Saturday, March 31, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #53

Day 53

NOT the greatest picture, but was the only spare moment I had to try and capture a glimpse of my outfit for the day. As you can see, I was the person BEHIND the camera today. My mom had a superbly fun Easter Egg hunt at her church this morning and asked if I’d take pictures of the families. I’m in no way “professional”, but I love taking pictures, so I obliged. It was FREEZING!!

The reason I flew down to LA is because one of my best friend’s moms recently passed of cancer, and her funeral is today. Bittersweet really. Death is never pleasant. With that said, this lady was an amazing soul, one who loved Jesus through and through. Her funeral was as much as it can be, a celebration of her life and her reunion with Jesus in heaven. A fun aspect of the funeral was that each person was to wear something ORANGE.

It was her favorite color, and made the room look gorgeous! Seeing as I had flown down and didn’t have orange in my suitcase, I ran out to Kohl’s and bought this scarf, the bracelets, and some really cute earrings you can’t see. Oh..and I nabbed this coat – only paid $25!! Can you believe it?! I know I said I wasn’t going to buy anything new, but this has been something on my “I need” list, and I couldn’t pass up that price combined with this fit! Wow! Good thing, too! Otherwise, I would’ve frozen my batooski off!

So…the outfit:

Kohl’s – scarf, jacket, bracelets, earrings

The Limited – strapless black dress (as if you could tell under all that, huh?)

DSW – shoes

I also had the privilege of taking pictures at the funeral. What a fun perspective to be the one behind the camera. I was able to observe such amazing emotions over an amazing woman.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #52

Day 52

Ahh…love this beachy feel!

Shirt – My beloved Anthropologie

Shorts – Calvin Klein from Costco – LOVE the fit!

Shoes – Famous Footwear

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #51

Day 51This was a great traveling outfit for the plane. Very comfortable.

Shirt – Ross (this was a post-baby purchase that I was surprised stuck! Blousy, yet figure flattering)

Pants – Guess from Macy’s

Necklace – Premier Jewelry

Jacket – Costco

Shoes – Marshall’s

Earrings – Kohl’s

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #50

Day 50

I really almost didn’t even post this one! Crazy day getting ready to fly out last minute to LA. Didn’t do my hair and threw on whatevs! Pants are Levi, shoes Ross, shirt – Marshall’s I think? Didn’t do my hair, but…here you have it. =)

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #49

Day 49

Sweater – TJMaxx

Pants – I.N.C. from Macy’s

Shoes – Target?

Necklace – Premier Jewelry – Florence I believe?

On a random side note…I got to take my son to his first swim lesson this morning. He LOVED it! It was so much fun. Have a happy Tuesday!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #48

Day 48

Seriously…if it doesn’t warm up, I’m running out of options here! ;)

Pants – Levi (Ross)

Shoes – I have no idea anymore! Target? Marshall’s?

Shirt – Marshall’s…and yes, it’s a bit of a hassle to wash, but I like it. It’s different.

Earrings – Kohl’s? Too bad you can’t see ‘em, but it’s late and I’m not putting them BACK on just to snap a pic. hehe

Night all!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day 47

Day 47

My hubby is lovin’ this outfit today!

The shirt was from TJMaxx, jeans – Marshall’s, shoes – also Marshall’s, necklace – Premier Design Jewelry – Manhattan. I also wore a black sweater with it, but didn’t snap a picture. I’m running out of clothes to wear for cool weather, so if I’m gonna continue this bit, it better warm up!! We’ll see. =)

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #46

Day 46

I’m tellin’ ya! Taking pictures gives you a good perspective on your clothes. I keep having a hard time warming up to this shirt, but when I look at it, I do like it! Colorful and fun. The shirt was from Nordstrom’s rack, the necklace I think was from Kohl’s, and the shoes were Famous Footwear. Jeans are Guess. To be honest, I ended up changing shoes and adding a jacket ‘cuz it was COLD here today! I know, cold is relative. But I was chilly. My daughter is loving me wearing all these necklaces! =)

Laundry Room Makeover

Laundry Room - Loads of Fun

As I sat down to write this, I’ll have to admit, I doubted whether this was worth a post, and then…I began pouring through the pictures. There are a few changes that are most definitely worth sharing! First…some eye candy of the overall project.Laundry Room Recap

Let me start with the changes that are making a huge impact. Simple, yet so helpful and fun!

#1. Bath & Bodyworks Plug-inPlug in There’s an outlet above the dryer which I’ve never really used. I had an extra plug-in, so I plugged it in! I love walking into my house smelling such a yummy scent! Our laundry room is adjacent to our garage, so when we come in, that’s the first room we enter. I love this little change.

#2. Full size trash canTrash can Again, this is the first room we enter. Is it just me? Or do all of you feel like you accumulate massive quantities of unnecessary trash? Junk mail, food wrappers, etc. I had a SMALL one in here before, but I feel like I can stay more organized after coming in from the car with a full sized one now.

#3. Candy jar =)Candy jar First of all, this just makes me smile. We made these in our MOPS group. I like having a “pretty” laundry room. Secondly, I feel like after completing a few loads of laundry, I deserve a small treat. hehe =) So, it’s fun having a little candy jar in here.

#4. ToolsTools Even though our garage is immediately adjacent to our laundry room, I hate having to go out there when I need certain necessities, aka: screwdrivers. Don’t you always need them, to replace batteries in toys? Assemble furniture? Random stuff, right? The door to the garage is RIGHT next to my daughter’s room, and it sometimes wakes her up, and sometimes…it’s just outright cold out there! So, I love having it at my fingertips whenever I need it.

#5. Dry Erase Markers

See picture above. Initially I put these in here to write on the washer what clothes needed to line dry. And I might still do that. But, we’ve found it fun to leave daddy a little note directly on the washer or dryer! We even left one for Grammy when she came to visit. How fun!

#6. Verse of the WeekVerse of the week Trying to keep my spiritual focus on a day to day basis can be challenging, but focusing on scripture is helpful. I pray a scripture each week for my children. So, I’ve started writing it on this frame. It’s such a great reminder!

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Okay…so now that I shared the “highlights”, let me give you the nitty gritty. Of course I neglected to take before pictures, but it didn’t LOOK drastically different anyway. Just not as pretty.

Here are the changes I made:

  • Made the Laundry Loads of Fun sign, I’ll add a tutorial soon.
  • Made the Verse of the Week frame (I used black 12x12 paper and yellow 8.5x11 paper, and cute ribbon)
  • Got a new ironing board cover
  • Used scrapbook paper to cover the cupboards. We’re renting, so I can’t paint them.
  • Wrapped pegboard in damask fabric and hung. Just poke a hole where you want to hang the pegs. I’ll add a short tutorial soon.
  • Hung the following on the pegboard: Shelf to hold picture frame and dryer sheets (I realize you can keep the dryer sheets in the cabinet above, and I asked myself, why do I feel the need to have them OUT of the cabinet? Then, I realized I often have crap piled on top of the dryer and can’t open the cabinet to get the dryer sheet out. haha!!), 3 pails holding tools, pens and dry erase markers, packing tape, a flashlight, a measuring tape, and scissors (all things I tend to need on hand)
  • Pushed my washer and dryer together (there was wasted space where things feel in between the two, DUH!!)
  • Added a “shelf” (right now it’s just wedged between the washer and the wall, but I’m planning on hanging command hooks underneath to hold it in place. I cut it EXACTLY to fit, so it’s pretty snug), with a candy jar and lamp on top. The shelf is nice when folding laundry.
  • Added a full size trash under the shelf, my wrapping paper is also there, easily accessible, now it’s just hidden under the shelf
  • Added a magazine rack to hold mail
  • Hung a command hook to hold a lint brush (we have a white dog…black pants can be…challenging to say the least)
  • Last but not least? Organized the contents of the cabinets

Here are a few more pictures! I always love soaking up pictures on other people’s websites for inspiration. So…here ya go!IMG_1910The contents of my cupboards:IMG_1906  IMG_1907IMG_1908IMG_1909Top left: “Refill” cleaning products and lightly used cleaning products. Refills for my scentsy products.

