Basic Invite

Recently I was contacted by Basic Invite to share their beautiful invitations, announcements and stationary with you. We have a Halloween party coming up and Basic Invite worked perfectly to share that invite with friends! With some many cute halloween invitations to chose from, the possibilities  are nearly limitless.

Basic Invite

Recently I was contacted by Basic Invite to share their beautiful invitations, announcements and stationary with you. Although I am past the baby shower and announcement stage in my life, I do love stationary. With technology as it is, an actual note sent through actual mail seems much more special now that it used to. Whether it's a note to a friend or a thank you, I love the opportunity to send them. I chose this style and this one and was able to personalize them too! When they arrived the paper quality was excellent and they did not disappoint! I feel like with personalized stationary I can check off another box in my "adulting" checklist too. ; )

Spring Style with Shopko

This post has been sponsored by Shopko, with all thoughts being my own.

I've been wanting to try a jumpsuit, but hadn't found the right one until I was shoppingat Shopko recently. The second I saw this one and felt the super soft fabric, I knew it was worth a try. It's easy to pull on and off, with an elastic waist and you can't beat the price! I decided to dress it up with these wedges, which also help to elongate my legs, verses cutting them off at the ankle, which can happen when wearing any jumpsuit or pant in this length. I also added my denim jacket for structure, however I think it would be great with a boyfriend cardigan too.

Currently Shopko is having it's Friends and Family Sale and it's the perfect time to stock up on great spring and summer styles, like this jumpsuit. 

Luxury at a Great Price with Shopko

This post has been sponsored by Shopko, with all thoughts being my own.

Brian and I have been in need of new towels for our bathroom for quite sometime, but have been dragging our feet. Our towels at the time were pretty nice, until Brian bought bleach pellets to put in with the towels, thinking it wouldn't effect the color....unfortunately he was wrong, so our pretty nice brown towels were covered with pinkish bleach spots. Bummer.

When buying new towels, price is something we really pay attention to, but ultimately, we want thick, luxuries towels, and usually that means a pretty high price point...which we aren't crazy about. When Shopko asked to partner with me on a post, I knew I wanted to check out their towels, and you guys, they are so nice!

I was most impressed with the Hotel by Club Grand brand and the prices are so fair! Currently Shopko is having the "Stop, Shop, & Drop the Prices" sale, and that means huge saving for you!

We've been using the hand towels, bath towels, and wash clothes for the past week and they have washed well, are super absorbent, and super soft. The are hands down the best towels we've had!

Pretty Prints

Recently I got the change to try another dress from eshakti. I've gotten dresses from them in the past and love how everything is customizable. From the length to the style, to a custom fit-you can really build the perfect dress, just for you. I chose this Georgettee Dress because I adored the print! I've gotten rid of a lot of clothes from my closet and recently realized that of the dresses I still own, all but two are really only spring/summer dresses. Even though I don't wear dresses a ton once the temperatures  drop, I like to wear them occasionally. 

The fit on this dress is perfect! I didn't own a midi length dress, so I took a change and really like it here! I had meant to adjust the neckline, as the original style is too low for my taste, but accidentally didn't check the right box, so I styled it with a cami underneath and think that works fine. I wore my Franco Sarto heels, they are no longer available, but these heels from Old Navy are similar in style and have a great price point. I also kept it a bit casual with my denim jacket. I'd like to wear a tan cardigan with it too, but mine bit the dust and I haven't been able to find a replacement yet. Whomp, whomp.

Once again, by experience with eshakti has been great. I love the dress and am looking forward to getting a lot of use out of it!

Maple Holistics

I shared with you all last month some new products I'd gotten to try from Maple Holistics and they've sent me a few new things to try! First off, I tried this Opulence Under Eye Cream. Being I'm nearly 40 I've become a bit more aware of the aging around the eyes. I've used a few other creams, but was excited to give this one a try. It promises to reduce wrinkles and bags as well as brighten the eye area. I've used it for a few weeks and while I can't attest to it's impact on wrinkles, I do feel like my eyes look brighter and more awake. It's a light cream and doesn't take much, so I think this jar will last for a long time. I'm excited to see the long term results!

Fall Style

In the last few years I've made a major shift in closet from cheap, synthetic shoes to only wearing leather shoes and my feet have been so much happier. I recently got these loafers from 4EurSole. I've worked with them in the past and am excited to show you these loafers. I wore them for the first time last Saturday while I was out running around with the family and was super pleased with the first wear. No rubbing on my heels and they were really comfortable too. I love the classic style and they are the perfect in-between within my closet when I'm not in the mood for booties or ballet flats.

