Bible Study Girl

If I haven't reveled enough in my excitement, yet, let me do it again. I'm done with my job on March 2! I'm terrified and happy at the same time, but right now, I'm kind of basking in the glory of wearing something other than yoga/sweatpants and oversized t-shirts. Bible study and church are two times a week I get to dress myself in something other than the daily uniform. Even if I don't go over the top (which you know me... I usually don't unless there are neon tights involved), I feel like a woman every once in a while and that's a nice feeling.

top: Oh Baby Maternity

cami: WalMart

cardi: New York & Company

pants: Motherhood

flats: Target

belt: New York & Company

necklace: The Word Jewelry

I tweeted the other day and if you don't follow me on twitter, you should! I think the next few weeks while I'm wrapping up things at work and budgeting, learning to coupon, etc, I'm going to be very sporadic on the blog. I'm not going anywhere and I absolutely will be posting at least a few times a week, but I just wanted to give you all a heads up. The next few weeks are PREPARATION for the life I've been waiting for (stay at home mom-dom!). I'm also doing some work for my uncle's company involving social media, so I've been putting some time into that that's taken me away from blogging. I hope you all understand! I'll definitely see you tomorrow for Bean's 20 week update!

Trendy Tot Tuesday: Pumpkin Patch

Friends, I've decided that until I get some interest in participating in Trendy Tots Tuesday, I'm no longer going to make it a link party. I think my long-time (and hopefully some newbies!) readers know how much I love to share Little S. once a week and hopefully you enjoy her cuteness sprinkled into a weekly post! I'm going to continue these Tuesday posts because I love them, but I'm not going to stress about creating a link-up since, well, I'm the only one sharing! Hope you all understand! If someone else is interested, let me know, and I'll open it up again!

That said, my brother, his girlfriend, and her daughter came down to visit over the weekend and we took a trip to one of our local (very popular) farms to see some animals, let the girls ride the pony, run through the hay maze, play on the playground, and pick punkins! All the girls wore boots, because, you know... it's not fall without boots! Little S. was especially excited to be around the animals and to pick out her very own pumpkin for the first time. And of course, she did it all in style!

shirt: Walmart

skirt: Old Navy

boots: Old Navy (gift from Uncle Ryan)

bow: local artist

on nails: Ulta's Mint Condition

Little S. found the perfect pumpkin and Husband found a great big one for the grown-ups. So our pretty pumpkins are sitting outside on our front porch, waiting for one more week to get carved and ready for Halloween!

Traveling

When you're up against a 5 hour car trip with a toddler and two dogs, you must be many things. A few of the most important things to be are:
- Comfortable
- In washable clothing
- Prepared with snacks
- Wearing shoes that are easy to put on and take off
- Warm (because husband will blast you to Alaska with the AC)
- Able to reach your child from your seat

In all honesty, the only ones I thought of were comfortable and prepared with snacks. I froze my butt off, wasn't able to reach Little S. very well, and my shoes were easy to take on and off, but I lost them under the baggage or seat somewhere along the ride, so stopping for a pee break was a pain.

This was what I wore on our trip to northern Virginia to stay at my parents' on Thursday night, drop the kiddo and dogs off, and head to my best friend's wedding weekend. I was well-equipped with carbohydrate packed snacks and ill-equipped with blankets, pillows, and warmer sweatshirt attire.

tank: WalMart

leggings: New York & Company

sweatshirt thing: Old Navy

flats: Target (little girl section)

bag: Coach, gifted from my sweet little bother

Next time I travel, I'm so wearing mascara and brushing my hair.

Pffft. Who am I kidding? That's a BOLD FACED LIE.

What do you wear while traveling? And how do you stay equipped to keep kiddos happy?

Don't forget to enter my Fabuless Fashions Giveaway!

Graphic

I have never been one for graphic art on t-shirts, but when I found this beauty on my maurices shopping trip last week, I couldn't leave it behind. The burnout lace fabric is so unique and I love that I can layer black or white underneath or get a little sassier with bright colors. I also dig the rhinestone details on the top that makes it just a bit more feminine while the design is edgier than my "usual." I decided to play up the cobalt cami with some bright blue bow flats and heavier eye make-up.

top: c/o maurices

cami: Wal-Mart

skinnies: Charlotte Russe

flats: Gap via Whitney

earrings: New York & Company

eyeshadows: all 3 from e.l.f. studio palette from Vanessa 

white kohl liner on inner corners: jemma kidd

upper lash liner: milani

mascara: blinc and l'oreal million lashes

lipstick: revlon in barely there

lipgloss: e.l.f. Goddess

on cheeks: bareMinerals Rose Radiance

I feel like I've been living in my Charlotte Russe skinny jeans over the weekends. They're so comfortable and go with just about everything I own. I was a little skeptical to pair them with a fitted top, but I think it worked out better than expected. And the more I look at the outfit, the more I like the graphic tee, which is just so strange! I've never been drawn to them before.

