White Jeans, Blush Top and a Trip to the Fair

BLUSH BUTTON UP TOP - Motherhood Maternity
WHITE JEANS - James Jeans
BRONZE LOAFER WEDGES - Steve Madden (Thrifted)

Yesterday Camouflage and I dropped Pigtails off with my mom, Fair Isle, and took Princess Sparkles to the fair.  Princess Sparkles had so much fun riding all the kiddy rides, watching some dance performances (Ballet Folklorica and Hula), petting the animals and eating all the yummy snacks.  I was a little disturbed by all the fried food.  I had no idea you could (or should) fry butter, twinkies...or Kool Aid?!!! 

Fried "goodies" you can snack on at the fair

OUCH!  My arteries hurt.

Ballet Folklorica. 

Crazy ride that I would never go on.

Anyway, this is NOT what I wore to the fair (I wore shorts, tank, button up shirt, TOMS and a hat) but what I wore to church today.  For once I didn't choose a dress, but a billowy top with white jeans (***NOTE TO SELF, billowy tops aren't always flattering in photographs).  Only problem was after-church-food included strawberries and Pigtails kept getting them all over hands and trying to touch me.  I had to arm myself with a napkin and grab her hands before she could grab me and give them a good wiping!

Today is a nice lazy Sunday and for the rest of the day I can relax (which really means do laundry, but some relaxing too).  And it rained in the morning (okay, just a few drops, but still!).  Anytime it's a "rainy day" it gives me an excuse to stay inside and do nothing.  Haha.  But after the long day at the fair, I think Camo and I deserve a day of rest! 

Keeping It Simple with my Busy Scrapbook Dress



PURPLE PRINT DRESS - Scrapbook
BLACK WRAP BRACELET - Made by my mom
PURPLE FEATHER EARRINGS - Charlotte Russe
BLACK DENIM T-STRAP HEELS - Forever 21 (via TJ Maxx)



Princess Sparkles loves to cuddle with me.  The only problem is she also likes to rub it in with Pigtails.  She'll hug me then turn to her little sister and say, "my mommy."  Honestly, she wouldn't even have to say that because as soon as Pigtails sees me cuddling with Sparkles, she immediately wants to get in on the action.  Unfortunately the girls are not satisfied with being on each side, especially Pigtails, who likes to squeeze in between her sister and I so she can be the closest.

Yesterday I went simple and just wore a dress.  The nice thing about scrapbook dresses is they're so busy that you don't have to wear anything else, except maybe a couple accessories.  I have a couple more of these dresses, including a great one that I thrifted.  They're really comfortable and perfect for summer.

Another dress that I'm eyeing that has sort of a similar style to my Scrapbook one is made by my blog friend, Heidi.  Isn't this dress gorgeous?  She makes them out of recycled pillow cases.  And they're reasonably priced.  She has all sorts of great styles.  You can see more of her designs on her blog Heidi-and-Seek!

PILLOW CASE DRESS - Heidi-and-Seek

Anyway, we're off to the park today and then hopefully a little down time at the house.  Yesterday was a busy one...hence the lack of a post.  So hoping to keep today nice and relaxing.  Maybe I'll even squeeze in a cuddle or two...

2 Way Tuesday - Animal Print and White Denim



ANIMAL PRINT TOP - Bella D (via TJ Maxx)

WHITE DENIM SHORTS - GAP

TURQUOISE NECKLACE - Gifted

HEELS - Steven by Steve Madden 

BLACK SILK ORGANZA MIDI SKIRT - Thrifted
RAFFIA BELT - Forever 21
GOLD WEDGES - Charles David

CUFF AND WOODEN BRACELET - Heavenly Treasures

Pigtails cracks me up.  Because she's the second child in a very busy family, she has to find ways to make sure she gets attention.  One way is to yell "Mom!" at the top of her lungs.  It's really funny to hear a tiny little 17-month old screaming out "Mom!" like a crochety old man.  And it's not mama or mommy.  It's straight up mom.  And it's loud.

Pigtails "mowing" concrete

Today I decided to mix up my animal print shirt.  I love it because not only is it neutral and match with everything, but it's nice and cool as well.  In May I wore it with a long black midi skirt, which is definitely fancier, and today I decided to wear it with white shorts.  Perfect for running around in.

Anyway, gonna keep this one short.  Princess Sparkles went over to her friend's house so I have a few hours with just Pigtails and I gotta make the most of it.  Hopefully Pigtails will get more attention without Princess Sparkles around and the crochety old man in her will stay hidden :)

***Linking up to the Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday!"

Skinny Jeans, Neon Green and a Kimono Cardigan - Inspiration Monday

SKINNY JEANS - H&M
NEON GREEN TANK - GAP
GRAY KIMONO SWEATER - Thrifted
CROSSBODY BAG - All You Need
CLOGS - Charles and David

NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423

Monday's Inspiration:
Heidi Klum

Today while I was feeding Pigtails some melon for breakfast she caught a glimpse of a banana and decided that she wanted that instead.  So she held out her hand to my fork of melon, waved it and said "no."  It was just so funny I had to laugh.  Pigtails definitely knows what she wants (and what she doesn't).

"Inspiration Monday" from the ladies over at Two Birds is Heidi Klum.  I admire Heidi for her baby making abilities and kinda hate her for that awesome post baby bod.  I decided it's been a while since I wore some skinnies so I whipped out these $10 babies from the clearance rack at...no, not Target... H&M.  I decided to go with a neon green tank (just because) and this great thrifted kimono sweater my mom got me.  And check out the fabulous necklace I bought from Jaclyn1423!!!

I'm having a really good day because Jayme & Mendi from "Her Late Night Cravings" just emailed me that I won their giveaway!  I can't tell you how excited I am.  If you haven't already, check these ladies out.  They do these fabulous vlogs.  I especially love their advice on beauty products!

Anyway, I'm hoping to do a little thrifting with my mom, Fair Isle, and the girls.  I'm sure Pigtails will let me know exactly what she wants from the thrift store and maybe I'll even get another one of those hand waves and a "no," though knowing my luck there will probably be way more affirmatives.  But that's okay, I can buy her something instead of myself because I'm still on a super high from winning that fantastic giveaway!

Best Blog Award and Our Trip to Rhode Island

I was recently awarded the very sweet "Best Blog Award" from some of my favorite blog friends, Roxy Heart of "Fash-uh-nee-stah," Tiffany of "Breakfast with Tiffany," H from "H & K Style Journey," and Sophie from "Country Girl Does Norfolk."  Thank you all so much for the honor!  I really appreciate it!

7 RANDOM FACTS:  Here are 7 things I loved about our trip to Newport, Rhode Island

2. Blue Hydrangeas (I normally see only pink!)



1. Historical Mansions



3. Delicious lobster rolls!

4. The moon rising over the ocean at the wedding site (where they filmed "The Great Gatsby")

5. A clambake with a view - sunset from Goat Island

 

 

6. A Dancing Princess Sparkles

 

7. A Chowhound Pigtails

ANSWER QUESTIONS:

Favorite Color - purple

 

Favorite Song - lately i only listen to kids music :(  Sparkles likes "Itsy Bitsy Spider"

Favorite Dessert - warm chocolate cake...with ice cream

What's pissing you off - nothing...though i have a stomach ache which is a bummer.

When I'm upset - i cry.  i also try to talk it out with the person if it has to do with them.

Favorite Pet - Biscuit!  she was my yellow lab while i was growing up.

Black or White - white.  i love white pants especially.

Biggest Fear - something happening to one of my loved ones.

Best Feature - my teeth.  my dad's an orthodontist.

Everyday Attitude - happy though lately a little tired.  and i try to do too much.

