Life Update

Jumpsuit only $23! // Tee // Fanny pack // Shoes // Sunnies: Old Zara

I'm back. Honestly it didn't feel like 4 months have passed but I guess it did. Serious props to all the mamas out there who work full time, raise kiddos and manage to blog to. I seriously don't know how you do it. I've barely started this post and I'm already tired. 

Want to know what's going on in my world? Well it's all pretty busy but typical. School is just always going to be a high stress environment. I mean, what part of 22 children around you at all times doesn't sound stressful? Just a day in the life. 

This is also the first time I can remember that I took on a design client with my company Jill of All Trades, during the school year (usually I only take bigger projects during summer break) and although it doesn't sound like much, Its alot when trying to run a blog, business, home and classroom. Thankfully I have awesome and patient clients, this time is no exception.

A few new things I'm loving right now?

1. Sitting here currently with Olaplex on my hair so we will see the verdict on that one tomorrow. 

2. My Dyson Air Wrap. Sweet lord, that thing is just amazing. The better I get at it, the more I want to return my Dyson hair dryer. I'm finding it is able to replace that and I never thought that was possible!

3. Gal Meets Glam Dresses. Pretty much every month I want a new one but I have to restrain myself. I love the floral pattern on this one and I decided to keep this pink maxi after showing you all in my Instastories. 

4. Checkerboard Vans! I got these dusty pink ones for myself and  this pair for Athena, but she told me as soon as I opened the box that she didn't like them and wouldn't even try them on. You guys, they were adorable and hot pink! What's not to like. I returned them because lord knows, I'm not forcing her to wear $30 toddler shoes if she doesn't even want to wear them. 

5. A lace kimono. Finally found one that I think is the perfect mix of Free People vibe for a 30 something woman.

Health...

Still going to Core Body Pilates at the crack of dawn, but looking to get out into the fresh air soon too. I always think I'm going to start running outside and then I try and remember how much  I HATE RUNNING!

Still trying to calorie count but i just finished doing a whole 30 and want to be a little more loose with the actual counting of the calories and just be free to eat lots of veggies. What I discovered after doing this last whole 30 is that I really do like to eat whole foods the best and I don't even really put much on them and I'm still happy. So I'm going to just eat my cucumber salad with nothing on it but some salt and pepper and oregano  and deal with however many calories are in it without stressing about it. I mean has anyone ever gained a bunch of weight eating too many cucumbers?

This Outfit

I pined over this pair of shoes for literally 1.5 years and then I some how managed to score them for 70% off during the holiday Net-A-Porter sale a few months ago! Finally, they are mine!

This jumpsuit I now own in both colors and I suggest you do the same. It's so affordable, easy to wear and layer for spring and summer. 

Last but not least, the Dagne Dover fanny pack! Are you even cool if you don't have one? I think not. Ok, just kidding. But really, it's the most chic, easy-to-wear, bag I own and I love that it makes me feel waaaay cooler than I really am.

What I really want for Christmas

In years past, I don't think I've had an exact list of things I actually wanted/needed but this year I've really honed in on what is needed and missing in my life. Here's what's on my short list. They are all based on things I will actually use every day and know won't be wasteful. I'm pretty sure if you live  a life where comfort and simplifying daily life are important, you would be happy if some of these things showed up under your tree too.


Smash and Tess Romper: I have one of these from Andrew last year and wear the absolute heck out of it. It's amazingly comfortable and just the best. I have my eye on the navy short sleeve one.

Dyson Hair Dryer: What else can I say, sometimes you just want a flashy piece of technology. Ive heard nothing but good things from friends who have them and I appreciate the technology behind them. I'm also all for anything that will do less damage to my hair!

Dyson cordless vacuum: As a person who loves to clean, I really hate to vacuum because I have to have the cord all over so to not have a cord is a game changer. This one even turns into a smaller hand-held option too so I can take it out to my car.

Yeti cup: Keeps your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for the WHOLE DAY! I love ice cold water so this seems dreamy. Also lots of room for coffee first and it comes in pink!

Microblading touch up: Microblading is pretty much the only cosmetic procedure I've ever done to my face and I'm so glad I did. It looks so natural and makes a huge impact and lasts for the whole year, if not more. I need a tiny touch up but  I think I can hold out a little bit longer. When I do go back, this is where I go.

Lake Pajamas: Guys. These are THE BEST! I refer to them as the best things that have happened to my adult life. They are amazingly comfortable pajamas and my favorite part is that they come in long lengths (like 35 inch inseam long!!) and super classic colors and stripe patterns. these would make the best gift for a mom. They aren't cheap but they are  so worth it IMO.

Someone to paint/wallpaper my bathrooms: This one can't be bought in a store so maybe if I just leave this hint here maybe Santa will come visit with a paint brush or a few rolls of wallpaper in hand.

Magnetic train set for Athena: I don't like alot of toys in our house and I really don't think Athena needs a bunch of crap in our house to play with. She has a great imagination so I only like getting her toys I really know she will play with. This girl loves a train so I would love to get her one of those old school wooden train track sets with the magnetic cars. If you know of a good one, let me know!

Paper Bag Waist Pants

Pants // Circle bag // Sweater // Sunglasses (old Loft) // Loafers (old Banana Republic but these totally remind me of them)

Paper bag waist pants are one of those trendy pieces that I thought for a long time wouldn't work for me and my straight waistline (straigh-ish from hip to waist) and  I wanted a pair that worked on my body type and these ones from H&M have elastic on the back so they are comfortable but look like dressy tailored work pants. These pants come in solids too so if the subtle check print isn't your thing they have 4 other colors to pick from. Also they are just under 30!

So what are your thoughts on this trend? Are you into the paper-bag waist or is it too trendy for you?

Overalls for the Holidays

Overalls (on sale now for $50!) // Puff sleeve top // Sock Booties // Beret // Purse // Sunglasses 

This is my kind of perfect outfit. If I'm not in a dress I'm usually in overalls or jumpsuit of some sort. This combo of black dressy overalls and a satiny puff sleeve top make the whole look kind of dressy. pair if with an embellished beret (because every outfit looks cooler with a beret!) and a chic bag and you've got yourself a holiday look that's not too dressy.

Wide Leg Crop Pants Trend

Blazer // Pants // Mules // Bag // Tee

I was pretty skeptical of the whole wide leg pants trend at first but I was determined to find a pair that I liked and didn't make me look silly. To my surprise I've actually found two pairs. This velvety navy corduroy one here is just $29, super stretchy and comfy and surprisingly well made for the price. The second pair I found are these rust colored ones that I would have never expected to love but I do. Both pairs are on heavy rotation at work.

So are you on board with the wide leg crop pants? Or are your ankles hibernating already? I'm digging the 70's vive they make me feel and wearing them with booties too.