Aug 19, 2013
The first day of school is just a week away. For the most part, we are done school shopping. Woo hoo!
I try to streamline our back to school shopping by first taking an inventory of our kids’ closets and then making a list of their needs. Since it’s hot here well into October, we usually stock up on basics at the beginning of the year, then plan another trip later in the fall to add in jeans and sweaters.
Recently I was introduced to FabKids, JustFab’s newest fashion club. It was created by a team of parents including celebrity mom Christina Applegate. FabKids is a monthly outfit club just for kids. For $39.95 per month, you get a three piece outfit designed for style and made for the playground. Outfits are available for girls and boys in sizes 2-12. There’s even a fun style quiz so the outfits are styled just for your little one. What appeals to me about a service like this is getting seasonally appropriate outfits in my 9 year-old daughter’s size without having to go out and shop every month.
Right now, as a new member, you can get your first 3-piece outfit for just $19.95!
Ava got this cute 3-piece look (including hair accessories) to rock for back to school.
[Shirt/Skirt/Hair Accessory: FabKids/Boots: Mossimo Supply Co.]
Our two older kids wear uniforms to school, which makes back to school shopping a breeze. It’s kind of a bummer for them though, especially for our 14 year-old daughter, Aubrey. But we always find her a few fun items for weekend wear so she doesn’t feel left out.
She loves her new tee from Skip N’ Whistle. They have a collection of some of the cutest and most unique t-shirts around. It’s great for pairing with some denim shorts and Keds now and under a cozy cardigan with jeans later.
[T-shirt: Skip N’ Whistle/Shorts: Aeropostale/Shoes: Keds]
It’s Your Turn: What’s left on your back to school shopping list?
Getting my pretty on with Visible Monday, Monday Bloom and Monday Mingle.
Aug 16, 2013
It all started with this adorable outfit I found on Pinterest and now I’m full out obsessed with oxfords for fall. I already have the navy blazer, boyfriend jeans and t-shirt. All I need is the shoes to complete the look.
Here are a few options that I’m considering. Which pair is your favorite?
[Restricted “Roosevelt”]
[Crown Vintage “Alice”]
[ModCloth “Trips of the Trade”]
[Hinge “Fraser”]
[Report “Harvey”]
It’s Your Turn: Will you be buying oxfords this fall?
NORDSTROM GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY
Don’t forget today is the last day to enter to win a $365 Nordstrom gift card over at Pinterest Told Me To. Click on the graphic below to enter!
You could buy the whole Pinterest inspiration outfit (plus some) with that much Nordstrom dough!
The navy blazer…
[Navy Linen Blazer]
The boyfriend jeans…
[Kut from the Kloth “Catherine”]
And a cute pair of oxfords too!
[Miz Mooz “Monaco”]
Be sure to stop by to enter and wish Sheaffer a happy blog birthday too!
Aug 15, 2013
Our family doesn’t do New Year’s resolutions but instead we do Back to School goals. For some reason, I just feel more motivated at this time of the year. Maybe it’s the leisurely pace of summer that leads to the craving of getting back into a routine. Or it could be the fall weather that gives me more energy and enthusiasm. Whatever it is, I know that I’m way more successful with achieving goals in the fall.
Our kids also set goals for the school year. A few weeks before school starts, we have a family meeting. I hand out slips of paper to the kids and ask each of them to write down three goals for the school year – one related to academics, one for sports or activities and one of their choice.
Here’s what our middle daughter’s looked like last year.
Academics
1. Get all A’s all year.
Sports
2. Get all of my level 6 skills before gymnastics competition season.
Free Choice
3. Make new friends.
At mid-year, over Christmas break, we have a check-in to revisit their goals. The kids then have the option of adding more goals or changing existing ones, especially if they’ve already accomplished them.
MOM’S BACK TO SCHOOL GOALS
At the same time, I start working on my list of goals. I try to focus on key areas in my life – Organization, Fitness, Fashion/Beauty, Food and Family Time. Each category gets a manageable amount of goals, usually 1-3. Here’s what my goal list might look like:
Organization
1. Clean out the pantry and buy new baskets/organizers.
2. Transition closet over to fall clothes.
Fitness
1. Walk the dog in the morning at least four days a week.
2. Sign up for a new yoga class, two days a week.
Food
1. Find new crock pot recipes to try.
Fashion
1. Create a fall shopping list of needs/wants.
Beauty
1. Add low lights to hair.
2. Try berry lip and nail colors.
Family Time
1. Come up with a list of activities for family fun night.
I try to keep my list manageable so I don’t feel overwhelmed by it. It’s also full of things that I love and enjoy, it’s not meant to be something that I dread. At mid-year, I also do a check-in and add/remove items as needed.
It’s Your Turn: What goals do you have for the coming school year? Try to carve out 15 to 30 minutes today to write them down.
Get even more tips on time management, organization, fashion and beauty in my new book, Get Pretty, Kick Butt!
Available now on Kindle.
Aug 14, 2013
There are so many reasons I’m feeling really blessed lately. But first and foremost today I’m celebrating 14 years of marriage to this guy.
We met 21 years ago on a blind date and I knew that he was the one from that moment. I can’t think of a better person to share my life with and the awesome responsibility of raising our three children. God created the perfect man for me.
GET PRETTY, KICK BUTT!
If you missed my announcement yesterday, I’m feeling really blessed to have my book Get Pretty, Kick Butt! now available on Kindle! For those of you who asked, there will also be a print version coming soon.
ROSE ROYCE JEANS
I’ve been asked to participate in a contest to be the new brand ambassador for Rose Royce Jeans. I’m not going to go crazy and drive you all nuts asking for votes (you’re welcome) but if you would like to cast one, you can HERE. 🙂
I am in love with these Rose Royce jeans. The fit is perfect and so is the length – they can be worn with flats or heels. They have really great details too (see pics below). Yes, there’s a pic of my butt. I can honestly say I never thought I would get that brave and it’s making me cringe a little. But the back pockets are just too cute with their rosette buttons and stitching.
Add a scarf and blazer and this outfit instantly transforms for fall.
[Blazer: Kenar (TJ Maxx)/Scarf: c/o Golden Tote/T-shirt: Express/Shoes: Jessica Simpson/Watch: Michael Kors/Jeans: c/o Rose Royce]
BLAZER + SCARF COMBOS
Blazers and scarves are one of my favorite combos for fall. They instantly transform a t-shirt and jeans into a put together outfit. The possibilities are endless and they work for so many things. I especially love them paired up with some boyfriend jeans. Here are some outfit options using this winning combination.
EMERALD + BOLD FLORAL
[Blazer: ModCloth/Scarf: Gap/Jeans: Kut from the Kloth]
CORAL + TURQUOISE
[Blazer: Wallis/Scarf: Fab/Jeans: Shopbop]
COBALT + FLORAL
[Blazer: Wallis/Scarf: Loft/Jeans: Loft]
J.CREW $300 GIFT CARD
Have you entered the J. Crew $300 gift card giveaway yet? What a great way to jump start your fall wardrobe. Click HERE to enter!
I Feel Pretty
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
Link up your outfits or anything else that makes you feel pretty. There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin‘)
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to my blog (using the button above or your own link).
4. Visit other pretty peeps.
That’s it! Let the fun begin.
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Getting my pretty on with Summer Style, Shanna, The Pleated Poppy, Real Girl Style, Style Sessions and Sarah.
Aug 13, 2013
The Back to school, Back to Pretty series kicks off today with two big announcements!
First off, I’ll be speaking live today on the David Pollock Beauty Inside Out show on RadioMD. We’ll be talking about back to school pretty and sharing tips for busy moms.
Click this link to listen live beginning at noon ET today!
My second big announcement is my book Get Pretty, Kick Butt! The Moms’ Guide to Looking Your Best and Getting More Done is now available for download exclusively on Kindle! I’ll also be sharing tips from the book on the radio show today, so you won’t to miss it.
It’s the perfect back to school guide for busy moms.
In 30 days or less you’ll:
- Establish your own Kick Butt Routine using the daily Power Hour planning session
- Manage your home in easy 15 minute increments
- Have a simple self-care routine that you can manage EVERY day
- Spend MORE quality time with your spouse and kids
- Learn how to use Sundays for a successful start to the week
- Have a clean, organized closet full of only what you love wearing
- Find your own sense of style
- Build go-to outfits that work for all of your daily activities
- Maintain your wardrobe on a weekly allowance
- Get fit at home with 20 minute work outs
- Discover what you’re passionate about and pursue it
- Stay out of the mom rut with easy maintenance tips
For more information check out this page or get the book HERE!
Be sure to come back on Thursday for the next post in the Back to School, Back to Pretty series where we will be focusing on Goal Setting for Fall.
J. CREW $300 GIFT CARD
Have you entered the J. Crew $300 gift card giveaway yet? What a great way to jump start your fall wardrobe! Enter HERE.
Follow GYPO on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Getting my pretty on with Style Sessions.
