Wear To Where {Family Pictures or Tour your City}

I’m participating in the Wear to Where Tour with my friend Katy, who blogs at Wild and Wanderful.

If you are visiting from the link up today, Welcome and thanks for stopping by.

Where does a part time stay at home mama go when she wants a quiet minute to herself? The answer for me is Target, but I’m rarely dressed up when I hit Target by myself. Most times its after morning drop off and I’m in a variation of my pajamas. And why would I bother to blog about that? Well, actually I have been known to do so, but not this time. Today I’m sharing a new outfit of the day that worked for family pictures, will work for date night, and would absolutely work for that time you just want to look like something other than a “mombie” when you go out for coffee and a little quiet time.

These pictures were taken by the fantastic and talented team at Laura Hernandez Photography. Recently Laura was joined by her equally talented daughter Rachel, and their business has taken off. Rightfully so when you see these pictures. I’m lucky that this talented photographer is family! How cute are we, The Hubbs and I? I love that Laura gets The Hubbs to pose like this. We laugh so much during these photo sessions, because this isn’t us at all. We aren't this kind of couple, but when the time comes we have to much fun. Here he was telling me how unnatural it is to walk and hold someone this close at the same time. He’s a champ every year when we do these pictures! He get’s an even bigger laugh when Laura snaps some head shots for this blog! 

A little peek at Laura's magic!

My original prompt for this post was to tour your city, like a restaurant or museum, and I had every intention of doing that. Time got away from me however and with the chance to have some professional pictures taken for this post I jumped at the chance. In a way, I did tour a city. Laura took us on a walking tour of my former hometown. We took pictures right in front of the courthouse, and I walked the downtown streets of what was once home for the first time in probably twenty years! Some things have changed so much, and yet some are still the same. It took everything I had not to walk into Beverly's Fabrics, one of my all time favorites in Downtown Salinas.

Laura Hernandez Photography

On this day, I wasn’t rocking anything super fancy or out of my comfort zone. I’m in some extra comfy jeggings from Kohl’s, they are in the Juniors Department, and are the softest and most comfortable jeggings I have ever owned. The best part is that you can dress them up or down, depending on your mood. Trust me when I tell you they look equally good with a hoodie and Uggs. The top is new from Old Navy and again is both fancy or casual, depending how you wear it. My boots were a great clearance buy last year after Christmas at Target. This outfit was perfect for pictures and the ride home to Fresno. I even wore it to the neighbors house to watch the UFC fight (what an upset!). I’d wear this outfit again for a girls night out, for a date with The Hubbs, or to school for a Holiday Program or awards ceremony. It is officially on my list of outfits to rotate this season, especially if I add in a blazer or heavy sweater coat.

What do you think? Is this something that you could wear out and about, without looking like you tried too hard? Don't be surprised if I show up on the blog in this outfit of the day again!

Don't forget to check out the giveaway HERE!!

ONLY 1 DAY LEFT TO ENTER!

Finding the right fit {WIW: Elevate Conf 2015}

I wore shorts to Elevate this year. If you have followed this blog for more than a year, then you must know that I struggle with what to wear to the conference every year.  This year I just wanted to be comfortable. I didn't want to bake in the sun (it was actually unseasonably cool this year) and I didn't want to be pulling at my sweaty clothes all day. Shorts and a flowy tank were perfect, and when I look at this picture I'm pretty happy with the way I look. The shorts are one size bigger than I normally buy, but they sat better on my hips than the smaller size. The tank hid any flaws in my mid section and the sandals were just perfect. There is something to be said about feeling confident in your skin, let alone in your clothes.

This hasn't always been the case. For the better part of the year I've been struggling with my weight. I'm sure most people look at me and say, "She is so tiny", because I'm short and could fit in my husband's pocket. Yet for me, this is a size I'm not used to even though I weigh exactly what I weighed when I got pregnant with Mackenzie. Back then I was happy with that size, even though I never could fit in my pre-Caitlin jeans. I just bought new jeans and kind of started a new life. I would have been happy fitting into those jeans after having Mackenzie and I did, until I didn't. After having Mackenzie my body went into shock. I suffer from autoimmune deficiencies, and found that everything I ate made me sick. I was exhausted, and because I was eating a really restricted diet I lost a lot of weight. So much weight that I found myself a size I hadn't been since my freshman year of high school. I didn't hate that size, I'll admit it. I was really tiny, and I had to buy jeans in a size I had never fit in before. My clothes fit in such a way that I loved the way looked. For the first time in years, I really did love my body.

