70's Inspired - High Waist Bell Bottom Jeans and a Purple Polyester Tie Top

HIGH WAIST BELL BOTTOM JEANS - iT Jeans
PURPLE POLYESTER TIE TOP - Hot and Delicious (hee hee)
RED SKINNY BELT - Thrifted (Thanks, Mom!)
RED/BLUE/PINK PLATFORM HEELS - Charlotte Russe

Pigtails is a voracious eater.  When she likes something she will shove the entire thing in her mouth so she can immediately ask for more via sign language (since she can't talk with her mouth that full).  She also likes to double fist.  One is never enough for her.  She needs to have one in each hand.  Pigtails also is a very messy eater.  Things tend to fall out of her mouth and into her hair, her lap, the floor, her face, my shirt.  I don't know how she does it but she can make a mess out of anything and everything.

"After this I'm gonna touch my

mommy and stain her clothes"

I decided to wear a 70's inspired, berry-colored outfit to church today in honor of "berry" day (which technically was yesterday) to culminate fruit week from the ladies at Meagan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  These high-waist jeans are sort of awesome because they're basically Spanx in pant form.  The great thing about the top is that despite the belly having to spill out somewhere, the top bubbles just in the right place to obscure all of that.  It's perfect.  I can see why everyone looked so tall and thin in the 70's!!!

I will admit though, this outfit is not the most comfortable (surprised?  How we suffer for fashion...) and I had to come home and immediately change back into my pajamas.  And another thing I've found?  Polyester, despite looking cute and not wrinkling, has it's downfalls.  Not only does it not breathe (just don't sweat and you might be okay), but it stains really really easily.  So of course at snack time following church, I tried to push Pigtails and her foody hands away from me, but she still managed to get me good.  Sigh.  Guess that's motherhood. 

Color Blocking, Menswear Vest and 1970's Vintage Enamel Jewelry

GREEN/BLUE DRESS - Thakoon for Target
BLACK MENSWEAR VEST - CAbi
BLACK BELT - New York and Company
BLACK STRAPPY WEDGES - Colin Stuart
GREEN BELT (worn as necklace) - Vintage (my mom's)
BLUE ENAMEL CLIP EARRINGS - Vintage (my mom's)
YELLOW CUFF - Made by Mom

***PRINCESS SPARKLES - wearing a drawing of her face around her neck

Today Princess Sparkles rode around on her tricycle picking blackberries and eating them one at a time.  She had to ride around the corner to the other side of the house to pick the berry then ride all the way back around to wash and eat it.  It seemed a little inefficient and time consuming to do it one at a time, but my mom, Fair Isle, said she thought it was good for Princess Sparkles to appreciate each of the blackberries.

The "Fruit Week" inspiration for Friday from Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki is kiwi, so I decided to wear a little green.  This is one of the 10 dresses (yes, I'm exaggerating...a little) I got from Target when the designer dresses went on clearance for $10.  I almost returned it because I was feeling guilty for buying so many, but then it was so comfy and different than all the others! 

It was quite the challenge changing up the dress though.  So I decided to play with the color blocking by adding black accessories.  Fair Isle also had some fabulous enamel jewelry from the 1970's.  The earrings and the necklace (really a belt) are vintage pieces she owned way back when.  And the yellow cuff is something my mom made.

Anyway, I think it is important to appreciate things.  I'm sure the blackberries tasted extra special to Princess Sparkles after triking all the way around the house to get just one.  I sort of feel the same way about my designer Target dresses.  I had to wait to get them on sale, but finding them for $10 (and being able to get 5 for the price of 1) really made them extra special!

Going Bananas - Yellow Shorts and a Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffin Recipe

YELLOW SHORTS - Necessary Objects
CASHMERE SWEATER - Banana Republic (Thrifted)
TAUPE STRAPPY HEELS - Steven by Steve Madden
FAUX SNAKESKIN CLUTCH - Last Chance Boutique
NECKLACE - Heavenly Treasures
WOOD BRACELET - Heavenly Treasures

Princess Sparkles had her "Spring Sing" today.  Basically parents and their preschooler sit in a circle and sing songs.  I accidentally left the printed up words at home so we had to "wing it."  You know, how you sort of say the words slightly after everyone else and/or try to guess what the next words are going to be?  And forget the tune, you just go with something neutral (unless you get lucky and it's a tune you know).

I was having a little difficulty choosing today's outfit.  Partially because I was trying to accomodate two link ups ("Fruit Week" hosted by Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki, and "Thursdays are for Thrifters" hosted by Spunky Chateau) and because I just wanted to be comfortable.  I decided to go with shorts because they're comfy and I just got these cute things at Loehmanns a few weeks ago.

Anyway, in the end I was able to "wing it."  I took a little inspiration from some of the other participants, threw on a pair of yellow "banana" shorts, and a thrifted cashmere sweater (I know, not really spring/summer, but then again, isn't cashmere considered year-round?).  I also kept everything neutral.  Basically I found that putting this outfit together was kinda like singing songs you don't know!

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL MUFFINS

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups flour (I often do 1/2 wheat, 1/2 all purpose)
1 cup quick cook oats
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil (can substitute apple sauce for oil too)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 banana, mashed up
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.  In another bowl beat egg, then add milk, oil and vanilla.  Add the mashed up banana.  Add the dry mixture in and stir until just combined.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Grease muffin pan and spoon batter in (should make 12 muffins).  Cook at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Plaid Shirt Dress and Purple Jacket

PLAID DRESS - Project E Vintage
PURPLE JACKET - the Loft
CROCHET BELT - Forever 21
GREEN WEDGES - Seychelles

Today was Pigtails' first day at "Moms Day Out" (where they play, do art and have lunch for 4 hours).  I've been dropping off Princess Sparkles there for a few years, but this was the first time I was going to take Pigtails, so I had a bit of anxiety.  Would she be okay playing with all the bigger kids?  Would she cry when I left?  Would she cry the whole time?

The funny thing is, Pigtails had no anxiety whatsoever.  Just her mommy.  When I dropped her off and said goodbye, she just smiled, grabbed some toys and took them outside.  I mean, no fake tears just to make me feel good about myself.  Not even a wave.  Nothing.  She was having the time of her life.  She loved her independence!

Anyway, decided to wear a plaid shirt dress I wore when I first started blogging (it could be 2 Way Wednesday!!!) and a purple jacket I got during a big sale at the Loft.  I noticed on some other blogs they were doing "Fruits Week" hosted by Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  I decided to participate and wear some purple (today's fruit is grape)!  It's also "What I Wore Wednesday" at Pleated Poppy!

So I'm still feeling snubbed by little Pigtails, but happy she enjoyed herself.  I too enjoyed the day shopping (and didn't buy anything - yay!).  I also enjoyed riding an escalator (you always have to take elevators with the stroller), sitting on a bar stool eating lunch in peace, and browsing without anyone complaining.  It was fabulous.  I guess Pigtails wasn't the only one enjoying her independence!

2 Way Tuesday - Blue Pattern Skirt and Chambray Shirt

BLUE SKIRT - Kimchi Blue
CHAMBRAY SHIRT - American Eagle
BELT - Forever21
SHOES - Seychelles
CUFF - Made by my Mom

This is how I wore this skirt last month...

 Princess Sparkles is really good at rewearing things from her closet.  In fact, she tends to have one favorite piece and she'll wear it almost everyday all day until I force her to take it off so I can at least wash it.  For a while it was her yellow princess dress.  Then a pink furry sweatshirt.  She's always obsessed with her red sparkle shoes, her crown, her headbands and necklaces.  Her current obsession is her gold tutu skirt.  I can't say I blame her.  It's pretty fabulous.

Anyway, I've been feeling like I don't rewear my clothes often enough on my blog.  I'd really like to start utilizing my closet to the fullest, because I actually do like my stuff!  I find that I appreciate my clothes most when I do a "3 Ways to Wear" post or during a "30 Day Remix."  So in order to start being better about rewearing my closet (and not buying new clothes), I've decided to do "2 Way Tuesdays" where I'll be remixing a piece that I've already posted about!

Today I chose my blue scarf patterned skirt.  I'm not sure why, I just felt like it.  Anyway, instead of wearing it with a cardigan and tank I chose a chambray shirt to change it up.  But I did keep with the pop of pink.  I like how it looks with blue!

I have to say, I can learn a lot from Sparkles about appreciating my closet.  I only wish I could wear my clothes out the way she does.  Hopefully this "2 Way Tuesday" will help.  And honestly, if I had a gold tutu skirt like hers, I'd probably wear it everyday too!

Mixed Print Scrapbook Dress, Military Jacket and Fringe Purse - Inspiration Monday

MIXED PATTERN DRESS - Scrapbook
MILITARY JACKET - Nick & Mo (similar)
LEATHER CUFF - Made by my Mom
SUNGLASSES - Ralph Lauren (similar)
OPEN TOE BOOTIES - Charlotte Russe
FRINGE PURSE - Last Chance Boutique (similar)

THE INSPIRATION:

Emma Stone in Joie Dress



Princess Sparkles wants a pet.  Unfortunately her mommy is allergic to almost every kind of animal with fur, feathers or scales (okay, not scales, but I don't really love snakes unless they're a pattern on my shoes...or belt...or handbag).  So Princess Sparkles improvises by taking a stuffed animal and carrying it around in it's "pet box."  It makes her happy and it makes me happy to know she can work with something she already has.

Princess Sparkles' "Pet Box"

Today's "Monday Inspiration" from the ladies at Two Birds is Emma Stone.  I liked the dress, though didn't have anything like it with geometric shapes (how can that be?  Maybe I need to go shopping!).  So instead I wore this semi-floral/semi-tribal print dress.  And because it didn't really look great with the motorcycle jacket I have, I decided to go with a military one.  Okay, so maybe it's not at all like Emma Stone's outfit.  But I did wear boots!

Anyway, I really was inspired by the picture.  It got me thinking.  And so I improvised, coming up with an outfit I might've not thought of otherwise.  I guess I too am quite capable of working with what I got!

3 Ways to Wear Pastel Blue Linen Sailor Pants

"MONOCHROMATIC"
PASTEL BLUE LINEN SAILOR PANTS - Derek Heart
BLUE SHEER COTTON SWEATER - Rogan for Target
PINK CUFF - Made by my Mom!
WHITE WATCH - Sprout

"PREPPY"
STRIPED CORAL SHIRT - Old Navy

"RELAXED"
LAVENDER COTTON TANK - Banana Republic
CREAM PASHMINA - JC Penney

Princess Sparkles recently learned how to do "butterfly kisses" and "eskimo kisses," and now her new thing is to make up other ways to give kisses.  She's very creative and has given "chin kisses," "eyebrow kisses," even "hand kisses."  I just enjoy kisses.

I decided to do a "3 WAYS TO WEAR" post on my BLUE LINEN PANTS because I wasn't sure what to wear them with.  I did a "monochromatic" version with a loose sweater.  Then I did a "preppy" version with a lightweight button down.  Finally I did a "relaxed" version with a semi-sheer lavender tank (found it in Polka Dot's closet!).  I found that what works best with these linen pants is to wear something sheer, lightweight and similar toned (pastels).

The thing I like about these linen pants is they remind me of being on vacation.  Unfortunately we're not going anywhere for Memorial Day Weekend.  So no "goodbye kisses" for us!  But if I'm going to be home on a holiday, then by golly, at least I'm going to dress like I'm on vacation!

3 Ways to Wear a Poncho and Artichoke Rice Salad Recipe

STRIPED PONCHO - Cejon Accessories (Thrifted)
FLARED JEANS - J Brand
WHITE TANK TOP - Old Navy
STRETCH BELT - gifted from White Elephant exchange
NAVY/RED/PINK HEELS - Charlotte Russe

Thursday is always trash day in our neighborhood and one of Princess Sparkles' favorite things is to wave at the garbage man and watch him dump our bins into the back of his truck.  She even told me, "I want to be a garbage man when I grow up." 

I decided to wear my thrifted poncho today since it's "Thursdays Are for Thrifters" over at Spunky Chateau.  I saw the colors and the fringe on this and knew I had to have it.  I wasn't exactly sure how I'm supposed to wear it, so I tried it a few different ways.  The only bad thing about this is it's not easy to clean.  I hand washed it and so much red dye came out that I probably could've dyed an entire dress with the leftover water!

I love going thrifting.  Not only is it an inexpensive way to get my shopping fix, but you can actually get some really unique pieces!  And although someone else might consider an item of clothing "trash," to you it could be the best thing ever!

*** DISCOUNTS:  GAP has 40% off everything in store for Memorial Day weekend.  Nordstrom's semi-annual sale for women and kids is going on now.

I also wanted to share a recipe.  I made a quick and easy one dish dinner that looks fancy but is so simple! 

ARTICHOKE RICE SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

1-16oz can of marinated artichoke hearts (save liquid)
1 lemon (medium size, juiced)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

3 cups cooked white rice (I use calrose/japanese short grain)
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (you can use fresh tomatoes too but seed them)
1 cup green onion, chopped (or red onion if you like it strong)
1-6oz can of black olives (I mixed with green spanish olives too)
1-7oz can of tuna, drained (or you can replace with chicken if you don't like tuna)
1/4 cup nuts (I used slivered almonds which I roasted, but you can also use pine nuts)

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl mix together artichoke liquid, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.  Add in the remaining ingredients and gently mix.  Let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, then cover and chill in refrigerator until serving.

Mixing Bright Colors, Prints and Everything You're NOT Supposed to Do




FUSCHIA JERSEY DRESS - Velvet
YELLOW CARDIGAN - Gap
BLUE HANDBAG - Linea Pelle for Target
MULTI-COLORED WEDGES - Cynthia Vincent for Target

 

Pigtails loves to get into mischief.  This morning, she woke up before everyone else so I took her out to the living room and I lay down on the couch.  I was starting to fall asleep and realized it was much too quiet so I forced myself up and found Pigtails on Princess Sparkles' bed playing with all her Yo Gabba Gabba dolls.  Then this afternoon, Princess Sparkles, who NEVER naps, fell asleep in the car so I put her down on the rug.  I went to get some laundry and came out to find Pigtails, with a huge smile, leaning over Princess Sparkles whom she had "dressed up"  with a hat!

Today I was in a rush to get out so I threw on this dress I recently bought with a groupon (Thanks, Polka Dots!) at a local boutique.  I know, you're thinking I have way too many dresses, but the groupon was expiring so I had to use it!  The dress fit really well and was the EXACT price of the groupon so I didn't spend any extra money.  Yay! 

I was also feeling energized from my run this morning (wish I was still feeling that now!) so I decided to pair this outfit with lots of brights!  I know, the colors don't really match whatsoever.  But I liked the idea of wearing pink and yellow.  Then I thought why wear neutral shoes?  My favorite wedges have both these colors in it.  And finally, if I'm already wearing every bit of color from my wedges, why not carry a bright blue purse to finish off the superfecta?

Anyway, I know, I'm a rebel.  I'm breaking all the fashion rules, but I don't care.  Guess that makes me mischievous too, huh?   

Menswear - Inspiration Monday

RED BUTTON-UP - Brass Plum (found in Polka Dots' closet)
SILK NAVY TIE - Verugia (Camouflage's)
BLACK MENSWEAR VEST - CAbi
ROSE/SILVER MENS STYLE WATCH - DKNY
VINTAGE PURSE - Thrifted (Thanks, Mom!)
NAVY/PINK/RED HEELS - Charlotte Russe

Pigtails is a comedian.  She loves to crack up Princess Sparkles.  In the bath tub she'll make faces and funny sounds just to make her sister laugh.  Of course her sister may be laughing at something else, but it doesn't matter.  Pigtails also thinks farts are funny, and laughs whenever she does one.  The other night I asked Princess Sparkles why she was laughing so hard in the bathtub and she said Pigtails "was an alien." 

Today's "Inspiration Monday" from the ladies at Two Birds is menswear.  I've been getting a lot of practice putting together these types of outfits, thanks also to Friday's Bloggers Do It Better.  I'm actually starting to really enjoy this look (though I still have to get Camouflage to do the tie for me).  There's something strangely sexy about women wearing men's clothes.  However, I'm not sure about the reverse (though I bet some people would disagree with me) because I don't think I'd enjoy seeing Camo dressed in my clothes (plus I'd be afraid he'd stretch them out!).

Despite feeling good in the menswear, I asked Princess Sparkles if I looked good.  She stared at me for a while then gave me a very timid, "yeah."  I looked at her for a moment and asked again.  She looked at me, shook her head and said, "no, Mommy."  Princess Sparkles probably thinks I look like an alien!  Oh well.