Carter, New Dress, Red Lipstick

So Carter is still at it with his difficult questions. New today was "why do we have bones in our hands?" For that question I was able to whip up an answer, but for some questions he throws out--totally unprepared. 

He's also throwing me off with new words he's using. This stage of 3, almost 4 is so crazy. He's changing right before my very eyes and I don't even know what to do about it. It's like he's 3 going on 30.

The other day we were playing a Paw Patrol board game. You have to have a little cardboard cutout of each of six different pup packs to win. You get the packs by landing on them with the spinner. So my sister spins and gets the same pup pack twice. 

Carter: "It's okay, Auntie. Sometimes you get a duplicate." Duplicate?! What? 

Me: "Carter, that was a really good word to use." 

Carter: "How do I know these things?"

This dress was sent to me from eShakti. I chose it because I LOVE the top! I also thought it was fun that it was short sleeved. And yes, I'm standing outside with short sleeves and snow on the ground. I've had a hard time taking photos of this dress because even though we're inching toward spring, there are still limited hours of good daylight! So anyway, bare arms in about 20 degrees happened. And it wasn't that fun.

P.S. The belt is separate and I borrowed it from my sister. That's what sisters are for, aren't they?


If you're in need of anything from a sun dress to a bridesmaid dress, grab 10% off  with code NTYRVERGEB. Code is good until 4/3/15.

Since I had to get all dressed up today, I thought a good makeup sesh was in order. It's always fun to take the time to put more than a little bronzer and mascara on (my daily routine). 

In case you're interested:

Brows: Anastasia dip brow in blonde
Lashes are Ardell Demi 120
Lips: Combo of MAC Cherry Red lip pencil and Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in 69

Let Them Be Free {human trafficking}

This week, I'm partnering with Not for Sale + Sevenly to rescue children at risk of being trafficked.

I heard about Not for Sale for the first time in college. The president of Not for Sale spoke at commencement at my school the year before I graduated. I remember first really understanding what human trafficking was when I was in college. It was something that really grabbed my attention. Previously, I had been one of those people living in my own little bubble, forgetting these horrors exist. Thinking they only happen in far-off countries with corrupt governments, and nobody to advocate for the trafficked. But they don't. Human trafficking occurs here, in the U.S. In your city. And these people in far-off countries, they are often more vulnerable than those trafficked in the U.S. because of dire economic circumstances.

30 million people are currently enslaved around the world. Modern-day slavery is currently growing. While most people are aware of sex trafficking, slave labor and debt bondage are also types of modern-day slavery. Human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world (tied with arms dealing and only preceded by drug dealing). {Source}

Check out the US Dept of Health and Human Services fact sheet if you're interested in more information.

find this shirt and similar styles here

So what can you do about it?

• Take a look at the t-shirts for sale at Sevenly. Purchases this week will go to support Not For Sale and the work they're doing to fight modern-day slavery. 
• Download the app Free2Work (it's available for both iPhone and Android). This app allows you to scan barcodes of clothing so that you can be aware of the origin of the products and materials used by manufacturers. It will help you figure out which manufacturers are committed to addressing human trafficking. 
• Buy fair trade. Yes, it's a little more expensive, but is the cost of unsafe work conditions and meager pay worth the few dollars you'll save by purchasing a cheaper, less ethical brand? 

Not For Sale works to fight modern-day slavery. They provide direct services to victims of human trafficking and people vulnerable to exploitation, and attack the root causes through education, skill development and job creation.

On Gendercide in China {and something you can do about it}

Today I'm teaming up with Sevenly and the charity All Girls Allowed to talk about Gendercide in China.

Up until this point, I knew gendercide was widespread in China, but when I heard the following statistic: 1.1 million girls are lost every year due to sex-selective abortion, abandonment, or infanticide it really stuck with me. It is one of those topics that was in the back of my mind, lingering, I need to do something about this. But I didn't really know where to start.

Sevenly contacted me not long ago to ask if I'd like to participate in this campaign and I'm so glad they did.

Parents go to extreme measures (like sex-selective abortion, abandonment, and infanticide) because of the strict One-Child Policy in China as well as a strong cultural preference for boys.  Even if participating in this blog campaign is a super small step in the right direction, it's a good place to start.

If you'd like to participate in this campaign take a look at the fashion-friendly tees on Sevenly's site.