Have you ever tried something completely out of your comfort zone and ended up really loving it?

Purple People Eater

If I could eat people, I would have eaten three toddlers, today.

That's all I have to say about that.

Also, did anyone catch my awesome lack of knowledge about what day of the week it is? Yesterday, I posted that I'd be back with We Love Colors Wednesday, today.

Um. Yep. We Love Colors... Thursday version.

yellow tank: Target

purple tank: Walmart

skirt: Charlotte Russe (I know, I'm appalled that I didn't just make it.)

shoes: Sbicca via Ross

fishnets: c/o We Love Colors

tan: c/o outdoor summer nannying

Now, let's be honest. It's 100 degrees, easily, with a heat index of up to 110. 

Humidity is 100%.

I run around with three toddlers, carrying an infant all day.

Did I wear fishnets and wedged sandals to work today?

Hell. No. 

For the record, I can't wait to have somewhere to wear these puppies for real. SO comfy!

But I did wear the rest! With purple flip-flops for easy removal. 

I'm on my monthly Miss P, which is totally wreaking havoc on my general comfort levels, personal body thermometer, and skin. It's really awesome.

Bella's fur is growing back just a bit and her face is getting fuzzy, again.

The poor thing lost about three pounds of fur in the Great Hair Cut of 2011.

I got her an "I love my human" tee to keep her warm in our house.

Another bit-o-random for the day?

Little S. is walking around with my blush brush, talking about putting on her make-up.

I'm in trouble.

Please don't forget to stop by and LINK UP for tomorrow's (second edition) Project Self post! I can't wait to see how you're bettering yourself!

The Wind Blows in Her Hair

This morning called for torrential downpours and insane thunder and lightening, so I braved the humidity and wind and tried to grab some back yard photos before heading to "the office." I bought these shorts at Old Navy, yesterday, and wished there were more colors than black and army green. I really like the comfortable tie waist, excess pockets for kleenex, bug spray, and bandaid storage, and the length is perfect for covering the part of my body I hate most. Add some colorful florals and it's a recipe for a great photo, right?

Pffffft. 

Nope, you get this sexiness.

 yellow tank: Target

floral tank: Walmart

shorts: Old Navy

flip flops: Old Navy

So, I'll just pretend I meant for the wind to split my bangs and for the humidity to be an immediate summer frizz agent. And then, in my eyes, it really was a perfect photo shoot.

For some reason, my blog posts aren't showing up in people's readers. That's really making me want to give someone the stink eye. Anyone have suggestions?

Mascara Genetics

If you read my tweets today, you might have seen the one where I said I've been genetically predisposed to not function properly without mascara. I wholeheartedly believe that! If I haven't put mascara on, I haven't full woken up. If I'm wearing the dirtiest, grungiest, ugliest clothes you've ever seen, I'm most likely still wearing mascara. Obsession? Probably.

Know what else I'm obsessed with? My husband's photography.

Know why? 

Because when he's not around, this is as artsy as we get on Fashion Momma:

dress: WalMart

sandals: Target

belt: Target

Nanny rating: 7 out of 10

You can't beat the comfort of this dress and adding a belt makes it less of a muu muu. Breton stripes are a forever classic and a t-shirt dress is a perfect summer staple. I found the length to be a bit hindering when bending over to pick up toys or sitting on the floor to play with the kids. Sometimes it's tough to stay modest in dresses when your job is to move, but dresses also provide easy comfort and are breathable for the hottest months of the year.

I've never been so tired in.my.life.

And I miss you guys!

How Much is Too Much?

If you know me, you know the answer to the title question is that when it comes to color, I don't really think there is a "too much" zone. Okay, I guess I don't want to look like the product of rainbow vomit, but really, I like to mix it up. Kind of a lot. So, I featured these tights last week, on We Love Colors Wednesday, and then, I did a Ways to Wear Guest Post for Rochelle on Friday. This was one of the outfits I posted and I got quite a few compliments on it, via email. I decided to go ahead and give it a go. What do you all think? Too much for the work place? Remember that I don't have a strict dress code. And remember people have come to expect even more quirk from me than this little ol' outfit.

