Roses and Blooms

Today was a day to be grateful for what you have. Some of our friends from church just had their eldest daughter pass away. I don't want to imagine how hard that is. I just wanted to be home today and cuddle in bed with my kids, keeping them safe and close. They, of course, had other ideas on how they wanted to spend their day.

This is what I wore. I love the viscose tango tank , it has the best fit. Also, I also wore my merino rose corsage cardigan that I snagged during the extra 20 (which is going on again). I didn't really think I cared that much about this sweater but once I put it on, I really loved it and am so happy I found one in the vintage rose color.

So, that was the rose, now for the bloom. I have been avoiding the Loft during my shopping break and then I cam across this dress on Gigi's blog.....uh, oh........

The Blooms Print Dress. I just love the bold print, the navy with lime green AND orange, the necklace detailing around the collar. I am in trouble. Did I mention everything is 25% off right now (Promo Code SAVE25). Tomorrow I will post some IRL pics for your opinion on the fit.

I couldn't get a good read on the fabric online so I had to go see it in person. It is a rayon/cotton blend with a good weight (mid) and a slight sateen/silky feel. It has a hidden side zipper that does not buldge at all and it is lined.

Tone on Tone Inspired

This morning after my shower, I saw this email from Anthropologie:

fell in love with these outfits:

and threw on my own as I rushed out the door for errands! Tomorrow I'll do a little better (promise)

Shirt-DownEast Basics

Cardigan-The Loft

Jeans-Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Belt-Banana Republic

Kady Boots-Target

Rushing, Boden and some styling help

I overslept a little today and when you have four kids to get ready, it can get a little stressfull. Have I ever mentioned that I hate being late? I just can't do it so todays outfit was a little (okay, a lot) rushed. Good news is that we all still got to church on time to get our regular row and all there were no signs of bed head.

Dress - Downeast Basics

Necklace-J Crew

Boots-Steve Madden

After church, I was ecstatic to see an email that my Boden Spring Preview order had shipped! Yay! This is my first time ordering from Boden but after seeing all the adorable styles that Dinagideon sports from there I had to give it a try, Plus, their Spring Line is amazingly droolworthy. 

Another note, remember the lacemaker skirt that I tried on here ? It is on sale now for $69.95. Hypothetically speaking, If someone were to buy this skirt with her credit (that isn't really shopping is it?) what do you think would work well this skirt?

Fields and Fields of Flowers

I am feeling back to normal today, just in time to go back to work this afternoon (yucky) and tomorrow. This morning I had to run take care of all the errands I didn't do yesterday and here is what I wore. The cardigan and pants were eBay finds from awhile back that I haven't worn. Thanks to the closet clean out, I remembered they existed and was able to build an outfit. I love the embroidered appliques on this cardigan, they are so well placed and add just the right touch of whimsy.

Anthroplogie cardigan by Field Flower

Tunic/Shirt-Target

Pants-The Loft

Shoes-Mootsies Tootsies

Oops, I almost forgot to point out the adorable Anthropologie earrings that Sara suprised me with (and that I need to gushingly thank her for). Aren't they just the perfect addition?

We All Wear Masks.......

I had big plans for today, unfortunatly I spent most of it lying in bed instead with the yuckies. I did want to feel a little productive so I managed to clean out my closet and have two trashbags worth of stuff to get rid of it. I don't know how it all fit since I still have no extra space in there. I blame todays closet project on AudreyBella  look at her new closet here, I am so envious!

Talk about a great way to face the fact that you may have a slight shopping addiction. Do you realize that even after I got rid of a bunch of stuff, I still have 61 cardigans; not including the lounging ones that get folded?  I also need a better shoe storage solution....and new closet doors...... 

I filled up my J Crew shopping cart last night and was feeling weak this morning but now I feel recommitted to my January shopping ban.

This is how I looked most of the day, sans facial mask,as I hid in my room as much as possible to try and resr. My sweet little Cooper did manage to find my camera and snap this lovely photo of me while my mask was drying. How sweet of him.

For the 30 minutes I was dressed to pick up the older boys from school and grab milk, here is what I wore:

J Crew Luxe Tux Tee

J Crew Merino Flutter Bow Cardigan

Pants-The Loft on final sale for $6.78 (whoop....whoop)

flats that have been missing in my previously messy closet for two months-Report

Silk Ruffle Cascade Jacket.....oh my!