What is Perfection - watching my two girls sleeping in bed next to me

Guilty Pleasure - Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars

THE BLOGS I AWARD:

Don't Call Me a Fashion Blogger - Francesca R

She always looks glamorous and has the best shoes and handbags!

Fashion for Giants - Gracey

She has the best pleated skirts ever.  Ever.

The Suburb Experiment - Jenn

She appreciates the art in shoes (like Jeffrey Campbells) and has the most stylish comfy shoes too!

Bon Chic Bon Garstronomique - Shea

Comfy, classic, fresh style...and food, she makes delicious food!

a Bug and Bird - Bug

It's so much fun to follow her life down under!

My Thrifty Closet - Mongs

So talented with the sewing machine and great at finding thrifty deals.

Avant-Garde Living - Jess

She always reminds me how fun life can be with her travels and inspirational words!

This Life, Redefined... - Tara

My fashion twin, we always buy the exact same outfits (from Target, nonetheless).

MinnChic - Rebecca

I love her casual, classic style (and the fact that she loves NKOTB!).

Silverstyle - Tammy

A great thrifter and proof that you can look fabulous at any age.  A true inspiration!

Watch Me Dress - Mrs. J

Colorful thrifty style and always wearing the best jewelry!

Working Mom's Closet - Mel

Fun outfits that are perfect for work, she literally does it all!

Uphill and Smiling - Lacy

A "super mom" (even though she'd never admit it), she's always real and greatly inspires me!

Baby Budget Blog - Amy

Amazing fashion sense and the most clever beautiful fashion photos!

Gingham Shirt and White Jeans - Thrifty Thursday



GINGHAM SHIRT - Lauren by Ralph Lauren (Thrifted)
BLACK SWEATER - Motherhood Maternity
WHITE JEANS - James Jeans
EARRINGS - Amrita Singh
BLACK STUDDED CLOGS - Forever 21

Princess Sparkles is very excited because next month she will get to be the flower girl in my cousin's wedding.  I asked her what she will be doing at the wedding and she told me "dance."  You see, since Princess Sparkles has been able to walk she's been dancing at weddings.  She can go all night and she really loves dancing with the bride and groom!

Sparkles in her flower girl dress

Today is a very Thrifty Thursday since it's "Thursdays are for Thrifters" over at Spunky Chateau and "Thrift" day for Everybody, Everywear.  They're making it easier for me since they have the same theme and I don't have to worry about combining challenges.

I decided to wear my thrifted Ralph Lauren gingham shirt with white jeans and a sweater.  I was so excited when I found this shirt because I love gingham and the bright blue color is perfect for year-round wearing.  And it's petite which means the sleeves actually are the right length!

Anyway, I love thrifting.  There's no bigger high than finding a treasure for a really great deal.  And for a shopaholic like myself, thrifting is a budget friendly way to do what I enjoy and not go broke!  Even Princess Sparkles likes thrifting, though probably not quite as much as dancing at weddings!

Military and Florals - A Remix and A Winner

MILITARY JACKET - Old Navy
FLORAL DRESS - Tracy Feith for Target
PINK BELT - Thrifted
PINK WEDGES - Seychelles 

How I Wore The Military Jacket in May:
RED SKINNY JEANS - Little Big
BLACK STRAPPY WEDGES - Colin Stuart

Yesterday we spent the day at the Santa Monica beach near the Annenberg Beach House.  It was so perfect for the girls.  You could park close, they had a cafe, a play area, a bathroom, a fountain and a pathway that went all the way out to the ocean!  The pathway was amazing because I could put the girls and all our stuff in the stroller and go all the way out to the water without getting stuck in the sand.

Pigtails enjoying the fountain

The girls had so much fun.  Princess Sparkles enjoyed collecting tiny little shells, while Pigtails ate tons of sandy food and loved putting her feet in the waves!  Another great part about this beach is after they enjoyed the beach and all it's sand, they could "rinse off" in the fountain.  The girls loved splashing around!

