Summer Fix (Stitch Fix #5)

I just got my summer Fix, and I couldn't be more pleased.  I waited a long time between my last fix and this one, because I wanted to save some money up, and it was really fun to get one again.  I forgot how much I enjoy getting to shop in my own house!

Some quick facts about Stitch Fix:

-The styling fee is $20 per fix.  The $20 is deducted from the price of any item(s) that you purchase in that fix.

-You can specify your price range for the items that you receive.  You can also specify how often you want to receive a fix.

-You will receive 5 items that are hand-picked for you by your stylist, using the style profile that you will fill out upon signing up.  You can decide to purchase them all, just a few items, or to send them all back if you don't want to keep any of them.

-You have 3 business days to choose what you want to keep and send back what you don't like.  They give you a prepaid shipping envelope that you can just pop in your mailbox (so easy!).

-If you choose to keep all 5 items, you get 25% off your entire order.
-You can earn $25 in credit for every friend that uses your link to schedule their fix.  Its a win-win!

My Fix:

Liverpool Mira Ankle Skinny Jean

If leggings and jeans had a baby, these would be it.  I asked for extremely comfortable jeans, and my stylist delivered!  I can get on the floor and play with Parker in these with no problem.  They are petite in length, which my stylist chose especially for me so that I wouldn't have to get them hemmed.  Excuse me if I wear these every day of my life, thankyouverymuch.

Verdict: Kept

Sweet Grey Abbots Knit Top

This top is SO soft.  I love the detail of the color blocking around the bottom and the different colored pocket.  There is also a little stripe down the back, which is really unique and cute.  It is the perfect length for me, since I love the versatility of longer tops that can be worn with leggings or jeans.

Verdict: Kept

Zacasha Abbey Beaded Tassel

I didn't tell my stylist that I had been on the lookout for a fringe necklace, but somehow she must have read my mind, because she sent my this one and I loved it!  It is perfect for a date night with the hubs, church, or a fun dinner with friends.

Verdict: Kept

Kut From the Cloth Mona Boyfriend Short

My stylist took a risk and sent me these comfy shorts for summer.  I do not typically like to wear shorts, but it is pretty hot in NC, so I have invested in a few pairs.  I wasn't sure about the white color at first, especially because I tend to get a lot of stains on my clothes these days (thanks Parker!), but I decided they were comfortable enough to keep and I would just keep some bleach handy.

Verdict: Kept

RD Style Skriver Tie Waist Top

Be still my beating heart.  This top is EVERYTHING.  It is light and flowy, long enough in the back to wear with leggings, and it is SO pretty.  My stylist knows that I love Anthropologie's "boho" vibe, so she hit it out of the park with this choice.

Verdict: Kept

Above is my style card that my stylist sent with my fix to give me some ideas on how to style the clothes she sent.  I almost sent the necklace and the shorts back, but since Stitch Fix offers a 25% off discount for keeping all 5 items, it was actually cheaper to keep everything than to just keep 3 pieces!

I'd love to know what you think of my fix!  Leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite piece is!

Want to give it a try?  To get your fix, click here!

Hidden Gems: Favorite Books for Toddlers

If you know me, have taught with me, or especially if you have been taught BY me- you know that I absolutely LOVE to read.  I am hoping to pass that love for reading down to Parker, and so far it seems to be working (yay!).  One of his favorite things to do (and pretty much the only time he sits still) is when he curls up in my lap with a good book.   You have probably heard of many of the classic favorites for little ones, like Dr. Seuss (Green Eggs and Ham) and Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar).  We love those as well, but the following hidden gems have been some of our unexpected favorites.  I thought I would share because they would be great gift ideas for the toddlers in your life!   National Geographic Kids First Big Book of the Ocean by Catherine D. Hughes The real-life pictures in this book are so captivating, and the author keeps the facts short and sweet.  We like to read about one or two animals a night before bed.  This particular series also has books on animals, bugs, space, etc.  It is a great intro to our world for little ones.

When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Maude Spelman I love this entire series of books because they focus on helping toddlers (and older kids too!) understand their feelings and how to deal with them.   This is a great find!

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle My husband and I can recite this entire book.  That's how many times we have read it.  But seriously, it is such a great book, and teaches a sweet lesson about helping others in need.  

My First Look and Find: Thomas and Friends Parker loves this book because it is fun to find the pictures, and I love it because it helps him learn new words, along with colors, shapes, etc.  There are many different versions, including ones with popular Disney characters, and series that appeal to both boys and girls.

Sheep in a Jeep This silly story is a quick and funny read.  It uses simple rhyming words that a toddler can easily pick up on and "read" with you.  This is another one that we have read again and again.

The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales by Stephen Cartwright and Heather Amery I earned this book for free when I did my first Usborne Book party last year, and it has quickly become one of our favorites to read before bed.  Like most kids, Parker loves all things "farm" related and we enjoy reading about all the adventures at Apple Tree Farm!  Also, this book has both simple text (at the top of each page) and complex text (at the bottom), so that an early reader and their parent can read it together.  Its a definitely a gem!

The Beginner's Bible: Stories About Jesus Parker has many story bibles, but this is our current favorite.  It is a board book, so he can bring it in his crib with him at night to read.  He often wakes up in the morning and starts flipping through it and "reading" it himself, which is really cute.  We love it because it brings the stories of events in Jesus's life to a level that a toddler can understand.  The stories are short and perfect for the short attention span of a toddler.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today!  Hope you pick up a good book today, no matter your age:)

Simple Fourth of July Decor

Happy Fourth of July everyone!  

I try to be super simple when I decorate for holidays.  Less is more, especially when you have an active two-year old and not a lot of time!  Here are a couple things that I did around the house to decorate for the fourth.

I draped an American flag printed scarf from one of the shelves in the dining room, and printed a free printable that I found on Pinterest to put in a frame.

 In the kitchen I hung some festive dishtowels, and rested a USA sign from Hobby Lobby above the stove.

My goal is to one day have a vintage looking pendant banner to hang above my fireplace (check out my bestie Katie's awesome banners at her blog, Thrifty Finds and Redesigns), but since we are about to start the process of building a new house, I opted to save money and bought a pack of three felt stars for $1 at Mighty Dollar.  I strung them on some twine and that was that!  I hung a second strand in the dining room bay window (not pictured).

My sweet mom bought me this American flag sign at Homegoods.  It is painted onto wood, and would be a really great DIY idea to try with an old pallet.

Well, that's all, folks!  I hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July!  Thanks for stopping in!