I feel a tad bit silly posting this, because...thereareabajillionblogs...

and who cares that this particular one is shutting down, Cams.

Still. I'm blogging about it anyways. 

I feel like this little space has been such a big part of me since I started it about three years ago.
I want to give it a proper goodbye.

This is my closure.

It has been on my mind and heart for a while now that maaaybe blogging isn't really for me anymore.

It has been a love/hate (more so on the hate, I have to say) relationship since before Anthony was born, as fun as it has been in the past...and as much as it has taught me over the years. I'll never ever regret spending the time that I did on it.

That said, I know that I shouldn't be spending any more time and energy here.

It almost feels as if my time and energy are being misplaced.

I really think that I could be doing something so much bigger (for me anyways), something that makes me feel more productive and genuinely happy. The blog does make me feel "happy", but it's almost a fake/put-on happiness, if that makes sense. I plod along with it, because it makes me feel like I'm "not just a mom", which is totally bs. 

Being a mom is enough. It totally is.

I've been re-reading these on the regular recently, to remind me that it's okay to let this go...
*cue Frozen soundtrack*

via.

via.

as well as these...

via.

via.

They speak to me, because I tend to feel like I have to be doing something terribly constructive at all times.

I don't. Rather, being a mom is the most constructive and important thing I can be doing right now. 

I am starting to realize how important it is for me to live in this moment, the moments right now....the precious days I have with my little babies. Do I really want to look back and remember days that I slaved on blog posts that really didn't necessarily mean anything to me?...or that just left me feeling uninspired, stressed and burnt out? 

No, no I do not.

I do still have this incredible drive and passion to use the talents that seem to burn in me, but right now...I'm not sure how to use them or when to use them. What I do know is that now is not the time.

I am so SO so blessed to not have to work for a living, thanks to my amazing and hard-working husband. He makes it possible for me to stay at home with our kids and take my time exploring many different options until I land on the right type of work for me.

I can do whatever I want. I have that luxury because of the long hours that my husband works.

I do not take that for granted (well, sometimes I do...but I shouldn't!!). I also realize that few mamas are in the same position that I am. I cannot and will not forget that.

What I need to do right now is be very patient and trust that the right opportunity will come my way...if I keep my eyes and ears open...

and I need to be ready to work my bum off when it does.

Right now I'm making motherhood my main focus...

and I am totally okay with that. 

Bye bye, little blog.

You've been good to me.

I will definitely miss you from time to time.
Let's not call this a break up, rather...a conscious uncoupling.
haha. I'll be honest, I've been wanting an excuse to use that line for a bit now...so badly. ;)

A big thank you to all of my faithful followers that have read post after post over the past few years.

You rock my socks off. :) Cheers. 

psst. I may be giving up the blog, but you'll still find me on Instagram and Pinterest. Can't give those up. Haha! I still love spending time on there, sharing and chatting with all of you. I'll definitely still be posting my faves on the regular - outfits, styling ideas, home projects, etc. I'll see you over there! :)

Stylish Summer Sandals for a Mom on-the-go

I know that Birkenstocks are a thing right now, but I just can't hang with this trend.
Am I the only one??
I've even tried to talk myself into it, because I've seen other gals pulling off the look....but I can't.
Can't do it.
It may have something to do with the fact that it reminds me of my awkward middle school years when I used to wear these.
They are also just a bit too comfortable looking for me.

I mean, I can definitely appreciate a comfortable pair of shoes, especially being on my feet most of the day with the kids, but when I have to sacrifice pretty for comfy...I usually just go with uncomfortable feet.
Beauty is pain, right? Ha ;).

Sooo when I came across Yellowbox Shoes I had to check their sandals out.
I wanted to see if they are actually as comfy as they look, because they pass both my *budget-friendly and style test with flying colors.

The results are in.
They are indeed comfortable! Very. You know how sandals sometimes have a "breaking in period" where they rub on your heals in a weird way and sometimes even leave you with red marks by the end of the day? These sandals don't do that. I have worn them a few times already, all day, and I didn't feel like taking them of...at all.

Yellowbox has some other styles that I am diggin', so I'm sharing those with you as well...

