I was asked a question yesterday that made the booming blog voice inside my head shout an echoe-y "THIS IS A BLOG TOPIC, LAUREN!" And so, with her permission, I will share our conversation:
QUESTION:
Let's say a mother of three
active girls wants to go shopping and update her summer wardrobe because
she hasn't been shopping for new clothes since before her 2 nd was born
( and now she is 5 1/2) so.... What would you consider the 5 must haves
in any wardrobe? You thoughts are appreciated oh wise fashion diva...
Lol but seriously ... I walked into the store the other day feeling
completely overwhelm... And old because I didn't know what to pick out
:( lol Help!!!
ANSWER:
1)colored chinos (GAP, Old Navy, J. Crew)
2)maxi skirt (black OR color)
3)a LARGE, statement necklace in a bold color
4) for you, skinny jeans in a dark blue (if you want several pairs,
they can be colored. If only one, dark blue is a work horse.)
5) loose deep-v-neck tees in bright colors (j.crew, forever21, GAP, old navy, ANYWHERE)
And for extra credit because I've become an over-achiever in my old age:
6)sandals in a metallic color. NOT FLIP FLOPS. Sandals. Wear everywhere with everything.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
i married a man who- may2012 edition
I married a man who....
-came home for his daily lunch break and, seeing that the boys and I had left this morning in a hurry which left a whirlwind of misplaced items behind us, picked them all up. He even made the bed. Oh, and left a note that said he missed me on the television so I would see it during nap time.
-if I haven't gotten to the week's laundry yet and he needs more work shirts, will sort the laundry and start a load instead of just asking me to do it for him.
-leaves a heart-shaped collage of sticky notes (also in the shape of hearts!) that have the words "I love you more and more each day."- one word per heart- on the bathroom mirror for me to wake up to.
-never complains about his job, long work days, pulling a full load of classes, or any other thing! He just does them because he wants to honor God with his attitude.
-takes the boys on a Saturday morning so that I can go style photo shoots. Instead of saying, "It's one of my few days off," he says "Go do what you love- I'll take care of things around here."
-spends his whole monthly spending money to take us on an non-budgeted third monthly date, paying for a babysitter and two movie tickets- even though I spent mine on cool necklaces and tees.
-shares my love of clothes and thinks an evening walking around the mall is relaxing and a fun time to connect.
-cheers me on as I work out, always making sure I know he loves me as I am but will always support me wanting to better myself.
-tells me repeatedly that he doesn't care if the house doesn't get clean or laundry doesn't get done because he says taking care of two boys is hard- harder, he insists, than the hardest work day at the office- and I will always be a super hero in his eyes. Coming from a man who I know to work hard, this always touches my heart and encourages me.
I don't know how I got him, but I know I'm never letting him go.
xoxo
rethink neutral
It's sad how long it's been since I've last posted. Over a week. Unacceptable. ;)
That just means it's been super busy around here. I dream of a day when we have two laptops- as it is, we have one and if I use nap times to do things other than blogging, posts don't get done because Jerr uses the computer every evening to do homework. And if he isn't doing homework we're hanging out together and I'm not going to pick up the computer anyway! Husband-bonding time is at a premium these days. So I am finally dedicating a nap time to write. Hello again, friend. :)
I am currently talking on a thread via facebook with some friends who share my affinity with the color teal. Actually, I should say I'M sharing with THEM since I believe they discovered the color's magic long before I did since I swore off any shade of blue from ages 4-28. I'm a convert, though. And blue is my new favorite thing.
Side note: Does that happen to you? You hate a color so much that you refuse to have anything to do with any shade of it? That's what happened to me with blue and purple. I think they were so popular that I went the opposite way. And I refused to do what everyone else was doing. Story of my life! Ha! So I am just now learning to love blue and I can't get enough. Still,in spite of those gigantic steps forward, lavender is the only shade of purple I can do. I'm learning- it's a process, you know.
