Day 30!!! List Included

That's it. Done. Overall, I say it went pretty well. There were a few days here and there that I really wasn't into it and there was the "oops" day with the trip to Express where I used my gift card. When I started this challenge I looked forward to how easy getting dressed in the morning would be. Well, that easiness only lasted about a week. Some days it was truly an effort to get dressed. Even with a list of what to wear I still couldn't decide what to wear haha! This challenge has shown me that yes, putting in effort is great but so are a cozy pair of pajamas and fuzzy socks on a rainy day when you are absolutely not leaving the house. I will still be getting dressed nicely most days. I love clothes and the feeling of just being "pulled together". Also I think people might ask me if I'm feeling well if I don't lol! I think the one thing I'm most excited about with this challenge being over is not having to take pictures of myself everyday. It's awkward. I am in no way a model and I have absolutely no clue how to pose. I literally looked up a few times how to stand and what to do with my hands. I also hate looking at the camera. Second thing that I'm happy about is that my closet has been downsized and redone. I had over 5 trash bags full of clothes, shoes and purses to donate!
So here it is, Day 30 of my 30 Day Fashion Challenge: Metallics
This dressy top needed no necklace. Just simple earrings and some silver bangles. White jeans (got the stain out! yay!), and a denim jacket kept this outfit from being overly dressy. I couldn't even tell you the last time I wore this shirt. No idea. It's a keeper though.

I am going to take a few days off of blogging. I will probably be back on Tuesday. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend and has a wonderful Mother's Day!

 LOVE you!
Nova

30 Day Fashion Challenge

Day 1: Casual Chambray

Day 2: No Jeans Pants Day (Linen pants, slacks etc.)

Day 3: Printed Skirt

Day 4: Olive Pants

Day 5: Lace and Pastel

Day 6: Kimono

Day 7: Old Shirt

Day 8: Wear a Blazer

Day 9: May Flowers (something Floral)

Day 10: Plain top and Pearls. Or plain top and dramatic necklace

Day 11: Boots! Plan an outfit around your favorite boots

Day 12: A Little Boho Love

Day 13: Wear a scarf as a belt

Day 14: Stripes!

Day 15: Joggers. Dress up your jogger pants

Day 16: Vintage

Day 17: Newer Top

Day 18: Romper

Day 19: Sporty (Leggings okay, but put some effort in)

Day 20: Nautical

Day 21: Graphic tee and Accessories

Day 22: Bootleg Jeans

Day 23: Star Wars (May the Forth)

Day 24: Spanish Flare (Cinco De Mayo)

Day 25: Palazzo Pants

Day 26: Shine Bright (bright colored top, layer, or pants)

Day 27: Gingham

Day 28: Maxi Dress

Day 29: Heels and Girlfriend Jeans

Day 30 Metallics

Heels and Girlfriend Jeans

 Okay so I kind of cheated with the no buying clothes.... I went to Express to see if they had a white fitted cardigan. They didn't. However they did have this gorgeous blush colored top. It has a romantic feel to it with its ruffles and one shoulder look. As I said I kind of cheated...why "kind of" well because I had a gift card. See, that's totally okay, right? Technically I didn't spend any money. Okay, okay. I failed. It was a no shopping challenge not a no buying challenge. I totally failed. I suck. I couldn't even make it the 30 days. Ugh!!
In spite of my failure at not shopping, I did at least do today's challenge which was to wear heels with 'girlfriend' jeans. Super realistic as a SAHM, stay at home mom, don't you think? ***eye roll*** What was I thinking? After looking at the pictures and the height of these heels, I will be changing them to a more classic 2" black heel pump. Not only will that be more reasonable for a day heel but will match better with the overall look. I accessorized my new top with a long blush and neutral toned necklace, gold stackable rings and a long knitted navy cardigan. I'm also wearing one of my favorite hats. Which, confession time, I wear due to the fact that I can barely ever find the time, have the patience or knowledge to style my hair.

Tomorrow: Day 30 and Metallics! See below for where to shop!

 You can find similar items below:

Tops
Express

Forever 21

Girlfriend Jeans
GAP

  Black heels made a huge difference!

Maxi Dress

Maxi-dress, was day 28th's theme. I was more than happy to bring out this dress that I got from Express last summer. This is one of my favorite dresses though surprisingly I think I've only worn it one other time. Which is a bit sad considering I paid full price for this and I talked myself into buying it by thinking how often I could wear it and the different places it could be worn. Also, by how I could dress it up or down easily with different shoes. **sigh** I really need to take my own advice and wear the clothes that I have. I think I'm going to do the hanger trick. You know the one where you turn all your hangers backwards and by the end of the year you see what you haven't worn because the clothing on those hangers are backwards still? I need to come up with something.

