Easter!

 Easter is hopping right around the corner!!

I love Easter and everything about it. Even the goofy made up bunny that may or may not poop jelly beans (have you seen hop?). Last Easter we did hide eggs for Mackenzie and she so did not get it. This year I can't wait because I am sure she will get it!!

We bought her a big easter egg to put all her presents in,because of those lovely youtube videos she is OBSESSED with! Have you seen them, do your kids obsess over them? I am sure she will be jumping for joy when she sees it.

Easter fashion is always cute! I plan on buying an Amelia dress at my LuLaroe party to wear on Easter. My mom bought the girls outfits, although I couldn't find a picture of Ainsley's, here is the top she got for Mackenzie.

HM

Ainsley drools so much I am thinking of getting her this bunny bib to go with her outfit.

Target


While we were in Seattle we went to a Christian outlet store and bought Mackenzie these books:

You can find them on Amazon here and here. I have heard rave reviews from friends on the Jesus storybook Bible and Pinterest even has some great ideas.

We haven't bought anything for Ainsley yet but some ideas floating in my head are;

socks

bibs

book

little people toys
bows and headbands

More ideas for Mackenzie are;

stickers

hair clips

undies

nail polish

Last year I made my sister in law a basket filled with goodies.

It's a super easy project and works great for friends and or husbands.

You need a cardboard drink holder. I used Henry Weinhard or you can get wine ones at grocery stores. Cover the box in scrapbook paper.

Add in favorite drink on one side, I put in coke zero. Put grass in the other side.

Fill a couple of eggs with goodies. Candy, baby lips, nail polish, chapstick are great ideas.

Add a few more goodies and Viola a cute inexpensive easter basket!!

I made one a couple of years ago for my husband too. His, I glued the grass around the edge, or you can glue cheap Easter garland too.

I hope you enjoy this super easy tip and if you use it send me a pic, I want to see yours!!

Email me at mommyministryandmore@gmail.com

Spring Fashion

Us in the Pacific Northwest have had some nice spring weather for a few weeks now. Then suddenly out of nowhere it snowed!! Only little, but it also got cold! The warmer weather though totally got me amped up for spring and summer. I took out all our winter gear and put it back in storage and pulled out my brightly colored tops. The transition though can sometimes be tough when it comes to fashion, so here are some of my tips.

image source: Pinterest

1. Add color

Winter can bring in some darker tones grays and blacks it's time to spice those up with pops of color. Add it in with your shoes or purse, even a necklace can do the trick.

image source: Pinterest

2. Add a sweater

Pull our those summer dresses throw a sweater over top and maybe a cute belt and you have a cute outfit!

image source: Pinterest

image source: Pinterest

3. Put on rainboots or add tights

I had to borrow a picture from pinterest for this one because, I have yet to buy cute rainboots. Spring means rain and your boots can be the perfect accessory. They have tights in super cute prints now! So put on some printed tights underneath that summer dress and go!

image source: Pinterest

4. Do light layering or one less layer.

In the winter I am the queen of layers in spring it can be too much. So switch it up instead do some light clothing to layer up or keep the same cute winter outfit and take off one layer.

I hope these tips help with the transition and here's to hoping for some warmer weather coming up soon. Don't forget  March is in like a lion and out like a lamb!!

All things Hearts

I haven't posted a shopping guide in awhile and the other day while doing some online window shopping I came across a bunch of super cute heart items. With Valentines day coming up I thought I would share!!

Toddler heart

Love dress/ heart overalls/ heart dress/ heart shoes/ heart pj's/ heart tutu
Mickey shirt/ King of Hearts pj's/ Monster heart socks/ plaid shirt/ Love machine shirt

The picture doesn't show it super well but those overalls have a heart on the front! Can I have those in my size? I also love the idea of having pj's for every holiday, why should Christmas get all the fun??

