What I Read April 2019

Slim pickings this month as we've been unordinarily busy and had a sick child and mommy. I only read two books and actually ended up taking two books back to the library completely unread. I mean, I didn't even start reading either of them. I honestly can't think of a time that has ever happened before. I managed to read two books this month, weeks apart, and they could not have been more different. Let's dive in.

Days of Gold
Author: Jude Deveraux

Synopsis: Edilean Talbot and Angus McTern are thrown together when Edilean's reprehensible uncle tries to marry her to one of his friends in exchange for her dowry. When Angus agrees to help get her and her inheritance away to the man she believes to be her true love, he finds himself accused of kidnapping and stealing. Edilean and Angus end up crossing the ocean to America and falling in love on the journey, but as is the case in all romance novels they go their separate ways and have to find their way back to each other.

My Thoughts: I've been a fan of Jude Deveraux's for years, and Days of Gold did not disappoint. It's the second book of a series, although I didn't realize that when I checked it out and have not read the first book. I will say that I did not feel as though I was missing any pertinent information because of that. I liked both Edilean and Angus's characters, as well as all of the secondary characters, especially Angus's clansmen.

The Gangster
Author: Clive Cussler and Justin Scott

Synopsis: An Italian crime group called the Black Hand is creating terror in New York City. A group of its victims hire the Van Dorn detective agency for protection. Isaac Bell puts together a team to take down the organization. Meanwhile he's also investigating a plot to assassinate the President.

My Thoughts: By now you all know my love of Isaac Bell. This book was a little simpler than the others I've read but by no means was it boring. Isaac has probably his closest brush with death out of the books I've read so far, and I'll admit it's a little far fetched. Once again Cussler and Scott leave no detail left to chance. It's another of those books where the reader knows early on who the bad guy is, but it's still fun to go on the case with Bell and his team.

Eyelet Top + Button Fly Jeans

Nothing feels like Spring quite like eyelet. I'd been looking for an eyelet top at a decent price point for several months, so when I found this Universal Thread one for less than $20 I couldn't pass it up. Eyelet is so effortlessly feminine and easy to wear. This one has a boatneck neckline and tie sleeves. It's a thicker material and drapes nicely. I'm usually a medium in this brand and found this to be true to size.

I paired it with my new favorite pair of jeans. This button-front pair from Old Navy are high waisted and hit right at my ankles. They're a good medium wash, soft, and flattering for my rear. Unfortunately, this exact pair is out of stock, but this pair is similar.

These sandals have been a warm-weather favorite for two years now. The straps are made of soft faux leather, and the block heel is a comfortable height. These have been out of stock for awhile but Old Navy has a similar pair this season. The only difference I see is that the current pair has two straps instead of three.

Can you believe I actually changed my purse? This one is just the right size to prevent me from carrying too much stuff. It can be worn on the shoulder or as a cross-body. It has two compartments inside and a zipper pouch for your keys.

Outfit Details
Shirt: Target
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar)
Purse: Target

The Next Generation of Thank You Notes with Paperless Post

When was the last time you mailed an invitation? What about a thank you note? Do you even remember? If you can't, don't feel bad. The world has moved permanently into a digital age. Other than taking birthday invitations to pass out to the kids in Alexis's class at daycare, the last time I mailed an invitation was back in 2012 for my wedding. The last time I sent hand-written thank you's was in 2015 for baby gifts.

Everything has moved online these days, whether you're creating an event on Facebook or sending invitations through email. That's where Paperless Post comes in. The company offers online invitations, cards and flyers. In this post I'll share how I used the site and what I thought of the service.

This post is sponsored by Paperless Post. I received free coins to use on www.paperlesspost.com in exchange for a post. All opinions are my own.

We celebrated Alexis's birthday at the first of the month. We bought paper invitations to pass out to her friends at daycare and made a Facebook event for everyone else. When Paperless Post approached me about trying out their service, I immediately decided to send our guests thank you cards.

The site is easy to use. You create an account with your email, Google account, or Facebook account. There are lot of categories to choose from - birthday, graduation, wedding, parties, professional, greetings, and flyers.

Once you pick your category, you pick from dozens of designs or you can upload your own finished design. You can narrow things down by color, shape, number of photos, price, and designer. You can upload photos, edit the text, background and envelope. Invitations include RSVP's, and you can include gifs on some designs.

Once you're satisfied with the design, you enter the email addresses of the people you want to send them to and click send. If you forget someone, no problem. You can go back and add more later. Once your recipients get their card, it'll open with a small animation and they can send you a response.

If digital cards just aren't your thing, there are also paper designs you can have printed.

Now for the cost. Most designs start out free. Customized backgrounds start out at one coin. Your total cost will be the number of coins your finished card comes to multiplied by the number of people you send it to. Coins come in bundles. You can get 25 for $10, 100 for $20, and 1,000 for $100.

In conclusion, Paperless Post is an easy, creative, and fun way to send personalized invitations and thank you's without making a trip to the post office. It's even got great options for professionals that I'm considering using in the future.

Chambray Shirt Two Ways

Chambray shirts have been part of my closet for years, but until recently I only had them in long-sleeve versions, limiting my chambray outfits to fall, winter and early spring. So when I saw this post featuring a short sleeve version, I decided it was past time for me to find one of my own.

Chambray is so versatile. You can wear it with jeans, skirts, over dresses, tied at the waist, and the list goes on. I ordered this denim camp shirt from Target a few weeks ago. It is ridiculously soft, like I've been wearing it for years. The only complaint I have is that the sides where the front and back panels meet comes up pretty high. That makes it great for half tucking and tying but almost impossible for tucking all the way in unless it's into something high-waisted.

For this first look, I paired the shirt with a gingham skirt. Unfortunately, mine has been out of stock for quite a while but this one would be cute too. I finished off the outfit with some simple cognac wedge sandals. It's a casual look perfect for warmer spring days.

I love chambray tops with almost any skirt. It's a nice medium between a blouse and a t-shirt for when you don't want to be dressed up or down. Chambray works with pencil skirts, feminine skirts like lace, tulle or eyelet, and edgier skirts like leather and suede. I also like them with printed a-line skirts and denim skirts.

I wore this second outfit on a not-so-warm and windy day. A pastel cardigan added just enough warmth from the wind without being too much in the sun. This lilac sweater is so light and perfect for Spring, and it's only $10 right now! Distressed jeans in a darker denim than the shirt kept everything from being too monochromatic. Boots didn't feel appropriate so I finished this outfit with my favorite navy sneakers.

Chambray shirts can be worn with literally any color bottoms, so don't feel like you can only pair them with blue jeans. Try them with your favorite colored denim or even a pair of joggers. And don't be afraid to switch up your footwear. From sneakers to sandals, wedges or heels, anything goes!

This post contains affiliate links, so if you buy something after clicking one I'll earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Fashion Friday: Neutral Striped Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit: Target / Jacket: Old Navy (similar) / Shoes: Old Navy (similar)

My love of jumpsuits continues this year. Ironically, I don't own very many. I have a hard time finding one that fits my petite height and wider shoulders and hips. But it feels as if Universal Thread had my body type in mind when designing its jumpsuits. This neutral striped one is my second jumpsuit by the brand and it fits exactly as the navy blue one I bought last year.

This one is cropped and hits me about mid-shin. It has adjustable spaghetti straps and fully-functional buttons for the body. It comes with a tie-waist sash, but I'm not fond of how those look under a jacket so I replaced it with a wide belt instead. I like how the darker brown helps define my waist more than the sash would have. I kept this whole look neutral with a brown necklace and brown heeled sandals. My dark wash jean jacket provided an extra layer against the wind.

The jumpsuit is linen, so perfect for warmer weather. It's thick enough to not be see-through, and I didn't notice a lot of wrinkling throughout the day. It also has pockets, which is always a plus with me. I'm usually a size S/M and wearing this in medium.

Details

Jumpsuit

Jacket (similar)

Shoes (similar)

18 Last-Minute Easter Basket Ideas for Kids

If you're like me, you've just realized that Easter is this weekend and have nothing for your child's Easter basket. Honestly, I do this every year. I mean, Easter is never on the same date or even the same weekend, and we're always either planning for or have just had Alexis's birthday. Our Easter celebrations are never anything elaborate. We decorate, hide, and hunt eggs, and have lunch with family. Both sets of grandparents can always be counted on to come through with Easter goodies, so mom and dad definitely can't skip out. The way we do Easter baskets is either to do one larger gift or several small gifts. I've rounded up some last-minute gift ideas that fit either of those options. You should be able to find these in stores or you can have some shipped to your home within the next two days.

