Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus Review

Peanuts, popcorn... What can be more fun than the circus?!  It's such an iconic event that seems to have been in existence forever!  When I saw that the Ringling Brothers circus was coming to our local arena, I felt a little torn on whether or not to take my family.  I, of course, have heard about the circus' bad rep when it comes to caring for animals.  I definitely do NOT like the idea of forcing animals to put on a show!!  However, I started doing some more research online and did find out that they are phasing out using elephants by 2018 and that there is actually a foundation that exists and caretakers that seem to really care about the well-being of the animals.  Taking everything into consideration, we decided to take Evie.  I was actually surprised that the show is ALOT more than just elephants and animals.  They have such amazingly talented acrobats, dancers, and entertainers.  It really is a great show!  Was Evie impressed?  Ehhh.  She definitely loved the animals and was entertained about 50% of the time, but I think she would have been equally happy if we just sat there and she got to eat a snow cone. ;)  Kids are pretty easy to please.  I don't think we'll go back if the circus comes into town again, but I am glad we went and have a new respect for the VERY talented circus crew that travels around the country!  We do have tickets booked for Disney on Ice this winter, which I think she will like alot more, since she is still VERY much into Frozen and princesses.

Here are a few pics from our circus outing:

   

Changing Seasons & Cozy Toddler Apparel

The last few days we have experienced a bit of an Indian summer in the Midwest – 70s. I’m not complaining! But this morning, the cool air moved in. Again – not complaining! I actually really like 50s and 60s. That’s the nice thing about living where I live...we get all the seasons and all kinds of weather! The girls and I have been soaking up every last bit of nice weather that we can. My dad was over last weekend and we took the girls to their favorite place on the planet – the park. :) 

We also have been stocking up on fall/winter clothes for the girls. Which involved going to MY favorite place on the planet – Target. :)  Here’s little miss Evie modeling a hat she found. She muttered the cutest words right after I took this picture – “I look good mama.” I was crying from laughter. What a little fashionista. 

 In addition to some awesome finds at Target, I love Old Navy's selections for baby and toddlers.  Is there anything more fun that shopping for our minis?  I thought I’d share some cozy girl items that I found that I LOVE for this time of year.

Cable Knit Beanie Hat  |  Fleece Tunic  |  Open Cardigan  |  Tall Cozy Boots  |  Plaid Leggings  |  Faux-Fur Trim Jacket

Our Halloween

Halloween is definitely a very fun holiday, especially when you have kiddos.  This year was no exception!  With any holiday, I love trying to find matching pajamas for the girls. This year, I was able to scoop up these "BOO!" jammies from the Gap Outlet for $5 each!  I think the girls looked pretty cute in them. :)

  

Quite a difference from last year.  Look how little our Emi was!!  

Last year, Emi was just a couple weeks old at Halloween so we just put her in a pumpkin hat.  This year, however, with her being a year old, we were able to dress her up in a regular costume. Evie decided she wanted to be a bumble bee this year, which worked out perfectly since we had her old ladybug costume that Emi then wore!  

Here are our two little bugs. 

  

Unfortunately mother nature was not very nice to us this year and it was raining pretty much all day on Halloween.  Fortunately, we had a Halloween-themed birthday party to go to that day, so the girls were able to run around in their costumes and play with their cousins.  We also found some time where there was a break in the rain to sneak in some trick-or-treating!!  Evie was obsessed with running down the street and collecting her candy.  It was so fun watching her. :)

After a few houses of trick-or-treating, we were back to the party where all the kids (and adults) stuffed their faces with candy.  It was quite a fun time for all. :)

Now on to the next holiday...bring on the turkey!!!

Emi's 1st birthday - Family photo shoot

What a bad blogger I am.  Not a single post since April?!?  So sorry for those who have followed my blog in the past for the SUPER long hiatus.  I guess being a mom to 2 finally caught up with me!  I came back to my blog and started looking at some old posts and realized what a wonderful keepsake this blog has become.  So why stop something so fun?? Since my last post, Emi has now turned ONE!  I decided to have one of my friends from college take our photos for us this time around!  She nailed it!  Here are a few of our family pics on a GORGEOUS fall day in October. :)

Stitch Fix Review #3 - April 2015

Stitch Fix #3 arrived last week!  I told myself I wouldn't peek and what do I do as soon as I get an email that says my fix has shipped?  I peek.  I have no willpower whatsoever. Ha!  Initially when I looked up all the items, I didn't think I would like anything.

Here are the items I got this month!  I would love to hear what you think and if you agree/disagree with my picks!

#1:  Papermoon - Cherri Lace Detail Sleeveless Blouse ($48) -- Returned 

When I first saw this shirt, I didn't think it was really my style...I do like lace, but this seemed more like a "night on the town" type shirt that I wouldn't really wear too often.  When I tried it on, I was surprised that I did like it.  The only problem was that the fit was way too loose on me in the front.  You can't tell from this picture, but when I turned to the side, it totally looked like a maternity shirt.  No bueno.  

#2:  41Hawthorn - Jace Dot Print Fit & Flare Dress ($48) -- Returned

I was pretty excited to get a dress in my box for just $48.  I think my stylist did a good job of picking a dress that is classic and long enough for me (I'm not a fan of minis these days.)  As much as the design appealed to me, I just wasn't a huge fan of the fit.  I think the dress was just too snug...or maybe the pleats were not flattering?  Whatever it was, I just decided this one was not for me.

#3:  Zad - Adrianna Circle Bib Necklace ($34) -- Kept

Necklaces...always my weakness.  I was looking for a versatile necklace and this fit the bill!  I love gold tones and how pretty and delicate this necklace seemed...while also making a statement!  I can see myself wearing this with shirt and dresses alike!  I was happy to keep this one!  

