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??

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!!

The Day I Lost the Easter Dress

Okay so you have seen the title and know what happened, I lost Mackenzie's Easter dress. It all started shortly after I found out Old Navy had jellies! Yes, jellie shoes!! I started to think I needed to pull out Mackenzie's Easter dress and find shoes to match, potentially jellies. So, I went to her closet sure that I had washed it and hung it up. Apparently not, this was a Friday! I searched went to work, came home searched some more. Saturday searched again, including obscure places like the office, guest bedroom, the garage. Sunday, searched, Monday searched including towels, plastic bags, our clothes among other ridiculous locations. Tuesday searched more and texted a friend who I had recently gave clothes to, maybe they got put in there, she responded "No". Daily I cried (added I was on my menses, so extra hormonal). Wednesday decided I needed to hand this to God, mind you I had been praying for Him to bring hidden things to light. This time I decided to completely cast it off to Him, I also prayed to take my blinders off. Thursday went on a walk with a friend, came home and cleaned the office which included going through packed boxes prepared for our move end of June. After no luck in the office I decided to go in the guest room and check in my craft stuff again for the millionth time. Suddenly my blinders were off, the dress was in a bag folded in such a way I probably casted it off other times as fabric or ribbon. I cried tears of joy for finally finding this dress!!

My mom found this dress at Custer's craft fair beginning of March. I love it!! Not a traditional Easter dress, this one is bright and fun!! I loved this dress so much I decided to look them up and show you some other cute pieces they have. 

Here is a link to their facebook page Peeper's Children's Clothing.

I was hoping they had some boy stuff but, I didn't see any.

Now I need your help! Please help me pick out shoes and a hair bow to go with Mackenzie's dress!

Here are my top 5 picks, please vote in the comments below.

top left: old navy top right: gymboree middle: payless
bottom left: h&m bottom right: old navy

curly clips; ruffle white flower; daisy headband; silver bow; pink felt

Also I thought I would show what I plan on wearing Easter morning. My mom bought me this cute dress from Old Navy during their dress sale.

Dress: Old navy similar, Vest: DIY similar, shoes: Steve Madden similar

I am helping in the Children's class for one service and attending one service. So, I decided to pair it with a denim jacket to give it a little more casual look while I am in assisting.

Oh and since I really wanted to add some boy stuff, one of the esty shops I like for bows does bow ties. Here are my top 5 favorite bow ties!

brown felt:  gray polka dot; turquoise; green printed; black felt

Don't forget to vote, I need help!!

Black Friday!! Survival Bag

I know my mom did a post on Black Friday and her survival guide. I figured I would do one a little different. My survival guide deals with my choice of clothes and the bag. So, let's jump right in!!

The outfit: plan the outfit the day before. I say day because the night will get busy and you will just want to crawl right into bed. So, the sooner the better. I recommend comfortable, cute, loose. NOT PAJAMA'S!! I know my mom said that in hers and that it is tempting but, come afternoon while you still are shopping if you are in your pj's you will feel tired and lazy. No, longer wanting to continue your fun day. Looking cute you will want a cup of coffee but, to continue this adventure and not waste an outfit.

My go-to outfit is; leggings, tank top, loose t-shirt dress or sweater tunic, boots, scarf, thick socks. Reasoning behind each piece, leggings and a tank; to make trying on outfits easy, especially if not wanting to wait for a waiting room. Boots, scarf, thick socks; dressing in layers so I don't have to carry a thick coat with me throughout the stores. Loose t-shirt dress or sweater tunic; this keeps me comfortable, cute, and not having to worry about sucking it in all the time. Scarf; to hide any upcoming spills, and a simple accessory to keep you dressed up.  Boots; easy, comfortable shoes to slip off to try on new shoes. There we have it my go to black Friday outfit.

The bag; again another item to pack the day before. I would recommend choosing a larger bag and inside putting smaller bags to keep you organized. Wallet; the obvious, id, credit cards (only choose 2), cash, coins, coffee cards, frequent buyer cards. Clean everything else out, keep it minimal. Snacks; granola bar, trail mix and maybe an energy shot. I also like to take a small candy bar to get my sugar up quick. Extras; I like to pack thin socks to try on shoes, bobby pins, hair ties. Pen and paper; Pre write out shopping list, stores and items, as well as your budget. Car charger; if you are like me you play on your phone too much, take the phone charger to plug in while driving from spot to spot. Make up; concealer stick, and lip gloss. As you go through out the day you will need some touch ups. Randoms; hand sanitizer, gum/mints. No yucky coffee breathe here!

That is about it! Here are my top 5 Black Friday shopping bags.

one/two/three/four/five

I realized I never blogged about our halloween season too late? Up next what to wear thanksgiving day!!

Tis the Season FOR SHOPPING,

Dorinda  

For the love of all things Chalkboard

I have become obsessed with chalkboards!!! I am not sure why and I think I may need to join a anonymous group for support for my obsessiveness. I even have a pinterest board dedicated to it!!!  Mondo has supported me in my love of chalkboards and is even willing to buy me one. Problem is I want to create a custom one and need to find the perfect picture frame. I have been scouring the thrift stores in hunt for it and have yet to find it. 

I do like the chalkboard prints although, I like the idea of changing a chalkboard on a whim. A blogger that I follow does do a few chalkboard prints, you can visit her etsy shop here. Currently she has a coupon code COUSINEDDIE for 30% off your order. Finding some inspiration from her I created my own. 

These are quotes from our amazing Pastor. Every week he has a quote that has inspired my own hashtag #joshbinglequotes and my designing of these chalk prints. I thought I would share them with you.

This one was from this last week. He has been teaching on the fruits of the spirit as of lately and this last week was on goodness. 

 From over the summer. Pastor Josh was talking on being confident in the goodness of our God and trusting Him to make a way when there seems to be none.

 Love this one! On his current series the fruits of the spirit, kindness. He talked about how kindness can make a bridge for people.

This one is my FAVORITE!! Again, on his current series he talked about finding peace in every situation.

Have you got on the chalkboard band wagon?

I promise later this week to continue with the regular blogging schedule. To bring in the festive spirit I will share with you my favorite holiday wear, for baby and mom!

My name is Dorinda and I love Chalkboards

Road trip essentials

Our Spontaneous weekend, last weekend (weekend before labor day)!

Husband and I decided at 10:30am on Saturday that we should head to Seattle after I got off work that day at noon. So, I called my mom and asked her to take Mackenzie overnight and count down the minutes until work was over. I raced home and packed. 

Here is what I brought with me!

Hair: hair bands, bobby pins, headband, dry shampoo, teasing comb

Sea salt spray (made myself); I love this stuff, so easy and gives your hair great texture! 

tip: use a large prescription bottle to hold your hair ties and bobby pins

(just make sure to take off the label)

toiletries: face wash, toner (made myself), face wash clothes, moisturizer, make up remover (made myself), cotton pads, deodorant, body spray (not pictured), toothbrush and steripod, toothpaste

Makeup: tinted moisturizer, cover up, powder and brush, lipstick that doubles as blush, bronzer and brush, neutral eye pallet and brushes, black eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss

Clothes: hi-lo top, leggings, cute flats, tank, pj shorts, flip flops

Purse: Book, Magazine, Fuzzy socks, Sweater, Pouch to hold i.d., Charger, Pill box

Here is how my hair and make up turned out and the earrings I rocked the whole weekend:

On the way there, I wore yoga pants and a tee, nothing special.

First stop IKEA!  I LOVE this store and even though little miss was not in attendance, she sure got spoiled. 

Things we bought:

Wardrobe/bowls/rug/table and chairs/moose/froggy set/plates

We then raced to Southcenter mall, they were closing in an hour. Not a lot of time but enough to get some cute joe fresh pieces for Mackenzie. From there we walked to Target where I scored a cute baseball tee. Then to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. They have a great skinny menu and hubby and I split a super delicious red velvet cheesecake. Then to check into our hotel. I did good I only called to check on Mackenzie 3 times haha!

