Target Loves of the Month- August 2012

It's that time again....Target Loves of the Month!

I couldn't resist checking out some their fall clothing options.

I was happy to find some great bottoms in my favorite Fit 3. A good transition piece are these capris

and finally a pair of colored jeans that I adore

A few more polka dots (and only $4!)

I wouldn't recommend this polka dot top.  The quality is lacking and the fit didn't work (on me at least...another case poofy sleeves gone wrong.)  I'll admit I tried on the skirt mainly because it comes with that glitter belt, but I loved it and a pencil skirt is a need in my wardrobe.  Definitely size up on this one.

This display surprised me, in a good way.

Sadly the blazers didn't fit right on me.  If you have any lumps, aham, or want to wear a button up under I would size up on the sweaters.  I'm not sure I need any of the colors offered.

As always there were new jewelry pieces I loved.  I didn't snap a picture because they were restocking. I did feel like their prices have gone up (has anyone else noticed that?)  so I'll probably wait for a sale before picking up anything.

Now tell me your favorite Target finds!

 

Blog Sale Link Up- Boys 9m-2

I was very happy to have found Leslie's blog this week just in time for her Blog Sale Link Up!

I have a few things that I haven't been able to find homes for, but are so cute I thought I would give it one last try before they go to a consignment sale next week.

All prices include shipping and I'll accept payment via paypal.  Please email me at forever29blog at gmail dot com if you are interested.

Patsy Aiken Designs (Chez Ami) Red Sweater with white N. Size XS (equiv to 18m to 2- size chart here)- $10 sold

Vive la Fete candy cane smocked longall & shirt. Size 12m, runs TTS. $18

Orient Expressed plaid Christmas tree tab romper. 18m, TTS $16 sold

Bailey Boys white Christmas tree boys long bubble. 12m worn once, TTS. $20

Anavini long sleeve short romper 9m runs large IMO (more like 12m) $16

 

On Being a Helicopter Mom (When There Are Helicopters Involved)

We had a great, albeit short, time in Fort Walton Beach, Florida for our vacation.  We were booted from our condo a day early due to Isaac rolling in, but we packed in as much beach/pool/touristy time as the boys could manage.

As it tends to happen with boys (and husbands) we found a very boy friendly activity- The National Naval Aviation Museum. 

The boys were in love!  Nate made his way through the museum saying (shouting?) that HE was going to fly an airplane. 


Thankfully this museum had a good bit of things you could touch and airplanes you could hop in and we steered clear of the main hangar area.  Still the trip left me feeling a little bit like this-

Watch Out There's A Helicopter (Mom!)

I'm not a helicopter mom in the typical sense.  I don't hover over the boys all day bugging them about what they are doing or eating.  I don't bug their teachers about their progress in school or behavior.  I'm not even the kind of mom that has a hard time leaving their children overnight.  If y'all have been reading for a while you know I try to run off fairly often.

But like this mom who was concerned about her son going to college during a hurricane, most of my hovering is regarding the boys' safety.

Ok, safety and behavior.  See even as we entered the children's play area we were very, very close to the airplanes-that-must-not-be-climbed.  As the other parents sat in the many appointed chairs to watch the fun, I circled the playset keeping my eyes glued to the exit points.  I was ready to catch Nate when he bolted out of the bounds of the area and when he marched over to the airplane demanding it was his turn to fly.

I see her! She keeps following me around!

I should probably be more trusting, but this is the kind of thing that limits what I want to do with the boys on my own.  Playgrounds freak me out.  With two mobile little ones it's so hard for me to let Nate go one way and follow Cole another. 

But even with all of my worrying we had a great time.  But for my sake maybe we will hold off on a return trip for a few years.

Any tips on relieving my helicopter mom worries?

Fort Walton Beach on Dwellable

Sprinkles Make Everything Better

Sometimes it's nice to feel like a good mom.

Lately we have been having some major power struggles.  Nate's favorite phrase is "I can't like that (bowl/shirt/book/etc.)  It's his way of saying, "Mother, don't you know that you are here to do everything the way I want?" I must have misplaced my copy of his rider.  Add to that a 20 month old whose newest word is "Mine!" and it's fun times.

I know deep down that I am a good mom, but it doesn't always feel like it after long days of fighting helping them learn how to act civilized.

In a moment of mom genius (not really, but this is as good as it gets around here) I put together a snack that hardly ever gets complaints.

It started with a favorite book-

The cat in the book likes sprinkles on his cupcake.  And really, who doesn't love sprinkles?

