Little Things I want to remember

Life has been so crazy busy lately that I haven't carved out much time for this blog.  I would like to pretend and apologize but honestly, I am just living life and I have nothing to apologize for - except to maybe myself since I love having this blog to document our lives and by not posting about what's going on....I might forget!

I have a whole list of posts that I want to write - including finishing up our latest Disneyland trip, but other things are taking precedence: like our new floors, preparing for Christmas, working and potty training.  It's no joke y'all.

But there is ONE thing that I don't want to forget or miss in all this hecticness - Ellie.  She is growing and changing daily, her imagination is flourishing, and is seriously the sweetest girl ever.  She has her meltdowns for sure (and has spent a good portion of today crying...) but I can't help but love her even more.  I knew I loved her when the nurses brought her into our room and placed her in my arms but I had no idea how much more I was going to love her, and I must tell her that very often.

So here are some sweet things that Ellie has been saying and/or doing lately that I just have to share:

+ during potty training if she kicks her legs and makes contact with me, I tell her "ouch no kicking Mama" to which she replies as she tries to give my leg a hug "I love Mama leg too much!"

+ when her tantrum is over and I tell her to stop crying "I stopped crying Mama"

+ when she poops in her diaper "Mama I pooped in my butt"

+ whenever someone kisses on the TV she has to have a kiss from both me and Dada

+ she will just randomly come up to me throughout the day and as "I love you Mama"

+ when she counts, she will use her fingers and count "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10" always skipping 7 and will occasionally go into the teens

+ when we pass by a yard Santa or fire station "I want to go by Santa again!" or "I want to go by fire station again!"

+ she insists on having her Christmas tree in her room plugged in - but it has to be off before she gets into bed

+ how she doesn't always make the "s" sound at the front of words like Stop Sign = top dign and that she cannot make the "f" or "ph" sound so she always wants to play with the pone = phone 

+ how she absolutely adores babies and they always get all the loves first

+ and I love that when she sleeps she will sometimes cover herself with the pillows and I just fall in love all over again

Hello Friday

I honestly didn't even think I was going to get a Friday post up this week.  I was all proud of myself for having posts set up for Monday and Tuesday that I thought I would be on a roll for this week...and then life happened and the cold I've been fighting for well over a week now is still lingering.  It probably has something to do with the fact that I DO NOT SLOW DOWN, so I can't complain too much because I did it to myself.

There are so many things that I want to share with y'all today that I hope my brain isn't too fuzzy so I can get it all written down here for ya! But first can we just take a moment to let it sink it that it is the FIRST Friday of December and we are just 20 days away from Christmas???!!!!  I mean how did that even happen since I'm still waiting for Halloween, ha!!

::ONE::

Part of the reason that I have been somewhat absent from the blog here is because we did a MAJOR update to our house.  We removed our carpet from 1989 and replaced it with solid surface floors! We chose to go with a laminate because it gives us the wood look we have been dreaming of (for the past 7 years) but it was a fraction of the cost and we wouldn't recoup the investment when we go to sell.  Regardless, I tell people we have wood floors and I am just in love with our home now.  It's so funny how one change can make such a difference.  Additionally now we can start potty training Ellie since we won't have to carpet clean on the daily from her accidents!!

I am sure that I have shared it on here before but let's just recap a bit.  Our home is a rambler built in 1989, when we purchased our home in 2008 it was nearly untouched in all its 1989 glory with builder paint on the walls, builder carpet and linoleum on the floors and orangey oak colored cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms.  Before we moved in we made a few updates: painting all the ceilings white and walls in the great room (which turned out to be an awful color that I quickly replaced in the first 2 years we lived here) and we also covered the awful 1989 linoleum in the kitchen with a click in place, floating, laminate cherry wood floor and continued it under the bar on the counter (which was originally carpet...why?????) Our plan from the beginning was to replace the whole house (minus bedrooms) with wood floors (laminate were totally acceptable) but we were unsure of the timeline so we meticulously took care of our builder vintage 1989 carpet and carpet cleaned at least four times a year.

