What to Wear Where- Halloween!

Today's What to Wear Where is coming to you from Jury Duty. Thank you Lord for helping me remember at 5:45am in the shower that I needed to check if I had to report. And here I am. You'll have to link up in the comments today because I can't get to the site with the linky plugin--government wifi (but I am thankful for it!)  Updated: I added the linky for any new links and will put the others in!

We are already a week in to our Halloween festivities.  Our church, as many do, has a Trunk or Treat night every year.  We try our best to get a little creative and for the last 2 years have done family themed outfits.

I know the days of the boys easily agreeing to costumes are numbered.  In fact, this is probably the last year for Nate as he already has a Spiderman costume on standby for Halloween night if he chooses.

But while I could, I was able to come up with a family costume with no complaints from any of the boys.

Nate had recently been very interested in the story of the 3 little pigs and the big bad wolf.  We took the boys to see a puppet show featuring the story and they also have a cute Melissa & Doug play set they like to play with.  Once I mentioned the idea to Nate he was all over it.  He insisted that he would be the pig with the straw house, I would be the pig with the stick house and Cole would be the pig with the brick house.  

Pig costumes were not easy to find, so I had to get a little crafty.  I bought 2 Foofa costumes (from Yo Gabba Gabba) and tucked in the flower neckline.  I threw on a pink Lilly lounge jacket & pants...surely the only time me and my boys will be in head to toe pink!

There was a costume parade during the Trunk or Treat and Cole rode in a wagon with his buddy Jack.  The ladies that keep the nursery load them in for rides on most Sundays and they all love it!

Now I want to see your costumes!  Grab the button above and leave a link to your post in the comments below with your (your kids, dogs, whatever) costume!

I hope it's all treats and no tricks for you this Halloween!

Junior League Spiced Pecans

I had never owned a Junior League cookbook.

That was until I joined the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties in 2008.

At an introductory meeting for new members I quickly learned that a League's cookbook and the recipes in it are a integral part of the organization.  Often a League's most profitable fundraiser, the cookbooks seem to be a legacy in their own right.  They are passed from mother to daughter, gifted and collected.

It was easy to identify the favorite recipes of our members after attending a few League events.  There is rarely an event without a cookbook tasting!  French Quarter Spread, Chocolate Chip Cake and my favorite, Spiced Pecans, are among the many recipes from At Your Service that I enjoy sharing with friends and family.

Nate has his school Fall Festival this week and I always like to take his teachers a little gift.  Spiced Pecans in a mason jar with a bit of ribbon and burlap is a quick, easy and tasty treat.

Spiced Pecans
from At Your Service- the cookbook of the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties

Makes 2 cups

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
2 cups pecan halves

Mix the sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in a small bowl.  Beat the egg white and water in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.  Add the pecan halves and stir to coat.  Add the sugar mixture and stir to coat.  Spread evenly on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Bake at 250 degrees for 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

I recommend doubling or tripling the recipe so you will have some to snack on too. There is nothing sadder than Mr. when I make these to take to an event and don't make any extra for him!

Are you a collector of Junior League cookbooks?  What is one of your favorite Junior League recipes?

 

How being a stay at home mom is bad for your self esteem and how blogging can't fix it

I've been slow to speak on this topic and have had this post in several draft forms. Then this post from my why-can't-we-live-in-the-same-town friend Melissa and this one from Megan, whose posts always leave me wanting to split a bottle of wine with her, inspired me.  Both these girls help me feel a little less crazy...something I've been needing a big dose of this week.  Here goes my stab at describing my in-the-trenches-of-mommyhood-and-life-frustrations.

After Monday's sunshine and rainbows post it was back to reality for me.  As the boys entered their sugar detox, I faced my to do lists and the "woe is me" attitude sank in. 

Returning from any trip back home is always an odd mix of why can't we live closer and thank goodness we live far away.  Old wounds get opened up and you revisit places that hold great memories and bring you immense joy.  It's always a roller coaster for me.

Simmering, as I do, in my feelings is hard in my bubble as a stay at home mom. 

