Fix #4 is here!  Yes, two in a month.  Oops.  I just can't help myself.  I usually wouldn't do that, but I have a big business trip coming up this weekend so I wanted a last minute try to possibly get something for that.

Again if any of you are wondering what the heck a Stitch Fix is, basically it's this:  You create an account and answer a bunch of questions all about what you like and don't like, your figure, etc.  Then you pick whether you want monthly boxes or can just have them sent when you need them.  The price of each item varies and you let them know the price point you would like to pay and they try to honor that.  The items are what I would consider department store prices.  You pay a $20 styling fee and a stylist will pick 5 items for you and send them out.  You have 3 days to decide what you want to keep or send back.  If you keep at least 1 item, you will be able to credit your styling fee towards the item.  If you keep all 5 items, you get a 25% discount!  Then you log in, let them know what you're keeping/sending back and put your items in the prepaid envelope provided and ship it back to them and then you will be charged for what you kept. 

You also have the option to leave a note for your stylist.  This is where you can say what you are looking for or hope to get.  Also, be sure to make a Style board on Pinterest of stuff that is you and what you like. That is key to getting good fixes, I believe.  Add it to your profile on Stitch Fix and your stylist should look it over.  You can search Pinterest for other people who blog their SF boxes and pin things you like and SF has an account too so that you can pin.

I was excited to see that I got Jessica back this fix!  I asked for her again and just said I am good on jeans for a while so not to include any more of those.

Item #1

#1 Octavia Adora Stud Border Tote  $68

Notes:  I knew pretty much right away I most likely wouldn't be keeping this.  I already got a small clutch a few fixes ago and I just don't leave the house enough to use so many bags.  Plus, I'm kind of partial to my Kate Spade.  :)  I'm not a huge fan of the studs and red just isn't my color.  It did have a a nice inside pocket and was roomy, just not something I needed.

Kept it or Returned it?  Returned.

Item #2

#2 Market & Spruce Myah Dress Size: M  $74

Notes:  I first pulled this out of the box and it looked big and really boxy not gathered.  The fabric was super soft and comfy, almost linen like.  I had to gather/tie it super tight for it to give some sort of definition.  I hated it the first time I tried it on.  The next time it actually kind of grew on me.  Unfortunately, I just can't throw $74 down on something unless I love it.  

Kept it or Returned it?  Returned it.

Item #3

Kensie Rebekah Contrast Detail Blazer  Size: S   $88

Notes:  Ummm... LOVE!  I've seen some others get these blazers, but this is the first time seeing this color.  This military/army green color is one of my favorites and so are blazers.  I love blazers because you can do so much with them and easily dress them up or down.  This one is no exception.  It has 3/4 sleeves, which is also something I like.  It's super comfy and it even has a bit of stretch to the fabric.

Kept it or Returned it?  Kept it!

Item #4 and #5

Pixley Yuli Lace Cap Sleeve Blouse  Size: S  $68 

Gilli Tess Pencil Skirt  Size: M  $54

Notes:  First, the Pixley top.  It's super cute and i love that it includes a tank underneath, which is actually connected, but could easily be clipped apart.  I wish I would have gotten this in an earlier fix because I just kept a black blouse last fix.  The Gilli skirt is super stretchy and super comfy but fitted and hugs in the right places unlike some other pencil skirts.

Kept them or Returned them?  Returned them.  (I may regret returning that top.)

There you have it.  I was good and only kept the thing that I really loved.  I call it a success because I was hoping for maybe at least one more thing for me to take on my business trip.  Jessica delivered!   Now I will be waiting at least a month for my next one.  Most likely will be asking to transition to more fall pieces, well because I live in the pacific northwest so summer doesn't last as long as it did in San Diego.

Carrie

Want to try Stitch Fix out?!  SIGN UP HERE to use my referral link (I'll get a credit for you using my link.  My husband will thank you!) and start answering your questionnaire.  Don't forget to make a Pinterest board to help your stylist out!  Then invite your friends to get a Fix too using your link and earn a $25 credit!

Grandparents are the Best!