I also got this top and these ankle pants recently at Loft too. I'd like to get a burgundy cami for underneath, but don't mind the navy. These ankle pants are my favorite and I have a number of them, they wear super well, don't stretch, and the color hasn't faded on them either.

I feel like my closet has become a lot more classic in this past year, I've been keeping it pretty simple and am pretty happy about that. If you're looking for new shoes for the fall, I'd definitely recommend 4EurSole!

Use code 4ESOCQT2D for 15 % off your purchase too!

Maple Holistics Argon Oil Shampoo

I don't know about you, but sometimes it's worth documenting a good hair day and I'm feeling like I'm having a lot more of them since trying Maple Holistics' Argon Oil Shampoo and Conditioner. I first learned of Argon oil a number of years ago and began to use it after showers to tame my fly-aways. When my product ran out, I came to find out they weren't making it any more. Whomp, whomp. So, when Maple Holistics reached out and asked if I wanted to try a shampoo and conditioner and I saw they had an Argon Oil one, I was in.

I only wash my hair twice a week, I so I really need a product that doesn't leave residue and keeps my hair feeling fresh in-between washes. I've been really pleased with how this shampoo and conditioner is working for me. They have a great smell and leave my hair really feeling clean. It's also made right here in the USA, so that's really cool too.

Even though these are very reasonably priced, I know trying new products can sometimes be a gamble. Maple Holistics has thought of everything and you can even request a free sample, so you can try it be fore you buy it!

I'm looking forward to continuing to use this and if Argon Oil isn't your jam, they have a number of other really great option too! 

Fall Style

It's that time of year again when it's time to start transition our wardrobe to fall. Right now for me, that means still wearing my summery tops with pants or jeans and starting to switch from wearing sandals to boots. In the past few years I've gotten very serious about only wearing leather shoes with good support and my favorite go-to brand for this is Vionic hands-down. I now have six pair spanning the course of all season and I very end the day with my feet aching they way they used to.  These booties are no exception. The minute I put them on they felt so comfortable. I am so excited to get to wear these this fall. Dressed up or down they'll be perfect! If you haven't tried Vionic yet, you are missing out. They are worth the price and are long lasting too!

I got these jeans from Loft last spring and they are also amazing. They have a nice stretch, but don't stretch out during the day, which I love! I also am loving this top. It's currently on super sale and I sized down in it. It's already gotten a lot of use!

Smartick: Mathematics for Children

At the beginning of summer I was offered a complimentary family account for Grant try Smartick: Mathematics for Children. Being a teacher, I know that there is around a 30% retention loss for kids over summer break if they don't continue to practice skills they already know, or work on learning new skills. I had a pretty good plan for reading and writing, but other than leftover math worksheets that Grant hadn't completed in his math booklet from first grade, I wasn't sure what I'd do. There are a number of fun math apps. out there, but Smartick is definitely a step above the other apps we have.

Memberships vary for an individual or family, and you can choose how many months you want to sign up for too. So, whether you want to keep your kid ahead of the curve and get in continual math practice before school starts, or if your child is struggling and can use some more practice, this app will be great for your child!

When signing up we put in Grant's information, grade level, age, etc. Then he did a baseline assessment of his skills. What makes Smartick special is that it self-adjusts to the child's ability and grows with them.

I have Grant complete this fifteen minute (estimated) program Monday-Friday and he usually finishes in less than fifteen minutes. He usually does this independently after breakfast while I'm getting ready, but if he is stuck on something I'll help him clarify.

This program can be used on the computer, or there is an apple for both Google and Apple that can be downloaded for free too. When you sign in it looks like this:

San Diego

I know it's been quiet around here, honestly things have been super busy, I've had very little down time, and when I do, I just haven't wanted to spend the time blogging. I did however, want to share Brian and my trip to San Diego a few weeks back. 

Brian and I have literally not taken a trip, just the two of us since getting married nearly a decade ago. It was wonderful and we've decided it needs to be something we do each year for a few days. We are lucky that my mom was willing and able to come stay with the kids, otherwise, this trip couldn't have happened.

One of our first spots was Mission Beach, which is evidently super popular. We literally drove around for an hour and a half trying to find a parking spot, it was pretty crazy! Once we got a spot though we could see what all the fuss was about. The beach was beautiful and we ate a a super yummy sushi joint too.

Lemon Print and 50% off at Loft

Hey guys! Excuse my lack of posting for the last few weeks, we have been busy! Between swim lessons, baseball, and being out of town any downtime I've had had been spent either reading for watching Netflix. There have been no creative juices flowing over here. But, we've been having fun and definitely keeping busy!

