Gasp!! Leggings!

Today was supposed to be "Nautical" day, however that did not happen. Hubby finally had a day off and since it's not raining it was the perfect day to get to work on our backyard. Man, does our yard need some love! Mowing, dog mess, weeding, gardening, building a second garden, sandbox, toy clean up, deck....the list goes on and on it seems. There is always more to do or something to fix. We have lots of plans for the backyard and it will be wonderful once its done.

Earlier, Lily and I got to enjoy a little picnic to ourselves while Grayson napped and we waited for daddy to come back from Home Depot. It was so fun to sit out back and watch our chickens and ducks roam around the yard. I'd love to have more animals. Maybe a pig and a goat or two! Unfortunately we don't have enough land for that and if I'm being realistic I don't have the time for more animals.

Back to leggings....what leggings again?! Yes, I wore leggings again today. I didn't give up and quit the challenge. I just needed to be able to move around, pull weeds, carry boards and chase chickens. No way was I going to ruin my white shorts (little hint on tomorrow's outfit)! Like I said the other day I know I'm making an effort now and am proud of myself. I'm not spending everyday in leggings and sweat pants but some days leggings and sweat pants are the reasonable and realistic choice for the day. If you were hoping for an amazing outfit though, don't be disappointed! If you look at the last picture, Lily is modeling her "I picked it out myself" ensemble! The shirt under the sweater ties everything together with fluorescent Hawaiian flowers.
What did you do today??

Romper

 Brought out last year's Romper for today and so did Asia's bff Sarah. Should make me feel young and hip but just kind of made me feel old. Her romper is way cooler! A casual off the shoulder style and pockets. Pockets!! A romper with pockets is almost as amazing as a dress with pockets! Just call me jelly! Now don't get me wrong. I love my romper with its 3/4 length sleeves, olive and navy color but the material is polyester giving it a more dressy look which unfortunately is hard to dress down. You can find Sarah's romper HERE, at Target.

Isn't Sarah cute? 😆

A little Sun and Makeup

Nothing like a little sunshine and makeup to turn the week around. Hopefully the rain and clouds will stay away for the weekend so the kids and I can play outside some more. Maybe we can get down to the beach again.

• It's Day 17 and "Newer Shirt" was the theme. I've worn this flower shirt before on our last day in Florida but with shorts. I'm glad to be able to wear it again today and without a jacket! I kept my accessories simple with a pink beaded bracelet, brown watch and some pink and gold hoop earrings. No necklace needed with this high necked top. 

Makeup is all Younique products except lipstick and eyebrows. 

Grayson's birthday planning update ahead! I'm so behind but I did finally manage to get a few things checked off my list. Date and time has been picked. Guest list has been finalized and now I just need to rush order the invitations! Decorations and food has also been decided on. We stopped by Michael's today and picked up a couple of items. They had an entire Mickey Mouse Clubhouse section! I still have lots to get. I'm not going to make to many things myself this time though. I'd usually feel some guilt about this but I'm okay with it. I just don't have as much time to make everything. 

Let's Keep it Real

 I'm going to go ahead and admit that today could be considered a fail. Day 16 and I had plans for a casual vintage outfit. I put on an old faded Star Wars shirt for my vintage inspiration and my white jeans. Super cute even though my "vintage" wasn't lace or pearls. Well, during breakfast Grayson not only threw his Cheerios and blueberries around but preceeded to smash his pouch and it squirted viciously along the leg of my innocent and spotless white jeans! I may or may not have cried out "Look what you've done, you monster!" All three kids may or may not have laughed and I may or may not have shed a tear.

Off I went back upstairs to sulk and attempt to find something vintage. I'm going to be real though and let you know that I just Was. Not. Feeling it today. Not because of the pouch incident but mostly because I'm just having an off day. Today's plans consisted of vacuuming, mopping, organizing the kitchen and living room and cleaning the fire place. I had extra things to do and still hadn't gone into the chicken coop to collect eggs and feed the chickens. So after I changed into my new "Vintage" inspired get up and took a picture I went back upstairs, put on leggings, my now slightly food covered Star Wars shirt and a hoody. And you know what? I'm okay with that. I'm still going to finish out the 30 Days. I'm not even going to consider today a fail. I'm going to consider it what it is. Mom life. I'm going to be proud of myself for putting in effort everyday but knowing not to go nuts about it. Here I am below. Real life, no makeup, crazy frizzy hair pulled back and Grayson crying because I won't let him play in the toilet. #keepingitreal #momlife #stayoutofthetoilet

Halfway there!