So last month Eric's parents flew out to visit and they did something pretty amazing.  They took all three kids back home with them.  We are 5 weeks down.  They have gone back and forth between my parents and his parents.  I was super nervous to let the youngest go, but I had two big business trips going on while they were gone that logistically wouldn't work if she stayed back.  I was a ball of nerves dropping them off at the airport, but she waved, said bye, and took off with them no problem.  I think she's a little mad at us because she doesn't really want anything to do with us when we try to FaceTime.  Hopefully she gets over that when they get back.  One more week to go and my mom and sister will be bringing them back.  I cannot wait to squeeze my babies.  It's been long enough that I find myself watching videos of them on my phone.  Being home alone with just the dog all day has been really weird.  But I am soaking it up and enjoying it because I know that will all end soon.

 I am thankful for the time we have got, just Eric and I.  Being so far from family and friends too now, we really don't get any alone time except for a rare night out where we try to escape for a few hours if we have family in town.  It's been nice and I am so happy the kids got a good chunk of time with all of our family, especially their great grandmas.  And we are pretty darn lucky that both of our parents and my sisters took them in and agreed to deal with them this long!

Check out that vintage car!  My mom said Jack got in and asked where the battery was.  Haha.  Sorry buddy, you gotta pedal yourself.

It's that time again!

I received my #3 fix at the beginning of the month and thought I would share!

Again if any of you are wondering what the heck a Stitch Fix is, basically it's this:  You create an account and answer a bunch of questions all about what you like and don't like, your figure, etc.  Then you pick whether you want monthly boxes or can just have them sent when you need them.  The price of each item varies and you let them know the price point you would like to pay and they try to honor that.  The items are what I would consider department store prices.  You pay a $20 styling fee and a stylist will pick 5 items for you and send them out.  You have 3 days to decide what you want to keep or send back.  If you keep at least 1 item, you will be able to credit your styling fee towards the item.  If you keep all 5 items, you get a 25% discount!  Then you log in, let them know what you're keeping/sending back and put your items in the prepaid envelope provided and ship it back to them and then you will be charged for what you kept. 

Again, sorry for the quick iPhone snaps, but I was packing for a trip and had to make my decision quick to get my returns back in the mail.

Here is my note and style card.  In my note to the stylist, I did ask for Jessica again and unfortunately she wasn't available.  I requested business casual items that I could wear for my upcoming trips and convention that I will be attending next month.

Item #1:

#1:  Pixley Marie Abstract Chevron Elastic Waist Dress  Size: M  $64

Notes:  I actually pinned this exact dress on my Pinterest board.  It looked like a nice casual summer dress.  I was a bit unsure when I first tried it on.  The fit was great, I just wasn't sure if it did anything for my figure.  After trying it on again and even pairing it with a jean jacket, it grew on me.  It's super lightweight and I like that it's not form fitting on the belly.

Kept it or returned it?!  Kept it!

Item #2:

#2:  Renee C Melisa Printed Pencil Skirt   Size: M   $48

Notes:  Immediately out of the box, I knew I was most likely not keeping it.  I do love and have a few printed pencil skirts pinned, but this print is just not me.  It felt and looked like something you could get a discount "fashion" store and definitely wasn't worth the price tag.  

Kept it or Returned it?!  Returned!

Item #3 and #4:

#3:  Market & Spruce Barby Stud Detail Knit Tank   Size: S   $48

Notes:  I LOVE stripes.  Love them.  However, the little metal studs were questionable.  I could see it easily getting damaged or torn in the laundry.  And then there's the fact that it was super short, especially on the sides.  Cute, but nothing I had to have.

Kept it or Returned it?!  Returned!

#4:  Kut from the Kloth Haiden Straight Leg Jean   Size: 8  $88

Notes:  When I first saw that I got a pair of KFTK jeans, I was excited.  Everyone raves about these jeans.  They are comfy and have a great stretch.  I just was not a fan of the large cuff (another SF fan said she also got these and didn't love the cuff so she cut the threads holding the cuff, so she could cuff them smaller.  I would have totally done that too.)  Also they fit, but were slightly big and the consensus on the SF boards is that you need to order a size down on this brand.  So I knew they would just be too big.  I definitely wouldn't mind a pair of these though, like the distressed boyfriend jeans they have.

Kept it or Returned it?!  Returned!

Item #5:

#5:  Papermoon Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse   Size: S   $38

Notes:  Love it.  It's a great lightweight top.  The sleeves are actually two pieces that overlap giving it a tulip look.  It's a great business casual piece that I can easily dress up or down.  A nice staple for the wardrobe.  