To save money on our floors we chose to do the demo ourselves...and of course Ellie had to get in on the action.

Tutu's are really the best attire when doing home demo!!

When you give a toddler a hammer....Thanks to Daniel Tiger she was yelling "hammer, hammer, hammer!!" the whole time ;)

Eek these old floors were even worse than I remembered!! and what is up with the two white "tiles"????  some one must have dropped bleach on them at one point and time?? IDK but I had to take a picture of it because it was so weird.

We also had to move all the furniture out of our house to rip up the carpet...but first one last photo of the 1989 carpet...

And now all the baseboard was taken off and the carpet pulled up, we are left with the subfloor - I actually like it better than carpet!! ha

We also decided to pull up the carpet in the hallway and have the floors continue on that way...it makes for a much more cohesive look.  Oh and by the way removing the linoleum and the particle board underlayment was a B***h to remove....thankfully it is gone and the sub floor wasn't damaged (all the praise hands!!) BUT the cabinets were set ON TOP of the flooring in the kitchen so Thomas had to go around with a chisel and remove it all to cabinets - his least favorite part and I am so glad I didn't have to do it!

After all the demo we just had to wait about 2 days until our install crew came and they got right to work.  Here are the after shots and the beautiful floors we have now!!! 

It makes our great room look so much bigger and actually much brighter despite the floor being a darker color!

This has to be one of my favorite shots because the flooring is continuing through the kitchen and it's just one solid surface now!! My heart is so happy.

The install took two days and we kept forgetting that we didn't have a stove. So on Saturday morning we had to go out for coffee since we couldn't make it at home.  Our coffee maker bit the dust several months ago so we have been enjoying French Press on the daily and we are never going back!  It was only 2 days without our stove and it felt like such an inconvenience, I have no idea how any one makes it through a kitchen reno!!

Now with our furniture back in!!

And our beautiful tree!! I love how the lights reflect on the floor...

I could go on and on about these floors but I am sure you can feel my excitement through the screen!  And now that we have lived with them for a few weeks, putting the protector pads on the bottoms of all our furniture has made everything slide so easy that Ellie no longer knocks the chairs over!, the dog hair is not as bad as we anticipated, the house feels much cleaner, and I can tell that it's a little bit cooler than before...so socks in the winter are a must!!

We chose to go with Lumber Liquidators for our floors because they had better options than the other Big Box Stores and they offer great financing for those who need it.  I love how our floors look but just like any other construction job where you are depending on others to do the job you will run into some snafu's.  When we scheduled our measurement both the store and installation company told me the guy who measures will be the guy who installs - that was a LIE!!  He was the "manager" of the team to do our install but he never showed up at our house to oversee the install.  Additionally the conversation that I had with him in our home to discuss the pattern, trim boards, and finishing touches did not get calculated into his drawing for our install, nor did it get discussed with the installers, nor did he order us enough product - which turned our 1 day install into a two day install with me having to drive an hour away to grab more product since our local store was out of stock.  Despite the confusion, our installers did a great job on our floors and I am so happy with how they turned out.  It was definitely worth the 7 year wait as my decor style and tastes have changed over the years and I know that we made a great choice in our flooring style and color.

::TWO::

After our original date for Family Photos was cancelled (because I was NOT about to go out in the rain) and our photographer was no longer available, I had to switch gears.  Secretly I am so happy we did because I was able to reconnect with one of the cheerleaders I coached 5 years ago (it feel like a lifetime ago) and support her in her new business venture.  I was bound and determined to get our photos before December hit so that we could choose one for our Christmas Cards and get those sent out before it was too late.  Reina did a fantastic job and I am so pleased that she was willing to brave the elements and shoot our family in 29 degree weather.  Both she and Thomas were unsure if we were going to get quality photos because of all the fog, but I had a feeling it would give our photos that magical touch and I was right!  We really couldn't have picked a better day or time for the pictures and I love every single one of the photos she took that it was so hard to narrow it down to one for our cards....so I chose 5!!! ha

::THREE:: 

