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!

Living out of a Suitcase

So, our life is completely packed up in 2 suitcases!!! Hopefully everything that I packed will last us the month that we will be away and that I didn't forget anything too important. Binkies, bottles, and clothes are all items we could buy if we found we didn't have a sufficient amount. However, the most important things are stuffed away - including No. 1's eye cover for sleeping and stuffed dog, Charlie, No. 2's glow worm and blanket, and No. 3's blanket and sleep positioner. We would have quite a time adjusting without those items. :p

Anyway, pictured below are 5 piles of clothes for each of us. There may have been a few items still missing as we were doing laundry until late last night, but you'll still get the gist of what I was working with. We basically have enough clothes to last us about 10 days each, except for the littlest dude who has 2 weeks worth of clothes packed. We each have about 2 pairs of shoes and hats to protect us from the sun. I only have enough diapers and wipes to last  us while on the plane and maybe a couple days later as we will be buying more once we arrive. I also have each of the required medications should something happen and gifts we are taking for people waiting for us at our destination. Another important tip would be to wear your heaviest clothing items on the plane. We're wearing jeans and taking our jackets with us in case it gets chilly.

I managed to get everything into 2 suitcases and 3 carry ons. This was achieved by rolling all of our clothes except those that would wrinkle easily and stuffing breakable gifts in between each of clothing items. Don't forget to package spillable items up in ziploc bags. The carry ons only include those things that we may need on the airplane and my camera bag. These are filled with snacks, diapers, changes of clothes for the children, reading materials, games and other necessities to occupy the kiddies. :) We started out with only one suitcase but seeing as we are a military family, I found a clause in the flight rules that exempts us from paying baggage fees (check your airlines' rules). But seeing as we have 3 youngens to look after as well, we tried not to go too overboard.

Hope this was helpful to my fellow mommies getting ready for their own family vacay. Have fun and stay cool this summer! I will try to continue writing blogs even while away, but as with the past couple of weeks of preparation they may be a little farther and fewer between. :)

Happy travels!

Thanks a Latte

I guess since I was away for a week, I'm feeling a little guilty about being absent. So, here's another short post.

About a week and a half ago, my daughter graduated from preschool (**TEAR**). So I decided to make just a little somethin' somethin' for her teachers who have taught her so very much and prepared her more than I know I could have for Kindergarten. Her teachers have also become friends and I am very thankful for them.

I got my inspiration from a Pinterest pin. I didn't follow the directions exactly so I'll just put my own here. It's called "Thanks a Latte."

Materials:
Cardstock
Stamp/stickers
Markers
Coffee cup sleeves
Raffia/ribbon
Glue and/or tape

So first I took the cardstock. Two different colors one just slightly smaller than the other and glued them together, one on top the other. Seeing as I had a Thank You stamp, I just rubbed it in black ink and pressed it to the top of the smaller paper. If you don't already have a Thank You stamp, you can have your child or yourself write out Thanks in large letters at the top of the page using markers or stickers. I added a bit of glitter to my stamp just to give it a little bit of color. Than in smaller letters, I added "a latte."

From there I decided where I would like to place the coffee cup sleeve. I measured it to be underneath the Thank You stamp but with enough room for a gift card to stick out the top. I cut it to the size of the smaller cardstock paper and allowed my daughter to help glue it to the paper along the bottom and sides. Do not glue the top as that is where you will insert the gift card. This should create a little pocket. I tried with both glue and tape, but I found that the glue worked better.

I had ribbon, but none that really matched well to the cardstock I had chosen so I found some raffia. I took 2 long pieces, tied them together in a knot and started twisting in the same direction. As I twisted I also twisted the two ends together to create a kind of braid. Once I got to the end, I just tied it in another knot. So I ended up with 1 long piece of braided raffia. I wrapped it around the card and tied a bow. My daughter signed the card at the bottom, I stopped at, in my case, Dunkin Donuts to pick up gift cards on the way to the graduation picnic and wa-la. Thanks a latte to my daughter's coffee lovin' teachers. :)

I wish everyone a very happy 4th of July!!! Be safe and have fun.

Mix & Match

Phew! It has been quite a while since I posted a blog. How in the world did I keep quiet for so long. I'll tell ya...I was sick for a few days...some kind of stomach bug I suppose. And the days that I was feeling well enough to do more than sit on the couch while the kids played nearby, I have been preparing for our family vacation. It's quickly approaching and in actuality, I'm starting to get a little nervous aside from the excitement. I have not had to pack for a family of 5 before and the idea of flying 10 hours with a high-energy toddler is nerve-racking. The plus side is that I will be near family and anything I have forgotten can probably be attained there. :)

Anyway, as promised, I am here to offer personal advice on packing light...as light as possible anyway. Here it's all about the clothes and mixing and matching items in order to provide full outfits for the entire trip without recycling a single put-together look. I took a total of 13 tops and dresses and 6 bottoms for a month-long excursion (thank goodness for washers and dryers at my parents' house :] ). These items included 5 basic tanks in different neutral colors for layering, 3 blouses that fall into the following trends - color blocking, sheer coolness and the chambray shirt. Rounding out the tops and dresses includes a bold cobalt blue dress, a nautical striped maxi dress, a going out dress for church and/or nice dinners out, a scarf vest for layering and an asymmetrical cardigan. The bottoms were a range of shorts, boyfriend jeans, and 1 pair of leggings (one of my staples). Here are those items.

The key to the success of not recycling a single look is the accessories. I chose a few summer must-haves like a straw fedora, a bib necklace, aviator sunglasses, cat eye sunglasses, a light scarf and gold bangles amongst others.

Below are 22 looks that I came up with (not including the night out dress). I used each top 2-3 times and the dresses twice each as they are both bold numbers and would probably be best used at significantly different times of the vacation. I apologize for the white shorts being washed out with the white background. Now 22 days does not complete our vacation, and no I will not be strutting my birthday suit for the remainder of my time there, however I have taken into consideration that I will probably do some shopping especially at my favorite boutiques that I have missed so very much. In fact, I have already sent my best friend to pick a few things I just had to have (in case it wasn't there when I got in :] ). Shh...don't tell the hubby. Hehe.

Seeing as it is summer time, we will probably be spending a lot of time around water. So, I am taking 2 bathing suit tops and 2 bottoms that can also be mixed and matched to create 4 by the water looks. Throw in the sunnies and fedora and we're good to go! I'll be looking for a sarong when I get there. ;)

Now, I will be doing the same for the hubby and children as well. This will definitely be tons lighter than packing a month's worth of clothes for all 5 of us. Our items will be rolled rather than folded and the items that can wrinkle easily or should lay flat will be on top. This will create much more packing space. However, you need to be careful with this because it can cause luggage to be over the airline's weight limits. Besides, we want to save room for anything we may be bringing back home for our visit.

Hope this was helpful and fun. Let me know about your packing adventures and any other recommendations you may have.

The Boob Tube

The boob tube is always on in our house...even if it is just in the background. Unfortunately, my daughter just has to watch "her shows"!! Guh! I hate how much she feels like she needs to watch TV. What makes it even worse is that she seems to be trying to grow up too fast. The kind of hold that the television has on her and the kind of influences it's characters often portray aren't always the best. I am not the type of mom that follows every parenting rule out there, but I do have certain boundaries in this category. I grew up on PBS and the Disney Channel as a kid. So, of course, I thought it was fine for my kids to watch both as well. Then I realized that my child would act out the shows she was watching. Totally fine - except that she was hooked on episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana, and what used to be The Suite Life of Zack and Cody/The Suite Life on Deck. All of these shows are fine and dandy except that each has a character that is spoiled, rambunctious, and a rule breaker. Needless to say, my children don't get to watch afternoon shows on the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. Instead, they are hooked on PBS and Nick Jr. These teach lessons geared more toward the 5 and under age range. However, even these warrant keeping an eye on.

I don't have a problem with any of the shows on PBS. These all offer educational options and opportunities even if the songs get rather repetitive and the characters can be rather annoying to most adults - but that is how children learn isn't it? My hubby hates how often the same episodes air and often motions the shape of a  gun to his head when certain songs are sung. But at least she's not picking up any sort of bad attitude from the characters. My kids' favorites are Caillou, Curious George, and Sesame Street. To the youngsters, these are innocent cartoons that they can relate to. Yet, adults get it in their minds that the creators of these shows are trying to send mixed messages to our children. Adults question, "Are Ernie and Bert gay?," "Why is Caillou bald at the age of 4?," and "What does the man in the yellow hat actually do?" Really? The minds of children don't work that way. There are very smart and advanced children in the audience, but they are simple at the same time. So, instead it's more manageable to adults to have their children watching Spongebob Squarepants which offers no real educational value at all. We should be more open-minded to what appeals to our children while offering some type of depth rather than what we can manage listening to over and over.

As for Nick Jr., I really don't take up issues with most of the shows on this channel. However, there are a couple that get to me. For example, Max and Ruby. Why are two young children living on their own? And since my daughter has become rather jealous of her little brothers, it is hard to accept that Ruby always has to have it her way and disregards her little brother, Max, on a regular basis. And then there is Olivia. It is fun to have such a girly character who is ambitious and portrays a realistic big sister who finds her younger brother a "bother" yet still attempts to get along with him. On the other hand, she can be a little too self-centered of a character when I am trying to teach my own daughter how to empathize with others.

But for the most part, television has been a great tool at teaching my children valuable lessons. My daughter was never one to learn much from me. I tried teaching her to write and teaching her colors and to count, but of course it produced nada results. But as soon as Barney started to sing or Dora counted in both English and Spanish, etc., she picked up on them right away. I agree that one on one time or imaginary play or socializing shouldn't be replaced by the boob tube, but I do appreciate the number of positive shows there actually are and I also appreciate the occasional break I get from kids hollering "MOM." "MOM." "MOOOOM!" all afternoon.

The whole point here is merely to discuss positives and negatives of our children watching TV. My personal view is that it's fine for kids to have screen time because it reserves some of my sanity and also that a lot can be taken away from many kids' shows on these days, but only if we filter what they watch and take our children into consideration rather than just ourselves. I'm not judging you for allowing your children to watch episodes that offer no educational content. I mean, our minds need a break from flexing those brain muscles sometimes (which is why I watch ridiculous "reality" TV like Keeping up with the Kardashians and all of it's spin offs). But we should take as many opportunities as we can to flex those same muscles as well.

Have a great one!!!

Real Live Barbie Doll

I decided that today, I wanted to erk my daughter just as much as she had been erking me...that's what 5-year-olds are supposed to do apparently. Anyway, I tortured her by making her participate in a "photo shoot" in five different outfits.  I had to bribe her to do this for me by allowing her to use some of my lipgloss. The shade - Fancy Nancy. As you will see, it didn't take long for her to get into the whole idea. She posed herself while I just kept pressing the shutter button. I took today's trends and translated them into girls' outfits and the best part is that each piece was $20 AND UNDER!!! I love quality brands, especially when they are on SALE!!

BOLD IS BEAUTIFUL

Here we used a bold colored flower applique shirt (Crew Cuts Outlet) paired with colorful striped tights (Circo @ Target) and of course, a sequined tutu from (Gap). Every girly girl owns tulle skirts in every girl...I know mine does. The color of the year is tangerine, but my daughter's fav color is purple so we went with that. Besides, I think tangerine would wash out with the tan she's been getting from playing outside at school.

PRETTY PASTELS

I chose a teal skirt (Gap) for this look because it's flowy and cool for summer and paired it with a grey bowed tank (also Gap). We can't forget the accessories. Here I chose a brown zebra print scarf (Gymboree). It's very light and airy so still great for summer. I thought the grey toned down the color of the skirt. Colors are great for children, but if I were to let my daughter pick out her own outfits for the day, she would have one color on top, a totally different color on bottom. I am loving pastels this summer. I am working on dyeing my own pastel pink jeans at the moment, in fact.

SUMMER DRESS

Summer dresses are a staple for the season. They are light, and flowy and cool in the warm weather. I chose a neutral butterfly sleeveless dress with gold accents and a matching gold butterfly headband (both Gap). So precious.

CASUAL COOL

Layering has been a trend for years now. This is a hip way to layer for the warm weather. The side tie pink tank (Gap) layered with a denim vest (H&M) is boho chic over a pinstriped denim skirt (Target). The vest is versatile and would look adorable with a floral dress and pink flatters every little girl!

AHOY MATEY!!!

A simple white tank (Gymboree) over a nautical skirt (TJ Maxx) is essential for the summer months. It's classy, sophisticated, yet playful. And we especially love this style since daddy is, after all, a sailor!

Who says that kids can't be stylish in their play wear? Our children are a reflection of us so why not take a little extra care in how they look, too? And it doesn't have to break the bank, either. Super cute outfits can be found at many consignment shops and thrift stores, too. Plus, it's so much fun to dress our little girls up as if they are real live Barbie dolls. I know my daughter is my little protege or mini-me as many people refer to her. 

Have fun dressing your little doll!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!!

The Today Show is the on every weekday morning in my household. It is the primary source of my national "news" information seeing as I'm home with just the boys and the rest of the afternoon the TV is either on Nick Jr. or ESPN. This morning I found it particularly disturbing to see a segment regarding bullying of an elderly school bus monitor by a handful of middle schoolers! Oh my goodness!!!! I realize at the preteen age, kids are still finding their place amongst their peers and it's a difficult time. I remember getting in some trouble at that age, but never to this extent.

If you haven't seen anything about it, basically a 68-year-old woman was harassed and insulted by middle school students on a bus in upstate New York to the point of tears. They called her nasty names, made fun of her weight and even threatened her. The language these children used was horrific! I refuse to give examples of some of the things that were said toward this woman.

First of all, there are 3 things that scare the bejesus out of me when it comes to my children. One. Maintaining a positive relationship with my children - knowing how to create a balance between being their friend and their parent. Two. I am afraid of the ease of access my kids will have to drugs. And three. Bullying has become such a front and center issue with kids speaking way more harshly toward one another and the lack of respect kids have for authority, each other, and elders. I will not allow my children to become bullies nor will I stand for them being bullied. 


This topic obviously deals with my third fear. I don't see any warning signs at the moment of my children becoming bullies at this point. They are all still rather young and maintain their innocence. But they will grow up to learn to respect other people. I get that growing up is difficult. There's peer pressure everywhere. But there is a time and place for joking around and there's also a point at which joking around and teasing becomes more than just innocent fun. I was also brought up to respect my elders. I may not have agreed to everything someone did or said. I may not have liked someone. But I was always respectful and bit my tongue when I was amongst people older than me. An elder is an elder no matter what. Respect seems to have gone by the wayside these days. I would never think to say such terrible things to someone that way...and really I wouldn't say that to anyone elder or not.


It also didn't look like any of the other children on the bus stepped in and tried to stop the verbal bashing. Of course, I would like to think that I would have and that I would like my child to step in when they see someone being bullied. But I can also understand the fear that the children may have experienced witnessing what they did and seeing how they hurt an adult, let alone one of their classmates. 


These leads to how the children involved should be punished. This was a debatable topic on the Today Show. They discussed having the children expelled and apologizing and even punishing the parents of these children. The idea of expelling kids from school raises questions. Will this allow children to do as they please and roam the world with no sense of structure and education? Or will removing children and cutting them off from those they aim to please help alleviate the peer pressure and open their eyes to what they have actually done? I think it could go either way. I do blame the parents for the way that their children behave - kids are a direct reflection of the people who raise them. But does that mean that their parents should be punished and how? Of course each and every child ought to apologize face to face with the woman that they hurt. And I do believe that they should experience the same level of shame and hurt that they placed upon her, but of course I would never wish on anyone the kind of treatment that they showed their victim. So how does one go about teaching these children a lesson and teaching them to empathize with the bus monitor. 


I know I'm not a perfect mother and I know that there are many things that I have yet to teach my children and have yet to experience with them. I can tell you that being a mom is the most rewarding, the most difficult and the most scary thing that I've ever encountered. How do I know that I'm teaching my children the right tools to deal with life? This has all got me thinking about how I'm teaching my children. I do not know how I, myself, would handle it if one of my children turned out to be like one of those mean-spirited children. I do not stand here judging those parents, but somewhere, somehow they learned it was OK to treat others that way.

These are all thoughts to ponder. I would love to know how other moms out there feel on this topic.

On a lighter note, the Northeastern area of the US is experiencing record high temperatures. I am currently indoors with the a/c on, but would love to take my children to the splash pad in a nearby neighborhood to burn some energy and get their cool on. But I'm afraid of how to keep my infant cool on this hot summer day. He's too young for me to want to take him into the water...especially water spraying in all different directions. But I don't want him burning up in his car seat either. Even under the shade the temperatures are scorching with the humidity in the air. I've made some fudgesicles for the family to eat and at school, my daughters' teachers had her drinking water while at the playground. How is everyone else keeping cool?

Stay cool and enjoy summer!