Top right: Toilet bowl cleaning products, Clorox wipes, soaps and plug-in refills

Bottom left: More cleaning products, and laundry essentials. Another genius tip learned from my mom (that probably most people do, I just don’t know)? Throw the lid to the detergent in with your load. It cleans it entirely. Even if it ends up in your dryer, it’ll be fine! Keeps it from getting gunky.

Bottom right: Still needs some work. Right now, it’s my iron + stuff from projects I’m planning to do soon.

Last picture!!! Here’s what I put in the picture frame. Fun, “classic” looking photo I snapped with the self timer of me and the kids playing outside. Makes me smile. =)IMG_1890 I’m slowly organizing different rooms in my home in hopes to STAY more organized, instead of feeling like I’m playing catch up all the time. In other words, I’m trying to create a home for everything. Master bathroom, my closet, and laundry room – DONE!! Up next for you all…the kitchen. Probably will make it’s debut in a week or two. =)

What do you like about your laundry room? What would you like to change?

Friday, March 23, 2012

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Snack (and a snippet of a life lesson)

IMG_1924
We got to bring snack to preschool today, and I was soo looking forward to doing something fun! I scouted out this gem over at Quick Dish and Cooper thought it was the coolest! So, we set out gathering our snack supplies, which didn’t turn out to be too difficult:
  • Gushers (watermelon are green)
  • Apples
  • Watermelon
  • Strawberries
  • Cheese
  • Cuties
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Pretzels
  • Spinach leaf
  • Fondue plates from Crate & Barrel that we’ve MAYBE used twice since they were gifted to us for our wedding =( At least they were put to good use today!
The gushers and the watermelon were the only 2 things I didn’t already have on hand. It actually was quite easy. Let me give you the low down…
#1. Buying the Gushers
When buying the gushers, I couldn’t find just a watermelon pack, so I bought the variety and used the green from the watermelon (they also have reds in them) and the tropical flavor (they’re lighter green). In one package, I got 15 greens total making 3 “hungry caterpillars”.
#2. Assembling the snack
To get the pretzels to stick upright out of the tomato head, I used an ice pick (bizarre that we have one, weird story, don’t ask..but it’s actually come in quite handy many a time!) – I’m sure you could just as easily use a skewer – to poke a hole and insert the pretzel piece. Then I laid the head on top of the spinach leaf!2012-03-23_10-12-46_757Because I figured the parents didn’t want their 3 year olds to be eating 5 gushers, I put one cute plate in the middle so each child could have one gusher, and then I got to preparing the kids’ plates.
They got a slice of watermelon, a strawberry, an apple slice, and a slice of cheese, all of course with “caterpillar nibbles” in them. aka: holes poked out with a straw, which my son promptly pointed out. The teacher was so sweet and said, “Did the caterpillar eat your snack?”
To which Cooper responds, “No, a straw did!” Classic!
Side note: The straw did not go through the apple, obviously, so I used the ice pick on those too. But it surprisingly went through the rest quite easily. See the cute little hole in Cooper’s slice of cheese above? Love it!
The teacher even did a little switcheroo and read The Very Hungry Caterpillar in circle time. Fun! 2012-03-23_10-51-42_598
Here’s Cooper’s class enjoying their yummy snack!2012-03-23_10-13-33_304 2012-03-23_10-13-40_3432012-03-23_10-14-04_505Seriously, how cute is this little boy in Cooper’s preschool class?! I love he and his mom to pieces. In fact, let me share a little “life lesson” with you today in which God used her to help me to come to a realization.
**Life Lesson**
As you plan and live your life, keep your motives in check.
As I explain today’s little “life lesson”, hopefully my words make sense and don’t come across as arrogant or insincere. Part of the reason I love this mom is she’s REAL and GENUINE. I brought in the snack, she saw it and swooned, and then promptly said,
“Alright, Becky, that’s it! I think I have to break up with you…we can no longer be friends”. With a hint of sarcasm of course! Which is part of the reason we’ll never “break-up”, because we both have a love of sarcasm! There’s just something about sarcasm that bonds us sarcasm lovers together, isn’t there?
Behind most sarcasm, there’s a hint of truth, and God used that to help me conclude today’s life lesson.
It’s true, right? There’s a part of almost all of us, I think, that feels slightly out of sorts when another mom does something fantastic. That age old comparison between people, especially moms with their kids! I sometimes hesitate to do cool fun, creative stuff like this because I don’t want others to feel “one upped”. That would obviously NEVER be my intent.
I was actually just last night having a conversation with a beloved group of mommy friends where many of us pointed out how our own mom’s have made comments about how the bar is set so high for us moms in today’s society. These outlandish birthday parties, crazy play dates, etc. We understood what they were saying, but…we also noted how much we enjoyed these fun things and the awesome access we have to such great ideas via the internet.
So, herein lies the question…why do you do fun stuff like this, and/or how do you handle it when another mom does it? I think the bottom line answer is…what is your (or their) motive behind doing it? And I’ll admit, I need to keep myself accountable here! 
Are you doing it to get those desired glances implying, “Wow…you’re amazing?” Are you doing it to appear as if you have it altogether? Or are you really, truly, doing it to make life fun! I hope that is my motive 100% of the time. Cooper was truly excited about bringing this snack to school, and I think his classmates enjoyed it. Also, I naturally love carrying out fun ideas like this. If it’s not your cup of tea… don’t cut yourself down for not doing them. Lame! How exhausting would it be if all of us did stuff like this all of the time? Then it wouldn’t be special! I’m no good at plenty of other areas where you might have superb strengths!
For example, I have a friend who writes the sweetest, most thoughtful notes to friends, just because. Some of my friends provide just the right distraction for my kids when I’m about ready to pull my hair out!! That’s priceless. Some women have the gift of listening, and make me feel like I’m the most loved, cared for girl ever. I could go on and on about other cool ways my friends bless me. But, my reason for sharing this is…think about why you do what you do in life. Our motives should always be pure.
This is actually one of my frequent prayers for my children:
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation’. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” –Philippians 2:14-16
I’ll leave you with hopefully one last thought. A goal in my blog is to inspire other moms, not create jealousy or leave people feeling inadequate. I hope that is what is being created! As long as we love on our kiddos, we are successful moms. Bear that in mind – and go be a great mom! =)

