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5.23.2013

Personal styling lookbook

I am not the most stylish person 
but I do love fashion.
So when I was on Bloglovin the other day 
and Lauren from La Petite Fashionista's blog popped up with this post 
I knew I needed to go get a style consult from her right away.

We are going on an anniversary trip in July or August to celebrate 5 years
{without the kids!!!}
and I wanted to have some really 
comfortable + cute clothes to wear that would be easily transitioned from day to night.
So I went over to Keaton Row 
and signed up for an account + filled out the questionnaire 
and then sent my request for a Look Book from Lauren for our trip.

Lauren did an absolutely amazing job putting together a look book for me with a bunch of different
looks that are super comfy and will transition so easily.


This is my favorite look she sent over!
I love everything about this look.
That dress looks super comfortable and who doesn't love a denim jacket?!


This is another fave from my lookbook.
I want that maxi dress in my closet like now!

So I definitely recommend if you are fashionably challenged like I am
and you have something coming up that you really want help figuring out what to wear for it...
Go to Keaton Row and request a lookbook from Lauren!
She is super, sweet 
and really listens to what you are looking for.

5.21.2013

Happy Birthday to my THREE year old!

 photo fam5_zpsf32e1513.jpg

Today you are 3.
I cannot believe that 3 years ago today I woke up in the morning 
and went into labor with you.
{you can read his birth story here}

 photo fam49_zpsff57cd7b.jpg

You are the one that made me a mama.
You are my favorite toddler.
You have the best sense of humor.
You laugh at yourself.
You make me smile every.single.day.

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You tell me you love me all the time
and come cuddle up next to me on the couch
and tell me you love to sit with me.
You insist on giving nose kisses, kisses and hugs whenever you go down for a nap/bed
or we are leaving.

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You have an A M A Z I N G vocabulary for only being 3.
You are so darn smart 
and say things all the time that we all just are like where did he learn that?!
You are the sweetest and kindest most gentle hearted kiddo I know.
You always want to hug + kiss your baby sister.
You are constantly checking on her 
and if she cries you always tell her it's going to be ok.

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You love trains, Mickey Mouse, Baby, being outside, all things sports,
your sister, Avengers, talking, pizza, Tangled, french fries + cheeseburgers, 
your blue shorts + pants, shopping at Old Naby,
your rainboots, Toy Story, running
and anything blue + orange.

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I love you so much my sweet, sweet boy!
You are the best thing to happen to me
{besides your sis + daddy}
You made me a mama
thank you!

Love,
mommy

5.19.2013

An interview with my child, Zane

These are taken straight from Zane's mouth...
and are direct quotes.


1. What is your favorite thing that you and I do together::

Go to Miss Lauren's house.

2. What is something important I have taught you that you will always remember:: 

I love the bath.

3. What is your most special memory about me:: 

Going to the park.

4. What is something nice I always say to you:: 

I'm your most favoritist boy in the whole wide world.

5. How are you and I the same:: How are we different::

same:: nope.
different:: we are different.


5.16.2013

on the plane for James

james plane

james plane by libbyuglesich featuring oakley sunglasses

:: Bag ::
Backpack // Oakley

:: Wear ::
T-shirt // Tommy Bahama
Shorts // Old Navy
Shoes // Dick's Sporting Goods
Watch // Macy's
Sunglasses // Macy's

:: Entertainment ::
Computer // HP Hewlett Packard
iPad // Apple
Headphones // Apple
Magazine // Target

:: Hydration ::
Water Bottle // Target

5.14.2013

On the plane for the kiddos

zane plane

zane plane by libbyuglesich featuring backpacks

:: For Zane on the plane ::

:: Wear ::
Jeans // Gap
Shirt // Carter's
Sweatshirt // Gap
Shoes // Stride Rite

:: Bag ::
Backpack // Target

:: Snacks ::
Fruit Snacks // Target
Cheddar Bunnies // Target
M&Ms {his fave} // Target
Water Bottle // Camelbak

:: Entertainment & Toys ::
Leapster Leap Pad // ToysRUs
Color Book // Target
Crayons // Target
Movies // Target
Cars // ToysRUs

His baby
{a gift & is his 'security blanket', he goes everywhere with us}


lilah plane

lilah plane by libbyuglesich featuring hair accessories

:: Wear ::
Onesie // Carter's
Jeans // Carter's
Sweatshirt // Gap
Hear Clip // Carter's

:: Bag ::
Diaper Bag // Petunia Pickle Bottom

:: Toys ::
Sophie // Target
Cupcake Rattle // ToysRUS
Ring Rattle // ToysRUS
Giraffe Teether // BabiesRUS

:: Blankets ::
Cupcake Blanket // Gymboree
Babycakes Swaddler // Aden + Anais

:: Extra Clothes ::
PJs // Carter's
Dress // Carter's

:: Feeding & Diapering ::
Bottle // Target
Formula // Free Samples
Diapers // Target
Wipes // Target
Aquaphor // Target
Binky // Walmart

5.13.2013

Guest Post:: Samantha from Hooah and Hiccups

Hello Libby's Life friends! My name is Samantha and I blog over at Hooah and Hiccups!

