Snapi in my Sequins!

"Look Momma, they snapped each other!"

I recently received a package of Snapis from Kitchen Happy.

They're cool serving utensils that look like a clam and can be used with one hand!

I was using my Snapi to serve food when the girls decided they'd make great toys.

"Now it's a sandwich!"  Princess Sparkles said as she linked them together.

"They look like those plants that eat bugs.  I got a bug!"

MATERNITY DRESS - Liz Lange for Target (hand-me-down)
GRAY JACKET - Old Navy, $6
SEQUIN SCARF - Charlotte Russe, free
BOOTS - Jeffrey Campbell, $75

I know, another Liz Lange maternity dress.  But I can't help it, I just love how comfy and cute they are.  And being almost 36 weeks, I really need that!  I paired it with an Old Navy jacket I found on clearance and a sequin infinity scarf (so I can link up with "Bloggers Do It Better") I got from Charlotte Russe for free!  I also wore my Jeffrey Campbell "skates," as Princess Sparkles calls them.

I'm really loving my new Snapis (you can get your here!).  They're easy to use, easy to clean, and I can serve food with one hand while wiping up a mess with the other.  With a third baby on the way I need something easy in my life.  And they can keep my kids entertained for more than 10 minutes, which in toddler time is almost forever!!!

BP Ginger Over-the-Knee Boots and a Wedding

This morning I heard humming coming from the other room. 

I found Princess Sparkles "dancing" with our giant Nutcracker (the one she didn't break in half).  She smiled and told me, "I'm going to marry the Nutcracker."

BROWN CARDIGAN - Forever 21
NAVY TANK - 369 (thrifted)
GRAY LEGGINGS - Forever 21
BLACK FEATHER HAT - Forever 21
OVER THE KNEE BOOTS - Nordstrom

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme in Posh Plum

I almost missed "Fashion Challenge: Neutrals Week," hosted by Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  I've just been so distracted with the holidays (hosted a "Naughty or Nice" Bunco party last night).  So today I decided I would wear every neutral they did this week in one outfit.  The black feather hat (Monday), the gray leggings (Tuesday) and the brown sweater (Wednesday) are all from Forever 21.  The cognac OTK boots (Thursday) are the ones I'm keeping since they're real leather and I love the color and style (it was between these and some faux leather ones from F21).  Finally, the navy tank (Friday) is thrifted from another mom's garage via craigslist!  Tomorrow's challenge is color, so I guess I could say my nails are purple!

A polka dotted bride, Princess Sparkles, with her Nutcracker groom and maid of honor, Pigtails 

Some naughty and nice treats (cupcakes and angel food cake) at my Bunco party

It was a major life decision, but I'm glad I finally chose a pair of OTK boots.  The F21 ones weren't that comfortable since they were the last pair left and a size too small.  The BP ones were leather, on sale for less than $100 and my friends wanted them (which of course makes them that much more desireable).  It's not quite as important as choosing a husband (aka Nutcracker), but pretty darn close...

***Linking up to: "What We Wore Wednesday" and...

Living Dolls

LEOPARD TOP - TJ Maxx
BROWN CORDS - Gap Maternity
NECKLACE, SHOES - Downtown LA
LEOPARD RING - Forever 21

This morning I emerged from the kitchen to find the girls in their toy box playing.  I wasn't sure what exactly was going on but they seemed to be amused and not fighting which are two very good things.  When I asked Princess Sparkles what she and Pigtails were doing she told me, "we are dolls.  And we are being very very still so you can't find us."  I laughed and asked why she didn't want me to find her and she said, "because you were mad at me for knocking over my cup."  Oops.  I felt a little bad about that one.

Little dolls, Sparkles and Pigtails

Today's "Inspiration Monday" from the ladies at Two Birds is Vanessa Hudgens in a brown-toned monochromatic leopard outfit.  I don't usually copy a look so closely, but I really liked it (though have to admit it didn't necessarily photograph all that well).  I was excited to put on my leopard top since this is probably the last time I can wear it for a while since the belly is growing quickly.  And I finally got to wear some cute fringy shoes I bought in downtown LA at the fashion district.

Anyway, I have to say I look forward to these days because I never have to think too hard about what to wear thanks to "Inspiration Monday."  In fact, I think I'd like to have someone else dress me sometimes.  Like celebrities and their stylists.  It'd be kinda like being a doll!

 

Living at Target - H&M Maternity Dress

GRAY MATERNITY DRESS - H&M
ARGYLE CARDIGAN - Old Navy
BRACELET - H&M
RING - Jewelry Party
BOOTS - Jessica Simpson

"Mommy, can we please live here?"  That's what Princess Sparkles said to me as we roamed through Target perusing the clothing clearance section eating our snacks (Sparkles had mac n' cheese and I had popcorn).  I replied, "You mean at Target?"  She smiled and gave me a nod.  I asked her why she wanted to live at Target and she told me, "so we can eat snacks, play with toys and do dress up!"  

The Princess of Target

I recently bought this dress for $10 on the clearance rack of H&M.  They have some of the cutest maternity clothes!  It's so comfy, kind of like wearing a big t-shirt.  I think I'll be wearing a lot of knee high boots this fall because I love them.  They're perfect for dressing up anything, from shorts to dresses. 

Honestly, Princess Sparkles might be on to something.  With the amount of clothing, albeit from the clearance rack, and all the groceries, presents and toiletries I buy from Target, we may as well live there!

Happy 4th Birthday, Princess Sparkles!

GRAY MAXI SKIRT - DKNY Thrifted
BROWN TANK TOP - Gap
WHITE BUG SWEATER - Purp7e
BROWN HEELS - Forever 21

NECKLACE - GS Lillian

"Don't worry, Mommy, I'll still be your baby.  Even when I go to kindergarten."  Princess Sparkles likes to reassure me that even though she's "almost grown-up" (she says she'll be a kid for one more year but when she's 5 she'll be a grown-up), that she'll still be my baby.  I can't believe baby's already 4-years old.  Time really does fly by when you have kids to gauge the time!

Yesterday I decided to wear a maxi skirt, a brown tank and a light weight white sweater with a little "bling" on the back.  Normally I'm terrified of bugs, but for some reason I gravitate towards sequin-y bugs if they're designs on my clothes.  I wanted to link up to Spunky Chateau's "Thursdays are for Thrifters" so I wore my thrifted maxi.  And I was thrilled to dress up my (once again) neutral casual outfit with another GS Lillian piece I just got in the mail yesterday!  Isn't this statement necklace gorgeous!!! (p.s. I just went to Shelly's blog so I could link to it and was surprised to see a picture of myself!  She so kindly posted my pic from yesterday since I wore her beautiful cuff!  Thanks, Shelly!).

Sparkles smells the roses

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to making today really special for Princess Sparkles.  My sister, Polka Dots, flew in from Hawaii to help celebrate.  We're going to go to visit my mom, Fair Isle, and stepdad, Henley (since they're Sparkles' favorite people ever).  We're going to take Sparkles for her favorite dim sum (she only likes eating the shu-mai and egg tarts), let her open presents, swim in the pool and have her favorite chocolate cake with plenty of frosting.

I can't believe my little girl is "almost a grown-up."  At least she still wants to be my baby.  Happy Birthday, Princess Sparkles!  Hope it's the best birthday ever! 

***Also linking up to "Monday Mingle" at Glamamom!

Lace Jacket, Jeffrey Campbell Boots and Lots of Bracelets

LACE JACKET - Forever 21

GRAY DRESS - Gifted

DENIM BELT - Style Xpress

LEATHER CROSSBODY BAG - Thrifted

EASE-UP ESPADRILLE BOOTS - Jeffrey Campbell

BRACELETS - see below

ARM PARTY

Right:

PEARL BRACELETS - made by a friend

WATCH - Michael Kors

GOLD LEATHER STUD BRACELET - Cara

WHITE LEATHER STUD BRACELET - Cara

Left:

BEADED BRACLETS - Forever 21

BROWN LEATHER GOLD CUFF - made by my mom

CREAM/GOLD MULTI STRAND BRACELET - H&M

"Mommy, you're wearing skates!"  That's what Princess Sparkles said to me when she saw me wearing my new pair of Jeffrey Campbell wedge booties (thanks to my sister, Polka Dots, for the belated birthday gift!).  I had to laugh because it actually didn't occur to me that they looked like skates but once she said it I realized she was right. 