Today, is Day 15 and we are halfway through the 30 Day Fashion Challenge! "Black Joggers" was today's theme. I wore black linen joggers that Asia gave me and a cotton scoop neck blush colored tee. The weather is still yucky here so I layered with my jean jacket. I am so done with this weather! I need summer. I want to go outside. I want to wear shorts and dresses and go to the beach. I want to sit outside for meals and have iced tea on the patio. I've had enough. I need the sun! This cool rainy weather is making me want to go back to Florida!

At least it's not as rainy as it was yesterday. We went to the New England Aquarium in Boston and it was pouring and so, so windy! My face in the bottom picture perfectly captures how I felt about all the rain. I remember when I first moved to New England in 2005. I'm from southern California and I told my husband my first January here, "Well, at least it's going to get warmer soon" He just looked at me and laughed and laughed. Thanks, buddy ***eyeroll***

Tuesday's Outfit. Day 14 "Stripes"

I found these super cute satin joggers at Target for under $20! Also they have the black flats, HERE, a $6 pink tee and a denim jacket for $35.00! 

Day 13 and Get to Work Chickens!

Decided to go ahead and just do the "scarf as a belt" idea. I thought this was boring and plain and just looked like I didn't put any thought into this look. I surprisingly got not one, not two not three, but FOUR compliments! It just goes to show that adding an extra accessory really can change a whole look from boring to something after all. I really didn't think anyone would even notice the scarf. I think I've worn some cute outfits in the last two weeks and have gotten a couple of compliments. Never four though. If you are looking for a cute skinny belt scarf of your own, look no further! I found THIS gorgeous one at J.Jill! I'm loving the print and the fact that it's on sale!

In other news, I'm pretty excited to announce that my free loading chickens are about to earn their keep. On the way home from running errands this morning I stopped by the local farm to see what veggies and plants they had. I remembered that they usually sold fresh eggs so before I left I asked the owners about them since I didn't see any out . Turns out the person they usually got their eggs from is no longer selling so they were looking for someone new. Guess who that new person is going to be? ME! I'll be selling them around 5 to 6 dozen a week! I'm ridiculously too excited about this! Here's a picture of my beautiful eggs from yesterday and today 😆

Day 12 and I am 1 in 8

You might have seen around Instagram or Facebook recently banners that say "I am 1 in 8". What does being one in eight mean? Well, it means that the poster is one out of eight couples that struggles with infertility. Today is the start of NIAW, National Infertility Awareness Week and as such I feel it is my duty to say that we too are 1 in 8. We started ttc, trying to conceive, after we were married in Jan 2008. After a year of trying we realized that something wasn't right and after numerous tests we found out that I have DOR, otherwise known as Diminished Ovarian Reserve. You can read more about our journey HERE, in my introduction post.

Chances are good that you know someone who is dealing with infertility or that you yourself are in the trenches now. Once I became open about our struggles I was amazed how many people I knew that were going through or had gone through this as well. Its such a suffocating thing to go through. The one thing you want with your whole heart is out of your reach and some days you are just drowning in heartache. It's an awful rollercoaster ride that doesn't just affect you, but your spouse and sometimes your whole family. Please read more on the Resolve page. THIS link will help educate you and provide some quick facts for you so you may better understand what your family member or friend may be going through.                          (read more under picture)

Both Lily and Grayson are "IVF Babies". They are our miracles. Precious gifts from God, just like Asia is. I am proud and honored to be their mother. As happy as I am my heart still breaks a million times for my friends who are still struggling. I know what they are going through and unless you have grieved the loss of something you never had, it's hard to understand their feelings. I heard "just adopt", "maybe you aren't meant to have more children", "Just take Mine" and so much more. I'd like to include one more link that is so very important. Please check out 25 Things to Say (and Not to Say to Someone Living With Infertility). Though you may think you are being helpful with your jokes or certain "advice" you may actually be doing more damage.

To my friends who are still going through this and waiting for your miracle, known that I am here for you. I am praying for you and I love you. 

Day 11 New Boots and Party Planning Slacker

Today's theme was supposed to be "Wear a scarf as a Belt" day. However, I bought these amazing green rainboots at Marshall's yesterday for only $13.00! So needless to say that they needed to be worn. Of course it's rainy again here so it was pretty much like destiny that I found these beauties!

