Nordstrom

Fostering Interests

Cardigan (similar) | Shirtdress (similar) | Tights | Clogs | Earrings

I’m sure I say this every year, but, I love the age my kids are at right now – don’t get me wrong, I definitely wish they were still tiny and squishy, but, I love that they’re becoming independent tiny adults.  Makes my mama heart happy to see my kids trying new things and enjoying life in general.  I never want to stifle their interests, instead it’s my job to foster their interests (unless that interest involves creepy crawly things and danger).

My son has recently become very interested in photography so my husband and I got him his own Polaroid camera so that he can take photos and get that instant gratification of a tangible photo.  So, Ryder asked if he could take pictures of me yesterday when I got home from work.  He grabbed my phone, opened up the camera app, selected the portrait option and away we went!  I have to say, he’s not too shabby at this photography business.  A few are a little grainy, but, I love them all the same even if they’re not “professionally” done.

He though it was hilarious to bark orders about poses I should do…including a dab or two per his request.  I may very well have rolled my eyes a few times, but, he was having a blast and it was so sweet to see him excited about the next shot.  I love that I can document things my kids have done here and share them with everyone because their accomplishments make me beam with pride.

He may very well be onto something and if he’s not careful, he will be my new photographer…sorry, husband!

Inspiration Wednesday – Luggage Edition

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I am going to start a new series on my blog called “Inspiration Wednesday.”  I feel like Wednesday can bring a lull to your week knowing that there’s just a few more days until the weekend and it’s always nice to have a little pick-me-up!  My goal is for these posts to serve as a source of inspiration and a way to window shop if you’re like me!  Let’s face it, there is definitely not enough room in my house to fill it with a ton of makeup, clothes, shoes, and accessories.  Honestly I’m not even sure I’d wear the same outfit twice if I bought everything I drooled over.  So this is an opportunity for me to share some items that I have been swooning over lately!

With the Holidays coming up sooner than I am prepared for, I thought it only fitting to start this series with some luggage/travel items that I have been loving.  Thankfully we don’t need to travel far for our family functions, but, as the kids grow older they’re starting to want their own items as opposed to sharing with us (or each other).  So I sat down with them and let them pick out their favorite piece of luggage they could find.  My husband on the other hand just throws out the “whatever you pick for me, I’ll use” statement…which is always true and I love him for trusting me with items he will use often.

We usually try to “pack light” which inevitably means that I will pack a million and one outfits for the kids (while forgetting something important like undies), and my whole closet mixed in with whatever items my husband has chosen to wear while we are away.  We have had the same luggage for probably a decade and I have been on the hunt for some new, hard shelled luggage.  I love the hard shell luggage because I feel like those protect your belongings far better – especially when you fly.  I tossed in a hat box (which I may actually pull the trigger on buying) because I am starting a collection of hats and this is an awesome way to store multiple hats in one box, as well as, sunglasses and jewelry.  I love multi-purpose items, don’t you?  As far as a cosmetics bag that I would use goes, all I search for is something that can be easily cleaned (because we all know how messy makeup can be) and will hold the items I will be using.  As I said earlier, I love products that are multi-purpose (I will go over my makeup pics in a future Inspiration Wednesday post) and my makeup is no exception.  Therefore, my cosmetic bag does not need to be huge.

The next three items are literally the epitome of my husband and kids.  My husband is a very simple man so I don’t believe he would ever choose this duffel bag for himself, however, I know he would love it if I brought it home.  Addison is obsessed with unicorns right now so this bad really spoke to her – she legit squealed when I showed it to her haha.  Ryder is a lot like his Dad – he prefers simple pieces.  He actually told me that he doesn’t need anything to pack his clothes into because he would just use his backpack that he currently uses for school.  Bless his little thrifty heart.  I asked him to choose anyway because I’m naggy like that haha.  So he picked a backpack, of course.  Honestly either one would be an amazing option for light packers out there, or, to be used as a carry-on.  Both brands are incredibly durable and ones that I am happy to sport!

That’s my first roundup!  What are some of your favorite luggage pieces for travel?

Top 5 Booties for the Fall

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I don’t know what it is about booties that makes them so stinkin’ versatile, but, they’re my fav.  I’m pretty sure most of my shoe collection is now booties of some form or another.  I think there is something fun about a shoe that can be dressed up, down, and everything in-between.  Whether you need an easy shoe to slip on, something to add a little pizzazz to your wardrobe, or, if you plan to become a bootie hoarder (worst possible phrasing I probably could have chosen) like me then you need to invest in some awesome pairs for your collection.

Some people collect coins, I collect booties.  What can I say?

Right now I’m obsessed with the gorgeous denim blue beauties above.  They may not be perfect for snowy weather, but, the perforations really send them over the top and I love pairing them with mustard tights/leggings.

If I’m being perfectly honest with myself, I really shouldn’t purchase anymore for a very long time…

Well maybe until the next time Nordstrom drops some new releases, or, has a killer sale….

 

Ten weeks in, a lifetime to go!



Jacket | Shirt | Jeans | Booties

Over the past decade I had become lazy, complacent, and comfortable with being uncomfortable all the time. I was constantly worried about how I looked in clothes, cried when I tried to fit into an outfit that looked adorable in my mind and ultimately just didn’t work on my “body type,” constantly felt the need to suck it in, and eventually resorted myself to the fact that I was just going to “always be fat.”

I have always been a creature of habit.  Unfortunately, tons of those habits turned into bad habits.

For those of you that follow me on Instagram, you already know that I am currently 10 weeks into my health journey.

Ten weeks ago the I made the choice to put my physical and mental health first. I am determined to be healthy from the inside out for my family, and myself. Each day I feel more and more comfortable in my own skin, is excited that I am 24.5 lbs. lighter, and 19” smaller all over.

For once in my life, I am excited about shopping for clothes and can see the light at the end of this once gluttonous tunnel. Food is no longer my security blanket, it is my fuel that will propel me into the healthiest version of myself that I can be.  I am so thankful to be on this journey. It is amazing how much I have changed in the last ten weeks. I’m not done yet though!  Because of my new and improved habits I have acquired over the past 10 weeks, I will have a lifetime of health, and ultimately happiness.

The best part?  Investing in new clothes!  Because I have not hit my goal weight yet, I am not investing a ton just yet…except for a few key pieces.  Jeans are a must for me.  Although my work day involves more “office appropriate” outfits, I live in jeans on my days off.  With Fall upon us, I needed a lightweight jacket that I could work into many outfits and this utility jacket made me drool.  Clearly I had to have it.  Can we just have a moment of silence for these booties?  I don’t mean to brag, but, I’ve worn the same shoe size since the 7th grade; just saying.  I wouldn’t necessarily say that I needed the booties, but, they tie the outfit together and I wear them all.  the.  time!

I want to encourage all of you to follow along with me on my health journey and #liveoutloud.  I definitely need the accountability!  Plus sharing new outfits with you will be even more fun for me, ha!

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