I was going to save the debut of this jacket for the girls night out tomorrow but since a few of you requested IRL pics, I had an excuse to wear it early. I LOVE this jacket. It is a little boxy when you first put it on but it seems to deflate take a closer shape as you wear it and your arms hit it, relax it, etc. I really love the way it looks great with skinny jeans/pants tucked into boots but since it is in the mid-seventies here today you are getting a more "Springy" look.

And for an added bonus, look how cute the back is:

Silk Cascade Ruffle Jacket in Rosebud-J Crew

Silk Brulee Tank-J Crew

Weekend Jeans-Old Navy

Tiered Crystal Libretto Necklace-J Crew

Apt9 Shoes-Kohls

I Love My UPS Man....

Here is what arrived on my front porch today and guess what, it all fits perfectly and they are all keepers (which is a good thing because they are not returnable).

Silk Ruffle Cascade Jacket - size 6 -Rosebud (this color is really pretty IRL)

Merino Rose Cordage Cardigan -size S - Vintage Rose

Luxe Tux Tissue Tee -size M- Whisper Pink

Pleated Lawn Skirt -Size 8- Light Pewter

Headed to the Park and Resoltions Can Stink

First off, Happy New Year! Hope you all had a great, safe one! I have been busy getting caught up with chores and time with my kids now that my work schedule has dwindled down. I do have to admit that just five days into my "no shopping in January" resolution , it has already been rough......really rough. There was a dress from J crew that I really wanted on final sale and it sold out yesterday which made me pretty blue. My husband does not understand any of this (not even a tiny bit) but he is loving the ban. Luckily, my J Crew order that I placed on Christmas Day arrives today...yippee! I really need to get my shopping under control.....anybody have some good tips?

Today we are headed out to the park to enjoy the beautiful weather. I threw on some denim leggings under a shirt dress and I am all set. My "bed-head toddlers" also wanted to be in todays pic. So you get a tiny peak at Christophers beautiful red hair but until the adoption is official, we can't post any pictures.

Shirt Dress-Trulli for the Loft

Leggings-Hue

Kady Boots-Target

p.s. can I tell you how excited I am that The Lovely Bones is coming out as a movie???? It is one of my favorite books and I can't wait to see Peter Jackson's interpretation. Now I need to read the book again, it has been a few years but I'll wait until my Nook arrives.

An Uninspired Title

I am thoroughly enjoying having a whole day off, but let's rewind first to yesterday and what I wore to work. I realize that it looks like I took the easy approach when styling this dress but to be honest it came down to shoes and what I could wear for 9 hours on my feet so this was the answer.

Cardigan-Banana Republic

Dress-The Loft

Shoes-Candies

Now for my day-off attire. Messy hair + jeans + flats= little slice of heaven. And yes, those are little fingerprints all over my microwave....and YES, they are still there

Cardigan-Old Navy

Blouse-The Loft

Gray Jeans- The Loft

Shoes-Target

Drama at the Starbucks Drive-thu

This morning I was out of cocoa mix and it was drizzly out so I threw all the kids in the car to head out for some Starbucks hot cocoa.....yummy. We have a drive-thru that can get really backed up so you get stuck in the main road so I was sure to leave early to beat the morning rush. As I pulled in I was happy to see that there was still room for two cars (hopefully this makes sense) and I saw a car approaching from the opposite direction. So, to be nice, I stopped and let her turn left in front of me. Then to my horror, a little car that was behind her got right on her tail so they could also turn in and cut me off taking the last spot. I was shocked and she could tell by my wide eyes (and mouthing what are you doing), it was blatenly rude.

My older son was in the front seat and told me I should honk at her. I knew I needed to use this example as a lesson to him, so I explained that honking wouldn't get my place back in line and would only create a conflict and more anger. Eventually I was able to turn in behind her and I sat there behind her for 10 minutes as we all waited. The entire time I resisted the urge to knock on her window or shoot her dirty looks, I was really upset and was desperately trying not to act on it.

When it was my turn to pick up my order, the guy working the window (who cracks me up and talks a LOT) told me that the woman in the car in front of me said that she felt bad for cutting me off. I told him that she had really cut me off badly but I was glad that she was sorry about it then to my shock, he told me that she had paid for my order as an apology. I was immediately touched by her kindness and felt ashamed for all the mean thoughts that went through my head and was really glad that I had not reacted negatively.