Libby is sweet enough to let me say hi today and..ask for your help and votes!! A few months back, Onlineshoes.com contacted me in regards to a Blogger Styling Contest! Of course, I was ALL over it!



How it works: myself and three other bloggers each received the same pair of shoes. We were all told to style it our own way and then the public would be voting on who styled the pair of shoes the best!


So here's how I styled them! 






The Naya Shoes are absolutely adorable! Not to mention they're super comfortable and perfect for shorts and a tee, a maxi dress, or really any casual look you want to pair them with. My Bubba Bear has been giving me a run for my money recently and these shoes are comfortable enough for me to chase him around! 


I also love that they are made using eco-friendly materials; cork, bamboo and chrome-free leather are among the materials used. 

So now I need your help!! These shoes are totally down my fashion alley and I hope that you love how I styled them; enough so that you'll vote for me to win!


Want to win a pair too? You can enter to win a pair on the voting page after casting your vote! (Hopefully for me ;)) 



So please, vote here! Leave me a little comment if you voted... I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and help! Love you ALL!



In case you missed it... VOTE HERE!

 

 

5.12.2013

An Open Letter To Moms::

This pretty much sums it up... 


Seriously this kid is awesome! 

An interview with my mom, Sally

mothers day 2011

1. How did you feel the moment you found out you were pregnant
{found out you were going to get me} with me::

Absolutely elated, thrilled
and couldn't believe it.

2. Was I a wonderful surprise or carefully planned::

A little bit of both, since we could not have children
we planned to adopt a baby
and it was a wonderful surprise
when the agency called us just 11 months after we applied.

3. What was the most challenging time in my childhood:: Why::

When you were 5 years old
because you were trying to control everything.

4. Did you worry more about me as a child or now that I am an adult::

I didn't worry about you anymore than any other mother.
I am naturally a worrier so I still worry about you.
My mother still worries about me
and she is 95.
So until the day I die.

5. What is one thing that you thought was deeply important when I was a baby that you now realize did not matter at all::

Things I would have done differently was not spending so much time on laundry
and making you look perfect.
I spent too much time doing your hair
and should have just played more with you + your brother more.


5.10.2013

leaving on a jet plane

plane

plane by libbyuglesich featuring topshop

We are leaving in a little over a week to go to Atlanta for my
half brother's high school graduation.
{James, me, Zane, Lilah, my mom & my dad are all going}
So I thought I'd show you what I was wearing
and putting in my carry-on.

:: Wear ::
Dress // Target
Jean Jacket // Old Navy
Scarf // Gap
Hat // Target
Shoes // Old Navy
Watch // Target
Sunglasses // Coach
Hairband // Knotieties

:: Bags ::
Bag // Gap
Cosmetic Bag // Kate Spade

iPad // Apple
Earbuds // Target

:: Sanitize/Moisturize ::
Lotion // Bath & Body Works
Hand Sanitizer // Bath & Body Works
Chapstick // Target

:: Reads ::
Cupcakes & Cashmere - Emily Schuman // Powells
Instyle Magazine // Target

High five for friday



1:: I won 125$ to Gap and you can read about what I purchased with said gift card here.

2:: We celebrated my sweet husband's 28th birthday on Tuesday at BJs Brewpub and you can read my birthday blog post to him here.

3:: We took the kiddos to the mall and rented one of those fun carts for them since we forgot the stroller. To say Zane was excited would be an understatement.

4:: I baby wore Lilah while at Zane's first dentist appointment which helped since it was a nightmare appointment... he was not a fan to say the least.

5:: I had a night to myself {with Lilah} and I posted about what I was going to do here.

5.09.2013

PRAY PRAY PRAY PLEASE!

UPDATE::

She is stable and doing much better this morning
and is even trying to breath on her own which is amazing!

There is a Facebook page set up Prayers for Rowan
and
there is also a donation site to help with the medical expenses
Helping Rowan
because do you know how much being air vac'd costs?! 
Boo Koo Buck!
So if you could donate even 5$ that would help!
Thank you!

My sweet, sweet friend Melissa from While it Rains little girl Rowan is very sick with rotavirus 
and is not able to breath on her own so they air vac'd her to Mary Bridge Hospital 
in Tacoma, Washington. 
So please if you have just one minute today or even 30 seconds stop 
and say a quick prayer for this little girl! 


My heart is breaking for this sweet little girl right now. 
I have been crying on and off all day.
Every time I think about her or read another update from her mama, 
I just can't help but start crying.
So please take the time to stop and say a prayer...
we ALL have the time to say a quick prayer for her today.

But Zane + Lilah wanted to send her a message::


5.07.2013

What I bought with my winnings

I won 125$ gift card to my choice of J.Crew, The Loft, Old Navy or Gap 
from these lovely ladies::

:: Libby of Glimpse of Glam :: Meghan of Everyday Fashion & Finance :: Bethany of Perfectly Coutured :: 
Renee of Style with a Story :: Katelin of My Wardrobe Staples ::

I chose Gap because there were some specific things I had been coveting
so when I got the email that I had won I didn't hesitate when I emailed her back to tell them Gap.

As soon as I won I went and added the stuff to my cart in anticipation 
of receiving my gift card sometime this week.
Well I got it yesterday
but I waited until today to see if there were any coupons to use
and low + behold there was a 30% off coupon code today so I immediately purchased 
all 4 of the items I'd put in the cart a couple days ago.
I thought I'd shared what I purchased today.


That bag has been on my list of wants for months, 
the dress I've loved for a couple weeks 
and the tshirt I've loved only for a few days.
{I obviously have a thing for stripes}
The Captain America shirt is for Zane's 3rd birthday coming up in 2 weeks.
He wants a Captain American/Avengers theme this year for his birthday party so this was a must.
I am super excited to get these things 
and I want to say thank you thank you thank you to these 5 awesome ladies!

It's someone's birthday....

 This amazing man is turning 28 today!


He is the best father and husband you could ever ask for.
He works so hard for us and for me to be able to stay home with our kiddos
{which you can read about here}
I love him more than words can express
and am so extremely lucky to call him my husband.
Happy Birthday, James!

5.05.2013

An interview with myself


1. Before you ever even had children, how did you feel about being a mother::

I always, always wanted to be a mom,
ever since I was a kid myself.
It was a dream of mine to be a mom from day one
and the day that Zane was born my dream came true + again when Lilah was born.

2. Since becoming a mother, what is something that has happened that you never thought would::

That I'd be anything like my own mother
and now I am so much like her.

3. Is being a mother less difficult, more difficult or exactly how difficult you imagined::

It is 100 times for difficult but there is not one thing that I would change about it.
I love every single second of being a mom,
even the bad times where I want to pull my hair out or scream.

4. What is your fondest memory of being a mother {so far}::

I love the moments when Zane tells me he loves me
or comes + cuddles with me for no reason.
It makes me happier feel more love than ever in my life.
It makes my heart melt every time.

5. If your children only learn one life lesson from you, what do you hope it is::

To love God with all their heart
and to be kind to everyone they meet.


5.04.2013

what my night looks like

Tonight James + Zane are going to the Portland Winterhawks game 
so I have a night alone with my baby girl
and this is what I have planned for us...
well me, she pretty much doesn't care what I do yet
{as long as I feed + change her} 


This is the a perfect night in my opinion.
Oh and I will have this burning too because it is A M A Z I N G!


Thanks to Aubrey @ The Kinch Life who posted about it.

Disney challenge :: favorite princess

Day 4 :: Favorite Princess

Merida :: Brave // Rapunzel :: Tangled


It's definitely a toss up between Merida + Rapunzel! 
I like them both for different reasons...

I love Merida for her strength + for standing up for what she believed in.


I love Rapunzel for her silliness + her willingness to just accept her life as it was.


Love them both...
That is all.

I am linking up with Anjali:: From L&P to English Tea 




5.03.2013

April Cara Box


Cara Box

I was paired up with Elizabeth from Get Busy Living
{I sent to her, so go to her blog and check out what I sent her!}
and Traci from Dear Miss Traci.


Traci got me some adorable things!
Some amazing pink nail polish
A really pretty pink lip balm
Some herbal tea 
and a water bobble {which I am so excited about!}
and the card she sent me was vintage + absolutely adorable!

Thank you Traci for the awesome stuff. :)

Disney challenge:: favorite character

Day 3 :: Favorite Character

Giselle :: Enchanted


Giselle is hilarious 
and I love that she crossed from animated to real life...
it's just so different 
and fun!


I also love Amy Adams so the fact that she is Giselle makes me love her even more.
I love the story line 
and how naive she is throughout the whole thing
but in the end is just like any other person.


5.02.2013

Why I am a stay at home mom


I have read a lot of posts out in blogland lately about being a stay at home mom 
and/or being a mom who works outside of the home 
and it made me want to tell you my story 
and explain how we came to the decision of me staying home with our kids.
I read two different perspectives just today on the subject one 
from the lovely Samantha over @ Hooah and Hiccupps
and the other one was from the adorable Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals.
I highly recommend you go read these posts!


I know there are a ton of people out there who are not going to agree with me at all
and that's ok.
We all have our own opinions...
just please be nice.


This is my story
and why we chose what we did.


When James and I got married in 2008 he was adamant that when we had kids that I would 
continue to work outside our house
because in his mind we wouldn't be able to afford living on his salary.
{He is in law enforcement so he doesn't make a ton of money by any means whatsoever.
We live basically paycheck to paycheck 
and that is a decision we didn't come to lightly at all.}

I was extremely disappointed when he told me that
because it had always been my dream to be a stay at home mom to my kids
just like my mom had been with my brother + me.
But I dropped the subject because we weren't thinking about kids yet 
so I knew we'd revisit it when we started talking about having kids or once I was pregnant.


So fast forward to 2009 when we found out I was pregnant with Zane.
I brought the subject up again
and again was shot down by him...
still the the same reasoning.
So I dropped it again.
A few months later he brought the subject up again to me
and this time it was a completely different story.
He had been talking to all of his buddies at work that have wives that stayed home with their kids,
and had been asking them if it was worth it.
{I think hearing it for a 3rd party helped him see my reasoning}
They had all told him, 
sure it was difficult at times but they were doing it
and some of them had 4 kids
and we were just going to have one!
So he saw that it was possible
and that's when he really listened to me 
and why I wanted too.
So here is why I wanted to stay home with my kids::


I grew up in a home where my mom stayed home with us 
and I loved every.single.second of it.
I loved having my mom home everyday...
she could take us to the park, 
she was there for everything 
and never missed a thing.
And that was what I wanted for my kids.
I wanted to be able to take care of my own kids
{not that having someone else taking care of your children is wrong,
I don't want anyone to think I look down on them for working!}
I wanted to be able to watch them grow + learn everyday.
I wanted to have that close relationship with them that I had with my mom 
because she was home with us.
I wanted to be able to go with them on their field trips at school
and take them to play at the park or go to the zoo.
I just didn't want to miss anything!
I knew it was going to be extremely hard and trying some days
but that didn't matter to me.


I will tell you that it was the best decision we ever made.
After many long conversations for the entire 9 months of being pregnant we decided
that me staying home was the best idea.
For one I wasn't making very much money where I worked
and we figured out that my entire paycheck except for about 50$ would go towards daycare
and that was completely pointless to us.
Two he decided that having me raise our kids would be the best thing.
Three he knew how much I really wanted it
and he wanted me to be happy.
{just like I had done for him when he became a police officer...
that's another story for another time!
Let's just say I wasn't thrilled.}


I will tell you that being a stay at home mom is H A R D!!
I don't get sick days or vacation days.
I work 365 // 24 // 7!
And contrary to what people think I am not sitting around doing nothing all day.
I work extremely hard to keep my kiddos happy 
and busy
and fed 
and clothed 
and so many other things it'd take years to list them all!
I don't get any me time whatsoever...
I haven't gone to the bathroom by myself in almost 3 years now
because if that door closes Zane has an epic meltdown
and what mom wants to do that?!
I don't get to eat my own food
because no matter what even if my plate is identical in every.single.way to his 
he still has to eat my food.
I rarely ever get time to myself
because even when James is home + I try to go upstairs 
and have a few minutes to myself Zane is screaming the entire time for me to come back down.


Please don't take this the wrong way...
I chose this
and I love every bit of it!
I wouldn't change anything at all.
I am just trying to explain to you how hard being a stay at home mom really is.
My kids are my entire world 
and I will love them to the end of time
and then some.


I also want to say that we are working extremely hard to get rid of our debt 
so that we don't have to live paycheck to paycheck
{We started doing the debt snowball by Dave Ramsey again, which you can read about here}
and let me tell you my children don't go without anything they need or even want!
We make sacrifices to give them what they need + want.
Zane has more toys than he can even play with
and that is why this year he is not receiving any toys for his birthday. 
{I will post on that later}
They both have more clothes than what will fit in their closet
and if Zane asks for something he really wants we usually find a way to get it for him 
however that may be. 


Whatever you chose or decide is right for you 
and your family it's your decision
and don't let anyone put you down or criticize you for that choice.
They don't know your circumstances 
or reasoning behind your choice
and really you shouldn't have to justify yourself to anyone.
So just know that I respect whatever decision you make for yourself.


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