Here's what you need-
Crackers or bread
Nutella or peanut butter
SPRINKLES
Optional: Fruit or veggies to make it a little healthier

This is as close to bento as I can manage

Two happy customers!

What are some snacks that your little ones love?

What to Wear Where-School Open House

Welcome to the first week of What to Wear Where!

For our first "where" Melissa and I are taking on school open house.

You never get a second chance at a first impression and meeting your child(ren)'s teachers can be a little intimidating.  While I hope my child will be a pleasure all the time, it's possible (maybe, probably?) that he might be a handful.  And since I will not come bearing the most crafy, Pinteresty gifts to woo the teachers, I can at least try to look cute! 

I like to convey my personality through my clothes, so I chose something bright and classic.

Anytime I am going somewhere without the boys I tend to choose my shoes first.  I hardly wear heels or even wedges, so it's nice to get them out of the closet.

With any event at school I recommend wearing pants or long skirts, since you will have to sit in those itty bitty chairs or possibly on the floor.  Layers are also a good idea as schools often do not have much control over their temperatures.

Coral Cardigan- Forever 21 (similar)/ Floral Top- Francesca's Collections (similar)/Levi's Mid Rise Skinny Jeans (size up)/ Aerosoles Wedges (similar)/ Kendra Scott Turquoise Elle Earrings

Now it's time for you to show what you would wear!  Take some pictures or create a Polyvore board, grab our button and link up your post below!  And be sure to visit I Pick Pretty to check out Melissa's open house look!

 

Soaking up the last of summer

We are heading out today for our quick little beach vacay. With 2 busy boys we think 3 nights will be perfect.

The last few weeks have been great, but I think we are all ready to get back into a routine. A little over 2 weeks until school starts back, along with our weekly Wednesday night Bible study, monthly Junior League meetings, etc.

The boys, while they can each be a challenge at times, are really beginning to play together well.  I hope this makes for a great time at the beach.

I'll probably be dropping in on Instagram (forever29blog) because I love sharing pictures...and I'll leave you with a few of my favorites I snapped at the park the other day.  I think they capture my boys well.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Rebuilding Your Wardrobe: Finding Inspiration

We've all been there. Staring at a closet full of clothes, yet we have "nothing to wear."

There is a piece that you love, but the tags are still on because you're not quite sure how to wear it.

You have certain staple outfits but want to shake things up a little bit.

When you are rebuilding your wardrobe, few of us can just start over from nothing.  We need to work with what we have and then introduce new pieces gradually as our budget allows. (Sorry for using the B word, but it's something I need to remember myself!)
 
Thankfully fashion inspiration is really easier than ever to find.  The internet is an amazing resource and retailers have even stepped up their game with styling tools.  Here are a few of my tips to help y'all out if you are feeling stuck.

Start with the internet

• Pinterest- I have boards for various fashion ideas and many items just pop up in my feed.  Other times I go searching for a new way to style a specific item.  I also use Pinterest to store items on my wishlist (hint, hint Mr. Banker)

Source: bodenusa.com via Amy on Pinterest

I actually pinned this after seeing this shot in a catalog...more on that later.

• Blogs- I think following a few fashion blogs is great for boosting your own inspiration when putting outfits together.  They don't have to be the most popular ones, but find one that speaks to you and then maybe a few that are outside of your comfort zone.  I know that Melissa and I both hope that with our new link up, What to Wear Where, we can all find some inspiration for working with the items we have! 
• Polyvore- You can search styled sets by any item or follow users (my sets are found here)
• Google- Searching Google images is often my default when looking for ways to wear an item and may help you stumble upon new fashion blogs to follow.

Retailers employ stylists (so use them)

Sure you could go to Nordstrom, J. Crew or Bloomingdales and and an adorable salesperson would pick out a whole new wardrobe for you.  Or you could use some of the free styling they offer in the way of catalogs and store displays and put those ideas to work in your own closet!

Above are three of the many fall catalogs I have received- Lands End Canvas, J. Crew and Boden.  All have styled outfits that I can pull ideas from- color combinations, layering ideas and maybe a few items to add to my wishlist. You can often visit the store's website and find the image to pin on Pinterest.

Have a look around 

Pay attention when you are out and about!  I was having trouble thinking of more ways to style my Lilly Pulitzer Pink Seersucker Buttercup Shorts (a steal now on sale!) and then I saw a woman wearing them with a mint green linen button up.  She looked adorable, so I've stored that idea away! Make notes or even snap a quick pic if you can!


After you gather all of these new ideas you are likely to see some trends and perhaps a few pieces that could add more flexibility your wardrobe.

Where do you find fashion inspiration?

Giveaway Winner & One Week Until W2WW!

Thanks to everyone that entered the giveaway...the lucky winner is

Elizabeth at Livin with the Lindseys!

We are having a busy week here gearing up for our last little summer getaway and then school after Labor Day!

I want to remind y'all that NEXT TUESDAY is the very first What to Wear Where!  Melissa and I will be sharing our school open house outfits.  Don't worry if you are not a mom, we will have more topics in the coming weeks (girls' night out, fall transition) and we would love you to link up!  And YOUR ideas too!  We have already had a few great ones come in.  Email me if you have an idea- forever29blog at gmail dot com!

   

I'm a Picker.

**Quick reminder to enter my 100 Followers Giveaway!  Entries close tonight at 8pm EST!**

Sunday nights are a great time to take a quick ride through my neighborhood. You might find a treasure.

The trash is picked up EARLY on Monday morning, so by Sunday afternoon most residents have already taken their cans to the curb and if they have done some cleaning out over the weekend there may be a pile of things to be discarded.

My first find was these two faux wicker pieces.

They needed a little TLC and a fresh coat of paint, but were definitely a welcome addition to our backyard!

A few weeks ago I was beyond excited to see this by the curb.

Have you seen this on Pinterest?

Source: myrepurposedlife.net via Amy on Pinterest

or I may use it for Cole when he's ready for a bed

Source: noirfurniturela.com via Amy on Pinterest

While I don't go out searching for things to turn for a profit like real pickers, (American Pickers is one of my favorite shows!) I do love finding things in unexpected places.  I'm also really looking forward to my Junior League's first Attic Sale this fall.  Mark your calendars for November 10th if you are in the Gwinnett/North Fulton area!

Have you found something in an unexpected place?

 

100 Followers Giveaway! (Hint: Stuff You Probably Want!)

When I started blogging I knew that I wanted to do a giveaway of some of my favorite things when I reached 100 followers.

And 15 months later here we are!

ONE lucky reader will receive-

September 2012 Vogue- You know we wait all year for this issue!

$10 Target Gift Card- New earrings, maybe? (Not responsible for what you spend over $10)

Essie Nail Polish in Merino Cool- Fun color for fall

Lilly Pulitzer Cocktail Napkins- A happy hour essential

Bert's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm- My favorite lip product


Keeping the entries easy, peasy on this one: just leave a comment.  I'll close entries next Monday, Aug 20 at 8pm EST.

**This giveaway is sponsored by no other than Mr. Banker.**

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend...and start thinking about outfits you can put together for W2WW link ups!  I know I'll be playing around in my closet!


 

Exciting New Feature: What to Wear....WHERE?

So, let's be real for a second.

Y'all know I love clothes and fashion.  But I will never become one of those daily fashion bloggers that I adore.

Why?  Because in reality I only put together a "real" outfit about 3 times a week.

Yep, you heard me.  I spend most of my days chasing my boys around in gym clothes. (Disclaimer: 90% of the time I have actually worn them to the gym too.)

When I do get to plan an outfit it is usually around an event or special occasion where I'm going to see people other than my kickboxing classmates.  Sometimes that is easy but often it can be difficult when you are out of practice like me (and in the process of Rebuilding Your Wardrobe.)

After some time discussing options for a feature to partner up on, Melissa at I Pick Pretty and I decided that this might be an area where we could all use some inspiration!

Without further ado we are excited to announce

How will it work, you ask?  Let me tell you!

On TUESDAYS we will each post what we would wear for a certain event or occasion.  Fun, right? 

But wait...it gets better.

We want to see what YOU would wear too! 

You can make a Polyvore board, play dress up in your closet or post pictures from a past event that pertains to the topic of the week.  Then you LINK UP your post so that we can all check out your ensemble for ideas to incorporate into our own wardrobe!

Excited yet? Let me use some more exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!

Here are the first four weeks of topics-

8/28- School Open House
9/4- Family Pictures
9/11- Girls' Night Out
9/18- Moving Into Fall

We would also love some input on topics you would like to see or if you would like to be a "guest host" and feature an outfit you have worn!  Send me an email to chat about this- forever29blog at gmail dot com.

And just to show my credibility in putting together awesome outfits I'll leave you with this

 

Perhaps "What to Wear to an 80's Themed Birthday Party?" will be a topic one day.  Or not.

I hope you will be getting your ideas together and will come link up with us!