I was so inspired by last week's summer trends challenge from Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki that I decided to do "military" and "feminine" again with my Old Navy jacket and Tracy Feith for Target floral dress I got on the clearance rack for $10. 

Finding another Target designer dress on the clearance rack in my size was just about as cool as finding a pathway that leads all the way out to the beach (and it's probably just as rare too!).

4th of July Giveaway Winner - Florence of Fantail Flo!

***Florence, send me an email (spinningthreads@gmail.com) with all your information so we can send you your necklace!

 

p.s. thank you to all my new followers!  I really appreciate you visiting my blog.  Even if you came just for the giveaway, I really hope you'll stay for the blog as well! 

Madras Skirt, T-shirt, and Gingham Wedges - Inspiration Monday

MADRAS SKIRT - CAbi
GRAY T-SHIRT - California Vintage
RED BELT - Thrifted
WHITE BRACELET - Cara
WHITE WATCH - Sprout
GINGHAM WEDGES - Payless

Monday's Inspiration:
America Ferrera

We're back!  We actually made it to and from Rhode Island!  I did have a small breakdown in the airport when United Airlines told me they couldn't change my seats (we all were assigned middle seats, including my 3-year old, and myself with the lap infant).  But at the last moment, they arranged it so we could sit together.  Phew!  Please just make sure to follow up with the airlines, because even if Orbitz says you can "pick your seats," it does not mean you actually have them.

My girls were good though, and by some miracle, they both fell asleep on the plane and it was actually a pleasant trip.  I even got in a quick nap and was able to read my book!  We had such a nice trip, and it was a gorgeous wedding.  I'll definitely do a post with some pictures of Newport and the fun activities we experienced!

Today is "Inspiration Monday" from the ladies at Two Birds.  I really liked todays pick, it's America Ferrera and she's wearing a cute A-line skirt with a t-shirt.  How fun!  I chose to wear my madras skirt and a gray t-shirt I got at Nordstrom Rack quite a few years ago.  And because I love to mix patterns, I decided to go with the red and white gingham wedges!

Anyway, I love having inspiration for outfits.  It makes getting dressed fun and easy, unlike sitting on a plane with a squirmy infant and a 3-year old who needs to pee and there's a huge line of people!

HEART NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423
(this necklace would go perfectly with my outfit!!!)


***Last day to join my giveaway!  Thanks to everyone who participated!  I'll be announcing the winner on Wednesday!  And don't forget your discount if you shop Jaclyn1423... 14spinningthreads23!

Wearing Neutrals - Maxi Skirt

MAXI SKIRT - Thrifted (Thanks, Fair Isle!)
TANK TOP - Made by my mom
INFINITY SCARF - Made by my mom
BROWN AND GOLD CUFF - Made by my mom
CREAM AND GOLD BRACELET - H&M
BELT - Furla (Vintage)
GLADIATOR WEDGES - Dolce Vita for Target

Recently, Princess Sparkles went with me to a gynecologist appointment.  Of course being almost 4, she's full of questions.  The first thing she sees when she walks in is a huge poster of all the female anatomy.  She immediately focuses on one body part in particular, points and asks, "Mommy, what is that?"  I tend to talk to Princess Sparkles as if she was an adult, so I responded, "that's a vagina."  She was very interested and proceeded to help the doctor do my check-up.  I think Princess Sparkles saw a lot more of her mommy than she's used to.

Anyway, I'll be in Rhode Island for a wedding when this post is published on Friday, but I just wanted to participate in "Bloggers Do It Better" from Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly, and the "Go Neutral" challenge from Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  I'm excited to combine the two challenges and I'm thrilled that my mom, Fair Isle, thrifted this maxi skirt for me and it's in a neutral color! 

I love maxi skirts!  Not only are they classy but they're also super comfortable.  And unlike a mini skirt, shorts, or a trip to the gynecologist, you don't have to worry about someone seeing more of you than they're used to!

***Enter my giveaway and get 15% off when you shop at Jaclyn1423 with code 14spinningthreads23!

Daytime Sparkle - Sequin Dress, Denim Jacket and Booties

SEQUIN DRESS - MM Couture
DENIM JACKET - Gap
BOOTIES - Charlotte Russe
PINK CUFF - Made by my mom
PINK TURQUOISE NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423

Sequin detail on my dress

Since Pigtails now goes to Moms Day Out, today I actually had some alone time.  Okay, not really alone, but I didn't have to drag the kids around with me.  And I got to do something I rarely have the opportunity to do... get a haircut!  Afterwards I made a quick stop by the mall and then went off to pick up the girls.  I will say seeing their little faces after a morning away is always so nice.  They light up when I walk in and run to give me a hug.  It's so sweet!

Today I'm doing "Sparkle for Day," another Summer Trends Challenge from the lovely ladies at Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  I haven't worn this sequin dress in forever but I do kinda love it because despite it's bling it's actually pretty casual.  I decided to dress it down with a denim jacket and some booties.  For color I went with pink, and the gorgeous necklace Jaclyn sent me from her etsy shop, Jaclyn1423 (don't forget you can get a 15% off discount with code 14spinningthreads23!).

Anyway, tomorrow is our big trip.  We had a bunch of drama with the airline (basically our assigned seat mysteriously went to other people).  So I'm a tad stressed since we're traveling with the girls.  But I know it'll workout somehow and I'll get through it...I hope.  I definitely needed a little sparkle in my life today, not only from my dress but from those cute little faces that come running to me when I pick them up!

***Please enter my giveaway here.  Thanks!

2 Way Tuesday - Yellow Cardigan

WHITE DRESS - Lucca
YELLOW CARDIGAN - Gap Outlet
BLACK BELT - New York and Co.
NUDE COMBAT BOOTS - Trouve

  


Here's how I wore it 2 weeks ago:
MAXI DRESS - Calypso St. Bart for Target (thrifted)
TURQUOISE NECKLACE - Gifted from Hawaii

  Today I dropped Princess Sparkles off at gymnastics and went with Pigtails to get my eyebrows threaded.  We are all flying to Rhode Island on Thursday for a wedding and I wanted to get them done.  Pigtails, having been left lately (Sunday school, Moms Day Out, with grandparents) has been clingy with me and feared that I once again was leaving her at the eyebrow place so she cried.  Anyway, she ended up sitting on my lap as the lady quickly maneuvered around my bushy mess I call eyebrows.

"Eyebrow Threading Export"
I guess they could be exports since the women there are from Nepal!

 I originally came up with another outfit for today's "military and feminine" challenge, thanks to the ladies over at Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki, but because it was also "Everybody Everywear," I had to change up my outfit idea.  I decided to go with a white dress with black and eyelet details, a yellow cardigan and my nude combat boots that I adore.  I've been meaning to try the color combo after I saw Tara from This Life, Redefined... rocking it!

Anyway, this week of fashion challenges is exciting.  Today I'm doing 3 different ones.  But I'll tell you what's not so exciting... the upcoming flight to Rhode Island that Camo and I are taking with the girls.  I know I shouldn't let it stress me out, but it does really bug me when parents who can't remember their kids used to do the same thing on a plane give me the evil eye (even when the kids haven't done anything yet!).  The flight is a challenge I'm NOT looking forward to!

***Enter my giveaway and get 15% off when you shop at Jaclyn1423 with code 14spinningthreads23!

Mixing Prints - Stripes and Florals

FLORAL DRESS - Old Navy
STRIPED BLAZER - Loft
PINK SHOES - Seychelles
WATCH - DKNY
LARIAT - Gift (Thanks, Lashes!)

Today I took Princess Sparkles and Pigtails on a watermelon tour at Tanaka Farms.  It was an hour away but it was so worth the trip.  The girls had so much fun riding in the cart pulled by a tractor as we got to stop and try the freshest vegetables and fruits along the way.  Pigtails even ate a raw green onion bulb, which really surprised me.  I've never seen the girls eat veggies like this, let alone raw ones!  I think it was worth driving and paying for the tour just to have the girls eat fresh, organic vegetables!

Pigtails enjoying melon

This week is going to be a fashionably challenging one.  Literally.  There are so many fashion challenges going on that I actually have to try and do two at the same time on a few of the days!  But I have to say it does make getting dressed a lot of fun. 

Since I did "Inspiration Monday" yesterday, I went with the "Summer Trends" challenge presented by Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki, of mixing stripes and florals.  I went with my Old Navy floral dress that I got on clearance for $6 and the striped jacket from the Loft which I've really come to adore.

Anyway, I gotta say even though it's not always easy to participate in these link ups and challenges, I do always have a good time and in the end I'm so glad I did it.  Kind of like taking the girls out on a tiring but fun day of eating vegetables!

***Enter my giveaway and get 15% off when you shop at Jaclyn1423 with code 14spinningthreads23!

White Blazer, Striped Shirt, Capris and Loafers - Inspiration Monday

WHITE BLAZER - Forever 21
STRIPED SHIRT -
WHITE WATCH - Sprout
BLUSH/NUDE LOAFERS - Target

Monday's Inspiration:
Kate Moss

Princess Sparkles always wants macaroni and cheese and nothing else.  It's just a known fact.  But I don't always make macaroni and cheese (and neither do the people we visit), so I always tell Princess Sparkles to try "one bite" of her food.  If she doesn't like it then she doesn't have to eat it but she has to at least try it.  She usually obliges and often times finds that she actually likes the food that she's given.

I have to say I was quite intimidated by Two Birds' "Inspiration Monday" choice for the week.  Kate Moss is the epitome of style and I knew I had nothing that would even come close to those super cool striped capris and that fabulous blazer she was wearing.  But I thought I should at least try to find an outfit even if it wasn't as great as Kate's. 

I decided to keep with the stripes theme and wore a striped tee, along with capris and my summer staple, the white blazer.  Oh, and I'm also wearing my favorite new blush/nude loafers I got at Target on sale!!!

Anyway, I have to admit, I wasn't feeling super inspired by my own outfit.  It's not that I didn't like it, it's just not Kate Moss.  But hey, I gave it a try and that's all I can ask for, right?

***One more week to enter my giveaway!  Thanks for participating!

Floral Dress and Denim Vest - Inspiration Monday on Friday!

FLOWER DRESS - Belle Du Jour (Thanks, Polka Dots!)
CROCHET BELT - a local boutique
DENIM VEST - American Eagle
GREEN WEDGES - Seychelles
GREEN FEATHER EARRINGS - Charlotte Russe

Monday's Inspiration:
Gwyneth Paltrow

Princess Sparkles asked me two things today.  "What is that diamond out there?"  It was a gymnasium in the shape of a pyramid which I equated to one of her TV shows and she totally knew what it was.  And she asked, "what is directing?"  I told her it was when you tell someone what to do.  I always appreciate her questions because she always keeps me on my toes!

Today I think I'm finally going to link up to "Inspiration Monday."  I know, it's Friday, but it's been a long week.  I'm actually wearing a dress I stole from Polka Dot's closet (my little sis) and I paired it with my favorite denim vest (I love a vest because it always seems to make me look slimmer) and green Seychelle wedges I got at a warehouse clearance sale a few years back.

Anyway, I better get the girls ready for swimming lessons.  It's always a challenge to take them to the pool because Pigtails is everywhere.  Princess Sparkles may test me mentally, but Pigtails literally keeps me on my toes!

***Happy weekend!  Please enter my giveaway.  Thanks!