Problems seem bigger and successes seem smaller. 

I know being at home with the boys is the best thing for our family, but I often feel guilty when I'm not giving them 100% of myself.  When I'm caught up in my own emotions.

I think back to how I could regularly sit at my desk job for a hour or two and literally do nothing.  I still did a good job, was praised for my work and got paid!

These days I work my butt off.  It's exhausting and I often feel like I'm failing.  I don't get a paycheck and I've given up a lot of my freedom.  Freedom to schedule a dentist appointment whenever I want or go shopping on my lunch break. 

But the paycheck and the freedom aren't the things I'm really missing.  It's the praise.

There are days when everything is a struggle.  From giving Nate the "wrong" bowl (true story) to fighting Cole to not stand up on a chair, my self esteem takes a hit when it feels like I'm doing more things wrong than right.  Trying and failing to meet my own expectations can send me over the edge. 

I'm realizing that this is a lot of why I started blogging.  I needed some feedback.  If I didn't share my projects, travels, outfits, recipes and general ramblings with the world, then would they even be valid?   


But blogging hasn't been giving me the self esteem boost I need.  I haven't met my own expectations here and (in my head) this must mean I am not enough.  I alternate between wanting to give up and wanting to charge full steam ahead, determined to figure this whole blogging thing out.
 
I recently heard a conversation in our Sunday School class.  We are discussing parenting topics and a working mom was talking about the guilt she has over missing events at her daughter's preschool.  I hurt for her and another mom calmly told her, "I know you hate to miss it, but you are still a good mom."  The ladies went back and forth for a minute and the retort every time was, "But you are a good mom.  Your daughter knows that and that's all that matters."

I wanted to cry just sitting there, because no matter what your struggle, when your heart is in the right place you are good.  You are enough.

So I'm going to keep moving forward. 

I am a good mom, even when I don't feel like it.  Their smiles and their cries for me tell me that.

I am a good blogger.  Because as much as I would like to make a checklist for what makes a good blogger there are no rules here.  I'm real. I write what I feel.  I show up and I try. 


And as I've been blessed to know these two ladies, maybe sharing my story here will help someone else feel like they aren't alone in their feelings.

 

What to Wear Where- Arts Night Out

I was very excited when Melissa passed along the notion of Lilly hosting this week's What to Wear Where with a focus on the arts, since museum trips or gallery openings are not common occasions for me.

I started trying to remember thinking about our last evening at The Fox Theatre, which was over three years ago.  We have contemplated many times buying season passes to their Broadway series shows, but that's not a realistic endeavor for us right now.

Since I was already in a fantasy state of mind imagining a season full of theatre going, I decided to put together a look full of pieces that are art in their own right.

What to Wear Where- Arts Night Out by forever29blog featuring bow pumps

Lela Rose shimmer dress / Manolo Blahnik bow pumps / Sondra Roberts vintage style handbag / Judith Jack earrings / Gurhan cuff jewelry

Shows like Project Runway give an inside look into the fashion industry and the fact that designers are artists.  While I am a bargain hunter and can only dream of the budget to afford any of the pieces I've featured above, I do have a great respect for the work that goes into creating these items. (But if I could find whoever started the half tuck or the high/low hem I would give them an earful...) 

I'm a literal girl too, which is why I find myself drawn to Lilly Pulitzer prints.  I adore how they tell the stories of the prints on their blog and that they are easy for me to incorporate into my mommy wardrobe (Lilly did design them to hide stains in the first place!)

Now it's your turn!  Head on over to Lilly's blog to link up your own artsy outfit.

Come back here next week, Tuesday October 30th for Halloween a day early!  I'll be sharing our cheesy family themed costumes, but bring your costumes of all kinds for those that some last minute inspiration.  Also feel free to link up later in the week to show off your costume or your little ghouls & goblins.


 

Back To Where It All Began

On October 17, 1998 Mr. Banker and I had our first date.  That would be 14 years ago if you're counting.  Oy.

It was a group date to a haunted house that I put together so I could force ask him to come with me.  Well, it worked and we've been together ever since.

The following weekend we went on our first solo date to the North Carolina State Fair.  I'm sure I proved that day that I'm not one of those girls that doesn't eat on a date, but he didn't seem to mind.  Needless to say, the fair is a special place for us (and nearly 1 million others that attended the fair this year.)

We thought this would be the perfect year to take Nate for his first trip to the fair.

It was a really great day.  Mr.'s cousin was showing her sheep (yes, sheep) so we also got to see some extended family members and they were a huge help with Nate!

If you ask Nate what his favorite part of the fair was he will say he has two- 1. The scary elephant ride and 2. Eating ice cream.

The rides proved to be a little too much for him just yet.  We ended on a happy note with a very tame car ride, yet he still says the scary ride was his favorite.

And hard as we tried to get him to eat some good fair food he somehow ended up eating Chick fil a and ice cream.  But he loved that ice cream cone and that's all that matters to me.

A few more years and we'll be able to introduce Cole to the fair as well, which may just be too much for my heart to handle.

What places have you introduced to your child(ren) that is special to you?

 

What to Wear Where: Date Night!

Oh, date nights.   If I hadn't already read Melissa's post this morning I probably would have started out with a similar commentary on wishful thinking about maintaining date nights after having kids. 

We don't have any family nearby, so if we want to have a date night we have to pay up.  In a recent discussion with friends about babysitting rates I came to one conclusion....I need to find cheaper babysitters!

Maybe we are just homebodies, but a handful of nice dates out a year seems to work for us.  Aside from that it's date nights in the dining room and movies in the basement.  I know this will change over time as the boys won't always be in bed by 7:30, but it works for now.

A few weeks ago while I was trying to decide if I could work these pink pants into my wardrobe I happened upon this combination and thought it would be a perfect date night ensemble.

 

Paired with one of my purchases from this month and the look is complete.

Charter Club Black Lace Top (consignment.  I like this tiered version or this one with sleeves)/Merona Pink Cuffed Capris (on clearance online!)/Gold Wedges (splurge option)/Ditsy Daisy Boutique Monogrammed Leather Clutch/Target Watch/Forever 21 Bracelet (only silver online) & Necklace

Now it's your turn to link up your own date night look at I Pick Pretty.  We'll have the next few weeks' topics posted soon and as always would love to hear any ideas that you may have!   

Best Pumpkin Products

October is one of my favorite months because it's one big excuse for pumpkin everything.  And as much as I love to whip up a delicious-yet-horrible-for-you-pumpkin-dessert-that-could-feed-fifteen-people sometimes it's better to just grab some of the wonderful pre-packaged pumpkin products that are available to curb the pumpkin cravings.

Today I'd like to share some of the best pumpkin products in my unsolicited non-expert, expert opinion.  You're welcome.

Slatkin & Co. Pumpkin Caramel Latte candle-  After regretting my Walmart candle purchase I grabbed this replacement candle when they went on sale last week. (Note- no longer online so check your local Bath & Body Works!)  This scent is a new favorite.

Kraft Pumpkin Spiced Mallows-  Just yum.  Cole is a big fan of these little pumpkin treats.  I used them to make rice krispie treats, but they were just okay.  I want to throw a few in hot chocolate and see how that tastes.

Coffeemate Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer- I must have been feeling healthy that day and grabbed the sugar free, but it is still delicious.  I've used it every morning!

Great Value Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese- I haven't been able to find the Philadelphia version, so I gave this Walmart store brand a try and it is tasty.  Not to sweet and just enough spice.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Via- This was the first time I have tried the via packs and while it does not compare to a fresh brewed Starbucks drink I think it has saved me some money (the pack of 6 was $7.49 at Target.)  It tastes more like warm pumpkin milk, but a caffeine boost in the afternoon is always welcome. 

Two no go items on the pumpkin spice train--

Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake cookies--Too sweet. Not enough spice.

and Pumpkin Spice Kisses--Just yuck.  Tasted like pumpkin spice wax.


Are there other pumpkin products you have to recommend?

 

Lessons Learned This Week

I've learned a few things this week-

I can spend two hours picking out two blouses online and neither will fit. 
My body is not made for blouses.  Anyone out there with larger shoulders/chest have any tips or shops you love?

I can pin something to my Pinterest Needs board

Source: gap.com via Amy on Pinterest

and then the item will promptly vanish, as if it was never there.  It's not even cold yet! Where did this perfect chunky cardi go, Gap?

I can whine and complain but it's not going to keep Mr.'s boss from needing to call two hour unscheduled meetings at 5pm.

We can have an amazing family outing where no one cries

If you weave your bacon it will make delicious bacon patties perfect for a BLT.

I may have made 3 this week.

Cheap Walmart candles are not worth the glass they are poured in.
And you might leave it burning when you leave to go pick up your kid because it doesn't even put out enough smell to remind you that it's on fire.  Slatkin & Co. all the way.

The dog will not eat any dog food as long as there are leftovers from the boys.  Cole will also dump all of the dog food into the water bowl at any opportunity.

Baby soccer uniforms are one of the cutest things I've ever seen.

I have some really awesome people in my life that get me.  I get to chat with a few at church on Wednesdays. Others I can text or email.  I've known some for what seems like forever and others I've never even met.  However we communicate, y'all know who you are and I appreciate your listening to my ramblings!

What to Wear Where- Travel Outfits

I love to travel.  And I definitely have a standard travel ensemble.  I freeze on planes (and car trips too,) so I need to have layers and comfortable shoes. 

 

 Flying to Florida to meet Lilly Pulitzer/A weekend away in NYC

Keeping it clean and simple is the way to go for me.  I always turn to a tee+cardigan+scarf+jeans+flats...plus my cell phone and a cute tote bag or two! 

What to Wear Where-Travel outfit! by forever29blog featuring slim tees

Boyfriend cardigan / J.Crew slim tee / Forever 21 low rise skinny jeans / Tory Burch flat shoes / Longchamp leather tote handbag / Diamond in the Rough Lilly Pulitzer Murfee

Make sure to visit PhiPhi's blog as she is guest hosting What to Wear Where this week.  Link up your looks there and check out all the other travel outfits!

Also mark your calendars for the next three weeks of What to Wear Where

Tuesday, October 16th- Date Night hosted by I Pick Pretty

Tuesday, October 23rd- Arts Night Out guest hosted by Lilly

Tuesday, October 30th- Halloween! hosted by me!

Maintaining My Wardrobe with $100 a Month

As much as I'd love to say that Rebuilding Your Wardrobe will continue forever for me, the truth is I'm realizing I have almost everything I need.  After cleaning out my closet I have a definite list of a few things I could use, but since I've finally gotten to healthy size that I can maintain it's time to reel in the spending.

I've never been able to stick to a budget.  Ever.  But since I'm 30 and a real adult now I should probably grow up in this arena.

I picked up the latest In Style because Gwynnie was on the cover and was inspired by the Shop Like a Fashion Editor article.

It was refreshing to see that even someone that works at a fashion magazine has a budget much like mine.

I'm sure most of y'all could already tell by the abundance of Old Navy and Target piecess in my wardrobe that I'm not working with endless piles of cash to spend on my clothes.  But I'd also like to be more transparent; showing that once you have a starter wardrobe you can put together outfits that still look great even if your budget is small.

And I am secretly hoping that my new strategy of starting with $100 a month will be helpful in curbing my spending habits.  I want to shop smarter and committing here adds an extra level of accountability.

At the end of each month I will post my purchases.  There may be a few sneaks along the way on my Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (forever29blog) especially if I find some good deals to share.

I'd love to hear any tips you have for staying on budget!

____________________________________________________
A quick reminder that tomorrow's What to Wear Where- Go-to Travel Outfit will be hosted by PhiPhi!  Make sure you link up with her tomorrow!  

 

What's Goin On

I've been wanting to start incorporating more of our weekly "goings on" here.  I am so impressed by the moms that can write consistent letters and heartfelt updates about their children.  I hope to start journaling little notes for them to have one day...but I'd also like to brag on them a little bit here because I am so proud of the little boys they are becoming.

Nate absolutely loves school.  He is my little extrovert and still gets up everyday wanting to know where we are going.

I am in LOVE with his teachers.  The lead teacher emailed me yesterday to let me know that Nate was a little sad when a friend cut in line and then another time.  She wanted to make sure he was ok (which he was.)  I replied thanking her and she replied back telling me how fantastic Nate is doing with learning and being sweet with his friends.  I don't think I will ever tire of hearing praise about how he is doing in school!

He is learning the Pledge of Allegiance, which at this point includes something about hot dogs?  He knows how to make me laugh!  He loves singing and learning about more letters and working on writing.  I think he will be so happy when he can read. 

He is a really great brother.  He has to give Cole hugs and kisses at school drop off and before bed every night.  It melts me.

Independent play is not his strong suit (something I know I need to help him work on!) and neither is p**ping in the potty.  Yes, after 3 months of being potty trained we are still struggling with this.  One day it will happen...but for now it tests my patience.

Cole is still my sweet baby boy.  That is not so much a baby.  It's killing me to start buying 2t clothes.  He is chatting more and more every day...he's even starting to count and sing his ABC's a little bit.

I do see a mean streak in this one though.  He is definitely more physical than Nate and likes to push if he's not getting his way.  But he's also timid and won't jump when his feet are 2 inches off the floor.  He's starting to learn what time out is and when I threaten it he just goes and sits down!  

This week we started soccer class.  He is obsessed with balls so I'm the crazy mom that thinks he should start playing now.  He did awesome
   
Do you see those skills?  I know, I'll try not to be one of those moms.  But I'm glad we have something fun to do together.

On Thursday we had a playdate at the mall with some Twitter/Blogging friends!

That's what's goin on this week with my boys and now we are ready for the weekend! 

 

Stop and Smell the Roses- Vlog link up

I've been meaning to this link up with Mandy for quite a while now.  I love watching vlogs, but they are not my favorite thing to do.  But I'm working on showing more of me...so here I am (oh, and Nate too!)





Check out the other vlogs that are linked up and have a great day!

What to Wear Where- Pumpkin Patch (and other fall outings!)

Happy Tuesday, What to Wear Where lovers!

I am already excited for the weekend because we will be having our annual family trip to the pumpkin patch.

It's one of those trips that can be all you imagined; your little ones frolic happily and think you are the best parent ever or it can unravel them and they scream for the entire ride home. (Not that I know anything about that...but shame on us for picking a pumkin patch 40 minutes away.)

As usual I try to look fashionable to start the outing off from a hopeful place.  I've put together a look with a few of my fall staples that will be good for chasing after kids and will stand out from the sea of orange.

 

We've had a rainy few days here, so you get self timer photos of me in my foyer.  Let my ridiculousness inspire you to do the same!

Loft scarf from the scarf swap(No longer online. I like this similar striped one)/ J.Crew factory chambray/Merona colored skinnies/Merona suede slouch boots(similar)

Now grab the button and link up your own post below with pictures/Polyvore of what you would wear to the pumpkin patch, apple picking, corn maze or other fall outing!

And a reminder of upcoming W2WW topics- next week we will have our very first guest host, PhiPhi!

Tuesday, October 9th- Travel outfit hosted by PhiPhi

Tuesday, October 16th- Date Night hosted by I Pick Pretty

Send any other suggestions my way in the comments or email forever29blog at gmail dot com

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Have you met Daniel Tiger yet?

Well, children of the 80's, clutch your candy necklaces.

They have reinvented Mister Rogers' Neighborhood................And he is now a little tiger.

Yeah.

I was soooo skeptical at first, but as Nate has been singing some of the melodies I have to say I like what this guy is bringing.

Take this-



"When something seems bad turn it around and find something good."

Why thank you, Daniel, for singing about something even I need to remember again and again.

We are happy to add Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood to our rotation of shows...goodness knows I can only handle so much Bubble Guppies.

Have you seen Daniel Tiger yet?  What do your little ones think?

**This is not a sponsored post, just me talking about TV.  But really, you should check it out.**