All Things Lovely...

{ Fashion Friday: Favorite Things on Pinterest this Week }

2012-02-24T14:39:00.001-08:00

t-shirt and sequins: an easy way to wear the glitter

loafers: a fun new shoe for spring

take a nap, I love this quote

touch of neon, Old Navy

fresh makeup

easy orange rolls

chevron bracelets

bring on the maxi's! I can wait for spring: 1,2

Welcome New Sponsor: LaLa's Lens

2012-02-23T11:58:00.001-08:00

This fabulous sponsor came at the perfect time! Wedding season is approaching and I know so many people who are pregnant with little bundles arriving soon. So I am so excited to share this amazing photographer with all of you so she can help you capture your special day.

Lauren is a So Cal girl living in Utah...with an artistic flare and an eye for photography. She loves shooting weddings...and I love the joy and happiness that she captures in her photos.

You can tell she LOVES her job just by looking at her work, and she makes each session personalized and special.

Here are a few snippets of her work.( I wanted to post a ton more but thought that would be a LITTLE overwhelming...so you're just going to have to go to her website to see what I mean!)

For more photos and information on LaLa's Lens go here and you can also check out her Facebook page here!

Welcome welcome Lala's Lens!

{ Where Did You Get That? and A Pinterest Recreation Linky Party }

2012-02-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

Hello Wednesday! Where did you come from! We have been in a bit of a haze over here from rearranging our ENTIRE house. I'm talking we practically moved out to move back in!
We switched all three rooms around, cleaned out closets, deep cleaned, you name it we did it!

I'm EXHAUSTED! But so far the moving around has paid off... Mason no longer wakes up in the morning when Sam leaves for work, and the arrangement really makes things easier.

That makes it all worth it.

So literally I was in work out sweats all weekend from cleaning and moving and sorting and shifting.
So there is a lack of outfits.

BUT I did do a pinterest recreation outfit for our Pinterest Recreation Linky Party!

I hope you guys made some crafts, food, or outfits that you can link up!

Here it is

Pinterest Recreation: How to wear a summer dress in the winter

( I have a striped dress in white and I REALLY wish I would have used that one instead...I think the white looks better with the chambray. )

chambray: F21, dress: Marshall's, leggings: Target, boots: F21, belt: H&M

Loved my double braid

My fun outfit from Sunday that I didn't take a full body picture of. I thought I did...but didn't...grrrrr!!

p.s. according to JCrew knotting is the new tucking. I don't know...I think I like it...but I still love the tuck.

blouse: F21, skirt: Banana Republic

I'm linking up with:

Pleated Poppy

Momma Go Round

Rolled Up Pretty

Now it's your turn:

Party Rules:

1. Your link must be a recreation of something you found from Pinterest. It can be anything, decor, crafts, recipes, or outfits

2. Please post the original item from pinterest along with your recreation- or attempt ;)

3. Please link back here so your fab readers can know where to join our linky party! you can grab a button from my side bar

{ Fashion Friday: What to Wear For Engagement Pictures }

2012-02-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

I received an email last week with a styling question.

Cute Rebekah has engagement pictures coming up in March and needed a little styling help. She was lost on what to wear and wanted a little somethin that was flattering to her figure, didn't make her too tall, and something to go with their outdoor setting, possibly by a lake.

She is also budget friendly and didn't want to spend too much!

That's my kind of girl.

So for Rebekah I tried to come up with pieces that could possibly be in her wardrobe, or at least easy to find items.

I also tried to keep in mind colors that would photograph well, would be complimentary to her fiance's outfit, and I threw in a couple nautical themed ones that would go well if they ended up shooting by a lake.

I feel like engagements pictures used to be kind of boring...it was usually a just a close up of the couples face and the ring, and everyone always wore boring church clothes...but now they are themed and fun and you can wear honestly whatever you like! So I tried to put together some casual plus dressier items, mixed in with a little themed items ;)

I hope you enjoy the options Rebekah and hope they can spark some inspiration for your upcoming engagement photos! Congrats girlfriend!

Here are a few of my inspirations I found via pinterest:

I liked the idea of bright yellow and also a feminine feel of this one

I liked the "theme" of flannel in this one

I loved the soft neutrals and girly dress in this one

So here's what I came up with!

Flirty Floral

floral dress: Old Navy, denim jacket: H&M, lace tights: Nordstrom, boots: Old Navy

A little nautical:

This dress if flattering because it's tight on the upper bodice and then a-lines out covering your mid section and hips. This could of course be worn with leggings or tights

dress, BP for Nordstrom, cardigan: H&M, boots or boat shoes: Old Navy, cream belt: F21

Semi dressy with a little spunk:

cardigan: BP for Nordstrom, polka dot shirt: BP for Nordstrom, skirt: Target, shoes: F21

Classic:

I love this blouse...it's a print but it's not overwhelming. The yellow and blue photograph well, and the pants are comfy but the darker wash makes them look a little dressier...almost like a trouser instead of a jean. Add some fun bangles and rings. Hair loose and wavy

cardigan: Target, shirt: Old Navy, pants: Old Navy, shoes: F21

Girly layers:

So it looks like a lot is going on with the outfit but really there isn't the colors are neutral and go well together....and layers and slight print of the shirt add depth and dimension when being photographed. The skirt tapers in at the waist and then flows outward hiding hips...the blouse helps hide midsection.

