THE SISTERS FOUR

I borrowed my neighbors bike... she's ten

2013-05-02T13:34:00.002-07:00

These pictures were taken the beginning of April when my sister Olivia came to visit Utah. It is always so great to see her. She is an excellent listener, an artistic genius, and always down for an adventure.

I love my people. You know who you are. Missing all of you.

~Sophie (in Texas)

the best little boy clothes

2013-05-01T12:24:00.002-07:00

Tiger T-shirt: Target

Gorilla T-shirt: Target

Little man is growing tons lately! I have been needing to get him new clothes but haven't found things that I love... then I went to Target. Favorite. Store. Ever.

I found these super cool graphic tees and I also found solid color and striped v-necks for 6.00 each!

Update: My little family and I are now Texans (We have been here now for a whole week!) My phone is broken. I have located 3 thrift stores close to were we are. I am loving the warmer/humid weather (my skin is happy). I got my husband hooked on Downton Abby. We are looking for a home to buy. I am a pro at living out of boxes/suitcases. I can't find the cord to my camera (boooo). I know my way (generally) around Fort Hood.

~Sophie

pin it up...

2013-04-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

i totally hated my sleeves so i ruched them with a safety pin just for kicks...

i think i might leave them like this...

i have every intention of stitching them up... but this is my lazy season

Just a few doofus faces to cap off this cheater DIY... How do you quick fix?? Do you leave the safety pins in and run the shirt through the wash... And watch as the safety pins rust before you fix it the "right" way?? Am I the only lazy bum who washes the safety pins?!

~Selina

The easiest (laziest) Peplum Top tutorial EVER!

2013-03-25T14:44:00.003-07:00

Questions about this tutorial? Don't be afraid to ask!

~Sophie

two weeks to go

2013-03-20T09:58:00.003-07:00

PEPLUM: made it, JEANS: forever21, BAG: steve madden @ ross, BOOTS: steve madden, @ nordstrom rack, SUNNIES: walmart

Lately I have been riding a roller coaster of EMOTION. Being a single mom while my husband has been away with the army has been hard to say the least. I find myself experiencing all of these ups and downs... and mostly feeling coo coo for coca puffs. I am keeping it together with the help to one really awesome person.

In August we invited Elise (sister #4) to come live with us. She would be a senior in high school and was seeking change of scenery. She moved out here and began taking dance lessons at the studio where I teach and really began to excel. She was even asked to be on a few competition teams. So this change was great for her and it meant I could be around her more... which I love!

So, back to today... I never knew that it would come around full circle like this. She needs me and I definitely need her. I am so blessed to have her here with me while my husband has been away. She has been my laughter, my support, and my sanity! I really can't imagine what I would have done these many weeks with out her help.

LOVE MY SISTERS!

~Sophie

The other day I decided that I was going to make a peplum top. So I did. I took pictures along the way and I can't wait to share the tutorial with you very soon.

nothing like a tutu to pull you out of hibernation

2013-03-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

TOP: Target mens, SHOES: Michael Khors, TUTU: c/o ESkakti

The doorbell rang.

I was handed a yellow and red package.

Ripped package immediately open.

Put tutu on my body.

Started to dance.

Little three year old joined me.

Started to twirl.

Three year old put on giant pink tutu.

Danced around like I was a child too.

Smiled.

Smiled a lot.

Thought it was a good idea to jump off the couch.

Did.

Then we did.

Joy had.

~Sophie

LuLaRoe

2013-02-25T11:19:00.003-08:00

Necklace~ Made by me, Chambray Shirt~ Forever 21, Maxi Skirt C/O~ Lula Roe Green Indian Stripe

Every time I have worn this skirt someone has asked me where I got it from. LulaRoe has tons of greats skirt available on their website and I am crazy about mine. I like that they send them to you un-hemmed so you can hem it to your exact length.

Check them out and have a great Monday!!

~Sophie

this is what my face really looks like...

2013-02-11T15:52:00.002-08:00

just for kicks...

and maybe a laugh...

a snort laugh.....

this is the kind of crap....

... that i have to sift through to find one decent picture!

quite frankly, i am oddly more comfortable with the doofus shots...

funny is my favorite...

and if we are being honest, funny is what my face really looks like!

Wet 'n Wild red velvet lipstick, H&M necklace , Old Navy top, thrifted velvet skirt, Michael Kors shoes

on a delicious note..

look what Livi got me!!!!!!!!!!

velvet Michael Kors, yes please!

{oh and ps... this post is a million years old, so for the record we had an "ice day" today.. no school because the roads are iced over... so you all know that i wouldn't have risked wearing these shoes in such destructive weather... i hibernate in the winter, and so do my beautiful shoes... }

~selina

i have a new uniform...

2013-02-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

sometimes i wear the same clothes for days at a time...

there are two main reasons

i'm freezing...

and i'm lazy.

these photos are an example of how heels and a pendant necklace can turn "slob" into "slouchy"

it still doesn't change the fact that i didn't shower..

cant win them all...

when there is snow on the ground i have this strange aversion to changing my clothes... its too cold to expose any amount of skin to the air...
so i just add clothes... layers and layers until i resort to stealing sweatshirts from my 6' 4" husband because i simply cant layer my own clothes over my own clothes any longer...

on a warm note...

we just got back from here... long story...
i will let let you in on it in a couple months ;)

~selina

jump on it

2013-01-28T14:55:00.004-08:00

kamiah tall mocasin By: Mossimo @ Target $12.49

Guys, these are amazing! I just got them in the mail. The (real) leather is soft and yummy, the sole is nice and squishy and I love all the cute detailing. These are so similar to real minnetonkas!

Run don't walk to their website to get yours!
Good quality for a freakin steal... my kind of deal right there.
~Sophie
PS: They come in brown and black for $17.49!!!!!
AND if you have a target debit you get 5% off all purchases and everything you buy online ships for FREE!

count down

2013-01-22T08:24:00.001-08:00

sweater~ Target, skirt~Thrift, socks~Old Navy, shoes~Nine West via Thrift, clutch~Thrift, lip~Wet n Wild "red velvet"

My husband left this morning... let the ten week count down begin!

I think I will make a paper chain.

I decided to plan something fun to do each week so I have something to look forward to... plus to give my self a little reward for single handed handling the kiddies... (Hats off to the single mommies out there, you are SUPER WOMEN)

Bring on the girls night outs, nail painting, bachelor watching, thrift shopping, fun.

Wish me luck!!

~Sophie

Three ingredient gluten free pancakes!

2013-01-21T09:45:00.003-08:00

Two out of the four sisters are wheat free, so when we create a yummy recipe we share it!

This recipe is a mash up of two different recipe's and let me tell you these pancakes taste delicious.

3 bananas

1/2 tub of cream cheese/dairy free Tofutti

4 eggs

Makes about a dozen small pancakes... 3 servings.

Pour into pan on medium heat... cook two minutes on one side one minute on the other.

Top with your favorite syrup... (I chose blueberry. YUM!)

Thrilled

2013-01-14T10:24:00.001-08:00

cardi~ Downeast, chambray top~ H&M mens, necklace~ Forever 21, coated leggings~ Target Clearance (over 2 years ago), Lip color~ Wet n' Wild Matte lipstick in 'Red Velvet'

My lovely, stylish, and beautiful friend Cindel has just launched her photography website. She is a dear friend that I never would have met with out this blog... I just love it! and I love how you can make such true friends through blogging.

Well you guys, she is rather magnificent... so you better go see her amazing work HERE at Thrill Photo.

If you are in Utah you have to check her out... family pics, engagements, senior pics, weddings... you name it!

~Sophie

n' stuff

2013-01-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

Here'a a few more of Elise's Senior pictures taken by me(Sophie) edited by her.

straight leg baby pants

2013-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

All the pants I find for my little boy (size 12-18 mo.) have very wide legs. I decided to change that with a easy DIY sewing fix.

I turned the pant inside out then stitched up the inside of the leg a half inch to an inch. I went over the edge with a zigzag stitch to avoid fraying.

Fast and easy and now my little man does't look like a late 90's thug.

hello there 2013

2013-01-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

shoes~Target, skirt~Express, top~Cotton On, cardi~Ross, necklace~Forever 21

some doofus-ness for ya...

These pictures were taken last month before the holidays. I am presently sitting at my computer with a pile of tissues next to me and a nose the color of Rudolf's. Everyone is sick in my house. We are watching a crazy amount of Octonaut's and Little Einstein's. It is a whopping 9 degrees outside and I don't feel like going anywhere. My hair is washed though so there is a bit of accomplishment in that.

The Holidays were magical, crazy, fun, and hard... (and full of illness of course).

This month my husband leaves for officer training in the Army for 10 weeks. 10. I have dealt with him leaving for 4-5 weeks before and being gone for his civilian job quite a bit but never 10 whole weeks...

I went through DENIAL (He's not leaving until January I just won't even think about it)

...to FEAR (Crap, he's leaving! What if I lose my mind while he's gone and can't take care of my kids and a zombie apocalypse occurs and... now I feel nauseated) everything but the zombie part occurred in my thoughts during an actual melt down fyi

...which led to ACCEPTANCE (I can't live in fear. CAN'T. prayers... lots more prayers. Allowing the Lord to take over... letting faith happen.

...which led to breathing and thinking logically.

I CAN do this. I will be happy and talk to Brent often on the phone. I will plan to get babysitters and get out of the house once a week to do something fun. I will hang out with friends. I will do one of my 20 hobbies. I will get yummy treats and watch a favorite show after the kids go to bed. I will hang with my awesome 17 year old sister who lives with me and is, oh yeah, awesome. I will be OKAY!

So I am not normally this much of a wreck, here's a little background...

This last month I dealt with some residual effects from my anxiety/depression from last year. When it hits it hits. The hardest part is that it infuses this intense fear and hopelessness. It triggered me to live in a state of fearfulness. When will I have a panic attack? When will I feel crazy? When will hopelessness come over me? It's exhausting.

I was living in the "what if" and giving anxiety far too much power and leverage in my day to day life. What I experienced last year was traumatic. I often feel like I have PTSD and experience "grief spazms" related to what I went through. What I have come to realize is that I can be a person who has anxiety but I don't need to let anxiety be who I am.

Well, now you see why loosing my mind felt like a legitimate fear,

and why my handsome husband leaving for ten weeks seemed like climbing Mt. Everest without oxygen.

But here I am hopeful and happy and aware that I will have some hard days but that I will be okay.

He leaves on January 24th...

..lets not even discuss the year long deployments he will have later on in his career...

; )

My motto: One day at a time.

The truth is life is hard and wonderful all at the same time.

Peace, Love and Hope,

Sophie

Christmas wish list

2012-12-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas fun list by sophiafogt
featuring h&m Forever 21 knit top / Old Navy shawl collar cardigan / H&M , $24 / Ring / Minnetonka 'Double Fringe' Moccasin ... / The Lost Language of Symbolism An Essential Guide for Recognizing and... / Charcoal Rug

Yeah, I'd be cool with any of these awesome things all under 40.00 (except the rug and table/chairs).
What's on your list this year?
~Sophie

Ps~ I like old movies. I can't seem to find many people who will watch Singing in the Rain and Gidget with me .... I will most likely watch Meet me in St. Louis by myself but I will have a bowl of coconut ice cream in front of me and be a happy girl.

DIY Christmas advent calendar

2012-12-10T09:07:00.001-08:00

I made this calendar last year and I thought I'd throw up the tutorial for you to see.

The calendar is my version of this. You can probably tell by my handy work that I am not an expert seamstress. I just go for it and most of the time don't even measure.

But I did keep track of what I was doing so if any of you lovely's wanted to recreate it you could.

Start with:

Background fabric~ 18.5 inches by 30 inches

Tree~ 16 inches by 14 inches

Three strips of fabric~ 18.5 inches by 6.5

Once you cut out your strips fold them in half (hot dog style) with right sides touching and iron the edge.

Using a regular straight stitch sew the open ends closed.

Flip the tube of fabric inside out and iron again.

Pin them to the bottom of your background fabric.

Next I used a zig zag stitch to attach my tree and I added a little tree stump.

I really liked having striped fabric because it made creating the pockets much easier (especially for a girl who doesn't measure). You will probably want to use a ruler to break up your pockets each of mine are 2 and 1/8th of an inch with more space on the side pockets for a seam allowance.

First I sewed across the bottom of all three strips. Next I sewed down in single lines that went through all three strips.

I chose purple felt for my backing because it was all that I had. I cut it to match my background materiel exactly. Now, with right sides facing, pin edges of both these pieces of fabric together so you can sew around the edges. I added giant rick rack for fun. Make sure to leave a few inches so you can turn your fabric right side in. Lastly, hand stitch the last few inches together.

Now you can hand sew on your bells. 24 of course!

I bought gold paint and small number stencils and painted on numbers 1-24.

Putting the dowel in the back was trial and error for me. First I made a loop that the dowel could slide into but then the calendar hung forward so finally I just cut right into the top like this:

and attached large red grosgrain ribbon to either side.

Finally you will need to purchase 24 small ornaments. I had no trouble finding them at Hobby Lobby. Hobby Lobby also always has coupons for 40% off so I got all of my ornaments for 5 dollars. I painted some fabric gold and cut it out for a star and I hot glued on some small red rick rack for my tree.

I used all scrap fabric so I really only bought the trimmings.

Bells~1.27

Small rick rack~ 1.00

Large rick rack~1.50

Ornaments~5.00

Paint~1.36

Dowel~.67

Total cost: 11.00

(I used all my own fabric scraps so I didn't need to buy any.)

Well, there it is. If you want to see the list of printable activities that go with each day click HERE.

xoxo~Sophie

stripes on stripes. a nightmare for the bubbly butted.

2012-12-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

Every time I see this skirt photographed I realize that it is not terribly flattering on my toosh... yet I wear it anyway... curse you stripes, I love you so much I don't care about exaggerating the roundness of my behind for you!

I carefully picked the shots that were the most flattering angles... Not front ...most certainly not back!

Is there any thing you own that is not flattering but you just loooove to wear it despite the fact??

~Sophie

never gonna quit....

2012-12-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

we are coming up on that time of year...

that time where i dance on stage along with my little monsters and try not to make a fool of myself...

i have never stopped dancing, yet i have never stopped "aging"

i dont feel old, dont get me wrong {i am grateful everyday my shrimpy physique and slightly rounded face fool some people into thinking i am not the mother of my 7 and 10 year olds}

but my body knows i am not 20...

my knees especially

i simply cannot "jump" anymore!

nobody gives a flying crap about the lonely little adult class on thursday nights, they come to see their toddlers light up the stage with holiday shenanigans...

frankly, when "the moms" {and a few young adults} get on stage for our moment in the spotlight, the parents heads turn down to their programs to see when their kids go on next...

its true,

i do it.

so why do i freak just a bit?

its like one of those things no one will notice, unless you screw up!

if i wobble coming out of a turn, or miss a step...

the fear of not living up to the 18 yrs of training...

and then i remember, nobody cares!!!

Sophie gets it though, we have both continued to dance after children {although she is 150x's better than i will ever be} the competition is with ourselves, living up to what we are capable of...

correct me if im wrong Soph, but i doubt you get nervous to dance anymore, much like i rarely get nervous to sing, whats the point, nerves destroy your natural abilities, mess with your head, cause your knees to buckle and voice to quiver, essentially ruining all the training leading up to that "moment of truth" its crappy to let them get the best of you in any situation...

in certain aspects of my life i have learned to release that feeling, i decide it's useless and that i dont need it... i replace it with excitement, breath, and control...

most of the time.

why do we let these doubts cause us anxiety?

there is no point, and yet we still let them in...

everyday.

am i a good mother?

am i a good wife?

am i a good friend?

etc.

the list goes on and the anxiety builds...

much like new choreography, the steps seem impossible to remember... are you doing everything right? is it graceful? what about timing? it needs to be perfect...

but as you practice, everything seems to go in slow motion, the steps you worried to remember come naturally to you, they slow down, giving you time to perfect the shape you are making, to get to your next position, you find you can fit more in...

if you just stare at the choreography, its stressful, overwhelming... but if you do it, over and over... its easy, simple and you find you can even do more...

my life is like a piece of very complicated choreography... and i find that i am just staring at it.

i need to get up

and do it until its comes easily

because only then, will i be able to fit more in, have more time, be more at peace...

i need to start today.

i have all the tools, the famous Nike quote comes to mind

"just do it Selina"

{i added my name}

ok guys, wish me luck...

with my life i mean ;)

~selina

slc

2012-12-03T08:01:00.002-08:00

Just a few faves from the "I'm pretending to be a photographer" shoot with Elise in Salt Lake City.

~soph

high-low, low-high...

2012-12-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

yes, i know... i disappeared

i call it falling off the planet

thats what i do to cope with stress

i hibernate.

Syd and Sophie know exactly what i mean...

i just stop talking to people, stop going places and stop doing what i love...

it has happened many times in my life, for different reasons everytime, and honestly it really wasnt a big deal, i was just stressed about finances, so i hibernated...

i'm up now...

but its the busy season at work, so i will still be minimaly blogging and thats ok... we blog cause we like to, not cause we have to and i know that you people could give a crap if we do or we dont! i mean that in a loving "i know you all have real lives and aren't hanging on our every word, or doofus antic or outfit etc..." kind of way

i am not typically a mood-swing-y person but i will say my highs are high and my lows are seriously low...

i just need to learn to ride on the balanced mood that i long to maintain... its like a weird goal i have always longed to attain...

BALANCE

ugh.

on a doofus note...

i ripped this fantastic cuff bracelet...

...right out of my own mothers hand when i heard it was two bucks {at cotton on}

the doofus part?

i dont remember doing it!!!!!

it was like my alter ego, some crazed shopaholic who cant control herself...

whats her problem?

thrifted jacket {cropped}, old navy blouse, refashioned high-low skirt out of a target dress, cotton on cuff, Guess shoes, H&M necklace

eventually i will post the tutorial for the jacket... its so easy you won't believe!

~selina

DIY wall art

2012-11-28T08:26:00.002-08:00

When the cold weather moves in the creative bug bites me. I just want to watch old movies and drink herbal tea and make stuff.

Supplies:

1. Canvas (Hobby Lobby has 2 for 7.00 and I used their ever ready 40% off coupon)

2. 2 colors of paint

3. Paint brush

Step one...

Step two...

Step three...

I was so excited that I hung it up while it was still a bit wet.

Have a happy day!

~Sophie

a is for apple of course

2012-11-27T07:55:00.001-08:00

Hope you all enjoyed your turkey this last week. I definitely did since my hubby was the one who cooked it! Don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays as they are now upon us. Order you holiday cards early this year with A is for Apple. Convo Meriel on Etsy or email her at meriel.frandsen@gmail.com for custom orders. Also, right now there is a giveaway over at Love of Interiors if you follow her directions you can be entered to win a custom design for your Christmas cards this year!

I mean aren't these cards to DIE for??!!

xo~Sophie

(sis #2)

Knit shirt refashion

2012-11-20T07:45:00.002-08:00

Blazer~ Target, Top~ Forever 21, Knit skirt~ refashioned thrifted top, Tights~ Ross, Pumps~Steve Madden

Elise had this knit shirt but the cut was all wrong. We loved the fabric so with a little snip and sew we turned it into this awesome skirt. What have you refashioned lately??