But our current conversation got me thinking because I made a comment about teal really being a neutral- and I smiled when one of the girls agreed with me because that statement is usually met with raised eyebrows. If you find yourself also raising your brows, this next statement is going to blow your mind. Are you ready?
I truly believe color makes a better companion to color than "neutrals."
Black, white, gray, brown, and khaki are the colors I have thought of as neutrals (the term "neutral" referring to a color that matches most other colors) since I was a child. Those were the colors that I chose for my pants and then I picked one other color for the shirt and you're done. And you wore either silver or gold jewelry to match. For me, it was always silver. I have only loved gold a short time but it is a STRONG, loyal, eternal kind of love now. And that's how I dressed for basically my entire life.
But recently- as in the last 2 to 3 years or so- I've started realizing that isn't the case. Those five aren't the only colors that play well with friends. And often they aren't the BEST colors that pair well with others. I just googled "define neutral colors" and I smiled when I read the definition: having a color that does not attract attention. That's perfect. That's exactly what happens when you wear one of those three colors with another. It causes no attention. Sure, sometimes getting attention is a bad thing but sometimes it's a really good thing. Because that attention can make you feel really confident and successful when it's positive.
These are my new neutral colors:
And in general right now, I think ANY pastel with ANY bright color are genius. That is, in my opinion, the best way to embrace the current color blocking trend. And if you're going to do true color blocking, they do not need to be related at all. :)
So if you want to start playing with colors, try my new fab 5! And if you need a safety net because you're unsure of how to mix color successfully, stick them with a neutral pant and use jewelry to bring in the second color. For example a pair of black dress pants, a colored shirt (let's say yellow in honor of spring time) and a necklace in any of these colors! The shade of yellow will help you determine which color you pick. If it's a canary yellow the royal blue would be sharp but if it's a buttercup yellow why not go bright red? See what I mean? And if you're ready for the big leagues, replace the "neutral" pant with a color- red pants, pale yellow top, chartreuse scarf.
Done and done.
That just means it's been super busy around here. I dream of a day when we have two laptops- as it is, we have one and if I use nap times to do things other than blogging, posts don't get done because Jerr uses the computer every evening to do homework. And if he isn't doing homework we're hanging out together and I'm not going to pick up the computer anyway! Husband-bonding time is at a premium these days. So I am finally dedicating a nap time to write. Hello again, friend. :)
I am currently talking on a thread via facebook with some friends who share my affinity with the color teal. Actually, I should say I'M sharing with THEM since I believe they discovered the color's magic long before I did since I swore off any shade of blue from ages 4-28. I'm a convert, though. And blue is my new favorite thing.
Side note: Does that happen to you? You hate a color so much that you refuse to have anything to do with any shade of it? That's what happened to me with blue and purple. I think they were so popular that I went the opposite way. And I refused to do what everyone else was doing. Story of my life! Ha! So I am just now learning to love blue and I can't get enough. Still,in spite of those gigantic steps forward, lavender is the only shade of purple I can do. I'm learning- it's a process, you know.
But our current conversation got me thinking because I made a comment about teal really being a neutral- and I smiled when one of the girls agreed with me because that statement is usually met with raised eyebrows. If you find yourself also raising your brows, this next statement is going to blow your mind. Are you ready?
I truly believe color makes a better companion to color than "neutrals."
Black, white, gray, brown, and khaki are the colors I have thought of as neutrals (the term "neutral" referring to a color that matches most other colors) since I was a child. Those were the colors that I chose for my pants and then I picked one other color for the shirt and you're done. And you wore either silver or gold jewelry to match. For me, it was always silver. I have only loved gold a short time but it is a STRONG, loyal, eternal kind of love now. And that's how I dressed for basically my entire life.
But recently- as in the last 2 to 3 years or so- I've started realizing that isn't the case. Those five aren't the only colors that play well with friends. And often they aren't the BEST colors that pair well with others. I just googled "define neutral colors" and I smiled when I read the definition: having a color that does not attract attention. That's perfect. That's exactly what happens when you wear one of those three colors with another. It causes no attention. Sure, sometimes getting attention is a bad thing but sometimes it's a really good thing. Because that attention can make you feel really confident and successful when it's positive.
These are my new neutral colors:
teal
bright royal blue
chartreuse
bright red
peach
And in general right now, I think ANY pastel with ANY bright color are genius. That is, in my opinion, the best way to embrace the current color blocking trend. And if you're going to do true color blocking, they do not need to be related at all. :)
So if you want to start playing with colors, try my new fab 5! And if you need a safety net because you're unsure of how to mix color successfully, stick them with a neutral pant and use jewelry to bring in the second color. For example a pair of black dress pants, a colored shirt (let's say yellow in honor of spring time) and a necklace in any of these colors! The shade of yellow will help you determine which color you pick. If it's a canary yellow the royal blue would be sharp but if it's a buttercup yellow why not go bright red? See what I mean? And if you're ready for the big leagues, replace the "neutral" pant with a color- red pants, pale yellow top, chartreuse scarf.
Done and done.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
determination
Sometimes days don't go the way you plan them.
Sometimes the cable guy comes a day later than he was supposed to and stays for your entire morning workout block. Sometimes babies wake up early from their nap, thus prohibiting you from working out during nap time. Sometimes the cable guy has to come back to do what you asked him to do the first time and you have to pause your workout three minutes in, nullifying the cardio you just got into. Sometimes your toddler wakes up literally the moment you pushed "play" again on your workout. Sometimes you give him a snack and lull the babe to sleep in his swing in the living room to finally do the workout. And sometimes the workout that you usually have done by 9am is done when the clock reads 2:40pm.
But the moral of the story is that you did it.
And I haven't missed a day of my 30 day Shred workout with Jillian. I'm stronger and more in shape and my clothes fit me differently. I haven't lost weight (but I didn't want to) but I haven't gained it, which means my muscle is replacing the fat it's burning; hence the changing fit of my clothes. Especially in the waist. My flabby skin from carrying a baby around only 4 months ago is tightening and my stomach muscles are no longer separated. Beyond that- even BETTER than that- I am happier, less stressed, and more patient. It's day 17/30 and baby, I'm feeling gooooooood. ;)
Sometimes the cable guy comes a day later than he was supposed to and stays for your entire morning workout block. Sometimes babies wake up early from their nap, thus prohibiting you from working out during nap time. Sometimes the cable guy has to come back to do what you asked him to do the first time and you have to pause your workout three minutes in, nullifying the cardio you just got into. Sometimes your toddler wakes up literally the moment you pushed "play" again on your workout. Sometimes you give him a snack and lull the babe to sleep in his swing in the living room to finally do the workout. And sometimes the workout that you usually have done by 9am is done when the clock reads 2:40pm.
But the moral of the story is that you did it.
And I haven't missed a day of my 30 day Shred workout with Jillian. I'm stronger and more in shape and my clothes fit me differently. I haven't lost weight (but I didn't want to) but I haven't gained it, which means my muscle is replacing the fat it's burning; hence the changing fit of my clothes. Especially in the waist. My flabby skin from carrying a baby around only 4 months ago is tightening and my stomach muscles are no longer separated. Beyond that- even BETTER than that- I am happier, less stressed, and more patient. It's day 17/30 and baby, I'm feeling gooooooood. ;)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
for groceries we shall go
I told Roman on Monday morning that we were going to get groceries and he replies "tie?" I said, "You want to wear your tie??" "Yes." he replied. And so I said okay! What else are you going to do? Crush a kid's hopes and dreams? Nope. Not me. I'm a mother who embraces life goals. You want to wear a tie? Go for it. You want to help sweep the floor, you got it. You want to drive? We'll talk...give it a year. A snake. HECK no! You've really got to put your foot down somewhere.
Apparently getting dressed to go grocery shopping is serious business. How about a smile, toots?
You just read "toots" like tooooooots, didn't you? As in, the thing engines do. Try it again, but this time think of tootsie pops. Yep. There ya go. Moving on.
