M & J Monday

The itsy bitsy pumpkin

rolled down a spooky street.

He passed a ghoulish ghost

and a stinky goblin's feet.

He traveled past a cornfield

among some bales of hay.

Then the itsy bitsy pumpkin

quickly bounced away.

The itsy bitsy pumpkin

didn't want to roam.

He tried so very hard

to find his way back home.

Luckily a passing witch

helped him on his way.

And the itsy bitsy pumpkin

was home by end of day.

The Itsy Bitsy PumpkinSonali Fry

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Monday!

October || Guys Behind The Blog

I'm thrilled to finally partake in The Guys Behind the Blog series. I never seem to have it together enough to remember to get these posts composed and posted. 

However, for the first time ever on the blog I sit down for a little Q & A with Scott. Enjoy!

This photo has nothing todo with the actual questions and answers. But, it's from this month, and it happens to (currently) be one of my favorites of Scott and the kids.

1 // What was your most favorite Halloween costume and why?
Oof. I think dressing like a G.I. Joe... Or whatever. Because it was fun and we [kids in his class] were always playing war, so I thought that was fun. Plus, that was my favorite show.

2 // Haunted Houses – love them or hate them?
Hmmmm. Waste of time. It's a waste of money.
(This is such a typical Scott answer.)

3 // What is your favorite scary movie of all time?
I guess The Exorcist. It freaks me the hell out. 
(This is also my favorite scary movie, and I've made Scott watch the new show on Fox, The Exorcist, based on the movie. Scott is not nearly as enthusiastic as I am about this show.)

4 // If you had to attend a mandatory dress up Halloween party this year what would you go as?
Annoyed. Hahaha.
(He thought that was really funny, and laughed for a good few seconds to himself. I, however, just rolled my eyes.)

5 // Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not?
Yes. And I believe there are spirits. Because I think there are lost souls out there. 

And there you have it, very literal, and 100% Scott.

Fix #9

After my flop of a fix last month I thought perhaps I needed to give Stitch Fix a little break. As everyone else in the world has been transitioning to Fall, complete with cooler temps and cute seasonal clothes, those of us in warmer climates haven't been as lucky in the weather department. BUT! As of late Mother Nature has gotten her act together, cooler temps have been making cameo appearances, and I figured it was time to see if I couldn't give the wardrobe a little freshening up for this season.

I put a request in for my stylist Raquel (hiiiii!) to once again put together my fix. I was fortunate that she was back for a seventh time. 

For this fix I mentioned the temps have been dropping (praise the Lord), I've been on the hunt for a cute vest, a good pair of skinny jeans, perhaps a flannel top, and booties to round out my closet. 

Raquel does THE best job personalizing every fix. She remembers previous requests, does a fantastic job sifting through my Pinterest boards, and over all does an outstanding job.

Raquel is good. But this time? This time Raquel NAILED IT.

As soon as I picked my package up (which arrived two days early!) I immediately knew by the size and weight shoes were in my future. 

Let's take a look....

BRIXON IVY || MISTRAL COLD SHOULDER TUNIC

This beauty has been an elusive unicorn of mine for some time now. I have it pinned (probably 50 times?), and while I try not to ask for specific items, this is the one top I've mentioned by name. Raquel tracked it down for me. The lace over lay, the cold shoulder, the adjustable straps. I truly just swoon over it all. 

Verdict || KEPT

I know Fall will be sticking around for a while, but I'm sure L.A. will toss out a few hot days every now and again. When that happens this will be the first thing I grab.

KUT FROM THE KLOTH || DARIO ONE POCKET TOP

MARKET & SPRUCE || JAHANA CARGO VEST

KUT FROM THE KLOTH || DAYNA SKINNY JEAN

SEYCHELLES || LASER CUT BOOTIE

This entire outfit looks like countless outfits I have pinned on my Pinterest board. I wouldn't be surprised if this exact outfit is pinned several times. 

The top! The flannel top is cut so well. I've tried on countless tops that seem to just hang like a sack. This one does not. It's not super heavy, which means it will get lots more wear in the warmer Southern California temps.

THAT VEST! I have been hunting for a vest to love for ages. This one has all my wardrobe dreams coming true. 

The jeans! I know I've said it before, but I have no idea how Stitch Fix manages to find the best jeans. These skinnies fit perfectly and have just the right amount of give to them. These will be on frequent rotation, no doubt.

The booties! The color is so versatile. The heel isn't high, which means I'll still be able to chase children around yet maintain comfort. The laser cut detail is such a nice touch, it really gives the booties a little boost of character. These will complete countless outfits, for sure. 

This whole outfit just feels like Fall, and I was beaming when I pulled it all together. 

Verdict || I KEPT IT ALL

My first 5/5, and I could not be more thrilled about my haul!

Tell me! What do you think? Did you love each piece as much as me? Anything you would have sent back? Drop me a line in the comments and let me know.

Are you a Stitch Fixer? No? *gasp* Let's change that!

For $20 a box, a personal stylist will hook you up with some fun, cute clothes. If you love what's sent your way, the $20 is then applied to your total. Don't love anything? The $20 is about the cost of gas to head to and from the mall. Toss in the mandatory Starbucks you grab while shopping at said mall, and you've easily spent $20. Not to mention, you get to have a little fashion show in the comfort of your own home (it is so awesome to be able pull pieces from your closet and jewelry box to see if they'll go well with a Stitch Fix item). Wins all around, if you ask me.

Give it a go! Stitch Fix is easily one of the most fun things I've done for myself, and each time I see a box at my door my day is made!
Click here to get started on your profile (pssst, making a profile is free - you aren't charged a styling fee until you receive your fix).

M & J Monday

Advice From the Ocean:

Be Shore of Yourself.

Come Out of Your Shell.

Expand Your Horizons.

Don't Get Tied Down.

Let Worries Drift Away.

Think BIG.

Live Deep.

Happy Monday!!

The Time We Did ALL the Fall Things Edition

This month has been busy, and hectic, and crazy, and fun, all rolled into one. Scott's had some work obligations that required him to travel for a couple weeks (we all survived unscathed, hallelujah), and Mother Nature has insisted on more than one occasion that summer weather is appropriate for October. With all that it's been a challenge to squeeze in all the Fall fun this month. So. We decided we'd cram everything into two days.

Let's begin with Saturday...

First There Was Soccer.

Soccer Saturdays have been going quite well. Marcus thoroughly enjoys soccer each week. Seeing him get so excited when he scores a goal is priceless. Keep in mind. There are no goalies during their games. 

It's been fun watching him grow into this sport during the short amount of time he's been playing. 

As long as he's enjoying it he'll keep playing it.

Then There Was a Halloween Party.

Photos courtesy of my friend, Julie.

We have some pretty amazing friends who really get into the Halloween Spirit. For the last four years we've attended their annual Halloween Party. Each year we go the best of times is had by all. This year was replete with trick-or-treating and a bounce house. Basically every kid's dream.

As with each Halloween, I try to coordinate our costumes. This year is no different. However, this is the first year Marcus has decided on his own what his costume will be. Gone are the days when I choose. We have a football player, a cheerleader, a coach, and a referee; all seem pretty fitting for our actual respective roles in life.

Followed Up With a Pumpkin Patch Trip.

Promptly after the Halloween party we changed from our costumes to pumpkin patch appropriate attire and headed to our favorite farm to pick our pumpkins.

We were not the only ones with the same idea. The places was positively swarming with people. I asked Marcus if he wanted to go a round on the hay ride, check out the animals in the petting zoo, and/or give the corn maze a go. Nope to it all. He was there for pumpkins and that. was. it. The boy was all business an on a mission.

 It took a bit to convince Marcus there was an entire farm of pumpkins to inspect and find the perfect ones. Marcus wanted every pumpkin he saw. But, he informed me that any pumpkin that was not orange was rotten. Just like that my dreams of a pretty display of white and pink pumpkins on our front stoop were dashed.

After a whopping 30 minutes we'd picked out our pumpkins, paid for them, and escaped the sea of people at the patch.

Then There Was Sunday...

And the Wheels Started to Fall Off the Fall Fun Weekend.

RISE.

After two years attending RISE of the Jack o' Lantern I didn't want to miss this year. This particular weekend was our only shot to see the intricately carved pumpkins.

Right after church we headed to the event.

After less than 40 minutes, and seeing less than one third of the exhibit, it was apparent the kids were 100% over it. But, what we did see was still pretty incredible.

After a chat with Scott it was clear I'd simply scheduled too much into such a short amount of time.

I have hopes that next year we'll have a few more weekends to spread things out so as to not exhaust ourselves doing all the fun things in less than 48 hours.

This weekend we are laying low, and rightfully so.

There's soccer, an open house for Kindergarten (KINDERGARTEN! *sob*), and a dinner date with our neighbors complete with homemade enchiladas and a tequila I'm told is only found in one specific place in Mexico. I foresee full bellies and rounds of delicious margs headed this way.

Sounds like my kind of weekend!

Cheers!

M & J Monday

You know a dream is like a river

Ever changin' as it flows

And a dreamer's just a vessel

That must follow where it goes

Trying to learn from what's behind you

And never knowing what's in store

Makes each day a constant battle

Just to stay between the shores... and

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Too many times we stand aside

And let the waters slip away

'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow

Has now become today

So don't you sit upon the shoreline

And say you're satisfied

Choose to chance the rapids

And dare to dance the tide... yes

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

There's bound to be rough waters

And I know I'll take some falls

But with the good Lord as my captain

I can make it through them all... yes

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Yes, I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

'Til the river runs dry

The River

Garth Brooks

Happy Monday!

Picture Perfect Project {10} - The Big Camera v. The Phone

One of my main focuses of the Picture Perfect Project was to become more familiar with my "big" camera, and all it has to offer. And that still holds true. I'm still playing around with the big camera.

But....

Am I'm the only one who's ever thought that the only way to capture a really pretty photo is by using the 'big' camera?

For the longest time I'd haul my big camera everywhere with me. Have I captured some good images? Absolutely. My camera has easily been one of the best investments ever made.

However, there are times (like, a lot of times) when I just do not want to lug that thing around. Currently, I feel like a pack mule. The diaper bag is full of stuff, and it's heavy. If I add in the big camera it feels like my shoulder could dislocate at any moment.

Numerous times as I'm scrolling through my Insta feed I think, "Was that taken with his/her phone?!" Often, the answer is yes. Some of my favorite 'gram feeds are photos that are almost always taken with phones (if you're looking for a gorgeous example, check this feed out)! I love that these beautiful images are captured with a phone and not a camera.

That means we all have the ability to create pretty pictures!!

So, as of late the big camera has been on a bit of a hiatus, and the camera phone has been capturing many of our moments and memories.

Below is a small collection of photos that are pretty similar. One set was with my phone, the other with my camera. Take the poll after each set and guess which set taken with which device, no peeking!

Set 1

Which Camera Was Used?

iPhone

Big Camera

Poll Maker

Set 2

Which Camera Was Used?

iPhone

Big Camera

My IQ Test

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Could you immediately tell the difference?? For me, the up close/zoom of Marcus was the giveaway, the rest, for me, were fairly difficult to pinpoint.

Set 1 was shot with my iPhone, Set 2 was shot with my big camera.

There are some differences in quality, and if I really learned how to master manual mode I know there could be a stark difference. But, when it comes down to it, more often than not the photos that are shared are on social media, and generally speaking, those photos are in a tiny little 2-inch by 2-inch square. After shooting these pics I quickly learned that sometimes it's ok to leave the big camera at home!

Now, I have to ask. When you snap and post, are you primarily using your phone or a "big" camera? I'd love to know in the comments below! And, don't forget to add your link as well.

This wraps up October's Picture Perfect Project, and sadly ends the Picture Perfect Project all together. All good things must come to an end, and this is true for the PPP. After some deliberate thought and consideration, the co-hosts of this link-up decided that with the busyness of the holiday season fast approaching, this would be a good time to hang up the proverbial hat. Thank you for joining us these past 10 months! We hope you found inspiration to pick up your camera and snag a few picture perfect moments!

An InLinkz Link-up

Julia || 14 Months

Fourteen months, here we are! This last month was a big one. Actual, legit steps were taken. The little lady is well on her way to being a walker. Crawling is quickly becoming a thing of the past. I wasn't sure we'd ever see the day, but alas! Walking is here!

Highlights:

** Real steps! The most taken at any given time has been 10-12.
** Blowing kisses. Oh my gosh, it's so freaking adorable. The "mmmmuah!" she makes when she does it kills me.

** More words ::"hi", "uh-oh", "up", "ball", "eye", "nigh, nigh" (night night), "more", "ah done" (all done); most words are vowel heavy, but if you pay close attention you get the idea of what she's trying to say.

** Dancing (something Marcus never did)! There's bouncing, hand waved in the air, and wiggling from side to side. Any music can get her going.
** Playing peek-a-boo.

** On occasion a spoon is used correctly.
** Identifying eye, nose, mouth and belly button.

Loves:

Marcus. All day, every day.
The stairs.

Poking her finger in other people's eye, and saying, "eye."
Pointing out airplanes and helicopters in the sky.

Going for a ride in the B.O.B. while I run.

Drinking from a cup.
Nursing (holy cow, we're still successfully doing this!).

Food: currently on a Goldfish and Graham cracker kick. 

The Baby Einstein Take Along Musical Toy. We don't go anywhere without this thing (Marcus loved it when he was this age, too).

Opening the kitchen cupboards and pulling everything possible out onto the floor. 

Dislikes:

Getting lotioned up and jammies on after bath time.

The garbage truck. Girl friend is seriously terrified.

Being blocked from going up/down the stairs.

Diaper changes. It's like wrestling a snake into a knapsack.

Carrots.

Sitting still.

With each passing month Julia's personality shines a little brighter. She is such a sweet little thing, unless something doesn't go her way. I can already sense our littlest is going to be strong-willed and strongly opinionated. 

Cheers to another month!

This brief photo session brought to you by a graham 

cracker (notice it's in her hand) and lots of running 

around trying to get Julia to say to one spot.

I forgot how hard this age is to photograph!