On Tuesday I shared about our Advent Calendar and activities.  I thought that by starting off easy with a book it would set us up for success...well I have to admit that we have failed already!!  I totally forgot to read Ellie a Christmas themed book on Tuesday (can I blame it on working a 12 hour day??) and then I forgot to leave out the craft for her to do with Thomas while I went to MOPs on Wednesday and then yesterday it was raining when we got home (plus it was super dark) so we couldn't take Paladin out for a Horse Cart ride... Though we tried to make it up yesterday by purchasing the Elf on the Shelf book (which came with another elf) and read that to Ellie and attempting the craft with her (fail because it was for ages 6 and up) but we still had fun.  And now that we have two Elves, both named Jingle Bell Rock - we let Ellie play with the plush one since she loves her so much.  Even though we have failed on the advent calendar (hopefully we can get on track this weekend) we have been good about moving Jingle Bell Rock each night and Ellie has already started to understand the searching for her!!!  I am planning on having our Elf breakfast on Sunday but I won't feel guilty if that doesn't happen.  

::FOUR::

I love Christmas and I love Santa! But I saw a post last year on FB that was somewhere along the lines of "Have your big present be from the parents and then a smaller one from Santa, because it's not easy for young children to understand why Santa gives some children a Power Wheels for Christmas and they got a pair of mittens"  It was so powerful to me that I 100% agree, especially since I have worked in low-income schools.  So we don't make a big deal about Santa in our house - he brings us toothbrushes and an orange in our stocking and that's about it.  Plus I want Ellie to be well behaved all year long not just the 24 days before Christmas - and why should a fake fat man in a red suit get all the praise when Thomas and I have been working our butts off to get Ellie something special???  So I know that I talked about our Elf on the Shelf in number three - but our little elf doesn't get into much trouble (because isn't that the opposite of what you are trying to have your children do anyways????) because she is pretty lazy and just likes to move around the house to help Ellie learn to use her seeking and observation skills.  I do however want Ellie to believe in the "Magic" of Santa so we will be encouraging her imagination with Santa - he's just not a big deal.

::FIVE::

This Sunday is our 9 year Engagementiversary.  Thomas proposed to me at my childhood home in front of our parents before we headed out for our annual Christmas outing.  That particular year we were going to the 5th Ave theatre to see A White Christmas and now it's a tradition that we watch the movie every December 6th to commemorate our special day.  At first when he popped the question in front of our parents I was embarrassed and a little bit miffed...but now after my mom passed away I can think back and reflect on how that is a special memory and she got to be a part of it - she even said YES before I did!!!  

♥ Ashley

linking up here

25 Days of Christmas {our Advent Calendar}

It's December 1st today and I am in total shock because that means that we only have 23 days until Christmas Eve and 24 days until Christmas!! 

This is such a magical time of year and season in Ellie's life that we want to make the most of it.  Sometimes it doesn't feel like there are enough hours in the day but if you have something that is important to you, you make time.

A few years ago I made an Advent Calendar that was similar to one I saw at PB several years ago at a fraction of the price.  I love how it hangs over the back of a door and the pockets are large enough for some small gifts or chocolates if we feel like doing that.  Last year I made little cards that listed a variety of activities that can be used from year to year, just put them into different days.

Here is what we have planned for our Advent Calendar this year:

In addition to these items we are going to try and go to a Santa Parade and see if our Elf wants to come for an Elf breakfast on Sunday...she is still without a name and is a fairly lazy Elf - which I really appreciate.  She doesn't get into any mischief and I highly doubt she makes it back to the North Pole every night since she rarely moves, I think we will be lucky to see her move about 8 times this year!!  ha 

We are also planning on watching a few of our favorite Christmas Movies and you know I have all the new Hallmark Christmas Movies all queued up to record ;)

What is on your Advent Calendar?

♥ Ashley

The Weekend after Thanksgiving (and other things)

Wow, that was a pretty busy week err two weeks we had.  Life has been great and we have actually been pretty busy. 

Let's just talk about the Thanksgiving recap that I just know you are dying to read about, ha! 

We had a great day that started off with a trip to the Doughnut Shop and now that is all Ellie wants to eat... We decided to start setting up our Christmas Tree and when we brought the stand out of the garage it was so cold that I couldn't get it open so Thomas tried and he busted it.  Thankfully (get it ;)) Walmart was open to save the day and we could continue our plan to decorate the tree, although while I was at Walmart I did a little more shopping and picked up a new tree for Ellie's room.  When I got back we started on the tree and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I just love our tree and it is so much fun opening up all the ornaments wrapped in tissue and remembering each one, it's like a sort of Christmas.

After a little while we got Ellie down for her nap and then I started to make our contribution to the feast, Pioneer Woman Sausage Apple Dressing.  Totally not the traditional route but I have to admit that it was actually pretty good, there were random bites of the apple that was a nice surprise.  While Ellie was napping we started to get ready for dinner, I even curled my hair...which lasted about 10 seconds and then Ellie woke up and it was time to go.  Thomas' brother was hosting this year and it was great to have a change of venue.  I have to say it was a really great night and we totally outstayed our welcome - which is always a plus with family ;)

Friday morning we woke up at the leisurely hour of 6:30am and started the water for our coffee, our coffee maker bit the dust quite a while ago so we have just been making French Press every morning and I have to tell you: I don't think I'm ever going back! and put on a show for Ellie.  Then we loaded up the truck with a load for the dump (we replaced the carpet in our house and needed to get rid of all the demo) and then to Lumber Liquidators to return the unopened boxes of flooring, a stop by Lowes and we picked up this, since ours is pretty bad, and then we had lunch at BWW.  Thomas and his dad went to see the new James Bond movie, so Ellie and I headed back to the farm for her nap and so I could start decorating the inside of the house for Christmas.  I also did some online shopping and was able to cross one person off our list.  I was also able to narrow down a time and place for our family photos!!! When Ellie woke up we headed over for dinner at the Inlaws and she had a blast just making everyone laugh - and she likes Salmon, so lets add that to the protein list along with bacon, sausage, and chicken!! When we got home we checked out a few more online sales and grabbed one more present so we are almost done shopping!

Saturday, we woke up to the babe demanding more Doughnuts (good thing we got a dozen) and then we headed out to the mall so I could grab a sample of foundation for our family pictures.  And while we were there we had to check out a couple more stores so I could pick up some more holiday/Christmas inspired clothes for Ellie since I realized that we don't really have any this year and that just simply will not do, I grabbed these pants, this top, this outfit, and this outfit and I cannot wait to see how cute she is! We got home and it was time for Ellie's nap so we got her down and I finished up some more indoor decorating while Thomas headed outside and started to put up lights on the house, hands down one of my favorite parts of Christmas.  When I finished up inside, I stepped outside to help untangle some strands of lights and get them up on the trees/bushes.  

When Ellie woke up from her nap she hopped into the car with her Nanny and Papa and cousins and they headed to a nearby park to see some Christmas lights. Thomas and I had a mini date night and watched a little bit of P.S. I love you and dreamed of Ireland.  Then we met up with his parents and Ellie for pizza for dinner!

Sunday morning we got up and had our morning coffee and Ellie had her doughnut, we watched Jingle all the Way and then it was time to get ready for our Family Photos.  Our photographer was actually one of the cheerleaders I coached back in the day and it was so fun to catch up with her, I am so proud to see how well she is doing and has her own photography business!!.  She is such a hard worker and so dedicated to making her clients happy, it was so COLD y'all like 29 degrees this morning while we were taking photos.  I know that is crazy but we were totally bundled up in between shots, Ellie did awesome and I was bound and determined to get some family photos of us and this was the best weekend for it! I have already gotten some sneak peeks of them and I love what she captured.

After our photo session we headed to Costco to get the essentials: diapers, wipes, and Egg Nog.  Then my dad came over to visit and drop off his dog, as he is headed on a vacation and we went to a tree stand to get him a tree.  One day I will be able to get a real tree, but not in the near future since our sweet little Cooper pooper is allergic to pine, spruce and fir...I mean what dog is allergic to trees??  We also got the rest of the lights up on the barns and I am in love!! Bring on the Christmas.

How was your holiday weekend?  Did you enjoy your four days off? Get any crazy good deals from Black Friday?  Tell me all about it!

♥ Ashley

{Wishlist Wednesday} - For Her

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe how quickly the holiday's snuck up on us and that Thanksgiving is tomorrow!! We have a lot to be thankful for this year and I am so grateful with how God has blessed us this year. 

With Thanksgiving nearly hours away that means that Black Friday is that much closer.  Now normally I don't do a whole lot for Black Friday (my life was tainted for this shopping day back when I used to work in retail) But I have learned over the years that it can be nice to take advantage of all the sales.  I don't have any plans to get out of the house at the butt-crack-of-dawn tomorrow but I will be shopping online - preferable through Ebates!! Have you heard of it before? You just sign up (use my referral code here) it's totally FREE!! and most of your favorite retailers are already on there.  You just find the store you're looking for and click the "Shop Now" button and you are on your way to earning cash back on your purchases - Ebates, where it really pays to shop online!

And if you are looking for some shopping inspiration here are some things I'm hoping to find under the tree.  As you get older the "toys" you want change.  Now my life revolves around making our house our home and updating our kitchen stuff.  I used to think my mom was always so boring wanting new dish towels every year but now I get it!!

Christmas Wishlist by lifeonthefarm 

Drying Mat's are where its at!!  My dad used to call the counter beside the sink the "draining board" because he would put down a kitchen towel and place all the handwashed dishes on it. But with the drying mats the counter is cushioned and they soak up the water better.  I've had one for a few years but it has lots of stains on it (from my dutch oven) and it is time for a new one.

Dryer Balls are the best invention and I don't know why I didn't get them sooner.  There are a few different kinds but you use them instead of dryer sheets.  They help reduce static while also fluffing your clothes to help them dry faster.  I had four of these but we forgot to take them out when we replaced our dryer last week....so I am in need of some new ones, because our comforters and bedding really did dry so much faster!

We live on a farm (obvi) and that means that we have farm duties.  Over the years I have invested in some cheap rubber boots to wear during fowl weather to run out in the muck to feed and water our animals, but they always get cracked and start leaking.  Over the summer I got super lazy and just wore a pair of flip flops - well that isn't cutting it anymore with all the rain we've been having lately and it's getting pretty cold in the mornings.  Thomas has a pair of these boots and I want them too.  They slip on and have traction, two things that are a must while doing the chores quickly and in a rush in the mornings before work!

When we had our garage sale earlier this Fall I sold our wire fruit basket because I have had my eye on this bowl at Target for the longest time.  I envision all the lemons and oranges in it with an apple or two as well.  It will bring in the touch of nature I feel like our kitchen is lacking and I won't have to worry about the mess on the counter anymore!  I am so smitten with it that if I don't find it under the tree come Christmas, I am going to go out and buy it!

This Marble Pastry Slab has been on my mind for years, I love to make pies (with homemade pastry just like my mom taught me) and I know that rolling the dough out on a cold surface will make my life that much easier.  Plus the marble is so beautiful and I know that new countertops are not in our near future so we are sticking with the 1989 laminate for a while longer.  I think having this slab will help me hold out!!

My love for the Pioneer Woman has grown this past year, with watching her show on the Food Network, getting her cookbooks, and now her new line of goods at Walmart.  Our knives are so old (like 7 years old) and I think its time to get some new ones, we're not ready to invest in my dream knives so this set will do just perfectly.  Because brand new sharp knives can do wonders for your slicing and dicing skillz (yes I put a Z on it!)

And then I just fell in love with these measuring spoons, they're rectangular in shape so they can fit into spice jars....be still my heart.

what's on your list this year?  Remember to shop online through Ebates to get cashback on all your holiday gifts!!


♥ Ashley

{Toddler Tuesday} - Ellie's Christmas List 2015

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is this week and that we are less than 6 weeks away from Christmas!  

We already have several items for our Advent Calendar already purchased and scheduled, but now it's time to start thinking about presents, for the Babe specifically.

So for this week on Toddler Tuesday I am talking about some gift ideas for the Toddler in your life!!

Ellie's 3rd Christmas List by lifeonthefarm on Polyvore

I have to admit that it was a little difficult coming up with items for Ellie's list because she already has so many toys...and she gets to play with a lot of other ones at the houses we work at.  I want to be practical with the items she will receive and that they will have longevity because I just don't want to have a lot of stuff.

Ellie has been really into what she wear lately so clothes are for sure on her list.  I am loving these pants, this top, and this top, and in an effort to have her be more girly I think this dress is adorable. But also adding in some fun accessories is always a good thing, so I am loving this style of necklace for her and maybe some bracelets too!

I am all about encouraging her imagination and this Little People cottage is perfect, combine that with her current obsession with neigh's and I think we have a winner winner chicken dinner.  Plus these toys are so cute and will fill her love of Disney quite nicely.

I am loving the Montessori inspired toys that have multiple uses.  Not only will Ellie get a better handle on her colors (because we all know she needs some help in that department) with THIS, but she will also get to work on sorting (a math skill) and fine motor skills with using the scoop to pick up the colors, not to mention some problem solving skills on figuring out how to actually accomplish that!!

It's never to early to start with number and letter recognition and these bath foam letters will help Ellie with that as well as work on her color recognition.  Additionally these puppies aren't only for use in the bathtub (Thanks Susie!!) and I can bring them to my nanny house give the littlest babe something to grab off the wall/window!!

What is on your toddler's list this year?

♥ Ashley

Ellie's 2nd Christmas List
Ellie's 1st Christmas List

Friday Five - A Stitch Fix Review #5

How is it Friday already?  And I just realized it's the 13th...you're welcome.  I have a good one for you today full of all sorts of fashion goodness...and not so much.

Well I got my fifth fix in the mail the other day...it came right around naptime so you know that's a good thing!  I was really looking forward to this fix since my last one was a total hit out of the park.  I wasn't disappointed with this one it just didn't quite capture my style as well.  

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix before its a fashion subscription where you can schedule your fixes for as often as you want.  What you do is sign up (use this referral link) and fill our your style profile, write a note to your stylist and schedule your fix.  You will then be matched up with a stylist who will send you a fun little box of five items.  You do pay a $20 styling fee for each fix but they take that off if you choose to keep any items and if you keep all five you get a 25% discount on the whole thing!  What makes this so great is that you get to try on the clothes in the comfort of your own home and try it out with other items in your closet and see if you have anything similar already.  I really like it because I just don't feel like I really have the time to go shopping any more and lets be honest - I really don't like dressing rooms, you have to take your shoes off and I don't even want to know what kind of ickiness is on the floor... So getting items that are hand picked for me and sent to my door? Sign me up! Oh wait I already did, haha

For my 5th Fix, I decided to only ask for tops (since I finally got a pair of jeans that worked!) and all of their accessories have been misses, I don't want to waste an item on one. I was hoping to get some more fall to winter transitional pieces and some fun holiday festive looks.  So here we go!

The package at my door...ok I actually brought it inside since it was raining and put it on our awful 1989 carpet...you're welcome.

I always do the same thing with each of my fixes.  After opening I pull out the styling card and read my note from my stylist (I actually got the same one as last time!!) and then glanced at what was in my box.  I don't know why I always do this because I usually am not impressed with any of the items when shown on the card...and the same went with this one.  I wasn't a fan of the color of the red shirt, I have way too many cardi's, never imagined myself in a poncho (too many memories of the one from Mexico from 1993),  was unsure about another lace overlay but loved the green color, and then thought the dress was pretty daring - though it was floral so it got a bonus point.  

But like they say..."Don't judge a book by it's cover"..."Don't judge a fix by it's style card"

And then I thought I would throw this photo in...all the items folded up on the tissue (apparently it's an artsy type of photo...) I prefer the old layout I did.