Baby Heart

#adorable outfit/ heart pj's/ pink tutu/ heart colo block dress/ heart hat/ heart blanket
i heart u pj's/ # heartbreaker onesie/ Major flirt outfit/ Hello ladies socks/ mommy onesie 

Shopping for a newborn again has been so much fun! I forgot how small the clothes are!!! I love the blanket, it could go boy or girl, and I am all about the gray!! My cousin had a little baby boy the same day Baby A was born, so that's why I chose to do a boy section too. I love the gray pj's I think if you pair that with a red bow a little girl could rock them too! And, the mommy onesie, please, the cuteness is irresistible!!

Mom and Dad Valentine

lace top/ pink skinnies/ heart pj's
love boxers/ red pants/ red t shirt

Of course moms and dads are the hardest to shop for, so I went with pink and red. The mom outfit could so go together but, I do think if a dad was to rock all that red it might be a little scary.

I'm not sure what we plan for Valentine's day, probably something on the chill. For the girls I think I will get each of them a piece of clothing and a toy or book, maybe a small box of candy for Miss Max. Mondo and I always make something for Valentine's day, this year it will be either a chatbook or a shutterfly book. Need an idea for Valentine's day here is a previous one I posted for the inexpensive.

Also, a blogger I follow at The Little Things We Do, has issued a "Choose Love" challenge. It's spending 7 days showing your husband you love him. Each day has a new challenge. I want to try this and encourage you to try too. Check out the Challenge here. 

What are your Vday plans??

Black Friday: Hair

Last week passed by me in a blur. It wasn't anything special, nothing too busy, or exciting. Just suddenly it was Friday and I hadn't blogged, then it was Sunday and still no blog, before I knew it even Monday passed by. I am back though, I didn't intend for that to happen. So, to make up for it I plan to blog the next 3 days! Today, hair tips for your black Friday shopping.

I LOVE black Friday, for me it is the Olympics of shopping. Training is needed!! My mom and our entourage friends, hit the stores by 4 am. Which means leaving by 3:30 am. I still want to look good but, want as much sleep as possible. So, I wake up at 3 am!!! Here is how I do my hair quickly to allow extra sleep.

Step 1:

High ponytail, the higher the hair the closer to God. (hehe)

After you do this pull around the top to add some volume

Step 2: Add your sock bun around the pony. You can get these at Claire's or make your own from a sock. I used a thick headband that I triple looped.

after adding the sock bun spread your hair around to cover it.

Step 3: Place a rubber band over the top.

I also pulled my hair to make the bun part bigger.

Step 4: French roll the ends.

As you start to twist add hair as you go.

Place pins as you go.

Step 5: tuck the ends and pin, spray and pull some face framing pieces.

There you go.

Great hair in less time than it took to read this. If you miss the alarm clock or have some great day 2 hair, you can always go with a super cute hat!!

Come back tomorrow for my quick make up tips!!

Ready to shop,

Dorinda

One Piece Three Ways

Guess What!!! I found my camera! I am so happy, I get to finally share this post with you.

One of fall's biggest trends is the baseball tee. I personally love the comfort of this top. A hint to keep this top comfortable, shop in the men's department. I found mine at Target in the Men's section, I love how it is a little looser and doesn't hug me so tight. This tee can come across as a basic jeans, tee, and flip flop look. I wanted to find some stylish ways to rock this look. Here is my new series called one piece, three ways.

The first night I wore this on a date to the movies and dinner with my husband.

How I rocked the baseball tee on date night: Faux leather leggings, cute flats, long tank underneath (since leggings are not pants!). I paired it with a big bag and boyfriend jacket. My hair is in a braided top knot. I chose statement earrings and stacked bracelets as accessories.

This is probably one of my favorites! I chose a flared skirt, kept my hair down and curly. I also added a statement necklace and nude heels. I wore this to church it's a great dressy casual outfit and would work in an office setting.

After church I chose to change into this to run some errands. Great outfit for shopping!! I paired it with jeans, rolling the cuffs up to make them ankle length. Black tennies, printed scarf and a statement ring finished this look. 

This has turned out to be one of my favorite pieces this fall. Have you rocked the baseball tee? Send me pictures at mommyministryandmore@gmail.com

Do you like one piece three way? I have a couple more I am thinking of posting. Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time,

Dorinda

Blogmas: Surviving Christmas Morning Photos

Merry Christmas Eve!! Mackenzie this morning was telling everyone "Happy Birthday." I am not sure if she meant Baby Jesus but hopefully she was. Currently I am swamped in wrapping paper. I got all of the gifts for the family wrapped last night and today will be wrapping the remainder of Mackenzie's presents. We will be leaving right after her nap time for Christmas Eve festivities and won't be arriving home until later tonight. I am hoping to set up Mackenzie's presents before we leave so I can get to bed early. I still am not sleeping great. I am dealing with hip pain, so the earlier I get to bed the better.

Max's First Christmas

Christmas morning the inevitable will happen and the chances double when you have kids that pictures will be taken! In today's age they will be downloaded instantly to the interweb. So here are a few of my tips to surviving the dreaded first thing in the morning photo shoot.

1. Hold the family off for a minute. Okay maybe 10 to 15. Give yourself sometime to compose yourself. These pictures will be shown at your kids wedding, lets get some good ones.

2. Do a 5 min hairstyle. If need be sleep with your hair in a bun or braids the night before, in the morning you will have insta-waves. Try a top knot or fishtail braid. Tame that unruly hair, if you have a lot of fly-a-ways. A little bit of baby oil can help tame it.

3. Do a 5 min face. I love tinted moisturizer! Use some of that concealer, mascara, and maybe a little blush. Much better!

4. Put on some cute jammies. My family buys new jammies each year. If you don't do that, make sure you have something better on then your holey t shirt. If need be, leggings and a hoodie are a good backup.

5. Get some coffee or hot cocoa. Something to help wake you up.

6. Smile! If you want while you are doing your makeup put on some lip gloss. Also, try to remember these are family members taking the photos. There are going to be some funky ones.

Have fun and enjoy the moment!

Max Christmas Eve last year

Now what you really came here to find out. Who won the legging giveaway? 

First of all I want to thank Kathy from LuLaRoe for sponsoring this giveaway.

Also, I want to thank everyone for entering! You made this giveaway a success. I hope to do more in the future.

And the winner is.........

Vanessa Reiter

I will be sending out your leggings soon!

Congratulations!

Have a Merry Christmas!

After Christmas I will be returning to my regular blogging schedule.

Blogmas: Pregnant Lady Wishlist

Activity: Watch a Christmas movie (or turn on ABC family!! haha)

Scripture: Luke 2:15-18

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

My family kept asking me what I wanted for Christmas and my typical response is usually clothing but, this year I really don't want clothes. I either a. have to wait a month or 2 to wear it or b. can only wear it for a month. Neither sounds appealing. So I thought I would come up with this wishlist to help them out, and maybe you if you need to buy for a momma to be or momma, or have a baby shower to attend soon. 

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

1. Nursing Tank: I did not have one while I was pregnant with Mackenzie but, I now understand the necessity of one and need one for baby number 2.

2. Scarf (Nursing scarf): This is a go to baby shower gift for me anyways!! Mommas always spill, get spilled on, have a mess or stain that needs to be hidden. It's inevitable, so here comes a scarf to save the day!!

3. Diaper bag sorter: You can either use this or even get her a few stylish bags. Turn any purse into a diaper bag. I think I am going with the bunch of stylish little bags in my purse. 

4. Chatbooks: I just saw these this week and I instantly fell in love. Turn her insta's into a cute book!! At $6 each you can't beat that!!

5. Teething Jewelry: I love that it's stylish and functional! When baby teeths you don't have to worry about what jewelry you are wearing. 

