A Case of the Mondays

I went to a mommy's group at our church Monday night. It was a rush of errands, schooling, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and classes all day. I was sweaty and a little on edge. But I was determined to make it to the meeting and try to enjoy myself. I walked my kids to the daycare room, dropped them off and settled into my seat where the other gals were--giddy to be free of needy children before bedtime and happy to be conversing with likeminded adults. 

Not too far into the program, I could hear my baby screaming in the hallway. She has a hardcore case of separation anxiety. What was I thinking leaving her in the nursery? 

I ended up walking the halls with her during the speaker. Not because she was crying, but because she couldn't stop squealing with delight or crawling out of my hands and getting into some other lady's purse. It was just easier to walk with her in the hallway and let her be giggly and loud all she wanted there. Thankfully I wasn't alone in the halls - other moms joined me here and there for the same reasons, so at least I didn't completely miss out on socializing. Nevertheless, in the end, I decided it was much easier to handle Capri at home and put her to bed than continue to keep her happy while I tried to participate with the others. So we left.

After a day of feeling completely unraveled, I needed a day where I felt put together. So here's to being a little inspired. Instead of blue jeans, I chose white (somehow I'll keep them from getting stained). Instead of a slouchy tee, I chose this feminine lace covered blouse. Instead of thong sandals or sneaks, I chose my classy leopard flats. Tomorrow I'll probably be back to the basics, but it felt good to don a little lace today.

And now I have to gush about this bag. It is so far proving to be my dream diaper bag. Large enough to carry two diapers, travel wipes, extra baby outfit, diaper rash cream, bandaids, nursing cover, bib, baby spoon, and applesauce pouch for the baby - and also large enough to fit all my things: full size wallet, lipstick, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, coin purse, comb, make-up compact, nail file, iPhone, and keys. Plus, it stands up on its own, is easy to clean, has a cross body strap that you can easily detach, and has satchel straps. I'm in love! Oh, and did I mention it's genuine leather and I got it on clearance for only $60?!

Top - J.Crew via Goodwill - $3

Jeans - Gap - $.58 after coupons

Flats - Gap - $7

Bag - Dillard's - $62

Sunnies - Banana Republic - $17

Minimalism

I had a personal goal of trying to make a mini adventure out of each summer weekend in the few weekends we have left. I had hoped we could rent a canoe and go paddling down our river this past Saturday, but rain and practical things like getting groceries got in my way. Friday, however, we did make it to both a friend's pond, and a relative's pond (all in one day, mind you). I have some pictures to post from that. Maybe not as adventurous as renting a canoe for the river, but just as eventful and enjoyable.

Saturday was spent running errands and shopping. Running errands with three kids always turns into a day long ordeal. It was fun, but took up every inch of the day. I came home with a new iPhone 5s, a laptop cover, a Ninja blender, groceries, new dress shoes for Chris, and a new basketball for CJ.

I've been wanting to try the white on white look all summer long, but just couldn't find the right day for it. As a mom of three, you really have to pick and choose which day you can survive an all white outfit. I chose to wear it on a trip out to a local historical village/museum with a friend. For the record, I made it all day with nary a stain. A feat that I don't take lightly. Perhaps I might dare to wear all white again.

It was a cool day with a cool breeze, so the booties made perfect sense, another trend I've been wanting to try (booties in the summer). Of course the black boots needed a black purse and black cuff bracelet to balance it out.

Now I'm itching to try out a panama hat. I tried one on at Target this past weekend and fell in love. It was full price, though. I'm snatching it up as soon as it goes on clearance.

Jeans - Gap - 58 cents (got them on clearance, plus 40% off the clearance price, plus used a $10 reward)

Booties - DSW - $27

White t-shirt - Everlane - $15

Cuff bracelet and Bulova watch - gifted

Black leather bag - thrifted for $3

White Jeans and Eyebrow Make-up

Posting in real time today. It's been a while since I've done that. 

Coming from 95 degree heat with humidity in Florida means that today's 78 degrees in Ohio calls for long pants. And what better way to celebrate summer than by pulling out the white jeans!

Top - JCPenney via Goodwill - $1.50

Jeans - Gap - $0.58 (due to GapRewards)

Wedges - Nine West via DSW - $20

Earrings and watch - gifted

I took the kids to a free movie today at the theatre. We saw The Croods. I love taking advantage of free kids movie days at the theatre. Such a special treat that reminds me that we're off of school and on summer vacation!

I thought my high/low shirt would be perfect for covering up in case my white jeans were see through (does anyone else have that problem with white jeans?).

Had to put my hair in an updo because I slathered it with coconut oil yesterday in hopes it would help my split ends. Not sure of the results yet, but at least I like the smell of coconut. I might need to do some research to find some other home remedies for split end hair repairs.

For the past few months or more I've really been into defining my eyebrows. I've always been good about keeping them tweezed and trimmed, but lately I've been using an eyebrow pencil, highlighter, brush, and gel. I only use the pencil and highlighter here and there, but I've been pretty religious about wearing the gel these days. I just feel like my face looks so much more polished with every brow hair in place.

I've also been trying to lay off the eye make-up, keeping my brows as the only drama point. I use light, neutral eyeshadows, and I've only been wearing mascara on my upper lashes.

I still wear winged eyeliner every now and again, and regular eyeliner on my bottom waterline, too. Today I'm just wearing a very slight smudging of brown on my bottom waterline.

I feel like this is an easy, fresh, and youthful look that is on trend to boot.

What are your make-up dos these days? Are you experimenting with anything new this summer?

By The River

We're headed up North today to see my family for Easter. I'm definitely looking forward to celebrating with them!

CJ and I have been going over the Easter story for our Bible study lessons each morning for the past couple of weeks. Watching him get excited because he truly understands this holiday has me more than ever excited about celebrating this weekend. This is also the first year that I've ever given up something for Lent, which has kept the importance of Easter at the forefront of my mind these past 38 days.

The river has only recently thawed out. It was still iced over in mid-March, which as I'm writing this was only a few weeks ago. That's how cold it has been here this Winter. The water was as brown and ugly as ever, but I am so happy to see it running without any traces of ice or snow anywhere. And look at all that green grass! Could it be that Spring has finally sprung?

With Spring finally here I'm getting excited about working outside. I didn't do hardly any work on the yard last summer due to my pregnancy, but this year will be different. I'm looking forward to mowing, weeding, and planting.

And all the running I've been able to do outside now - especially with the kids! Glorious!

Happy Spring folks and have a glorious Easter weekend!

Blouse - Goodwill - $3 (Similar)

Coated jeans - Gap - $10

Slingback heels - Steve Madden - hand-me-down from my Mom (Similar)

Peter pan collar necklace - Charming Charlie's - $2.99 

On Blogging and Electric Blue

I have such a love hate relationship with this blog. I hate how superficial and vain it is. I hate that it takes up so much time, but not enough time that it will ever be professional. I hate that it's not a professional blog. I hate that it leaves me vulnerable for others to judge my motives or my looks or my style. I hate that it has documented all of my style failures.

And that being said, I love how superficial and vain it is. I love that I don't have to be intelligent or deep when posting. It's like TV - it's entertainment for me. And I love that it doesn't take up much time at all. I love that there's no pressure since it isn't a professional blog. I can make all the typos and fashion mistakes I want. There's no pressure to post every day or even every week. I love that it has documented all of my style endeavors over the past several years. 

 In the end, this silly little blog of mine is a great little hobby and I enjoy it because I like taking pictures. I like being a model for a moment. I like colors. I like clothes. I like outfits. I like shoes. I like following and experimenting with trends. I like being my own live paper doll.

Now how about these electric blue pants? I haven't worn them since this post and I miss them.

Pants - Gap - $7 Similar for $10

Sweater - Target - $6 Similar for $47

Heels - FarylRobin via eBay - $17 Cute option and leather, too! for only $22!

Me and My Boy

I'm loving these shoes for this harsh Winter. They have just enough heel to make me feel polished. The buckles are a snazzy detail, the leather gives them durability, and the rubber soles gives me the traction I need to walk through the minimal snow and ice that seem to always be on the walkways no matter how fast we shovel.

Sweater - Target via Goodwill - $4

T-shirt - Everlane - $15

Coated jeans - Old Navy - $9

Booties - Steve Madden via DSW - $20

This good looking guy here is my right hand man. Without him I don't know where I'd be. He gives me purpose, his passion for life ignites my own, and his patience with all my parenting mistakes I do not deserve.

I've been thinking a lot on parenting lately and reading some here and there. You see, CJ is my firstborn. I'm always confused and shocked when he's not perfect. How could it be that sometimes he doesn't share with his friends, or hits (gasp) his friends, or throws a temper tantrum like a 2-year-old? Could it be I'm doing something wrong? I've been searching the Scriptures and my heart, as well as reading a few parenting books to try and figure this out. 

During my times in prayer, God has gently reminded me that I need to change my own attitudes and behavior before I can expect my son to change his. I knew there was one big step I needed to take to that end. I knew I needed to apologize to CJ. I genuinely apologized to him for all the times I've lost my temper with him and gotten frustrated with him when he doesn't behave or act exactly the way I want him to. I told him my responses to his misconduct were wrong and that I would try harder in the future to focus on his heart more than just his outward behavior. He was stunned that I condescended to him like this, but his eyes softened and he gave me a big hug. He told me that I didn't need to apologize. That moms never do anything wrong. Ah! If only!

Since apologizing, I have tried hard to stay true to my promise to him, but find that my apologies have become more frequent as I still fail all the time.  He has loved me so much more for my apologies, and in turn, also tried so much harder to behave the way I want him to without me having to even ask him.

This parenting thing seems to keep getting harder with each year, but thankfully there's enough love and grace to go around and CJ and I are learning and getting through everything together.

Wednesday

Pants - OldNavy - $9 wish I was wearing this

Top - Banana Republic via Africa's Child - $5 wish I was wearing this

Booties - Nine West via DSW - $20 wish I was wearing these

Even though our day out here started out at -12 degrees, it is absolutely stunning out there now and has warmed up to 0 degrees. The sun is shining and everything is covered in at least a foot of snow. We may not have another Winter like this here in my lifetime. It is beautiful.

Happy Birthday To ME! :-)

I am 32 today. I love my Birthday because my family pampers me and I get to do what I want to do and not feel guilty about it. And yes. I can be a diva about it.

This will be a great year. I'm back to running regularly - not quite at my old speed or distance, but I'm getting there. My children keep growing and learning new things. Each year is exciting to watch them grow. My brother's getting married so I will gain a new sister this year. My husband's sister is due to have a baby in May - I can't wait to meet her! We have some great trips planned already this year (TX and FL are among them). So much to love and look forward to in the year 2014.

Jacket - Old Navy via Goodwill - $5 (similar)

Coated jeans - Old Navy - $9 (same)

Moto style boots - Target girls - $7 (women's version)

V-neck sweater - Target via Goodwill - $4 (I like this one)

And here's a cute photo of Capri on her 3 month Birthday.

Black

Sporting one of my shopping finds from Saturday - these coated black jeans were only $2.50 at H&M! The boots are genuine leather, Nine West, and were only $27! Gotta love it. 

Top - Forever 21 - $5 (similar)

Jeans - H&M - $2.50 (similar only $20!)

Booties - Nine West via DSW - $27 (similar normally $129 on sale for $49!)

Cuff bracelet and watch - gifted

Necklace - thrifted - $2 (similar only a $1.89!) 

Baby Coos and Coated Jeans

Capri's cuddles and coos are getting cuter everyday and Cassi's girlishness has blossomed out of the baby stage completely now. I love playing "make-up" and "hair bows" with Cassi while Capri is nestled in my arms cooing and smiling. Too precious. Poor CJ is craving as much "boy" time with his Dad as he can now, and he has asked me numerous times if I wouldn't mind having another baby to give him a brother. These days are pretty special. I keep thinking that before I know it they'll be grown and gone.

Capri is three months old today. She is now drooling all over the place, so I expect a tooth is on its way. She is a very contented baby and puts up with quite a lot with her two older siblings.

And in other news, I'm loving these coated jeans. The color is easy to wear--almost a neutral, and the stiffness in the fabric is very flattering.

Top - F21 - $5

Coated jeans - Old Navy - $9

Wedge booties - Target - $7

Scarf - c/o More Than Alive

Recovery

It's taken me a good long week to recover from the time change, travel, and sickness that occurred in Alaska. I've been grateful that the roads have been too treacherous for driving and the weather too cold to venture out so I had every excuse to stay indoors, relax, and just focus on getting back into our routine of homeschooling.

We were supposed to head to our homeschool co-op classes today, but they were canceled due to all this melting snow (it's going to be 39 degrees today) that is now turning to ice. I'm hoping that tomorrow the roads and weather will be clear so I can finally venture out and feel like a normal person again.

In the meantime, it felt good to put on some make-up, curl my hair, and put together an outfit today.

 Infinity scarf - handmade from my Mom (similar)

Chambray shirt - Goodwill for $3 (similar on clearance for $9 at Target)

Coated jeans - Old Navy - $9 (same)

Boots - Target (girl's section) - $7 (similar)

Five Weeks Postpartum

I'm feeling like I really do have my hands full these days. Capri is getting old enough that she isn't sleeping all day long and wants to be with her mommy. Unfortunately, I can't just sit on the couch and ooh and ah at her all day while I keep her cradled in my arms. I have dishes to do, meals to make, groceries to purchase, a two year old that needs help getting dressed and fed still, and an older child that I have to take to karate twice a week, and homeschool. Yesterday I tried using the sling and it definitely helped.

 

Oh but I wish I could sit on the couch all day and just look at this sweet face. She is cooing and smiling now - I'm totally smitten and can't get enough of her.

 



 

So now for the outfit of the day. Salmon colored camouflage pants. Yes, that's right. Dressing my postpartum body has been tricky for me with each pregnancy, and this one is no different. I'm tired of leggings, but still can't squeeze myself in my old jeans. I haven't scored at Goodwill lately, so I went to Gap and found a whole rack of pants on finale sale for $5.97 that were buy one get one 50% off. The catch? The pants were various shades of bright prints.

 

My next outfit posts will probably be featuring some pretty flashy pants. I like to wear bright colors, but not necessarily bright prints. And definitely not a pants version of bright prints! But in my book, it's worth it. I get to wear something new that actually fits and for less than the price of what I could get at Goodwill. And seriously, who wouldn't want to wear a pair of salmon colored camouflage pants?

Jacket - Hydraulic

Jeans - Gap - $5

Clogs - Dana Buchanan

Hat - American Eagle

Top - JCPenney

Thinking About Jeans

 

 

It seems ages ago that I've been able to wear a normal pair of jeans. With Fall coming sooner than I expected (we've had a cold front come in this past weekend), I've found myself window shopping for Fall's latest jean styles from Simons and wishing I was my normal size again. Until then, I'll rock these summer jeans (that are about 5 sizes larger than my pre-pregnancy size) and hope that the pregnancy weight comes off fast enough for me to buy a new pair of jeans in maybe . . . March? (fingers crossed).

 

Chambray shirt - Goodwill - $3

Jeans - Gap - hand-me-down

Espadrilles - Target - $8

Necklace - gifted

Watch - Bulova - gifted

Travellin' Clothes

Took these shots at 3AM a couple of weeks ago, just before heading out to drive my hubby to the Chicago airport and then on to see my sister for her graduation.

 

T-shirt - Gap via Goodwill - $3

Jeans - Gap - $7

Scarf - H&M - $6

Thongs - Totsy - $3

My husband took these of us getting home from Florida this past Tuesday. Always good to be back home, no matter how much we miss our vacations!

 

Top - H&M - $3

Pants - Gap - $7

Sandals - Target - $6

White and Lilac

Wore this last week on a rare true spring day here in Northwest Ohio. It's back to being cold again, so the sandals are back in hiding already. Boo.

 

Top - J.Crew via thrift store - $7

Jeans - Zara - $25

Sandals - Nine West via DSW - $20

Jacket - Hydraulic - gifted

Rainy Day Calls for Brights

It rained yesterday, so I wore this.

Gotta keep things bright and cheery, of course!

 

Top - Ann Taylor LOFT via Goodwill - $1.50

Scarf - Goodwill - $.50

Jeans - Pepe London via Goodwill - $3

Espadrilles - Target - $6

Jacket - Hydraulic - gifted