Over the Weekend

I didn't dress up over the weekend like I usually do. With strep throat, Saturday was kind of hellacious and I pretty much had to be dragged out of bed. But I did manage to put on something other than yoga pants for our "quick" errands to pick up veggies from our local CSA and return a few items from Old Navy.

Little did I know how BIG Saturday was going to become.

We ended up being out all day long and made a huge family decision. More to come on that this weekend, though. If you don't follow me on twitter, you'll just have to hold your breath for the surprise!

shirt: Old Navy

jeans: Charlotte Russe

shoes: Target

puka necklace: Some beach shop 9 years ago (beach week)

I also use the weekends for Little S. to wear her prettiest things, since she gets just as dirty and sweaty as I do on weekdays! Adore. Adore. Adore this little princess!

On Little S.

shirt: Old Navy

shorts: Target

bow: Target

shoes: Once Upon a Child, Consignment

I'd also really like to draw your attention to my friend, ML's most recent post over at Twenty York Street. She discussed blogger topics and how blogs change with the writer over time. I really enjoyed the post because I can definitely relate to morphing and changing the style and thesis of my blog while I'm going through a lot of my own life changes.

Check it out!

Thanks for such a great post, ML!

It's the Thought that Counts

I have to tell you the truth.

I'm not really wearing this.

But I was... I got dressed this morning, took Little S. to daycare, and then, on my way to work, something bad happened. I had some severe cramping that turned into a sharp pain in my chest. 

I had to pull over... 

And then I called my husband, boss, and doctor. In that order.

Then I called my dad.

I had an EKG and it came back fine. My blood pressure was skyrocketed. I don't know if it was high from the cramping I had or from freaking out about it- probably a combination of both.

Long story short- they're sending off some blood to do a bunch of testing, I have severe anxiety still, and I'm taking the remainder of the day off to rest and re-evaluate some things. Doctor's orders. Promise.

In theory, it was going to be a very pink and green, southern prep, cute day.

And now, I'm in my Old Navy grey jersey pants, yellow ribbed tank, and turquoise sweatshirt. 

Here's to you, Old Navy, for providing the best lounge clothes, ever.

satin and chiffon blush top: H&M

green, yellow, and pink tweed skirt: Thrifted

nude wedge sandals: Target

necklace: Banana Republic, gifted by ML

bracelet: gifted by Rochelle

It's the thought that counts, anyway, right?

I'm not tweeting or reading blogs 'til later tonight or this weekend. I haven't watched the royal wedding, yet, and I don't want it to be spoiled! Hope you all understand.

Now, I'm crawling into my bed with some hot tea and my laptop.

It's writing time. 

Hope you all have a nice Friday and weekend!

A Royal Blue Disco Ball for SBS Awareness

You may have caught my tweets and facebook requests asking you to wear royal blue, today. Maybe you didn't, but I'm asking you, here! Please wear one item of clothing or accessory in the color ROYAL BLUE before the end of April and email your photo to my dear friend, Happyness Magnet, at stateofmyheart {at} gmail {dot} com.

April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month and Happyness Magnet lost her 10-month-old daughter, Madilyne (Madi) when a licensed child care provider shook her to death. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is very serious and much more common that we think or would like to admit. If you are a pregnant mother-to-be, I plead with you to watch the video about SBS when you are in the hospital. Your nurse will give you the option. I said, "No, thank you. I would never shake my baby." And thankfully, I knew better. But some people truly don't and some people let their emotions, sleeplessness, and frustration get the best of them, leading to a time when they don't even notice what harm can be done by hardly a shuffle.

Happyness Magnet is bringing SBS awareness to the surface, discussing the risks with families across the country. Since the passing of Madi, my friend has created Shaken Baby Support, which as grown from 100 to 5500 families strong in five years. She organizes yearly vigils or families who have suffered a loss due to SBS, and will be streaming this year's event LIVE on April 15, 7 p.m. ET. For your friends, family, and loved ones, I ask that you tune in.

 image via

This post is in NO WAY meant to scare you. It's meant to help spread awareness and prevention. In support, I ask that you post this blue ribbon, in memory of children lost to SBS, on your blog for the month of April. If you want to link back to Happyness Magnet's story to help support her journey to peace of heart and success in educating families and supporting those who have lost children, I know she would be so touched.

sequined dress: Charlotte Russe

grey ruffle cardigan: New York & Company

black pumps: Bandolina via Ross, birthday gifted by Rochelle

long crystal bead and chain necklace: Christmas gifted by ML

lucky horseshoe necklace: Birthday gifted by Jen in college!

blogger bun that's mega huge: Inspired by THIS post of Collette's

I've been *patiently* waiting for an appropriate time/event to wear this sequined stunner to work. As soon as I read Happyness Magnet's post, asking us to wear royal blue in support, I knew this was the number to help bring awareness. What better way to raise questions and get a chance to speak when people are asking me why the heck I'm wearing a disco ball to the office? I got to wear my favorite dress AND I'm raising awareness everywhere I go, today. 

Take THAT for a win-win!

 

Last night, Happyness Magnet caught one of my pins on Pinterest, via a tweet. She wanted to buy me a dress I've been coveting for weeks. I declined and declined and hesitated, as my tweet was a sarcastic remark, like most things that come out of my mouth. When she told me, "You'd better send me your address or I'm not sleeping, tonight!" I adhered. She told me she wanted to celebrate my motherhood. During the wee hours of the morning, I was forwarded a confirmation email from Forever 21, including FIVE items from such a giving lady. All I could think was, "I am blessed. I don't know what to say..." I realized that I gave my dinner leftovers to a homeless man on the corner of the two busiest streets in town last night. And this was Karma... the good kind. So, pay it forward, my friends. And stay tuned for Pay it Forward posts in the future. I hope you'll all join me, not only in supporting our friend, Happyness Magnet, and all of the families affected by SBS, but also by making this little world of ours a happier place because of random acts of kindness.

It sure does feel good.

So wear your royal blue this month and please send an outfit photo to

stateofmyheart {at} gmail {dot} com

before the end of April.

Photo submissions will be used in a Royal Blue Roundup to help bring awareness to the blogging community! 

Pajama Project: Stone in Love

As many of you know, my friend Marilou over at Twenty York Street, as well as her friend Shawnette of Farmgirl Fashionista, have decided to co-host (quite literally) the EASIEST blog project, ever! Know what that means?

JAMMIES!

Yep, this feature is the Pajama Project and to find information, you can clickity click here!
And grabbity grab one of these uber adorable buttons:

Well, if you can't see Little S, at least you can see her toys!

tank: t-shirt shop where Hubs used to work

He screen printed "Stone in Love with Journey" on it for me to wear to a Journey concert!

pink plaid cotton pants: Anne Taylor LOFT, gifted by Jen

er... that's it?

And my book is "What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life," which was gifted by Whitney

I also wanted to share one of the DELICIOUS meals I made over the weekend:

Shells with Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Ricotta
I used whole grain elbows and fresh parmesan instead of shells and ricotta.
Celery Salad with Feta & Mint

I could eat that celery salad every single day for the rest of my life!

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!

The Front Yard of Opportunity

... or just my front yard. 

It's whatever, really.

But it's not whatever at all, actually. A ton of this blog has disappeared into cyberspace and/or my own personal external hard drive. I hate that cyber bully more than anyone can possibly understand. But what the hacker has done for me is allow me to take a good, long look at my life and priorities and I've been able to grab a little perspective on everything. I'm thankful that during the few days that I literally couldn't work on the blog, I was able to realize that I spend a lot more time writing in the evenings than I do sleeping... or doing laundry... or making lists of chores and meals (things I actually enjoy and need to be doing). I've sort of lost grip regarding the unmeasurables in life to a world that has become measurable by "how many, how much, how far, how long?"

This blog began as a motivational tool for me to get dressed in something other than sweatpants, after I gave birth to my daughter. It helped me cope with a lot of anxiety and "extra time" that I all of a sudden had after nursing and pumping for a zillion hours a day. And now? Now, this blog is still a creative outlet. It still motivates me to get dressed and document my life in a way I'd never have imagined. This blog is the nurturer of SO many relationships of which I'm extremely appreciative.

So, basically, thank you for helping me grow. Thank you for helping me through that craptastic hacking event from last week. Thank you for STILL being here.

And now, I'm going to thank you for continuing to be here while I try to re-find my niche as a personal style blogger, with a little more life perspective, and a little bit of a new outlook on what this place is gonna be like.

charcoal silk top: Banana Republic (so sweetly Christmas gifted by ML)

leopard cardi: APT. 9 via Kohl's

charcoal and light grey striped slacks: Old Navy

pewter buckle flats: from Whitney

necklace: Zales, Christmas gifted by Husband (2007)

earrings: Charlotte Russe

I know someone who needs to get that halo taken care of.

Holy roots.

OMG.

And two orders of business:

1. Please check out the sexiest blog giveaway, EVER, over at Lulapalooza!

Then pray that I win, 'cause ya'll know your girl needs a pick-me-up when Hubs starts working day shift, hopefully next week!a

2. My dear friend, Rochelle, is moving to Japan in a few weeks. She's going to be literally living out of a suitcase for the next month and she's having us VOTE on what pieces she should include in that suitcase!

Check out the choices and give a little insight, here!

3. Go 'head and drool over the lemon bars that Collette posted.

I'm going to the store for ingredients.

Like... now.

Mish Mash & Hodge Podge

OhMyGoodnessIHaveSoMuchToSay.

And this is going to be the most disorganized mash-up of zillions of stuffs, because if I don't update you on recently-ness, I'll forget everything. "Get a notebook!" say you? Pfft. That's such a good idea. But my notebook is currently full of an extensively reproducing list of smack to do in my big kid job.

So, basically, I hope you've had your morning cup of whatever it is that helps you focus. Because I'm seriously about to go all ADD on you. And because you puffy heart me, you'll like it. And because you know me, generally speaking, you also aren't at all surprised at the amount of smish smosh that's about to ensue.

There, I said it.

It's a random little disorganized week over here, at Fashion Momma!

First, I asked on Twitter, yesterday, if anyone would like to see what I came up with for the winner of my 300 Follower Giveaway! You said, "yes!" Oh my goodness, it felt so good to hear that "yes." I was worried I'd be standing like a reality TV star at the end of a show, asking you to marry me, and you'd leave me in the dust. Phew. I sent Caitlin's package out yesterday, so girl, if you're reading, DON'T PEEK (assuming you read before you looked at the giant pictures I'm about to post... because that's the average response). Diversion. Anyway... Caitlin got to choose two pairs of tights from We Love Colors, and she chose Brown and Light Tan! I didn't get photos of those, because my lovely friends at WLC shipped them straight from their location for me. Thanks! I got to pick up the Charlotte Russe gift card that Caitlin chose, and hand-pick three accessories. I kind of cheated and picked four. Oopsie.

teal butterfly scarf: Old Navy, long chain and hammered coin necklace: Old Navy, 

rhinestone cuff and bow rings: Forever 21

That's that. Yep. I throw awesome giveaways. It's true. You should probably get on the next one.

Oh my gosh. Did I just do a spoiler? Sorry for not adding "Spoiler Alert!" a la Perez Hilton.

*****

Now's where I ask for your advice. I need help with my skin, friends. Just recently, over the past few months, I've started to get some pretty severe breakouts on my face, chest and back. You might have noticed, because I don't edit them out of my photos. It's me. It's what's going on. Real life stuff over here, you know? I'm not embarrassed. I'm just really angry and frustrated. I've had my share of acne issues, but not really since high school. Barring a few breakouts in college that I couldn't get under control, things have been pretty calm since then. And then, KA-POW! I look like a hormone-infested teenager. Awesome. Sometimes I wear make-up and sometimes I don't. Sometimes I wear tops that cover my chest, and sometimes I don't. I'm not going to let this issue paralyze my style. However, I'm in pain. I feel like I'm experiencing rosacea on my cheeks and my forehead constantly looks like an oily heat rash. My cheeks, chin, jawbone, neck, and hairline are breaking out with semi-cysts, and my back and chest look like I was bitten by 50 mosquitoes. 

WHAT GIVES?? Please and thank you.

Oh, P.S.- I'm asking you because I can't afford the dermatologist, nor will I take acne medication. So, any other ideas? 

And just when you thought you'd never see an outfit from me, again, I'll pull through.

I do it out of love for you.

And obsession with clothes.

 blush tank: H&M

black cardigan: Old Navy

black slacks: New York & Company

blush flats: Ross (don't remember the brand)

gold, pearl, and rhinestone necklace: Banana Republic (Christmas gift from ML!) 

Okay, let's do a quick recap, since you've probably become half brain-fried by now.

1. Caitlin got some awesome stuff and I like doing giveaways.

2. PLEASE weigh in on my skin problems. I need your help!

3. I love feminine, simple, sweet outfits. Oh, and I wore this last Wednesday.

I promise to be more organized and less long-winded, tomorrow.

 

Romantic Side of the Tracks

I have a new wardrobe!

Okay, maybe I wouldn't necessarily go that extreme... BUT, my sweet friend, Rochelle, treated me to a post-birthday shopping trip on Saturday and she SPOILED ME ROTTEN. We had a set budget and hit the thrift store, Old Navy, and Ross! We were planning to head to New York & Company as well, but we just hit the jackpot everywhere we went and there was no need to get even more! So a big, giant thank you to Rochelle, for putting up with me (and Little S.), treating me to such a fun girls' day and very thoughtful gifts (not only did she take me shopping, BUT when I got to her house, there was a huge box of goodies waiting for me, there, too!), and helping me build a Spring wardrobe with some awesome pieces and SHOES!

Now that I have you on the edge of your seat, I know you're dying to see at least one of my new finds. Am I right? Am I right?! Lucky YOU, because I'm wearing TWO new things! And lucky ME, because 1) I'm extra comfortable, 2) It's going to be 77 degrees, today, and 3) My sweet husband rescued me from a trying morning and took some MORE beautiful pictures. I love you, babe! Thanks for making me feel like a super model. And you don't look so bad behind that camera, either. 

Who's jealous of my sexy photographer?

  floral dress: Old Navy (gift from Rochelle)

grey swing cardi: New York & Company

gold belt: Target clearance

flower necklace: gift from Marilou

blush rosette ballet flats: Rampage via Ross

 

Husband sure does have an eye for location. All of these photos were taken around the perimeter of an old, abandoned train station right near the university where I work. I love how the tough background offsets the flirty, romantic vibe of my outfit. I also love how I feel so uninhibited with my husband behind the camera. I normally feel like such a geek when I'm "trying" to pose for photos, but he makes me feel comfortable and natural. I'm so thankful for that.

 

Many of you have probably read Collette's AMAZING weight loss story, already. And I've been on my own up and down roller coaster since before Little S. was born. Today, I'm turning the page and moving forward with my own weight loss journey. With the help of my husband and SEVERAL amazing bloggy friends, like Melissa, Collette, Marilou, Kori, and Leigh, I have so much more faith in myself that I'm ready and it's TIME.

Birthday Weekend Round-Up

Everyone, I cannot thank you all enough for the sweet birthday wishes via email, twitter, and the blog. You  are so loving and supportive and I appreciate every.single.one of you. I'm sorry I haven't been around to read and comment over the past few days! I've been trying so hard to separate my virtual life and my real life and spend time with my friends and family for my birthday. It's official. I've turned 27. I was so afraid of the number for some reason, but of course, like any other year, I don't feel different. I feel happy and blessed and I feel ready to take on a new year of life. You all know I've had my ups and downs, lately, but I'm just a normal woman going through the motions of life, trying to thoroughly enjoy each day. Sometimes, I try too hard and that's what gets me sad. I can't manage to juggle EVERYTHING and I just can't figure out how to be perfect. No one is, though, and I don't have to beat myself up about every flaw and each second that I might have let pass me by. Life is here to be lived. Hello, year 27!

My best friend, Christina, came to spend the weekend with Husband, Little S. and I, and we played outside, drank margaritas (Little S. did not, I assure you), Christina did my hair (cut and loooowlights!), we exercised, and watched movies and caught my boyfriend, Eminem, on the Grammys. You may have seen my tweet, asking for 24 hours with Eminem for my 28th birthday present. I just wanted to round-up my weekend in a few photos for you. Yes, it's photo-heavy, but I couldn't help sharing some of my sweet memories with you all. Hope you don't mind!

Also, thank you to my amazing husband and mother-in-law for my brand spanking new camera! I'm still figuring it out and I have tons to learn, but I received the Canon PowerShot SX 30 IS as a birthday gift, and I have high hopes that it's going to help me to not only better the blog, but also capture some extremely special and beautiful family memories!

 navy bandage tank: WalMart

grey cardigan: New York & Company

jeans: Charlotte Russe

flats: Whitneyed

Check out this brassy blonde hair- and say, "Goodbye!"

That's right, tomorrow, I'll be debuting some trimmed, natural dirty blonde locks. I couldn't be happier for healthier hair that requires less maintenance! Thank you, talented best friend!

Special thanks to Marilou of Twenty York Street for featuring me in Twenty York Loves, yesterday! It was so thoughtful of her to air the post on my birthday!

And be sure to keep your eyes open for a special project launch with We Love Colors, this week!

And don't forget, it's time for Melissa's and Hope's awesome feature, Fabulous in February!

Link up on one of their blogs and share three things that you LOVE about yourself! This is a great way to get us all thinking positively and to show ourselves and each other that we are amazing and capable of extraordinary things!

1. I was scared to turn 27, but it's just a number, and I'm confident that this is going to be such an awesome year for me, because I'm strong enough to make sure it happens.

2. I'm a really good mother. Sometimes, I worry that if I do a load of laundry or vacuum a room, I'm going to miss out on something important. But things need to get done around the house, and I'm not going to miss a momentous occasion for walking to the laundry room and grabbing a pile of stuff to fold.

3. I have pretty hair. I wasn't loving it, lately, because it was getting long and scraggly and the color needed to be redone. But today, I conceded to nature and asked my best friend to dye it back to its natural dirty blonde color, then trim it. And she did a gorgeous job. I LOVE MY HAIR.