Saturday, March 26, 2011

Don’t Worry, I’m a Professional…Mommy.

I was talking with another stay-at-home mom (SAHM) friend—who is super cute by the way and may have a bigger high heel fetish them moi, we bonded over Nine West Shoes—about mommy attire versus professional attire.

I appreciate comfy clothes as the next girl, and love the versatility of a good pair of jeans with a cute tee; but part of me still loves the smart, sassy look of a well dressed professional lady. However, as a full time stay-at-home-mom that is just not realistic.

After graduating college and before I was married, I lived it up as a Career Woman! I got my first car, I got my first cell phone, I got myself a credit card, and I built myself a professional wardrobe. I remember the day I was sitting at my desk, and my newly ordered box of business cards was handed to me by my Editor. I pulled one out, saw my name printed on it, with “Staff Writer” written below, and I was one proud cookie.

But as interesting, yet challenging those “Career” days were, I still WOULD NOT trade anything with being a stay at home mom! Alas, my professional wardrobe collects dust in my closet, as my jeans collect messy fingerprints.

Back to my conversation with my friend. We lamented our business casual attire and laughed about our mommy casual attire in comparison. From trousers to tee shirts.

Then I got to thinking. What if I combined the two? Pair the trousers with the tee shirt! Give those fancy pants a second life! (DUH! Right?…I’m probably just catching up to some of you already.)

May I present to you my “Mommy Professional”. (see/read below)

Say hello to my trouser collection:

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There are 10—two full working weeks worth. I may or may not have more than ten. What can I say? I love a good trouser. I may or may not still fit all of them. What can I say? I birthed three almost nine pound baby boys.

I am going to attempt to select from these, weather and seasonally permitting, to wear with one of my MANY tee shirts (which I did not photograph because I got tired of pulling my clothes off the hangers knowing I’d have to put them back on the hangers.) And I will do so within a timely manner. Maybe.

In fact, I already did one!

Here is “Mommy Professional #1”:

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I picked my white and brown pin stripped trousers from Express.

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I came up with this outfit combination idea. (shoes: Target, shirt: Costco, trousers: Express, bracelet: Hawaii, flower clip: handmade by my sister Heather)

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If you wanted to take it down a notch in the dressy/casual ratio, trade out the wedges for fancy flip flops like these:

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(Target)

I decided to bring the look together with matchy matchy accessories:

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and

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FYI-

This look was husband approved. When he came home from work and I plopped down next to him as he watched his ESPN unwind time, he petted me. Literally. He petted my leg, and said “These are nice.” He loves a good trouser too. We were a match made in heaven ;)

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

For Laughs: Mommy’s Nose is Scary!

I’m not a huge You Tube fan. It’s just to easy to stumble upon indecent stuff. But I saw this on Good Morning America this morning and it made me laugh out loud. So I had to jump on the bandwagon and share. Plus, I can totally relate—I think nose blowing is rather frightening myself and refuse to do it in public.

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Monday, March 21, 2011

My Sunday Best: Spring Green

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Spring is here people!! Already! It kinda freaks me out. Anyone else tripping on how fast time is flying as of lately? Aaaggg, I’m starting to stress out and my chest is starting to feel tight.

Let’s move on before I start thinking I’m having a heart attack again.

(Yes, I thought I was having a heart attack Saturday morning. I woke up in the night with pain under my left boob and I swear my left arm was hurting too. I couldn’t lay on my left side without sharp pain. So I got up, took two TUMS, and went back to sleep on my right side. In the morning the pain was still there and I casually discussed with my husband the possibility of having a heart attack. He said it was Heartburn. I informed him that I once read an article about a lady who thought she was just having Heartburn, but it was in fact a heart attack. He was sweet and humored me by having all the boys gather on our bed for a family prayer that mommy’s heart feels better. Then we got up and went to the gym. I know, I know—so much for that heart attack theory. I told my husband to check in on the Cardio Dance Party class to make sure I was still alive and making a fool of myself. After the gym, my 6 y/o said to me, “I’m glad you didn’t die.” Oops—didn’t mean to scare him. Note to self: keep my slightly hypochondriac tendencies out of children’s earshot.)

Really moving on now.

This is my “yesteryears” dress. It has a vintage feel from it (Target style). So I tried to keep that look with my accessories—the long dangly necklace, strappy shoes, and bow/netting headband.

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Look. My toes match my dress. Not on purpose. I promise.

Happy Spring :)

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

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I’ve been waiting two weeks to wear these perfect, festive earrings! (Bought at Compass Trading Company, $2)

And of course I had to wear this shirt today with them :).

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Go get your Irish on! (or go get on an Irish…sorry, I couldn’t resist {wink})

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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Orange You Trendy!

I read this article on Realsimple.com about orange being this spring season’s trendy color. And I thought, “Perfect! I just bought some cute orange earrings.” I had been seeing the color sprinkled in stores like Target and New York & Co and was surprisingly drawn to it. So, I thought I’d work it into my wardrobe modestly. I got these at Compass Trading Company.

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I used them to add a tiny citrus splash to this outfit. I only almost sprained my ankle twice while running Mommy errands and grocery shopping. These shoes are cute but not made to chase a two year old down the cereal aisle. By the end of the day I noticed strawberry stains on my pants. Again, my two year old—they were his afternoon snack. And, some other kind of stain on my backside. Great. This is why I’ve only worn these pants from Express like three times in the past five years.

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And FYI, basically the article recommends wearing orange with:

Navy

Hot Pink

Violet/Purple

Paired with too light of pastels and you end up looking like an Easter Egg.

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Friday, March 11, 2011

Creative Blankets by Heather

Recently Updated

My sister Heather is very talented in the creativity department. I think all those genes forgot to get put into my genetic code, so there was an abundance for the next child after me, which was Heather.  She’s an artist and a pro at the sewing machine.  If you love cute, cuddly blankets (as I do), or want ideas on a new blanket design, you have to go visit her blog and see these three blanket she sewed. All while being 8 months pregnant!!

If you want more detail on the how-to and particulars, just let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

{Pink and Black Pedals Blanket}

{Flutter of Butterfly's Blanket}

{Colorful Pastels Blanket}

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Primary Printable (Primary 7, Lesson 8)

Lesson 8: “Jesus Christ Cleanses the Temple,” Primary 7
This goes with the Lesson’s Enrichment Activity #4.
Download and print out one per class member. Give the children each one with a writing utensil. Have them write down specific ways they can show love, honor, and respect for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ during the coming week. Ask them to keep the list where they can see it often.
I had to add a St. Patrick’s Day touch, since this week we will be celebrating it!
Show Sacred Respect Activity:
Show Sacred Respect

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Primary Printable (Primary 3, Lesson 8)

Lesson 8: “The Church of Jesus Christ Has Prophets to Teach Us,” Primary 3

These are cute time savers for you. They go with the Lesson’s Preparation #3.

I don’t know if you were kind of confused about where to use Preparation #3 in the lesson, but I couldn’t really figure it out; SO, I am making an executive decision and saying they are to be used for the Teacher Presentation portion of the lesson.  Download the files to your computer, print and cut them out. For the lesson, either lay them face down on a table for each class member to choose and read to the class—as something the Prophet councils and teaches us to do—or put them in a jar/container/bowl/box/container (whatever your fancy), and they can select one to pick out and read. Then have them keep for themselves or tape up on the board for everyone to see. It’s really up to you. There are just here for you to use as ever you choose :)
The Prophet Says 1
The Prophet Says 2

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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Primary Printable (Primary 1, Lesson 8)

Lesson 8: “I Am Thankful for the Day and the Night,” Primary 1 (Sunbeams)

This printable goes with the Lesson’s Enrichment Activity #1:

This is a collage for your class member to cut out and glue on a new sheet of paper to create two scenes: one for day and one for night. Give each child a blank sheet of paper, and help them fold it in half (like a book), to divide the paper in two, then have them unfold it flat again. One side is for the Day collage, the other side is for the Night collage. Give each child a copy of this printable to cut out and glue onto their two sides. The title gets clued to the top of the paper.
Suggestion: Some children have at the Sunbeam age struggle with cutting out, especially all those little stars, so I recommend pre-cutting each item on the print out and putting them in a plastic bag for the children to then just paste as they wish.

day and night

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I have a love affair with Polka Dots

My polka dot love affair started when I was five years old. The very first dress I can remember that I absolutely loved was a peach and white polka dot twirl-y dress with ruffles. If memory serves correct, it is the dress I am wearing in my Kindergarten school portrait picture. Wonder where that picture is now? (Mom?)

Anyway! I am excited! Because today is Polka Dot day at Everybody Everywhere! I had many items to choose from, but I went with something I’ve worn maybe twice in the six years I’ve owned it.

This sweater & satin shirt number.

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I swear it has polka dots. I’ll show you closer in a second. But first a little more about this combo. It’s connected. One of those fashion made easy sets. It was a quick impulse buy. However it’s not so fantastic, I quickly discovered, for those who have lumps, bumps, and coconuts. Which I have. In abundance.

So, to try to hide those lumps and bumps (I can’t do anything about the coconuts), I strategically placed a belt over them.

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I had to keep adjusting it because it wanted to slide BETWEEN those lumps and bumps.

Oh, and see the bottoms? They are shorts! For the first time this year. Thank goodness the Bermuda Shorts for women came into style a few years back and have seemed to stick around. Wish they were available while I was at BYU, but oh well, now is better anyway.

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I finished off the look with my NEW black ankle strap ruffle shoesies. They are Madden Girl and I bought them last week at DSW for $12!!!! Normally $50!!!!

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Look—the ruffle on the shoes match the ruffle on my shirt. And see? The Polka dots.

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Polka Dots, Ruffles, and Fancy Shoes—a five year old’s dream, OR, thirty-four year old’s.

:)

ny&co

I really like every single one of these looks from New York & Co. But I particularly love the one with the black Bermuda shorts and Fedora hat. I may just have to copycat that sometime! When I saw this advertisement in my email this morning it inspired my outfit today.
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Relief Society Newsletter Template {March}

Best of Luck to you! Here is the March Relief Society Newsletter.
This is a word document file for you to download and save to your computer to use as you like. Once it saved to your computer, open it and click around to see how you can change it to make your own. Any questions, just ask :)
RS March Newsletter

Email me for the file.


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My Favorite Spring Trends 2011 {Female & Male}

Driving my four year old to preschool today, I noticed blossoms on the trees. Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring.  Here are some fashion trends and looks—ranging from Casual to Dressy—we can welcome this Spring. 

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The Moto Jacket, or the Bomber Jacket puts a little sass in this casual look with the pretty printed tee and worn jeans.

clip_image002The man, or men (big or little) in your life, can match you with their own printed polo.

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The pretty peasant blouse is perfect for spring. It comes in so many different styles, prints, and colors. It can go casual with jeans, or dressier with a skirt.

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A handsome plaid in fresh colors is complimentary look to your flirty blouse.

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Let the spring sunshine warm those legs in a feminine printed dress. Cinch your waist with a belt and add a cardigan to complete the look.

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The classic polo always looks great, especially in yummy colors like this one.

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The Coral Dress is so popular this season.  Kelly Ripa wore one almost identical to this on Live with Regis and Kelly just last week!

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This Utility Shirt will show off your man’s broad shoulders. It’s dressy without being stuffy.

Here are all the looks together for a complete Fabulous Family Spring Look. I added pieces for the younger family members as well.

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What shoes to wear you ask? Well here is what’s hot right now:

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Ankle Shoes

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Blush Color Shoes

Also trending this Spring is my ever favorite Polka Dots, as well as bold refreshing colors like yellow and orange and turquoise.

Happy Spring!!

{All these looks and items come from JC Penny}

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Saturday, March 5, 2011

Primary Newsletter Template {March}

I am so happy with the positive responses these Newsletter Templates have received. Here is the one for March. I will try to update and add one for each month. Thank you for being patient with me.
This is a document file for you to download and save to your computer to use as you like.
Primary March Newsletter

Email me for the file.
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Thursday, March 3, 2011

MBI Issues

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This title is not to be confused with MBA, as in Masters in Business Administration, as in what my husband has, as in I am so proud of him!

No, this is MBI, as in Major Body Image issues, as in what I have today!

Don’t you just hate it when that springs upon you? Does that just come with being a woman? Anyone relate? Please?

I didn’t even feel like putting any makeup on beyond mascara. I thought maybe curling my hair would make me feel better. It worked a little bit.

I thought about forcing myself to eat a banana (cause I don’t like them.)

Fact: Bananas are a good source for the Vitamin B6.

According to some studies fact: Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to those with depression and acne. (Did I mention I’ve been breaking out?)

“Fact” according to some girly magazine I read years ago: Eating a banana will help you feel better when you look in the mirror.

So, I decided to make Banana Bread Muffins, with mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top, because a little bit of chocolate always makes me feel better, as does baking.

I did feel better by the end of the day—and my little guys enjoyed the muffins :)

Outfit Particulars: The scarf came from Payless Shoes.

{The What & Why about 30 for 30 Remix}

{See Melody’s #29}

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Spring on Over

Skip, Jump, Click on over to Creative Photography by Amanda where where I am guest blogging about Spring Family Fashion Looks for photography sessions, or just simply looking stylish on a lovely Spring day!

spring best

See these and much more!!

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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

What Not To Wear approved

Before you say anything about this outfit, read below.

what not to wear

I saw Clinton Kelly (of TLC’s What Not to Wear), wear an outfit very similar to this, except it was the male version.  I love that show, and I think I’ve watched every episode…some twice because I forget how they turn out. Anyway, I was watching one episode and noticed that Clinton had on a shirt almost identical to mine (above). He was wearing it with a purple vest (the same color as above), and grey slacks. I thought, “I could totally copy that!” So I did. Originally, I was going to wear my grey skirt with it, but it was colder then I anticipated, so I opted for jeans.

I went out to lunch with my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, and they commented how they would never think to put these colors together. I replied, me either, but I saw a fashion expert do it, so it’s totally acceptable. And that was that.

I have no excuse about my hair. It was one of those mornings.

Which turned into one of those afternoons when I locked my keys in the car.

Again.

Two times in a four day period.

I think I have a syndrome. It could possibly be called “My two year old is making me crazy” syndrome.

Luckily, there is a medication for it. I just have to pop a few chocolate chips and everything is better ;)

At least for the next five minutes.

 

{The What & Why about 30 for 30 Remix}

{See Melody’s #28}

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"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity. "

-Margaret D. Nadauld