Thoughts on Thursday {3-15-2018}

Yay, you decided to stop by again! Welcome back for another round of 'Thoughts on Thursday' where I share little bits of random thoughts that pop in my head throughout the week. New to this series? That's ok! Check out last weeks 'Thoughts on Thursday' post here. 

Let's dive in, shall we?

1. St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner so I couldn't resist getting this cookie for my 2.5-year-old. Confession: Hubby and I ate half of it! Oops!

2. Target had some cute St. Patrick's Day clothing options that I couldn't resist! 

These are so cute {and comfy}

Hubby actually agreed to wear this! 

3. Enough with the snow already! It's beautiful and I love it for about 4 months. Now, I'm over it. I'm sure there are others who are with me! 

4. YES, we have a trampoline in our dining room. Life with toddlers. :-)

{BTW..that's the Ergobaby carrier and I love it!} 

5. If you could back to college to be anything you wanted what would it be? I had coffee with my sister and cousin this past weekend and the topic of going back to college as 30-40 something adults came up. All three of us were able to rattle off a number of careers we would pursue if given another chance. Interesting. 

6. How many devices are too many?!? Computer, cell phone, multiple Ipads and now I want a Kindle. Is that ridiculous? 

7. I'm probably behind the 8 ball on this one, but I recently heard that Chip and Joanna Gaines will not be filming another series of Fixer Upper. So bummed! 

8. I'm excited to see Jesus Christ Superstar with John Legend and Sara Bereillis. You know where I'll be on Easter Sunday! 

9. This is definitely my toddler at either grandparents' house because of course mommy and daddy wouldn't have a chocolate bar that big! ;-) (unless it had peanut butter in it and then I would be the one in this image! LOL)  

10. Sticker chart or not? Recently I have been thinking about using some sort of external, positive reward system to help my toddler get ready in the morning. Our morning routine takes forever and I'm thinking maybe this would speed the process up. Or not. I am well aware that toddlers have one speed and only one speed: slow when you need them to hurry and top speed when they want something! 

That's all for today! Please share your own random thoughts in the comments below! 

Happy Matching! 

Marcie 

Latest Confession: What's In My Bag Wednesday

Ok, so let me start off by telling you that I love alliterations! Like, seriously, love love love alliterations. Maybe it's the Speech-Language Pathologist in me. Who knows!?!

If I had more time I would come up with a different blog post series for each day of the week and the title would, of course, be an alliteration! Some ideas that are swirling around in my head are MatchiN' it Mondays; Trendy Tuesday; Sale Saturday, etc. I already have Thoughts on Thursday and now I am adding What's In My Bag Wednesday. So excited for this!

So, let me give you a little background on why I came up with the series What's In My Bag Wednesday.  Do you ever find yourself browsing your favorite websites and adding items to your shopping bag, but never purchasing them? Or, purchasing them at a later date?!? If this is you then we NEED to be friends! I am forever surfing my favorite online retailers, adding multiple items to my virtual shopping bag, and never hitting purchase. Why not? Well, for a few reasons. The first one being that I do not have an unlimited budget for clothing. Bummer! The second, I tend to be a bit indecisive. It's best for me to take at least 24 hours to "think" obsess about an item before purchasing. If I'm still obsessing thinking about that item then it probably means I should click purchase!

Well, now I get to share the items that are in my virtual shopping bag on What's In My Bag Wednesdays, and you can help me decide if I should purchase them or save my pennies! Maybe you'll decide you like some of the items, too! Better yet, maybe you'll have suggestions for me!

Let's get to it!

I have been on the hunt for a backpack diaper bag for the past year or so now and still haven't purchased one. I love this one by skip hop, but am not sure if I like it in the caramel or black. I want it to match my outfits, which is crazy, I know, but that's the matchinista in me! Just recently I found this adorable gray stripe one and I love it, too! It would be cute for summer...is it too small to carry stuff for two kids? Do I buy all three?!? #crazymatchinista

Skip Hop Greenwich Bag in Caramel

Skip Hop Greenwich Bag in Black

Skip Hop Riverside Bag


I had an extremely difficult time narrowing down the beauty and fashion items that I wanted to share with you because seriously, my bag is full of goodies at many of my favorite online retailers! But, I was able to narrow it down to these 9 items.

/1/ Suede Bucket Bag - I have been on the hunt for a black cross body bag that will fit all of the items I need in it, but that's not too big. I keep coming back to this one, but haven't purchased it yet because I'm just not so sure I like the circular handle. Will I get sick of it? Is it too dressy for my casual style? I think I need 2 different ones...one that's super casual and this one. See, this is the indecisive me! I could just stick with my tried and true, all time favorite small transport tote from Madewell, but that would be too easy, right!?!
/2/ Anastasia Brow Gel - I have been out of brow gel for a while now, but have yet to purchase more. I used to use a brow gel by Mary Kay, but my MK consultant is no longer in business. So, now my eyebrows are always wacky looking! LOL! I need to just order this already!!! Has anyone tried this particular one? If you have, did you purchase the clear or a color? Please share suggestions if you have them!
/3/ V-Neck Lace Dress - I LOVE the color of this dress. I have a bridal shower to go to this Spring and this would be so cute to wear! Why haven't I purchased it yet?...What if I find something different/that I like better in the meantime?!? I have 2 whole months before the shower! #indecisive #decisionmakingisnotmything
/4/ Pom Pom Sweatshirt - I love how this looks on the model, but I'm not sure if it will be too boxy for me or not. Also, I'm going back to work at the end of the month and really need to shop for business casual clothing instead of sweats and comfy things...this does not fit the business casual attire that I am looking for! Naturally I'm drawn to items like this, though, because who doesn't want to be comfy?!?
/5/ Pom Pom Canvas Mules - I really really really need these! I also really really really need the ones listed next! Which ones do I choose???? Do I get both? :-) Because you know my philosophy on multiples: If one is good, two is better, and three is fabulous! There's that business casual work thing again, though, and these do not fit the "necessary for work" criteria. #bummer
/6/ Tassel Mules- There's tassels, need I say more?!?
/7/ Cherry Earrings - I just think these are fun and adorable. Probably a little quirky, but that's my style! Anyone else?
/8/ Steamer - I NEED this. It gets pretty good reviews and I think I would get a lot of use out of it. However, what if I don't? #indecisive The last thing I want is another gadget cluttering up my house. If you own a steamer like this one, do you use it? Please share your thoughts!
/9/ Multistripe Cora crisscross sandals - These are full of color, which I love! Paired with a cute pair of jeans and a tee in any color in the sandals and you have the perfect matchy-matchy outfit!

What's in your bag this Wednesday? Are you a chronic 'add-to-shopping-bag-without-purchasing' person like me?

Happy Matching!
Marcie

Postpartum Jean Shopping Part II

Ugh, jean shopping. Love it or hate it?

I'm in the "hate it" category, simply because I'm sorta picky, which makes shopping for jeans a lengthy process!

A few weeks ago I shared my first shopping experience since having my second baby boy. I'm happy to report it was a huge success! I found these jeans that I am in love with and that have been a staple in my weekly wardrobe since then. Missed the post? Check it out here.

This past week I ventured out to the mall again, in search of another pair of jeans. I decided to check out Abercrombie {I felt super duper old walking into the store, but I put my head down, grabbed the jeans I wanted to try, headed to the fitting room and got to work!} because I have heard other bloggers raving about their jeans now for the past few months. I figured, why not give them a try?!?

Before we dive into the try-on, let's chat a little bit about what makes the 'perfect' jean in my book.

MatchiN'ista's Guide to Finding the Perfect Jean

1. PRICE - Doesn't break the bank - this is a biggie for me. Although I would love to spend a few hundred dollars on a pair of premium denim, I just cannot. Not in this season of my life. If I can get a pair of denim that I like for under $100 then I'm satisfied. If they're under $50 then you know I'm buying multiple pairs!

2. COMFORT - Comfy, comfy, comfy - Enough said, right?!? For me, this comes down to the material. I like a small amount of stretchy material {think jegging}for softness {and for days when I eat a little extra}, but prefer the majority to be cotton

3. RISE - Mid to high-rise - Gone are the days of low-riders for me! The perfect rise for me is when the top of the jean hits right below my belly button. This way my mama's belly is hidden, but I don't look like Steve Urkel {please tell me you remember him?!? :-)}

4. LEG SHAPE - Skinny or straight leg, please - So, I know the flare leg is increasing in popularity but I am not jumping on that trend yet. It's just not a flattering look on my short legs.

5. WASH - Dark wash - I prefer a darker wash as opposed to a light wash. My thighs are a bit larger than I would like them to be and a darker wash tends to slim them out.

6. DETAILS - Semi-distressed -  I like the casual, fun, look of distressed jeans, but I don't want to look like I might as well have just worn shorts. The distressed spots must fall in the correct spot on my leg. For example, if the tears are supposed to be on the knee, then that's where I want them to fall! This one can get tricky! Sometimes petite options or even trying a different pair of the same size fixes this problem.

7. BUM VIEW - Looks good in the rear - Ok, so I have a pancake bum. Any pair of denim that gives it a little lift is perfect in my book!

8. POCKETS - I like front and rear pockets. The best fit, in my opinion, is when the rear pocket sits right in the middle of the cheek. A pocket that's too small can make the bum look bigger and a pocket that's too big can make the bum look flat...again, totally my opinion!

9. LENGTH - Right at the ankle bone for me. I can cuff them when I wear booties or leave them as is when I wear flats.


Ready to shop?!?

I selected a few different styles to try and I was pleased with 2 out of the 3 that I chose.

I was absolutely shocked when I tried the High-Rise Super Skinny Jean on and discovered how comfortable they were. Super soft; the right amount of stretch, and a great wash! They hit my ankle in just the right place, too!

I loved the high rise fit because it covered my mama belly! 

Next up was the High-Rise Ankle Simone jean in Dark Wash. I like the medium wash, too, but they didn't have it to try in my size. I think the distressing hits me right where it should: at the knees. The ankle length is just right.   

The pockets fell in the right place and gave my bum a little boost! 

This next pair, the High Rise Super Skinny Simone jean in Dark Wash, was my least favorite. There were too many rips and tears for my comfort level. I did not like where they hit my ankles, as they seemed a tad short. I did, however, love how comfortable they were. The material was soft and there was the right amount of stretch.

.
Overall, I can say that I was pleased with the selection of jeans that Abercrombie had available. I did not try on any of the low rise options because I just knew they would not be the right jean for me.

Size tip: I took a size 27 in the regular length (I'm 5'4'' and about 125lbs.) which is equivalent to a size 4. This is TTS for me. 

Thoughts on Thursday {3-8-2018}

February flew by and now we're into March and I can't believe it! Hopefully, it means we'll be seeing Spring weather soon here in the NorthEast. As much as I LOVE snow it means we're limited to indoor activities, which can make everyone a little stir crazy. Especially my 2.5-year-old!  😊

I'm back today with the usual Thoughts on Thursday post where I share a little bit about the random thoughts I've had throughout the week. My mind is always racing thinking and getting all of those thoughts out on paper {hypothetically speaking} is the best way for me to make room for new ones! I won't be sharing anything too earth-shattering or even enlightening, just a little of this and that.

I hope you join me in sharing a bit of your own randomness in the comments below.

1. I am really hoping the portable bottle warmer I purchased earlier this week is a game changer for us. I am exclusively pumping milk for my 3-month-old due to latch issues {more on that another day}, so anytime we go anywhere we bring a bottle with cold milk as a back-up. If we know we're going somewhere we time it around a feeding and leave immediately after he's finished, but that doesn't always work. Sometimes he gets hungry in the car if we've been out for too long. So, enter the solution: a travel bottle warmer.

2. I finally purchased a beauty blender sponge. Pretty sure I'm the last person on earth to purchase one, but the foundation brush I had been using worked perfectly fine so I saw no rush to switch. I'm not sure if I notice a difference in my makeup application or not. The jury is still out on this one...

3. Why is it more appealing to complete weekly "intentions" as opposed to weekly "goals?" Hubby and I started jotting down our intentions for the week and somehow they don't seem so stressful/daunting when I refer to them as intentions. In case you are wondering we set intentions for these different areas of our life: Health/Wellness, personal, household, and family.

I need daily reminders of this!

4. Go Kansas Jayhawks! We are avid fans in this household. March Madness is always a fun time around here!

5. To move or not to move? That is the question we are thinking about right now as we approach house selling/buying "season." Our house is a bit on the small side, with a less than stellar layout. We can either re-do the basement and possibly put on an addition, or move. Such a difficult decision!

6. Dairy Queen is open around these parts! Not sure if you have one near you or not, but they make the BEST oreo cookie blizzard ever!

7. I'm anxious to start my spring cleaning. Anyone else?

I found these Spring cleaning guides on Pinterest to help me.

I love the simplicity of this checklist I found on inspirationformoms.porch.com. The tasks are easy to accomplish, too, and the list is comprehensive, but not unrealistic. 

checklist

I also like this 28-day challenge from Simple Green. Some of the items listed I already do on a weekly basis, but overall the tasks listed are a great start to a freshly cleaned house! 

This next checklist is from simplystacie.net and it is extremely comprehensive! I love that it is printable. 

checklist

8. Cleaning out the microwave is such a pain, but I discovered a new trick! Use a paper towel and wipe down the inside after steaming veggies! My usual way to clean it is by microwaving a bowl of water for about 5 minutes to loosen up all of the residues, then wiping it down with a cloth or paper towel. My new solution kills two birds with one stone: veggies for dinner. CHECK! clean microwave. CHECK!

9. Baby gear has taken over every inch of our house. Seriously!

10. Peep Oreos? I am curious to try these. Anyone else?!?

That's all for now!

Happy Matching!

Marcie

Confession: I Can't Resist a New Coat!

I'm, always on the look-out for a new coat/jacket. Not because I need one, but because I believe that if you have a coat closet in your home then you MUST fill it! See my last confession of my obsession passion about coats here.

Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means when you click on a link I earn a small commission that is used to keep my blog up and running. Please know that I truly appreciate your support and I only recommend and share items that I love. 

Even though Winter is on its way out the door, there is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a few end-of-season coats! In fact, why not stock-up?!? Which is exactly what I did on a recent trip to the mall with my hubby. Who, by the way, had no idea what he was in for when I told him I just wanted to check out a few coats. ;-)

I'm a huge fan of The North Face and Patagonia. Living in upstate New York requires warm outerwear for winter and both of these brands do the trick without breaking the bank.

Nanopuff Patagonia 

 When I spotted this white Patagonia I immediately fell in love. It's lightweight and perfect for casual day to day wear. The mom of children with sticky fingers in me second-guessed the decision to purchase this in the white option, but I ended up buying it anyway because it's machine washable. 

I came across this Patagonia vest that seems to be popping up all over in the blogging world. I must say it is super cute! Ultimately I did not end up purchasing it because I'm not sure if it will still be in style next year or not. 

vest//similar hat//C9leggings {dark grey} 

I am looking forward to wearing this jacket as we transition from Winter to Spring! It's the perfect outer layer to wear over a simple tee with jeans and my favorite New Balance sneakers. 

Patagonia jacket similar here //simlar hat//C9 leggings {dark grey}

Northface zip-up similar here and here//hat {old}//C9 leggings//Sperry Powder Valley Snow Boot

This zip-up was a close contender, but I wasn't crazy about the ribbed material in the arms. I loved the two-tone color, though! Another great option for transitioning from Winter to Spring. 

Northface Osito Fleece//C9 leggings//Sperry Powder Valley Snow Boot

This fleece was very warm and the softest material ever. I was not crazy about the fit, though, so that was another one I left behind. The color is beautiful and it would be perfect for warmer winter days. 

What coats, jackets, or vests have you had your eye on this Winter? Is it still snowing in your neck of the woods? Do share! 

Happy Matching! 

Marcie 

Current Confessions: Camo Inspiration

Hey there! I'm back today to share my new favorite print: Camouflage! I confessed my passion obsession with funky, colorful, quirky prints to you a while back and I thought I should add another one to my list of favorites.

Check out my last post on Plaid, Polka Dots, and Prints Galore to see the other prints that I adore!

I purchased the most adorable and comfortable twill camouflage jacket from LOFT this Fall and I am in love! To me, camo print is fun, edgy, trendy-but-classic (not sure if that makes sense but it does in my mind), versatile, sporty, and neutral. I love the varying shades of the traditional camo green. Camo can be worn with warmer tones in the Fall and lighter shades (I love it with blush pink) in the Spring. Such a versatile pattern!

similar jacket//tee//similar jeans//sneakers

I don't know about you, but I have been living in comfy tees and sneakers for the past few weeks, and my camo jacket is the perfect piece to top off my outfits with! Warmth + style = perfect match!

Sadly, my exact camo jacket is no longer available, but I found a few that are pretty darn close.

Camo Twill Jacket 

This one is almost an exact replica of mine. It has the adjustable drawstring at the waist, which is a nice fit. 

Camo Twill Jacket {It's 60% off right now!}

This one is cute, too. Based on the fit description I think it is a little boxier fit and seems a bit shorter than mine. It's almost like a new version of a jean jacket! 

I just ordered these overalls and cannot wait until they arrive!! They will look cute with a plain tee and my favorite sneakers!

...And this outfit speaks my love language! 

ONE//Jeans: LOVE these! 

TWO//Camo Scarf: outfit inspiration! I love how it combines a few different colors

THREE//Tee: The color is evening sand, but it has a blush hue to it.  

FOUR//Loafers: I tried these on in store in a beautiful blush color and could kick myself for not purchasing them! They only have the nude color online, which is still a great option. 

FIVE// Twill jacket: Such a great staple item. I love the drawstring cinch waist. 

SIX//Belt: Great neutral addition to any wardrobe. 

And I can't resist sharing a closer look at my new tee. It's from Target {high five}and it's super duper soft! It's only 12.99, which is a major steal!

Sometimes it's fun to be silly! :-)

Happy Matching!
Marcie

Thoughts on Thursday {2-22-18}

It's Thursday, yahoo! My hubby has been home pretty much all week because the school he works at is on mid-winter break. Life has been more chaotic #rambunctuousboys in some ways, but a lot less stressful in others since I have an extra set of hands to help with the kids. I hope you've had a good week so far! 

I'm back this week with the usual Thoughts on Thursday where I share a little bit of randomness with all of you, and I encourage you to do the same in the comments below! 

1. I am LOVING watching the Winter Olympics! How about you? If I could compete in any of the sports it would have to be speed skating. I think it would be so much fun! What would be your sport of choice? 

2. I have no idea how I'm going to get both kids out of the house when I return to work. I did a trial run yesterday and it took us 90 minutes...yes, 90 minutes from the time the kids woke up to us getting in the car. Soooo much happened in between....spilled cereal, potty training fail, toy drama, spit-up city, multiple outfit changes, etc...you name it, it happened! 

3. I'm still on a clothing purge and trying very hard to remember these simple rules! 

4. I forgot how awesome playdoh is until I introduced it to Mason this week!  

5. I am in a scarf rut. Yes, it's true. I have been checking all of my favorite brands daily for a scarf that tickles my fancy and have yet to really fall in love with any! I am in need of a few new ones that will transition nicely into Spring. In case you missed my scarf confessions you can check them out here and here. 

That's all for now! Hope to hear all of your random ramblings in the comments below!

Happy Matching! 

Marcie