That being said I had a few minutes before swim lessons this morning to snap a couple outfit pictures. We were ready early-crazy! Perfect timing too because everything at Loft is 50% off online and in stores today! A few weeks back I had the sweetest reader send me an e-giftcard for Loft! What an awesome surprise! I'd had my eye on these lemon print shorts and caught them at 50% off last week so they ended being free! I originally tried them on with this tank (size down, it's flowy) and loved it, but then I saw the tee I'm wearing on clearance (which seems to be sold out now) and decided on it instead. It's a bit more casual, which works for our daily happenings. This tee is super similar and only $13.

I've also been keeping my jewelry super simple. Mostly wearing my leather earrings from The Leather Drop or from Nickel & Suede and a simple necklace. I actually sold a number of my bracelets on ebay recently. I still have a couple I like, but I feel like the blingy-bulky jewelry trend is done and I like to keep it simple.

I have continued to wear my sandals from Vionic like crazy. I even wore them on a pretty long walk over the weekend very comfortably!

Are you shopping the Loft sale today? I'm pretty well set for summer now, so I'll have to shop vicariously through you ; )

Vacation Life

For the last four years my family has gone on a trip together. This year we went to Lake Okoboji for the second time. We also went there last year and for Nebraska, it's not a bad drive; only three and a half hours.

Our first night the veiw from the dock was pretty breathtaking!

Sassy Pants

It's hard to believe that we are three weeks into summer! Being at home with the kids has been great! We have been keeping pretty busy with a combo of the pool, playing outside at home, and going to the park and the library. 

Grant was at vacation bible school during the morning last week and at camp with Dad the weekend before, I had a lot of solo time with Sister. She is so full of personality and way more brave than I would like! She'll easily climb to the top of the play sets at the park and at home too. 

She also has been waking up super early-like 6:00 daily and she only naps for an hour and a half. I pushed back her bedtime to 7:30 from 7:00 but until Grant was almost 5 he wasn't up until about 7, slept for almost three hours during nap time and still went to bed between 7:30-8:00. I think Chick has FOMO.

The other thing that is super weird is that when we are outside Hannah hardly acknowledges me but when we are at home she wants me all. the. time. It's hard for me to do anything without her crying at my ankles to be picked up. This is totally different from Grant as well. He has always played pretty well independently.

Hannah also is seeming to get pretty picky at meal times. If she can eat it with a spoon, she's in, otherwise she is pretty picky. I know she's fine and I shouldn't worry, but if it was up to her she would have a diet fully consisting of go-gurt, apple sauce, bars, and fruit snacks. Grant ate everything.

She is talking a lot, but I mostly have no idea what she is saying. I've gotten her single words down like "ice" for "outside" and "DeDe!!!!" for "I really want to go play with DeDe and Greyson, like now!" She also does a great job with manners words like "please" and "thank you" and our names but she says a lot of things that I know means something to her and I have no idea what she is talking about.

Hannah also can open doors now. Yikes. I need to go get a safely lock for the pantry ASAP because, unlike Grant, Hannah will just go and help herself, where as Grant still asks before eating anything. 

It is just so interesting how much Grant and Hannah are different! Same home, same parents, same genes but two very different kids. It will be very interesting to se how her personality continues to develop as she gets older!

Summer Prints

I may not have a ton of summer clothes but I'm pretty happy with what I have and that many of my work tops have worked with shorts. This top is from Loft early this spring and my favorite. It's sold out now but this blouse is the same style in a pretty print. Perfect for summer style or to dress up for work! 

These shorts are super old-like six years and still going strong. I love these currently on sale at Loft. I have the pant version and adore the color and buttons!

I've also been wearing my sandals from Vionic pretty much daily. I'm also adoring these espadrille flats which come in a number of colors and prints! I also realized my sandals come in a fun cream color too, for those of you not fans of gold I think these would be great for summer too!

A few years back I was a stylist for Stella and Dot for a while, mostly for the deals on jewelry. I bought this rebel pendent and even three years later it remains one of my favorite and most worn pieces, it also still looks new!

Mom Style

I shared this top with you all last week and I'm styling it again this week. It's also on sale currently for about $25! I mentioned on Instagram how few clothes I have for summer, so the few I have will be on constant rotation, and I'm totally ok with that. I wore this last week, it was easy and comfy and perfect for running around with the kids. This top washed up really well and these shorts are also from Loft but three years old. These shorts are super similar and only $17.99! 