You better believe Roman garnered copious amounts of attention from every mom and grandmother that we passed. (ps- garnered?? copious?? Dang. Alright, vocabulary prodigy. I think I just got five points for those words. Dear English teachers, think I can add that to my past report cards? And yes, yes I can use the word prodigy to describe myself at age almost-29. Because I am youthful and bouncy and fabulously age defying. What now.) In fact, I even caught a blonde haired, blue eyed toddler starring back at him. "Hands off, lady." I shrieked. "He's still MY man for at least another fifteen years!"....give or take eighty.
THIS is how one grocery shops in style.
And because NOTHING is cuter than a baby in tiny baby shoes......
Apparently getting dressed to go grocery shopping is serious business. How about a smile, toots?
You just read "toots" like tooooooots, didn't you? As in, the thing engines do. Try it again, but this time think of tootsie pops. Yep. There ya go. Moving on.
You better believe Roman garnered copious amounts of attention from every mom and grandmother that we passed. (ps- garnered?? copious?? Dang. Alright, vocabulary prodigy. I think I just got five points for those words. Dear English teachers, think I can add that to my past report cards? And yes, yes I can use the word prodigy to describe myself at age almost-29. Because I am youthful and bouncy and fabulously age defying. What now.) In fact, I even caught a blonde haired, blue eyed toddler starring back at him. "Hands off, lady." I shrieked. "He's still MY man for at least another fifteen years!"....give or take eighty.
THIS is how one grocery shops in style.
 |
statement necklaces
Statement necklaces are one of my greatest loves. Truly.
And often, when I'm styling people or making style boards for them, I include several statement necklaces. To those who tell me they're too expensive or they wouldn't know which ones to buy or how to make them work, I will say this:
1) go to www.ebay.com
2) enter the words "jcrew necklace"
3) enjoy the many colors that the Bubble Bib Statement Necklace comes in
4) select your favorite and buy it
5) wear with literally everything. Seriously- tees, tanks, with cardigans and blazers, ANYTHING. Except yoga pants. So let me change that: wear with literally not everything. But most things. ;)
This is how large we're talking-
It will live up to its name and make a statement. I bought two: the red and dark blue.
Stay tuned...fabulous outfits to come!
And often, when I'm styling people or making style boards for them, I include several statement necklaces. To those who tell me they're too expensive or they wouldn't know which ones to buy or how to make them work, I will say this:
1) go to www.ebay.com
2) enter the words "jcrew necklace"
3) enjoy the many colors that the Bubble Bib Statement Necklace comes in
4) select your favorite and buy it
5) wear with literally everything. Seriously- tees, tanks, with cardigans and blazers, ANYTHING. Except yoga pants. So let me change that: wear with literally not everything. But most things. ;)
This is how large we're talking-
Stay tuned...fabulous outfits to come!
Monday, April 30, 2012
a conflicted heart
My heart is so conflicted.
Sunday morning we started our day with a Skype call to a pair of our fellow Becker siblings and their two gorgeous girls. Seeing them made me miss them- made me miss living near family. It makes my heart ache. When I saw how my nieces were growing up so quickly and I realized that I had never even met the youngest in person I thought to myself, for the 1 billionth time, "This is not how it's supposed to be." Add to that the fact that they had the fireplace going and were drinking Yuengling- a brew that began in Pennsylvania- and my heart hurt by the time we hung up.
And I started chanting my mantra that has been on repeat for the past two weeks "Seven and a half months. Seven and a half months. Seven and a half months. You can do this."
But then I made myself stop for a minute the way I do every time I start up the familiar chant and let my brain follow the reality. Here's what that means: yes, in 7.5 months we will be headed to Virginia and the things that life there has to offer make it hard for me to breathe, I get so giddy. But Hawaii is where Jerr and I really got to be married. During our years in Cali, he was deployed or away for training for over half of our time there. HAWAII is where we got to really be. married. Hawaii is where we became a family- where we met not one but two precious boys who have rocked our world for the better. Hawaii is where I have some of the best, highest quality friends I have ever had- and more of those treasured friends in one spot than ever before! Hawaii is where I've learned some really hard lessons about myself. And I won't be leaving the same person I arrived.
And whether I think I like it or not, I am willing to bet I've become more accustomed to this constant warm weather than I expect. And sometimes... in the quiet corners of my mind... I wonder in whispers if I'll like winter as much as I used to. I recognize that my life will include new challenges- like having to dress kids in layers before taking them outside, buying wardrobes for the changing seasons even if they haven't outgrown them yet...and how DOES one wash a very large bulldog when it's cold outside?? It sure won't be with a hose, towel, and bottle of soap in the front yard like it is every weekend now.
And I thought about the things I love about it.....
The outdoor shopping.
The way it holds a special part of our nation's history.
The natural, stop-you-in-your-tracks beauty.
The weather that always puts a smile on my face.
And as I realized that both places are special to my heart, I told myself to slow down.
Seven and a half months left to enjoy the place that gave me family, shaped me into who I am, taught me more about God, and gave me so many blessings isn't a place I should wish away. All, of course, with the promise to try to fully appreciate each step of the next chapter as it comes. Because living closer to family and friends, enjoying four seasons, and getting to buy a house as we settle into the first place we've actually chosen to live deserves an excited heart.
One day at a time.
One step at a time.
One husband kiss, one chocolate-smeared toddler grin, and one baby snuggle at a time.
What a precious life I have. xoxo
Sunday morning we started our day with a Skype call to a pair of our fellow Becker siblings and their two gorgeous girls. Seeing them made me miss them- made me miss living near family. It makes my heart ache. When I saw how my nieces were growing up so quickly and I realized that I had never even met the youngest in person I thought to myself, for the 1 billionth time, "This is not how it's supposed to be." Add to that the fact that they had the fireplace going and were drinking Yuengling- a brew that began in Pennsylvania- and my heart hurt by the time we hung up.
And I started chanting my mantra that has been on repeat for the past two weeks "Seven and a half months. Seven and a half months. Seven and a half months. You can do this."
But then I made myself stop for a minute the way I do every time I start up the familiar chant and let my brain follow the reality. Here's what that means: yes, in 7.5 months we will be headed to Virginia and the things that life there has to offer make it hard for me to breathe, I get so giddy. But Hawaii is where Jerr and I really got to be married. During our years in Cali, he was deployed or away for training for over half of our time there. HAWAII is where we got to really be. married. Hawaii is where we became a family- where we met not one but two precious boys who have rocked our world for the better. Hawaii is where I have some of the best, highest quality friends I have ever had- and more of those treasured friends in one spot than ever before! Hawaii is where I've learned some really hard lessons about myself. And I won't be leaving the same person I arrived.
And whether I think I like it or not, I am willing to bet I've become more accustomed to this constant warm weather than I expect. And sometimes... in the quiet corners of my mind... I wonder in whispers if I'll like winter as much as I used to. I recognize that my life will include new challenges- like having to dress kids in layers before taking them outside, buying wardrobes for the changing seasons even if they haven't outgrown them yet...and how DOES one wash a very large bulldog when it's cold outside?? It sure won't be with a hose, towel, and bottle of soap in the front yard like it is every weekend now.
And I thought about the things I love about it.....
The outdoor shopping.
The way it holds a special part of our nation's history.
The natural, stop-you-in-your-tracks beauty.
The weather that always puts a smile on my face.
And as I realized that both places are special to my heart, I told myself to slow down.
Seven and a half months left to enjoy the place that gave me family, shaped me into who I am, taught me more about God, and gave me so many blessings isn't a place I should wish away. All, of course, with the promise to try to fully appreciate each step of the next chapter as it comes. Because living closer to family and friends, enjoying four seasons, and getting to buy a house as we settle into the first place we've actually chosen to live deserves an excited heart.
One day at a time.
One step at a time.
One husband kiss, one chocolate-smeared toddler grin, and one baby snuggle at a time.
What a precious life I have. xoxo
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