My "Skates" - Jeffrey Campbell



Today's theme is "arm party," thanks to Pretty Shiny Sparkly's "Bloggers Do It Better" challenge.  I'm really excited to be trying my hand at bangles galore (speaking of Bangles, in elementary school I did a dance to "Walk Like an Egyptian" for a talent show...but anyway).  I've always wished I was a better accessorizer, but find myself usually keeping it simple.  So this was a lot of fun for me to try!

Because I was heavily accessorized, I decided to keep the outfit simple with neutral colors.  I was thrilled to wear my lace jacket again and finally got to wear a french dress (literally from France) my good friend, Fedora, gave me in a pile of hand-me-downs.  The purse was thrifted by my mom, Fair Isle, and the belt was only $.50 at a local store!!! 

Thrifted Crossbody Bag

Anyway, this summer has been a whirlwind.  Can't believe it's already August!  We've definitely been keeping busy with lots of activities.  Too bad my Jeffrey Campbell's don't have wheels on them, it'd make keeping up with my girls a heck of a lot easier!

***Linking up to Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday," "Bloggers Do It Better" and "Thursdays are for Thrifters" at Spunky Chateau

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! 

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!

Skinny Cargo Pants, Sequin Tank and Striped Cardigan - Inspiration Monday

OLIVE SKINNY CARGO PANTS - Old Navy
STRIPED CARDIGAN - Pretty Good
SEQUIN TANK TOP - Old Navy
FEDORA - Eugenia Kim for Target
DAISY STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21

Yesterday at Fedora's house, I found Princess Sparkles and her friends applying make-up on each other.  It was funny to hear them tell each other, "close your eyes" as they smeared lipstick all over each other's faces.  They looked like they belonged in the movie, "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" or clones of Robert Smith from the Cure.

Today's "Inspiration Monday" comes from Drew Barrymore.  Thanks to Two Birds for the link!  At first I was trying too hard to copy Drew's look, then I finally let go and did my own thing.  I decided to make my military piece be the skinny pants and did the stripes in the sweater.  And I went with a sequin tank (because everything needs a little bling!). 

Anyway, today I'm a little tired...as is Princess Sparkles and Pigtails.  Maybe too many activities over the weekend.  I better do as Princess Sparkles and her buddies do and apply some make-up (though not quite as heavy handed) so at least I look awake in Pigtail's baby class!

The White Out Trend - Bloggers Do It Better

WHITE EYELET SKIRT - Express
BEIGE BUTTON UP SHIRT - Old Navy
BELT - Forever 21
EARRINGS - Forever 21
SILVER/ROSE GOLD WATCH - DKNY

Charlotte Russe

BRACELETS
Gold Leather Wrap - Cara
Pearls - Gifted

NAIL POLISH
Sephora by OPI
How Many Carats?

Pigtails loves jewelry.  Not sure where she gets that :)  Just the other day we were in her "Mommy and Me" class when she took a slinky we were supposed to play with while singing, and turned it into a lovely bracelet.  It was actually a good idea and I appreciated her accessorizing.

After checking out a few posts from participants of "Bloggers Do It Better" hosted by Pretty Shiny Sparkly, I felt inspired to try out the "White Out" trend myself.  Okay, it's not exactly white out, but I did do all neutrals and tried to keep within the same vein.  I decided to go with a white eyelet skirt and a neutral button up shirt.  I also got to wear my amazing blush colored stilletos (thanks to Fancy, Fierce and Fedora for the lovely birthday gift!).  They kinda remind me of a ballerina.  Now all I need is the tutu!

I also linked up with "What I Wore Wednesday" on the Pleated Poppy. 

Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing with this outfit.  I did consider doing all white, but it's a little dangerous with my two girls.  I decided to keep the jewelry simple.  It's something I learned from Pigtails, "When accessorizing, less is more."  Unless, of course, it's a diamond, then more is more.