What I Wore Wednesday: Favorite Fashion Blogger Part 2

I am back today with the second installment of What I Wore Wednesday: My Favorite Fashion Bloggers!

I always feel a little weird sharing pictures of myself with the world on my blog, so I feel compelled to share a little bit about why.  As a busy mom of three boys, it would be really easy for me to run around in workout pants or sweats every day.  And while that definitely does happen, the days I put a little thought into my outfits, and take that time for myself, I am more productive, more careful about what I eat, and overall I feel better about myself.  Sometimes (like this morning), it takes getting up an hour before everyone else so that I can shower and dry my hair, but when I invest a little time into ME, I remember that I matter too.  Doing laundry, packing lunches, cooking meals, writing blog posts for PetPartners and my own blog, checking homework, and shuttling everyone to practice makes up the bulk of my day.  Investing some time into myself can be the little pick-me up that keeps me going when the going gets tough.  So, without further ado...

Toddler Tips for the Busy Seasons

When the holidays approach, I always find myself feeling guilty about not having as much time to spend with my boys.  One thing I have noticed is that the more I involve my littlest in what I am doing, the better.  Camden feels helpful and included, and I enjoy the company.  I also manage to get things done even when he is hanging out beside me.

Camden can help empty the dishwasher...

I let him empty the silverware, making sure I remove anything sharp first.

A Fall Tablescape with Vibrant Colors

I have always loved decorating with flowers.  I'd have a fresh bouquet in every room if I could!  All it takes is a bunch of daisies or a mix of wildflowers to pack a powerful punch of color and happy into a room.

Flower delivery by BloomNation inspired me to use flowers to pull together a colorful fall table.  I have been seeing lots of pinks, yellows, and greens on this year's fall tables, and I love the look!  I still like the traditional muted browns and golds I am used to seeing, but the pops of color provided by vibrant pink and green just make me smile...especially with all the rain we've been getting!!!

So, I headed to my favorite spot for gathering the perfect flowers...Trader Joe's...and prepared to be inspired.  I brought home two medium-sized bouquets and got to work.

A Rockstar at 100: Tips to Live By...

My grandma lived so gracefully.  I loved her dearly and have not really come to terms with the fact that she is not still living happily in her converted barn, doing her crosswords, and drinking her hot tea.  One thing I do know for sure, is that one doesn't get to 100 without doing some things right.  And I believe these are among the many reasons she lived so long and she loved so well...

1. She was always dressed.  As my Aunt Pam so eloquently said, "She was not a sweatpants and t-shirt kind of girl."  Grandma wore a blouse and slacks (that's what they call them, right?) every day.  When it was cold outside she wore a cardigan with a pretty pin.  She wore beautiful jewelry, much of it given to her by her grandchildren, and she always knew who had given her the different pieces.  One of my favorite conversations after Grandma passed away was in her bedroom.  As we looked through her jewelry box, remembering pins and necklaces she wore, I mentioned how awesome it was that Grandma always looked so put together and my mom said she always reminded her of Queen Elizabeth.  I dug a little bit into the archives of Queen Elizabeth and came up with this...

http://www.elleuk.com/fashion/celebrity-style/queen-elizabeth-ii-s-style-through-the-ages

"From a regal childhood to her years as a newly coronated Queen and young mother, to her current status as the revered figurehead of the Commonwealth, the most impressive feature of the Queen’s dress sense may be its consistency..."

What I Wore Wednesday

Today I am starting a two part series to tell you about my four favorite fashion blogs.  I love to read fashion blogs for two reasons.  First, I love getting new ideas for outfits.  Second, sometimes I just need to escape the real world of meal planning, parenting, and running this crazy household! Don't pretend you aren't there with me.  Everyone has their guilty pleasures.  These ladies help me look cute and take mental breaks from time to time, and I am so thankful for them.  These are my favorites in the world of fashion:

The Pleated Poppy
The Sunny Side Up Blog
Pinterest Told Me To
Hi Sugarplum