Skirt: BP for Nordstrom, shirt: BP for Nordstrom, belt: F21, jacket: F21, boots: Old Navy, grey tights: Nordstrom

JCrew look with out spending jcrew money!

I chose boat shoes again for the nautical theme...i think they would be cute without the nautical theme...but you could always add leopard or nude flats that would look just as cute!

chambray: Old Navy, cardigan: H&M, pink pants: JCrew (target has some but they are a brighter pink) shoes: Old Navy, belt: F21

Soft and put together:

I love all the sheer blouses that are out right now! I love how they hang on the body...they are loose almost like a boy friend tee but they look put together at same time. A MUST have shirt. This outfit looks put together and classic with out trying

blouse: H&M, pants: Old Navy, boots: Old Navy, pink belt: F21 ( a nude or brown flat would also look really cute here)

Flirty and fierce:

this outfit is sexy without showing any goods. The dress is super feminine and figure flattering....it also has nice details the dress it up. pair it with lace or dark grey tights and boots. Bam lookin good

Dress: F21, boots: Old Navy, tights: Nordstrom, bangels: Juliet and Company (shopbop.com)

Spring layering:

I love the blue of this blouse...it would really pop on camera..its also a silky fabric which is dressy and it cinches at the bottom allowing some looseness in the mid section. The cream moto jacket is a touch of soft and hard....pair with dark denim and accessories.

Shirt: Old Navy, jacket: F21, pants: Old Navy, shoes: Old Navy

Sorry nautical again....i just love stripes!

dress: Old Navy, denim jacket: H&M, shoes: Old Navy, leather bracelet: pinterest

Spring:

I thought this outfit was springy and bright. I know your photos are in March which is still considered winter here in Utah...but ya never know..it's been a weird winter. Plus you also said your fiance would most likely be wearing blue and yellow is a great compliment and also photographs well. I'm a sucker for white pants...everyone should own a pair and they can be worn with everything...and well chambray and white looks darling together.

chambray: Old Navy, pants: Target, cardigan: BP for Nordstrom, boots: Old Navy, bracelets: shopbop.com

I also liked these items: (if your wanting something dressier, they are dressy, but comfy and figure flattering!)

old navy

{ Where Did You Get That ? }

2012-02-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday friends....hope you had a wonderful Valentines day yesterday!

Here's what I wore for the week...I will warn you it includes a lot of leather leggings, and blazers....rarrr.

P.s. we are getting so close to spring...I can feel it! Target has super cute stuff right now...I'm talking lots of color, I just picked up this new suit....I can't wait till I can wear it!

sweater: H&M, leggings: H&M, leopard shoes: Target, watch: Nordstrom, bracelet: H&M

Pinterest Recreation #1: Leather and Chambray

blazer: Target, chambray: F21, leggings: H&M, flats: Gap, scarf: gifted, bracelet: H&M

cable knit: Old Navy, brown pants: H&M, leopards: Target, xoxo necklace: Gifted (Banana Republic)

blouse: H&M, red belt: F21 ($1.50), jeggings: F21, boots: Forever Young Shoes, xoxo necklace

Pinterest Recreation #2: Brown and Black

floral scarf: Gifted (F21), striped sweater: F21, black stretch pants: F21, blazer: Target, boots: Target, watch: Nordstrom

I'm linking up:

Pleated Poppy

Momma Go Round

Rolled Up Pretty

I'm going to do a Pinterest ReCreation Link Up Party NEXT WEEK so get crafting, baking or putting together outfits from pinterest and take pictures so you can link up!

Beef and Pineapple Tacos

2012-02-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

If your not going out tonight and you're looking for a delicious, easy meal to make at home...this is it! I made these last night and I had to post about it today because they were that good!

( And it involves steak ladies....so your man will be happy)

This combo sounds like it would be a little weird together....but trust me it's amazing! The pineapple and lime are an amazing compliment to the steak, and I drizzled a little cilantro ranch dressing on top.

Mmmm taco heaven.

It only took me about 15-20 min to make.

Easy.

Beef and Pineapple Tacos

recipe from: Real Simple

What you will need:

Ingredients

1 pound skirt steak, cut into 3 pieces
kosher salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped pineapple
1/2 red chili, sliced
8 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed
cilantro and lime wedges, for serving
optional: Litehouse Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Directions

Season the steak with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak to the desired doneness, 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare; slice.
Add the pineapple and chili to the skillet and cook, tossing frequently, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
Dividing evenly, top the tortillas with the steak and pineapple. Serve with the cilantro and lime wedges.
Optional: Drizzle creamy cilantro dressing on top of steak

Enjoy!

Amore...

2012-02-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Love Day to my two most handsome men.

You make me the happiest, luckiest lady around.

We surprised dad at work with a couple Valentine goodies

Hope your day is filled with lots of LOVE

{ Best and Worst of the Weekend }

2012-02-13T13:09:00.000-08:00

It was a lazy weekend mixed in with some fun activities. Mason and I spent Saturday alone since Dad was at school, and we managed to keep ourselves busy wrestling and building tents. He loved it, and I loved that we could just snuggle and lay down for a bit instead of playing football all day.

