Entryway transformation

There are so many projects I've been wanting to do around the house but just wasn't sure where to start. So, I just picked a space to focus on and wanted to pick an area that would be fast because I like projects that have a start and a finish. That led me to my entryway wall. 

I don't have a lot of walls in my house since we renovated. But the walls we do have are HUGE and even most big picture frames look small on our walls. So, I knew I wanted to do some sort of gallery wall to fill up the space. I also knew I wanted a wall with either stenciling, wallpaper, or painted in navy or black. 

I got to working by looking on Pinterest for ideas and inspirations. That's when I came across a blog that used Rifle Paper, Co calendars as wall art. I loved the vibrant colors of their 2016 wall calendar so I immediately knew that was what I wanted for my gallery wall.  Plus, they were on sale for $11!! Which then made my other decisions easier. I wanted a nice neutral backdrop so that these vibrant prints would really pop. So, I went with a navy wall and gold frames. 

When I started looking around for gold frames, I was surprised that the cheapest I could find were around $5. I needed 9 frames so even if I were going to buy cheap frames and spray paint them, it would still add up. Plus, I wanted my frames to be a mixture of ornate and plain which already had the dollar signs adding up. Then I realized, since I don't care to have all the same frames, why don't I just pick a bunch up from goodwill. Man, I saved so much money. I initially thought I would have to spray paint the ones that weren't gold but after visiting three of my local goodwill stores, I found my perfect 9 gold frames. I spent less than $25 for the frames. 

Next was going to Home Depot to pick out a paint color. There are so many shades of navy, I thought I was going cross-eyed. After changing my mind several times and getting the husband and kids agreeing on a color, we finally picked one and hoped for the best. 

I bought the bench from a local antique store for $35 which was such a great find. I love how it's wide with plenty of room for my pillows and someone to sit on it. The other accessories I picked up from homegoods, ikea, and Home Depot.  All in all, it cost me less than $200 to makeover this wall. If you take out all the accessories and just add up the paint, calendar, frames, and bench the total cost was only $86. 

Spring Stitchfix 2016

It's been awhile!!  I'm so ready for great weather and a little perk in my wardrobe. I've been trying out different services but I keep coming back to stitchfix. My stylist really knows my style and I feel like she gets me the best. This time around I asked for an outfit and she delivered.

--Dorianna Skinny Jean

--Norie Peplum Blouse

--Jessica Floral Print Wedges

--Dalen Mini Bar Stacked Necklace

--Elma Cold Shoulder Dress

The pants are like butter and the dress is so versatile.  Love how on point the shoes are and every piece will be well-loved and worn this season. 

December 2015 Stitch Fix

It's been about 6 months since I last got a Stitchfix box. Unfortunately my last box was a little underwhelming and I didn't have any more credit left. But, I recently got some more credit (thanks to you all) and so I went ahead and ordered a winter box. Seriously, it's GOOD, real good!!

So, I'll go on to the unboxing since I'm sure that's what you all really want to see. 

Papermoon Cabrine Henley Blouse with the RD Style Rory Faux Leather Front Legging (I'm wearing the leggings in all the pics)

I've been looking and looking for a pair of faux leather leggings. These are still slightly too big but not as noticeable as other pairs I have tried. They are super comfortable and very warm as they are lined. This top is so cute!  I love the white accents on the pockets and shoulders. I can definitely see myself wearing these pieces all the time. 

Skies are Blue Abela Open Cardigan

I have a cardigan in this color but this is definitely a cute staple piece. I actually like the fact that the sleeves are three-quarter length. 

41Hawthorne Benton Cowl Neck Sweater

Love love love this sweater. So soft and comfortable. I also really like the contrasting colors. Uggg. So. Hard. To. Decide. 

RD Style Tessi Poncho Pullover

This poncho was probably my least favorite but it could be because I was very hot by the time I tried this on. Plus, it took me awhile to figure out where my arms and head were supposed to go. It's actually really cute when it's on.

So, here's my problem.  The credit I have isn't going to cover everything in this box. Ugggg, I also ordered a goldentote this month for the jackets (2 jackets plus 4 surprises for $129--I had some credit). Also, stitchfix has a buy all discount so it ends up cheaper to buy all five pieces than to return one or two back. What would you keep?

My First Trunk Club November 2015

It's been awhile since I've had a StitchFix box sent to me, partly because I'm trying to be fiscally responsible, also cause there are very specific pieces I'm interested in and I don't want to gamble my $20 styling fee on something I'm not sure about.  Don't get me wrong, there's definitely something fun and exciting about getting a surprise box of clothes, but not on a regular basis.


As we enter cooler weather, I am in desperate need of warm weather basics.  I've heard that Nordstrom bought out Trunk Club and although they have a higher price point, I liked the idea of having free shipping and returns, no styling fee.  So, I figured, what's there to lose and I signed up.  Unbeknownst to me, I get a phone call the next day from Kiki my stylist.  She called to ask me several questions about my style, what I'm looking for, how I dress during the week and weekends.  She was friendly and she even wanted me to text her selfies so she can see how everything fit.  Now this is what I call personal service and was totally hooked.


