WIWW 47

Last week of August is always the last week of summer in my mind. I'm not quite sure why I feel that way. It must be the Midwestern buried down deep in me :) There are no signs of fall in this part of the world. Sadly, there never is. I'll try not to be too sentimental over my seasons this week.

Here are my What I Wore outfits of the week.

Suit- Express

Top- Banana Republic

I know the girls (staff) at work always wonder what's on the schedule when I come in business attire. It's called a big laundry pile at home! No one ever touches it. But I let them think it's an important meeting ;) This is my "interview" suit. I bought it a few years back for my very first (and second) interview after finishing my schooling. The red top is new-to-me from Thred Up. If you haven't checked out this website, you need to head over. If you are a first time buyer, then be sure to find a coupon code for 40% off. Killer deals!

Scarf- Stitchfix

Dress- Ann Taylor Loft (ATL)

Boots- Corso Como

This dress is an oldie but goodie. Here is 1 and 2 ways I've styled this baby.

Top- Stitchfix

Jeans- Old Navy

Shoes- ATL

I'm loving my new Stitchfix top. It's just so different than anything in my closet. Plus it's lightweight and perfect for work in warm weather.

Speaking of work, there are three more days left before the holiday weekend. You know how deployments go... We count down by holidays. Mostly because those are the family times and it's pretty obvious your family isn't all together. But this is the last holiday before he comes back so it's down hill now. At least I keep telling myself that!

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Biking Coronado Island

 Sometimes you need to drop everything and enjoy life. That is what we decided to do this weekend. I'm so fortunate that we live so close to San Diego. It really is one of my favorite places to spend time. The kids and I have always wanted to rent a surrey to ride along the beach. I thought it was about time to check that off our list. I'm proud to say we pedaled that beast around the perimeter of Coronado Island. It wasn't easy. It took us 2 hours. But I know we will never go to Coronado again without thinking of this day. That is all that matters.

Coronado Island view from the bridge

He had to know that was going to happen, right?

San Diego skyline in the background.

Teaching Kyli the Rule of Three in photography. She rocked it!

We made it past the Hotel Del without pictures. I mean really if you've seen it once then you've seen in a million times. Pshh! Who wants to see that architectural masterpiece anyways? Oh but that sign! Never pass up the opportunity for a pic of the sign! *sad face*

In my opinion, Coronado's best feature is the neighborhood. The houses are so quaint and unique. I'm not sure if you can tell in this picture but the roof is not flat. It has a wave to it. It like a storybook cottage.  I want to live here! 

ShopKick Therapy

It was inevitable Friday night would be a Shopkick kind of night. After the week I had I really wanted to flatline in Target for an hour. My happy place. My husband texted from his faraway location "Are you home?" And I thought 'Yes yes I am. My second home. Where everything is neatly in its place and color coordinated in every nook and cranny'. I wish my home looked like Target.

Have you heard of Shopkick? It's an app you can use to earn gift cards by scanning items in stores. Sometimes, all you need to do is walk into a store to earn points for gift cards. To give you an idea of how fast things add up, I have been using Shopkick for 4 months and I've earned $55 in gift cards. Not too shabby!

After our Target Shopkick spree, we headed to Kohls to spend my $30 of free money. A bonus from our Back To School shopping. I was hoping to finally check those gray Converse off my Must Have list.  But my big boats were not having it. No Converse for this girl. My feet are a little too large ;) So I settled for a new cutting board and measuring cups. Both  items in dire need of replacing.

Oh and I have to share my big win from Airing My Dirty Laundry. A bug exploration kit. My kiddos at work will be so excited. We will definitely have a nature walk soon with our new goodies. Thanks Orkin!

Now I've got the whole weekend ahead of me. My goal is relaxation!

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Sunny

A litte over a week ago we brought another little dog home with us. Sunny was our second foster and we couldn't wait to start working with her. She was such a ball of energy at the shelter. Just the happiest little thing. Charlie seemed to approve so we decided to take her home.

It didn't take long for us to realize something wasn't quite right with her. She ended up being a pretty sick pup. Given our family situation right now, I made the executive decision to bring her back to the shelter last night. The kids understand so no tears were shed. I feel the vet/vet techs are more capable of nursing her back to health than we are. I think it was best. On one hand, I feel like we gave up too easily or should have given it a couple more days. On the other, I know my limitations and I don't feel confident enough to judge how well or not well she was doing. Our foster coordinator is taking her under her wing to make sure Sunny gets better. I hope things work out for her. She is such a sweet dog.  We have decided to take a break from fostering. This particular situation was a little taxing. I think we will do much better once the hubby returns and our schedule calms down a little.

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Stitchfix August 2014

After a summer hiatus, I am back to my Stitchfix deliveries. This is my 4th Stitchfix. I am learning more and more with each new Fix. I was one of the unlucky few who wasn't quite WOW'd from the first shipment. Despite the slow start, I stuck with it. I really wanted the service to work for me. I tried again with Stitchfix #2 and seemed to have worse luck. Disappointment with a capital D. With the advice of a Stitchfix rep, I changed the way I communicated my style and dislikes to all future stylists. Those changes made a positive impact. My July 2014 Stitchfix was near perfection. This week my August 2014 Stitchfix arrival has me equally pleased.

Here is what my stylist, Bianca, sent along to brighten my day :)

Renee C Ventura Chevron Print Keyhole Detail Tank  {Keep}

Margaret M Kayla Skinny Jean  {Keep}

Street Level Parvin Reversible Hang Tag Detail Tote   {Return}

Eclair Rye Abstract Print Solid Trim Blouse {Keep}

Mystree Kathie Colorblocked Fit & Flare Dress  {Return}

By far the worse clothing item I've received from Stitchfix. Even worse than the green camp shirt from StitchFix #2. The dress fabric is very thin and looks low quality. I dislike it for so many reasons :(

A tad disappointed my stylist would send me something so short. I work with children in an active setting which makes it impossible for me to wear anything above knee length. And since I use Stitchfix to build my work wardrobe, I'm sad to see that information was overlooked. I feel like I lost out on another item that could have worked :(

The good outweighed the bad this time around. I scheduled my October Fix. I'm revamping my Stitchfix Pinterest board and crossing my fingers for the elusive 5 out of 5 Stitchfix box :) 

Just in case you are interested in trying out Stitchfix, here is a referral code to get you started!

http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3404545

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Back To School 2014

We made it through our first week of school. The week I was dreading most during this entire deployment is over. I wouldn't have made it through without the help of friends. Thank you!

The kids are all happy and healthy and full of energy! Lucky me ;) They love their teachers (so far). We crossed new shoes, school supplies, and haircuts off the back to school prep list. And everyone went back with something new to wear. We are off to a good start!

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WIWW 46

Back to School equals back to work. Goodbye comfy clothes, pj bottoms, and yoga pants. 

You will be sorely missed.

Wednesday starts 42 weeks of employed bliss. Early mornings, straightening irons, and fashionable ensembles. I hope I haven't forgotten how to do all those things ;)

Best wishes to all those kiddos out there--for great teachers and little homework!

Top- Ann Taylor Loft

Pants- Old Navy 

Top- Old Navy

Pants- Old Navy

Top- Banana Republic (from Thred Up)

Pants- Old Navy

Top- Under Skies (from my June 2014 Stitchfix)

Pants- Banana Republic

Just a few styles that got me through the week. 

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Disney Day

There is no denying we love Disney. And it is a must we get our yearly Disney fix. Lucky for us, Disneyland offers a special ticket for military each year. For the price of one day we get three days. That means we get Disney times three every single year. Two days down for 2014, one more to go. 

I don't want to overload you all with Disney pictures. If you've seen one, then you've seen them all. But I have someone in another hemisphere who would like to see what his family is up to. I've been nice and picked my five favorites. Bear with me non-Disney lovers. I promise to make this quick.

We started with California Adventure because my app said it was least busy. They were right. Look at that "crowd" behind the kids. When does that happen in July? This is the boardwalk at California Adventure.

  

We finally rode Dumbo. One of my personal favorites, next to It's A Small World. The kids aren't big fans...they are too big for those rides. They want roller coasters. But I think I may have converted them with Dumbo.

I think I love that I got the howling bear/wolf in the background more than anything. The kids love Carsland. And the Mater ride is crazy! That thing whips you around worse than the Matterhorn.

We took advantage of air conditioned shows yesterday. Have you been to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln? I can't remember ever going even as a kid. I asked the kids to show me what they thought of the show. I would say...not a hit :) But they like the air conditioning!

We enjoyed some Mickey themed treats yesterday. My daughter thought it super important to take a picture. If nothing else, then you are probably craving ice cream now!

What would be the chances of taking a selfie and capturing the cars racing behind you? And what are the chances one would be Lightening McQueen?  And what would be the chances you daughter would tell you 'It must be deleted' because she has a goofy smile? *Please don't tell her I posted it!*

Ok I lied there are six. Please forgive?

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