Fashion Fast: Week 1

I must say I am loving a simplified wardrobe! It takes me half the time to pick out an outfit and get ready. I have more time to enjoy with my son and husband, and I am finding myself feeling a lot more content this week. 

I am so glad I am doing this fashion fast for a month. It is a time for me to reflect and feel greatful for the things I have and have been given. Plus, I love the challenge of putting together versatile outfits using the pieces I have chosen for the month. 

Here are my week 1 outfits:

Here is to simplifying your wardrobe to find more joy and graditude in your life!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Being in community

I am so thankful to be apart of a MOPS (mothers of pre-schooler's) group at my church. It has been a way for me to make friends with other mom's in my stage of life, who can relate to what I am going through. 

Being a stay at home mom is such an amazing job and I am so lucky I get to be one. But, it can be isolating a times, having to spend more time at home for naps, ect. So getting together with other moms and their babies is so important for both myself and my son! 

We are not ment to do life alone, God created us for community and relationships, to share life with friends and family! So even though some days you just feel like hunkering down at home, staying in your pj's, and shutting the world out because it's easier to do, then to build relationships, don't sell yourself short! Take that step to call up a friend for a play-date, or the woman you just met last week, or join a new group and surround yourself with like minded people! You will be so glad to stepped out if your comfort zone and made the first move!

MOPS is an international group that meets in just about every city! So if you looking for a group where mom's get together to encourage one another, learn new things, and have a time to visit while their little one is in child care, then go to  MOPS.org to find a local group near you. 

I also volunteered to be on the hospitality team for my MOPS group which means I got to do some crafting!! I created the centerpieces for each table the women sit at, and decorated the food table with baskets for food, burlap table clothes and flowers. So fun for me!! 

Here is one of the centerpieces I created using a large size mason jar, sprayed painted to create mercury glass. I added foliage, feathers, burlap and a DIY chalkborad! I finally got to use some Pinterest ideas. I look forward to crafting more fun decor this year!

Blessings,

Sarah

A Tip for Tuesday: a cure for diaper rash and sunburn

A little tip this Tuesday for all the moms out there! Did you know that certified pure lavender oil can cure diaper rash and sunburn?! The oil can be applied topically right on the effected area. 

My son had really bad diaper rash last week and coconut oil was not really doing the trick, so I applied my certified pure lavender oil to the rash areas everytime I changed his diaper and it was cleared up by the next day! Plus he smelled so wonderful!! 

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