Wearing my clothes – Day #45

Day 45

I took a bit of a risk this morning. I’ve never belted shirts, it just feels awkward to me. BUT, I do love that I have  small waist (gotta play up the good right ladies?!). So, both this shirt and the sweater are quite blousy, so I gave it a go. The sweater is from Kohl’s, the shirt was from Ross, belt came with something and was promptly tossed in the black abyss that WAS my closet, pants are Angel from Marshall’s, and the shoes were from Old Navy (sorry they got cut off, had to do the self timer). I have two bracelets on that you can hardly see, they’re from my mother-in-law. Very fun! So, weigh in…what do you think? I like the outfit from the side view, but I’m not sure. Any suggestions or thoughts? It was fun for something different at least. =)

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #44

Day 44

I ALMOST gave this shirt away, too. Shh…it’s a nursing shirt! Which is part of the reason I nearly gave it away. The “panel” underneath gets all bunched up all the time. I like the style, just not the how it’s carried out necessarily. Anyway…with that said, the shirt is from Motherhood Maternity. Jeans are Levi from Ross, shoes are Target, and the necklace is from one of my best friends! She made it for me a LONG time ago. =) Thanks friend!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #43

Day 43

See a hint of spring in the background? Today is GORGEOUS around these parts! We’re hitting the parks people!

This shirt is Merona from Target from my “working” days (ha…like I don’t work now! ;). Pearls are Kohl’s, pants – I.N.C. from Macy’s, and shoes are also Target. Off to get my daughter who didn’t take nearly a long enough nap. Thank goodness I’ve got an easy dinner planned for tonight!

I promise I have laundry room pics coming soon. I was hoping to at least take them during naptime today, but alas…it’s cut short.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #42

Day 42

I’m liking the color combination with the green and blue.

The shirt was from Ross (post baby shirt, you know, that in between stage), necklace is Nordstrom’s Rack, shoes – Payless. Jeans were Marshall’s. We were out front putting training wheels on my son’s 2-wheeler. What an iconic aspect of childhood. Check him out:IMG_1822Love the helmet, too!IMG_1832

Monday, March 19, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #41

Day 41

Okay, not my favorite picture, but I waited until the VERY end of the day to take this (even post a much needed nap in the afternoon!).

But, here it is at least! Pants are Levi, shoes are from Target, shirt….ooo…Ross a LONG time ago?, jacket was Sam’s Club. I have no idea where the bracelet was from.

I have to admit, I’m GETTING to the point in my closet where I still have some clothes, but am not stoked about wearing many of them. Which may mean they might be some items I should give away. We’ll see. Some of it is just seasonal, too. Meaning, the items are for warmer weather, and it’s certainly not warmer weather here quite yet. I think I’ve got at least a week more in there, beyond that, time will tell. =)

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #40

Day 40

I had to post a glimpse at my daughter’s 1st birthday party, including my outfit for the day. =)

The sweater you have seen often, from Old Navy. The scarf is from Kohl’s, pants are Marshall’s, shoes are recently from Target. I’ve been busy prepping for my daughter’s party, but now I can’t wait to share are the glorious, fun pictures from her party. Hopefully today or tomorrow I’ll post pics! I loved the red and teal. What a fun, unexpected combo! For now, toodle-oo!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #39

Day 39

Whew! Busy, fun day! Grammy’s here and we’re prepping for my daughter’s 1st birthday! I can’t believe she’ll be 1 tomorrow!

Anyway, the necklace and top are from Nordstrom’s Rack, the sweater is from Express, pants – Levi, shoes I think were from Target? The brand is Predictions. I’m lovin’ the color. This was another one that I thought would feel too blousy, but when I tried it on, I loved the fit. TRY ONE people! Seriously. =) I’m off to go do more party planning. Yay!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Results are in…

The number one favorite outfit from days #1-30 in my closet is….drum roll please…Day 7 The second and third favorites were as follows:Day 25Day 26A tie for fourth were these two outfits:Day 16   Day 21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for voting! I did get the 50 votes I was hoping for. Stay tuned for Round #2 after I hit 60 days (which I think I will! Eek! Talk about a healthy closet, hehe).

Wearing my clothes – Day #38

Day 38

See…jewelry. And yeah, it’s not centered, but I liked this picture the best. Pearls are from Kohl’s. Shirt was from TJMaxx, jeans are Guess, shoes Marshall’s. Ta-dah! Short and sweet. Happy Thursday! Have you picked out your green for St. Patty’s Day yet?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #37

Day 37

I had a friend come over last night and help me look through my closet to see what jewelry I could be wearing that I’m not. I’m normally pretty plain, but in looking through my pictures, jewelry really can make an outfit look more put together. So, hopefully, you’ll be seeing me wear more of my jewelry (and maybe a few new pieces from her product).

This shirt, believe it or not, is Miley Cyrus brand from Walmart for $1 people!! What?! I think it’s a pretty stinkin’ cute shirt for $1. Thanks Miley! The jeans are from Marshall’s, shoes from Ross, and necklace is Vera Wang from Kohl’s. Lovin’ the purple, not so lovin’ the tumor-ish looking bump that is my watch under my sleeve. =) Have a GREAT Wednesday everyone!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #36

Day 36

I’ve considered getting rid of this shirt a few times, and each time I keep it, I’m SO glad I did. So unique AND slimming. LOVE that! Got it at Marshall’s (or TJ, I never can remember). Good ‘ol khakis are from Old Navy. Haven’t worn them in FOREVER! Thank you closet challenge for making me bust you out again. Also, slimming. Shoes – Payless. Earrings – Premier Designs. There you have it folks! A super cute outfit…to sit around at home with the kids on a rainy day. Well, I may get out to Target this afternoon. =) Woot!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #35

Day 35

Shirt: Ross or TJMaxx, can’t remember. Pants – Macy’s, I.N.C. Bracelet – Kohl’s? Necklace – Kohl’s, Vera Wang Boots – Marshall’s

I’m bummed, I had my hubby snap this in the morning before I left the house. I added a cute black jacket that upped the cuteness to the outfit by…maybe 15%. ;) Still love it as is, too though.

p.s. – Had dry night #3! Nighttime Potty Training is going well. =) Check out my chart here.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Nighttime Potty Training

Here’s the chart I made, and below is an explanation.

Nighttime Potty Training ChartDiesel 10So..we started nighttime potty training 2 nights ago. We’ll see how this goes. In order to motivate myself to take the plunge, I had to make myself run out of diapers. I counted the diapers so I knew when our first night would be. Also, crucial information for any readers. I was confident in giving this a go because 7 out of 10 mornings, Cooper wakes up with a dry diaper. So I knew he was ready to give it a try. And heck! If I don’t have to continue to pay for diapers? I’ll try it!

I’ve tried some “charts” with Cooper before, and I hesitated making one because he hasn’t been terribly excited about them. BUT, I haven’t been the most consistent in following through with them either.

So, I thought long and hard about this particular chart plan and made it doable primarily by considering these two aspects:

#1: Length of time -

7 days. 7 mornings of him waking up dry (and pulling up his own pants during the day), and the chart is finished! That’s something I can handle, and also something feasible in the eyes of a toddler.

I hung it low enough so he can move Diesel 10 (I just put painters tape on the back). So each morning he wakes up dry, we move Diesel 10 to the next spot.

#2: The goal must be something Cooper is ECSTATIC about!! -

Diesel 10. We recently visited Hobby Town and he wanted to buy Diesel 10 SOO bad! So, that’s his goal. 7 dry mornings and we go to Hobby Town to buy Diesel 10.

The very first night, he had a minor accident, but caught it and went pee in the toilet. He also woke up with a fever that night, so it may have been partially due to that. Since then, we’ve had 2 successful nights. Fingers crossed tonight goes well, too! =)

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Here’s a generic version in case you’d like to use the chart for your little guy (or girl, who knows? maybe she likes trains, too?). =) Good luck! Potty training can be hecka challenging! Nighttime Potty Training Chart - Generic Just click on the image, right click and same image as…then print out for your use! Again, hope it goes well for you!

Wearing my clothes – Day #34

Day 34

Gettin’ fancy for church! Well…more business-y. Pants are Tommy Hilfiger from TJMaxx. There’s a tiny white pinstripe. Shoes are Naturalizer! Gasp! They were one of my first pair of high heels that I’ve actually worn. It was a downhill slope from there in the way of the development of my love of shoes. The sweater is Express. The cuffs and collar actually pin in and out. Funny. Easy peasy today! I’m almost half way to 50 in way of getting votes for my first 30 days of outfits. If you haven’t voted, go check out all the pics from the 30 days and weigh in on the sidebar here. I’d love to get your opinion! Thanks.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Wearing my clothes – Day #33

Day 33

I had a fun excuse to look cute today! My friend had a baby shower. Yay for white pants! Because seriously people, who am I kidding wearing white pants around my two kiddos. But, for a morning out with my mama friends, a definite yes! The pants are Old Navy – mega sale. Shoes were Famous Footwear. The shirt is…my beloved Anthropologie. I loved the color, that’s why I picked it out to try on. Didn’t think the style would work, but I love it!

Silver hoops from Premiere Jewelry and a silver bracelet from who knows where! I’m lovin’ the clean, fresh look!