Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire - THANK YOU!

POLKA DOT TOP - Blair Boutique c/o Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire
RED PANTS - INC c/o Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire

POLKA DOT SHIRT - Blair Boutique c/o Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire
DENIM SHORTS - Paige Premium Denim
BOOTS - Forever 21

RED PANTS - INC c/o Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire
STRIPED SHIRT - Forever 21
BLAZER - Loft

Okay, so a few weeks ago the sweetest thing happened.  Amber Lena at Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire sent me an outfit just because.  I couldn't believe it!  How nice is that?!  I had been eyeing her outfits for a while now and left a comment that I thought one was cute.  I didn't even look to see if it was my size (since I'm on my shopping fast).  Amber Lena contacted me and said it wouldn't be "shopping" if she gave it to me.  Amber Lena, you really made my month.  And I'm so thankful!

The first outfit is the one Amber Lena put together, and the other two were just ways I decided to mix and match the pieces.  The polka dot shirt is so much fun!  And the red pants fit perfect.  I mean, someone hemmed them and they were exactly my size.

It's so rare that something really nice happens, especially from someone you've never even met in person!  I have to say the blogging community is amazing and I'm really appreciative of how supportive everyone is of each other. 

Definitely check out Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire!  She's got cute outfits (that she's either thrifted or owned) in all different sizes and for as little as $10!!!  Thanks again, Amber Lena!

p.s. I did a guest post here about married life on Ashley's blog After Nine to Five.  Check it out if you get a chance!

10 Things I Love

As a parent, everything seems to take a lot longer to do... getting out of the house in the morning, preparing dinner, cleaning up (though there are things that now take a lot less time...like showers and eating out at restaurants).  Keeping up with my blog is no exception...

A few days ago I was tagged by Fash-uh-nee-stah to tell you 10 THINGS I LOVE!  Thanks for thinking of me!  I decided  to change it up a bit and give you a list that relates to fashion (of course I love my family and friends very much) as modeled by Princess Sparkles and Pigtails. 
 

1.  FLORAL PRINTS (added bonus with the polka dots and glitter shoes)



2. TUTU SKIRTS (soooo girly, soooo fun!)



3. ANIMAL PRINT (matches everything and looks fierce)



 

4. DENIM VEST (makes every outfit look put together, even sweats)



5. NAPS (I know, NOT fashion, but just so fantastic, especially in the afternoon)



6. STRIPES (cute with everything.  Everything.)

 

 7. HATS (stylish and protects your skin)

8. SUNGLASSES (always glamorous)



9.  FEATHERS (fabulously dressy and good for dusting too)

  

10. SHOPPING AT TARGET (clothes, groceries, books, toys...what more could you ask for in a store?)

Now here are the othe rules:

- state who tagged you in your post

- state 10 things you love

- tag 10 other bloggers and let them know with a lovely comment

Here are the 10 bloggers I'm tagging.  Definitely check 'em out!  They're all awesome!!!

Lei @ White Sky Project

Albee @ AlbeeLucky

Emily @ Tinfoils Tiaras

Alex @ Of Mice and Minuatie

Sunny Days and Starry Nights

Tara @ This Life, Redefined...

Tiffany @ Breakfast with Tiffany

Jen @ Jen Hemming and Hawing Again

Jess @ Avant-Garde Living

Kimberlee @ Our Life Unedited

p.s. I did a guest post here about married life on Ashley's blog After Nine to Five.  Check it out if you get a chance! 

Bridesmaid Bunco

I play Bunco with my girlfriends every month.  I never win.  I just give someone else my $10.  Yes, it does kinda make us feel like old ladies to be playing a dice game every month together, but who cares.  It's fun.  And it's nice to "get out."

Tonight was my turn to host so I decided I'd have a theme (Because you can't have a party without a theme, right?).  I decided to do "Bridesmaid Bunco" because you NEVER get to rewear that bridesmaid dress.  So luckily I finished my 30 remix so I could wear this dress (it's from the wedding of my best friend, Plaid).



Modeling our bridesmaid dresses (that's Fedora on the far right)


The dress didn't quite fit right (okay, it didn't fit at all!).  That bummed me out.  I had to wear a cardigan over it because I couldn't zip it up.  No one else had to wear a cardigan!!!  I tried to get Camouflage to help squeeze me in it but he said it wasn't going to happen.

I've decided that you never know how skinny you were until you aren't that skinny anymore.  Thank you, Princess Sparkles.  Thank you, Pigtails.  You've changed me in many ways.  But I still love you.