Anyways, though this dress at first glance may not seem casual I can assure you that I did in fact wear this all day. Not once did I feel over dressed. We ran a bunch of errands including a trip to Home Depot. I even played on the floor with the kids. I skipped on jewelry today but mostly because I simply forgot to add bracelets and a necklace. That probably helped with keeping this look on the simpler side too. I will admit that the maxi length did start to irritate me but that is mostly because Grayson is walking and he constantly would walk over to me and hang on the dress.   

As someone who never wore any patterns (besides stripes) till recently, I have to say that after this month I am drawn to patterns more than ever. Especially all things floral. Every time I wear something with flowers I notice that my day just seems to be better. Maybe because its Spring or maybe it's because I am a bit crazy. Who knows...lol.

Days 26, 27 and Mother's Day Present Stress

Day 27 and today's challange was to wear a gingham shirt. I decided to wear an older one I hadn't used in awhile. I wore it open as a cardigan since it was a bit windy out. I'm feeling a slight western vibe with my open toe, suede and fringed ankle boots, my silver jewelry and white laced top. I can definitely see myself repeating this look but with some cutoff jean shorts, this summer. 

* See below for more pictures and for day 26's look*  

I'm sitting in the van right now while the baby sleeps and I'm trying to come up with something to give my grandmother for Mother's Day. I am completely drawing a blank. Ive been trying to come up with the "perfect" gift for weeks! As a formal preschool teacher I have tons of ideas of cute things that the kids could make but I wanted her to have "more". Nana has been there for me all my life and I love her so much. For everything she has done, for all the love she has shown....how do I repay that? How can I show her how special she is to me? To us? Nana has recently moved to PA from southern California so this will be my first Mother's day with her, in who knows how long so it has to be great. 

We'll after stressing all week and now sitting here in my van I think I've got the perfect idea. I have all three kids pictures that i can frame for her new house and I think the kids will make something. And you know what? Whatever they do make, THAT will be perfect. Nana's gift doesn't need to expensive. It doesn't need to be extravagant it just needs to show her how much we appreciate and love her. I usually call her a few times a week so hopefully that helps to let her know how much I love her.

 Besides I gave her three amazing and super cute great-grandchildren which is pretty much the most awesome gift ever soooo..... 😉

Day 26: Bright Color 

This is the brightest clothing item that I own! So it was the obvious choice for Sunday's look. To tone down the brightness and because it was cool out, I paired the top with black jeans and my favorite denim jacket. Looking forward to wearing this, as well, this summer with some white or black shorts. I love the diamond detail on the back of this top! So fun.

Palazzo Pants

Today is a lazy rainy Saturday. We've sat around the house all day eating and watching movies and I almost forgot to take pictures and write. If ever there was a day not to get dressed and sit around in pajamas it would be today. Luckily its day 25 and I have these comfortable palazzo pants for "Prints on the Bottom" day. I have dressed these pants up, I've dressed them down and I've even pushed it and worn them once as pajama pants. Which I'll admit wasn't the greatest idea I ever had and slightly messed up the tassle tie. What!
 These pants are so comfortable. I wish I had a few more pairs. I'm really feeling THESE palazzo pants from Charlotte Russe. The lightweight material and casual stripes would be perfect for the beach, going out for a bite to eat or even watching TV all day. I prefer to always pair any patterned bottom with a solid colored well fitting tank or tee. You don't want to get to crazy with this much going on. How do you wear yours?

 Me standing out in the rain being a weirdo.

A Little Cinco De Mayo Flare

I just couldn't resist raiding Asia's closet today for this gorgeous top with a little Spanish flare! Luckily I had a matching beaded necklace and bracelet already. I came thisclose to breaking my no shopping rule at Francesca's today! I am addicted to this store and to make things harder on me they opened a new location less than  four miles from me! I think if I ever go back to work I'll work there. I never imagined going back to retail but I wouldn't think twice about accepting a job there! Of course most of my paycheck would no doubt be spent on clothes and accessories so maybe that wouldn't be the brightest idea.

