Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Comfy Style & A New Grocery Experience


Attempting a cute hairstyle

Hello! It was a summer weekday here in Georgia and our big plans were to go food shopping! Now before you say, "oh, how boring" let me explain. This would be no ordinary grocery experience.

Was it Trader Joes? Was it Whole Foods?

NO!  It's NEW to our town.

Ok. I will leave you in suspense no more. Today I bring you a mini-tour of the SPROUTS Grocery chain! Sprouts is a cross between a farmer's market and a grocery store. They pride themselves on offering a wide variety of local produce, meats, etc. While perusing the isles you will notice plenty of organic choices as well as conventional options; both at great prices.  Their weekly sales feature a "Double Wednesday" bonus, which basically means you get the last week's sales along with the new week's sales. How fun is that?

Thus I decided to make the 25 minute trip with three of my boys to take advantage of that very deal. Upon arrival we found a very busy parking lot with an equal amount of busy throughout the store, so be prepared in you were planning a trip with a carload of young ones.



Before entering the store, we stop to shop the open market style stands and bag up corn on the cob. It's not organic but I had a hard time passing up 12 ears of corn for $2.00.


Once inside I look over their bread selections. Although I make my own loaf bread, I have yet to add things such as tortillas, breakfast breads, etc to my repertoire.  The organic, raisin english muffins were only $2.29 so I grabbed two packs.

Yeah, me without makeup. Yikes! Keeping it real.

The produce section with local and/or organic fruits and veggies to choose from.


One of the featured items...Organic Ice Cream!! These organic varieties were 2 for $6 (1.5 quart size). They are usually priced at $5.89 at our local grocer so I went for 2. :)


With the 3 boys I did not take much time to look through all their supplements, protein shakes and cosmetics but I did a quick walk through before going up to the registers. Stopping to admire the formaldehyde-free nail polish options priced at $8 a bottle. After the boys dropped two bottles on the floor, I decided we better move on.  (No broken items.)


Well, there you have it. Are you inspired to try Sprouts? For me, the Dekalb Farmer's Market will always by my favorite but it's great to have more options!

And as far as the "comfy outfit", there is nothing new about it. Just pulling from what's been laying around for quite some time. Do you have a Sprouts local to you? If so, what do you think?
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Friday, July 11, 2014

Burnout Tops & Lace


Hello! How is your summer going? Our summer is passing quickly as usual, only this year some of the business is full of trips to Atlanta.* While I neither enjoy traffic nor repeat trips to the gas station, I do enjoy the extra time spent with my fast growing buddies.

We make the best of our windshield time by playing Atlas (I need to study my maps more!) and sightseeing of course. As we cruise along in my fab minivan, a small level of excitement builds once varied structures and elaborate billboards come into view. Ah, the city.  If I were an adrenaline junky I would love the thrill and adventure that comes with changing lanes to exit. Too bad I'm not.  However, I do love learning my way around this popular city.

On our last trip we ventured to a location known as "The Goat Farm". I thought that was an interesting name for an office complex, but upon arrival I realized that it actually was a goat farm surrounded by old brick, warehouses. And those warehouses were not easy to find. The boys sat tensely as I blindly navigated through narrow, dirt roads while gripping the steering wheel and moaning at the unlikelihood of finding a studio at a crazy goat farm!  Twenty minutes, several turns and u-turns later, we finally found what we were looking for and parked in the gravel parking lot.

Dirt filled my heeled-sandals and made a home between my toes as I wobbled my way to our destination. Evan indignantly observed that I was putting holes in the ground with my heels. So sorry! 

And so continued our adventure for the day...I am only sorry that I did not take pictures of the surrounding buildings. In fact, these pictures exist only because we ended up having to wait so long that I decided to take the younger two outside for a few minutes. Thus began their career as photographers...


Outfit Breakdown:

Burnout top: White/Black (last year)
Skirt: Wet Seal
Shoes: Nordstrom Rack (look for their clear the rack sales!)
Sunglasses: LOFT ($5)
Bag: Gift from friends


My adorable photographers...


*After our Disney commercial booking last year, the two older boys decided to look into opportunities for more commercial auditions, etc. We are praying for a booking! :) Hopefully more on this later...
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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

One Outfit & Aunt Catfish's On the River

Top:Random Store in Mtns/Boyfriend Jeans:Gap/Shoes:Target
Fedora:Khols/Necklace:Khols/Bangles:Charming Charlie
The boys and I had close to two weeks at the beach this year (daddy joined us part way through). The first week we stayed with my family and the second week we were mostly on our own.  In preparation, I packed plenty of clothing options, hats and other acessories. Not sure why. Other than my bathing suit and cutoffs I hardly cared. This outfit was pretty much the only time I made an attempt.

***Aunt Catfish's On The River***

It was Sunday. And for us that means the famous brunch buffet at Aunt Catfish's On the River in Port Orange, FL. It has become a family tradition. This year I woke up all our sleepy heads early, threw on the one and only attempt (complete with roominess and comfort) and we loaded up to get to the restaurant for the early bird special.


Thankfully we waited less than ten minutes, confirming that arriving before 9 was perfect - little to no wait and $3 off per plate. (Rhyming not intentional.)


This is the line for the omelets, pancakes and french toast.  Yeah we still waited in it.


My second trip to the buffet...Southern Egg Stacks (? - a yummy combination of sausage, sweet potato and egg), cheese grits, spiced apples, a bite of fried catfish, sweet roll and something green - parsley salad.


Another well known feature and family favorite...the chocolate fountain



Dark Skin boy's nose is peeling
There you have it. Food cash well spent. 

Do you have a yearly vacation destination or do you change it up? Regardless, I hope you are enjoying your summer. It always flies by.

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Saturday, June 21, 2014

A few casuals

Hello! Summer is well underway with a close to 2 week trip to Florida for my family, followed by a full blown schedule upon our return.   Our church hosted their annual Vacation Bible Camp with around 1500 children and over 500 helpers moving about the building like a colony of ants. So today, I'm taking a breather and trying to remember what it felt like to be on vacation.  

There is no need for pomp and circumstance for these simple outfits I wore right at the beginning of summer.

Skinny Capris


This dress/shirt was found at a yard sale. I'm thinking it may become a bathing suit cover up. The capris were a birthday gift last year.  As for the sandals? I actually purchased those last year during one of Clark's sales.  I'm learning that good shoes take care of not only your feet, but your legs as well.

Breaking out the Hat



This striped shirt from Gap, Clark sandals and hat from Khols were purchased last year. The cargo capris from Eddie Bauer have been around for quite some time now.

Comfy White Skirt


This ensemble hails from Gap as well. And the shoes? Well, they are my son's. I am looking for a pair of comfy casual sneaks. But since he doesn't wear them I thought I'd try them out.

I hope you are enjoying your summer by getting some quality time with loved ones, grabbing a little poolside fun and much more!


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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

They're 5! We Gotta Have a Party!



What?? It feels like a short time ago, Glen and I received the news from our doctor that we would be having not one, but two babies! I walked around for the rest of that day in some sort of haze. It was like seeing double. I kept thinking "two, two cribs, two carseats. two." Other moms of multiples would smile and tell me the first few years would be a blur anyway. No doubt, year one and two were all about surviving with cuteness thrown in between. However, I have been gripping year 3 and 4 to no avail. They still turned 5 on me.

We decided that "5" calls for a real party - with friends and all. I came up with the theme when I happened upon red and white striped straws in our garage. A carnival. We would throw a mini-carnival. Easy, right? Says the girl who doesn't host parties. How hard could it be? I already had straws and a bouncy house!  Those of you who have done this before are smiling right now, aren't you?? And so the adventure began...

I spent a day and a half shopping around, while trying to remain frugral. It took an entire evening to ready decorations and games. And of course preparations began early and continued until guests arrived (even with the help of my mom!).

We had a prize basket,  a favor basket, jelly bean jars and rainbow lollipop jars to name of few things.


Sitting in our garage were 8 brown, medal folding chairs awaiting spray paint. Hey! Why not paint them the day before the party?? The colors totally go with the theme.  So we spent the day before cleaning up the yard AND spray painting folding chairs. My husband loves me. hehe




With little experience at hosting events, I'm afraid I was too busy to capture many pictures of the tables, etc. However,  my niece took over the role of photographer and captured memories of the kids at play. That's what really matters, right?

My sweet brother popped popcorn and stuffed individual bags. My hubby hung balloons in groups of 3 from the trees and we set out tables for our carnival/picnic food. NO PIC - BOO! There were corn dogs, deviled eggs, regular hotdogs, fruit, animal crackers, etc.


I wanted to turn our camper into a sideshow or freakshow. Glen nixed the idea and I ran out of time anyway. NEXT time!!


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Sunday, April 27, 2014

An After Hours Event

For a night out...how about an after hours event at a clothing boutique? And then why not see if a friend can accompany you (or in my case, help get your tired booty out the door)?

What I wore ...

Cardigan: Loft/ Ruffle Top: LOFT/ Belt: LOFT/Boyfriend jeans: GAP/ Shoes: WHBM

I am getting spoiled by the relaxed, comfortable feel of boyfriend jeans. The temptation to acquire another pair in a darker denim is growing. Do you think they have boyfriend shorts?? Wearing the jeans with heels helps add a feminine touch to the masculine cut. By the end of the night I did wish for some flats with lots of lace or something cuz the burn began in full force after waltzing up and down the streets of downtown Athens.

My beautiful friend, who just entered into her 3rd trimester. :)

LOVE those shoes!!
A Little Grub


Heirloom Cafe in Athens, GA
Before shopping one must eat...Thanks to the gentle prodding of my friend (After a long day I was ready to grab a sandwich from the house and go - glad I listened.) we checked out an adorable restaurant that serves farm to table, fresh foods but by no means do they sacrifice on some good 'ole fashion southern comfort. And if you sit outside don't be afraid to pluck a mint leaf or two from the herb planters. That's what I did. Nice touch for my water. 


Serving up Fried Chicken and Waffles...


The sauce you see on the top is their very own pepper jelly, which added just the right bite to this traditional savory sweet dish.  I ate almost every bite, but held back and saved the leftovers for breakfast the next day.

AND...for those coffee drinkers, they serve coffee that is fresh roasted from a local coffee company. Good stuff!

Time to head to the shop...


Here I am with, Mz. Savvy Style, one of the hosts of the Sip & Shop held at Encore Boutique in the college town of Athens, Georgia. She was so sweet and adorable. I definitely felt under-dressed! (You can check our Mz. Savvy Style's blog HERE.)

They had lemonade, cookies and 20% of any full priced purchase in the store. I played around for a bit, tried on a few dresses and hit the clearance racks last. Of course that is where I found my first clothing purchase of 2014.

Encore's prices varied enough that the pockets of most shoppers would be accommodated, especially when you can take an extra percentage off.  


Just playing around with options..Posts on how I wore this shirt to come.

Have you ever been to an after hours event? Did you find good deals?
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Tuesday, April 15, 2014

DIY: Crafting??

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before or not, but I am craft challenged.  My attention to detail is lacking and I have little patience with tedious projects where I need to read instructions on how "to do". However, the completion of our small home addition has motivated and inspired me to try.

Adding to the need to "fill" the walls, the construction of the sunroom has also left me with some good, usable wood (we had to tear down the existing deck). Now before you get all excited, I must tell you that I'm starting at the beginning! The wood pile shall remain stationary til I build some confidence, get some help or just feel straight up crazy!



First Project: Memo Frame


This frame sat untouched for the last several years in our building out back. The glass was cracked and the picture was stained and rotting.   So, I went about the simple task of kicking out the old picture. That was easy. Crafting might be fun after all.

Now for the twine. With my broken staple gun I proceeded to staple my dearly loved twine (I use it on most gift wrapping as it seems to make the most haphazardly thrown together package look cute.) and staple it to the back of this frame. Here's where I get all exact and stuff. I took my tape measure and marked off where the twine would be level - wow! Yes, I am making fun of myself here. But it's true. I was proud of myself.

So here you have it. Project one complete. Thank you pinterest.



BTW, I did not paint the little sign. That was last year's birthday gift from a friend.

Cost Breakdown:

Get pics printed: $1.50
Mini-clothes pins: $2.25
Total: $3.75

Second Project: Memo Board for Boys' Room

I found this Pottery Barn memo board at GoodWill a couple of months ago with no real idea of where or how I would use it.



I spray painted it grey and then made pinwheels with twine (oh, I just love twine!), jute and hot glue. (I actually own a glue gun!)



I was going to stencil "Brothers", but a sweet friend offered to cut them for me on her cricket. Yes! A quick trip to Costco for prints and I was ready to hang the finished product.


Cost Breakdown:

Board: $3.50
Spray Paint: $3.75
Prints: $1.50

Total: $8.75

It would seem silly to blog about simple pieces such as these, but there may be others like myself who are less than confident when it comes to making your own art, etc.  I must admit that it felt great to not only save a few dollars, but that the pieces are somewhat unique. Of course my confidence has grown a notch and I feel ready to try again. Next project may be painting the brown medal folding chairs, as I'm still not sure I'm up for the woodpile.

Are you craft challenged? Or do you have some great tips to share with a beginner such as myself?

Chrissy

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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

What I Wore Link Up

Hello! As I begin my correspondence to cyberspace (and hopefully a few friends!), the fragrance of one single hyacinth flower permeates the entire sunroom. There are few flowers in our yard, but I'm so thankful for those perennials that know just what to do each year.

Yes, it's that time again! Time to get out in your yard and get to work! And boy do we have some work this year. I look forward to sharing before and after pictures of our post-construction-war-zone of a backyard, if not for anything else then to motivate me to get it done! :)

A little cooperation with the weather would help! The weather wasn't suitable to work in the yard this past weekend so what better time to start looking for clothes to keep the boys suitably dressed.



Shopping For the Boy's Easter Clothes


 Grey Cardigan: Banana Republic
Multi-Color Top: Boutique
Skinnies: GAP
Red Purse: Cast Off
Red Flats: Famous Footwear
Scarf: Bangladesh (hubby picked it up for me while on a mission trip there)

Sunday Church





This polka dot blouse is actually a dress that I tucked in my skirt.  I thought the added striped cami and pop of colored accessories kept spring alive inspite of the chilly weather that day.

Blouse/Dress: Zara
Cardigan: New York & Company
Belt & Skirt: Loft
Shoes: Chico's Warehouse ($3!!!)

Lazy, Dazy


It definitely was not a kick back day, but why not let the clothes be??

Grey Top: Nordstrom Rack
Boyfriend Jeans: GAP
Ballet Flats: Nine West
Wrap Bracelet: Premiere Jewelry

Bible Study Group



Grey Cardigan: Chicos
Striped Top: WHBM
Skinnies: GAP
Red Wedges: Target Clearance
Necklace: Thrift Store

Well that is all for this week! Do you have a favorite, tips, tokens of wisdom? Well, please feel free to share. I love to hear from you, as all bloggers do!

Chrissy

Excited to be linking up with www.thepleatedpoppy.com



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