I made baked brie, teriyaki meatballs and a corn and bean salsa (similar to Cowboy Caviar).  Here's the recipe (it's super easy, and is always a hit at parties!).

CORN AND BEAN SALSA

Ingredients:

1 can of corn (drained)                          1/4 cup rice vinegar (can use white too)

1 can of black beans (drained)               1/4 cup sugar

1 can of diced tomatoes (drained)          1/2 lime

1/2 cup green onion (chopped)              1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)                     1 tsp chili powder

2 cloves of garlic (minced)                     1 tsp cumin

                                                            salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Drain and rinse corn, black beans and tomatoes.  Toss together in a medium size bowl.  Add green onion, cilantro and garlic.  Mix in vinegar and sugar.  Squeeze in half a lime.  Then season with paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.  Let sit for at least an hour in the fridge.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Hello, I'm A Proud Remixer!!!

#30 - LOS ANGELES
BLUE MILITARY HOODIE - Forever 21
OLIVE DRESS - Gap
JUTE & RAFFIA STRETCH BELT - Forever 21
DENIM FLATS - Mossimo

Today I was watching the 3-year old boy of one of my friends.  We'll call him Overalls.  The kiddos were all busy playing outside when Overalls kindly let me know that he needed to use the potty.  I quickly obliged (since usually when they let you know it means NOW).  Since he's a boy and I have two little girls, I asked if he sits or stands and he informed me he sits.

So I put Overalls on the toilet then thought, hmm...this isn't going to work.  Everything's gonna get everywhere.  Do I hold it down?  Do I sit him forward?  Backward?  I'm so clueless when it comes to boys.  By now poor Overalls had to go pretty bad.  So I figured I'd wing it.  Well, it did get everywhere (and I was at another girlfriend's house!).  And to try and keep from making a bigger mess I quickly closed his legs shut.  I'm sure he thought I was nuts!  Afterwards I cleaned everything up, made him wash his hands and sent him off to play.  Phew!  

Jute & Raffia Stretch Belt
FOREVER 21

Anywho, today is the last day of my 30 DAY REMIX.  I can't believe it!  I have completed the task (and can now download that really cool button from Kendi's blog that says "I'm a Proud Remixer")!  I didn't think about what to wear too much, just threw it on.  But I did want to make sure I wore this cute belt Fierce bought me (she surprised me after I told her I really liked her belt).

Tomorrow will be a new day.  I'm not even sure what I'll wear but I'm excited!  Ooohhh, the possibilities!  I'm still not allowed to shop though.  But hey, what's 10 more days when I've already gone over 30?  If I can do a 30 day remix and I can help a little boy pee on the potty, then I can do anything (okay, not anything, but at least not shop for 10 more days!).

A "New" Appreciation

#29 - DUBAI
WHITE DRESS - Mossimo
WHITE SHIRT - Bizz
BROWN BELT - Forever 21
EARRINGS - Forever 21
DAISY STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21
WATCH - DKNY
SUNGLASSES - Ralph Lauren

I love to bring out a "new" box of toys for the girls to play with.  It can keep them entertained for hours (okay, more like 15 minutes, but still!).  They seem to really enjoy the toys they already have as long as they haven't seen them in a while.  It's pretty great because you can just "hide" something they've gotten tired of and a few weeks later, VOILA, it's the greatest thing ever!


Pigtails plays with her "new" box of toys

Today has been a sleepy day.  I woke up tired and had to have a lunchtime coffee just to stay up for Princess Sparkles' ballet class.  There must be something in the air too because Princess Sparkles took a nap as well.  THIS NEVER HAPPENS!  She decided to give up her naps a few months ago and hasn't looked back (except for the occasional fall asleep in the car).

This is my second to last outfit of the remix.  I can't believe it!  I actually have made it through 29 days of only 30 items from my closet.  I thought it would be harder than this, but after a while I kinda got used to it.  Now if only my shopping fast was over because I really miss shopping.  But at least I get to dig into a closet full of "new" clothes.  Maybe I should do a remix more often so I'll have a greater appreciation of my wardrobe!

Vacation From My Vacation

Driving out to Palm Desert...

The funny thing about vacations is upon returning home I always feel like I need a vacation from my vacation.  It's not that it wasn't relaxing, it's just that I seemed to "do" a lot (which didn't really include naps).  And because I'm so used to waking up early (Thanks, Pigtails!) I can't seem to sleep in.

I really had a good time going out with the girls.  Fierce and Fedora are so much fun, although getting ready to go out was always quite the process.  Fierce (my most fashionable friend) brought an entire wardrobe of clothing.  She says she's never sure what she'll feel like wearing so she brings it all (just in case).  She usually changes about 5 times before going out. 