Play-Doh
Birdhouse Kit
Mess-Free Marker Activity Set
Sidewalk Chalk Spiral Art
Sketch Pad
Book
Legos
Bubbles
Racket Ball Set
Picnic Playset
Bucket of Farm Animals
Beach Toys
Sprinkler
Mini Grow Kit
Critter Catcher
Bag Chair
Bucket Hat
Slinky

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Fashion Tips & Tricks I've Learned from Blogging

When I first started sharing outfit posts on this blog a few years ago, it was in an effort to boost my self esteem and build body confidence. I'm not what I would consider an influencer by any means, but I feel like I've come a long way since those first posts. Now the goal is to share affordable fashion and help you use the clothes you already have in your closets. I've learned a lot about fashion and trends, specifically what works for me, and I'm finally comfortable in my own skin and clothes. So I wanted to take some time to share some of the things I've learned on this fashion journey.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you buy something through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Shirt: StitchFix (similar) / Jacket: Levi's (similar) / Jeans: Walmart (similar) / Shoes: Old Navy

One of the most game-changing tricks I've learned is this: your legs look longer in pants or jeans when you can see both the waist and hem. Now this doesn't mean you have to tuck in your shirt all the way. All you really need is to be able to see the button. So try half tucking your shirt or tying a knot. See the difference it makes in the photos above? (Great tutorial on how to half-tuck.)

When I first started experimenting with fashion, I avoided ankle boots like the plague because I didn't really know how to wear them. I didn't know what to do with my pants - over the boot? Tucked in? Now, thanks to the fashion bloggers I've been following, I understand that ankle boots work best when you can actually see a little skin between your pants and the boot. So now I roll or cuff my jeans. (Read more about how to wear ankle boots here.)

Dress: Old Navy / Vest: ShoeDazzle / Shoes: Old Navy (similar)

Have you ever felt like an outfit isn't finished? Well, that's where the third piece comes in. Completer pieces like a vest, denim jacket, cardigan, scarf, or even statement jewelry can give any outfit that extra little nudge to feeling more intentional. (Check out these casual completer pieces for summer.)

Shirt: Target / Skirt: ShoeDazzle (similar) / Shoes: Marshall's (similar)

I'm petite with an athletic body type, meaning I'm mostly straight up and down. My waist is really high, like right up under my ribs, and not very defined. To top it all off, I have wider shoulders and hips. But I've learned how to accentuate my waist, or even fake a waist, so that my limited curves are more defined. It can be anything from tucking a shirt into a skirt, wearing a dress with a tie waist, or even color blocking. (Here are some more great tips.)

Shirt: Target / Skirt: Old Navy (similar) / Shoes: ShoeDazzle (similar)

One simple way I've learned to make outfits more interesting is print mixing, like in the photo above. When it comes to print mixing, I don't go overboard. I try to keep everything in the same color range (both my skirt and top in this picture are in the yellow family) and keep my prints about the same size.

Dress: Walmart / Shoes: Target (similar)

I think the most important thing I've learned, or maybe more fully embraced, is that fit is everything. If your clothes don't fit well, you won't look put together and you probably won't feel it either. Fashion is so subjective and trends come and go in the blink of an eye. So if I were to give one piece of advice, it would be wear what makes you feel good about yourself. If you're uncomfortable in your clothing, it shows.

Jumpsuit: JCPenney / Sandals: Old Navy

Sizing Note: I'm 5'2" with wide shoulders and hips. I wear a size 6/8 or M in most clothes and size 7 in shoes.

3 Sneakers I'm Loving Right Now

I'm not sure why it took me working from home to learn to appreciate sneakers. Seriously, before last summer I rarely if ever wore sneakers. I mean, I've always had a pair somewhere in my closet but they've always been a pair meant for athletic uses. In the last eight months, I've really embraced the sneaker outfit trend and find myself reaching for one of three pair a couple times a week. So in the spirit of breaking out of comfort zones, I decided to share the three sneakers I'm loving right now and examples of how I've been wearing them.

Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar) / Jeans: Aeropostale (similar) / Sneakers: Walmart

Shirt: Walmart / Jacket: JCPenney / Jeans: Kohl's / Sneakers: Walmart

Shirt: Target / Joggers: Target / Sneakers: Walmart

Pink Slip-Ons

These pink canvas, no-tie slip-on sneakers from Walmart are definitely my go-to casual shoes these days. They're the perfect neutral and literally go with any color combination. They've got memory foam insoles so they're super comfortable to walk in. The tongue is secured with a stretchy band so you don't have to worry about it getting all scrunched down when you put the shoes on. The heels are scrunched so they're not stiff. In addition to the photos above, I've worn them with shorts and a light sweater (you can see everything but the shoes here) and a dress I didn't get a picture of. I'm usually a size 7 in shoes and find these to be true to size.

