Uncategorized – Page 2

Have Children, Will Travel

April 17, 2016April 17, 2016 livingswagger

We try to take our children on travel with us as often as we can, and when we take them we try to make the experience one they will always remember. This year, for their spring break, we decided to take a road trip to AZ.

I know, I know…a lot of people hear road trip with a 7 and 8 year old and think- CRAZY! But in all reality, this trip was absolutely amazing. And by driving the 20 (approx) hours from the Pacific North West to the Southwest, we were able to show the kids (and let’s be honest- show ourselves) some really incredible things that we would have never known existed.

We did some major researching before we left…some things worked, some not so much…and I’ve compiled a list of some really great tips for road trip traveling with the kiddos.

Roadtrippers.com – This site is incredible! You put in the starting point and destination and it does the rest. You are able to select options such as “Hotels”, “Points of Interest”, “Restaurants”, etc. and the distance you are willing to travel from your route. Having two boys we searched this site for the funky and unusual (spooky, haunted, abandoned, etc) and the boys loved every single stop we made.
Backseat organizers- I found ours (Mom’s Besty) for $14.77 on Amazon. We choose this particular one because A) it had good reviews and was affordable! B) it had a bottom strap along with a top strap to keep it in place and prevent it from bashing into the kids legs all trip long and C) it had a Kindle (or whatever other tablet your child might have) slot. Another hit! The boys had room to store drinks and snacks and could watch the movies we bought them without neck strain.
Mom’s Besty
Travel Binders and “Goodie Bags”- I actually put quite a bit of time into these, making one for each boy. The bags were easy- a few coloring books, Mad Libs (who doesn’t love Mad Libs?), and snacks (both healthy and not so much…). The mother-in-law completed the goodie bags with some great IQ/brain teaser games.

I made the binder covers on Photoshop, specifically including the states we would be traveling to/through and threw together a quick page of vintage postcards in a page protector so that they would have a spot to put brochures and flyers from each place we traveled.

I found some really great printables from a variety of different sites and blogs (sorry all…I searched through far too many to give all the site credits here but trust me- they are out there!). These included state fact pages for each state we visited, games, mazes, find-its, word searches, etc. I placed each one in a plastic page protector so that the kids could use an expo marker on the page protector, erase, and do it all over again.

I also put together a “journal” for each place we planned on visiting, giving the kids room to write about what they learned, whether they liked it, and if they would ever come back. I rounded out the binder with notebook of blank ruled paper and a pencil bag that held colored pencils, expo markers, crayons (they melted in AZ!!), and mechanical pencils. The kids adored their binders and loved that fact they could take them in and share with their classmates at school when we returned home.

4. The garbage can- yes, it might sound silly but I saw this pointer online and it worked brilliantly. Think about the amount of trash that comes with that long of a drive. I found my “trashcan” at the Dollar Store (score!) but you can find a plastic cereal dispenser almost anywhere. Add some plastic bags as the liner and you are good to go!

So next time you hear road trip and kids in the same sentence, don’t fret- there are some super simple hacks that make the road less traveled a little easier. Our trip was great! Something the kids, and the hubby and I, will truly remember forever ❤

Note: No product/site reviewed here paid for product placement or advertisement. These are just my opinions 🙂

Uncategorized, wear

April Stitch Fix Review

April 5, 2016May 4, 2016 livingswagger

For my April Stitch Fix I focused completely on spring ❤ I asked for versatile dresses (work friendly, church appropriate and yet still FUN), skinnies and/or joggers, shorts, and a light spring jacket. Kristen M (my streak with Kristen continues!!) pulled in with a major win this month and I have to say I was beyond tempted to order all 5 items!