Then I got better. With the help of a new diet and some really good supplements, I started eating again. I even started exercising again, running if you can believe it. And I felt good, I felt really good. I felt like I was finally healthy. Then something strange started to happen, my tiny jeans got tight. Shirts I was comfortable in, weren't so comfortable anymore. I started to see flaws when I looked in the mirror. Then I stepped on a scale and was shocked. Up almost six pounds.

That was almost two years ago. Those six pounds eventually turned into eight. Now those eight are actually more like ten. Those tiny jeans went in the giveaway pile. Some of those shirts have been passed on. I've had to buy new jeans. I've had to buy new shirts. Most importantly I've had to "buy" a new attitude. I've had to look in the mirror and buy into this person looking back at me. And let me tell you, it's taking a really long time.

In March I turned thirty seven, and on my thirty seventh birthday I woke up and worked out in my living room. Some Jillian Michaels torture session. I didn't make a big announcement on social media. I was proud of myself, but I also didn't want to fly my would be failure on social media. I say that because I was pretty sure I wouldn't keep up with it. I knew that I'd do really well for three weeks and then when nothing had changed, not the scale, not the way my clothes fit, I would look at my five in the morning alarm and say "fuck it".

But I didn't. I told myself that I didn't have to work out every day. I challenged myself to use my birthday "gift" three times a week. Since I had at least two days off, those became mandatory work out days. The first month was awful. I hated getting up that early, but when I did, when I worked out, I felt so much better about the day and myself. Oh, God. I know what you are thinking. I'm that person who is going to tell you how amazing exercise it. Don't worry. I'm not. I still hate waking up early to exercise. I still have a special kind of hate for Jillian Michaels at five thirty in the morning. I still gasp for air and spell the eff word while doing jumping jacks. But... I really do feel better when it's all said and done.

The changes haven't been drastic. I'm not sure anyone has really noticed, but I have. When I was in Disneyland last month my jeans were bigger. My tank tops didn't cling like they did a month before. My shorts were so loose I could have used a belt. Those were changes I was okay with. Maybe no one else could tell, but I could. I knew I was finding the right fit. The right fit for me.

I've said before on this blog that I will never have flat abs. I will never run a marathon (at least I think I probably won't because it's not a desire of mine). I will never work out every day of the week because sleep, duh. And everyday is a cheat day if it's going to be a good day. But I really want to like the body that I see in the mirror. I really want to find the right fit. I'm quite happy with the way I look currently, even if I hate what the scale says. It's funny because I don't feel like the number the scale says. I feel lighter than that. I feel fitter than that. I finally feel like I no longer want to worry about enjoying chocolate almond cupcakes or coconut milk ice cream by the pint. Years ago I read about people who were throwing away their scales. I'm making it a point to only step on them at the doctor's office.

I look at that picture from Elevate and I feel like it fits. That's me. I'm not sick anymore. I'm not sad anymore. I'm not post baby or prebaby or in training for anything but living a happy and full life. I like being healthy, even if I hate the five a.m. wake up call. I like that my clothes feel like they fit. I like that I don't make myself feel bad if I decide to sleep in, or if I decide to eat french fries. If I decide to eat an entire pint of coconut milk ice cream, I want to be able to face myself in the morning. When I look in the mirror today, I feel like I'm finally looking at me. Flaws and all. Smiles and all. That's a welcomed change after a struggle with finding the right fit for the better part of two years.

I didn't work out this morning. Sleep and the silence of the house was too tempting. I stayed in bed. I ate a frozen banana in my night shirt, while sitting in our recliner. I finished a book I started on Sunday.

I have to admit, it felt really good. In fact, it fit perfectly.

Wore {November 2014}

Because November ended almost two weeks ago... Because this was my last chance to show off some outfits I slapped together. Because I just love the Outfit of the Day Selfie.

Let's talk about finding an old maternity sweater you bought when you weren't even pregnant, in the back of your closet on the first weekend of November. I wore this sweater almost three years ago for family pictures. And unless I tell people, they have no idea that it's maternity.

Something about this scarf said Fall is upon us. And it was the first truly cold day in Fresno, so I wore the outfit on the left to work, came home and put on jeans for my Walmart trip, as evidenced on the right. Incidently I wore the same outfit three weeks later for Thanksgiving. If I had thought it through, I would have worn that scarf, every day of November.

I really, really wanted to wear this plaid shirt to work. Alone, without the cardi, it looked too casual. So, I added the cardi, but the sleeves of the shirt bunched. So... I cut the sleeves off of the shirt so I could layer it. I've done this with like ninety percent of my collared or flannel shirts. I leave the seam of the sleeve so it doesn't fray, and I wear them more often because I can layer them. The Hubbs thinks it ridiculous, but he just doesn't understand that bunchy sleeves are not my jam.

Fall in Fresno is hit or miss, so this was an actual dipction of my day. Scarf, sweater, jeggings, and boots in the morning. Toms, button down, and jeans in the afternoon. I haven't cut the sleeves off this pink button down yet... But I'm pretty sure it's going to happen.

This is a gratitutios selfie because I was super proud of my new camo shirt, that I cut the sleeves off. I know, I have a problem, someone should take my scissors away. But this shirt was so fun to wear, and adding the hoops and the necklace dressed it up in an unexpected way. The shirt was on clearance at Target, for like eleven bucks.

I do this thing on Instagram where I will say "Pinned it. Wore it". It's kind of bragging, but it's also very honest as I will go thorough my Pinterest boards for outfit inspiration the night before I work. I wore a brown cardi because I couldn't find my ivory one. I think I would have liked this outfit better with the Ivory.

I pulled all the stops for Black Friday. My printed Christmas scarf, with another maternity sweater, and jeggings. For the record, this maternity scarf was actually purchased for maternity purposes. I added the long sleeved shirt, because it was actually chilly the day after Thanksgiving. Also to continue to be transparent on this blog, I bought Christmas Tree earrings at work to complete the outfit. Yeah, I was totally that person on Black Friday.

Another Pinned it, Wore it attempt. On this night I was super sick, super tired, and super over the fact that I had to work until ten at night. Thanks Pinterest for making it easy.

To end November, the family and I got all fancy and went to the Nutcracker. I wasn't super excited about my booties, but I didn't have any other shoes that I could wear for longer than ten minutes. The dress is super old, and is not only my "asshole in a dress" dress, but a dress I blogged about before. Short story: It's from Ann Taylor Loft, originally eighty eight dollars, I paid nineteen ninety nine. I wear it every possible chance I get. Even if that ends with me being an asshole in a dress.

Once upon a time there was a girl named Megan, who had a subscription to InStyle, who idolized Carrie Bradshaw, who once bought a pair of suede, stacked heeled pumps and then had to create an outfit around them. Megan always wore make-up, always remembered to curl her eyelashes, and always wore lipstick. Then she had kids, forgot about things like mascara, traded InStyle for Parents Magazine, and packed all the pretty shoes away. Today you will find her mostly in jeans older than her youngest daughter, or on the days she works, posting Outfits of The Day on Instagram.

My Husband thinks I should wear a bikini

I posted a picture of myself on Instagram last week wearing a maternity tankini top. No I'm not pregnant, there is no big announcement around here. It's just that I have a belly. I've always had one. The battle with my belly has been a life long war I've waged with myself. These days it seems to be getting worse as Mackenzie has taken to talking to it. Telling me that there is a baby in there, and I just keep responding with "Nope, it's just food". Because no matter how hard I try, I think after two kids, three years of being super sick, and almost three years on the Paleo diet, my body has finally settled into itself. I weigh what I weighed before Mackenzie. My hips and thighs are fuller than they have ever been, and my belly, well my belly is pretty much the same one I've been carrying around since high school. 