Fedora (my singer ex-model friend), who decided to borrow clothes from Fierce (who's only 7 inches shorter than she is), debuted like 8 different outfits before deciding on what to wear.  First, it's difficult to convince Fedora the clothes actually fit (they do!).  Then it's difficult to convince her she looks good (she does!).  It didn't help that she only brought one pair of shoes (brown clogs) to go out in.  But eventually we'd get out (even if it meant eating a steak dinner at 10:30pm!).

And me?  I changed twice.  Normally I change more, but it's not so hard when you're on a 30 for 30 remix.  But I'll tell you what is hard.  NOT SHOPPING.  We went to the mall and I saw all sorts of fabulous shoes at Charlotte Russe.  I wanted them all.  But I settled for watching Fierce buy some (She wears the same size as I do!) and got some fluorescent yellow nail polish!

#27 - SEDONA
MADRAS SKIRT - CAbi
PURPLE TANK TOP - Bebe
BLACK CARDIGAN - Motherhood
BLACK STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21
NECKLACE - my Grandmother's collection
WHITE WATCH - Sprout

#28 - PORTLAND
CHAMBRAY SHIRT - American Eagle
DENIM SHORTS - Forever 21
BLACK VEST - CAbi
OPEN TOE BOOTS - Charlotte Russe
FLOWER PIN - Made by my Mom

Overall it was a fantastic getaway.  But I did really miss Princess Sparkles, Pigtails and Camouflage.  I came home to lots of hugs and snuggles with the girls.  I also took a nap.  Camo set up our new king bed!  So now it's like a vacation in our own bedroom!  Guess I can have that vacation from my vacation after all.

Claire

p.s. if you get a chance will you please check out my guest post on After Nine to Five?  I'd really appreciate it.  It's a recipe post.
http://www.afterninetofive.net/guest-recipe-ramen-cabbage-salad/#idc-container

FREEDOM

#26 - PALM SPRINGS
GRAY MOTORCYCLE JACKET - H&M
STRIPED SHIRT - Forever 21
SKINNY JEANS - Yaso
DAISY STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21
RED BELT - Thrifted

I don't get much time alone.  I always have someone with me in the car, in the kitchen while I'm cooking, at night in bed (my hubby Camouflage...but at least it's just the two of us...until the morning), even when I go to the bathroom.  Yes, my girls follow me everywhere.  It's like we're attached at the hip.  Literally.

I leave for a quick vacation with my girlfriends today.  I'm so excited!  We're going to do the things we never get to do... like go to a movie, read a book, eat dinner at a restaurant in peace (I know, these are simple pleasures, things I used to take for granted...but not anymore!).  I can't even wait!

(I'm sure by tomorrow though I'll be missing Princess Sparkles, Pigtails and Camouflage too!)

Gotta go and finish packing!  I know I wore the blue jeans 2x in a row, but I'm going on vacation!  They gotta come with me!  Have a great weekend!

Claire

Do as the Stars Do

#25 - ATLANTA
BLACK MILITARY JACKET - CAbi
WHITE RUFFLE SHIRT - Bizz
SKINNY JEANS - Yaso
BLACK MOTORCYCLE BOOTS - BCBGeneration
FEDORA - Eugenia Kim for Target

Recently, at the ripe old age of 13 months, Pigtails has decided to become a mommy.  And rather than have one little baby, she has decided to "do as the stars do," and have twins.  She carries these two little babies around, one in each arm, wherever she goes, in her bed, on the couch, even in her carseat (and she gets very upset when she has to momentarily let them go so I can strap her in!).  It's cute, except for the part where Princess Sparkles decides she wants one of those babies and grabs one from Pigtails in the car.  Sigh.

I can't believe that I'm nearly done with my 30 for 30 remix!  In the beginning it seemed pretty easy, then in the middle it got tough, and now as I'm reaching the final stretch I'm kinda bummed that it's going to be over.  I mean, what do I wear after I'm done?  I'll actually have to pick from my entire closet of clothes?!  I'm feeling overwhelmed...

Maybe I too will have to "do as the stars do" and hire a stylist.  Wouldn't that be nice?  Rachel Zoe comes over with a set of clothes and tells me, wear this, not that.  Only thing is I'd have no where to go... and I'd be paying someone else to do my clothing shopping, so I'd really have no where to go.  Nevermind.  My closet's beginning to not sound so overwhelming anymore...