Really, when it comes to color, how much do you think is too much?

fuchsia blouse: Walmart, thrifted, from Rochelle!

grey dress shorts: New York & Company (tags still in.. can't decide)

scout green tights: c/o We Love Colors

shoes: Nine West, handed down from Whitney

necklace: The Body Shop

belt: New York & Company

p.s.- What do you think about the bangs to the side?

p.p.s.- Husband, I love you for making my legs look thin and my whole self look much, much taller than 4'11". Note to readers: These photos are total eye tricks. I have cottage cheese thighs. Even in tights.

Husband + Camera = visual miracles.

I hope everyone had a really nice Easter (and if you don't celebrate, I hope you had a great weekend)! We really enjoyed the time off of work and away from North Carolina. Friday, Husband worked on the car all day and Little S. and I rode around, looking at the tornado damage. It was devastating, but kind of awesome to see how neighbors were all rallying together to clean up the debris and make repairs. I cried. A lot. And then I prayed, thanking God that Husband's parents (a mere mile from where the tornado took down trees, houses and power lines) were safe and unscathed. Saturday, we took Little S. to the in-laws' church for an egg hunt. Because we weren't members, the munchkin didn't seem to get the same treatment as the rest of the kiddos. For instance, parents weren't allowed in the egg patch, so the church volunteers were leading the 1-4 year olds around to find eggs. No one knew S, so she was left in the dust. I hopped in to point some things out to her and was promptly yelled at. Don't worry, though. She found 14 goodies AND won a prize basket. Take that. Easter Sunday was the most fun. We woke up to amazing baskets from the Easter Bunny. Little S. got a beautiful wooden doll cradle, crafted by the Amish. She also got coloring books, reading books, the movie "Tangled," some adorable Spring outfits, and way too much candy. Husband and I shared a basket, mostly comprised of goodies from Harry & David (sesame garlic tortilla chips, pineapple salsa, moose munch, and Cold Stone flavored Jelly Bellies)! We each got a gift card, as well. Mine is to Kohl's, so I'm hoping to snag one of Lauren Conrad's new floral dresses before I make a surprise visit this weekend. After getting ready on Sunday, we headed to the Virginia zoo, where S was amazed by every single animal. She also only had ONE (count that, again) wet diaper ALL DAY. I was so proud. 

I was a good Momma and put sunscreen on Little S' sweet skin 4 times while at the zoo. I only put it on myself once. 

Sun: 1

Kimberly: 0

It's on.

Only two more days to enter the

Doe Run Jewelry Giveaway!

Guys, you get a CHOICE of which item you want to win.

Hello... DON'T miss out! Get your tushie over there, now!

*****

And don't forget to go enter the Biggest Giveaway EVER with Jackie Ranson Photography!

Today's the last day!

*****

One more! You have just 'til the end of this week to enter Heather's 100 Follower Giveaway over at Blonde... Undercover Blonde! DO IT!

Awkward & Awesome & Outfit Fail

Sometimes I think really hard about an outfit, have it all hanging up, properly layered on a hanger, jewelry included, and it looks awesome. Then, I get up a little later since I don't have to think about what I'm gonna wear, get dressed with my geniusly pre-planned outfit, and feel a bit disappointed when my master plan turned out to be a flop. Thank goodness for adorable, fashion-forward toddlers who are walking around, playing with the perfect shoes to compliment an outfit and make it a little better. Guys, I seriously couldn't decide on shoes this morning. I was so wishy washy about the outfit in the first place, and Little S. walked up with these shoes and all I could think was, "Kid, you are a genius." I'm still not pleased with the look as a whole, but the oxfords definitely made it better.

I did about two Awkward & Awesome Thursdays and got overwhelmed with other stuff, a while back. It's making a comeback, and Awkward & Awesome Thursday, hosted by Sydney, will be a regular weekly event around here, now!

grey dress: Old Navy

purple peasant top: Miley Cyrus/Max Azria for WalMart

powder blue cardigan: Old Navy, gifted by ML

studded oxfords: Ross (brand is worn), gifted by Rochelle

long beaded knot necklace: gifted by ML

short flower necklace: gifted by my aunt

Wow... I didn't buy a whole lot of this ensemble, huh?

