2 For Me, 1 For You

How many of you adopt the two-for-me-one-for-you rule of thumb when Christmas shopping? I do, I do! And I really don't mean to, but dang those sales and cozy sweaters and twinkling lights that all call my name...more like scream my name! Now, I live in a warm climate and I enjoy buying gifts for others and I also have adopted the concept that if it will break your heart to leave without an item, it is worth taking home (it has to be love), but that didn't seem to stop me from buying numerous sweaters and cozy hats and blankets or from buying more for myself than anyone else. It was madness and I felt guilty, but sooooo good.

Anyway...there were a bunch of amazing sales that I shopped at. I frequented stores and website alike and found some great deals that were just too good to pass up. I found myself even shopping at store I  don't typically frequent, but I found so many things at H&M, Zara, Target, Nordstrom and many many more.

This is just a small haul I decided to photograph right after I had gotten them. The rest pretty much went straight into my closet to be used almost immediately. Some of them can be found on my instagram. These particular items were from Nordstrom and Target. They may no longer be in store anymore, but it's worth a look just in case. 

This Topshop pajama set was everything. I don't even know exactly what it is about them, but I loved it. Even the girl at the counter said it was cute and thought it could be used as separates for a daily look. It is a little thin, but I don't mind that it's a bit see through as I probably won't use it outside of the house and also won't cause me
to overheat. ;)

This sweater with the bubble sleeves from Nordstrom was a random find in the clearance racks. The color was something I didn't already have and the tie detailing with the keyhole was so fun. It's comfy, casual and easy, but still chic. These leggings are also new and I think I found them at Nordstrom Rack. I've been on the hunt for leggings that aren't see through and have been coming up super short. I don't know why it's so hard to find. Even if the material is thick, if you bend over just right, ta-da. No bueno. If you have suggestions, leave them in the comments. Thanks!!!

This sweater is so much fun. I also randomly found it in the Clearance racks at Target. The main part is a regular cotton, sweater material, but the bubble sleeves are a thinner cotton material with a fun ribbon tie detail. I couldn't pass this one up. It was just so different and interesting.

This criss cross floral top was on the clearance racks as well. I originally bought it because of the way it hung on the hanger. It looked kind of like a kimono style top that tied in the front, but when I tried it on and realized that the strings were different length, I knew it was meant to be crossed and one string was supposed to wrap around the body and tie at the front. I don't mind it that way, but I think  I will use it both ways if I can figure out how to disguise the longer string. The floral print is cute and it was a great price.

This last item is obviously not from Nordstrom or Target, but just thought I'd include it since I tried it on at the same time. I love the rose gold detailing of these leggings. I'm not sure if I'm actually going to work out in these or just use them as everyday pants. I'm obsessed with Rose Gold err'thing right now. 

I have a serious shopping problem, but I'm trying to give my credit card a break and trying to let it recover some so I'm steering clear of the malls for a little bit. I'm also trying to ignore my email account filling up with sale messages. But it does kind of help that I've been distracting myself with organizing and cleaning the rest of my life and home. The sales are slowing down as well what with the end of year sales coming to an end and holiday sales being long gone. Hope you found some cute things for yourself as well. While you don't need to get out of hand like I often do, it's still nice to treat yourself once in a while. Happy New Year and may you find all the deals and feel all the pretty feels this year!!!

XO,

Stephanie

FabFitFun Unboxing

So I'm a little late to the party as I usually am, but it's mostly because I live in an isolated part of the country and mail takes forever to get here when you send it standard post. Ugh. I guess this is just one of the few cons to living in paradise. Nonetheless, I got my FabFitFun box just before Christmas. I believe this is the 3rd one that I've received so far and I've been pretty happy with all of them. I love the variety that this box delivers and I also love the surprise aspect of it. Although because of the shipping delay, I have to avoid watching other unboxings until I get mine. I also wish there was a male version of the FFF box because my hubby is quite jealous. He was getting the Sprezza Box, but it's typically the same items every month. He wanted a variety for all aspects of his lifestyle - working out, looking good, body care, etc. He wants it all. If you all know of something similar, though we've done some research and come up empty handed, let me know!!

So this is a short-ish video of what I got for the winter box. I really wish it came more often only because I have so much fun being surprised by what I find. Haha.

As you can see there are a whole bunch of amazing products that I may never have tried before. It's a great way to introduce new companies to the world. This box featured a mug by Ayesha Curry, some makeup and skincare that I can't wait to experiment with, a gorgeous high end wrap that is so soft and comfy and more. I also added on some extras that the company offered at a highly discounted rate (ie. the super chic hat that I can't wait to wear and my son keeps trying on and running around saying he's a cowboy). If you want to get your own surprise subscription box curated by the Giuliana Rancic and her team click here. I have yet to be disappointed and I think you'll love it, too!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that Santa was good to all of you who were on the "Nice List". There are two days left until the New Year. Are you ready for a new beginning? I think I am, although, I did have a fun and eventful 2017. Here's to more great memories and adventures and blessings to come.

XOXO,
Stephanie

Easy Access Style ;)

I recently found myself back as a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) -- I'm not hating it...the flexibility to take care of the things I need to on my own schedule and most importantly, on the off-peak traffic schedule (you all know Honolulu has the worst traffic in the nation, right). Anyway, here I am at home again because baby number 4 arrived at the beginning of the year and I was just going to be working to pay for daycare...what was the point.

As a new mom again, I find myself starting everything all over again. I had sold off all my baby gear thinking we were done having little ones (Baby W was a pleasant surprise!). And I had only kept the baby clothes from my other kids that I REALLY loved. I had no maternity outfits left and I needed to get used to the sleepless nights and nursing and baby proofing once more. But I'm Mom. I got all of that under control...again, this isn't my first rodeo. BUT, the biggest issue I have is finding cute outfits that are also nursing-friendly.

I live in Hawaii...so long-sleeved button-down shirts/blouses are a huge NO THANK YOU! I am the type of person that would rather be cold and layer up than be hot and uncomfortable even naked. This is one of the hazards of living in paradise. So, I'm looking for cool, trendy, easy-access clothes that are still appropriate for a mom of 4. That being said, a strapless tube top wasn't going to cut it even though it fit all of the above specifications. I also know that I am not going to be having any more children (steps are being taken) and I won't be nursing forever so I want to find things that I'll still want to wear afterwards. What is a girl to do?

Some of my go-to pieces are seen on my instagram.

* I just got this shirtdress from H&M. It has sleeves, but the material is lightweight and dresses tend to be cooler since, well, the bottom allows for some airflow. 

* The white blouse I got from a local boutique called Eden In Love and it is absolutely perfect for nursing. It is flowy and cap-sleeved, but the best part is that it has zippers that go up both sides allowing for me to lift it away and nurse away.

* The last option is kind of my no fail option. A simple cami under a kimono top. I can easily pull the top of the cami down and hide baby under the kimono. I also tend to just layer a cami under a regular tee that I can simply lift up. The cami hides any belly skin from being skin (although I'm working on it, I'm not yet comfortable showing that part of me off.

I'm still on the hunt for other pieces that are nursing-friendly. If you have some cute ideas to share, please comment below!

~S