Her note read: “Hi Kristin, I had so much fun styling this Fix for you! I’m so sorry only the cardigan worked out in your last Fix and hope we have more yes’s than no’s in this box! For a nice Sunday brunch or wine tasting outing with friends, throw on the Skies are Blue cold shoulder dress. I’m so glad you mentioned this dress in your request because I had my eye on it for you! All you need is a few bangles and wedges to complete the look. I know you are interested in dressy joggers and thought you would like to try the grey Laila Jayde joggers. Super comfy for all day wear and can be easily dressed up with a small heel and the bright Skies are Blue lace top. Do a small tuck in the front like on your Pinterest. The black 41Hawthorn faux wrap is the perfect LBD for all year long. Have fun! Can’t wait to hear your feedback! xo, Kristen M”

Seri Knit Moto Jacket – $74

This jacket is too cute! Great jersey like material (really it’s a Cotton/Poly blend that is hand washable). I honestly could not have asked for a better color/style/fit for spring. I feel like this is one of those jackets that could go with so much. The only reason I did not keep this jacket, and believe me- I was tempted!, is because it fit a little too loose in the back/waist area for a jacket that I would never have anything bulky under. Otherwise, this jacket was a solid choice by Kristen!

Verdict- Returned

Shaolin Crepe Cold Shoulder Dress – $58

Ok- so the funny thing with this dress…I loved it! I think it is fun, cute, comfortable, and easily dressed up/dressed down. I agree with Kristen’s idea on the Sunday brunch dress. It is 100% Rayon and hand washable (another plus). The downside? Everyone that I showed the dress and/or picture to- didn’t love the dress. Talk about a downer! And while I do care more about what I think than what others think- I was thrown off by the fact that not one person liked the dress.

Verdict- Returned

Rocco Jersey Faux Wrap Dress – $78

And just to make the circle complete, everyone really liked this dress…except me! Ha! I received a lot of compliments on this Poly/Spandex hand washable dress. Even my kids liked it. And I admit- in the picture it does look super flattering, and I know I could wear it all year long. For some reason though, I didn’t feel comfortable in it. It feels a little heavy, and the neckline threw me for a loop. I really appreciate Kristen’s diversity in picking the dresses she sent though…I’m not giving up on letting her find the perfect one!

Verdict- Returned

Nicki Jogger Pant- $58

I’ve been asking for the dressy joggers and Kristen pulled through with these 100%. Love the fit, material (Cotton/Poly hand washable), and the fact they are just dressy enough to pull off for work! While I do like the grey/green color that they are, I wish they would have been black- only because my Target non-dressy joggers (a $19 score!) are so close in color/look.

Even with the close color though, I can’t pull off my Target joggers at work or church…

Verdict – Kept!

Disanto Lace Detail Top – $48

When I pulled this top out, I wasn’t sure about it. It is cute- for sure- but I was’t sure it would be a keeper. And then I put it on and fell in love… I threw on a pair of jean shorts and it worked great, but I can only imagine how adorable it can be dressed up with a skirt (I can’t wait to pair it with my Walt Skirt from February), my favorite grey skinnies and some booties, or even the Nicki Joggers, like Kristen mentioned. It is Poly/Rayon hand washable.

Verdict: Kept!

Bring on May! I cannot wait for more spring/summer gear!

A note about Stitch Fix:

It’s a super easy to use service…you fill out a style profile, choose the prices you would be willing to pay per each item type, and decide how often you want to get styled. You have the option of setting up your own Stitch Fix Pinterest board that your stylist can look at while styling you. A stylist from Stitch Fix will then be your own personal stylist for however often you choose to receive a box, sending you 5 items based on your style profile, Pinterest board, and personal instructions. If you purchase an item, the $20 service fee goes towards it, if you keep all 5 items, they take 25% off, or you can send all the items back and they only keep the $20.

Check out my “fix” above and (stay tuned for future “fixes”), if you are thinking about trying your own “fix”, use this link https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/6200951 (Note: I will get a credit on a future “fix” if you sign up and will thank you tremendously!!)

cook, Uncategorized

The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie

March 10, 2016May 4, 2016 livingswagger

As promised…I am going to share the secret behind my husband’s perfect chocolate chip cookies. It’s nothing crazy…no secret ingredient that we happened upon while vacationing in Whitman, Massachusetts (no, we have never actually been to Whitman…and if you don’t know the significance of Whitman, get to googling the chocolate chip cookie). The hubby’s secret is a rather simple one, but it is a simple one that literally makes the best cookies…you know, the ones that stay soft and fluffy, with just that little bit of crisp on the outside.

