Lauren Rebecca

Mini Style in May.

2013-05-20T16:47:00.001-04:00

I must say that one of my all time favorite places to shop for Scarlett is Old Navy. Not only has their clothing quality come a long way, they are getting pretty trendy with their cute styles. AND, the best part, you don't have to spend a fortune. I'm pretty sure 40% of Scarlett's wardrobe is Old Navy. Here she is again, head to toe, Old Navy for toddlers. Steal Scarlett's Look below.

Dear Ty.

2013-05-17T09:17:00.002-04:00

Over The Love by Florence + The Machine on Grooveshark

Dear Ty,

Drowning....

I sometimes feel like that about my life before I met you.
Those days were hard,
Tearful.

I felt as though I was drunk, spinning around wildly with no intention of stopping. Every turn taking me further away from the light.
Bitter and angry.
Not knowing how I had gotten to that place.

I think I asked God a million times why?
I think I prayed a thousand times for it to go away.
Drowning.
It's a word I use often when I describe that time in my life.

It felt that way.

Like no matter how hard I tried, the water kept hitting my face and pushing me down.
Like I couldn't catch my breath.
Like the more I struggled to reach the top for a breath of air, the faster I sank.
I couldn't hold on, so I began to just...let go....
Free falling down into that murky water.
I watched myself fade...

And just as I felt I was about to hit the bottom, just when I had given up hope, just as I was about to close my heart for good,
two strong arms reached down and pulled me up.
They wrapped around me and held my cold, half-damaged body against theirs.
I opened my eyes,

And there you were.
The answer to my every prayer.
What I had been unknowingly searching for for years.

I know it seems rather dramatic to say that you saved me.

But truly, you saved me.

I find it completely surreal to think that we found each other in this chaotic, mess of a world.
But I know there was help in bringing us together.
With every choice bringing us in a different direction, I realize that all of the bad things that have come my way, no longer matter. Those difficult times swung me around like a rag doll, not caring if I was on my knees already.

Dear Ty, my lover, my rescuer, my heart, my everything.
I want you more than I have ever wanted anything.

The love I feel for you makes my heart beat faster every time I think of our first kiss.
It makes me burn with passion when I think of you telling me you'd wait forever.
It fills my eyes with tears when I think how you unconditionally love me....

This IS the love of a lifetime. I'm so in love still.
The best part is, I know you are here to stay...the day is coming quickly. I'm savoring how I feel in this moment. And yet, I know the best is yet to come.

.............................6/21/2013

Links:
Carissa Graham
Covered In Grace

Graphic Tees.

2013-05-14T22:02:00.000-04:00

This Mother's Day, we just hung out all day in cozy clothes. I thought our graphic tees were just perfect for a lazy day... And the photos were just too cute not to share!

Born to Rock tee: ForeverXXI

Tiger tee: Target

Links
WIWW
Rolled Up Pretty
Look What I Got
Passion for Fashion
Best Of Friday
Weekend Shenanigans

Things I'm Loving.

2013-05-12T10:57:00.002-04:00

Warm sunny days in New York.

The way Scarlett says "baby soup" (bathing suit) Just too cute to correct.

The smell of sun tan lotion on our skin.

Iced Tea with LOTS of ice & lemon.

Opening the mail to find wedding response cards.

Fresh flowers in the house.

Pool days.

Outdoor Dining.

Listening to Scarlett in the back seat, sing along with me to the radio.

Ty.

My new living room rug. (check back this week for a living room post)

Trips to the greenhouse.

Saltwater Sandals.

"Come on, Mama!"

Scarlett's Whimsical 2nd Birthday

2013-05-06T08:32:00.002-04:00

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong on Grooveshark

This year, I really didn't want to do a big party like I threw last year. I just wanted to have family, a couple of kids and a cookout to celebrate Scarlett turning two. Soooo, that's exactly what we did. Of course, I'm a sucker for small details and small party or not, I wanted some cute decor and a couple of fun activities.

I decided I would throw her a whimsical party with white bunnies, fresh flowers, spring colors and some flowing fabrics. I picked a couple of spring activities, (planting spring seeds and chalk fun) that I will go into detail about in later posts, But the real hit of the party was the gift Ty and I bought Scarlett. We bought her a water/sand table that I almost didn't get her since I wasn't sure if she would like it. I'm glad I did! We weren't planning on bringing it out until present time, but it was just too nice of a day to not include some water! Good decision.....The kids spent the majority of the time at that little table, occasionally stopping for cupcakes or food.

Scarlett was thrilled with everything. Overwhelmed, even. Our family and friends gave her wonderful gifts. She hasn't even gotten through all of them yet! They will keep her busy for quite some time! I feel so lucky to have such a loving family that made it all the way from Massachusetts to celebrate with us. And for great new friends that we've met here. The best part of the party.....For me, it was when Scarlett smiled as we sang Happy Birthday to her and then, she pursed her little lips together and blew out her candle for the very first time.....I think I may have gotten a little teary. I can't believe my baby is 2!! We took so many photos that I was completely overwhelmed with sorting through them. But I think I picked a good variety to show you how much fun we had this weekend!

Bunny Cupcake toppers HERE

Dream Catcher: Wildflower Dream Catchers

Links:
Misc Monday
Mon Meet Up
Ivy & Elephants

Slow It Down.

2013-04-29T18:44:00.002-04:00

Between sending out our wedding invitations, traveling back to Massachusetts to sell my house, Walking the March of Dimes and trying to bring some spring into our home, it's been a busy weekend. That seems to be the new norm for us. But no matter how busy it is, there is always time for ice cream. Which is exactly what we did on Sunday to slow down.

Sometimes it's hard to slow down from the pressures of life.

But it's necessary. And when you do, you start to enjoy the little things.

The little things like....Scarlett had her first ice cream cone. Well, it wasn't her first but it was the first cone that she could hold all by herself. That counts. I've been doing a little gardening. This is a whole new experience for me. (Pics to come) But I have a love for flowers so I figured why not? Besides a sudden bought of allergies, it's been fun going to the nurseries and picking out plants and flowers. I've never had allergies and don't know why they've all of a sudden decided to come on, but they are not fun! It makes me think about little things that people take for granted. To go outside and enjoy spring without having to take a Claritin is something I took for granted. It reminds me to be thankful for all the little things that I don't even think about.

Selling my first home was a piece of cake. We decided that it needed to be done since we never used it. It showed 6 times and sold in one week. As I walked through for the final time, I had a rush of emotions come over me. I'm not good with letting go. Every little detail holds a place inside of me. Even if they aren't special memories, I still feel like I need them. I thought about how we brought Scarlett home from the hospital to that house. I thought about how we mulched the gardens and mowed the grass. How I painted every wall in that house and how I bought it all on my own.

But as soon as I closed the door and walked down those steps, I thought about how I'm going home to create new memories in our New York house. I decided that it wasn't letting go, but merely moving on. Simple.

And I'm pretty sure that's why I came back to New York in a big hurry to garden and buy pretty things for our home.

Scarlett's bow headband:c/o Little Gems Creations

Artwork waiting to be hung.

Paper cups keep her busy.

A little grocery shopping in our pajamas...why not?

Links:
Weekend Shenanigans
Ivy & Elephants

Around Here...

2013-04-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

dreams by Cat Power on Grooveshark

Things are pretty happy around here lately.

Warm weather arriving, the sound of Scarlett playing, Ty cooking on the grill right outside our screened in porch and me, sitting here taking in the smell of grilled zucchini as warm air pours in through the windows. Lovely. If you know me, you know that I like to keep busy. I get bored easily. I like to have things going on all the time. I think it distracts me from knowing that I no longer work. This summer might prove me wrong...Last weekend we spent our last relaxing weekend until August!

We are busy every. single. weekend. until August!!

No joke.

I was looking at my calendar with Ty the other night and it will definitely be an interesting summer. I'm sure it will go by in the blink of an eye, as does everything when lots of things are going on. Of course, it's all fun stuff. Not only am I getting married this summer, but one of my bridesmaids is getting married in August and my mother announced a couple weeks ago, that she will be getting married again in September! So, needless to say, we'll all be busy but I'm so happy that love is in the air!!

My wedding shower was this weekend and it was really nice that my friends and family all got together for me. We laughed a lot. The best!! It made me miss my friends from Massachusetts.

(an unfinished living room)

I'm having fun sprucing up our new home with decor. We moved in here this past December but the only room that is really complete is Scarlett's. I hope to have some Home Tour posts up soon. Things take time and money. Right now, our money is busy in wedding vendor's pockets. I still think often, why didn't we elope? It was our first choice but things didn't end up going that way. Mostly because we didn't want Scarlett flying without us while we stayed on our honeymoon. I love planning a great party or someone else's wedding, but when it's your own wedding, it's mostly just pressure to get it done.

Speaking of parties, I'm planning a small get together for Scarlett's 2nd birthday on May 4th. Nothing like last year's hurrah. Just some food, some decorations, family & a couple of Scarlett's friends.

I'm just really happy with life right now. That's the way it should be, right?

Sometimes that scares me. But not enough to deter me from enjoying it.

(I love that there is a single letter S in the background of this photo.)

Around here, Ty has been wonderful. When isn't he? Awhile back I was feeling very alone, not just physically but emotionally. Ty would go to work, come home just to leave for fire fighting calls, go to the gym and by the time he got home, the last couple hours of his day were spent with Scarlett before she went to bed. Not much "us" time. I finally decided to tell him how I was feeling. Within minutes of telling him, he began fixing things. I love that he takes my feelings so seriously.

Ty loves fire fighting. It's something he enjoys. But he decided to put a hold on it so that he can be home more. This sacrifice that he made for me makes me very grateful to have such a great man. We have started going to the gym together more. Or he takes Scarlett with him to the gym so I can do grocery shopping without a toddler who refuses to sit in the cart...which by the way, is a vacation in itself! Ha ha.

With Ty, love is easy. I know that the man I will be marrying in two months (EEEK) is in it for the long haul. I can't tell you how many times he has proved to me that he will love me through the good and the bad. Because let's be honest, I'm not the easiest person to live with ;) He loves me just the same.

I feel lucky. Everyday.
Hoping things are going well with you, too!!

PS. I was all smiles this morning when I ran across Babble's 10 Must-Read Mom Blogs with Style and who do I see? Miss Scarlett and I.....check it out and other style savvy bloggers here.

links:
Misc Monday

Covered In Grace

When It Hits Home.

2013-04-19T14:31:00.003-04:00

I had something totally different in mind for today, but with all that is going on in my home, having family in Boston working to protect and serve us, I'm just full of sadness. I can't help but think what a world I've brought Scarlett into and it makes me second guess having more children....

My younger sister's fiancé is in Boston today. My prayers are with him & all the others working to protect & serve us, until they are all home safe. This life is crazy. The world, corrupt. It hits a whole lot harder when it's your home that's hit or when people you know are in the midst of it.

When things like this happen, I can't help but think of what my father would tell me as a child. "In the end days, the world will be corrupt and bad things will happen everywhere. But we have to keep our eyes to God."

I really love this quote and when I saw it was by Mr. Rogers, I loved it even more. He was an icon in my childhood....

"When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'

To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers- so many caring people in this world."

I saw a lot of photos of people running towards the attack area to help.

I have said it a million times and I will say it again...there is NOTHING meaningful or important in this world besides love.

By praying for our "Boston" I'm sending love to all those risking their lives

today and for all those that were injured or lost loved ones.

Come home safe Peter.

What We're Wearing.

2013-04-16T16:21:00.000-04:00

Okay warm weather, you can stay now...

We are having a grand ole' time soaking up the rays

& playing outside.

Me:

Top: H&M

Rectangle Ring: Xsre
Ankle Boots: Target

Scarlett:

Woodland Tee: H&M

Minnetonka Moccasins

Headband: Lemons & Lace (our new fav headband shop!)

Links:

WIWW

We LOVE Alycia & Her Dream Catchers!!

2013-04-15T07:55:00.002-04:00

Today, I wanted to share with you a blog that I have been loving lately! Alycia captures the most beautiful photos, has an adorable little boy, Kyler, and makes amazing dream catchers. No really...you should check them out here. One of the best things about blogging is meeting wonderful people and getting the chance to work with them. I was lucky enough to get one of these awesome catchers that I will be adding to Scarlett's room and sharing with you later this week.

I'm super pleased to have such a sweet and talented blogger here today!!

Hello! I'm Alycia of Wildflower Blog, and I am so excited to be here today guest posting ! I live in San Diego, California with my husband and son Kyler. I love spending my time taking care of our sweet little boy, taking pictures of everything we do, thrifting and decorating our home!

My favorites posts to do are photos from our week, I love taking pictures of the beautiful little details of everyday life, so I thought I would share some pictures of our week here !

We had a great week last week! I drank lots of coffee as usual, baked some banana apple breakfast bread, bought a beautiful print, enjoyed some quiet time while the baby napped, went to the beach and soaked up some sun and than spent some time over at the beautiful flower fields looking at everything in bloom while eating a sundae! I would love for you to stop by my blog and say Hi ! I will be giving away one of these beautiful Kelli Murray Poppy Prints later this week so be sure to enter for a chance to win =) Thanks for reading and thank you Lauren for having me ! xo Alycia

A Beautiful Day.

2013-04-08T19:44:00.001-04:00

I woke up this morning to the sun peeking in through my bedroom window.
The birds chirped happily and it reminded me that it was going to be a beautiful, sunny 65 degree day.
For those of you who are thinking this is cold, you have not endured a New England winter.

I rubbed my eyes and rolled onto my side, letting the sun warm my face.
I inhaled deeply and let the feeling sink in.
I thanked God for this beautiful day.
Scarlett sang quietly from the other room.
Her small voice melting me as it often does.
We got up, ate breakfast, got dressed and packed a lunch.