Once again, I'm wearing my  sandals from Vionic, which if you haven't gotten yet, I would highly recommend them! I know they are are bit pricey but they are so worth it! As I'm getting older once place I've quit buying cheap are shoes and my feet are definitely thanking me!

As for my earrings, these leather earrings are only $10! I'm wearing them constantly and they are perfect for summer! 

Eating Update

I shared with you all last week that I was planning to start eating better, as well as begin to keep track of what I'm eating and the calories. Here are a few things I've learned in the last week and a half:

• I thought I had some sort of an idea as to the calories of things, but I was waaaayyy off. For example, I made a sandwich, and the mayo and pickles calories were nearly as much as the turkey and cheese combined. Yikes!
• Speaking of, there are a lot of "hidden" calories I seem to consume in a day, like coffee creamer. One tablespoon is 30 calories and I drink A LOT of coffee and never measured the creamer. I'm estimating an upwards of two hundred calories just in creamer each day, as I know I put in more than one tablespoon. Now, I'm measuring the one and calling it good.
• It takes a lot of self-control for me not to eat when I'm bored. Seriously. I feel like I'm beginning to do a better job of recognizing when I'm really hungry, then trying to make better snack choices like yogurt or fruit.
• Kids' comfort foods are  NOT healthy. Last week I made mac-n-cheese and hot dogs for lunch on day. The mac-n-cheese alone was nearly 300 calories! Same goes for burgers-nearly 500 when you begin to add things up!
• I don't eat nearly enough vegetables, so the kids don't either. We have go to start doing a better job of that!
• I have to be more thoughtful about how I fuel my body each day. My calorie ranges anywhere from 1050-1400. That's a big difference. Based on my age and size I probably need to be around 1200 a day. Take for example: we went out for breakfast once and the calories of that pretty much equalled a typical dinner, that means, I needed to eat lighter at dinner to compensate. 

I have lost nearly five pounds though, which is a good start. If I could lose five more I'd be sitting at my target weight and where I was about a year ago. Any substantial change is going to take a purposeful effort and it's going to have to be maintainable. I'm working to find a good balance that works for my life now.

Summer Style

I shared on Monday that I got this dress at Loft. On the same trip I picked up this top. It's exactly what I love in a summer top-easy, comfy, with a special detail. I'll be the first to admit that Loft's sales are kind of ridiculous. On this specific day any top with "cotton" was 50% off and noting was labeled, so you had to check the tags for the UPC with the cotton code in it. Seriously. Anyway, luckily this top was part of the sale and only $22! The front is pretty sheer, so you do need a cami. Also, it's pretty flowy. This is a small, so I'd recommend sizing down as I've been buying mostly mediums from Loft lately.

These shorts are super old but this Old Navy pair is pretty similar. I saw them in stores and the quality looked good. On a side note-anyone else feel like the tops at Old Navy lately have looked really cheap? They have been one of my go-to places for easy summer tops in years past and this year-not so much...

I've been wearing  sandals from Vionic constantly too! We went to the zoo recently and it's a lot of walking! They were perfect and my feet felt great!

Random-last time I got my hair cut I asked my lady to not cut as much. I have to say, I'm loving it at this length. Since I haven't been doing outfit posts much, I don't see my hair in picture often. I think I need to try to curl it again, I find I like it more when my hair is a bit longer. 

Summer Dress

About a month ago I made a wishlist adding this dress to it. I love dresses and hadn't bought a new one since I can remember.  Grant and Brian were away at camp last weekend, so it was just Hannah and I. We went to a few garage sales and then stopped by Loft. What do you know, there was one left on sale! I grabbed it along with a few other things and once I tried it on, I knew it was coming home with me. 

I know my shape and that adding a layer, like a cardigan is flattering on me, but, you guys, it's summer-I just want easy style. I love that it's sleeveless and that there a drawstring waist to help add some definition. Plus, right now it's only $30. I would recommend sizing down, this is a small and I typically do a medium in Loft dresses.

These shoes are from ThredUp, use this link for $10 off your first purchase. They are Ralph Lauren and the perfect espadrille wedge! Here's the Chaps version at Kohl's and they are also on sale. 

I also am loving these white leather earrings. I got them from The Leather Drop a few months back and I'm loving them for summer! So crisp and only $12!

Life Lately

School is out and I couldn't be more excited to get to spend the summer with the kids! I got out the sand and water table and have decided to not let it bother me that the sand and water get mixed. #thestruggleisreal The kids love it though and Grant and I spent countless hours playing on it when he was little too!