I went from thinking how rude some people are to being reminded of how good  people can be. I wanted to share the story immediately so I called my mom and was quickly pulled over and ticketed for talking on my cellphone while driving (didn't see that coming, did ya). Anyways, I just wanted to share this story with you and here is what I was wearing:

Tunic-The Loft

Vest-The Loft

Lauren Conrad Skinny Jean-Kohls

Kady Boots-Target

Lost in the Chaos

During the chaos of our house on Christmas Day, I lost my camera for awhile but now it is found. I had thought about Polyvore-ing my outfits but I was just too lazy. Here is what I wore to work yesterday, I am trying to squeeze all the "light items" I can in before the dress code changes. Luckily, my schedule is winding down and soon I will be back to staying at home and living in jeans!

Cardigan-The Loft

Tee-The Loft

Skirt-Banana Republic

Fishnet Nude Nylons-Hue

Shoes-Target

There are so many good sales out there right now I have had a hard time with overspending so I am pledging not to make any retail purchases during the month of January. With my J Crew order on the way and my Boden Spring preorder, I should be able to stay strong. Speaking of sales, I scored this high waisted skirt at Banana Republic on Christmas Eve for just $20! High Waist with pockets? Mine.

Merry Christmas, the sales continue

I hope you all had wondeful a Christmas! I just love Christmas Day- the excitement and joy and then all the time spent together as a family with no outside distractions. Add chocolate truffles and a lemon meringue pie to that equation and it was perfection!

I did sneak away for just a few minutes to take advantage of the extra 20% off final sale items plus free shipping on all orders over $150. I started at $471 and slowly dwindled it down letting a lot of things go that I loved but realized I didn't need as much (like pencil skirts and dresses) and was able to just hit the free shipping number after the additional 20% off. Did anyone else take advantage of the extra20 sale or any other sales out there today?

The Last Day of Shopping

before Christmas, I mean....not EVER! I am off to work on Christmas Eve which seems, well-wrong but it will be an entertaining one. Lot's of men with no clue what to buy their wives, it is really sweet actually!

So here is what I am wearing, warm and comfortable.........just what the day calls for. As soon as I get home it is cooking time for our yearly hor'doeuvre night with friends and family and then it is time to get ready for "the big guy". Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Cardigan- Banana Republic from eBay

Tunic/Shirt Dress-eBay

Leggings-Simply Vera from Kohls

Kady Boots-Target

Mommy brain boo boo

So, when I was catching up on my blogs I saw that one of you had recreated this look from the Loft styling. I loved the way it turned out so much I decided to try it out myself but as I went to post this, I could not remember or find for the life of me, which blog I found it on to give you the credit.....I call it "mommy brain" and I am sorry!

I am off today to the bank, grocery store and one last Christmas gift. Is anyone else still scrambling for their last minute Christmas stuff? Every time I think I am all the way done, I remember something else but the list has dwindled down so I think I am actually about done this time and I better be since I work all day tomorrow!

**Update, it was Sweet Tea in Seattle's post here that I was looking for, thanks App Gal and Rae!**

White Blouse-Target

Chiffon Rose Sweater-The Loft

Jeans-Old Navy

Shoes-Target

Oh No She Isn't.......

Nope, I am not wearing shoes today and you are lucky I took off my sock monkey slippers for a photo .....lol! Today I have the day off and I have been cleaning, wrapping and all that fun stuff so I have had no need to put on any shoes yet! Oh, and I updated my playlist for those of you who keep the volume on!

Today is a Loft day head to toe (see, I can say that because I have on no shoes). They have a whole bunch of jeans and basic pants marked down on final sale and yesterday they had an additional 30% off when I popped in on my lunch so these pants were a whoppin' $6.98, gotta love it! I also grabbed this cardigan on the 50% off sweater promo to go with my striped zig zag tee that I had picked up last week.

**Please note, if I had realized that this sweater made me look like a roly poly or a weeble wobble in these photos I would have taken more shots, it doesn't always take on such a round shape IRL**

 Closer pic of the tee, it is a very casual piece but it is playful and I love the longer sleeves (1/2 sleeve length)

So, with that sale I made sure to grab a few more final sale basics plus this necklace which the SA handed to me while I was checking out. I am not sure if I will keep it, what do you think?

p.s. they are also doing a St. Jude Hospital fundraiser where if you donate you get a 20% off coupon which is a great deal for a great cause. I love all the charities they work with!

Are You Feeling Groovy????

Did you think I was exaggerating about my love affair with knit dresses? This is one of my favorites, it is the Jade Shift Dress from Shade Clothings Summer '09 line accessorized with a Macy's name tag (optional.....lol).