Now, here I sit on our blanket in the middle of the park in the warm sun.
Scarlett is in her glory as she slides, runs and plays.
I love seeing her like this.
Happy & full of light.

This weekend, I was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, thrilled to be going over what seems to be endless amount of bills & wedding costs.
Stressed about it all, just at the right time it seemed, I heard a glorious sound.
Scarlett singing.
It was a song I have never heard her singing before.
"Be nice to everyone, and they'll be nice to youuuuu. Be nice to everyone...."
I recall hearing this on her Yo Gabba Gabba dvd while we drove in the car one day.
I watched.
She took each baby out and set it on the floor, placing their hands together.
How completely angelic that she was singing this song while making her dolls hold hands.
I didn't rush for my camera or phone...
I just sat taking in her sweetness.
And I thanked God for that moment.
Then, in the midst of my sappy mama-joy, with tears in my eyes, I thought,
'With all that I have done wrong, with all that I fear won't be good enough, I guess we're doing something right.'

All these moments that surround me, they fly by in the blink of an eye.
I guess I am at a stage in my life where I appreciate every simple memory.
I want to wrap these moments up and tuck them in my heart forever,
Begging for them to linger.

Today, is one of those days when I am so filled with thankfulness.
I feel like I am beyond blessed with Scarlett, Ty... myself even.

Too many times when things go wrong, people to turn to God and say, "Why?"
But when our lives are going well & we are happy, how often do we thank God?
For me, not often enough.
When those little moments hit me and I feel so overwhelmed with joy,
I've made it a point to say thank you for all the beautiful moments that surround me.
The moments that can so easily slide by if I'm not paying attention.

And today, it's this beautiful day.

Links:
Rolled Up Pretty

Some Birthday Party Inspiration.

2013-04-07T16:57:00.000-04:00

Scarlett's 2nd Birthday is approaching in May. Last year, for her first birthday, I threw her a large Vintage Carnival Party.

This year, with so much going on, we don't have time or the money to go all out. But, I'm still going to give her a small party with a very cute theme. To the Pinterest boards I go. I have a few ideas in mind.

Any of you have any kids birthday parties lately? I'm in need of some inspiration. Let the ideas roll......

Find these all on my Pinterest HERE.

Meet My Bridesmaids

2013-04-05T11:09:00.001-04:00

My wedding is 76 days from today!!

I'm excited, nervous and mostly happy that I can officially be tied to the love of my life, for the rest of my life. Wedding planning is so much more fun when it's not your own....lol.

I was thinking about wedding plans

and it came to mind that I am so grateful that I have such wonderful bridesmaids in my wedding.

Great friends that I am so happy can share my day with me.

I thought I'd share a little about these wonderful girls.

Here they are, in no particular order.

Kalin- My little sister. Amazing singer and songwriter, crazy talented, recently engaged, graduating this summer from college. I tell her we need to go into business together, I'll write the lyrics, she writes the song. Taylor Swift has nothing on her ;) So excited to see my baby sister growing up!

Lindsay-My close, caring friend. Been there through a lot of tumultuous times. She's getting married in August (I'm in her wedding also!). She listens to all my sob stories & gives great advice since our lives have mimicked each others the last few years. She's my wedding planning pal. I kid with her that we are going to be like Kate Hudson and Anne Hatheway in Bride Wars...Haha. I love her.

Erica- My older sister, maid of honor, coordinator with amazing vision on planning & decorating. She is my decor advisor and....my baby sitter. Ha ha. That last one may seem insignificant but when we travel back to Massachusetts and I need to meet with wedding vendors, this one is a HUGE help and she takes my Scarlett without question anytime! I miss living closer to her. We used to have such fun days out together.

Aleta- My newest friend, but she's been helping me with wedding advice since before I asked her to be my bridesmaid. I met her through my fiancé. A Hard working, college student with a sense of adventure. This girl is also a workout guru. We always have fun together whether it's dancing or hilarious girls weekend vacas!

Shauna- Ty's sweet younger sister who I have become very close with. She's fun, energetic with a sense of style like no other! My go-to style advisor ;) Also graduating this spring for Fashion and merchandising....of course! I talk to this girl pretty much EVERY day.

Billie-One of the best friends I have ever had. Been there through it all. She was my doula, my supporter, the one I peed my pants laughing with, ex co-worker who I miss working with SO dearly. Just the most genuine person I have ever met.

I love these girls. They are all so very important to me. I want to say Thank you girls for being my friend!!

Easter 2013.

2013-04-01T10:33:00.000-04:00

This Easter, we decided to stay in New York instead of traveling. This next weekend is our last bit of sanity before a crazy summer begins! To say I will be busy is an understatement.

Ty's sister and her boyfriend came to visit us and we had a great weekend.
Fine Italian dining, nature walks, egg hunting and shopping to name a few.
Spinach and Ham Frittata, Scones, French Toast, Potato Browns and Parfaits were on our brunch menu.
Blushing Mimosas topped off a fabulous Easter Brunch made by, yours truly.
It was a such a relaxing weekend and a perfect holiday overall.

It's Monday now, and I'm on to wedding details. I woke up this morning realizing that our wedding is less than 3 months from now.....a knot in my stomach reminds me of how much we have to do.
Exciting and frightening all at the same time.

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter!!

My Facebook Here.

Rolled Up Pretty

Pieces.

2013-03-26T14:32:00.002-04:00

Instagram: @itslaurenrebecca

Links:
The Wiegands

$10 Blog Sale!!!

2013-03-20T08:41:00.000-04:00

Everything is $10!!

Since my last blog sale went really well, (here) I decided to have another. I dug up some more clothes and I'm letting you all have dibs on them. If you are interested in purchasing anything, please email me at:

laurenrebeccablog@yahoo.com

Shipping $4 for clothing $2 for scarf or jewelry

Leopard Skinny Jeans (Worn twice)

Size 3

As seen:

Black & White Scarf

Slouchy Pants

Size: Small/Medium

As seen:

American Eagle Dolman Top (worn once)

*Mint condition*

Size Small

Chevron Beaded Bracelet

$7.00

Bangle Set

SOLD

Arrow Necklace

Worn once

SOLD

Lulu's Adjustable Flower Power Ring

$5.00

My Good Luck Charm.

2013-03-18T15:10:00.000-04:00

Green Polka Dot Top: Baby Gap

(This top used to be a dress which is now clearly is too small for her, but i used it as a shirt and she can still wear it!)

Gold Polka Dot Leggings: Old Navy

Gold Shoes: Old Navy

Rosette Bow Headband: $1.00 from the Dollar Tree

Scarlett was featured on Babiekins Magazine!! You can take a look HERE.

The Last Snow Day.

2013-03-14T15:18:00.002-04:00

I must say, I will not be sad if this was our last snow day. The last couple of days have been sunny and warm, melting the last of the snow in our yard. I have spring fever. Cleaning the house, staying light out later and buying sandals are sure signs of spring. I am one of those people who loves to spring forward. You won't hear my complaining about losing an hour!

Here are some photos from, hopefully, our last snow day. ;)

ALSO,

Scarlett's bedroom was featured on Babiekins Magazine here.

Quick Style Tips for Busy Mamas.

2013-03-12T09:17:00.001-04:00

Since I've had Scarlett, a lot has changed. Having a baby is a huge blessing and a huge adjustment.

Time always seems crunched so I've had to figure out ways to get things done quickly.

This applies to everything, including my beauty routine. Here are some quick tips for all you Mamas on the go or even for you non-mamas in a time crunch.

I've adapted to having less time to do things at my leisure.

My quick tips in a time crunch?

1. I learned the hard way that packing a whole diaper bag and then remembering to bring my own purse was not only a hassle but a whole lot to carry around. Splurge a little on a designer baby bag. Even TJ Maxx has some great diaper bags that look chic. This way, your diaper bag can double for your purse, letting you stash everything in one bag instead of two or more. I can't tell you how many times people have complimented my handbag, not knowing it was my diaper bag. Splurge here or save here.

2. Don't have time to do your hair? Lucky for you, the messy bun is in. Knot up your hair any ole' way. It's sure to look put together if you throw on a little make-up with it. Another great idea if you don't have time to curl your hair, is the Friar Tuck or the Bantu Knot Curls.

3. It happens a lot to me. I rush to get us all ready and in the car and then realize I didn't eat. Keep some snacks in the car or in your purse. I like Granola bars, Fruit bars or Trail mix for a quick snack to tie me over.

4. No ambition to go digging in your closet for something to wear? I have a pair of go-to boots that help me get dressed quickly. I can wear any pair of skinny jeans and a plain old tee. I find that instead of going into my closet and searching for something to wear, I can just throw anything on and my wonderful riding boots and infinity scarf can make it look not-so-plain.

5. I often don't have time to put on full make up. I am not one of those naturally gorgeous women who never has to wear make up. This one tip helps me weekly. Even if you can't do anything else to your face, curling your eye lashes and applying mascara wakes up your eyes and helps you look more put together. Especially if you have light lashes. It's the one ritual I never skip. I also find that the less expensive mascaras work just as good as the expensive ones.

6. The best idea yet! Have a back pack of fun things packed up for your toddler at all times. Crayons & coloring book, maybe a toy or two, a snack or some small fun items like a slinky or stuffed toy. Keep it in the closet where your toddler/child can't get into it. When it's time to go, grab their bag and be off. You know they will keep occupied with a few of their favorite toys that they don't get to play with everyday.

7. Speed dry nail polish. It speaks for itself. When you don't have much time, you need those nails to dry quickly. I tend to use speed dry or 60 sec dry nail polish like Revlon's Top Speed Nail Polish.

So now you give me some of your quick tips. I always love hearing ideas for busy mamas.

Scarlett Eats. A Toddler's Meal Plan.

2013-03-08T09:13:00.000-05:00

Scarlett eats pretty healthy. I like to think that it is what I fed her and that I gave her no other option. Whether it was that or I was blessed with a toddler who loves fruits and veggies, I don't know. Vegetables are the first thing gone from her plate, she prefers a fig newton or WhoKnu over a regular cookie and it's common to see her snacking on raw veggies.

Scarlett went through fazes when she wouldn't eat anything. I got worried, called the doctor and he assured me she will eat when she is hungry. Sure enough, she did. She tends to not eat as much when she is teething. She also went through fazes when she would refuse certain foods but she is overall, a good eater. I try to feed Scarlett as organic as possible but sometimes, we just eat a good ole' pizza for dinner. Everything in moderation. I had someone ask how I got Scarlett to eat so healthy and what I feed her for food and snacks.

No, I don't always have it written out and ready to go. Sometimes I wing it. I try to look at the whole day when I feed her. If she had fruit and a grain for breakfast, then I try to fit in a vegetable and meat for lunch. Maybe a dairy snack. I try to fit in all of the food groups. I grew up vegetarian so we rarely eat red meat.

I'm not an expert mom. I simply feed her things that I would eat. It's not always easy thinking of nutritional food ideas for the littles. I thought I'd share her meal plan with you.

Monday
Breakfast: Mini pancakes with fresh blueberries
Snack: Cantaloupe
Lunch: TofuPup (Tofu hotdog) or Turkey dog with steamed carrots
Snack: Sweet Potato & Beet Chips
Dinner: Chicken Parmesan over pasta with green beans

Tuesday
Breakfast: Puffed Wheat cereal and a banana
Snack: Cheese stick
Lunch: Annies' Mac N Cheese with a Fig Newton for dessert
Snack: Green pepper slices
Dinner: Taco Salad

Wednesday
Breakfast: Whole wheat waffle with cream cheese and fresh strawberries
Snack: apples slices
Lunch: Pasta salad, Avocado squares and Tempeh
Snack: Pita with hummus
Dinner: Chicken, Rice and Zucchini

Thursday
Breakfast: English muffin with Peanut butter and organic yogurt
Snack: Brother's Fruit Crisps
Lunch: grilled cheese with broccoli , frozen yogurt for dessert
Snack: hard boiled egg
Dinner: Vegetable Lasagna

Friday
Breakfast: Cheese on Eggs, toast & fresh strawberries
Snack: Red Pepper slices
Lunch: turkey and cheese sandwich with a pickle, WhoKnu cookie for dessert
Snack: Peter Rabbit Organic Fruit or vege puree pouch
Dinner: Fish and cooked kale

Links to Some Things Scarlett Loves:
R.W. Knudsen Organic Juice
Brother's All Natural Fruit Crisps
Peter Rabbit Organic Fruit & Veg Puree Pouches
Quaker Rice Cakes: Cinnamon apple, cheese, or plain
WhoKnu Cookies
Sweets & Beets Chips
Snapea Crisps

Style Guru.

2013-03-06T16:22:00.003-05:00

Please meet Style Guru.

What are you passionate about in life?

I am passionate about dance, which has been my primary career. I choreograph for dancers and dance teams and I dance with dance companies in my area. I am passionate about fashion. I think it's something I go to for fun and to release the stress from everyday life. That is one of the reasons why I started Style Guru, because I think a lot of women feel the same way I do about fashion. I want to be able to share that with women (and men soon as well) and create a place for them to find quality pieces.

Can you tell us about your blog and what it brings to readers?

Style Guru is a fashion and lifestyle blog (www.stylegurubyerika.blogspot.com.) I have trunk shows and an online store that is connected to my blog. Currently, I am selling clothing and accressories by HybridHer; soo I will have a men's line available. My goal with the blog is to write about my personal style, clothing that I think is fabulous, and my journey to creating a fine and quality life for myself. I hope that my readers will find inspiration with not only my clothing style, but also my lifestyle. I am young and really just starting out, and I want people to be inspired by the life that I am trying to create for myself. Hopefully, they will take some of my tips and I can get some of their tips on quality life and style.

Name 3 essentials that you couldn't live without.

Mascara, flat iron, and pretty dresses.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

Like I mentioned before, I am young (20 years old) and I am realizing that I have so many options. I have no significant other, no kids; right now, the world is my playground. I hope to be in the position to be able to travel the world, I hope to be able to choreograph and dance for dance teams around the country, I hope to have graduated college for fashion merchandising and I hope to have and continue to inspire men and women with my ideas on style and fine living. Whatever I am doing and wherever I choose to be in 5 years, I just want to be happy and successful; finding my true love wouldn't be too bad either :)

Leave us with some advice......

Once you find true happiness and that perfect little black dress( and for men, the perfecct black suit), you are WINNING.

Pieces Lately.

2013-03-04T09:38:00.000-05:00

Follow me on Instagram: @itslaurenrebecca

Sponsor Call for March.

I have a few spots open for Side Bar Ads.

Mid-March there will be a Feature Ad Spot open as well.

I'd love to get to know you better and have you on my side bar.

More info here.

This Is Me. Part 1: Just A Girl

2013-02-27T13:18:00.000-05:00

"The Truth is, I've never fooled anyone. I've let people fool themselves. They didn't bother to find out who and what I was. Instead they would invent a character for me."

-Marilyn Monroe

I've decided to do a series of posts. The real me. In blogging, and sometimes in real life, who you are isn't always clear. You only put out there what you want others to see. I think this is a way of keeping some things personal-which can be good. But I want you all to know who I truly am. In this series of posts called, This Is Me, my hope is that you will get to know who I am and not who I may appear to be by a photo or a mere post.

My name is Lauren and I am an average girl. I am not famous or rich or even extremely talented. That's not to say that I don't have talents. God made us all with a purpose. In my past, and even in my present, I have had some people jump to the assumption....that I am snobby, narcissistic even. If they only knew how untrue this is. Maybe this is because I have quite a few photos of myself or maybe because I am shy. I feel people out before I open myself up to others.

Underneath any of my confidence striking poses or seemingly sure-footed photos, I am a girl who is discovering new things about myself often. I am just a girl who wants to be loved. I have insecurities just like every other girl out there.

I recently read the book, Marilyn Monroe, The Personal Archives. I have always been intrigued by Marilyn, an icon and vixen throughout the ages. I am not intrigued because of her sex symbol status, but because she started out like a lot of us, a lonely young girl looking to be loved. Her beginning was a sad start. A childhood filled with loneliness and parents who deserted her. She was an average girl and somehow she became who she is today. A legend in many eyes. What interests me the most is that she had success, fame, money, beauty, she was wanted by every man and every woman wanted to be like her. She could sing, dance and act. She had everything one might think was important and yet through her entire life, she battled with depression and suffered with many insecurities. She never had the one thing that she longed for, someone who loved her unconditionally.

I think this is such an eye-awakening lesson. When I look to another girl and wish that I had something that she has...something that I lack, I remember that one of the most beautiful women in the world had it all and still felt empty. Before you judge someone, or label them, don't. You never know what struggles another is battling. Even more, you don't know who they truly are.

Possibility - Lykke Li by Possibility - Lykke Li on Grooveshark

When I was growing up, I was....well, a bit of a nerd. I loved animals and writing and my awkward appearance didn't help win any beauty pageants, that's for sure. I didn't care. I was always independent and what anyone thought was not my concern. I had such great confidence. As I grew into a teenager, things changed.

I went to quite a few different schools in the course of my education and it seemed I was always the new girl. Let me tell you that being a new girl is not easy, especially as a teenager. I didn't make friends easily. Most of the kids had grown up with their classmates their entire lives. I was an outsider. I had a few close friends but they were not in the same school as I. At a time when my parents had gotten divorced, and I was feeling very alone, I desperately needed a friend. Instead I got looks and glares from the "popular" girls. This happened in school after school.
Looking back, I think this rejection led me to believe I was not good enough. I looked for love in other places.

Boys.

They seemed to be nice to me and as time would tell, I was pretty good at capturing their attention.

And there was this one boy, who really had eyes for me. He would talk to me occasionally and occasionally turned into often. He made me feel important and wanted. Somehow, this friendship turned into a love affair. This feeling overpowered the fact that he had a girlfriend. I was so blinded by his utter desire for me that I dismissed my values. He was going to leave his girlfriend for me. He had told me this more than once. I don't know if I ever really believed him. Still, I carried on with him. His girlfriend was one of the ones who never gave me a chance, one of the ones who was cruel to me. In my unripe mind, this was her karma. The weeks went by and I realized that he wasn't going to leave her. I was just his thrill on a rainy day. It came down to an ultimatum and when he chose her, once again, I wasn't good enough. On went my battle of self worth and the desperate need to be loved.

Sadly, I went through quite a few hopeless relationships. Some very short, others long, and some simultaneously. My want for love quickly overtook my morals. I was blinded by the infatuation of being loved. I didn't understand that love isn't created by asking for or by convincing with enticement. Love is given. I was too young to know that none of it was love.

The truth was, I was just looking to be loved. The truth.....it was so plain to see, only I was looking in the wrong places. And all of a sudden as I discovered this, I became so transparent.

I stopped and took a look at myself in the mirror.
Everything was all wrong...
I wasn't the girl that was staring back at me, undignified and selfish.
As much as I desperately needed to change, I felt stuck. I wish I could say that soon after I found happiness. But that didn't happen. It wasn't for a few more turbulent years that my true love came along and blindsided me. When this happened, I finally saw that those years and years of games that I thought were love, were merely lessons. Ty opened the door for me and a beautiful light came over me. He saved me in a thousand ways. I have no doubt that God sent him to love me.

My teenage and younger years were a huge struggle for me. I'm not blaming my actions on others, but had one girl said, "Hi, how are you?" or asked me to sit with them, then maybe, just maybe I would have felt differently. And maybe I wouldn't have had to go through years of self worth issues. One gesture might have made a world of difference. Now that I am older and more mature, I am a different type of person. In the moment, I was blind, in hindsight, I see clearly. I have gained my confidence back and I don't worry about what others think of me. I worry about doing something good for someone else. I worry about making a difference in the life of someone who might be in the same position that I was.

I always felt like I was on the outside looking in. Like I didn't fit in.

I still feel like an outsider sometimes. When I meet new people, in this huge blogging world, moving to a new place...I feel it all over again. I'm still that young, confused girl just looking to be loved and accepted. I can deeply relate to Marilyn Monroe when she said,

"I still feel this sad, bitter child's frightened eyes looking out of mine."

I still don't have it all figured out but I never judge anyone. We are here to love, not judge or cast jealous glances. As girls, we need to stand together and help each other out. Not put each other down or hurt one another. I give everyone a chance. I've learned through my own, hard-learned experience that there is more to someone than what meets the eye.

This is me.

An average girl with insecurities and doubts.

With hopes and dreams

An average girl who has many scars

but with a heart big enough to hold the world.

I am...just a girl.

I'd love for you to follow me on Facebook Here.

Links:

Rolled Up Pretty
Monday Meet Up

GFC Blog Hop.

2013-02-26T07:18:00.000-05:00

It's time for the GFC Blog Hop!

When I want to follow a blog the first thing I look for is GFC (Google Friend Connect), it's so easy and nice to be able to go and see all of the blogs you follow in one spot. It's really a great tool to have.

One side note- Did you know you can follow through GFC using your Twitter Account? TRUE, it's definitely an option!

Ok, so let's get to the party, shall we?

RULES are simple:

1. Follow your host via GFC

The First link below

2. Follow your co-hosts via GFC

The Next 8 links below

3. Link up below using your main blog url not a specific post.

4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link up and follow them via GFC

and if you want to leave them a comment, I'm sure they'd appreciate that as well.

5. Tweet about this blog hop

6. Share about this blog hop by grabbing a button and putting it on your sidebar!

*After 6 months of the waiting list to cohost being extra long, I finally have paid cohost spots available! Email me if you're interested at melissa@thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com

Post Sponsor Ad:

Song Bird.

2013-02-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

Scarlett's new obsession is music. Since starting dance and song classes, she has taken a liking to melodies.
I find her singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in her bed at night.
Her little voice right on key.
It fascinates me that a year ago, she could barely walk.
Now, I have a little song bird.

She reminds me of my younger sister when she was little.
Singing every song that she can remember.
Now my sister is a song writer and singer.

I don't allow Scarlett to watch too much tv but one show that I do let her watch is the Laurie Berkner Band. When Laurie comes on, Scarlett stops everything and she is mesmerized.
The guitar strumming and singing captivates her and slowly, she joins in singing.
I'm thankful for music.

Music has always had a huge impact on me.
It's gotten me through some really hard times and some very happy times.
To see it bringing joy to Scarlett makes me smile.
She may look like her Daddy, but she is like her Mama in more than one way.
Coming from a musical family, this makes me happy.

Oh Scarlett, my little songbird.

Jeans: Old Navy

Striped Button Up: J Crew

Knit Mittens: Baby Gap

I'd love for you to follow me on Instagram
@itslaurenrebecca