The Versatile Blogger Award

#24 - SYDNEY
GREEN BUTTON UP SHIRT - Old Navy
PURPLE TANK - Bebe
BLACK PENCIL SKIRT - Jonathan Saunders for Target
BLACK STUD HEELED CLOGS - Forever 21
WHITE NECKLACES - my Grandmother's collection
WHITE WATCH - Sprout

JEANS - Yaso
DENIM BALLET FLATS - Mossimo

Thank you so much to my fashionable new blog friend, Burning Skies, for thinking of me for this award.  Burning Skies just moved her blog so check her out!  It's always nice to get recognized (and this is much better than the trophy I got as a kid for participating in a talent contest on our family cruise where EVERYONE else got that same trophy just for showing up).  

To show my versatility, I decided I would change things up by telling you 7 random things that make me versatile:

1.  I'm short (5'2) so I can wear tunics as dresses and can always shorten jeans...though I hate when I end up with straight leg ones that used to be bell bottoms!

2.  I'm part of the "Good Eaters Club" (as my friend, Birkin, would call it... Birkin is in fact part of the "Bad Eaters Club"), so I don't really care where we go to dinner... though this can be a problem when I'm with another person who is equally as laid back and we end up debating on where to go for like an hour.

3. I wear a medium in most clothes so I can either squeeze myself into a small or put a belt over a large in case of an incredible deal on the clearance rack that I gotta have even if it doesn't quite fit right.

4. I'm a jack of many trades but master of none...so I can do a little bit of everything just okay (like sports...I can basically be on your team if you're not competitive and in desperate need of a female to fill your roster).

5. If I don't wear make-up (or stroll around with my kiddos) I can usually get carded when buying alcohol at the grocery store (of course this totally sucked when I was a teenager).

6. I'm a mom so that basically means I can multi-task and do any job that includes but is not limited to cook, housekeeper, launderer, driver, entertainer, personal assistant, party planner, motivator, accountant and nurse.

7. I can shop anyway, anywhere, anyhow (except when I'm on my shopping fast like right now...oh, and I'm a poet!).

And here is a list of some really cool bloggers that I've discovered and greatly enjoy.  I know you'll enjoy them too, so check 'em out!

Albee at Albee Lucky

Jess at Avant-Garde Living

shealennon at Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique

Kimberly at City Style

Amber Lena at Fashion Bargain Shopper Extraordinaire

Roxy Heart at Fash-uh-nee-stah

Courtney Erin at Sartorial Sidelines

Finally, in honor of the Versatile Blogger Award (thanks again Burning Skies!) I decided I would do two versions of the same general outfit.  The first one is another example of color blocking.  The second is a casual version of the same top half ('cuz my friend Shiny said she'd actually wear this one).

An Award, Some Yummies and 100 Followers!

#23 - BUENOS AIRES
NAVY ROSE TOP - Irene's Story
BLACK SKIRT - Jonathan Saunders for Target
NECKLACE - My grandmother's collection
CUFF - Made by my Mom
FLOWER BRACELET - Just Lovely Things
BOOTS - Charlotte Russe

Today my friend, Chambray, came to visit wearing a fabulous pink maxi dress with a denim jacket.  She proceeded to tell me how a man in the parking garage had asked her when her baby was due.  Chambray is NOT pregnant.  She said she was going to go home and burn her dress.

***NOTE:  NEVER ask a woman when she's due, even if she's 9 months preggo and it's super obvious, unless you KNOW FOR SURE that she is indeed pregnant.   

Chambray also brought me some delicious baked goodies from the new company she started, SKINNY BATCHES.  Isn't that the best name ever?  And what's even better is her "Salted Janets," a brown sugar cookie sprinkled with salt.  DELICIOUS!!!  Oh, and her crumbies are to die for...and her oatmeal cookies...and I LOVE her gingerbread.  Yes I've had it all, and I love it all.  Good thing they're only 45 calories each! 

SKINNY BATCHES - Oatmeal cookies, Salted Janets, Pear and Mocha Crumbies

Today was a really nice day for my blog.  Not only did I hit 100 FOLLOWERS but I received the VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD from Burning Skies.  I feel so honored.  Thank you!  I really appreciate the blog world because everyone is so nice (which is not always how the real world is), and you can be connected to these people all the way across the world (or right down the street!).  Tomorrow I will write my 7 facts and pass along the award!

Anyway, here's the outfit of the day.  I thought I would attempt to change it up and wear something a little fancier.  I have to say I like this outfit because it's flattering (thanks to those nice dark colors!).  In fact, wearing it makes me feel like a skinny batch!