#4:  Fun2Fun - Carol Blouse ($28) -- Returned

Oh boy.  This one was good in theory...but just NO.  The pattern was bad and the fit was even worse.  As soon as I lifted my arms, the whole shirt lifted and started separating at my chest area.  While the price was very appealing (a blouse for $28?!), I had to pack this one away as quickly as I took it out.

#5:  Margaret M - Emer High Wasited Cropped Trouser ($98) -- Kept

I had specifically asked for cropped pants this fix and my stylist delivered!  Black dress pants are a staple in any girls closet and these were just awesome.  At first I was hesitant when I saw "high waisted."  I also noticed immediately that these looked more like yoga pants than professional work pants (no pockets, buttons, or zippers.)  But as soon as I put them on, they fit like a glove and were SUPER comfy.  The price tag made my jaw drop, but I kept them because I know I will wear them often!

Another fix that was just OK.  Seems like all my fixes have been 2/5 fixes.  Fingers crossed that my next fix (which will arrive in mid-May) is better!  I'm really hoping to add some quality pieces to my wardrobe this Spring/summer!

Ready to try Stitch Fix for yourself?  If so, please click here to use my referral link!  Thank you!!!

Emi - 6 month update

First off, I have no idea how we are at SIX months already!  I still feel like it was just the other day that I was still pregnant!  Other than getting sick quite a bit lately (thanks to Evie bringing home those fun daycare germs) Emi has been so much fun these last few weeks.  She is starting to develop a little personality and I love watching her discover new things.  It's ok to be a little obsessed with your kids, right? ;)

Age: 6 months 

Weight:  17 lbs. 8 oz (76th percentile) 

Height: 26.25 inches (66th percentile) 

Head circumference: 43.5 cm (85th percentile) 

Clothes: Emi is definitely outgrowing all her 6 months clothes and has jumped in 9 month clothes.  The other day I had to clear out all her small clothes.  It's so sad when you have to pack away items that they only wore maybe once or twice!  Babies grow too fast!!!

Favorite Foods:  We have been giving Emi oatmeal for about a month but have just recently started jars!  So far we have tried Sweet Potatoes (Emi was a fan) and Apples (not a fan surprisingly!)

Favorite Words:  Broken record of "Mama."  All day long....

Favorite Activities:  Bouncing, chewing on things, and smacking her lips

Favorite Things:  Lately Emi is obsessed with her big sister.  She is constantly giggling anytime Evie pays attention to her.  You can see the admiration in her little brown eyes. :) 

Signature Moves:  Definitely the bouncing is a signature move.   

Other Milestones:  Emi is now fully sitting up on her own.  She will occasionally still lose her balance and topple over, which is usually why we have pillows around her, but overall she's pretty good at sitting on her own!  She's also become much better at eating from a spoon.  Our doctor seems to think crawling is also not too far off in the horizon.

 

 

   

Stitch Fix #2 Review - April 2015

So, my second Stitch Fix box arrived this week!  It's always so exciting to get a new box!  When your box ships, you can click on the "checkout" link on your main account page and basically see a listing of what they sent.  I was bad and peeked at the content before I received the box.  Hopefully I will have the willpower to not peek next time and be surprised! That's a big part of the fun! :)

Here are the items I got this month!  I would love to hear what you think and if you agree/disagree with my picks!

#1:  19 Cooper - Javi Sheer Panel Blouse ($58) -- Kept 

I loved this shirt from the moment I pulled it out of the box.  The colors on the shirt were very fun and I could definitely see myself wearing this to work, a family party, etc.  I knew this would be a shirt I could easily pair with jeans or dress up with a skirt.  The size they sent me was too big (especially in the arm holes, but the Stitch Fix customer service team was able to locate my size and will be shipping me the correct size.

#2:  Collective Concepts - May Chevron Knit Back Top ($54) -- Returned

I was not sure about this top when I pulled it out of the box.  The orange was pretty bright and I'm not really a huge fan of Chevron.  I was actually surprised how much I liked it when I put it on!  The shape was actually pretty nice and I could see myself wearing this out in the summer for a BBQ, etc.  Unfortunately, since I'm trying to add pieces to my wardrobe that will work for multiple occasions, I had to pass on this one.  It came down to the fact that I probably would not be able to wear this one to work since it's so bright.

#3:  41Hawthorn - Dita Sleeveless Ponte Dress ($68) -- Returned

I was excited to get this dress since I have seen it posted online and the style was simple and classic - just what I usually love.  Unfortunately I was sad to see that they sent me a royal blue color, which I normally love, but I have almost an identical dress in the SAME COLOR!  Bummer.  I also didn't think it flattered me very well.  The middle bands hit at the wrong spot.  So, sadly, this one went back.

#4:  Look by M - Davie Striped Wrap Scarf ($28) -- Kept

Initally, I didn't love this scarf.  I normally like more vibrant colors for my accessories, but upon trying it on at home and getting opinions from others, I decided to keep it.  It's super lightweight and will be really perfect to pair with outfits this Spring and to grab for those chilly Summer nights.

  

#5:  Just Black - Jimmy Ankle Length Skinny Jeans ($88) -- Returned

I was really hoping to get a good pair of skinny jeans this month.  I have actually never been a skinny jeans girl before, and now I know why...they just won't really work for my pear-shaped body.  Hopefully I can find straight-leg jeans that are narrow enough to wear with boots...that was the goal.

Overall, this Stitch Fix box was just ok.  I am hoping that with each month that goes by, I get better and better items.  In the meantime, it's super fun and convenient to get clothes shipped to me!    

I strongly encourage you to sign up to try it for yourself!  If you go for it like I did, please click here to use my referral link!  Thank you!!!