The funny thing about this whole "body acceptance" journey is that my Husband, the Hubbs, still thinks I should be strutting around in a bikini. He asked me a few weekends ago while I was getting ready to go swim at my mom's house, why I didn't wear a regular bikini. I laughed at him. Like, stopped what I was doing at laughed. Then I lifted up my shirt and said, "Have you seen this lately?", while I grabbed a handful of my middle. "Yeah, so?", was his only reaction. So? So? So I'm not showing off this belly to anyone but you mister! 

But his reaction to my "bikini ready body" got me thinking. This man, my Hubbs, still thinks I have a rocking body. Even after two kids and two attempts at breastfeeding. He still wants me and this body, the stretch marks and flab do not sway his devotion to this body. And though his attempts to grab my boobs while I try to flip pancakes on a Sunday morning annoys me to no end, there is something very sacred about my husband still enjoying this thirty six year old flabby, saggy body. There is something very poetic about him still wanting me as if I was that twenty one year old sorority girl he met almost fifteen years ago. 

Because fifteen years ago I was so worried about the way my belly pooched. I was so worried about my arm flab and my boobs not looking like a super model's. Fifteen years ago I kept my eyes closed because I didn't want to see him looking at my imperfections. I was always so worried about my body and how it looked to him. It's only now I realize he didn't see a single imperfection. And blessedly he still doesn't, if anything I think he appreciates and enjoys it more now than ever.

Last week my best friend told me I should go for it and rock that bikini. Again I laughed. She said "Didn't you read that lady's blog post", and I said yeah I did, but I'm still wearing this. Because I'm not ready for a bikini. I may never be, and I've accepted that. I've accepted that maybe this is what I'm supposed to look like. That this is the size I'm supposed to be. I finally realize that all that really matters is that I like it, and the Hubbs likes it. I may not be comfortable in a bikini but I'm totally comfortable with that.

The Hubbs thinks I should wear a bikini... God Bless him. 

My abs will never be flat {wore}

I worked out this morning. I even went on a run last night. But I'm not here for you to tell me how amazing it is that I work out. Because I don't work out. Not really. Sure I'd love to be healthy, I'd love to wear a bikini at some point this summer, I'd even love to run a marathon one day. But if I can be totally honest with you, I'd just like to wear pants that button with a tank top and not look like a busted can of biscuits.

I will never have flat abs, because I'm lazy. I can finally admit that to myself and my blog. I like to sit in our old recliner and watch re-runs of Grey's Anatomy. I like to sit at our kitchen table and read. I like to check my Instagram feed, then Pinterest, and then Instagram again. I like to sit at my lap top an write the day away. When I think about working out, I think, there are not enough hours in the day.

I know my abs will never be flat because I lack the dedication. For the last three months, since the world started to defrost, I scroll past post after post of virtual friends working out. Showing their results and what they ate that day. I don't hate it, in fact it is inspiring. For about five minutes and then someone else posts something like a banana split and I'm like "Hell yes!". I'm proud of my virtual friends that have made a positive change in their life, and I'm kind of jealous that I lack the same dedication and commitment in my life. But really, I will never have flat abs. And I'll probably always jiggle.

Last week I saw a post of someone I follow on Instagram. She was showing off her amazing washboard stomach. The kind you only see in movies or Victoria Secret catalogs. She included her weight loss story along with it and commented that it took her two years to get her abs in that shape. As I read her post it struck me that I don't want flat abs that bad. I can't even stick to a regimen of running or working out three days a week, how on earth would I try to flatten my abs over a two year period. For one, it sounds like a lot of work, and two, I just ain't got time for that. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, working out doesn't really do it for me. Sure the results are great, but I usually quit before the results are amazing. Aside from trying to live a healthy lifestyle and setting a good example for my girls, I'd rather be writing or blogging. I'd rather be reading or Instagramming. I'd rather be doing anything else, than jumping jacks for Jillian Michaels. 

So while I'm writing and blogging, I'll leave the cardio and flat abs to the dedicated. I'll cheer you on and like your crossfit videos. I'll be jealous of your amazing "Whole 30" dinner, and I'll even pin the recipe so that maybe one day I'll be motivated enough to cook. All I ask in return is that you cheer me on when I do my cardio... 

Get yo self one of these fancy tanks HERE!!

Which is this. Blogging is my cardio.

Thanks to Katy of Handmade Escapade!!

Blogging tank here!

Her amazing shop here!

The asshole in the dress {what do I wear to Elevate?}

With Elevate just three days away, I thought it would be important to share with you the story of how I became know as the "asshole in the dress". In addition to that, I've also come to reference the term "asshole in the dress" when trying to decide what to wear in high pressure situations. 

Almost four years ago, my bestie and I were invited to a Christmas party at the home of another friend in our circle. The idea was that a bunch of us moms were going to get together, dress the part, and relax with desserts and wine. It sounded wonderful and fun, since the only thing I was wearing in those days were yoga pants and sweatshirts (ok so that hasn't really changed). I was so excited, and since I was down to my pre Caitlin weight, I decided on a red dress that I had bought after Caitlin's second Christmas at The Loft. Let's talk about said dress for a moment. It was poinsettia red, with fabric roses around the v-neck of the dress. It was a bias cut so it didn't hug all the wrong places, and it was $19.99. I'm not even joking, down from $98. I had bought it with no place to go, but for $19.99, I mean, I just had to buy it. 

So with a cup of cheer in my heart I wore that shit with abandon. With black opaque tights and ankle boots. Sure it was freezing in Fresno a week before Christmas, but I didn't care, I was wearing a dress. My hair was clean, MY EYEBROWS WERE FILLED. I was on the town, with my bestie. Who, and I should have taken a cue, was wearing nice trouser jeans and a cropped jacket. Very chic, and yet very sensible. All cues were lost on me.

When we got to the party I was the only one dressed up. My BF in her trouser jeans was over dressed, and me, standing in the doorway in a red dress and tights, was the asshole in the dress. I mean the hostess was wearing jeans and slippers. Most of the guests were in sweaters and flats. But oh no, not me, I had to bring it and get all dolled up for a night on the couch. Not only did I freeze my ass off, but I'm forever known as the asshole in the dress.

This is the main reason I've been so obsessed with getting the right outfit for Elevate. Heaven forbid that I'm the "asshole in the dress" with so many of my peers as witness. I've tried on so many things that I don't even know whats good anymore. I can't even tell if what I'm wearing is fashionable or soccer mom. So today I'm gonna lay them all out and let you all decide. Which is kind of a joke, because I probably wear something totally different on Saturday. Anyway cast your vote in the comments and I'll try and make a decision.

Coral and navy maxi. Super comfy and breezy in case its hot like last year. But also maternity and I'm not pregnant. And what if a pregnant blogger wears it and my food baby is bigger than her bump?

 KLR maxi. Super comfy. And super slimming. But hmmm.

I still can't decide if it's enough for Elevate.

Don't get me wrong I love it, but I've kind of decided to wear it to Disney the next day.

Did I say Disney?  Shh. Don't tell the kids!

Shorts and wedges. Not really sure about the wedges. I mean white shoes? But the tank is so flowy and comfy. And this eliminates the "asshole in the dress" debate. PS: this is the most liked look on Instagram.  

This was the worst liked of all my choices when I posted this picture to Instagram yesterday.

Unfortunately, it's actually my favorite.

It's what I'm most comfortable in, and let's be honest, 

this is pretty much the uniform of Absolute Mommy.

But this look with the red skinnies and the chambray top is also a favorite. 

It's also one of my uniforms, and if I add some accessories, it's not a bad look.

I may even add Toms to it, in the event of the weather.
But my weather app, and the actual weather have been at odds.

Can someone please tell me what the weather is going to be like in Newport on Saturday?

So that is pretty much it. I'm still so confused. I feel like Elevate is such a big deal, but then I remember that most of the people there are friends, and they would probably love me if I showed up in yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I won't, but I've thought about it. Actually if I can't decide, I might just wear this:

Only kind of joking...
    Please cast your vote for the outfits in the comments. I don't want to be the "asshole in the dress".

Wore: Whatever it takes

As I type, my darling daughter is telling me how beautiful I am in my pictures. And how beautiful I am every single day. Even when I'm in my pajamas. It's probably the sweetest thing I could hear right now, because I've been feeling a little fluffy. Sure, I wrote a post all about my selfies and liking the person staring at me in the mirror, but we all have our days, including me. And lately those days have turned into the better part of a month because if I'm being totally honest, I'm fluffier than I've been in months. I sent Jillian packing last November. I ate my way through the holidays, and in the future I need to discuss the fact that I have emotionally ate my way through my Against All Grain cookbook. Just because it's grain free, doesn't mean it's Whole 30. Funny thing is, I keep posting pictures, holding myself accountable for choices and beating myself up when I think I look fluffier than usual. I can hide my flaws like a boss, and even when I can't, I slap a smile on my face and try. Swing tanks, slouchy button ups, and maxi dresses can hide a multitude of flaws. Even so, I'm trying to do whatever it takes to wear everything with confidence.

This is me on date day.
Jeans, lace tank, and a cardi.
We had a great time in case you are wondering.

This is me, post work on my way to Girl Scouts.
This maxi was a little tighter than it was last year.
That was kind of a downer, on the plus side, no one could tell.

In this picture I'm going to work in pants that are pre Caitlin.
That's seems like a victory, but a year ago, I was smaller than my pre Caitlin days.
Still, after nine years, pants that still fit my ass are kind of cool.

Let's talk about swing tanks and how they hide my middle.
I've come to the conclusion that I'm an apple shape.
That means no matter how many Jillian ab busters I do I'll always need a swing tank.

Swing tank number two.
I'll admit this one makes me took a little fluffy.
But from the side they didn't look all that bad.
I'm so glad the Hubbs suggested I buy this one.
I really wanted the mint and navy, but he said I never wore these colors,
which are more grey and coral.
Thanks Hubbs for making me step out of my mint fixation.

This is a button down tunic from Old Navy.
It's a little long, but I seriously can't get enough.
If you didn't notice I'm also wearing it with the pre Caitlin pants.
I threw on a cardi and wore it to work.
It was so comfortable.

My olive trousers are getting a work out thanks to Pinterest.
I've been stumped for years with these pants.
Now, I just search olive pants and hello!
Side note: that stripped top is older than Mac!

Chambray shirt take one.
With my black jeggings rolled up and Toms.
This is the shirt that I cut the sleeves off.
Still not sorry about that.

I've had this Loft top since Caitlin was a baby.
I really love it and it's soft as pajamas.
I realize that mustard is usually reserved for fall, 
but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.
Translation: shop my closet!

I'm kind of in love with all of these colors.
Dark jeans, navy striped tank, layered with a maroon tank, mustard cardi.
My hair is dirty, I'm not wearing make up and we were an hour late to a birthday party.
A party that was being held directly next door.
Only I can do something that ridiculous.
Second side note: When I tried on this tank top, Caitlin said she liked it because it was 
"boaty, you know shippy". 
I said do you mean "nautical" and she said "yeah, nautical". 
Important lessons when you are six going on seven, am I right?

Chambray take two:
My new favorite shirt, from Old Navy, bought three weeks ago.
Run, people, grab this shirt.
It's cotton, it's roomy, and it looks good dressy or casual.
Also I can't get enough of this look as a whole.
Can I just make this my work uniform?
And my high pony knocked me out, I mean who doesn't love to whip a high pony?


So whatever it takes friends. Rock those swing tanks, Bermuda shorts if you hate your thighs, three quarter length sleeves if your arms bug you. Rock them. Smile, throw on the outfit that makes you feel your best and snap a picture. Find your way back to you by doing whatever it takes. 

Working Girl {March 2014}

Sometimes the easiest part of going to work is getting dressed. I'll admit some days I stare into my closest for a full twenty minutes before I know what I'm going to wear. Still deciding on what to put on is almost always easier than making sure child care is in order, that I have lunches packed (mine included), and instructions left in my absence. That's why I continue to post outfits of the day, and what I'm wearing. Because sometimes the most fun I have all day is getting all dressed up and having some place to actually go. I'm sure the novelty of it all will wear off eventually, but for now, I'm keeping up with it. I don't always post what I'm wearing, especially if it's a repeat, but posting helps me keep it fresh, inspires new ideas, and always confirms that sometimes what I see in the mirror isn't as bad I think. We all have those days, where we feel fuller than others, or maybe where we aren't as confident in our clothes as the day before. Posting to Instagram helps, and in the most self centered way possible. Because the likes and the comments always make me feel a lot better about that person staring back at me in the mirror.