Kept it or Returned it?!  Kept it!

So I kept 2 out of the 5.  I tried not to get my hopes up waiting on this fix when the previous one was such a good fix.  I was slightly bummed because it wasn't as good, but I think even keeping one thing is a successful fix.  And this time my bank account thanks me.  I really love SF so far. (And I may have scheduled a second fix for this month to come right before convention to save me a shopping trip.)  Moving from a large city to a small town on an island has cramped my shopping abilities.  It's a good 45 min drive to the nearest town with any real stores, but it's still a good hour and a half to a decent mall.  So I really love that I can have items that are handpicked for me show up at my doorstep and I get 3+ days to try them on in my own home (moms, I know you feel me on how awesome that is!) and then just ship it back the ones I don't love in the prepaid envelope.  So easy!!

Carrie

Want to try Stitch Fix out?!  SIGN UP HERE to use my referral link (I'll get a credit for you using my link.  My husband will thank you!) and start answering your questionnaire.  Don't forget to make a Pinterest board to help your stylist out!  Then invite your friends to get a Fix too using your link and earn a $25 credit!

I think one of the most common questions I get is What are essential oils?  And how do I use them?  It's a foreign thing to a lot of people, or maybe you've heard of them but aren't sure exactly how they could be beneficial to you.  I know when I first looked into them I was not sure at all how to use them or what to use them for.  But aren't essential oils only for "hippies"?  Then I realized oh hey, they aren't just for the super crunchy natural people.  Yes, I was looking for a more natural way to support wellness in our family and to use around the house, but I also still will run through a drive thru for a kid's meal for my kids, because #momlife.  No shame.  Guess what, they are for everyone and the uses are pretty much limitless.

Have questions?  Still confused?  Think they just might benefit you or your family?!  Well I just may love talking oils, so let's talk!  

I know I am late to the game, but last month I finally took the plunge and ordered my first Stitch Fix.  For those of you not familiar with this subscription service, this is how it works...  You create an account and answer a bunch of questions all about what you like and don't like, your figure, etc.  Then you pick whether you want monthly boxes or can just have them sent when you need them.  The price of each item varies and you let them know the price point you would like to pay and they try to honor that.  The items are what I would consider department store prices.  You pay a $20 styling fee and a stylist will pick 5 items for you and send them out.  You have 3 days to decide what you want to keep or send back.  If you keep at least 1 item, you will be able to credit your styling fee towards the item.  If you keep all 5 items, you get a 25% discount!  Then you log in, let them know what you're keeping/sending back and put your items in the prepaid envelope provided and ship it back to them and then you will be charged for what you kept.

I had heard of the service quite a while ago and just never got around to trying it out.   Now that we are not located in San Diego anymore, shopping isn't as easy.   It's at least a 45 minute trek to Target and about an hour and a half to get to a decent mall up here so I figured now is a good time to give Stitch Fix a try.  Who wouldn't love having personally picked items show up at your door!

So like I said, this is my second.  My first Fix wasn't a big win.  The items were cute, but most weren't really me.  I only kept the pair of skinny jeans they sent me.  So after that Fix, I did what they suggested and made a Pinterest board and pinned clothing and outfits that were my style so my stylist could get a better idea of what I liked.  You can see my Style board HERE.

I was excited, but nervous to see what the stylist picked out for me this time, but I opened it up and I was pleasantly surprised.  The items were much more what I would consider "me".  They aren't something that I would run to first, but after trying them all on I could easily keep them all and add them to my wardrobe.  These pieces are great for summer, most are easy to layer, which I have asked for because we live in Washington and weather is hit or miss even in "summer".

Now I need your help to decide what to keep and what to return.  Like I said I could easily keep them all, but I'd love your opinion.

Here is what it looks like when you unbox your Stitch Fix:

You will receive a fold out info sheet with style cards for each item that they picked for you, along with a note from the stylist.  This time the stylist, mentioned she saw my board and liked my feedback from the last box.  She also noted that the jeans were above the price range I selected, but thought they might be something I would like. 

Apologies for the less than professional photos, I asked the 9 yr old to take them for me.

Item #1 and #2: 

                    

#1:  Alternative Apparel Greer Maxi Dress in black  Size: M  Price $68

Notes:  Super soft and comfy.  I have a hard time finding maxis that are actually long enough for me so big plus that this one actually touches the ground.  It has slits on both sides and I like the functionality of it.  It's super easy to dress up or down and I can pair it with a favorite accessory:  the jean jacket.   Only negative is that it is very sheer material that you can easily see undergarments.  I would have to wear a slip under.

Kept it or Returned it?  Kept it!

#2:  Street Level Juno Small Folded Clutch   Price $38

Notes:  It's cute and I love that there is plenty of room for essentials inside.  I also like the chain strap and that it comes off if you want to use it as a clutch.  I wouldn't normally grab a hot pink purse, but it's fun.  I'm unsure if I have enough I can pair it with.

Keep it or Returned it?  Kept it!

Item #3 and #4:

Item #3:  Wells Grace Emmy Embroidered Lattice Detail Blouse  Size: S  Price: $48

Notes:  I'm usually scared of tops with cut outs, but this is fun and I like the back detail.  A nude bra doesn't really show and again, it's a top I can easily dress up or down.

Kept it or Returned it?  Kept it!

Item #4:  DL1961 Hillary Skinny Jean in white  Size: 8  Price: $164

Notes:  I love the idea of a white pair of jeans and I think they are adorable on most.  These are so soft and comfy.  The zipper detail on the bottom is fun and I like the ankle crop.  As a mom of 3 white does scare me a little, especially with this price tag.  I have plenty of tops to pair it with though and being a tall girl good jeans aren't the easiest to come by and denim is where I will splurge if I find a good fit.  The tag also mentions that these are body sculpting/smoothing and feature 4 way stretch denim.  All of that sounds good for my mom bod.  

Kept it or Returned it?  Kept it!

Item #5:

Item #5:  Chambrai Wallen Mixed Material Top in light blue  Size: S  Price: $84

Notes:  This one I was slightly unsure of coming out of the box.  I like collared shirts, but most I don't think I look right in.  This one actually fit great and I like the look.  The mixed material works on this one with the front and tails being light and drapes well.  The sleeves and back are a super, comfy stretchy material.  And plus it goes well with the white jeans they sent.  The price again is a bit, okay, a lot more than I think I would normally spend on a shirt, but I do like it.

Kept it or Returned it?  Kept it!

Total for this box is $402.  If I keep the whole box, I get 25% off ($100.50), plus crediting back the styling fee I paid ($20) and I can walk away with all items for $281.50.  What should I do??!

Update:  I ended up keeping it all.  I couldn't resist.  The jeans are expensive and white, but they are sooo comfy and I have a lot that I can wear with them if I can keep them white.  They will be great for all my upcoming business trips and like I said jeans are where I will splurge for a good fit.  I still am not 100% sold on the mixed material top and the purse was cute but nothing I had to have, however it was silly not to keep them because the difference between keeping them or sending them back was about $20.  If I end up not wanting them I can easily sell them on a Stitch Fix B/S/T group on fb.  Yes, I discovered it exists! 

-Carrie

Want to try Stitch Fix out?!  SIGN UP HERE to use my referral link (I'll get a credit and then you can get your friends to sign up with your link!) and start answering your questionnaire.  Don't forget to make a Pinterest board to help your stylist out!  Then invite your friends to get a Fix too and earn a $25 credit!

Anyone else have chapstick/lip balm addicts in their house?   My husband is obsessed and has to have one on him at all times.  I usually have at least 3 tubes in my purse at all times because they like to hide.  I got tired of dropping $3 on a tube when we go through them so fast and after some trial and error, I found a recipe that we like.  It's super easy and stupid cheap.

If you like Burt's Bees, rosemary and peppermint is a good combo.  I usually end up with some type of mint and citrus combined, but grapefruit is one I keep going back to.

This batch filled at least 14 or 15 tubes and I had a bit left over, even after I spilled some all over the counter.

I bought a big supply of the empty tubes a while ago from I don't even know where, but Amazon is an easy way to get them.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

So those who known me know I'm essential oil obsessed.  I just cannot help it.  There are many ways you can use essential oils and one of my favorite ways is to diffuse the oils.