Here goes…

11.5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking chips
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour, unsifted
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Heat oven to 375˚. Stir flour, baking soda and salt in large bowl and set aside. Beat butter and sugar with mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix at low until mixed thoroughly. Gradually add dry ingredients.

Drop onto uncreased cookie sheets (we use a small ice cream scoop for the perfect sized drop) and bake for 9 minutes, or until golden brown.

Did you see it? Did you catch the secret? The secret to the perfect chocolate chip cookie- that stays soft- is brown sugar. Brown sugar is more moist (hence the moisture of the cookie) than its white counterpart, and contains molasses, which is slightly acidic and causes the dough to stay firm rather than spread out into a thin, flat cookie. I told you it was a simple secret!

Try it on your next batch…the people who try them will appreciate it- and you 🙂

Uncategorized, wear

March (Spring!) Stitch Fix

March 4, 2016May 4, 2016 livingswagger

For this Stitch Fix I requested a few things: patched elbows, a tote bag that would be stylish and still work for a mom, dressy joggers and spring colors! Kristen M was my stylish again and her note read: “Hi Kristin, it’s always great to see you back for another Fix and I love reading your comments on the blog, so fun! I was incredibly happy when I saw the Honey Punch striped cardigan was available It has patched elbows just like you requested and looks great with the Papermoon cotton top and skinny jeans. Just throw your daily essentials into the Street Level tote. We didn’t have and true “dressy joggers” but I did pull these printed straight leg pants by Lysse. Pair them with the Papermoon top or coral Skies and Blue blouse. Enjoy your new Fox! xo, Kristen M.”

Gelsey Crochet Blouse – $58

FullSizeRender[9] — Gelsey Crochet Blouse

This shirt is ok…I love the color but am not a fan of the length or cut. It is a little boxy, and made my waist look bigger than it should. Up close, the feminine details are gorgeous (complete with an eyelet hook top…you know, to hook on every single piece of crochet as you try to put it on), but the femininity alone could not sell me. It has a Cotton/Nylon shell and Polyester lining and is hand washable.

Verdict: Returned

Cassie Printed Cuffed Straight Leg Pant – $98

FullSizeRender[8] — Cassie Printed Cuffed Straight Leg

I’m afraid there is not one good thing I can say about these pants… First, the size were too big for me…they fell off my waist and were crazy baggy in the legs. These pants are very heavy- they are a Polyester blend, which feel much more like the thick, heavy 70’s polyester than the polyester of the last few decades. All in all the pattern, heaviness, and fit all reminded me of something my grandma would wear (and I mean that in the nicest way possible, my grandma was as stylish lady…just not me kind of stylish). Most definitely not me… The plus for anyone who digs these? They are machine washable.

Verdict: Returned- DEFINITELY Returned

Lenox Shoulder Detail Top – $54

Lenox Shoulder Detail Top

This top is cute…very spring and summer! The color is almost a light/off denim and one shoulder has two buttons to close. I like that the back is completely open, and feel this shirt could go with so many things in my closet…layered with a tank when it’s warmer- shielded with a sweater in cooler temps. I also like that the neckline is perfect for all sorts of necklace options! It is 100% Cotton and machine washable.

Verdict: Returned- ONLY because I could not justify the price on a tank

Harlan Removable Pocket Reversible Tote- $68

Adorable tote! Love the colors- both of them- and the fact it is both reversible and has a removable clutch. The problem, for me, is that there are no zipper compartments or pockets for me to separate anything in the bag. I’m pretty particular about where things are in my purse, so that I can find things when I am looking for them. Otherwise, I loved this bag!

Verdict: Returned

Layla Elbow Patch Detail Cardigan – $48

Layla Elbow Patch Detail Cardigan

There is nothing I don’t love about this sweater! The patched elbows are exactly I was looking for, and I am a major sucker for cardigans. The stripes are wide enough to not be nauseating, and the grayish-blue color offsets perfectly with the off-white. A MAJOR win by Kristen on this one. It is a blend and it machine washable…yes!

Verdict: Kept- Of course!

Can’t wait until April!! If you have any suggestions of what to ask for, shoot me a message…I am always up to try new styles!!