We also had a fun little adventure taking the train into downtown

here's a recap:

{ Best }

started the Friday morning with a Zumba class....worked up a great sweat

Mason got some killer sweet new shoes for $9 from Costco

2 1/2 hour nap for baby!
Jazz girls hair and makeup

Free Jazz tickets

Date night for me and the hubs!

A darling babysitter who can play and put Mason to bed with ease

Cinnegrill for dinner, I polished off my plate and Sam's :)

Jazz game

the best churro's

Bagels date for mom and babe

I did a weekend post of my favorite things you can check it out here

2 hour tub/shower

met Daddy at school for lunch

built multiple tents, read books, counted stars

wrestled

and of course played catch

Sam came home and we somehow managed to catch Front Runner that left in 15 min.

Took the train downtown for dinner

Mason in HEAVEN on the train!!

Dinner at CPK

Our waiter made a makeshift highchair for us so we could sit at the bar instead of waiting 45 min!

Mason eating his pizza like a boss

Train worker on the way home made Mason's night when he said "All Aboard" just for Mason. I wish I could have captured his HUGE grin!

early to bed, baby was tired

Breakfast with my loves

quick afternoon nap for me :)

pancakes for dinner

finger painting

and movie watching

It was a relaxing but fun filled weekend. Just the way we like 'em

{ Worst }

Didn't get to work out Saturday

or accomplish anything really...I still have paper taped to my walls in the arrangement of how I want to hang my pictures

Forgot my camera on our train ride....and my phone died!

Baby was a little under the weather on Sunday...just not acting himself.

Sam had school (only 9 more class days to go!)

Jazz lost....bummer

happies mom had been all day, happiest baby had been all day. bless you maverik

Hello dinner date....no I didn't add a tint to this picture...the lights really are neon pink

I took a picture of my amazing churro...but it looked a little inappropriate

Reading and playing in our tent

"tent fun mom" "fun tent"...that's when I know I've done something right

wrestle mania

ahhh look how excited he is for the train! so cute!

mason eating his pizza like a boss and the jimmy rigged high chair situation...looks totally safe

he became sam and I's art project

My Favorite Things:

2012-02-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

I thought I would give you a little

Something to make you ooo and aaah over for the weekend.

I've posted a wide variety from my favorite red lip, best tweezers, cute swim trunks for baby, my new favorite clothing brand, to my new favorite sunglasses for spring.

So here it is, a few of my favorite things:

For Baby:

1. tent, Ikea $20 2. Mini Boden swim trunks $22 3. car mat, Ikea $13

4. Minnetonka Booties, Amazon

1. colored denim, Zara 2. backpack, Skiphop 3. tool belt, Ikea

4. Boys&Girls brand clothing, my new favorite line! Cheap and quality

For Beauty:

1. Tweezer Man, Sephora (best tweezers!)

2. Lip Stain-Red Carpet, E.L.F.

3. Camera Ready Cream, Smashbox ( just bought and LOVE...it primes, gives your skin a glow, covers imperfections, has spf, and STAYS ON..it is a little heavy so maybe not the best for summer...but it's great under a pressed or loose powder!)

4. Essie Nail polish, Marshmellow (also there is a shellac color called marshmellow..looks just like this!)

1. Long bangs 2. Loreal Elnett Hair Spray

For Momma:

1. Personalized bangles, Etsy

2. Striped Dress, Urban Outfitters

3. Blister Washed Leather Biker Jacket, SVPPLY (this one is $500...there are similar ones at H&M)

4. No Lace Oxfords, Old Navy

1. Pure Grace Perfume, Philosophy- clean fresh scent

2. Asos Sleeved Blush dress, perfect for spring and summer

3. Nixon Watch, Capulet

4. Steven Allen, slightly cat eye sunglasses

{ Where Did You Get That Wednesday? }

2012-02-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

Today is only Wednesday?! What! I thought it had to be Thursday or Friday, please?!!

It's been a long week...I have been working mornings filling in for a girl at work, plus working my two nights. So that has me a little thrown off and then I have been going back to the gym and lifting again which always makes me SUPER tired for the first week. (It also makes me really hungry...which i don't mind one bit) and then I have been battling with a little toddler who has decided to make it his life's mission this week to push his limits and mine. He is constantly testing me. When I tell him no he does it anyways or runs away faster. If we have time out for something he comes right out of time out and does it again. For example he dumped his BLUEBERRY and RASPBERRY shake straight onto the carpet. Why...because he can. He went to time out....walked out of time out picked up and water bottle looked me in the eyes and dumped it upside down....whhhhyyyy???!!!!

He's not napping. He seems to be wanting to push the limits on that one as well. Don't worry I left him in his bed for an hour and a half yesterday. Didn't shut his eyes for one minute.

Done. Done with this week.
Can we move on to the next one please.

I know someone call a waaaaaahhhhmubulence!

In more pleasant news. I am healthy so his my husband and child. The sun is shining, we have a roof over our heads and food in our bellies.

Here's what I wore:

Pinterest Recreation: sequins, chambray, knits

knit sweater: H&M, chambray: F21, skirt: H&M, belt: F21, leggings: Target, boots: TJ Maxx ( Nine West brand)

To work:

sweater: F21, dark denim: F21, booties: Amazon (Steve Madden brand)

blush blazer: Marshalls, gingham top: Old Navy, pants: F21, boots: F21

Pinterest Recreation #2: stripes and floral

denim jacket: F21, striped shirt: Old Navy, skirt: F21

cardigan: Banana Republic, striped shirt: F21, cargo jeggins: Target, boots: TJ Maxx (nine west)

I'm linking up with:

Pleated Poppy

Momma Go Round

Rolled Up Pretty

{ His First Finger Painting Masterpiece }

2012-02-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday we had a little craft day. Momma made a wreath and baby did a little painting.

He was loving getting the gooey paint everywhere, mixing colors, and making hand prints.
He had even more fun when the paint moved from the paper onto his belly

{ Wake Me Up }

2012-02-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

before you go go....

Not sure why that was the song of choice stuck in my head this morning...but I think it was rather fitting Since its the weekend.

I wanted to do a fashion post but that seemed too boring. I need a little wake me up....a little laughter this morning. I also need food, and we will probably be leaving in a minute to get dr.pepper.

Sometimes when I'm browsing Pinterest which I never do, I come across some of the funniest comment cards, and funny pins. I had to share.

Hopefully this starts your day and weekend out right.

Happy Weekend

my favorite part: Sam has hear this one too many times

Nothing says Karate like a pair of ying yang tattoos

this one is so dumb...but i was literally laughing so hard. it was late.

I think this every time I see one of those signs!!

Valentine Yarn Wreath Tutorial

2012-02-02T12:36:00.001-08:00

Our front door was looking a little bare.

So I ran to Hobby Lobby this morning...picked up a few items and made this quick and easy Valentine wreath.

I took me a total of 45 min. and about $9. ( I had a 40% coupon with my GeoCoupon App)

You will need:

1 ball of yarn:

I found a multi colored yarn w/ pink, white and brown, which gave my wreath the cute striped pattern with out having to use a bunch of different yarn balls.

circular foam wreath

heart accessories (purchases from Hobby Lobby- they are just felt heart with a little stich around the edges...you could easily make your own)

hot glue

pins (optional)

Steps:

1. Wrap yarn around circular foam wreath

2. Tighten yarn as you go

3. Lay out hearts on wreath in the pattern you would like

4. Hot glue the hearts onto wreath

5. Pin for added security

DONE!

I feel like this wreath could have been dressed up even more. I'm thinking of maybe adding an arrow going through the middle....but for now it's perfect.

{ Where Did You Get That? and a Pinterest Recreation Linky Party }

2012-01-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

A few things.

I took lots of pictures this week. Bonus. They are with my phone. Not Bonus.

I love doing the linky party because I love looking at everyone's recreations. Bonus. Buuut last week I only had two links. Not Bonus, made me feel kinda lame-o. So should I keep doing the linky party (I will keep doing the outfit posts..just don't know about the link up party)? Or call it good?

We got a new lens for Christmas. Bonus! ...Eh I haven't even used it once. Not Bonus.

Super Bowl is this weekend! YAY! Hello miniature everything entrees, hello 7 layer dip, hello all the junk food you can imagine, hello DP flowing from the heavens, hello caramel corn, hello peanut butter bars ( i don't know if those will be there...but I need to make them if they aren't!) Bonus! Major stomach ache and 5 lbs. later. Not Bonus.

Ok onto the clothes.

{Pinterest Recreation #1}

gingham top: Old Navy, sweatshirt sweater: Target, pants: F21, flats: Gap, ring: F21

fur vest: H&M, blouse: H&M, belt: F21, pants: F21, boots: Forever Young Shoes

sweater: Gap, shirt w/zipper: Zara, black pants: F21, boots: F21

So I kinda have a complex about this shirt. In Vegas I wore it and this guy came up to me wanting to guess where I was from. After a list of random cities....he settled on Oregon. Which I was ok with. But it made me question my shirt choice. Did I stand out that much? Is this shirt totally tacky? So is this shirt whack? You can be honest. ( well not too honest....gentle honest....consider my feelings honest....but girlfriend to girlfriend honest. You know, girl code: " If ask...does my butt look big? Girl code: " No not at all...it looks plump and firm, maybe try a longer shirt to kinda cover it"

This outfit was brought to you today by Forever 21.... blouse: F21, pants:F21, belt:F21, shoes: H&M

heart blouse: F21, jumper: Gap outlet, leggings: Target, boots: Nine West (TJ Maxx), ring: H&M

{ Not a Pinterest Recreation but an inspiration }

when I saw this dress at H&M I instantly thought of Alexa Chung and her DARLING Alexa Chung for Madewell black dress with the peter pan collar. Mine doesn't have a peter pan collar unfortunately...but I got as close as I could. Love that Alexa

dress: H&M, leggings: Target, shoes: F21, bracelets: vintage

{ Pinterest Recreation #2- Ombre Hair }

It's a little combo of the two below. I think I'm lovin it.

Let's give it another try!

It's your turn now to link up!

Party Rules:

1. Your link must be a recreation of something you found from Pinterest. It can be anything, decor, crafts, recipes, or outfits

2. Please post the original item from pinterest along with your recreation- or attempt ;)

3. Please link back here so your fab readers can know where to join our linky party! you can grab a button from my side bar

I'm linking up with:

Momma Go Round

The Pleated Poppy

Rolled Up Pretty

French Dip Sliders Recipe

2012-01-31T12:51:00.000-08:00

Sam and I had these little gems for dinner last night and I had to quickly post the recipe! They were so yummy and would be the perfect addition to your Super Bowl parties this weekend!

It honestly took me 15 minutes to make. Bam!

French Dip Sliders

recipe by: Mama Loves Food.com

found via Pinterest

You will need:

(I halved the recipe for Sam and I)

2 packages crescent rolls, 8 count

1 pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced

4 ounces Swiss or provolone cheese, cut in 16 equal sized pieces

optional: Horseradish Sauce

optional: Au Jus for dipping ( I used McCormick's Au Jus packet)
How to make:

Unroll crescents onto a large cookie sheet.
Spread a small dab of horseradish on each crescent, then place a slice of roast beef and a piece of cheese on each crescent. ( i put a couple slices)
Roll crescents starting from the wide end and ending at the narrow end.
Bake at 375 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes, until crescents are a golden color.
Serve with Au Jus and enjoy!

{ Mason Mason Mason- 21/ 22 Months }

2012-01-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

Oh this kid...he is hilarious, naughty, and quite the handful.

He pretty much can say anything... if you tell him to say something he will repeat it right back to you.

He makes us laugh and also makes us want to pull out our hair during car rides.

The constant "mom water, water, water, water, water, water, snack, snack, snack,snack, look, look, snack, snack, train, snack" all in one breath is enough to drive the sanest person insane.

But I love that he can express himself more and more, and I love watching his little mind learn and grow. He can fully count to 10 with out any help and he loves to list off all of his family members names.
At random times.

He also thinks Santa is a part of our family now and likes to link him to Nana, and Nana's house.

He will always say: "Nana, Nana's house, Molly, Amy, Santa." "Santa treat?"

He loves friends and is always looking for anyone to play with him!
The second we pull into our church's parking lot he yells: "FRIENDS" while doing a mini fist pump.

He longing looks out the window at older kids going to school and says: "kids, kids, friends mom".

He's a social butterfly just like his dad.

He's also become quiet the story teller. He loves to ramble in the back seat, rambling off all of his favorite foods: "um mom spaghetti, um pizza, um bagel and cheese, um samwhich, uh soup and crackers, um snack...."

Or he will be playing and then run up to me "monkey bonka head, bonka head mom"...."and uh bonka face mom, bonka head, bonka face"

He loves to show of his throwing skills...and seriously has a REALLY good arm.

His new thing is, we have to take 2 balls, one in each hand, with us whenever we go in the car now. Girls carry around dolls. My son carries around his football.

He's the goofiest boy, he's becoming such a great eater, and he still loves his books!

He's also becoming more and more cuddly! I love it!

Oh and he also likes to word the use "cute" for everything. Sam was a little disturbed by this so we are working on cool. Mason frequently comments on my shoes. "cute shoes mom". ooops.

He also uses it towards trucks and trains...so not to worry :) He will say " cute train, cool train".

We love ya little munch....can't believe your almost two!

"picture mom...cheese "

in an attempt to document his new double football love he yelled " NO cheese Mom, no CHEESE"..I think I take to many pictures?!

crazy bed head

{ My New Motto }

2012-01-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

This is my new motto for 2012.

It came about in one of our many mothering counseling sessions on my girls trip to Vegas.

And it really hit home to me.
As a mom I have constantly been plagued by guilt. Comparison to other mom's is a regular occurrence....not that I want it to be, but I don't know what I'm doing?! So it's only natural to look around and compare and gauge yourself. But it's not healthy, and usually doesn't help.

So these are the words I'm going to strive to live by. It's not an over night thing. I am constantly reminding myself multiple times a day. This little note is on my bathroom mirror....so I see it when I wake up and when I go to bed.

I'm no longer going to have days filled with guilt. If Mason watched cartoons for two hours instead of making a finger painting masterpiece so be it. If I didn't get to the laundry because we were playing catch for four hours instead. So be it.

If I need a babysitter so I can go to Target alone for two hours. So be it.
I'm learning to be honest and accepting of my feelings. The good, the bad, and the completely unnecessary. But they are my feelings and I don't need to feel guilty about having them.

I'm going to do whats best for me, what works for me and my family, and can make me the best mom that I can be. It may not be super mom....but that's ok. I will give only what I can everyday and call it a day. And try again harder (if I want to) the next day. If not, that's ok too because I gave what I could.

I have been feeling better after I heard this little piece of advice. My days have been happier, I have been happier......and that makes everyone happier.

So cheers to guilt free mothering.....I feel better just typing this.

{ Where Did You Get That? and A Pinterest Recreation Linky Party }

2012-01-24T21:25:00.000-08:00

I only have two outfits to post.

At least it's two.

One is what I wore to the airport....the other is a pinterest recreation.

So go me! I'm still a little tired from my trip and I just can't bring myself to get back into the swing of things.

Want to know what else is fun? We are going to see Brian Regan tonight. I can't wait...I love him.

Enough of this random business....

Outfit #1- Airport Style: COMFORT

scarf- gifted, sweater: H&M, leggings: Target, oxfords: Target, watch: Nordstrom

Hair tutorial go here

Outfit #2- Pinterest ReCreation- Hillary Duff

I used her pink shoes as inspiration for my jacket, instead of a black leather.

pink blazer: Marshall's, sweater: H&M, leather leggings: H&M, flats: Gap, necklace: Jennijewelry(Etsy)

Husband wanted to get in on the action as well. He sent me a text tonight at work with this pic and the places where his items of clothing were purchased. Ha! love him...isn't he super sexy...look at that outfit!

Shout out to him...he also took amazing care of Mason over the weekend...had so much fun, had the house clean when I came home, and he CLEANED OUT THE FRIDGE! WHAT?!!! Major brownie points...I can't stop staring at it..it's like a new fridge inside. Ok randomness again....back to Sam

Pants: Amazon (Levi brand), shirt: bestcustomshirt.com (p.s. custom shirts are the way to go MEN, they are fitted to their bodies, no baggy spots, they look tailored and nice, so classy), sweater: Nordstrom Rack, shoes: Nordstrom Rack ( Allen Edmond brand)

Now it's your turn to link up!

Party Rules:

1. Your link must be a recreation of something you found from Pinterest. It can be anything, decor, crafts, recipes, or outfits

2. Please post the original item from pinterest along with your recreation- or attempt ;)

3. Please link back here so your fab readers can know where to join our linky party! you can grab a button from my side bar

I'm linking up with:

Momma Go Round

The Pleated Poppy

Rolled Up Pretty

{ Girls Trip: Las Vegas }

2012-01-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

This trip came at the perfect time!

I honestly don't think I could have dreamed up a more perfect weekend. We ate and ate, and then got re-dressed to go and eat some more. We shopped till our feet hurt. We stayed out late, slept in, and did whatever our little hearts desired. Because we were free....we were 4 stay at home momma's on the loose in Vegas, minus kids, minus schedules, minus any cares.

It seriously was amazing. I wish I could put into words how much I needed this weekend and how cathartic and amazing it was.

Somehow my stars magically aligned and Sam didn't have school so he could watch the boy, I had three eager and willing friends to hop on a plane to Vegas, and I had cheap flights calling my name.

We flew in Friday afternoon and took a cab to the Vdara Hotel located in the City Center. It's a beautiful, totally modern and hip hotel located in the middle of the strip. The room was amazing, equipped with a kitchen (not that we needed it), a huge bathroom, and black out shades that went up and down with the push of a button. Hello HEAVEN.

After checking in we instantly hit the mall....shopping out little hearts out, with out children melting down in the middle of the a store. When we finally got back to the hotel with our bags of goodies. (did I say bags?!) we were able to relax for a bit and then we pulled out our list of restaurants we wanted to cram in, in our short 48 hours. Oh yes we had a list. We finally decided on one place and got ready to head out to dinner at 9:15 PM!
We ate at the most AMAZING buffet, if you can even call it a buffet at Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. It was gourmet and delicious and fresh. I highly highly recommend it.

Then after our BUFFET we decided to walk to Serendipity because a buffet just wasn't enough. One frozen hot chocolate and banana split later we were ready to call it a night.
It was also 1:30am....no big deal.

The next day was just as adventurous. After finally leaving the hotel room at 12 in the afternoon to go get breakfast ( Vdara has the most delicious market cafe in their hotel!) we decided to do a little more shopping. I was able to use my precious H&M gift cards at the glorious 3 story H&M in Cesar's. And don't worry I picked up a pair of leather leggings I have been dying for!

The rest of the night got interesting! Let's just say I haven't been to Vegas with out Sam in a VERY long time and I forget the club promoters that pop out of every bush trying to get you on various night club guest lists. We were starting to get a little annoyed of them by the end until one struck a chord with my girl Gay. He said the words "Wyclef" and her heart skipped a beat and she said..."we have to go".

So he put us on the guest list....and we thought maybe we will make it.

Whitney and Jessica went to Celine and had the best time ever while Gay and I ate more food. I told you this weekend involved a lot of food.
Then we met at Lavo Restaurant at the Plazzo hotel for our 10:15 dinner reservations. Yes 10:15! I'm so shocked and proud of ourselves I can't even tell you. No 7:00 dinners at the Cheesecake Factory here (that is a favorite of mine) Oh no we spread our wings, we ventured out, and we did Vegas RIGHT.

After a delicious dinner and very full bellies....we couldn't think of a better way to end our adventurous trip than to hit up The Bank night club at Bellagio and let our little Gay get her Wycleff fix, and let me fulfill my dream of actually going dancing at a club in Vegas.

Gay said it perfectly: "With our names on the list, we were in. Us 4 crazy moms, clothed head to toe, 2 of them pregnant, none of us drinking......somehow we were on the VIP list."

And it's true...we got in! I'm as shocked and amazed myself. As I was going up the escalator being chauffeured by our club escort I couldn't believe this was really happening! eeehehe.. We danced our little hearts out....avoiding eye contact with fellow club goers....we were married women and all. Best of all we just laughed and had so much fun and couldn't believe that us 4 mommas still had it!

Jess and I left early because we had a flight to catch the next morning but Gay and Whit stayed, listened to Wycleff Jean.....and then hit the hay....proud.

We had the best time, we enjoyed great conversation, lots of laughs, amazing food, motherhood counseling sessions, and then the happiness of returning home to our loves and our babies.

We did Vegas right girls, we did Vegas right!

{ My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software: Winner }

2012-01-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

The lucky winner is:

Heather Gines!

Congrats girlfriend! If you could email me your email address so I can tell you how to collect!

WOO HOOO!

And for those of you who didn't win I have a special deal for you! Go to mymemories.com and put in this promo code: STMMMS39126 and receive $10 off your own digital scrapbooking software. Making it only $29!

Such a fun and easy way to make your own DARLING photobooks!
Thanks My Memories for this awesome giveaway!

p.s. post tomorrow about our CRAZY Vegas adventures. It was so much fun I'm getting giddy just writing this. Until then you can go here and read a snippet of what we did!

{ Party Rockin... }

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving for a girls weekend in

VEGAS

with out this little nut!

I couldn't be more excited. This is the first time I have left Mason for the weekend with Sam! Some how the stars aligned....He didn't have school Saturday, flights were cheap, my girls were ready to go, and I am going to be one happy momma!
So bring on the food, the shopping, and the late night laughs.

I have been needing you

{Giveaway!: My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software }

2012-01-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

I think it's been waaaay to long since I have done a giveaway so I'm pretty excited

to be doing one today....and it's such an awesome one!

My Memories is a digital scrap booking software and they are giving away one of their Digital Scrapbook Software. value: $39.97 for FREE!

I love this giveaway because A- I don't scrapbook, but I downloaded this software and now I love it!

B- It's soo easy to download and USE and now I can make cute photobooks with all the bagillion pictures I have of Mason!

With My Memories software anyone can create digital scrapbooks, photo books, cards, calendars and the best part is the software's design tools will help you to build entire albums effortlessly using one of the many installed templates, or designing your very own pages from scratch.

This is such a fun way to categorize and use all of your digital photos.
So do you want to get the scrapbooking bug and win My Memories awesome digital software for FREE and start making your own photo books?!

Here's how to enter

There will be 3 different ways to win!

1.*must do* Become a follower of All Things Lovely and leave a comment telling me you are

2. Like My Memories Facebook page and leave a comment telling me you did.

3. Follow My Memories on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway, then leave a comment telling me you did!

Winner will be chosen Monday Jan. 23

{ Where Did You Get That? and A Pinterest Linky Party }

2012-01-17T21:40:00.000-08:00

Since my photographer...aka Sam has been MIA, I'm stuck using crappy phone pic's. I tried to fancy them up as much as I could.

Poor Sammy has been swamped with school and work (he's almost done!!) and the sun goes down at 5 leaving me with limited options. As fun as indoor photos are a night....NOT. I resort to the trusty phone.

So please excuse them for just a little while.

And you bet we are doing a Pinterest Recreation Linky Party again this week.

So link up! It can be anything you have made off of pinterest!

Pinterest Recreation #1

Stripes on Chambray

image: Poor Little It Girl

striped sweater: F21, chambray: F21, black pants: F21, leopard flats: Target, ring: F21, watch: Nordstrom

Pinterest Recreation #2

Easy Breezy

cardigan: Gap, shirt: Target, wide leg trousers: H&M, shoes: F21, necklace: gifted (H&M)

striped shirt: Old Navy, pants: F21, moccasin boots: Steve Madden(Zappos), bracelet: gifted (H&M)

sweater: Old Navy, pants: F21, scarf: gifted, moccasin boots: Steve Madden (zappos)

Stripes on stripes

dress: Marshall's, cardigan: Pac Sun, leggings: Target, boots: F21

Linking up with:

Pleated Poppy

Momma Go Round

Rolled Up Pretty

Now it's your turn:

Party Rules:

1. Your link must be a recreation of something you found from Pinterest. It can be anything, decor, crafts, recipes, or outfits

2. Please post the original item from pinterest along with your recreation- or attempt ;)

3. Please link back here so your fab readers can know where to join our linky party! you can grab a button from my side bar

What to Wear: To A Wedding

2012-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

My friend Stephanie emailed at the end of last week asking for help on where to buy an outfit for her friends wedding. She needed the outfit by Friday, she's on a budget, and she lives in Oregon where it's a little chilly.

I'm always up for a good fashion scavenger hunt. Since my time was pretty limited I didn't get to search as many places as I would have liked...but I think I came up with some fun, easy outfits, that wont break the bank and can be worn over and over again.

Since it's winter time I'm all about the layers, and opaque tights. I also love a good dress that could transition from winter into summer.

I put together a couple outfits of seperates that would look cute on their own, with jeans, or with the skirt for nicer events.

All of these items can be purchased at Nordstrom, Old Navy, or Target.

I think these inspiration boards are a fun thing to copy, or take the ideas and make them your own by finding items that are similar.

Thanks for your fashion question Stephanie!

Hope you like them and....happy shopping!

I love this dressy yet comfy combo. The dress sinches at the waist, is flattering on all body types, and has a little sparkle which dresses it up a bit. Pair with black tights and heels.

blazer:BP Nordstrom, dress: BP for Nordstrom, shoes: Steve Madden, tights: Nordstrom

This dress is dressy and chic with out much effort. The color is stunning, pair it with nude colored pumps and your outfit is complete. Minimal jewelry.

dress: Nordstrom, shoes: Jessica Simpson

I love this classy feminine outfit. The dress alone is perfect and comes with the faux strand of pearls! I paired it with the chunky knit sweater (since its winter) and nude colored pumps so it wouldn't distract from the dress. Add maybe a fun ring...but your jewelry is already on the dress!

sweater: Old Navy, dress: BP Nordstrom, shoes

I know you're not supposed to wear white to a wedding, but this dress is too fab! (and it's kinda off white anyways!) I paired it with a bright blue blazer for color and so it's not all white..... The black tights are optional and pair with black or nude pumps. Love it!

blazer: Nordstrom, dress: BP Nordstrom, shoes, tights

This dress is so flirty and sassy...I love the black and gold and the sleeves!

Dress: BP Nordstrom, shoes, tights

Another flirty fun dress that can be worn in the winter and the summer! You could easily make this more casual as well by pairing it with boots and a chunky sweater

blazer: Nordstrom, Dress: BP Nordstrom, shoes

I don't know the occasion of the wedding....this is obviously a more casual look. This could be worn all the time, not just for a wedding

skirt: BP Nordstrom, shirt: Old Navy, blazer: Nordstrom, shoes, tights

Classic sophisticated. Grey dress, white blazer, black pumps, and for fun you could add in some patterned tights

blazer, dress: Target, shoes, tights: Nordstrom

Anyone can pull off this darling printed wrap dress with black pumps. The sweater might be to casual..if so wear a dramatic pea coat or black blazer to fancy it up

shoes, dress: Old Navy, cardigan: Old Navy

Again another casual option that could be worn to more places that just a wedding. Love the tulip skirt from Old Navy

blazer: Nordstrom, shirt: Old Navy, tulip skirt: Old Navy, shoes

I thought these dresses are perfect for a more body conscious person. The wrapping in the middle will hid any tummy problems and the length hits just above the knee which is flattering. To fancy this outfit up pair with black or nude heels, and dramatic jewelry...think statement necklaces!

For more casual pair with fun printed tights and the shoe pictured below.

dress: Target, shoes: Miz Moo's

{ Best and Worst of The Weekend }

2012-01-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

Are the weeks just flying by or is it just me?!

Last week went EXTREMELY slow...but the weekend just flew by. It was a busy exhausting week for Sam with school and work, and it was an exhausting week for me with a wild toddler. I think I was counting down the minutes for Friday. I wanted to plan a surprise getaway for Sam's birthday since it was a long weekend, and he didn't have work on Monday. But flight costs didn't allow it, so instead we had a nice staycation.

Here's the low down:

{ Best }

Sam's Birthday! Mason and I took him out for a little birthday breakfast

then birthday shopping followed

snagged our favorite babysitter so we could have a party for Sam

dinner with friends at Ichiban....child-less!

Lots and LOTS of laughs and inappropriate drawings on fogged windows

Dessert at Salt Lake Roasting Company

Staying out late with friends chatting and celebrating Sam

Rise and shine

Day at the Aquarium for Momma and baby

Loved the penguins and "oo scarwy sharks"

got to see lots and lots of "shishes" (fishes)

Love spending time with my little guy

Lunch date at Chick-Fil-A and you bet Mason ate an 8 pack of nuggets himself.

Free Balloons ( this was the best thing of Mason's weekend....he told me)

Daddy came home early from school....yay!

Lots of ball throwing and wrestling for Daddy and Mason

Quick dinner

early to bed

Breakfast date..mmm pancakes and eggs

Dinner Birthday celebration for Sam and Mikal

Turkey dinner, stuffing, mashed potatoes....mmmm mmm mmm

Coke Cake (the best!)

Our new family tradition of doing a slide show of old pictures of the "birthday person"

Sam was the cutest little boy

No Work on MONDAY, well momma had to work for couple hours

$20 tip

Lazy afternoon

Snuggling by the fire

Monday Night Family Night at Zero Gravity in Kaysville (yes we went to another trampoline place!)

Had so much fun jumping and playing with the family at this nice new facility!

Dinner at Noodles and Co.

A great way to end the weekend!

{ Worst }

I didn't get to take Sam on my surprise getaway

The WORST Sunday afternoon of my life...I'm struggling with my new calling and lets just say I ended up completely overwhelmed and in tears :(

I didn't take one picture of our FUN night on Friday for Sam's birthday.....we were just having way too much fun

Started planning future trips with friends that i hope actually happen...hint hint

The aftermath of a long weekend with lots of help from Sam- the next day is always so hard.

he knows his way around Einsteins a liiiiittle to well. just ordering his own bagel, no big deal

the only pictures i could get...he was running around the aquarium so excited i couldn't get a normal photo

the slide show tradition...look at that cute bum

a picture of everyone taking a picture.....

Happy Birthday Mikal and Sam