::ONE::

Papermoon Lamont Lace Detail Blouse in Burgundy

I had a photographer this time (thanks Thomas!) and we switched to taking photo's in Ellie's room because she gets better lighting. I have to say that I just was not a fan of this top from the beginning. The cut is weird and I couldn't lift up my arms.  I am not sure if it was the weight of the tags or the lace detail itself but it made the back of the collar really heavy and the neckline kept creeping up.  While I like my tops to be fairly loose fitting this one felt like a tent...and the sleeves were not good at all.  They did have elastic around the wrist so they stayed up at my elbows but that still didn't make it better.

The length of the shirt was decent but when I raised my arms up it was just not good.  I wasn't a fan of the pattern or color of fabric. Also worth noting...it was a challenge to get off.

 Verdict: RETURNED

::TWO::

Skies are Blue Burton Lace Overlay Top in Dark Green

No.  I don't even know if I can talk about this one.  It does have two things going for it in theory...it's green and it has lace.  That is where it ends.  The fit is all wrong, hits at the worst part of my hips, the neckline is weird, and the sleeves are something that Anne would be all over ... back in 1908, not me.  And the elastic on the wrists was super tight it was uncomfortable when pushed up to my elbows.

Verdict: RETURNED

::THREE::

Market & Spruce Denver Cable Knit Elbow Patch Cardigan in Brown

Another Market & Spruce item made it's way into my box, furthering my belief that they have a collaboration with SF.  I loved the detailing of the cable knit (I am actually really drawn to it) and I love the elbow patches and the fun leather buttons.  The yard was smooth and soft and a very comfortable sweater ... not too tight on the arms.  It was a good length and over all a pretty good fit.   (also I decided to change up my hair and put some makeup on because I was a little embarrassed of my appearance)

I love that the cable knit continued on the backside and y'all know I have a love affair with pockets.  The only problem is that I have a nearly identical cardigan in grey (see in item #4) that I got for a steal about 4 years ago at Zara.  I couldn't justify getting a second one, not to mention I have at least 15 cardi's already.

Verdict: RETURNED but major props to Erika for picking out an item I already own - she knows my style!

::FOUR::

Skies are Blue Shenay Dress in Navy

I was unsure about a dress but then it was in my favorite floral and navy combination...so there's that. Oh and its called the "Shenay dress" which may or may not have been my alter ego name back in the day...(too much?)  I am so glad that this dress got sent to me because I love how they look on the models but would never actually try it on.  It's the perfect bit of modesty and if I was still teaching would be a perfect teacher dress.  The floral pattern is just right (although I would have been totally ok if it was a bit more busy...give me all the floral!)  The sleeves were great, the neckline awesome and the waist hit me in the best possible spot.  The length was attractive and I love the slight pleating of the skirt (brings me back to my old high school cheerleading days)

It would work perfectly with a cardigan...like the one they sent me...

...Or like the one I already own.  They are so similar aren't they I almost tricked your eyes into thinking it was the same cardi ;)

Oh and lets pretend I can do a fashion pose!

The only problem I have with this dress is that I already have a navy and floral dress, it's a little more risque but has a very similar look and fit.  But once again, major props Erika for knowing my style so well!

Verdict: RETURNED only because I already owned a dress similar.

::FIVE::

Colourworks Gerda Lace Detail Pullover Poncho in Light Grey

I honestly thought I was going to hate this one.  I really don't need any more grey in my wardrobe but I'm a sucker for it and always have been.  But I couldn't have been any more wrong, when I put this baby on it was love.  It was so comfortable and roomy.  I actually liked that it didn't have long sleeves and the cowl neckline was just right.  I have a thing for lace and this has just the right touch.  I definitely need to wear something under it because it is a poncho and might be a little too revealing on the side slits.

It's just loose and flowy and I love the length.  Even though it has been completely confirmed that I will never be pregnant (except for IVF) or breastfeed this top would be perfect for both.  It is so forgiving and would be the perfect nursing cover.

I just couldn't get enough of it and had Thomas continue to take lots of photos...

more...

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and then to try it on with a long sleeve from my closet and I still love it.  I actually wore it around for most of the day and almost to my MOPs meeting that night...but I refrained, somehow.

Verdict: You guessed it KEPT

Have you tried Stitch Fix? Do it!!

♥ Ashley

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