A note about Stitch Fix:

Uncategorized, wear

February 2016 Stitch Fix Review

February 11, 2016May 4, 2016 livingswagger

For my February Stitch Fix, I was pretty specific in my notes about what I was looking for. I included a fur vest, a skirt for work, a blazer (NOT in grey or black), and tops that could be worn to both work and on lazy days around town. My stylist, Kristen M once again (score!), delivered on every single wish I included…Happy Valentine’s Day to me!

Kristen’s note was great- I really appreciate the fact that she is getting to know me more and more with each Fix. I am thankful that she has been my constant “Fixer” thus far!

Rebekah Stretch Crepe Blazer – $88

fullsizerender — Rebekah Stretch Crepe Blazer

The color of this blazer is fabulous! I love the coral, I think it could go with so many things in my closet, and the accessorizing could go on for days. It is a Polyester Rayon blend shell with an adorable white and black polka dot Polyester lining. It is dry clean only (if you know me- I hate going to the dry cleaner), but with a blazer that sort of comes with the territory so that alone can’t rule it out. I was all in when I took this out of the box…sold at first sight…but I found it was too big when I put it on. I think one size smaller would be great, and I am going to see if they have it available before making up my mind.

Verdict- Likely a KEEP if they have a size down

Celso Mesh Detail Knit Top – $54

Celso Mesh Detail Knit Top

Unlike the blazer, this top did not hit me with a wow factor when I first saw it. I’m not really a huge floral fan, and didn’t think it would it would do anything for me when I put it on. That is, until I put it on… and found that I actually really liked it! I paired it with an army green blazer and skinny jeans, but think it would be awesome with a cream blazer, a skirt, or leggings and boots. It is a Rayon Spandex blend that can be machine washed.

Verdict-Last minute decision, but I’m leaning towards KEPT

Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse – $48

I have to give it to Kristen on this one. LOVE this shirt! So much so that I already own one almost exactly like it, lol. Mine is from Kohl’s, and probably quite a bit less expensive, but it is literally one of my closet staples!

The Colibri blouse is 100% Polyester and hand washable, which is definitely doable. I SO recommend a top like this for pretty much anyone…it is super versatile and can be work with everything from jeans, to dress pants, to leggings and skirts (see Walt Skirt next). For me, of course, I have to pass it up or my husband just might lose his mind 🙂

Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse

Candies Kohl’s Tab Sleeve

Verdict- RETURNED

Walt Skirt- $68

This skirt is fabulous. The stripes are small enough to not make you look wider than you are (or like BeetleJuice) and the pencil cut is perfect for work. I tried the skirt both dressed up (with the Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse and booties) and dressed down (with a denim top and tall boots) and thought it worked great both ways. I am not a huge skirt wearer, and I requested one for just that reason…to push myself a little bit. The skirt is Polyester Spandex blend and hand washable. A definite winner…says both my husband too!

Verdict- KEPT

Buster Faux Fur Vest- $78

fullsizerender4 — Rebekah Stretch Crepe Blazer

I had requested a faux fur vest for January but Kristen did not have one in stock. This month she definitely pulled through though with a vest I adore! I have been Pinterest stalking faux fur vests for a bit and I have to say this one fit the bill perfectly…love how versatile this can be (next I’m going to try it with a black dress like Kristen recommended), love the length, love that it is hand washable, love that I got it in time to wear for a few more months! Love!

Verdict- KEPT

I can’t wait until March! Getting ready to request some gear for SPRING!!

A note about Stitch Fix:

Uncategorized, wear

January 2016 Stitch Fix

January 10, 2016 livingswagger

My third Stitch Fix was also the first of 2016! When I filled out my suggestions for the month, I was pretty generic (besides for the fur vest I requested) and basically just said that tops for work and/or relaxing would be great!

Kristen M was my stylist again (all of my fixes have been by Kristen so far, which is nice). She stated in her note that they didn’t have any fur vests available, but that she would keep her eye out in the future. She did include, though, tops galore!

Warner Pullover Sweater- $68

This sweater was cute…I felt like it belonged in front of a fireplace at a cabin, but thought about definite possibilities of dressing it up with some cute skinnies or a great skirt. A scarf or statement necklace would do wonders for the neck. It is 100% Acrylic and dry clean only (oh, oh!). I usually stay away from thinner sweaters like this because I’m constantly worried about snags.

Verdict: Returned

Bixby Bird Print Tab Sleeve Blouse – $48

This top was a dream for work! Love the pattern, which reminded me of feathered version of houndstooth, and the satiny feel (really, it is 100% Polyester and hand washable- WIN!). The sleeves are finished with a dainty pearl-like button that makes it even more feminine. I paired it with some wide-legged black pants and a costume pearl necklace, but think it would be adorable dressed up with a pencil skirt, or dressed down with a pair of leggings or jeans.

Verdict: Kept

Fanta Mixed Material Sweater – $78

This sweater is all the trend right now- with the plaid back contrasting the cream colored sweater front. It screams comfort and could be worn in so many different ways. For the weather we’ve been having this winter, I think this sweater would be amazing. It is a Poly blend front with 100% Cotton contrast, and can be hand washed. The problem? It was too big and looked somewhat frumpy on me. I am contemplating calling Stitch Fix to try a size smaller, but haven’t yet decided.

Verdict: Returned (but may request to try a size smaller)

York Tile Print Roll-Tab Blouse – $58

Another cute top for work AND play. This one has a fun pattern…a sort of paisley that includes gold, blue and pink set on a dark purple/blue color. The sleeves roll and button, giving you the 3/4 sleeve length. It is 100% Polyester and is hand washable. While I like the top, it is not really in my normal color-scheme, and I worry I wouldn’t wear it often enough to justify the price.

Verdict: Returned

Amari Stripe Sleeve Cargo Jacket – $78

I am a major fan of this jacket! Kristen mentioned in her note that the striped sleeves give the effect of a vest, and I totally agree. I sort of feel the varsity jacket kind of vibe from it. It is a Poly blend and can be hand washed. It is light enough to be able to wear during spring and fall, but definitely needs some umpf (like the scarf) for the winter months. A great one for layering.

Verdict: Kept

A note about Stitch Fix:

craft, Uncategorized

DIY Christmas Gifts On a Budget- Candle Holders

December 23, 2015May 4, 2016 livingswagger

Every year our family makes Christmas gifts for our friends and family (and teachers, bus drivers, trash collector, etc). Not only is it something fun to work on, but we love the appreciation homemade gifts get- there is something so comforting in receiving a gift that had some thought go into it and was made with love!

When I was browsing around in one of our local boutiques several months back, I found some beautiful candle holders. Flat white outside, and glittery gold inside. They were adorable! The con- they came in at $20 a piece! A little out of my price range for candle holders.

When Christmas gift planning and budgeting started this year, I thought about those candle holders…and wondered whether they were something I could imitate at home. And so I did…with my own Christmas flare!

Not only did our homemade candle holders turn out super cute, they were really inexpensive! I ended up making 6 candle holders for a about $23 (just short of $4 each)! Take that $20 candle holders.

6 glass Candle Holders- $1 each at Dollar Value ($6 total)
Gold Glitter – $4.99
White Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint – $1.49
Harvest Gold Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint- $1.49
Matte Mod Podge – $6.99
Gold Oil-Based Sharpie- $1.69

Clean the candle holders thoroughly, making sure it is completely dry before you begin. Mix Mod Podge with glitter (I used a lot to make sure the mixture was thick with glitter).

Paint the Mod Podge/glitter mixture onto the outside of the candle holder, spreading glitter as evenly as possible. Allow to dry and apply a second layer of mixture if needed. The goal is to have as much of the holder covered with glitter as possible. Note: The picture below is after only one layer.

Once Mod Podge/glitter mixture has completely dried, apply gold acrylic paint to outside.

Again, allow to dry before covering the gold paint with two layers of white acrylic paint (drying between layers). Note: The picture below shows one layer of white. You will need two to cover all traces of gold on the outside.

I added my Christmas flare, with a hand drawn gold Christmas tree using the Sharpie. The gold really pops when you have a candle inside, shimmering with a little Christmas charm ❤

A super easy and inexpensive gift that is cute and made with love! Enjoy all and Merry Christmas!!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: