Ketchup

Wow! Hello 'ol friend! It has been such a long time...I guess I have been on kind of a blogging hiatus. But not to worry...that's coming to an end. Our month long vacation to Hawaii was fun, but now we are home and have gotten back into the swing of our day to day life as well as preparing for school to start up again!

To start off...traveling with 3 under 5 was challenging to say the least. We had lots of stuff that we stuffed into a minimal amount of bags and suitcases. We brought along our bulky double stroller and 2 car seats. Our oldest has been a frequent flyer since she was a month young so other than her repeated "Are we there yet?" every half hour or so she did pretty well. And of course, our youngest wasn't particularly difficult. The biggest challenge was that his feeding times happened to coincide with the times we had to check in and board, etc. The number 2 child, on the other hand, was a ball of energy who could not and would not be confined to a stroller or mommy's or daddy's laps. He really wanted nothing to do with sharing the computer tablet with sissy to watch movies or to read or to color. No, he wanted to run around or play musical parents. Nonetheless no passengers were hurt in the process and we all survived in tact.

That long flight across the country is pretty brutal. It's a surprise the hubby and I didn't strangle each other. Even had we been sans kids, the longevity of the flight and discomfort of those confined seats were enough to drive us mad. And with the 6 hour time difference and lack of sleep on the flights, it took a good week or so for us to get back to normal. The kids were going to bed anywhere between 9pm and midnight. The hubby started back to work after a couple of days. It was a task, but here we are, trying to enjoy what remains of the summer before the kids head off to school and the air gets a bit more chilly and brisk.

Because we were away for a good majority of the summer, we had some catching up to do (Ketchup).  We took a tour of my daughter's new school where she will be entering Kindergarten, scheduled screenings and doctor's appointments, and had to shop for back-to-school essentials like reusable thermoses, a minimal amount of school supplies and most important of all...clothes! The kids got a few things they needed...and well didn't need...and Mommy got a few things to spruce up her closet for the upcoming Fall. That brings me to the topic of the day. I found several looks on Pinterest that will definitely take its' place in my Fall wardrobe. I found many affordable pieces that you can find at a store near you in order to stay on trend with the Pinterest and real world just like me! :)

The first trend is Animal Print. This can be kind of intimidating or over the top, but done right, you can pull it off in a minimal and conservative yet glamorous way as well.

Everyday buys: Xhiliration Faux Leather Moto Jacket ($39.99, Target), Mossimo Pocket Tee ($8.00, Target), Leopard Infinity Scarf ($14.94 Old Navy), Black classic skinny jeans ($10.80, Forever 21), Tassled Zipper Tote ($34.80, Forever 21), Square Sunglasses ($5.80, Forever 21).

Everyday buys: Straight Jean ($29.99, American Eagle Outfitters), Fitted Stretch Shirt ($19.95, H&M), Square Sunglasses ($5.80, Forever 21), Zip-Pocket Blazer ($39.99, Charlotte Russe), Chelsea Flat ($16.99, Payless Shoes), Chocolate New York Satchel ($44.99, Target), Leather Belt ($12.95, H&M), Shimmering Rhinestoned Ring ($5.80, Forever 21).

The next couple of looks are Classic. They won't go out of style. The first is your typical Fall colors: black and brown while the second look includes a pop of color that will transition from the bright looks of summer.

Everyday buys: V-neck Dress ($29.95, H&M), Studded Crisscross Lace Belt ($6.80, Forever 21), Wayfarer Readers ($5.80, Forever 21), Lace Back Wedge Boot ($42.50, Charlotte Russe), Fold-over Quilted Evening Bag ($19.50, Charlotte Russe)

Everyday buys: Striped Drop Shoulder Sweater ($19.80, Forever 21), Aviator Sunglasses ($5.80, Forever 21), Lock & Key Necklace ($5.80, Forever 21), Structured Bag ($24.95, H&M), Metal Trim Hip Belt ($4.80, Forever 21), Life in Progress Destroyed Skinnies ($27.80, Forever 21), Layered Flower Studs ($3.80, Forever 21), Lacquered Zigzag Bangle Set ($12.80, Forever 21), Mother of Pearl Gold Bracelet Watch ($19.99, Target), Almond Toe Wedges ($24.80, Forever 21)

I totally hate when I click on a pin and it takes me nowhere because it's spam or I have to go hunting for the source or better yet, it's just a gallery of pictures and there is no source for where you can find those fabulous fashion finds you've been pinning and pinning and pinning to your boards. So, I've taken it upon myself to find a few of my own and on sites I frequent and are reasonably priced. :) Yay! Hope its helpful to you, too!

Enjoy!