Carey | Eira | Jeriel | Kinsey | Mimosa | Taissa 

...aaaaand Mad's let me hold Applejack?! *gasp* If you know Moo at all you know this is a big deal. This pony is never out of her sight or arms. Everrrrrrr.

my outfit: Yellowbox Devona Sandal - c/o | Marshalls top | J. Crew Factory shorts, similar
moo's outfit: Target dress | Target sandals 


*budget friendly- I think it's important for me to clarify what I find to be "budget-friendly". You're probably thinking, "these sandals are $50+. What's terribly affordable about that? I'll go with Target, thank you very much". Well, when it comes to a staple pair of shoes, I am willing to spend a bit more to get a bit more, if you know what I mean. You get what you pay for. I love Target and their prices, but sometimes it's just worth the money to save and invest in a good pair of sandals for the Summer...ones that will last for at least a few Summers. Ya feel me?

Adios, Ziploc Bags. I've stepped up my Baby Wipes game.

Saying life with two kiddies is messy would be an understatement. 

 There's projectile vomiting, sticky "pee-nuh budda sanwich" residue everywhere, boogers, boogers being so sweetly handed to me, poo...lots of poo, yada yada. I'm sure you mamas feel me.

I feel like I'm constantly cleaning something or someone.

Ya'll may know I'm pretty OCD. Well, it oddly doesn't mix well with motherhood. HA. I'm constantly whipping out the wipes no matter where we are or what we're doing. I'm a maniac clean freak.

My usual way of carrying them around is in a boring Ziploc bag, because...whatever. It's wipes.

People won't be checking them out thinking, gosh...that mama is fly.

Wrong, Cams.
They will now.

Huggies Clutch n' Clean Wipes.

They have changed the baby wipes game, mamas.
Not only can they be attached to most anything, re-filled, slobbered on by babies, thrown around by kiddies...they're cute. 

I now have a package on our stroller, in the minivan, diaper bag and by Mad's potty
(because well...did you catch this post? ::hehhh::). 

Having wipes on hand, within arms reach, may not seem like a big deal, but ummm...it is a big deal to this tidy freak right here. You betta believe it, yo.

It helps to make this mama job just a bit easier (and cleaner-ish).

I'm a fan.
I'm a fan.
I'm a fan fan fan.

my mama outfit: baseball tee - F21 (old old oldddd) | jeans - Gap | converse chucks - eBay

*Cheers, Huggies Clutch n' Clean Wipes for sponsoring this post #HuggiesMomStyle

Trendy Postpartum Swimsuits - under $100

 find them here: LOFT | Target | VS | LOFT | Modcloth | jcpenny | J. Crew | DKNY | Wallis

Apparently your body doesn't bounce right back and become all bikini ready after having a baby.
Weird.
Ooph. I am feeling less than ready to jump back into a swimsuit at 4 months postpartum.
Managing to get the laundry put away these days is a big deal, so working on my fitness is way down on my 'to-do' list....waaaaaaay down. At this point I consider walking up and down the stairs with my chubby wubby babe a totally sufficient amount of exercise.
hehhh. So yeh.

That said, I've been looking for flattering bathing suits that don't sacrifice style for comfort...or make me want to cry.
I am loving the one-piece options, the supportive tops and the high-waists out there right now!
Let me get a woop woop.

::woop woop::

If you too have been living in fear of the day you'll need to break-out in a swimsuit, I hope this helped.

ps. totally diggin' LOFT's selection right now

Well, cr*p.

Let me just go ahead and warn you that this is a post about poop.

Yes, poop. Lots and lots of it.

For some reason, unbeknownst to me, Maddie has reverted back to doing the dirty in her panties. Yes, it's nasty. 

Now, it's not a one accident type thing where I patiently remind her to do her biz in the potty, clean it up, she then goes #2 in the potty like a sweet little child and done deal for the day.

Oh, no no no no no no. 

No.

She has taken to somehow stealing away like a ninja (probably while I'm crying over a basket of Easter candy because of the last 10x I've cleaned up poo that day) to hide and soil her panties...oh, I don't know...every hour or so. You think I'm kidding. I'm not.

The amount of panties we have gone through these past few weeks is unreal.

When she had just started doing this cr*p (no pun intended), I was nicely rinsing them and throwing them in the wash. Laaa dee daaaa. 

Now I'm just tossing most of them.

Should I keep these? Nahhh. 

We have an underwear tree in the backyard!

It's all goooood. 

Oooph.

I have gone through most of the stages of grief associated with potty training regression- denial, anger, bargaining, depression ...and now I am getting dangerously close to accepting the fact that she may never poo in the pod ever again.

This is not good, friends. Not good at all.

I am getting so tired.

So frustrated.

Sooooo lost as to what to do with this problem.

I have tried bribing, I have tried encouragement, I have tried reprimanding...and even timeouts...which I definitely think are a mistake when it comes to potty training, but I seriously have started to lose my mind and don't know what to do anymore.

I feel like all I do all day is clean up poo. Well, because that is all I do all day!

She was fully potty trained and doing so well.

She was so proud of herself. I was so proud of myself (ha)....everything was quite peachy.

Well, not the case any mas. 

I know I'm not the only mama out there that has dealt with this.

Any tips? Anyone? Help.

Well, Mad's is up from her nap...and that probably means there is a mess to clean up.

Did I mention she also finger paints beautiful poopy masterpieces with it all over her bed?

S.O.S.

Sheena, I sympathize with you.

Styling Old Navy's Ponte Fit & Flare Dress - Up, Down, All Around -

Dressed up

The flirty flare of this dress is perfect for a date night.

Date night? What's that? Ha.

It's easy to style too...which is always a win for me.

I kind of stress over accessories- which actually work for what, etc.

The neckline on this dress means you can skip the necklace and just pop on some statement earrings.

I also threw on some simple bangles and grabbed a clutch.

A clutch? What's that? Haaa.

Can you tell it's been quite a while since I've been out with my husband? :-D

dress | earrings | bangles | clutch | sandal pumps

Dressed down

Grocery store, park, play date or weekend outfit - this dress works for all.

It has an amazing way of hiding that pooch too...

which I very much still have.

(I just started T25, but that's another story for another day. My body hurts ::hehh::)

The dress flares out riiiiight at the perfect spot. 

Grab a hat, huuuuge bag (to tote all that your toddler insists on stuffing in it) and you're good to go. 

dress | denim jacket | hat | handbag | sandals

Dressed for all around

So I threw this little ensemble on at the last minute and...my gosh.
I love it.
Mixing the feminine with the comfy and you've got a winning combo.
Am I right, mamas?
I'm ready to run around and get things done with babe on hip and toddler in tow.
BAM.

dress | shoes | canvas tote

Now, I wouldn't expect this dress to last for more than one or two seasons.
It's $15 and from Old Navy.
However, it's trendy and if you're looking to spend little...
this is the dress for you.

$100. thredUP. 8 Spring outfits.

outfit #1: gap tee / j.crew shorts / steve madden sandals
outfit #2: nine west button-up / j.crew shorts / ann taylor cardigan / steve madden sandals
outfit #3: banana republic short-sleeve jacket / j.crew shorts / nine west wedges
outfit #4: ann taylor cardi / nine west button-up / ann taylor loft skirt / steve madden sandals
outfit #5: nine west button-up / ann taylor loft skirt / nine west wedges
outfit #6: ann taylor cardi / ann taylor loft skirt / steve madden sandals 
*all c/o thredUP

Yep, I did wear a cardigan backwards in that last outfit - fun and simple way to make an otherwise ordinary outfit more exciting and noticeable.

outfit #1: gymboree cardigan / old navy tee / tractor jean shorts
outfit #2: gymboree cardigan / old navy tee / gap khakis (brand new) 
*all c/o thredUP

The only way I could get Mads to stand relatively still for this was by bribing her with a ring pop - haha.
Hey, do what ya have to.
................

Yeh. So.

$100. Eight outfits for Spring.

6 for me and 2 for the tot. 

Incredible, right?

I could have employed my best sale shopping skills to score this much elsewhere, but...

I probably would have failed. 

Miserably. 

Take it from me. ThredUP is where it's at. 

They have flawless used clothing from top notch brands, all at a great price.  

Yes, you could scour your local thrift shops for Spring outfits, 

but I am telling you...

you won't find the quality and selection that you'll find at thredUP. 

Plus- you can shop on your bum, with coffee in hand.

I mean, win win. 

*click on over here to get $10 to spend*

You can see the last used clothing challenge I did with thredUP here. 

& I can't not include little buddy...I heart him so...

mom cool.

One simple way to look cooler than you are...

wear a vest. 

Denim cut-offs and heart shaped sunnies help too.
I almost returned the sunglasses, because...well...
I'm a mom and not a teeny bopper.
::hehh::

Then I had a revelation...I need these in my life.
I push around a stroller, tote an (almost) three year old on my hip, nurse all day (erryday), get spit up on 100x/day, wrestle with the laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning...

I need a frikkin' ridiculous pair of heart shaped sunnies.
The end. :)

sunnies / v neck / vest / shorts / sandals

ps. This is my new office/blog/playroom - I'm excited that I now have the space  to shoot my day-to-day outfits and share them more often with you! 

the 5 basic essentials to have in your closet for Spring

1. 

Blazer
- via Two Penny Blue -

I love a blazer. I've been wearing them religiously since high school.
In fact, I'll probably still be sporting them as a grannie.
They just take an outfit to the next level...give it that classy, structured look. 
So...you're wearing some boyfriend jeans and a plain tee. Cute, but with a blazer?
Ba-da-boom. 

2. 

Lightweight Scarf
- via deloom -

It's the perfect accent to a Spring outfit. 
Adds color. Adds something different. It can even take an outfit in a different direction...

They are especially necessary if you are not really an accessory wearer. 

Find one with a colorful or interesting pattern and you're golden. 

3. 

Classic White Button-up
- via Old Navy -

Always a good idea to have one of these. Always. 

Not only can you can wear it with most anything (skirts, shorts, jeans, even layered under a dress- did ya catch J. Rob at the Oscars?),  
it is also a great layering tool if the weather is on the cooler side (think cardigan or jacket over top).
I personally like to go the minimalist route and simply pair it with denim and a pair of flats or pumps. 

4. 

Skirt
- via Corilynn -

Whether it's a full skirt like the one above, midi, pencil or maxi...
something so feminine and flattering will be a well-loved Spring basic.
Dress it up, dress it down...take it downtowwnnn. 
*Finding the right style and fit for your body type is very important for this one. See this post.

5. 

Flats
- via Yellow Box Shoes -

Do not underestimate the value of a simple, yet versatile flat.

What I like about the pair above is that they have the cut-out detail on the sides..

makes them a bit more breathable for the warmer temps.

Again, this is a basic that can be worn with most anything...always nice.

While you can go ahead and wear them all together,

these Spring basics can actually help make the rest of your wardrobe go further.

You'll be surprised with how much  a simple, basic clothing item can inspire you - it's like having a blank canvas to paint on.
Build on it, pair something spicy with it, layer, mix it up...make those basics not so basic, yo!

Okay, so I do have to mention a  couple additional basics that I really appreciate...and know you can too - a trench and wellies (or rain-boots...I prefer using Brit terminology as often as possible b/c it's fun ::heh heh:: )
Joules has great ones, fyi. Pretty and affordable. 

They add a bit of sass and class to an outfit and transition very well between seasons...especially with the Spring weather being a bit unpredictable at the moment.
NC is drunk right now with it's low 50s in March. It needs to go home- ha. 
I know, I know...some of you want slap me because of my complaints about weather above 40. 

I've made it easy for you to find the basics (below). Maybe you'll find something you love or it'll remind you of that long lost basic that's collecting dust in the back of your closet. Break it out. Now is the time. Spring is here!....kind of. Sort of. Whatever. Do it anyways. :)

More Asos...

Isabella Oliver - pregnancy, postpartum & beyond

I used to say I'd never wear maternity clothes after pregnancy...
but that was before I met this dress.

Amazing.
I was surprised with how beautiful, flattering and not to mention comfortable it is on me
...even with it being maternity.
I already knew Isabella Oliver could make me feel like a gazillion bucks while pregnant...
but postpartum too?

That's a yes, apparently.
I slipped on this maxi dress from their new Spring '14 line over the weekend and...gosh.
I felt better in it than anything else I've worn since giving birth!
I even nursed while wearing it...score.
All of you mamas know how frustrating getting dressed can be...during pregnancy and after.
It's important to have at least one clothing item that you feel AMAZING in...even if nothing else in your closet fits- hehhh. :)

My poochy post-baby body thanks you, Isabella Oliver.
You have won me over (yet again).

Of course, not all of Isabella Oliver's maternity pieces can really be worn unless you are actually pregnant, but I do think quite a few can definitely work postpartum and beyond. My picks are below...

More Isabella Oliver...

my outfit: Isabella Oliver Vienna Print maxi dress // *Onecklace Carrie Name necklace + Dogeared ribbon bow necklace // Wallis biker jacket // Nine West Heavy Hitter Shopper // JCP ballet flats (similar)

*Onecklace is offering LiM readers 10% off w/ code- lifeinmod