Just Gnoming Around

Get it? 

Instead of just clowning around, just gnoming around. 

Yep, I really do love gnomes that much. 


Buddy the elf says the best way to spread christmas cheer is to sing it loud for all to hear. But I am inclined to believe it really is to put on a pair of festive pjs and have some fun. Actually, not even pjs, just festive clothes. Last week at the park, this kid was wearing the cutest christmas dinosaur sweater. It made me smile. I enjoyed it so much that introvert Jessica actually started up a conversation with a perfect stranger just to talk to her about her son's awesome sweater. I tell ya, the older I get, the more generous I become with my complements, even doling them out to perfect strangers. But festive pjs, something that even a couple years ago I would have found an unnecessary frivolous splurge, have become something I enjoy getting. Of course, I am still very much me and managed to stack two coupon codes and a sale when buying them this year!

I got all the kids the same pjs as mine. They are Isla's favorite. She wears them as soon as they are washed. She wore them to pajama night at church and is planning on wearing them to pajama day at school on Friday. Even Connor likes his. I'm sure it's the gnomes. Because, when do gnomes not make people smile?! Come on, even the hardest of hearts crack a smile looking at adorable gnome Callum!

I really do love gnomes that much. Seriously.

Speaking of gnomes, did you know I've had a gnome stolen off my porch only to be returned a week later? Or that someone anonymously sent me one in the mail. And, just a couple weeks ago, one showed up in my yard, with gnome care instructions coming in the mail a few days later.

So, I'm just going to be over here gnoming around until Christmas.

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Memories

It's no secret that I am a total sap when it comes to my kids. I never really considered myself emotional. Even now, I wouldn't say I am emotional, but definitely more so than I used to be. Especially when it comes to my kids. They just grow and change so freaking much. And it's not that I don't like who they are today, because they slay me daily with the things that come out of their mouths, so I certainly wouldn't want them to be nonverbal babies forever. But I love remembering the road we've traveled. 

Having Callum wear Connor's old clothes is like a fun walk down memory lane for me. That first year with Connor was a special one. It was my first year of motherhood and I was really trying to get my footing. But, it was also a special time spent in Scotland, a place so dear to my heart. I am not really picky about my kids clothes and really rarely buy them anything new (I know, I'm kind of cheap). So, if I buy something, it means I really liked it and more than likely that I will remember it. 

This particular outfit I bought for Connor in Scotland. I just love it. I love how soft it is. And I love that it is babyish without being overly cutesy. So I was pretty excited when it was chilly the other morning so I had an excuse to throw it on Callum. Connor wore this outfit numerous times, and I was pretty sure I had pictures of him in it at the park…and low and behold, I did. 

Just for reference, Connor is about two weeks older in these pictures than Callum is in the top picture. Connor was an expert crawler at this point, and also standing. Wowsers. This time around, I am happy for Callum to just keep sitting for a bit longer. Because life certainly will be changing around our house once that kid becomes mobile! Oh the joys of having older kids with toys that have insanely small parts…eek. These boys (and their sister), they have my heart. I just love them so.

I may not be super emotional, but I am totally feeling all the feels right now! And all because of a baby outfit. Yep, I am a total sap.

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Classing Up Flannel

It's no secret that I love flannel shirts. They have been a staple in my winter wardrobe for years…far before they came into fashion recently. Maybe I should consider myself a trendsetter. A flannel trendsetter. That's a good one ;)

Over the years, I have worn my flannel shirts in several different ways - normal, open with a shirt under it, with a cardigan over it, with a vest, etc. But I wasn't inspired to class it up until my friend recently took it to a whole new level. This was actually my attempt to copy her look, but she used a cute bauble necklace and I own nothing of the sort, so my trusty long necklace it is. 

Flannel: Old Navy

Sweater: Madewell

Necklace: Pac Sun

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Old Navy

Since doing this I have also layered a short sleeve sweater over another flannel and liked that look as well. I am excited to experiment and try different things with my flannel shirts. Exhilarating, I know. 

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

I know, it's the seventeenth, but you know...LIFE...so the seventeenth it is. I am so happy that it is finally fall-ish weather around here. Really, that just means I can get away with wearing jeans/pants every day and not regretting the decision by the middle of the day. But, I will take what I can get!

Every time the season changes, I get excited to change my wardrobe as well. I was getting so tired of wearing the same ole shorts over and over. And I know, come spring, I will be so ready to get those shorts on again! But, at the moment, I am happy for our fall-ish temps and being able to change up the wardrobe a bit.

Top: Old Navy (thrifted)

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Old Navy

Besides getting to change up what I have have been wearing...because it feels like I have been wearing summer clothes for the past two years...my friends and I found this amazing thrift store that carries amazing women's clothes. I scored some great pieces for this fall and winter, the top I am wearing being one of them. Since I love a great deal, there is something exhilarating about finding clothes I love at really cheap prices...plus, then I don't have to feel as bad when my kids rub their spaghetti sauce hands on my shirt, because why would they use a napkin when they can use their ole mom's clothes?!?

So there you have it. Yea for fall and fall clothing. What are your favorite fall clothing pieces?

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Button up: Old Navy

T-shirt: Urban Outfitters 

Necklace: PacSun

Pants: Old Navy

Boots: Old Navy

I didn't even realize I was a walking Old Navy ad until I wrote down where everything was from! I feel like I hardly ever shop there...then again, I hardly ever shop...but that seems to be where most of my clothes come from. 

When I started thinking about what I was going to pack for our big vacation, I knew I wanted some thick leggings, the kind that you can wear and not have to worry about your butt hanging out. I have seen them on people before, but had no clue where to get them. So, I asked a friend who I had seen wearing some and she changed my world. She told me hers were yoga pants. So I researched and ended up buying some workout pants/leggings from Old Navy and using them as leggings. Let me tell you...MY WORLD IS CHANGED. 

These things are so stinking comfortable. They are definitely the way to go when traveling. They are as comfortable as pajamas, but look way more put together. You can't see through them at all and they are thick, as far as leggings go. As an added bonus, they didn't fall down when I was wearing one of the kids in a carrier. Usually my jeans do, but these didn't. 

I also have to say, I really like how they look with boots. Plus, they work really well with my chambray shirts (yep, I have more than one). Like I said, my world is changed! 

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

While I keep hearing of people outside of California talking about it cooling off, I can't even fake that it is cool outside. The temps have been hitting triple digits. Thankfully, we will be getting some "cooler" (though still summer temps) weather by the end of the week. But, I guess it is still technically the end of summer, so sporting shorts still is allowed. I have to admit though, I am looking forward to wearing something besides shorts every day!

Shirt: Topshop

Shorts: Old Navy

Necklace: PacSun

Shoes: Target

Two things about this outfit are staples to how I dress. I like flowy tops. Especially with shorts. I feel like I am less uncovered or something. Also, I prefer long necklaces to short ones. I just think long ones look better on me and can dress up practically any outfit a bit. 

Isla wanted to have her picture taken as well, so I obliged. Her go-to fashion look is the layered look. Often times, she leaves the house with shorts topped with a skirt and a tutu or two on top of that. She also is very daring about the colors she mixes. For jewelry and shoes, she tends to go by the philosophy "the bigger, the better". Even with warm temps, she has been sporting boots a lot lately. 

Shirt: Carters

Dress: Target

Jewelry: 99 cent store...we are high class around here!

Shoes: Saltwater

Don't forget to head over to Two Cent Sparrow to check out Anna's cute outfit. I am always jealous of her Patagonia gear and her new vest does not disappoint! Even better yet, why not play along and post your own outfit post?!

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Simple.

If I had to describe my style in one word, it would be simple.

I don't wear jewelry daily. I do throw on a long necklace a couple times a week, and bracelets every once in a while, but I only put earrings on a couple times a year. I tend to grab the closest clean thing around me to put on in the morning. That is why a couple years ago, I decided to buy more than just simple t-shirts. That way, even with a simple style, I could look slightly more put together...or stylish. That is even why I stopped buying flip flops and started buying comfortable sandals with just a little more polished look than flip flops. Again, I can look more put together without the hassle.

Last year neither pair of sandals I got were neutral. They were fun bursts of color. And, by the beginning of this summer, they were done and I was looking for new sandals. This year I just haven't found fun colored sandals that were calling my name, so I ended up with these brown ones. I really like them. But I would still like a fun colored pair. Unfortunately fall clothes and shoes are hitting stores with a vengeance, so I may have to wait until next year to resume my search. 

Shirt: thrifted

Shorts: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

After I bought this shirt, I realized that it is 100% silk. What?! So fancy! It is also dry clean only. I normally don't touch dry clean only items because within 10 minutes of getting dressed in the morning, someone has either wiped their dirty hands on me, or wiped their nose on me. But, I thrifted this and it was super cheap...plus I didn't check the tag before I bought it. Hopefully I am able to keep it relatively clean so I don't have to dry clean it too often...because we all know that will never happen (the part about me taking it to the dry cleaners...because the part about me keeping it clean, hahaha!).

If you had to describe your style in one word, what would it be? 

I'm linking up with Anna at Two Cent Sparrow. 

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Even a year ago, you would have scratched your head when you looked at my summer wardrobe. I literally had two pairs of shorts. Why? I hated shorts. My legs have always been my least favorite part of my body, so from my late teens on, I avoided shorts like the plague. And, the two pairs I had went down to my knees.

I'm not sure what happened, but I decided to try shorter shorts. It started with a pair I ordered online from Old Navy. When they came, they totally fit, but just felt so freaking short...because, well, they didn't go down to my knees! But, I happened to order them right before my birthday and Ian got me a cute flowy tunic for my birthday that ended up looking perfect with my smaller than normal shorts, so I kept them.

Not only did I keep them and wear them all the time, I went out and bought another pair of shorts that don't touch my knees. I am like a new woman! To be honest, I feel like I have finally figured out what works for my body. For years, I always wore tight shirts because I was afraid any bagginess made me look "fat". Well, guess what? I realized not only do I look good in looser tops, I LOVE them! And I discovered the opposite to be true for bottoms. I always favored baggier jeans and pants. In fact, I thought skinny anything was out of the picture do to my legs. Let me tell you, when I finally tried skinny jeans, it changed my life for the better. Dramatic, I know. But, back to shorts and summer outfits...

Shirt: Anthropologie

Shorts: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

Bag: Jo Totes (It's a camera bag!)

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

A fashion post on father's day?! I know, it's weird. But, we all wear clothes whether it's father's day or not. So there you have it. 

I've been working on both mixing and matching random clothes as well as trying to feel ok about wearing shorts that don't go down to my knees. This outfit happened to check off both categories. Not to mention that it is super comfortable, easy to wear and totally washable, making it the perfect outfit for a mom of small children. 

After having temps up in the triple digits for a bit, we have dropped back down into more springish weather. I was pretty excited because it meant I could try layering my new to me sweater. I wanted to mix up prints and thought the polka dot shirt would make the perfect combo with the stripes and it totally did. Even better, when it was hot in the middle of the day, I could take off the sweater without feeling like I looked plain because I was wearing polka dots after all! 

Sweater: Forever 21 (thrifted)

Shirt: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Forever 21

Shoes: Target

I have to admit, both pairs of my "fun" sandals (i.e. not flip flops) from Target last year are already falling apart. Now I realize that I wear them all the time, but I am still a little sad because I really liked both of them. I guess that means it is time to hit up Target in search of a new pair! 

Don't forget to head on over to Two Cent Sparrow to check out the other lovely ladies participating in fashion on the fifteenth. Or better yet, why don't YOU participate?

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Thrifting for Kids

The majority of my kids clothes are secondhand. We get a decent amount of hand me downs for Isla and none for Connor. But, after that, I buy almost all my kids clothes from thrift stores. 

I have been able to score all sorts of brands - Joes Jeans for Isla (for 50 cents!!!), Janie & Jack, Roxy, Volcom and mall brands like Gap Kids, Old Navy, Gymboree and more are easy to come by. 

^^ Both J.Crew Crewcuts. I got the tshirt for 50 cents.

Not all thrift stores are created equal. I like ones that are more organized. I am not much for digging through bins of clothing. So, ones that hang all their clothing are the ones for me. Also, you quickly learn the ones that tend to have better quality clothes. Not only do I know the thrift stores I like by me, but I also know the ones that I like by my mom in LA and always hit them up when I go visit. 

You have to have patience and you really can't be looking for something specific. Some times I walk out with hardly anything (or nothing), other times I hit the mother load. And by mother load, that usually means I spent around $20. Big spender, I know. 

^^ These are both bigger clothes for Isla. But the vest looked brand new and set me back $1 and the adorable sweater was J.Crew! 

Here are a couple of my tips and tricks to remember when thrifting for kids:

1. Shop out of season. The clothes are much cheaper then. Thrift stores have cycles just like normal stores. Shorts that I paid 75 cents for during the winter are now priced at $3. Just like jeans are currently going for $1-$1.50, but during the winter run $4+. 

2. Buy a size (or even two) up. If you are shopping out of season, it just makes sense to size up! I keep a bin in each kid's closet for their next couple sizes up. So when I buy something, I wash it, then throw it into the bin. It makes me so happy to watch the bin grow over time. 

^^ I got that Gap vest for $3 and it looks brand new! 

3. Check for stains, rips and if all the buttons and zippers work. If the pants have adjustable waistbands, check to make sure the adjustable part is still there. It really does pay to look over each garment when in the store. 

4. Thrift stores have sales too. Some use coupons. Other's have specific days where all the clothing is 50% off. Those are (obviously) the best times to shop. 

Even when thrifting, you can still be picky. By planning ahead and not needing to buy for right now, I can be picky about the clothes I want and even look for specific types and brands of jeans I want. The same goes for other clothing as well. 

I always, always, always buy jeans, pjs and winter gear when I come across it. These are three things that are hot commodities. I come across jeans often, but, like I said before, I know the styles I like for my kids, so if I come across them, I buy them. 

I generally never pay more than $2 for an item. Most shirts, I pay $1 or less for, pants usually $1.50 or less and shorts, $1. Pajamas are generally not sold in a set, so you do have to search through all the clothes to find a match. But, if it is a style I like and I find a match, I get them. I haven't had as good of luck with shoes, but have come across good ones a few times. Not enough to count on though. Expect to pay around $2 for a pair of name brand shoes. 

And, while you are at the store, you may as well browse through the books and toys while you are at it! I have great luck in both those sections too. I have been able to find a lot of Melissa and Doug, just by quickly looking and it is normally priced at $1. 

Now get out there and get thrifting, then come back and brag to me about what you found! 

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Even though it's in the triple digits today, I swear it was springish weather when I wore this outfit just a few days ago. And THANKFULLY spring weather is supposed to return to us once again in a few days.

This outfit is SO EASY. There are only three pieces. I am not even wearing any accessories. But I felt completely put together, and perhaps even fashionable, wearing it. It is amazing how good one can feel when not wearing a tshirt! 

^^ Don't mind the tree attacking my head

Shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Madewell

Boots: Old Navy

I have to brag for a minute. I hit the shopping gold mine at Old Navy a couple weeks ago. I got these boots I am wearing for $4!!! I had gotten a pair of them in a different color back before Christmas, so I already knew I liked them. But I couldn't believe my luck when there was a pair on clearance in my size. I love Old Navy for my kids, but it is always hit or miss for me and these last few months, it has felt like one great find after another there. 

Don't forget to head on over to Two Cent Sparrow to check out the other lovely ladies participating in fashion on the fifteenth. Or better yet, why don't YOU participate?

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

So, I cut my hair off on Friday. And I made the wise (oh, so very wise) decision to take pictures for today's post on Friday, as my hair lady had done my hair. Let's just said that was the smartest decision EVER. I am very much still learning how to do my super short hair. Yesterday, I looked like a mad scientist. No joke. My hair was sticking up in every direction. Like I said, I am learning. I feel like a jr. higher in that awkward phase. Hopefully it should only last a week or two and not a couple years! 

Can I just say that I am loving Old Navy this year. I haven't shopped there for myself in years. They have great kids clothes, but for me, I always found them ill fitting and cheaply made. I don't know if they have changed or I have changed, but lately I have been finding great things there, like this shirt. It is so simple and basic and will get used a lot this summer. It is also white and I have two little people that can't keep their sticky, dirty hands off of me, so I am guessing it won't stay white-white for long. But, I will enjoy it while it lasts. 

Shirt: Old Navy

Belt: AE (super, super old)

Jeans: Gap

Sandals: Target

Bracelets: various (i.e. I have no clue!)

Remember to hop on over to Two Cent Sparrow and check out the other lovely ladies outfits. Or, even better, join in on the fun yourself! 

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