Find the Beauty Tee here (it's the one below). There are also other styles on Sevenly.org

Your purchase saves the life of a baby girl in China at risk of being discarded or killed. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I hope you'll consider purchasing from Sevenly.

I'm so happy I can use this blog as a platform for things as I believe in, as well as to share unfortunate things that happen to me at Walmart (stay tuned--it's a good one). It's a nice little juxtaposition we have going on here.

**More about the charity: All Girls Allowed provides food, clothing, and medical aid to at-risk baby girls. They also work with mothers to keep and care for their baby girls, and seek to restore the value of girls in the community.

Our Week + More Le Tote!

Tonight is one of those nights where I sit down and have nothing interesting to say. Let me tell you about the excitement that is my week. Monday, Carter had his first dentist appointment. He was a champ. Got those little teeth cleaned and no cavities! That was huge. Gave me some courage that maybe I'm doing something right (do you know how hard it is to brush a 2 year old's teeth?)

Today, we went to his first gymnastics class (well first of this session and first at this new place). It was....interesting. He did cool things (climbed a cargo net, parallel bars, rings) bbuuuttt his listening skills really weren't all that engaged. I think there was too much to look at, climb on, and just too much general excitement for him to feel like listening to me was any type of priority. Tomorrow's a new day!

In other news,  I got a second tote from Le Tote and it was another success. I was definitely feeling this navy lace top. I've decided that Le Tote is my dream come true because it's like constant shopping without the insane expense. 

You only have to pay $49/month for the Boutique Box (3 garments, 2 accessories) and you can get as many totes per month as you want (and 2 day shipping both ways so you never have to wait long for another tote). Basically you never have to wear the same thing twice. 

Sounds good to me. I no longer possess the time or effort needed to have new regular outfits to wear, so I need someone else to do all the work for me. 

Shop Le Tote:

Venetian Lace Blouse here

Marie Peasant Top here

Taupe/Gold Cocktail Ring here

Gold Link Bracelet here

High Waisted Skirt + Documentaries

Talk about juxtaposing topics. Let's talk fashion first because probably most of you think that is more fun than the latter.

This skirt was made custom at eShakti. You want to know the best part besides the adorable gold bicycle print? Pockets!! I need pockets with my skirts because where else would I keep my favorite chapstick?

top is from Le Tote

skirt c/o eShakti: similar one here

If you haven't heard of eShakti, it's time to get acquainted. I've also talked about them here and here.

When you order from them, you can customize the piece (length, embroidery or not, pockets or not, etc). For this skirt, I chose to get it a bit shorter than the one shown on the website, and I kept the embroidery and pockets (how could you not?!) My most favorite thing is that you can order according to your measurements. And we all know how I think sizes are the worst thing since sliced bread. (Why does sliced bread have to be the best? It's usually unhealthy and it doesn't even taste that good. Sorry to be miss negativity. I realize this isn't Negatively Amy).

So, anyway--eShakti. Order by measurements. Customize. Win for all.

*  *  *  *  *  *

My new favorite thing is to watch documentaries. I've always enjoyed watching them, but lately it's been going on quite frequently.

There are two, that even though I watched them some time ago, I can't get them out of my head. Blackfish and Bridegroom.

First of all, we're never going to Sea World (poor Carter, boo hoo). Second, the interviews with the grandmas in Bridgroom were the only times that allowed me to compose myself before another bout of bawling. The grandmas are super awesome morphs of Yetta from The Nanny and Sophia from Golden Girls. You just want to give them five million hugs.

Let me just tell you that if you haven't seen these, you're going to need a whole heck of a lot of tissues--so stock up.

A Weekend Outfit + Best Ice Cream Ever

What has been so nice since our move is being close to family. I was home alone Sunday afternoon and realized I needed someone to take a few photos for me. Last minute call to my mom and *poof* she was here. Aren't moms great like that? How they drop everything for you to come and help?

She's going to be my new photographer. Tom and I had a good run, but I think my mom has more patience for that kind of thing. Tom and I would step outside, he'd take 3 pictures and then Is that good? Is that all you need? NO!! Moms understand that 50 billion pictures are necessary so that you can weed through them and pick only the greatest ones (or most ridiculous, whatever). It's also nice when you have an artist for a mom who can say "no that lighting is terrible, let's have you stand over here so that shadow isn't near your feet." We had to rush in order to score ourselves adequate daylight, but we had so much fun!

This "outfit" (can I even call it that?) was all about a comfy weekend. I think that's my style. (haha) Is it OK to have a "style" that is sweatshirts and jeans? I would honestly choose that over anything. Good thing this isn't a fashion blog.

star shirt c/o Rosegal

awesome hat that I know you're jealous of (old--and it was Tom's)

large grey/gold ring c/o Le Tote
small gold rings from Urban Outfitters
wedding rings c/o Tom  *haha*

 aaannnddd, one of me being....me.



*  *  *  *  *

I first heard of making ice cream out of frozen bananas on the Forks Over Knives Presents: Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue documentary (watch it on Netflix). We're not super into cherry ice cream over here (what they made), so I decided to make up my own "recipe." Quotes because I never use actual amounts and I make it up as I go. This is what has worked best for me:

2 Servings:

-2 ice cubes
-2 frozen bananas
-1-2 T unsweetened cocoa powder (we used Ghirardelli )
-1 t vanilla extract
-stevia (to taste)
-*1/4 C -ish milk (we like Blue Diamond coconut/almond or Silk soy milk)

*If you have a VitaMix  you might not need much milk. We have a Cuisinart blender that isn't super fancy, so this is about the amount of milk we need for the ice cream to blend well. It ends up the consistency of frozen yogurt.

I've learned that if you use one banana per person that makes good serving sizes. Increase the ice cubes if you increase the number of bananas.

This is our FAVORITE. I make it a couple times a week (we are ice cream addicts) and we would all choose it over regular ice cream. No added sugar whatsoever (unless the milk is sweetened!) Isn't that so exciting? I know I'm not the only one excited by that kind of thing.

Some Confessions + a Giveaway!

Sounds like a good combo, am I right? First with the confessions.

Two year molar teething is hard work--for me too. While it's understandable, Carter was a big ball of mood today. The day started out good with a visit to the cousins, but it all went downhill from there. It was basically typical toddler behavior so I won't run down the list for you, but then in culminated with a traffic-y drive home and an annoying man in a stupid white truck.

Picture this. Over-tired Carter sleeping peacefully in his car seat, suddenly wakes up when he yawns and accidentally yanks his pacifier out of his mouth. In his half asleep stupor he starts wailing like the world is ending. I don't think a distraction more dangerous than a crying baby or melting down toddler exists when it comes to driving. I was trying to balance ignoring the crying in order to concentrate with searching for a replacement pacifier. That's a tough act.

The cacophony included a coffee in the center console somehow running down the front of my shirt despite that fact that it was in the cup holder--which means it was magic coffee and it flew out the spout, through the air, and onto my shirt supernaturally. Amid the chaos, I hear a car to my left honk their horn at me. In a nano second of panic I think I am surely drifting into the other lane. I look up, only to see a mid 40s bald man waving and smirking. In that millisecond I wished that my car had the ability to sprout missile launchers, but apparently Volvo overlooked that feature. Looking back, I realize that's a bit harsh and maybe I could have compromised for a slingshot instead.

Moving on...

So the nice people at ChicNova.com allowed me to increase my wardrobe recently and they're doing the same for you. How's a $30 coupon code sound? The shirt and bag that I'm wearing cost $30 total. Na-hiz-ice (nice).

 And I thought it was only fair to show you the picture with my hair blowing in my face. Outfit post issues.

 hat: TJMaxx | shirt + bag c/o Chic Nova | pants: Kiki La 'Rue | shoes: TOMS  (desert print)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

linking up with:  Heather and Megan, my thrifty chic

Toddler Logic + Style

We finally have outside weather here (and by outside weather I mean warm enough to hang out outside without sweatshirts!) so we've been taking full advantage. 

Last week we hung out by a mulch pile. I guess this is what little boys like to do. 

hat + tee : Old Navy | leggings c/o Jennifer Ann | shoes: TOMS 

So Carter finally allows me to put his TOMS on him. It took a few weeks, but he's finally into them because I explained that they have the same name as Dada. Duh. Toddler logic. I don't know why it took me that long to think of that strategy.

I've learned that if you want your child to wear things other than pajamas and crocs, you have to think like a toddler. Luckily, these leggings took absolutely no convincing. I'm sure you guys have seen the Jennifer Ann leggings before (this girl is the sweetest. do you read her blog?) I want to own every print. 

So remember when I told you about the mulch pile?

And when the mulch got boring, we threw rocks in the drain.

Look at that baby butt!! Boys are the best. I could watch Carter throw rocks down the drain all day. I think I did the same until I was  like 13. (I'm completely serious).

Carter also rocked some skinny jeans this weekend that I got from ThredUp.com. Do you guys do this?? I am all for second hand clothes, especially for name brands. I can't help it. I have a thing for brands and there's nothing I can do about it. I have some True Religion jeans coming that I got for only $36 including shipping. Whaatt? Do you know how exciting that is?

This weekend we RELAXED (after a way too busy previous week). Tom played 48 holes of disc golf with my dad and Carter and I hung out at the park with Grammy on Saturday. On Sunday Carter got to see his two best buds. We tried to get a cousin picture, but they weren't having it. 

I'm not so patiently awaiting my MAC Pro Membership card. If it doesn't get here pronto, I'm going to start having seizures or something equally horrifying. 

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a Chic Nova giveaway and a few outfit pictures!

an outfit post, gasp!

I know I don't do these all too often, but they're so much fun! Why don't I do them, you ask? 1. my personal photographer is a bit busy at work and only sees the light of day on Sundays (April, come NOW) and 2. I don't trust Carter with my camera. Maybe in a few years, haha. 

I'm ridiculously excited about my new dress from eshakti! Based on yesterday's post and this one right now, it's kind of been a nautical themed week around here. Can you tell I'm ready for spring and summer?! Enough of this cold drizzly not quite rain, not quite snow weather. I'm done.

You can find a similar skirt here.  You can get everything at eshakti custom fit to your measurements. Dresses also come without or without embroidery, strapless, without straps, you name it. The dress I'm wearing even has pockets! Who doesn't love a dress with pockets?

They even have bridesmaid dresses now! How convenient would it be for all of your bridesmaids to just order their dresses to their measurements? No searching through hundreds of dresses to find one that looks good on everybody and announcing your size in front of a crowd. 

I was going to get all in depth and tell you some momentous stories today, but I'm nearing figurative death as we speak. We had a mother of a meltdown at the grocery store today, and there's a nice large smattering of regurgitated refried beans, banana applesauce, and hot dogs waiting for me in the bathroom. Catch ya on the flip side. (wish me luck).

GIVEAWAY with Inspired By Felicity

I have the darlingest of all giveaways for you today. Do you need picture perfect accessories for  the little girls in your life? Well, perfect. Because here is your chance to win a $50 value prize package from Inspired By Felicity. It includes:

1 pair of shoes (available in sizes up to 18-24 months)

2 hair accessories

and one....wait for it...pink tutu! This is the epitome of adorable, people. You best get on it.

Oh, and if you happen to be without children, nieces or friends with children, then you may want to stop by their website to check out their adult hair accessories. This peacock fascinator is calling to me.

This giveaway is super easy to enter. The only mandatory entry is to "Like" Inspired By Felicity on Facebook. Get on it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sperrys + Fall + Eyebrows

Burberry slim fit shirt / Blazer / True Religion true-religion jeans / Sperry Top-Sider sequin shoes / Charlotte Russe set of bangles / Anchor jewelry

Guys, I'm kind of over summer right now. I want to wear this pronto! Guess what else? I'm organizing a little nude lip gloss post at the moment (well I was, you can't really organize one blog post and write another simultaneously, can you? more experience bloggers, please enlighten me.)

I really, really want to put some jeans on without sweating. That would be ideal.

So Carter wasn't really a fan of my organizing my lip gloss this morning. He started whipping all my makeup out of my makeup bag and putting my brushes on THE BATHROOM FLOOR. Hygienic  yes? Guess there's a night of brush washing ahead  for me tonight. Woo-hoo!

P.S. Are you brave enough to wax your own eyebrows at home? I do all the time because when I go out and get them done they're always too skinny or the wrong shape. Darn estheticians. Well I picked up some of this stuff at Sally's and let me tell you. BEST PURCHASE EVER. It doesn't leave your skin all red and puffy like traditional wax and you can actually leave the house after doing your eyebrows without looking like you got punched in both eyes. Oh, I'm the only one that reacts to eyebrow waxing like this? Whatevs. Anyway, if you're like me and regular wax kind of kills you, this is for you. You also don't need any strips. It just dries on your skin and you pull it off. Say whaaatttt???? Your kids will be terrified of you while it's drying, but it's aight, they'll get over it. Carter did.

Toodles.