I picked out one of my favorite dresses and borrowed Asia's green jacket that she got last fall from Forever 21, to tie it all together. The jacket matches the boots almost perfectly! Maybe she'll let me keep it....Hmmmmm.

In other news....Grayson is 10 months old today. This year has flown by so quickly! And with realizing how quickly the year has gone I cant help but to think I'm slacking in the organizing and planning department. With Lily I was on top of everything. Her baby book, holiday planning, pictures and videos for special milestones, etc. Every little detail and schedule was worked out ahead of time. I not only planned out her birthday party 6 months in advance but I designed and handmade her invitations, all of the decorations along with making her cake. It took me months to complete everything. It was perfect.

All I have done for Grayson is the theme. That's it. Sure there's a Pinterest board dedicated to the the theme but what good does that do if nothing has been set in motion? My poor boy. 

I know he won't remember this birthday and it might not seem like a big deal but I don't want him looking back at pictures and think that his sisters always got more than him. So I have a new mission for the next few weeks and that is to get everything together for his party. Grayson Party Planning mode will be in full effect tomorrow. I need to narrow down the date of his party, the guest list, look at invites and decide on which ones to order by tomorrow night. 

Wish me luck!

Day 10 and "I only came in to buy...."

Day 10:
"Plain Top and Pearls" was an easy reminder that adding a statement necklace to any ordinary top immediately dresses up your look. As large as this pearl multi-strand necklace is, it never got in the way of my normal daily activities. This is yet another item in my closet that I had set aside for special occasions. I literally had to wipe dust off of it before putting it on! I don't see that happening again though. I will be bringing this baby out anytime I'm dressed down for a quick little outfit boost!
Now, I started searching different stores to find some fun necklaces for you all, but you know what? I just couldn't find anything that was spectacular enough. I went to Etsy and searched "multi-strand necklace" and so many amazing pieces popped up! So no link today but I highly suggest that if you are looking for an amazing and uniquely gorgeous piece, to head on over to Etsy!

And on to the second lart of this post....
Anyone else have an itsy bitsy problem when they go into Marshall's, TjMaxx or  Homegoods? By problem I mean "I only came in here to buy a picture frame and oh my gosh, are those boots on clearance?!" Does this happen to you?

I could spend hours and hours in these stores! I could redecorate every room in my house multiple times! It's like a treasure hunt. Aisles and aisles of awesomeness. You need shoes? Check. Pillows? Check. Random spices? Check check. How about a make up organizer, a dog bed, or a last minute birthday present? It's there! It's almost as bad as going into Target. What is it about these stores that makes you want to buy everything?
Above is today's loot. Let's call today's shopping adventure "Fun Find Friday"! That makes it more acceptable, right? I went in for an 8x10 picture frame and this is what happens. I seriously lack self control. However I'm going to go ahead and give myself a high five. I did walk past all the clothing. Didn't even stop and glance at anything! **Woman's clothing that is...I did buy my littlest his first Polo shirt 😉

Day 9: April Showers Bring May....

Rainy day here but I won't let that stop me from wearing this adorable off the shoulder flower shirt! "Flowers" is today's theme and the vibe of this shirt is perfect to brighten up such a cloudy gloomy day!

Paired with cuffed white skinny jeans, brown wedges and a simple blush and gold necklace, this outfit would be perfect for lunch with friends or even a dinner date with the hubby! 

Though this look is perfect for going out you could easily wear it with flats or sandals and a denim jacket to make it a little more casual! 

You can find similar shirts HERE, at Francesca's or HERE at makemechic.com

Day 7 and 8!

I stood in my closet for about 15 minutes trying to decide which "old shirt" to wear. I was under the impression that my list of daily ideas would make getting dressed easier. Today it just made me realize that I should probably just donate most of my older or unused tops. It also made me realize that I need to completely redo and reorganize my closet. I have such an attachment to all these clothes. And I really, really don't need them. I have to learn to let go of some things. I didn't have much growing up and ever since I started working at 16 I have had a hard time letting go of things. Yesterday afternoon, and the reason why I didn't post, is that ended up going through about half my closet. So far I have two large bags of clothes and a bag of shoes to donate. I have many more bags that should be filled by the end of the week.