Diffusing oils is usually done in a diffuser, which is awesome because it disperses the aroma and therapeutic qualities into the air by vapor.  Thus giving everyone in the room the benefits of the oils and makes the whole room smell amazing too.  Diffusers do not heat the oil at all, which makes sure the constituents of the oil is not damaged.

Our home is full of diffusers of all shapes and sizes in the kitchen, living room and bedrooms.

Now as a mom to 3 littles, between school pick ups/drop offs, appts, errands and running my own business, I am on the go a lot.  So my other favorite type of diffuser is jewelry.  I love it because not only is it a great accessory to your outfit, but with oils becoming more and more popular, there are all kinds of cute ones out there to suit your style.

Here are a few I've bought or been gifted.   The bracelet and locket necklace both have a piece of leather to drop the oil on and the middle necklace you drop it on the wood.  Both materials work well for jewelry diffusers and last all day or a couple of days.

Yesterday, I posted this image on my instagram account saying #craftingismyyoga, which is totally true.  I have put it aside for way too long and whether it's sewing or doing some sort of DIY project it's my favorite way to unwind or channel my frustrations or anxiety.   

So here it is, the product of yesterday's crafting was making up some of my own diffuser necklaces and a few of these may just be going out to a few special people.   I'm wearing the C stamped one right now with a drop of bergamot.  It smells amazing and it has mood lifting qualities, which I could always use.  

I may or may not have had this fabric for close to two years with promises to my son that I would make him Star Wars pillows for his bed.  I'm finally making good on that promise.  I had some Yo Gabba Gabba fabric I intended for a baby blanket that is now no longer needed for the youngest, so a pillow it is for her too!

Here is what you'll need:

- One yard of fabric for each pillowcase 

- Basic sewing supplies:  scissors, coordinating thread, ruler, etc.

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep your fabric.  Wash and iron the fabric so it is easier to work with.  I know, I know, extra work that keeps you from starting the project sooner.  I've skipped this step many a times because I'm impatient, but it truly does help.  Heck, you will rarely ever see me even get an iron out for my own clothes, but nicely pressed fabric is A LOT easier to work with.  

- Take your yard of fabric and square it up (even all the sides up).  Now take it and fold it in half so that you have 20 inches on one side (selvedges together).  Then make a cut at 27 inches on the other side. This will leave you with about a 9 inch piece, like the image above.  This will be your pillowcases fringe.

Now take that 9 inch piece and fold it in half making it about 4.5 inches by 40 inches.  Press the folded edge.  

Next, unfold that main piece and line up and pin the fringe to the right side of the main piece (one of the 40 inch sides).  Raw edges together.

Zigzag the raw edges together so that it won't unravel and get messy when washing.

Open and fold over the fringe to the right side and top stitch the seam allowance to the main fabric so it lays flat nicely.  

Next, fold the fabric right sides together, pin and then sew together the side and the bottom (or top if looking at my picture) with a 1/4 in seam.  This leaves the fringe side open for your pillow. 

Zig zag stitch or use pinking shears to cut the edges of the two sides you just sewed along the seam allowance so that it won't unravel during washes.  Then flip it inside out and you have your pillowcase!

As you can see it's Haddie approved.

This weekend I tried really hard to put work aside and focus on the family.   The past few Easters were usually spent at a potluck with friends in San Diego.  This year it was just us.  We got up early Saturday morning and headed over to Home Depot for the kids to do their monthly Kid Workshop.  Then we went over to base to their Easter egg hunt.  It was crowded, cold and the parents were a little crazy so the kids barely walked away with more than 3 eggs a piece.  After some errands we drove by another egg hunt and decided to stop.  It was run by a church with such sweet people who basically threw out eggs one last time for our kids before they ended.  Haddie had a whole hunt to herself and she took her time picking up each egg and one popped open so she popped a squat and chowed down on each jellybean and then left the egg.  Ha.

On Easter, the kids came down about 10x before we finally gave in and got up at 7 something.  We found cards left for each of the kids that gave a clue to where their basket was hidden.  Just like good 'ol EB used to do for my sisters and I.  We spent the afternoon outside, Barley and all, blowing bubbles and riding scooters and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.  I even took the time to start a new project.

Over the last two years or so I have gotten sooo bad about using my "big girl camera" and instead just using my iPhone (those darn things are just sooo convenient!) so it was nice to get it out and get a few pics of the kids enjoying the day.