Liebster Award Take Two

I was given the Liebster award recently by Andie.  I was also given the award by PhiPhi a while back, so today I'm just going to answer Andie's questions.  Cause it's my blog and I'll do what I want. *That's my Friday snark coming out.*

Writing this I realized it's super hard for me to pick favorites.  I love too many things too much and I can't commit to one.  So forgive me for my non-committal answers here, it's how I roll.

Here are Andie's questions.

What is your favorite color?  Pink.  Forever and ever, amen.

Have you ever been to New Orleans? No.  It is on our list though.  I need to post that list sometime!

Favorite food? Chicken tenders and chocolate chip cookies and scallops. 

What would your last meal be? See above?  Would definitely include a Fearrington House Inn Hot Chocolate Souffle

Favorite book?  Hmmm, I'm not a big reader.  I was wayyyy sucked into the Time Travelers Wife, but that was soooo 5 years ago.  I want to re-read The Great Gatsby before the movie comes out.  Oh....The Help, that's an awesome one too.  See, I only read books that are turned into movies.  True story.

Favorite movie?  Almost Famous.  Never lets me down.

Description of your personal style? Simple, classic, preppy.  I should probably work on that description.

Favorite candy bar? I'm partial to peanut butter or dark chocolate M&Ms.  Not really a bar, per se.

Favorite Christmas movie? Love Actually.  I finally won Mr. over on that one too.

Favorite TV show?  I'm totally blanking.  Six Feet Under was awesome.  I should probably re-watch that.

Now, HAPPY WEEKEND!

 

Rebuilding Your Wardrobe: Cleaning Out

Thank you for all the sweet comments on yesterday's post. Staying with the cleaning up my life theme, today I wanted to share my tips for cleaning out your closet.

1. Timing is Everything

Cleaning out my closet is no small task and I have a feeling many of you feel the same about yours.

I like to do a formal cleanout at least twice a year.  This allows me to review what I have for the upcoming season and also get rid of the things that I didn't wear during the past season. 

Truth be told, it takes a good bit of time the way I do a cleanout.  Total I think it took about 6 hours.  So make sure you have plenty of uninterrupted time and can handle a mess for a few days!

Above all I would recommend that you have the right mindset.  Friends, do NOT tackle your closet as soon as you hit a certain number on the scale. And conversely don't do it if you are down on your body either (see tip #3.)  Wait until you are having a good self esteem day and can be real with yourself (see tip #5.)


2. Get Organized

I try to keep my closet organized well.  When I'm cleaning out I start at one end and make my way to the other.  If your closet isn't organized it might be best to start by grouping like items together first.  That way if you have 4 white tank tops you can access them together.

As your start to pull things out to discard I recommend using boxes to group your piles-giveaway (both to charity or to friends,) re-purpose (I often demote tees to lounge clothes,) and trash for items that are stained or damaged. 

3. Try Things On

There will be plenty of items that you haven't worn for one reason or another.  For me the top two reasons are fit and styling.

Trying things on and accessing the fit will help you decide if you really even like an item as much on your body as you do on the hanger.  I have found even as I have maintained my weight, my body has changed with lifting weights affecting fit in the shoulders.  If you are unsure get a second opinion from a spouse (if you trust them!) or a friend.

For the pieces you like but aren't sure how to wear this is the perfect time to try on some new styling options.  If you are still coming up empty-handed make a note....

4. Take Notes

Taking notes while cleaning out is a new thing for me, but I love it.  I put down notes about pieces that need repair or alterations, general notes about wear (cardigans with nylon/rayon stand up to washing better than 100% cotton ones,) and reminders to research what to wear with certain pieces.  Making notes like "NO more striped tees!" if you already have 5 like me or identifying needs will serve you well as you work to fill gaps in your wardrobe.

5. Be Realistic

And finally, just be real.  If you haven't worn something for a whole season it's probably time for it to go.

Hanging on to a few things for sentimental value is okay, but you probably don't need to keep every formal dress you've ever worn.

And if you are in a transitional period, especially if you have just had a baby, I recommend keeping everything that doesn't fit just yet separated from your wardrobe that does currently fit.  I've been through this twice and have grabbed things hoping they would fit again just to be disappointed.  Out of sight, out of mind....don't revisit old pieces when you are sleep deprived and maybe a little hormonal.     


I have cleaned out a significant portion of my wardrobe over the past year, but knowing that I'm only looking at pieces that I know work well makes getting dressed easier and more fun.

Now who is ready to clean out their closet?

Leave a comment with your own tips or questions!

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I will be wrapping up the Rebuilding Your Wardrobe series soon.  I have plans to post about alterations, but want to make one last call for any topics on which you would like my non-expert expert opinion.  Leave a comment or send me an email forever29blog at gmail dot com.

Separating from my stuff

I wanted to share a little more of my "clarity" story from last week.  If you're not in the mood for me bringing the heavy today come back tomorrow when I'll be chatting about cleaning out your closet, rather than cleaning out your my life.
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I guess I should start back here, where I was talking about trying to figure out happiness and how I struggle with trying to use things to buy happiness.

Since writing that post I had a few things happen that really helped shift my thinking.  Things that are a big part of the clarity I was talking about.

First, in our Wednesday night Bible study we are talking about conversations with Jesus.  One week we discussed Mark 10, the story known as The Rich Young Ruler. Jesus says, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” 

Now I rarely think of myself as wealthy.  In people- yes.  In things- no.  

But really, I need to get over myself.  I live in a county where over 50% of kids are on free or reduced lunch.  That means 50% of moms around me can't afford to feed their kids. 

I have never once had to worry about not being able to feed my boys.  I don't even want to think about how scary and horrible that must feel.

So when Jesus said, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” it was like he was saying, "Amy, you can hang on to your stuff or you can hang on to me." Ouch.

With that fresh in my head, I was getting things together for a consignment sale a few days later.  I had our baby travel system in the garage that I needed to clean up a bit to try to sell, again.  I had put it in the spring sale and it didn't sell.  It was expensive and I felt like I needed to hang on to it to try to sell it again.

Some things had been piled on top of the car seat so I was clearing it off and then I saw it.  

MOLD.  

I guess the humidity of the summer was trapping moisture in the garage and there was mold all over the seat.
     
<Insert mini meltdown>

I was angry.  I was sad.  I was dissapointed with myself.

I was hanging on to that car seat that someone needed.  I couldn't believe I had been so selfish.

When all was said and done, I only sold 25% of the things I took to the consignment sale.  I'm sure the time it took me to get everything ready and work my volunteer hours was not worth the payout.  I should have been spending those hours with my boys and giving those things to people that needed them.

But I got the message.  Loud and clear.    

I'm working on letting go.  Not "numbing" with things (I can thank this self-help motivational book for that one) and appreciating all that I have.

It's not easy to change these coping mechanisms that I've been using for half of my life.  But I'm glad I'm working on it now.  Early enough to be a better example for my boys.  To teach them that they are wealthy and also that they should rely more on Jesus than things. 

 

What to Wear Where- Football Tailgate

Time for another one of those "I'm not as Southern as I'd like to think I am" confessions.

I've never been to a football tailgate.  *Gasp!*

Growing up in ACC territory football isn't the biggest thing.  After moving to Georgia, Mr. Banker and I caught on quickly that football in SEC territory is a whole other ballgame.

Literally.

I went to a women's college where the biggest competitions included singing and skits. 

Mr. Banker attended Campbell University, in our hometown, which reinstated their football program in 2008 after a 58 year hiatus.

  The Campbell Camel.  Yes, Camel.

We made it back for the first game, but it's been a busy 4 years for us, so trekking 7 hours to tailgate hasn't been at the top of our list. 

This year we will just happen to be in town during homecoming weekend.  Our schedule isn't going to allow us to attend the game, but we think the boys would love the parade.

Go Camels! by forever29blog featuring j crew sweaters

J.Crew j crew sweater / Old Navy skinny jeans / Franco Sarto leather boots / Kate Spade / Kendra Scott statement necklace / Boyfriend watch

Hopefully it will be a true fall morning and I won't burn up in this sweater, it's the only orange I have in my closet right now!  Jeans and boots are a must because I'll likely be juggling the boys.  And I'll be subbing a very affordable Forever 21 necklace for the gorgeous Kendra Scott one. 

Be sure to check out I Pick Pretty today for Melissa's snazzy Texas tailgate outfit and the others that have linked up!

I'll be hosting W2WW next week with what I'm wearing to our annual pumpkin picking outing.  I hope you'll link up your own for whatever fall tradition you may have- apple picking, corn maze, etc!

Scarf Swap with The Tichenor Family

This is the second year I've participated in Meredith's scarf swap. I don't know a better way to kick off fall than to make a new blog buddy through giving and getting a new scarf!

I was paired with Peyton from Life as a California Wife.  She sent me this scarf from Loft. 

Mr. can attest that I squealed when I opened the package. Pink polka dots, stripes and chevron?!?  I can't wait to mix this in to my wardrobe and get a little more daring with my color pairings. (Admittedly I can be very matchy, matchy.  This may have to be the year I get over wearing black and brown together.)

Thanks to Meredith for hosting the swap...can't wait til next year!

Project Pinterest: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Saturday was the first day of fall and oh was it glorious!  We had one of those great weekends that I'd just like to bottle up and keep forever.  There was a trip to the park, fall decorating, church, football and, of course, some delicious food!

Source: thepickyapple.com via Amy on Pinterest

I'm one of those annoying "I LOVE anything pumpkin" people.  Sorry, I'm not sorry.

I had one can of pumpkin left from last year's stash so I set out to make this pumpkin dump cake for this week's Project Pinterest link up with AP.

Really, how could this go wrong?  

Just make sure you forget everything I said about quitting sugar for a minute.  And maybe only make this for a crowd...I'm resisting breaking it out for breakfast.

Pumpkin Dump Cake
(Pumpkin Crunch Cake from ThePickyApple.com)

1 box yellow cake mix
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup butter, melted

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease bottom of 9 x 13″ pan.  Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Pour mixture into greased pan.  Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and top with pecans.  Drizzle melted butter over pecans.  Bake 50-55 minutes.

This cake has been added to my list of delicious and dangerous recipes, so proceed with caution!



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A quick reminder that Melissa will be hosting What to Wear Where tomorrow!  It's all about football tailgates, so I know you will be excited to show off your school colors!


 

Clarity

Over the past few weeks I have gained a lot of clarity.  Little pieces here and there.

I've been doing a lot of listening and a lot of letting go.

You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.   

James 1:19

This verse hit me hard recently and I needed to step back.  I get wrapped up in Twitter and Facebook and all these other "conversations" that hit a nerve and pull me in.  And then I realize that the deeper I get the more frustrated I get.  So I'm learning to step away.  To be okay with "missing out."

I love being a part of this internet community.  I love hearing about peoples successes and supporting them with their struggles.  I love when my friends that I've never met share their hearts. 

On to that struggles part.  I'm having a bit of my own right now and it's hard.  Hard because I can't point to a specific event.  It doesn't have a quick fix.  It's all quite literally in my head.

Ok, that sounded dramatic.  I'm not depressed.  I'm not having a breakdown.  I'm just trying to learn more about myself.  How I work.  Why I feel the way I do. 

So I'm working hard to listen, but I also want to be better about sharing. Not feeling like I always have to show my best self.  Not taking two hours to edit this post until it is "perfect."  Because in all that perfecting, I'll be the one who is missing out.  

All this said, it may be a little quiet around here and it may be more serious, but hopefully more real as well. 

What to Wear Where: Transition to Fall

It's Tuesday, friends, and that means it's time for What to Wear Where!

My prettiest friend, Melissa at I Pick Pretty, is hosting this week!  Be sure to visit her post and all of the linked up posts for some fall inspiration!

Last week was busy (i.e., multiple occasions to put on real clothes) and some cooler temperatures, so I thought I would share several of my outfits via fancy, smancy cell phone pictures. (You can find these on the regular on my Instagram- forever29blog)

First Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season!  J Crew Stripe Artist Tee (I live in these!)/Tortoise Acrylic Monogram Necklace

To a Junior League Meeting (yes, I somehow ended up in a TJ Maxx dressing room...)
Lilly Pulitzer Joycee Tunic (similar shape in the fall line)/Mossimo Fit 3 Sateen Capris (on clearance online!)/Tory Burch Revas (similar)

Trying out some combos during naptime- Target cardi/F21 cami (similar)/F21 skinnies (my extensive research can be read here)/TB Revas

Before working my consignment sale shift (hence the boring, lack of accessories outfit.)  I was hoping to find some options to work with these gray jeans.  Still working on that.
Old Navy black tee/Mossimo gray jeans, old (fancy Mrs. Beckham edition)/Mossimo flats, old (similar)

An "on the job" outfit and one of my favorites of the week, but sadly this is the best picture.
J. Crew Factory Chambray Shirt/F21 red ankle pants(similar)/Mossimo Leopard Flats (size up 1 size on these)

Conservative/preppy/boring church outfit (I had preschool duty during worship)
J. Crew tee/Old Navy scarf(I like this current one)/Talbots khakis ankle pants(similar)/Sperry alligator moccasins

I would say this is pretty much my fall transitional wardrobe.  As the temperatures really get cooler I'll layer in more cardigans, scarves and boots.  I opt for darker colors instead of the summer whites/brights and try to part with my open toed shoes.

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Melissa and I have laid out the What to Wear Where schedule for the next few weeks and wanted to clue y'all in on those and hope you will join us!

September 25th- Football Tailgate- Hosted by Melissa!

October 2nd- Pumpkin Patch- Hosted by Me!

October 9th- Travel Outfit- Hosted by Phi Phi!

October 16th- Date Night- Hosted by Melissa!

Project Pinterest- No Bake Energy Bites

I know, another link up....but don't worry there's not a single picture of me posing in my front yard.  

AP is starting a new link up where you actually DO one of those pins that you thought "oh that's a great idea!" and then promptly forgot about.  

This couldn't come at a better time for me because last weekend I was officially over Pinterest.

Over. It.

I was writing a blog post in my head titled "The Problem With Pinterest."  

BROKEN LINKS! TOO MANY FAILS! NO REVIEW SYSTEM! 

Seriously, I spent way too long last Saturday making some cauliflower tots that were, in the end, completely inedible. I deleted that pin and drowned my sorrows in some real chips.

Needless to say I'm looking forward to reading the posts that are linked up so I know if they actually work.  And I'll post my own fails so you won't fall down the same Pinterest rabbit hole. 

For this first week I'm going to show y'all something I've made a few times and have determined I can't really screw them up...so that's a plus.

Source: gimmesomeoven.com via Amy on Pinterest

My boys are addicted to bars.  Granola bars, fruit bars...if it comes in bar form, they want it.

2 bars a day x 2 boys x 7 days a week= way too many bars and $$$!

In an attempt to save a few bucks and feed them something a little healthier I sought out ways to make my own bars.  After a few tries at granola bars, I found that these "balls" were the best solution.


No Bake Energy Bites
from Gimme Some Oven

1 cup dry oatmeal
2/3 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 ground flax seed
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla 
(I also add a little vanilla protein powder)

 Nate loves helping make these--another plus.

Mix everything together and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Then roll into balls and store in the fridge.  Done!

 A good breakfast while blogging.

Make your way over to I Love You More Than Carrots to check out Project Pinterest and maybe link up your own Pinterest success.

What to Wear Where- Girls' Night Out

**I didn't want to start this post before saying that my prayers go out to everyone that was affected by 9/11 and for all those that have fought and continue to fight to keep our country safe since that day.**

Alright, this week of What to Wear Where is for ALL the ladies.  I don't know anyone that doesn't love a girls' night (except maybe the husbands that are home watching kids.)

Last week I was lucky enough to steal a night out with some of my favorite local Twitter girls.  As moms our nights out aren't too fancy- just an excuse to put on real clothes, gossip and eat queso.  We love some queso. 

Worthington dot top/Levis white jeans (size up)/Tory Burch pink patent Revas (current season here)

 Kelly green bag-Francescas (splurge version-Kate Spade)

 Brushed gold teardrop earrings- Target (similar here)

We had such a great time at our girls' night (plus one sweet little newborn boy!) Even a guy at the next table was interested in our conversation, ha!

Now grab the button and link up your post showing off your girls' night outfit below!

Also remember to get ready for the next two weeks of link ups!

Tuesday, September 18- Transition to fall

Tuesday, September 25- Tailgating attire!

Melissa and I are working on topics for the coming weeks and would really love to know the WHEREs that y'all would like to see.  Leave a comment or send me an email at forever29blog at gmail dot com if you have some ideas!  

I'm Glad I Listened To My Gut

Last week was great. I'm really glad I took a little break to get acclimated to our new schedule.

Nate started school on Tuesday

Yes, I did the chalkboard picture.  And he loved it.  And I loved it because last year when I tried to get him to take a picture he threw himself on the floor.  

3 years old > 2 years old.

 

Jumping for joy in his Ditsy Daisy Boutique shirt!

There were countless times over the summer that I doubted my decision to keep Cole at home with me this year (including one bad day when I nearly had a breakdown and emailed the school to see if they would take him for one day a week.)  But deep down I didn't think either of us were ready.  

When you have two children you don't want to give one more things/opportunities than the other.  But you have to remember they are different people and have different needs.  As Cole approaches 21 months old (the age Nate was when I had Cole) I'm realizing how different they are.

Dropping Nate in his classroom, seeing Cole's little face taking it all in and feeling that I couldn't imagine walking out of that school by myself I knew I had made the right decision. 

Yes, I know he would adapt and do great.  I don't want to be that mom that holds him back because of how I feel.  But I also know that we both need a little more time together, just the two of us.

Cole and I had three great mornings together.

 Playing with ice was a big win!

Again I'm glad that I only put Nate in for three days.  Many of his friends are going four days, but I can tell Cole really misses him and think that would be too much.  Having two days together should be perfect for us.

It will be next fall before I know it and Nate will be in 5 day Pre-K...we'll see how many days Cole will be ready for.  And on the days between now and then when I have doubts about my decision I'll try to remember that they will be all grown up far too soon.

What to Wear Where- Family Pictures

Family portraits aren't what they used to be.  You know, a trip to the local department store and sitting on an odd, carpet covered table in a tiny room with studio lights popping in your face.  Then waiting to see your proofs and choosing which prints you would like to order and receive a few weeks later.

Today getting pictures taken is more like signing up for an editorial photo shoot.  There are babies in baskets, children holding balloons in perfectly coordinated ensembles and families perched on antique couches in picturesque landscapes.  Even with digital there is still a bit of a wait for your proofs, as many photographers use software to touch up their pictures (this Momma's face is thankful for that!)     

We'll be having our own family pictures taken sometime this fall.  We are going to do a swap with some friends of ours and hope for happy children and a few good shots!

Rather than buying 4 new outfits for us I was able to put our looks together from things in our closets and a few recent additions.

 

What to Wear Where- Family Pictures by forever29blog featuring small heels

Mock neck sweater / Merona® Petite Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress - Green / Franco Sarto small heels / Nordstrom Smartcare Flat Front Chinos Taupe 46 x 34 / Calibrate Trim Fit Dress Shirt Blue 16 - 32/33 / Gap Baby Mott Street Wash Original Fit Dark Jeans / NWT Baby Gap Boys Corduroy Overalls / Long-sleeve chambray shirt | Gap


Hopefully the bright fall colors will serve as a perfect backdrop to this olive, navy & beige color scheme.

Now it's your turn!  Grab the button and link up your own post below (it will also link at I Pick Pretty this week.) Make a Polyvore board, post family pictures you've had taken recently or what you would wear for your next photo session.  We are all excited to grab a few new ideas!

 And a little reminder for the next 3 weeks of link up topics-

9/11- Girls' Night Out

9/18- Transition to Fall

9/25- Football Tailgate (I know y'all will want to show off your team inspired outfits here!)

Hitting the reset button

Today is our last day of summer as Nate starts preschool tomorrow!

The boys had a great summer.  They really got to be friends and I just love that.  Sure there were plenty of timeouts and tantrums, but overall things were awesome.  

There will be a definite adjustment period to get used to a whole new schedule, but I know it will be good for all of us.  I'll have some more one on one time with Cole, Nate will get his social and learning time and we'll have a few days together.

I'm going to use this week as a little restart for myself also.  I've known this has been coming for a few weeks, but I really need to unplug.  I need to step away from the computer during the day and refocus on the work I've been called to do.  I'm hopeful that this time will help me find that elusive balance I've been trying to find.

I'll be posting tomorrow for What to Wear Where- Family Pictures and hope you will link up with me and Melissa.  For the rest of the week I'll be focusing on my boys, some things on my to-do list and maybe even a little bit of quiet.  Here's hoping.