The purple lace shirt, was my "old shirt" for yesterday. I have only worn this shirt twice. If I remember correctly I had bought it for Thanksgiving dinner and then that's it. I love this shirt. It's so delicate and feminine and definitely in style right now. Grayson kept pulling at the lace though so I only ended up wearing it for about two hours.
By pairing this dressier top with good old blue jeggings and blush colored flats I felt more comfortable wearing the top. Hopefully it won't be too long before I can wear it again! You can find a similar top HERE, at Francesca's! It's almost exactly the same style!

Today is "Wear a Blazer" day. I bought this amazing blazer a few weeks back at Old Navy. Blazers are the perfect alternative to jackets. This one is full of stretch so I can easily push up the sleeves. You can find it HERE.

Hope everyone has a great day! See you tomorrow!!

Day 6: Kimono

Kept it simple today with denim shorts and a plain white tee because I knew I wanted to steal Asia's Kimono! I've been wanting to borrow this for awhile. Originally I was planning to try and make this into a Boho look but wasn't really feeling boho-ish when I went to do my makeup. Overall I think it's cute however I think different shoes would have been better. Maybe my Converse?

All three kids and I went to NH today to visit my brother (in the picture above) and his awesome girlfriend. Pretty sure I want to get my motorcycle license this summer. My husband and quite a few friends and relatives have their's. Might be nice to join them. Funny....my brother joked that my bangs were because I was having a mid life crisis. I think getting a motorcycle would definitely top bangs for a mid life crisis!

Forever 21 has so many different kimonos to choose from! I couldn'tjust pick one to show you. So HERE you go. Hopefully you can find one that you like!

Day 5: Lace and Pastel

Happy Easter! I hope everyone had a wonderful day with their familys! When I wrote my ideas out for the 30 Day Challenge, I luckily remembered to include an outfit for Easter. Lace and Pastel. I could have gone with a couple of different looks but when I talked to my father in law he made sure to tell me that Easter brunch was casual...."jeans casual". Yes, my over dressing for holidays and get togethers has made it so people now need to express to me how casual a get together is. So jeans it was.

Since I had to wear jeans I went with this gorgeous layered lace spaghetti strap top and a minty green cardigan. Lace and pastel...check. Added a multi-strand beaded necklace and some matching bangles and I was ready to go!

 Couldn't resist including this goofy picture of little Miss Lily! 😍

I found this gorgeous lace off the shoulder top at Forever 21, HERE, that you may like. They also have a similar mint colored cardigan for only 12.90 which you can find HERE!

Day 4: Spring into Olive Pants

See what I did there with the title?? 😉 A little better than yesterday's, I think. Anywho....Today's theme was to wear "colored pants". I brought out my olive colored pants since I needed to be extra comfy and able to really move around. The Littles and I attended a fun birthday party for a lovely three year old girl at a sports center. Lots of music, movement and games so pants were a must today! That makes a birthday party every weekend for the last four weeks. All for three year olds! Fun stuff!

Usually I  would wear a black and white striped shirt with these pants, however today I wanted to keep it fresh and a bit more "neutral". I wore an off white tank with some charming lace detail along the shoulders and back, that I purchased from Old Navy last summer. The neutral tone of both the pants and top gave me the perfect excuse to wear my white Sperry's!

I then finished the look with a statement necklace and some coordinating bracelets. Mom note: Statement necklaces are great at hiding random stains on your shirt that you didn't realize were there. Thanks for wiping your mouth on my shirt when I gave you a hug, Lily! 🙄

You can find the exact same pants HERE on sale at Express.

Old Navy also has a very similar style of shirt on sale which you can find HERE in six wonderful colors! They also have this adorable crochet-yoke top, HERE, on sale as well!

See you all tomorrow! Hopen everyone has a wonderful Easter!

Day 3 Printed Skirt!

Happy Friday everyone! Today's theme was to wear a printed skirt. I have three printed skirts and only wear them on holidays so I was looking forward to switching things up a bit. I bought this Lularoe skirt last October because the print was absolutely to die for! Gorgeous, bright colors that I knew could be worn throughout the year! This is my only Lularoe purchase so far but I think I may get some more skirts eventually. 

I usually wear this skirt paired with a cream colored lace top and either nude heels or my suede red flats. Since I'll be just around the house with the kids and running errands today I had to bring out my trusty Converse! A plain black tank and denim jacket kept the look simple and from being to busy.  When it gets a bit warmer I'll probably add some flip flops and maybe a tied white t-shirt!