Excuse the lighting but it was 6 a.m. in the morning yesterday and I was trying not to wake anyone when I snuck out to work. I have today and tomorrow off (yay!) but of course my mini Cooper didn't want me to get too comfortable so he decided to wake up at 3:30 am, and I mean a wide awake wake-up. Then, as I was dozing on and off on the couch while he played, the phone woke me up with a call from the Sherriff's office saying they had just received a 911 call, luckily I was able to convince them to cancel the dispatched officers...........thanks Cooper!

Hope your morning is going a little smoother :o)

p.s. It was in the 70's here yesterday which is why I don't look winterized at all. 

Playing Catch-Up

True to Debye luck with phones, another one has bit the dust. Unfortunatly it drowned in hot cocoa on the way to work. Since almost all of my communication with the outside world is done through my phone, I lost access to an entire day of emails and phone calls so if you tried to reach me, I promise I wasn't ignoring you! It is truly driving me nuts not knowing what emails I am missing......technology, I am becoming a slave to it. Okay, I have been one for a few years now.

Here is the outfit I wore on the day of the hot cocoa in car disaster:

Cardigan-Merona Collection for Target

Shirt-Banana Republic

Belt- J Crew

Skirt-Merona Collection for Target

Tights-Hue

Shoes-Candies

Here is what I wore the next day getting chores done and meeting with the adoption worker:

Cardigan-INC for Macy's

Tee- The Loft

Jeans-Elle

Flats-Old Navy

Here is what I wore Saturday to work even though it looks a little like a nightie in this picture. I had seen it at the Loft several times without paying much attention. I saw it on the Final Sale rack the other day and I tried it and ended up liking it alot. So comfy and pretty!

**please ignore my dirty stove, I have been baking pies like a mad woman**

Cardigan-The Loft

Dress-The Loft

Shoes-Target

And lastly, today's outfit! I just love this dress and it is such a playful piece. It is hard to tell in a picture but the white pattern and trim is all done with embroidery so it makes a really unique while being my favorite......a knit dress!

Dress-INC for Macy's

Shoes-Candies

Next step, catch up on reading all my blogs.......I haven't had time to be on the computer the last few days and I am in serious withdrawals!

May the Force Be With You Today

Let's just rush through my outfit of the day before we get to the good stuff! I am wearing a tuxedo dress from Shabby Apple that I love. The detail of the ruffling, cut out U-neck, buttons and the tie make it a simple piece to throw on without accessorizing, which is perfect for me because I usually don't have a lot of time for details when I get ready in the morning!

Dress-Shabby Apple

Boots-Steve Madden

Now for the fun stuff. I have never been in an H&M, we just never had one here and once it opened a few weeks ago I just figured it was best to avoid going in. Yesterday I decided to check it out on my lunch break and I was doing fine, nothing too tempting until I saw they had a childrens department.....I did not know this. Once I saw this sweater, I knew it had to be mine, or er my kids.......they all now have one, with the exception of my 13 year-old, but Cooper will be my unwilling model. I love when star wars and/or super hero clothing is done in a unique way...........Luke, I am your father.....sorry, I couldn't resist!

Plaid Sheath Dress- On Final Sale

This one is for Rae :o)

Sorry, this post is a rush one since I am trying to squeeze it in before work at 6:45 (yikes). This is the Plaid Sheath Dress from the Loft that is currently on final sale. I grabbed mine in store, it is a size 8 but is a tad big, nothing a belt won't fix. I usually wear a 6 or an 8 in dresses depending on the hips. This one has a fun shape, great plaid and I love the ruffle detailing. I let out them hem on this one (about 1/2 inch) since I am taller and I sewed the slit closed. I think with tights I can handle the shorter length then I am used to. Off to the work the first day of the two day one day sale....ta ta!

OOTD and another one day, really two day, sale!

Whew...it has been a long day. I was in a hurry this morning so I didn't get any pictures taken before work so now you are getting a disheveled, sloppy version of what I wore today but I will make it up with some more shopping picks from today and a promise to post IRL pictures of the plaid sheath dress tomorrow

here is what I wore:

and here is what I put on hold ....Macy's is having another one day sale tomorrow and tomorrow is the preview day which is the same as the "one day" so why don't they just call it a two day sale???

I LOVE this applique dress , it is very comfortable, flattering and the length is perfect! I found it TTS, I grabbed a Medium. I have no idea whether it will go on sale tomorrow but I figured I would wait to see.

The other item I snatched was a shorter version of this cardigan. It is very cute on and reminds me of a J Crew sweater jacket that I am too tired to look up right now (do you hear the violins playing). It is on sale for $27.99 and with tomorrow morning's $10 off early morning WOW coupon, that will be $17.99 before my discount, say what!

Wind-Rippled part deux

I wanted to try this tee out again but dressed up a little, I fall more in love with this shirt each time I put it on! I really love the way the Small Packages Cardigan wraps perfectly around the embellishment on this tee but I also am going to have to try it on a button up like on the model.
Today was my first day off since Monday and I am back to work tomorrow so now I have to catch up on Christmas cards, laundry, getting organized and reading all your blogs. Hope you all are having wonderful weekends!

Tee-Anthropologie

Cardigan-Anthropologie

Skirt-Merona for Target

Shoes-Target

Yep, I am a berry again!

I don't know if it was because I was up baking pies this morning before work or if it is just purely that blue and purple has become my favorite fall color combo, whatever it is....I am berry again and that's okay!

I am sporting some of my new Loft purchases from yesterday. I have about six more cash certificates left.....uggghhh.....I shop too much. Time to weed out my closet again since I am out of hangers and room, intervention anyone? Well, I am off to work again (double ugggghhhh) and then to meet my family at our Ward Christmas party. We did all the decorating last night so we should be pretty prepared, or at least as prepared as we are going to get.

Hope you all have a wonderful day oh, and one other thing. Look at this adorable Guess ring I grabbed off the clearance table at Macy's for $8. It is supposed to be for my 17 year-old niece to go with her clutch but I am having a hard time letting it go. Does anyone else have this problem?

Dear Santa, I have been naughty

So, I have been successfully avoiding the Loft. I have all this Loft Cash burning a hole in my wallet that I have been really trying to ignore but it is like throwing away cash (right?) so I decided to get one cami and maybe a piece of jewelry to equal $50, so I could cash in just one certificate in to satisfy my craving.

But then, they went and marked everything down 25% off for today only so I couldn't use my cash since it is on full price merchandise. That is-until the manager told me that the computer has been letting them use the cash on sale items.....SOLD!

So..... I got the cami, a cardigan, and two dresses. The plaid sheath dress was on final sale for $19.99 down from $98 ) and is adorable on, I purchased an 8 but could have fit in a 6 (they just didn't have one) it runs TTS or a tiny bit big. I also grabbed the Scoopneck Dress with Chiffon Applique which is very cute IRL (fits TTS), and the drop waist v neck cardigan with belt. So, I wasn't suppo(SCOREsed to buy anything else for myself but I got all of this 25% off plus I used $75 worth of my Loft Cash so I paid under $100

It's Friday......Ombre!

Two posts in one morning, yay I am all caught up!Macy's is getting ready to enforce a dark dress code so I have to take advantage of being able to wear my "light" clothing. With another bout of rain on the way, I thought I'd break all the winter rules and go light with my J Crew ombre linen pencil  skirt and a white blouse. As I look at the photo, I realize it is funny how pale my legs have gotten this winter. I promise they aren't quite so white IRL!

After work I get to go decorate for our church's Christmas party. I ended up being in charge of all the centerpieces but I could pretend to complain but I actually LOVE that stuff! Then tomorrow after work, it is party time....whoop....whoop! Anybody have any great Christmas parties coming up?

Blouse-Target

Skirt- J Crew

Belt-J Crew

Shoes-Anne Klein

Ice-Capped...er.....Me

We don't get snow in San Diego but yesterday I was "ice-capped" in one of my new tops from Anthropologie.  I really needed to style this top a little better in order to do it justice but with the earlier morning holiday hours I am just not finding the time, I will do better next time...promise.

Wonder Tee-DownEast Basics

Blouse-Anthropologie

Cardigan-Ann Taylor Loft

Pants-Ann Taylor Loft

Shoes-Steinmart

p.s. sorry for the super short post, gotta finish getting ready for work......retail in December is nutty!

The Stockings are Hung

....by the chimney with care, at least until the toddlers pull them down enough times that we give up and put them away until Christmas Eve! As you can tell, we finally got our decorations up...yippee!
My favorite part of decorating for Christmas is hanging the stockings, the more the merrier is what I say! Besides our family we also have one for our dogs and for Nana and Poppa who always celebrate at our house.

Now for the outfit of the day. I almost didn't post it because it looks kind of "blah" in the photo. I promise it looked a little better in person but either way, I still loved the change. It felt very menswear inspired and it was very comfy for a long day at work.

White Blouse-DownEast Basics

Olive Stretch Flannel Top-J Crew

Black Slacks-Ann Taylor Loft

Unisa Shoes