Why was I tempting the no spending streak you may be wondering. Well, Paul was home from work and I jumped at the opportunity to get a few hours to myself! Francesca's was top of my list of places to spend my "me time". Tassels, pompoms and Spanish inspired clothing are so on point right now I just had to see what they had. A little retail torture for sure so I made sure to only browse a little while so I wouldn't be too tempted. As always they made sure not to disappoint and had some wonderful items. These bright, fun, and irresistible accessories below are just a sample of what they had. Not only would they be perfect for today's Cinco De Mayo holiday but for the entire summer! What better way to spice up your everyday outfits but with a splash of color and a dash of fun?! When my 30 Day Fashion Challenge is up, I for sure will be picking up these beauties! That necklace alone is absolute perfection!

I made it out of the store without buying anything, which is a first for me, headed home to my wonderful hubby and insane children. So happy I got a little time on my own and even more happy that Paul made some amazing tacos for dinner. Now to just get through bath time with these little lunatics of mine. 

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone!! ❤❤

May the Fourth Style

Got to wear my Star Wars shirt after all! Happy May the 4th be with you day! I layered my top over a shirt dress, added some silver bracelets, Converse and of course some Princess Leia inspired hair and there ya' go. Simple, yet super cute. I found THIS chic striped dress at Lulus for under $40! If I didn't already have one I'd jump to get this! knowing me, I'd probably get the blue one as well. I'm sure everyone already owns at least one Star Wars shirt....if not, oh the shame you must be feeling right now. It's okay, I won't tell anyone.  THIS Darth Vader shirt from Kohl's is cool or if you are feeling a bit rebellious you could get THIS shirt. No matter which side of the Force you want to represent there is a shirt out there for every style! Have fun and may the fourth always be with you!

May Flowers

Spring dress, flowers, a little breeze and so much sunshine! I started today in jeans and a long laced sleeved tee but quickly changed into this adorable dress! I'm literally sitting out back tanning today! Can this weather just stay please? It is absolutely perfect! Today's theme was bootleg jeans but since it's my list I can change it ;) So it's now May Flowers. I've seen so many style challenge lists on Instagram lately I almost wish I would have just copied a list. They all have such snazzy named themes for each day. When the challenge is over next week I'll post my list and try to snazzy up the list for you.

A little something about this dress and perhaps a little shopping problem of mine.... If I like something but can't decide which color I like more I have the tendency to just buy both options. I have this exact dress in dark blue but with yellow flowers. The long sleeved top I mentioned above...it's cream but I also have it in royal purple. Does anyone else do this? I think this started when I dragged my husband along shopping with me one time. I remember not being able to decide which boots I wanted more and he said "Just get both". What?!?! Ummmm okay! It's like opening Pandora's box in a way.

Olive You

Olive or Military green is my favorite shade of green to wear. I love it! Get it Olive it? Olive you? I'm a hoot! Anyways..... Instead of just wearing a graphic shirt and jeans I made sure to add a few accessories to take this outfit from boring to well....not so boring. A fun matching belt, black blazer instead of a cardigan, simple rings, necklace and my favorite pearl earrings. I love this combination and it really just bumps up a simple everyday outfit.

 I used to always wear belts and accessories with every outfit but once I started staying home with the kiddos, I stopped doing so unless I was going out. This 30 Day Fashion Challenge, day 21 if your wondering,  definitely has me dusting off some forgotten items! 

Makeup and hair by Miss Lily! :p

Nautical Hit or Miss?

 When you hear the words nautical inspired outfit, is it just me or do you automatically think stripes? Navy, red, green, maybe even bright yellow colors but stripes all the same. This may be a total miss on my end but here's today's nautical inspired outfit. White shorts from Old Navy, blue knitted sweater (also from Old Navy but from 3yrs ago), red Hunter boots and red bubble necklace. I have at least six blue and white stripped shirts alone that I could have worn but I really wanted to wear this sweater. Mostly because I forgot I had it. Now that I think of it, I actually have it in a stripped peach and white version as well.

Our precious girl Zelda

I mentioned yesterday that we had tons of work to do in our backyard. Well, yesterday hubby built a very large second garden for us! Love being able to grow our own vegetables! We are hoping to actually can some of our veggies for the winter this year! We wanted to do this last year but our garden was so small and I was so busy with Grayson being a new born we just ended up eating everything. Also, Lily has a habit of standing in the garden and just eating everything once it sprouts!

Picture of our new garden. We will be planting herbs to dehydrate, onions, red cabbage, kale, broccoli, beans and tomatoes! Depending on room we may also plant a few sweet pepper plants!

Our other garden will have squashes, zucchini and cucumbers! So excited to make some homemade pickles again!

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 😆