Sweater: Forever 21 (similar) / Shirt: Old Navy (similar) / Jeans: Kohl's / Sneakers: Old Navy

Dress: Target / Sneakers: Old Navy

Jacket: Levi's / Shirt: StitchFix / Jeans: Walmart / Sneakers: Old Navy

Blue Canvas

These blue canvas sneakers from Old Navy are a good, darker neutral. The fabric is nice and thick so I feel like they're going to last awhile. The insoles aren't memory foam but they are cushioned. The heels were a little stiff when I first bought them but have since loosened up. This style of sneaker is perfect for wearing with jeans or crops, shorts and skirts, and dresses. They've got enough structure to not feel too casual to wear with work clothes, but they're also not too fancy to wear with casual outfits. They work well with or without socks. I'm wearing my usual size 7.

Jacket: Levi's / Shirt: Target / Joggers: Old Navy / Sneakers: Target

Dress: Old Navy (similar) / Sneakers: Target

Shirt: Target (similar) / Pants: Old Navy (similar) / Sneakers: Target

Shirt: The Limited (similar) / Skirt: The Limited (similar) / Sneakers: Target

White Canvas

This pair of white canvas sneakers has been in my closet for going on five years now. In fact, that's how old that last picture is! And third picture is from at least three years ago. I wanted to share them to show you two ways I've worn these sneakers to work in the past. They're so versatile! You just have to keep them clean, ha! Unfortunately, this pair is long gone but Target has an almost exact replica in a different brand so that's what I've linked. I tried on a pair last time I was in the store and found they were true to size.

Would you wear any of these outfits with sneakers? What are some other ways you wear your sneakers? I'd love to see photos! You can share them with me in the comments or on my Facebook page!

Become a Better Housekeeper

Remember my post about unexpected realities of working from home? This post can be filed under that category. Although I spend a majority of my time at home during the week, the amount of time I spend on housework hasn't increased.

Over the last eight months, I've tried to disperse routine housework more evenly throughout the week. I clean up the kitchen after dinner (or at least the next morning), I keep the main living area picked up daily, and I wash a couple of loads of laundry during the week. But when it comes to big chores, most weeks I find myself falling into the familiar pattern of putting it all off until the weekend when I've inevitably got better things to do.

Of course, those bigger chores - cleaning the bathrooms, changing and/or washing bedding, mopping the main living area - can't be put off forever, but what if I told you there was a way to speed through it and not sacrifice your weekend? Pure House Cleaning has you covered with their Ultimate Guide to Speed Cleaning. It's broken down into two sections: a four-step guide to get you started and a more in-depth guide with details on what to focus on.

Here's a snapshot of the simple four-step DIY Speed Cleaning Guide:

1. Make a list of what needs to be cleaned and set a timer for each task. If you're like me, you'll find satisfaction in crossing items off your list.
2. Play upbeat music or cue up your favorite podcast to get motivated.
3. Make sure you're prepared with the right equipment and...
4. The right cleaning products.

If you're not sure where to start or what to do, you'll definitely want to check out their ten-step guide to fast and efficient cleaning. It breaks down the ten areas of your home to focus on as well as how to quickly get through them.

I hope these tips help make cleaning less of a chore in your home!

This post is in partnership with Pure House Cleaning. I was not compensated for writing this post. All opinions are my own.

Button-Front Midi Dress

I found this dress completely by accident. I was in Old Navy with my mom who was exchanging a pair of shorts when I spotted this beauty. At 40% off, I couldn't say no. The material is thick but not heavy; the buttons above the waist are just for decoration so you don't have to worry about gapping; and it's got such pretty embroidery around the hem. I paired it with my trusty dark denim jacket for an overcast, kind-of drizzly day and nude wedges for a more casual vibe. This wouldn't be hard to dress up though. I'm 5'2" and wear size M.

Details:
Dress: Old Navy
Jacket: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Target (similar)

Alexis's 4 Year Update

I'm not sure how it happened, but Alexis is 4. We celebrated over several days with family and friends. We took a day trip to the beach with cousins, had a unicorn party at a local playground, and spent her actual birthday painting a birdhouse, playing games, and spending time as a family. I was a lazy party planner this go 'round and didn't make anything myself, but I don't think it made any difference to Alexis and her little friends. Her big gift from us this year was a cat, and I'm happy to say he's fitting into the family just fine. Alexis loves him.

In other news, Alexis will be starting Pre-K in the fall. She's excited about going to the 'big school.' She can write her name and is working hard to master the other letters of the alphabet. She's gotten into the Disney princess movies and loves our library trips. She still loves the water and playing outside and has gotten really good at riding her bicycle.

It's been a fun but busy four days celebrating our 4 year old. Here are some photos from our adventures. Happy Monday!