A couple days later, I get an email saying that Kiki has put together a preliminary trunk for me to preview.  Seriously?  This was above and beyond my expectation.  So, I went through each item (there were maybe 15 different pieces) and for the pieces I declined, I explained why.  Then within the next few days, those pieces I declined were replaced with new pieces and a couple days later my trunk was shipped.  I don't know how much more personal a service can get.


So, I anxiously waited for my box and here is what I got:

How cute are these booties?  I totally would have kept them if there weren't too big. 

Here are also some other pieces I got:

Those faux leather leggings were perfect but a tad too tight. So, unfortunately they are going back but they are on the top of my list for my next purchase!

It just happens that Trunk Club price matches with Nordstrom (makes sense since they are owned by Nordstrom) and it just happens to be their Fall clearance.  Unfortunately, none of my stuff was on sale but I did score a couple of basics that I know will get a lot of mileage. 

Sorry no pictures of individual pieces. I don't have time nor the energy. Just take my word, it's worth it and a lot of fun!!  And if nothing fits or works then you can just return the whole box at no cost!!  Here's my referral link if you want to try it out yourself.  What's there to lose?

Stitch Fix July 2015

We are planning a beach vacation at the end of the month so this time around I requested some cute beach clothes.  My stylist Danielle sent some cute things but unfortunately this time around most things fit too big or it just wasn't my style. I asked for a romper but they didn't have any in stock.  I love her note to me because it's so obvious that she takes the time to think about what works for me.  I guess it can't be a homerun every time. 


Collective Concepts Marci Dress--$78

This dress is cute on the hanger but not on me.  It's a little to long for beachwear, too big in the chest, and the color feels a little more fallish to me.  My stylist picked this dress because it was supposed to have a romper feel.  I like that she tried.


Market and Spruce Bethanie Striped Maxi Skirt--$48

This skirt was so soft, thick, and such high quality but it was too big and long on me.  I felt like it was going to slip right off.  My stylist recommended this pink top I got from my last fix to go with it.  I liked it but again, it was barely staying up.  Plus, it would have been too thick for the beach. 

Skies are Blue Calvin Halter Blouse--$48

This top was cute but nothing amazing about it.  Plus it was too big on the sides and the armhole. 


Pixley Bernice Embroidered Bib Blouse--$48

This top was cute as well but again nothing amazing.  It fit well, but the white was a little too sheer and the material wasn't my favorite.  Plus, it felt like something I could get at Old Navy for a fraction of the cost.  I don't mind spending more money for something I feel like I can't get anywhere else but this was not that.

Papermoon Toland Kimono--$48

Love this top!!  What a great staple for the beach.  I am always cold indoors but hate carrying cardigans around in the summer.  This is great to throw on top of my bathing suit, shorts, and dresses. 


So, a 1 out 5 in my books is a success.  I don't have to love every piece and my wallet sure can't afford to buy everything sent my way.  With the credit I had, this ended up being $23.  Can't wait for my next fix cause we'll be entering fall and boy does my fall wardrobe need some major help!  Sign up here if you're interested in trying.  I get a $25 referral credit.  Thanks!

Independence Day Giveaway

The last several years we had a friend take photos for us.  Although she isn't a professional, she is very talented and has a good eye.  Sadly, she moved to get married and is no longer near.  It made me appreciate her so much more and realize how much she did for us all those years.  Jimmy works with students and many of them are very talented.  So, when we were looking for someone to take some family photos, Jimmy suggested Will.  Will just graduated from high school but you would never know from the way he interacts with you.  He's not only extremely talented but very respectful and professional.  Jimmy described him as the next Spielberg.

He is currently available for 1-hour summer sessions and charges $50 per session plus $10 per professional enhanced digital prints.  His session fee is a steal for the amount of talent he offers.  Seriously, get on his calendar cause he won't be around for long and he definitely won't be around for that price for long!!  You can email him at willharrisonproductions@gmail.com.  Here are some of the photos he's done for us.

For our giveaway, he's offered to waive the $10 fee for the first 5 digital prints.  That's a $50 value!! To enter this giveaway, comment below on what family means to you and on July 5th I'll pick a random winner.  Thanks!!

Emmett's Birthday Giveaway

I met Tracy at church through mutual friends and was so happy when I found out about her awesome paper print shop The Sweet Peach Paperie.  She was such a HUGE help when we were preparing for EV's first birthday and again for Emmett's first.  Her work is top quality!!  We always get so many compliments whenever we use her work.  Plus, to top it all off, she's super nice and so accommodating.  She has the most beautiful daughters and I don't know how she finds time to run this shop with so much integrity and creativity but her work is impeccable. 

Here are a few things she's done for us:

And I can't wait to share all our paper décor for Emmett's birthday party.  So, to celebrate Emmett's first birthday, Tracy has generously offered a $25 shop credit to one of our readers.  Enter below.  We will pick a winner June 14.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway