DIY burlap wreath

Fall is one of my favorite times of year for decorating. Burlap, leaves, pumpkins, and gords, they all go together so beautifully! I was recently inspired while on Pinterest to make a burlap wreath for my front door for the fall season.

I found a tutorial on Pinterest on how to make my own wreath, only using a few items. I placed the "K" in the center of the wreath to add a little something more! I have the letter K decor throughout my house. 

Here is what you need to make your own wreath:

-a roll of burlap ( I used a roll of 20ft)

- wire wreath frame ( mine is 18in)

- wooden letter

-scrapbook paper

- mod podge, mate finish 

- burlap ribbon

-hot glue gun

- string or wire

Wrap wreath frame with burlap. Trace wood letter on scrapbook paper, cut, then paste scrapbook paper on wood letter. Using a hot glue gun, attach knotted string to the back of wood letter. Once it's dry, tie the string and secure to the wire wreath. Wrap burlap ribbon around the wreath for a final touch. 

Total cost of wreath: $12 at Michael's (don't forget your 40% off coupon, they send them out weekly in the paper or to your email)

Happy crafting!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Fashion Fasting: Wearing only 7 outfits for a month!

It's time to simplify! I can't tell you how many times I have gone into my closet and thought: "I have nothing to wear". But, that couldn't be further from the truth!! I have not ONE, but TWO closets full of amazing clothes to wear. It's true, I am some what of a clothes horse and probably have too much! But, as a fashion lover and style seeker it is hard for me to not want to buy the latest and greatest. 

Recently though,  my eyes have been opened and my heart has been touched to want to change my ways. I am currently reading the book "Seven" by Jen Hatmaker. It's a great read about a woman who felt trapped by the lure of prosperity and excess in our society and in her own life. She talked about seven areas of excess in her life that she wanted to change. So for seven months she drastically simplified her life to get perspective on greed, materialism, and overindulgence and for God to work on her heart. This is a bold move!! As I started reading I immediately felt Gods conviction in my own life with materialism and discontentment. I have been blessed with so many wonderful things, but it's so easy to always be wanting MORE!! 

So, I am going to be doing my own "Seven" inspired simplification experiment for the month of September. 

For 30 days I will only wear 7 outfits!! For a fashion lover like me this is definitely a challenge. I usually don't repeat the same outfit in the same month! (Yes, I'm admitting that to you all) But, I feel that by doing this challenge I can gain some real perspective on contentment and being more thankful for what I have! 

I am excited yet nervous to share this months fashion fasting challenge with you. I will be posting pictures of my outfits throughout the month. My rules for this challange are that I can only wear the 7 outfits (already chosen) that are interchangeable for the whole month. I have emptied out my closet except for these items! That way I'm not tempted to cheat. Shoes and accessories are not included in the seven outfits. Those are the only things I can add or change for the month! You all are my accountability partners. I want to stick this out for whole month, but probably would not be able to, unless I share this journey with you. So thanks for coming along side me!! 

Let the month of fashion fasting begin...

Fall wardrobe update

With the fall season just around the corner, it was time to take a look at my closet and figure out what staple items I needed to revamp my wardrobe.

Knowing the specific items I was looking for, I started my shopping quest! Here is what I came up with:

1. A new military jacket:

A found this gem at a thrift store. Prefect for layering throughout the fall and winter season.

2. Plaid Shirt:

I've been looking everywhere for the past month for the perfect fitting plaid shirt! And of all places I found it in the men's section! The trend this fall is all about plaid!! It should be loose fitting to add a masculine, grunge feel. I'll be wearing this shirt a lot, with skinnys, a dress, layered with a chunky sweater and my leather jacket. (Lucky Brand) Also thrifted!

3. Quilted faux leather moto jacket:

I am so excited the for cooler weather so I can finally wear this jacket! I found this jacket on clearance at H&M this summer. A great layering piece that is both edgy and classic! The quilted pattern and feminine neckline makes this jacket a great update to the classic leather bomber jacket. 

4. Skinny jeans:

I can never have too many pairs of skinny jeans! Skinny denium is apart of my daily uniform for the majority of the fall, winter, and spring seasons. I always try on all my jeans in the fall and assess my needs, then shop for the proper fit and color. These Levi's skinnys are thrifted! 

5. Brown Booties

I wear mine with skinny jeans, skirts and dresses. I love this trend of boots because I can wear them with almost anything in my closet and they are comfortable to wear for a long time. Just make sure they are not too high! Your feet and knees will thank you. (From 

DSW)

6. Leopard slip-on sneakers:

My go to shoe! I love how comfortable and sporty they are. I've been wearing sneakers all summer with denium shorts, and will continue this trend into the fall with this fun leopard pattern. I'll wear these with skinnys, or a dress and they will complete any outfit. (Old Navy)

I can't wait to start dressing for fall with all these great wardrobe essentials! 

Blessings,

Sarah

Adventures in Infant traveling: Our weekend getaway to San Francisco

Reflecting back on our weekend get away to San Francusco, I am so thankful we went. Traveling with an infant can be challenging at times. Different bed, different surroundings, not taking ideal naps, packing everything baby might need, it can be a lot! But, we have flown several times this year with our little guy and after every trip is over I am always so glad we traveled, despite the many inconviences we faced. 

I think it's so important for us to expose our son to new places and experiences, and get us out of our comfort zone. He can learn to adapt more easily if his daily routine is mixed up for a few days/week. Because let's face it, life is full of change and learning to adapt! I am all for routines, but I also love adventure! I hope my children will learn to appreciate both.

Here are the highlights of our time in San Francisco:

-Hiking in Muir Woods (Red Woods forest)

-The Ferry Building Farmers Market 

Driving up and down Lombard Street

Campfire, cookout and s'mores at Muir Beach

Picnic and wine tasting in a private vineyard in Sebastopol (wine/apple country) with my sisters/husbands/boyfriend!

Sailing from Sasalito around the bay:

Walking around fishermans wharf and great views of the Bay Bridge

Visiting with family was definitely the highlight of the trip! Eating meals and visiting with each other, making fun memories together is something we will always cherish!! Can't wait to go back and discover more of San Fran. 

Here are a few tips for traveling with an infant:

1: stock up your diaper bag! Extra diapers, wipes, change of clothes(at least one change of clothes, maybe 2) socks, light jacket, plastic bag for dirty clothes(just in case) lots of snacks, (organic ready-made pouches are our favorite for traveling) toys, books, pure lavender essential oil, ( helps with restlessness, and motion sickness) sippy cup/bottle for water. I always pack enough for a whole day cause you never know if your plane will be delayed and your stuck at the airport for several hours!

2: Bring a new toy or book! My son will play with a new book or toy for hours! I will bring it out for him to play with ONLY when he becomes fussy on the plane. But, usually with all the people to see and magazines in the seatbacks, that keeps him occupied for a good portion of the flight. 

3: Make arrangements for a pack-and-play bed and stroller and car seat at your destination, if possible. My sister provided both a stroller and car seat for us and saved us a lot of hassle of flying with those extra items. 

4: Bring a baby wearing carrier! Our son spent a lot of time in his Ergo baby carrier as we were sight seeing. He was able to nap in his carrier while we were out and about! 

We can't wait for our next family travel adventure!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Tuesday Tip: natural remedy for infant ear infection!

Here is a little tip I have recently learned and wanted to share about melaleuca oil (certified pure ); it is a safe and natural alternative to cure an infants ear infection!  I like this option instead of having to use antibiotics on a young baby or child to cure an ear infection!! Just put a few drops in their ear 3-5 times a day. The oil can also be used to treat many other ailments. 

I am very excited to be learning more about the benefits of using essential oils! I'll be sure and share more soon!!

Blessings,

Sarah

What's for dinner: Stromboli

Stromboli is super easy to

make and never disappoints! Stromboli is basically a gaint pizza roll.

Here is how I make make my Stromboli:

Toppings: red onion, green pepper, tomato, Italian sausage, mozzerella cheese, parmasen cheese, pizza sauce. 

Dough: I make my own, but you can also buy pizza dough at the store. Roll out your pizza dough.

Add your toppings

Roll dough and toppings into a giant roll.

Fold each end of the roll under, to help contain your toppings.

Top with olive oil, pinch of salt, pepper, parmesean cheese. Bake on a pizza stone for best reaults. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Slice and serve. Pizza sauce on the side for dipping is also yummy, if you like a lot of sauce!

Serves 8 people. Enjoy!!

Blessings,

Sarah 

Quiche: An easy go-to meal

We eat a lot of eggs in our house! They are fast, easy to cook, and are a filling meal. My husband loves quiche, so I usually make it once every other week. I like making quiche because I can use whatever ingediants I already have in my refrigerator. 

I make my own pie crust! To make crust: Mix 1 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or safflower is fine) 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix dough, then hand press dough in your pie dish.

Here is what I typically put in my quiche:

-8 eggs

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon pepper

-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional)

-Veggies ( red or green pepper, spinach, broccoli, onion, tomato, mushroom, ect, whatever you have in your fridge)

-chicken or spicy sausage (if I have some)

-cheese (cheddar, feta)

Beat the eggs, add salt, pepper, nutmeg, plain yogurt (makes the quiche creamy) Mix in veggies. Pour mixture into pie crust. Add cheese on top. 

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 mins. (Make sure the middle of the quiche is firm before you take it out of the oven) Serves 8

Quiche is great the next day for breakfast or lunch!

Blessings,

Sarah

My August fitness challenge

A new month means a new fitness challenge! I completed the guns, buns and abs 30 day challenge yesterday and oh boy, it was definitely challenging!! I completed 250 squats, 40 push-ups and 100 leg lifts yesterday, which was the final workout for that challenge. I must say that I am really liking the definition in my legs and abs from all those squats and leg lifts, so each rep was well worth it in the end!! 

I decided to give my quads and glutes a bit of a rest this month from all those squats and focus on my arm strength. My son now weights about 25 pounds and is continuing to grow, so all the carrying I do definitely strengthens my biceps, but I feel my triceps need to be engaged a bit more. So, the arm routine I'm going to do 3-4 days a week will be primarily focusing on my triceps as well as my shoulders and back muscles. All of which are important for carrying a heavy baby around :)

I am also doing a 30 day running challenge. I read about it in Runners World magazine. Everyday for 30 days I am going to run at least 1 mile per day. I am no longer training for any races this year but I would like to maintain my fitness level and mileage I have achieved this summer after an 5k, 10K, and half marathon. I don't have a specific plan for my runs each day, as long as a run at least 1 mile. I will just base my runs on how I am feeling that day, and will alternate between running on my treadmill and outside.

Come on ladies and join me this month to test your strength, endurance, and feel better along the way! I'll post updates and pics of my progress along the way! 

Blessings, 

Sarah