This was most likely the last day I wore skinnies tucked into boots for the year.

It's warmer here now, even with the rain.

I still really like this outfit and can't wait to bring it out in full rotation next fall.

Date night at the Fresno State Basketball Game.

The Hubbs thinks I wear way too many layers.

I think it's just enough.

This is my St. Patrick's Day outfit.

I have to admit I had totally forgotten that this Piko Top was an option.

I usually reserve the Piko for work.

Looking at this and wearing it all day, I'm convinced I need one in every color.

It was like wearing PJs all day.

Plus how awesome does it look half tucked?

I found this royal blue top in the back of my closet, on the side

I have reserved for all of the fancy clothes I used to wear.

What was I waiting for?

It was perfect with a layering tank and a black cardi.

I remember this was a Sunday shift and I wanted to be as comfy as possible.

Pedal pushers and ponytails can only mean one thing.

You are going to look like Gidget all day.

This is one of my most favorite things to wear.

It's an old blouse I bought at H&M before I was married.

So like nine years ago.

I saw a mom at preschool drop off in a similar ensemble and I thought:

You must copy that gal, I mean, really.

So I did, unbeknownst to her.

I think this will be perfect for a trip to the coast.

If I ever make it to the coast!

Caroline G shop necklace.

Kiki La Rue cardi.

Basics never had it so good!

I cannot get enough of half tucked shirts.

This one is a tank top.

This was my outfit while the Hubbs and I took a day to ourselves.

It was just enough to look put together, 

and not enough to make the Hubbs uncomfortable.

You gals know what I mean...

I love me some pinned it/wore it.

This attempt was made easier by the fact that I had all this in my closet.

When in doubt, Pin.

Trying to mix it up, on what I think was a Friday night.

All pieces previously worn with other things.

Together they make for a no brainer.

I love this mint boyfriend cardi that I got for NINE DOLLARS at Target.

The floral print shirt is also from Target.

These are in regular rotation as we speak.

Because they just scream spring.

I'm like a walking Easter egg.

Old jeans and old flip flops made new again by this new top.

It's hard to see in the picture, but it looks like a water color painting.

Mints, pinks, and baby blues.

Swoon.

Also I'm laughing because the Hubbs is trying to flip off the camera.

Awesome.

A birthday selfie to show off my new bag.

I sent a picture via text to the Hubbs about this bag three weeks ago.

Not only did he buy it, but instead of buying it online, he went to the mall.

He hates the mall.

Best. Birthday. Gift.

Tried out this new cotton button down from Old Navy two ways.

I'm loving the way it looks tucked in.

Plus, I'm for anything that makes my Bermuda granny shorts look fresh.

Now to go back and buy one in every color.

Getting ready for work, with my photo bomber in the background.

The Hubbs thinks I'm off my rocker ridiculous taking all of these #ootd pics.

I told him that inquiring minds want to know.

He told me you all are just being nice.

Whatever.

Three things:

1- I haven't found a use for this purple shirt until now.

2- I got my hair done on this day and am in love with how it looks in this picture.

3- I have my shirt tucked into the pocket of my pants. It's the only way it looked good.

When your mom calls and says to meet her for pedicures, her treat, you run.

But first you shave your legs for the first time this spring (kind of joking),

put on some shorts (that still fit from last summer, yeah!),

and you wear your new hooded zip up shirt that your husband bought you 

because it's Fresno State and was on sale.

What happens when you put zero thought into what you are going to wear to work

a Friday night closing shift?

You pull out this sweater you forgot about.

Paired with these comfy trousers, a layering tank, and my Looluh Rue necklace.

It was a win/win.

Also what do you all think about my half up half down hair do?

I'm kinda on the fence about it.

I ended the month in this.

Comfort and ease.

And yes, that is a ruffled shirt, which I call my Seinfeld puffy shirt.

I cut the sleeves off this shirt too.

I know, I know, but I love it so much more 

without the sleeves catching in the arms of my cardi.

So that is it from this reformed Stay at Home Mom, now part time Working Girl. Any suggestions? What do you think? How did I do?