6. Gift Certificate for a massage: This was my "push" present after Mackenzie. I have already requested one for after baby number 2. Nothing felt better!!!

Those are my top 6 requested gifts this holiday season. Anything you would add?

Another reminder to enter to win a free pair of leggings. Just for fun, if you comment on this post one gift you want for Christmas, I will enter you in the drawing, if you have already entered I will add you for another chance to win!!

Blogmas day 11: how I dress my bump

Advent activity: Christmas tree elegance
(A local hotel displays Christmas trees and does a raffle to win the tree and prizes that come with the tree, so fun!)

Scripture: Luke 1: 39-45
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Since I am still typing blogs on my phone I plan on keeping this one short. Internet should be back up tomorrow, just in time for Friday Favorites holiday edition! Anyways here is how I dress my bump. Which makes me want to sing "all about the bump, all about the bump, no trouble" to the tune of All About that Bass. Haha! A fellow blogger does wordless Wednesday, so I think of this as wordless Thursday. Doesn't flow as nice. Haha, oh well! Here are the pics.

I realize some of these are repeats but, I shortly realized I didn't have as many pics as I thought. Oops!

Don't forget to enter the legging giveaway! Last day is the 23rd!

Blogmas day 1: Lularoe giveaway!!

Blogmas day 1!

Last time I did blogmas Mackenzie and I also gave daddy a gift each day. This year I just have a fun activity planned for me and my tot to do. Today's advent was Dance to Christmas music! I know it's nothing out of the ordinary but taking the time to just dance with my toddler will totally make her day! I plan on doing freeze dancing with her which in enforces listening skills!

For the first day of this blogmas my mom and I spent some time at Thanksgiving doing a photo shoot featuring our Lularoe clothing. At the end of this post there will be information on a giveaway where you can enter to win your own pair of Lularoe leggings!!

My mom is showing off the "Julia". We choose to show how this dress could go from fancy to casual! I love both ways it's styled!!

Here is the maxi, probably one of their most known pieces. I love all the fun prints they have. In fact that is a great reason to host a pop-up boutique to see all of the fun prints!!

This skirt is the "Cassie" a great, comfortable pencil skirt!

This is probably my most favorite top right now. You can't really see the print in the picture but it has a subtle silver marks on it. I chose to pair it over a dress but it's great with leggings or skinny jeans! This top is called the "Irma". 

I love the fun print of this shirt!! The "Randy" is such a closet staple! I love how long it is to fit over my big belly!!

Probably my most favorite items from Lularoe is the leggings. I have washed mine so many times and yet they are still just as soft!

Another outfit I paired with their leggings. The camo leggings are a fave! Camo is also considered a neutral and can go with anything!!

Another pair of their leggings. Pair with a chunky sweater, scarf and boots you will be so comfortable and stylish for the whole day!

Lularoe does have a website here, but the way to see their stuff is to host a pop up boutique. All of their items are one of a kind and the prints don't come in multiple sizes. Also, the sizes run big, the two tops I am wearing are mediums. Makes you feel good!! The leggings come in 2 sizes, one size or plus size.  The black and white ones are plus size so I can pull them over my expanded belly. The other 2 featured are one size, they are kinda like the sisterhood of traveling pants, they fit everyone. Don't take my word for it try them!!! The prices are completely reasonable and for laundering it's just wash cold, hang dry. I can do that!!

If you live in the Spokane area I recommend getting in touch with Kathy! She is who I hosted my pop up boutique with and was also super kind to give me a pair of leggings to giveaway!! If you are not in the Spokane area go like her fb page anyways just to show her some mommaministry love!!

Okay Rafflecopter giveaway time!!

Like I said I am giving away a pair of Lularoe leggings given to me by Kathy!!

Thank you Kathy for this opportunity!

Everyday during blogmas you can enter to win. Just check in everyday!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway