Stuck in the Kitchen

Aren't summers supposed to be laid back? Well, I am still waiting. My eldest, Jonas, is leaving at 5am (ugghh) tomorrow to go rapelling in Utah. I will be a nervous wreck until he is home with all bones and limbs in tact. I also have another friends wedding  next weekend that I am preparing some of the desserts and a few small decorations for. So after church today I was flash freezing cookies, squeezing lemons for lemon bars (my favorite) and making (and freezing) homemade cinnamon rolls for a church event the same day as the wedding. So after all that I was too tired to make dinner.....oh well. Sorry fam.

This is what I wore this morning. I noticed 15 minutes in to church that I had my scarf inside out but you get the picture.

I have been enjoying all the summer sales going on, what about you? I got some great deals at Boden USA, Banana Republic, Talbots and LOFT. Somehow I avoided any J Crew purchases. I think I am just ready for their amazing fall line to come out and take all my extra money.

Here is the Polyvore of today's outfit. Everything is accurate except for the cardigan which is actually from Banana Republic last year.

today by modestlyme featuring a skinny belt

J Crew merino cardigan, $88
Bandolino gold shoes, $79
Post earrings, $24
J Crew embroidered shawl, $50
J Crew skinny belt, $25

No title, just a post

Okay, well this has been a very long, unplanned absense (more like disappearance) on my part. I am going to work on getting back to all your comments this week as well. First off, we had major sickies that ended up with my oldest and youngest having pnuemonia. It was the cold/flu that wouldn't go away, three weeks of being a nurse...no thank-you. Also, as I had briefly mentioned, my husband isn't working right now, and not by choice. So, I switched to working days and took a lead position at the LOFT so I have been working over twice as much as I am used to. I don't know how I used to work full time and take care of the house. Working mom's my hat is off to you....bravo! Between work, school carpooling, baseball, wrestling and that whole making dinner for a family of six thing, I have hardly touched my computer. Oh, and then we all came down with the stomach flu this week within hours of each other. I will spare you the details but I assure you, it will go in my top five of the toughest things I have been through.

Now, I don't want to sound like a complainer I could have found a way to blog but my family needed me and they win. It was nice to be home more in the evenings and I truly love my job. Plus, I took the opportunity to work on my baking skills and we have thoroughly enjoyed eating a multitude of pies, lemon bars and homemade donuts. Things are hopefully going to get back to normal soon since my husband is about to go back to work (phew) and homemade banana pudding topped with meringue is about to go in the oven.

I did try to get some quick OOTD shots during my absense, here you go! 

coralie cami-J Crew

long lean cardigan-LOFT

lolli pants-J Crew

skinny belt-J Crew

wedges- Target

tiered maxi dress-Banana Republic

full needle cardigan-Banana Republic

scarf-Banana Republic

"Purr" wedges-Seychelles

Ackee pencil skirt-Anthropologie

pulling it together sweater-Anthropologie

banter top-Anthropologie

come dancing peep-toe pumps-Seychelles

perfect shirt-J Crew

cotton tiered ruffle skirt-Talbots

pearl hammock necklace-J Crew Factory

shoes-Bandolino

Here is to wishing you all well and I hope to be a little more regular soon....miss ya ;)

On Lockdown....again

Okay ladies, I am on potty training lock down again. This is just not going well. With me other two boys as long as I waited until they were three, it was a pretty quick and painless process. This time around, there has nothing quick or painless about it. Christopher (2 and a 1/2) will go on the potty just for fun but doesn't relate the need to the "duty". Cooper (now 3) however, loves wearing big boy underwear but has never gone on the potty no matter how often he sits on it.....uggghhhh......I really hoped to have this all behind us (excuse the pun) before summer vacation started!

On to the better stuff, here are some recent OOTDs. My heather ice Victoria RuffleTissue Cami that had been backordered finally arrived. I can see why so many JCA's love this tank. I grabbed mine in a Medium but I think I will size down on the next one I order (because yes, I will be getting more)

Cardigan-Banana Republic

Victoria Ruffle Tissue Cami-J Crew

Skirt-Gap

Shoes-Banana Republic Outlet from eons ago

Here is what I wore to work Friday night, I felt a little guilty because everyone wanted the tank (which isn't Loft) but whatta ya do?

Jacket- Loft

Ruffle Shell-Banana Republic

Denim Capri's-Loft

Necklace- J Crew

Vera Sandals-Banana Republic

And lastly, here is what I wore for the Loft's Summer Style event on Saturday. Not for the faint of heart but I had fun mixing the patterns and it sure was an attention grabber! Oh and if you like this cardigan.....grab it. They flew of the racks at our store in the chocolate!

tank-Target

dress-Loft

Cardigan-Loft

Short Necklace-Loft

Long Necklace-J Crew (in store)

Boden Maxi Dress-Hmmmm....need your help

I was pleasantly suprised to see my boden package in the mail this morning already. I know we have all been anxious to see the Maxi Jersey Dress in real life. This dress is much brighter then the pictures reflect although it is a great color combo and the dress itself is very well made and the jersey fabric is thick enough to not be see through in the light (at least I don't think it will).Well, here it is layered with a white tee and ummmm, I am not sure. First mistake, I ordered this in a regular length instead of long. I did this because Maxi Dresses are usually so long already and I didn't want to trip over it. Obviously, I did not have to worry about that. I also sized down on this one  (UK 10, US 6) so it is a little bit tight around my chest but since I am FAR from busty, that is not that big of a deal.

So what do you think? I am not sure it all that flattering on me. Am being to hard on myself and it is it great as is, should I exchange it for a longer size, or should I return it altogether since there is no shortage of Boden items on my wishlist? Keep in mind this is a $98 dress.

p.s. I have no idea why my feet look mangled here, really I have very normal feet