Next day we went to a Mariner game. Then headed to Northbend for more shopping!

Here are some pretty flower I saw in Northbend:

items I forgot that I wish I hadn't

travel hairspray

tums

Stuff I brought and didnt use

dry shampoo (because I washed my hair before we left but this is still an esential I will always pack)

teasing comb (the sea salt spray gave nice volume)

I loved the spontaneity of our trip and husband and I had a BLAST!  Even though we both so missed little one it was a great idea. What are some of your road trip essentials? Have you ever done anything that spontaneous before?

Next week is my weight loss update, did this road trip competely ruin my goals??

Road trippen,

Dorinda

Back to School

I love back to school shopping and what a great time of year to buy new clothes!! I can't wait to go back to school shop for Mackenzie!! Toddlers can go to school, right? I have been looking for a toddler programs but, haven't found one yet. Mackenzie is going to start gymnastics in September. That makes me SUPER, SUPER excited!! Maybe I'll have to go shopping for that?! Until then here are my back to school picks for a non back to school toddler!!

One - Two - Three - Four -

Five - Six - Seven - Eight - Nine

In case you couldn't tell, I have an obsession,  no love, obsession for foxes, which Max started with her Roxy the fox (first seen here). Little toddler backpacks! What's not to love!! Every one of these pieces I would so wear, if they made them in my size!! Although there is a great fox sweater for mama love too (here). 

For the first time (and to honor my baby boy cousin). I have decided to post a boy's back to school fashion faves!!

One - Two - Three- Four - Five

Six - Seven - Eight - Nine - Ten

OMG! It was so fun finding all these little boy loves, I hope baby #2 is a boy (not on the way any time soon) so, I can play dress up with him too!!

Should I continue to do baby boy finds as well?? 

No better way to end a blog then to post a picture of little miss with her backpack ready to spend the night at Gramma's!!

P.S. the whole time I was typing this blog I was singing "Back to School, Back to School to prove to my dad that I'm not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my shoes tied tight. I hope I don't get in a fight." HAHA!!

Back to School hugs from this Mama,

Dorinda

Latest Fashion Trip

Since I reached my July 12th weight loss goal. I rewarded myself with some much needed shopping therapy.

Here is what I found.
(I had to take some pics by myself, sorry for the quality. I need to work on my photography skills)

Mommy shopping:

Statement Necklace:$10, Make any simple outfit amazing with this necklace

Hi-Lo T-shirt dress: $15, Probably one of my favorites!! Super comfy!

Skinny Jeans: $15, Everyone needs a hot pair of skinnies!!

Leggings: $8, I live in leggings, so therefore I'm always having to replace them.

Yoga pants: $15, I told myself after every goal met, I will buy myself new workout gear to encourage myself to keep working out.

White tennies: $5, these look super cute with skirts and dresses
Chambray top: $7.50.  I already have one in a tighter fit; this one is a looser fit.  Hey, you can never have too many. (similar,similar)

Mackenzie:

Tank top: $4, love the polka dots.

Yellow shorts: $4

Jean shorts: $7 (similar,similar)

Blue shorts: $4 (similar,similar)
Denim leggings and white leggings: $8
Baseball tee: $8
Kitty pj's: $5

She was is in desperate need of shorts. I have figured out her height is in her legs and all of her pants look like flood waiters. 

I also found Mackenzie some great thrift store finds in her next size:

Top left: Carters long sleeve top (similar,similar)

Top right: Minnie Mouse top (similar, similar)

Bottom left: leopard pants (similar,similar)

Bottom right: Chambray top (similar,similar)

Hopefully, I will meet my labor day goal and I'll get to go shopping again!!

I am going to post a blog about a gym to lunch date outfit, and a shopping outfit. So, look for those and in a few days I will post a book review on the White Queen. 

I have been considering doing mommy and mini styles for both mom's and daughters and mom's and sons. Is this a good idea?

Shopping love,

Dorinda