It took me a solid five minutes to figure out how to begin this blog post.
The struggle is real.
I do the same thing with what I wear every day. It honestly doesn't matter whether I'm just running around town with the girls or going out on a date with Matt, I have been known to just stand and stare at my clothes hoping something will jump out and inspire me.
I've just always felt that in order to create a great style, I had to have a loud mix of colors and patterns.
Not long ago, I got so frustrated with this process that I started trying to really focus more on styling the simplest of outfits that still feel put together.
The idea of just wearing chambray with black denim sounds super uninspired. I'm technically wearing denim from head to toe. But just keep in mind that simple does not have to equal boring.
Simple is just simple. I'ts chic. It's polished. It's not fussy and doesn't take much to accomplish.
I've had so many people asking me recently about my experience with ordering my clothes online. I'm finding they're are especially curious/skeptical about ordering from China.
Let me start out with addressing online clothes shopping in general.
I almost always try something on before I buy it so I've been a very slow mover into the online shopping arena. My two and four year old girls are pretty stellar shoppers but when it comes to going into the dressing room, they lose their minds. It's like a switch goes off simultaneously in their heads and they look at each and decide "everyone in this store needs to see mommy naked. You in? Let's make it happen."
Needless to say, the process of finding the right fit in the store is not an enjoyable one. And shopping alone is such a rare occurrence that it's really not even worth talking about.
What I'm discovering about shopping online is that all the information I need to know about how it will fit me is included. A few extra clicks and I can read reviews from other shoppers, find out if it fits true to size, and even get the exact measurements of the items. That's WAY more information than what you get in a store!
There still are times when I'll get something in and I don't love the fit but that's why I really only buy from online stores that offer free returns. Nordstrom is my absolute favorite for that very reason. I don't even have to take an item back to the store if I don't love it. I just mail it back with the pre-paid return label they provide.
Speaking of Nordstrom, they have these GORG riding boots on sale for $149 right now. So in love.
I really only shop at places where I get free shipping. Just about every place I shop will provide this service even if it does require a minimum amount spent. Let's be honest, I'm already spending the minimum amount.
Places like Old Navy and Target give free shipping when you spend $50 or more, which is the perfect excuse to grab these amazing zip up booties that are less than $40. Add some cute navy tights for Fall into your cart and your shipping is FREE.
Ok, now that we've talked about online shopping, let's take it a step further and talk about online shopping from.... overseas. Specifically, China.
I was shocked when I first discovered some of these online stores that charge soooooo much less for the same items I was finding in boutiques. But it makes sense. The boutiques are more than likely getting their clothes from the Mart and the Mart is getting their clothes from China. Cut out two middle men and you've got yourself some gooooood deals on clothes!
I've shopped at pretty much all the major Chinese online stores like Choies and Zaful but the only one that I've had a great experience with has been She Inside. The quality of their clothing is great, the shipping is pretty fast (7-10 days), and they even have pretty good customer service. All the sizes I've ordered have been exactly as described, which is great because you do NOT want to try to make a return to one of these companies!
That's probably the only risk. Once you order it, you're stuck with it. But that being said, I still have never gotten anything that I didn't like. So to me it's totally worth the risk to get some amazing deals on clothes.
I'm always on the hunt for a good deal so as I find the good stuff in the great price range, you can be sure I'll keep you in the loop!
Here are a few of my recent favorites (can you tell I have a thing for blue?)
The blue and white stripe top is one size fits most and it's been one of my absolute favorites. Looks so cute paired with white denim. I wore it for the 4th of July and also on our beach trip as a bathing suit cover up.
The white peplum is a structured fit but has a sweet cutout detail around the edges that I love. It's kind of a high low feel, which was hard to see from the stock picture.
The peter pan collar ruffle hem top is my FAV. I ordered an XS which is perfect. It's just the right length to wear untucked with dark or white denim. It also had a really cute tie as the back collar, which I love!
The chambray peplum is so cute and SO flattering. I'm planning to wear it now and with jeans and a cranberry colored cable knit cardigan in the fall.
I'm about to order a few more sweaters from She Inside as well. I'm loving the oversized sweater look but they can be really pricey in stores. So these are fitting perfectly into my Fall clothing budget. I linked a few of these in my last post about Fall styles but they're worth another look!
If you ever see me link something and you have a question about it, please don't hesitate to ask! I love being able to help!
Thanks so much for stopping by and happy (online!) shopping!
My goodness, do you ever have those days that all you want is to just curl up in comfy clothes and fall asleep watching the FOOD Network?
That's me today. Too bad the to do list is still very far from to done. So on we go with no nap.
One of the only things keeping me energized this sleepy afternoon is my excitement over this SWEET off the shoulder pink flamingo dress. The fit is great and it seems like it would be flattering for lots of body types due to the rouching around the bust.
Side note: As the OTS trend is so widely popular, maybe you've wondered what the best bra is to wear with this style? I would highly recommend investing in a great bandeau. I use the word "invest" very loosely considering most bandeaus are less than $10. It keeps a smooth look rather than the fabric bunching around an every day wired strapless bra. You're welcome.
Half way through another week, can you believe it? May seems to be FLYING by. We leave for the beach next week so I'm not mad about this week going by quickly. #takemetothebeach
Today I'm sharing a little bit of my fitness journey. I call it a "journey" because I'm still on it. I don't have everything figured out at ALL but I will share the things I have figured out so maybe it'll help you start or keep up the journey you're on.
Let me start by sharing a picture of my post-baby bod... I know I looked hot. Or not. At this point I was nursing exclusively so I really felt helpless as far as cutting calories and was too overwhelmed to even think about challenging myself beyond walking the stairs multiple times a night to feed my babe. You new mamas feel me, right?
My sister and I decided to do the Whole 30 together. During the 30 days, I also started trying to add resistance training into my workout since finding time to run was challenging with an infant and a two year old. I would work out about three days a week for 30 minutes. Doesn't sound like much but you gotta start somewhere.
Before After
After I completed the Whole 30, I got pretty relaxed about what I was eating again. I still tried to stick to the 80/20 rule (Eat clean 80% of the time) but I felt like I had kind of plateaued. I was doing the same exact exercises every week. I was bored.
I stumbled across the BBG (Sweat with Kayla) workout plan while scrolling thru instagram and seeing all the incredible before and after pictures. My sister had just purchased the guides so she let me give them a try.
Oh. Man.
I couldn't do it. I'm not even kidding. Like I couldn't do any of it. I was huffing and puffing and literally feeling like I was going to die. Trying to finish three burpees in a row had me envisioning the next days headlines
"Local woman sweats to death after attempting consecutive burpees."
What a way to go.
But the strange thing was, I actually got excited about doing the workout. It was different every time and even tho I saw some of the same exercises, it always felt new and challenging. The longer I did it, the more I thought "this has to get easier, right?" Wrong. The longer you do it, the harder it gets. But that's the beauty of it. You never get bored and you actually see results.
The other thing I love about this workout is that it's fast. 28 minutes and you're done.
Nowadays I'm doing at least three BBG resistance training sessions per week along with two cardio sessions that last about an hour. I'm also really trying to up my protein intake and continuing to stay away from sugar in all of its glorious forms. I still love you, starbucks.
Pre-BBG 4 months after starting BBG
I'm not a machine. I still have to struggle thru finding balance week by week in my eating but I don't miss my workouts. Whether it's at night or in the morning. During nap or jumping around my babies when they're awake, I just know it's going to get done. I don't say that to sound cocky. I just know how I feel when I'm working out and I know what it does for my overall outlook. I also love that my girls can watch me do something consistently that's good for me. Today in Target, Rowen was doing a (very strange looking) sit up like motion in the buggy. She looked at me and said "I do my wookouts, mommy." I died.
The BBG plan is now in an awesome app format making it super easy to get started. It is a little on the expensive side but I think it's well worth it.
I think the moral of this story is that sometimes you just need to start something. Just get moving. And if you're not happy with the results you're getting, then change what you're doing.
If you have any questions about the workout, please let me know in comments! I'd be happy to help in any way I can.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a happy hump day!
Hope you had a great Mother's Day. Friday night Matt took me to dinner at Stoney River. I told him my only stipulation was that we go somewhere with really good dessert. The only problem was, after we ate our dinner, there was zero room for dessert. Matt always jokes that I have a little space in my stomach that's always ready for dessert but even that space was like "Um, no way."
Saturday morning I went with my mom and sister to a private shopping party at Kendra Scott at Avalon. It was so fun! Each guest got flowers, a gift card, and a yummy little breakfast to munch on while we shopped. And boy did we shop. I love the new spring line but ended up using my gift card to buy this beautiful necklace.
My stone is a dark grey but the awesome thing about this style is that it's semi opaque so whatever color is underneath will kind of transform the stone to match.
Saturday night we took Matt's mom to dinner and Sunday morning, Matt and Reese brought me my gifts and coffee in bed and then we all got ready for brunch.
Reese wanted to sit next to me at brunch. Pretty sure it was because she wanted some of my bananas foster french toast (yum)
Back to my moms house to hang with the rest of the family.
Love my little fam!!
One of my favorite things Matt got me this year are these grey nike tennis shoes. They're like bedroom slippers. I'm not even kidding. I literally have only taken them off to sleep since yesterday. The best price I've found is from Zappos. Plus, you get free shipping!
Thanks for stopping by! Later this week I'm going to be sharing my workout routine. Warning: It'll kick your tail.
Buying gifts for mom can be tricky. Especially Mother's Day gifts. This day is so sweet and sentimental and it carries so much weight. Celebrating the woman who brought you into the world, potty trained you, fed you every meal, kissed your boo boos, and sang you to sleep is a big deal. Hug coupons aren't gonna cut it anymore, kids. We can do better.
Me and my mommy at the beach last year
If your mom is anything like mine (if you're lucky, she is. Mine is awesome) then she loves gifts that mean something. It wouldn't matter if I gave her a new wreath for her front door or a gift certificate for a massage, as long as I told her why I gave her the gift, she would love it. When she knows I put thought into the gift I gave her, that's what speaks volumes. Because isn't that what this day is all about? Honoring the one who has spent millions of her thoughts thinking of you?
My gift for my mom this year is really simple. I got her a few special things for her kitchen that I noticed she needed when we were baking together last Christmas. Practical and pretty. Two things that she and I both appreciate.
But another part of her gift has been coordinating a dinner with all her girls (I have five sisters) so we can spend some quality time together. My mom told me once that as we have gotten older, she has feared we wouldn't want to spend time with her anymore. It's actually quite the opposite! I want to spend more time with my mom now than I ever have. But I can say those words all day. If I don't help plan time to spend with my mom, my words fall flat.
So don't be mad but I really don't have a "one size fits all, buy this for your mom and she'll stay happy til next year" gift list. I wouldn't know where to start because only you know your mom. My only suggestion is to think about her. Like really think. What makes her smile. What makes her light up. If you don't know, then ask her.
I think now that I am a mom I can connect so much better with my mom. I have a tiny little understanding of what it must have been like for her to give and give and expect nothing in return. But also to know how gratifying it is to get something in return from the people you love the most in the world.
Maybe it's a hand-written note, maybe it's just a one on one dinner out. Maybe it's a shopping trip where you help her pick out some clothes. Maybe all these things sound exhausting because you don't have the best relationship with your mom. What if this year you extended the hand of friendship to her as your gift? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving...
Whatever you choose to get for your mama this year, my hope is that we will all take some time to really think about how our moms have given of themselves and celebrate them for that. Even in their imperfections, they are still ours. So let's love them well this Mother's Day.
We went to dinner and a movie Friday night, which was so fun. I haven't been to a movie since-- ok I can't even remember. It's been that long. I even decided that I was going to get a cherry coke but after one sip, I changed my mind. Not worth it.
Saturday morning I went to a baby shower and then we played outside pretty much the rest of the afternoon. Forecast was calling for a rain in the ATL for the next few days so we had to be sure to soak up as much sun as possible!
We ate dinner out on the patio at our favorite greek restaurant on Saturday night. It is a hole in the wall but the food is amazing. You know when a self proclaimed ambiance snob is willing to overlook the environment for the sake of the food, that means its real good.
Sunday morning we had brunch and then enjoyed a day of rest since it was pretty yucky outside. We decided to take a few weeks off from church since Matt's been dealing with so many health hurdles but we are all pretty excited to get back into the swing of our normal Sunday schedule.
Sunday night we had Mexican and watched Wheel of Fortune because we are THAT COOL.
Enough about me, let's talk about dresses!
The Swing Dress
I love this style. Its affordable. It's versatile. It's COMFORTABLE. It's just the perfect addition to your wardrobe. One of my favorite things to do with friends and clients is to show them all the different ways they can wear items in their closets. Once you fill your closets with the right basics, you're in business. This dress is a must!
Day Time
I wrapped my denim jacket around my waist but you could also use a printed button down as well to add some color.
Night Time
Same dress but this time I threw on these comfy heels from Dress Up, added a statement necklace, and lost the hat and the jacket. Also switched out my cross body for a striped clutch.
Old Navy has this style in black, black and white stripe,blue and black stripe, and olive and black stripe. I need them all.
Hope you have a great day! Thanks for stopping by!
We just got back from the sweetest little girly lunch at The Swan Coach House and while the girls are napping, I wanted to share a few of the things I'm really loving right now.
1. Southern Living: Do you have a subscription? If not, you need one. It's just the best piece of happy mail and such a highlight to find it in my mailbox each month. But even if you're not into all things Southern, I highly recommend finding a magazine you do love and getting a monthly subscription. When it comes each month, it forces you to find a minute to slow down and enjoy. That, my friends, is good for the soul. We got ours through Magazines.com at a discounted rate. They also send tons of coupons if you sign up for their email.
2. The color Red: I know, so random. But you guys! Red is not just reserved for Christmas and Valentines Day! I'm loving using pops of red in my decor and my outfits. I even pulled out my favorite Kate Spade that Matt gave me a few years ago. At first I thought it was too "heavy" of a color for Spring but that's pretty silly as evidenced by how cute it looks with my May Southern Living.
3. Izze Sparkling Grapefruit: I got these on sale at Target this week because they don't have any added sugar and the rest of the ingredients are pretty clean. Hooray. But they are SO GOOD. Especially if you're like me and don't drink carbonation at all. Now we have something fun to drink with mexican because carbonation and mexican? Yes, please.
4. Smashbox Shadow Primer: I got this stuff months ago and it's one of the best additions to my makeup bag. I promise you, the eye makeup will not MOVE if you apply this first. I got mine at Ulta and I think it'll be especially awesome during those sweaty summer days.
We have a pretty chill weekend ahead, which I'm thrilled about. Weather is supposed to be beautiful here so if you're looking for us, we will be outdoors.
Coming up next week on the blog... styling my absolute favorite: swing dresses!
In today's edition of Friday Favorites... this super cute scalloped edge swim suit!
$12.99 WHAT?!
We have a date night coming up tonight and I am THRILLED about it. We have a new goal of only going to places we haven't eaten at before. This is a big deal for two people who have been eating at Maggiano's consistently for the past 15 years. But we are branching out beyond the olive oil and Parmesan (bless it) to explore new eats in our city. Wish us luck.
Saturday morning it's birthday party time for one of Reese's friends. Then Saturday afternoon we are heading to the airport to pick up my mom and dad. They've been vacationing in England for almost three weeks. My mom is my besty so having her gone this long has been the worst. But I know she's having a blast so that makes it all worth it. And eating at OK Cafe on the way home from the airport won't be too bad either. #favplaceinalltheland #givemeallthesweettea
Here are a few of my favorite things right now!
1. Tan Wise: This tanning mousse is uhhhhh-mazing. Not kidding. It's so great. You can get it from Sally's or Amazon. I recommend the dark mousse for body and the gel for face. It gives a beautiful glow without making me feel orange. I'd recommend a tanning mit for application like this one on amazon.
2. Speaking of TAN... this bathing suit came in the mail and I love it! The quality is spot on. I wasn't sure what to expect since it was my first time ordering something from China. I assumed I would probably end up with a scalloped oven mitt. Under $15 AND a great fit. Please and thank you. Just for sizing reference, I ordered a medium and in most suits I wear a small.
2. Hail Merry's Macaroons: I have a sweet tooth. Ok. Not just one tooth. I think maybe all of my teeth are sweet. Dang it. So I'm always on the lookout for sweet snacks that won't stack on the lb's. These can be found at Fresh Market and Whole Foods and they are clean and YUM. You're welcome. Oh, but don't try to order them online because they're way cheaper in stores.
3. Coconut Oil: It's kind of crazy that the same stuff I took my makeup off with last night is what I used to saute my asparagus at lunch. But coconut oil has SO many amazing health benefits and uses. I fill a small glass container and keep it in my bathroom to remove my makeup at night time or before working out. Rub a generous amount all over your face and then use a warm washcloth to remove your foundation and eye makeup. I also add coconut oil to my favorite smoothie recipe. According to researchers, eating coconut oil helps reduce belly fat. So yeah gimme some more of that... the oil, not the belly fat. We get this kind from Coscto and it lasts us a long time even tho we use it for everything!
4. Nike Frees; I got new running shoes a few months ago and they have been the best purchase of 2016. Second only to the macaroons mentioned above #priorities. They are comfortable with or without socks and they move with my feet so well. Love. Them.
Hope your weekend is filled with lots of laughter, rest, and memory making.
One of my favorite things about Christmas time is all the cards we get from families we know and love. There's just something so wonderful about a letter... not an email or a text. A letter.
I don't know what it is about seeing someones hand writing on a page but it just does something to my heart.
And I love sending letters as much as I love receiving them.
So one of my goals for this year is to send at least two notes a week. That might sound like a lot but it's actually been SO fun to start! I've found one key thing has to take place in order for this to happen. So I wanted to share my thoughts on being a consistent and thoughtful note sender... Not sure a "note sender" is an officially recognized title but we're running with i,t mostly because I've got about fifteen solid minutes to take this blog live before my little peeps begin to stir.
Really all you have to do is....
Make it convenient for yourself.
Part of the reason I've been so scattered about sending mail in the past is because it seemed like such a PAIN to gather everything I needed. That sounds super lazy but you feel me, right? Who has stamps sitting around all the time? And who wants to brave the post office with kids in tow?
But y'all.
I got a SYSTEM and I am loving it. I have a note drawer right by my favorite spot in my kitchen. My note drawer has notes (didn't see that one coming, did ya?), a pen I like (because there for sure are pens I don't like), address book, return address stamp, and stamps. That's it. That's all you need.
We all could very easily take five minutes to put together a thoughtful note to a friend or a family member. This year for me is about disconnecting from devices and reconnecting with people in real life. Creating community by encouraging those that God has placed in my path every day.
Thank you for reading and I hope you have the best Thursday ever!
When I first become a mom, I was incredibly overwhelmed by the amount of love I felt for this helpless little person that I had just pushed out of my body. No one can prepare you for what it's like to become a mom. It is truly a gift like none I've ever received. But with this great gift came a lot of pressure that I never planned for. Not just pressure from myself but also pressure from outside sources, leaving me asking myself the question "Will I ever do this mom thing right?"
Enter: The Mommy Wars.
It's a real thing. A real battle between mothers over the various ways WE choose to raise our families. You can see it all over facebook, instagram, twitter. Name the outlet, the mommy wars are being fought there and no one is winning.
If only it were over just ONE thing. But it's not. The battle is waged over all kinds of ideologies...
Stay at Home VS. Full time out of the home worker Cry it Out VS. Attachment Parenting Organic diet VS. The McDonals drive thru Home Schooling VS. Public School Vaccinating VS. Natural Immunization Natural Child Birth VS. The C Section DIY VS. I'd rather buy, thank you
I'm sure there are more that I'm missing. I'm sure in your own experience, you've seen the way any number of these battles has effected you. Maybe you've been the victim of someone's critical spirit over a specific decision you've made. Maybe you've lashed out in defense of your point of view at the expense of someone else's.
The point is, this is a battle with no winners. No matter how many people you have on "your side" there will always be "another side" that feels differently. This is the beauty and tragedy of our role. We have decisions we have to make and they WILL be different than the decisions that others are making.
So in an effort to wave the white flag, let's expose this issue for what it really is: Satan's attempt to rob mother's of the joy found in their role AND the opportunity we have to nurture each other in those roles.
Even with all our vast differences, we can still find common ground.
1. We are all moms
2. We all feel insecure in our role and decision-making at times
3. When we are critical of another mother, we are fighting the mommy war
4. When we are defensive of our own position, we are fighting the mommy war
5. We are all doing the BEST we can with information that WE have to raise our families
We have seen the power that we as mothers can have in our homes when we nurture those who live in it's walls, but have we even tapped into the potential we have to be each other's biggest advocates, greatest support, loudest cheerleaders, and sweetest nurturers?
Can you imagine what we could accomplish if we stopped tearing each other down and competing with each other? If instead of fighting against one another, we started playing on the same team? We would be a force of good to be reckoned with.
Will you join me in waving the white flag and ending this war? It starts in our own hearts by examining our motives and the way we CHOOSE to lift each other up.
If you walk away with anything from this, I want you to know, sweet momma, I'm on YOUR side.