Thanks for contributing to my wardrobe, everyone!

I'm always open to donations, btw.

Awkward:

- Taking outfit pictures outside of my favorite Mexican restaurant and hearing the security alarm going off on the inside... Yikes!

- Starting the P today and having a Mounds bar, S'Mores pop tart, and an iced Cocoa Cappuccino for breakfast. Hello, chocoholic?

- Having the Chair of my department comment on yesterday's outfit like this: "Wow! Look at those stockings! HOLY COW!" All I could think was, "Is this inappropriate?" But we totally don't have a dress code, really... 

- Signing up to get text updates from American Idol so I can vote... like a 13-year-old, then voting for Casey, Haley, and Lauren 30x, each.

Awesome:

- JLo's dress, last night! Hell yeah! I want it. Can someone work that out for me?

- We Love Colors. That is all.  

- We're going to Olive Garden for lunch, today! Woo!

- My boss' relationship with his wife (he brought her to work today so they could hang in his office). They are SO CUTE!

- Bloggy friends that are super extra supportive.

- Third day hair success! Extra yay!

Grab one of Sydney's adorable buttons and link up for 

Awkward & Awesome Thursday!

FBFF: You're Beautiful, It's True

Today's topic for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday is Beauty Products.

I have to admit, I'm definitely more into clothing and accessories than products, but as the days pass, I get more and more interested. I'm especially a fan of anything that will accentuate my blue eyes and long eyelashes. 

For more information on FBFF, to link up with today's questions, and to read everyone's answers, please visit Katy's blog, Modly Chic!

blazer: Christy Miller via TJ Maxx (or possibly Ross?)

polka dot top: Motherhood (and no, I'm not preggers. It's just cute!)

Adorablogger who IS preggers, though? ANDIE!

blue cami: Faded Glory via WalMart

skinnies: Charlotte Russe

blue bow flats: Gap (from Whitney)

gorgeous, sparkly necklace: Banana Republic (Christmas gift from ML!)

{one}

What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?
 

Well, I don't use many high-end products, just because I'd rather spend my "fun" money on clothes! So, most of my make-up is from the drug store, Target, or WalMart. I have to say that I'm a huge believer in 

L'Oreal's Voluminous Full-Definition Mascara in Black.

My favorite high(ish) end product is definitely my Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It's so buildable and goes on sheer, just like a tinted gloss. If you keep layering, though, it gives your lips a soft, beautiful, berry stain. I have to definitely give a big shout-out and THANK YOU to Louise, of Coffee & a Cardigan, for suggesting this product to me. I'm a lifer! I was SO afraid to wear lipstick until this one!

{two}

Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

YES! I'm addicted to face cleanser. Am I so weird, or what? Wait... don't answer that. While most women don't leave the house without their lipstick, gloss, or mascara (and trust me, mascara and C.O. Bigelow's methyl lip shine are definitely close to tie for second), I ALWAYS have some sort of skin cleanser or oil blotter with me! I have seriously oily skin, so I really like oil blotters, like the ones from Clean & Clear. They help control and mattify without taking make-up off, which I really appreciate. I also swear by Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser. It's changed my life.

{three}

What's the best hair product you've ever used?

I use Avon's ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Daily Shine Dry Ends Serum every.single.day. I curl, straighten, or blow dry my hair at least every other day, and this stuff is a smoother, anti-frizzer, softener, and shiner upper all in one. Love it!

{four}
Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that? 

Umm.. white eyeliner. Oopsie. When I was a cheerleader in high school, all the Varsity girls wore white eyeliner.ON the TOP lid.Well, at least I thought I was cool. In all reality, I think I looked like a sick little monster. Ahh, retrospect is a beautiful thing.

{five}

When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality? 

 I am really basic with beauty products. In the shower, it's shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I use the skin cleanser I mentioned above, and my make-up is generally very simple: a little blush, some gloss or lipstick (if I'm brave that day), eyeshadow, and mascara. The one thing I really do like to play around with is eyeshadow. I like to come up with different combinations, highlights, accentuate my crease, and play with colors that accentuate my blue eyes and yellow flecks around my pupils! I always try to make sure, if I don't have time for make-up, that I at least wear mascara. I'm thankful for my long, flirty lashes, and I never want to discount their ability to make me look awake, even if it's a fib.

Don't forget, friends! You have until MIDNIGHT, tonight, to enter my giveaway!

Hurry! Go! Do it!

And then have a WONDERFUL weekend!