban Cub for including me in your December blogger line-up!

Camp >> Style

I know most people go camping in the Summer when it's warm, but for some reason I always get into my "camp spirit" in the Winter.  You can call it, cabin fever.  We have been snowed in the last couple of days with back to back snow days and I have been having major cabin fever.  Josh and I have been playing cards, with the candles glowing, decked out in our comfy tees and sweats and snuggled under blankets to keep extra warm.  So with my camp spirit in full throttle these days, I decided to throw together a list of a few of our favorites!  Josh even helped me pick out a couple of these!  His favorite is #12, which is pretty funny because one of his favorite sayings is, "Catty Wampus".  Ha!  And you can pretty much say I'm obsessing over the rest...

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15

A few of these items were also on Josh's Christmas list and I think this serves as a great Gift Guide for that adventurer in your life.

Have you guys ever heard of Huckberry?  This is such an awesome site!  Each week Huckberry partners with leading urban and outdoor brands to bring us a curated selection of apparel and gear.  I shop via this flash-sale site frequently and they always have the best deals.  I'm always finding one-of-a-kind items there and it's a perfect site to find awesome items for the men in your life and for YOURSELF too!  I try to get little surprise gifts for Josh throughout the year, and 90% of the time, they are items found on this site.  Just check it out!  ;)

Mama Wears >> Pendleton Portland Collection

I cannot get this collection out of my head!  So I thought I would share with you all so you can obsess over it too.  Pendleton is very "in" this season, so this collection is very up to date.  Pendleton is everywhere these days!  I just bought Scarlett some moccasins from Camp-Wolf, so naturally I had to buy the scarf (no. 3), because we have to match!

The wool fabric is perfect for the freezing weather that most of the country is having right now.  This collection has the cutest accessories too. I mean, look at the umbrella! They have cross-body bags, laptop bags, and adorable little wallets!  Follow the links below to find out what all you can find!  Oh yeah, and they have men's clothing too!  That I want to get my other half stat! 

I hope you enjoy this stuff as much as I do! (Beware: It's hard to look away!) 

 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 

Here is the blog link for The Portland Collection.  There are some cute pictures on how to style the pieces. 

Have you rocked a Pendleton style this winter?  How about your little?  We would love to see, so tag us #UCstyle on Instagram!

Holiday Gift Guide >> Eco-Friendly

Can you believe we are only 11 days away from Christmas Day?  Luckily for people that are still doing last minute shopping, a lot of online shops are still delivering and promise you will have your items for Christmas Day.  Have you guys grabbed your "green" items this season?  If not, maybe you could grab one of these items for your little ones?  Here are our top 15 Eco-Friendly items that we are currently loving...

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15

We could go on and on about our love for Eco-Friendly items...  We have a thing for Eco-Friendly toys and clothing, for so many reasons, but the main one is that they are SAFE for our kids.  What more could a parent want for their babe?  We are always trying to incorporate "green" items into our everyday life and we would love to hear what items are on your "must have" list for your little ones?

12 Days Till Christmas >> GIVEAWAY

We are so excited about this giveaway!!!!!!  We've been planning this for a while and we are so excited to finally share it with you!  We rounded up our favorite shops and each one of them generously offered to give either an item from their shop or a store credit to their shop to ONE very lucky winner on Christmas Day!  Our "12 Days Till Christmas" Giveaway starts today and you have 12 days to enter!  Each day you can re-enter and it's very easy!  Simply follow @urbancub and each contributing shop on Instagram and regram our giveaway photo each day until Christmas Day, using hashtag #UC12days.  You can also receive extra entries by tagging your friends on our original giveaway photo as well!  If you aren't following us on Instagram yet, now is the time!  ;)

Check out and follow our contributors and see what they are offering up to the lucky winner!  

Goat Milk 

Follow: @goatmilknyc

$50 Online Store Credit

Spearmint Love 

Follow: @spearmintbaby

Eco Forest Baby Blanket

Brown Sugar Beach

Follow: @brownsugarbeach

$50 Online Store Credit

Woodland Tale

Follow on Facebook: here

Sleepy Fox

Chicky Pop

Follow: @chickypopshop

$30 Online Store Credit

Solly Baby

Follow: @sollybabywrap

One Solly Baby Wrap

Poppy's Closet

Follow: @poppyscloset

$50 Online Store Credit

Hansel From Basel

Follow: @hanselfrombasel

One pair of either the dalmatian print or strawberry print sock

Amelia Presents

Follow: @ameliapresents

$75 Online Store Credit

Cissy Wears

Follow: @cissywears

Ferm Living Cloud Wall Decals

Petite Dott

Follow: @petitedottshop

$50 Online Store Credit

Hatch

Follow: @brittanybollard

Maileg Mouse House in sister or brother

Kira Kids

Follow: @kirakids

$75 Online Store Credit

Camp Brand Goods

Follow: @campbrandgoods

A toddler item of your choice from the Camp Brand shop

Giveaway ends 12/24 at 12AM EST and winner will be announced on our Instagram account on Christmas Day!

Good Luck and Merry Christmas from Urban Cub!

Q&A's for Brittany >> Parenting

1.) If you could teach Scarlett one thing about life, what would that be?
This is a tough one for me. I have been through some pretty rough times in my life, and the last thing I want is for Scarlett to EVER come close to the things I had to learn. I would tell her that in life you need your confidence. You need to love and respect yourself. With that will come more things but I feel like that is the foundation. If I had confidence and believed in my potential I think I would have made different decisions in life.

2.) What is your favorite part of your day with Scarlett?

Honestly it changes as she keeps getting bigger. I of course love all the time I have with her. For right now my most favorite part of the day would be a an hour or so before we get ready for bed. We just kind of go crazy! We jump on the bed, every night. She laughs so hard it just makes my heart smile. I try to get out the rest of her energy during that hour. We run around the house, or turn on music and dance (she loves to dance). I just try to do anything that will make her giggle. It is the best sound. 

3.) What is your biggest fear or struggle with parenting?

The question I ask myself everyday is, "am I doing enough?" I just pray that I am. I continue to be the best mom I can be, and just do what I can. Being a first time parent, and pretty much doing it alone, was such a scary thing for me. As time passes I get more and more confident that I know I am doing the best for Scarlett. I have those days though that I question everything I do still, but it is getting easier. I don't call my mom ten times a day anymore, just five times. Haha. 

4.) After the day is over and the baby is in bed, how do you unwind?

It honestly doesn't stop. Once she is in bed I either clean up the house, or spend time with Neil (my other half). Once Neil goes to bed is really when I get to sit down and have "me" time. My "me" time consists of watching tv, that my wonderful DVR has recorded (I don't know how life happened before DVR, haha!), and I get on my computer and shop, browse, and work on the blog. I am usually up till 1 or 2 in the morning because I love that quiet time to myself. 

5.) Name 3 IG or Blog mom's that inspire you in your parenting?

-Bri (@briannakem) because she is just so inspiring and loves her babes so much. She is wise beyond her years and doesn't know it! 
-Kelli Murray (@kelli_murray or kellimurray.com) She is such a good mom, and a successful woman. She is almost angelic. 
-James (@bleubird or bleubirdblog.com) I looooooooove her blog! She inspires me as a woman, so therefore makes me a better mom. (Right??) haha. 

Wishlist & Traditions >> Shaynah Dodge

There are a few people on Instagram that I could look through their feed all day. Shaynah is one of those people. She is very fashionable and her boys are just as much as she is. She takes the best photos of her kids and always has something to say (good stuff, inspiring stuff).  I love her strong personality and her love for her family. Shayna also has the blog Pirates and Peonies where you can find more of her great photographs, along with what the next 'big thing' is. She is so on top of children's fashion and lifestyle, and women's fashion too. She is a big inspiration to us here at Urban Cub and we hope that you are excited as we are to feature her in our Wishlist and Traditions series. 

Enjoy! 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

About:

My name is Shaynah I am a style influencer and blogger over at Pirates and peonies.  If I am not home cozying up reading books with my 3 boys and husband then it is likely that I am at Anthropologie. We live in the suburbs in the Midwest but like to act like we are a hip urban family. I have eccentric style and a quirky sense of humor and love to laugh more than anything in the world. I am often hoarding coffee table books, hats, and ankle boots or stock-piling photo inspiration on Pinterest. You can follow along my daily journeys Instagram where I am known as @Ruffledsnob 

Traditions:

I love the holidays! Nothing is more wonderful that a cup of cheer and a twinkling Christmas tree. I am a lover of traditions and an advocate for love and laughter - all, of which, you can find plenty of in our home during the Holiday season. I could go on and on about traditions, but I will spare you and just share our favorite 3. 

1. We love Christmas lights! Every year we do a car tour and drive around looking at the beautifully lit homes and tacky blown-up snowmen. It is beautiful and white in Minnesota during the holidays and the homes look fairytale-esque, which makes the icy drive worth it! We get out and walk around the homes that are extravagantly decorated and dream of how Santa will sneak in. We finish the night off with hot cocoa at our favorite coffee shop - it is something that my husband and I look forward to just as much as the boys!

2.During the month of December we play along and do "Elf on the Shelf" which is where we hide the boys' elves around our home and make them do silly or mischievous things each morning. The boys wake up in a fit of fury trying to see what the Elves are up to while they were sleeping! Sometimes the Elves forget though, and they wake up in a panic to be sure and not be discovered in the same place as yesterday. 

3.On Christmas Eve we give the boys one gift to open which is always new jammies! One must look clean and cozy when Santa peaks on them while dropping off their gifts!

I feel that you don't have to spend a lot to make the Holidays special, you should just find fun ways to spend time with each other and take the season in. It is truly a time for love and giving of the heart. Seeing the Holidays through the boys eyes and talking about Our Saviour's birth is truly magical. 

Happy Holidays! Shaynah xx



Thank you so much Shaynah for sharing your list and traditions with us! We loved getting to know more about you and your family!

Featuring >> TANE

Luxury Designer Clothier for Infant and Baby,
using Organic Cotton and Natural Fibers

T A N E organics believes that the purest, most luxurious natural fibers should be enveloping your newborn and toddler. The emphasis on design with thoughtful construction and details provide comfortable fit while maintaining performance through time and play. 

There are so many good things about TANE Organic Clothing. First you see the amazing knitwear, then you discover the T2 line of preemie clothing (swoon!) so then you get curious and start to read up on this seemingly perfect children's brand. Well you won't be disappointed! It is a perfect brand. I am always coming back for the best basics. You just know if you get it from TANE that it will be good, not only for your little baby, but for her(and your!) earth too. Sheree Lee is a designer goddess. She makes children's clothes that are modern, but practical. Her love for her Earth comes out in every garment made, using 100% organic cotton and GOTS certified low impact dyes. 

She believes if we take care of the planet now that our children will reap the benefits. 

Here are some snaps I took of Scarlett (and her new friend Snowflake the reindeer) in her comfy Hat and Scarf by TANE. 

{{   hat  }}

   {{ scarf }}

“To create a thoughtfully designed collection that demonstrates the beauty in natural fibers, and celebrates the attention on quality and details, providing timeless keepsakes for your precious little ones.“- TANE organics

Be sure to check out the new Holiday 2013 Collection made from Alpaca wool. 

A link to the full TANE website || HERE ||