2021 Mother's Day Gift Guide

Earlier this month, I washed Alexis's new, worn only once Little Mermaid dress-up costume. The skirt was covered in a glittery pattern and had been leaving a trail all over my house, so I threw it in the wash hoping to minimize the glitter mess. Well, when I pulled it out of the washer to put in the dryer, I made a horrifying discovery - the skirt's pattern had completely dissolved.

I knew if Alexis saw her dress in it's now glitter-less state, she would have a meltdown of epic proportions. So, I did what any other mom would do: threw the ruined costume in the trash (hidden under other trash, obviously), texted the gift giver to find out where they'd bought it, then made a Target run.

That's pretty much parenting in a nutshell. Just when you think everything is going your way and you can afford to coast for a little while, something comes out of left field and threatens to ruin your day, week, or even month. But as moms, we don't left those curveballs take us out of the game.

As an adult, I don't remember all the crises my own mom averted when I was a child, although I'm sure there were many seeing as there were three of us. I do remember that she always tried to find something good in every situation, no matter how bad it was. That's something I've carried with me into adulthood and something I hope Alexis picks up, as well.

[paraphrased from my May publisher's note for Wiregrass Parents]

Every year, I put together a gift guide for moms, and this year is no different. This year's guide, however, is a bit shorter than in year's past - a testament to just how crazy life as a work-at-home mom during a pandemic really is. Like in previous years, this guide was made specifically with working mamas in mind, although I think these gifts are pretty universal.

Keep scrolling to shop my picks for this Mother's Day.

10 Gifts for Moms Under $50

1. Fun Earrings - Whether your mom is working at/from home or is back in the office, you can't go wrong with some fun earrings to add a little spunk to their work wear. Earrings are the perfect accessory for those Zoom meetings, and I love this set from Amazon.

2. Loungewear - The best part of working at/from home is getting to wear comfy clothes. Make sure your mom is at max comfiness with a new set of loungewear. I like this joggers set and this shorts set.

3. Workout Clothes - Has mom embraced home workouts this past year? She deserves a stylist set of workout gear like these super cute bike shorts and sports bras.

4. Purse or Wallet - You can't go wrong with a new purse or super cute wallet that's also a wristlet. I actually have this wallet and LOVE it so much.

5. Personalized Makeup Pouch - This is one of those things that women will never not love, even if they have a stack of them under the bathroom sink already (me).

6. Mother-Daughter Necklace - You know I've always got to include something sentimental, and this year I'm loving this necklace. I guess this could be a mother-son necklace, as well, but it's literally called a mother-daughter necklace.

7. Quirky Vase - Who doesn't love fun home décor? I really love this vase. It'd be perfect for one of my bookcases or to go on a vanity if you have one.

8. Personalized Reusable Starbucks Cup - We all know moms run on caffeine, so why not give her that Starbucks treatment right at home!

9. Journal - If every person I know bought me a journal as a gift, I wouldn't be mad. I really like this one, in particular, though because it has prompts to get you writing.

10. Pop-Up Hallmark Card - I love getting cards, and these new pop-up ones from Hallmark are pretty dang amazing.

I hope this list helps you find the perfect gift for your own mama.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you awesome mamas out there. In case no one’s told you lately, you’re doing a good job!

25 Books on My TBR List Right Now

Nothing gets me excited about reading quite like putting together a TBR list. Although, to be fair, I still add books faster than I can read them. It's been a couple months since I did a TBR post for you guys, and I've got a lot of new additions to share. These genres span the gamut from fantasy to romance to mystery to historical fiction and even gothic. Some are by authors I'm very familiar with, but a lot are by authors I've never read.

In no particular order, here are 25 books on my TBR list right now. All are available to download via your Kindle, although the copies I have of each is not necessarily via Kindle. Some are physical books and five are through my library's digital borrowing app, Overdrive. To keep things simple, I'm linking to the Amazon versions.

A Trial of Sorcerers - When she finds herself in the spotlight after fighting to become of one four champions in the Tournament of Five Kingdoms, Eira Landan's past, both known and unknown, comes back to haunt her. She knew the trials would be difficult, but Eira wasn't ready for what they would cost her.

The Intended Series - El has a secret: she can see things before they happen. When she goes to college, she starts to learn the secrets of her parents' deaths, and it turns out her secret ability isn't such a secret. Then there's Gavin, who has more secrets than El thought possible, and whose world becomes hers. Enter a masked protector and demon pursuers, and El must embrace her true self.

Juniper Unraveling - Set in a post-apocalyptic world, a wall separates the humans from the infected and the Ragers. Dani's story begins with a mute boy from the other side of the wall known only as Six. This is their love story.

Lost Heir - This is a stand-alone follow-up novel to a series I've already read. After the war, Queen Everly of Calais is killed and sent to the deep sea of souls. In the year that she's been gone, a new queen has risen in the sea, while back on land her best friend struggles to hold the seven islands together.

Once Upon a River - A girl comes back to life in an ancient inn on the river Thames prompting questions of miracles and magic and science. The child is mute and can't tell anyone who she is, where she came from, or who she belongs to. Three families want to claim her: a wealthy young mother who knows the girl is her kidnapped daughter who's been missing for two years; a farming family that just discovered their son's secret liaison and wants to welcome their granddaughter; and the parson's housekeeper who sees her younger sister in the child. Each family has mysteries of their own and secrets must be revealed before the girl's identity can be known.

City of Girls - After being kicked out of college, Vivian's parents send her to live with her aunt in Manhattan. Her aunt owns the Lily Playhouse. There, Vivian is introduced to a world of unconventional and charismatic characters. When a personal mistake leads to professional scandal, Vivian's world is turned upside down in ways it will take her years to fully understand.

Fables & Other Lies - Penelope never believed in curses. Not until she sat in The Devil's Chair and made a wish that came true. Not until she met River, heir to a fortune of curses, and her fated sworn enemy. She should have kept her distance, but when River called her name she walked toward him and attended a gala at his allegedly haunted home. The moment she steps foot inside the home, she knows she's in trouble, but there's something about River that's impossible to turn away. 

In Bed with the Earl - The lost heir to the Earl of Maxwell, Malcolm North, has been living his life in the sewers of London. When reporter, Verity Lovelace, makes him front-page news, the matchmakers come calling. To keep them at bay, Malcolm convinces Verity to pretend to be his wife in repentance for upending his life. When pretend turns into reality, the danger begins.

Jewels of the Sun - Looking to reevaluate her life, Jude flees America for Ireland, where she meets Aidan Gallagher, who has an uncommon understanding of the country's myths. He begins to share the legends of the land with her, while they create a passionate history of their own.

Sea of Ruin - Bennett Sharp is on the run from the unfaithful libertine Priest Farrell, who will stop at nothing to claim her. When she's captured by pirate hunter, Lord Ashley Cutler, Bennett must escape his prison and Priest's deceit. When the two captains collide in a battle to protect her, the lines blur between enemies and lovers. 

Plain Bad Heroines - In 1902, two students of the Brookhants School for Girls are found dead in an apple orchard from a swarm of yellow jackets, a copy of Mary MacLane's book between them. The school closes not long after, but not before three more people die mysteriously on the property. A century later, the former school is back in the news when a book about its history is published. The best-selling book is being turned into a film. As the author and the movie's two co-stars arrive on the property to start filming, past and present become grimly entangled.

The Atlantis Papyrus - King Alexander the Great has died without an heir, leaving his generals to fight for the throne. But Deon has other worries - a vicious lender will sell his family into slavery if he doesn't settle his debt. Desperate, Deon accepts a mission from the royal secretary: decode a secret with the power to bequeath the owner with the keys to the throne.

The Bird and the Sword - When her mother is killed, Lark is cursed not to speak again, and her father is cursed to die if she does. Lark's mother also predicted that the king would sell his soul and lose his son to the sky. Her father has a claim to the throne and is waiting for her mother's prophesy to come true. He wants desperately to be king, while Lark just wants to be free.

Shadow Fall - Maia is a prisoner destined to die when an asteroid crashes into her world, but then she's offered the chance to compete in the Shadow Trials for a spot on the space station. But the opportunity comes with a steep price: she must partner with a psychopath, enter the court that condemned her to death, survive the trials created by her own mother, and kill the emperor - the very man who's hunting her.

Tangled in Time - Regan inherited the ability to see ghosts from her Irish ancestors. In an attempt to rid herself of these powers, she travels to Ireland to harness ancient magic. Instead she finds Faelan, a stranger who insists he's a centuries-old Celtic warrior. Faelan was cursed by a fae princess, and the only way to break the curse is to fall so deeply in love that he would sacrifice his life.

How to Buy a Planet - The year is 2024. The world's leaders are drowning in debt in the wake of the pandemic. Facing ruin, they've made the only logical choice - they've sold the planet. Toby and his roommates are getting ready to celebrate with the rest of the world when a chance encounter with a mysterious professor reveals the truth: the Earth is about to be destroyed.

Take What You Can Carry - Aspiring photojournalist, Olivia Murray, travels to Iraq for a wedding with her boyfriend, Delan. When the trip home proves less safe than Delan believed, Olivia is confronted with a reality she hadn't expected and awakened to the dangers of a town patrolled by Iraqi military, under curfew and constant threat. But even in this war-torn world, there are pieces of happiness. Everything will be tested when Olivia captures a tragic moment on film that upends all their lives.

The Elephant Keeper's Daughter - Phera is the daughter of the Ceylon king's elephant keeper, a position reserved only for males. To ensure the line of succession, Phera is raised as a boy. As she bonds with her elephant companion, Phera grows into a confident, independent woman torn between her family's expectations and desire to live her own life. When British colonists invade, she's allowed to live her true identity. When she is drawn into an unexpected romance with a kindly British physician, Phera faces a choice: love or hatred? Forgiveness or retribution.

The Lord of Stariel - The Lord of Stariel is dead. His daughter, Hetta, knows she won't be the next ruler. Returning home for the funeral, all she has to do is make it through the Choosing, then leave. But Stariel's next ruler will have bigger problems than family drama. For the first time in centuries, the fae are returning to the Mortal Realm, and only the Lord of Stariel can keep the estate safe. In theory.

The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress - They say behind every great man, there's a woman. In the case of Judge Crater, there are three: his wife Stella, his mistress Ritzi, and the maid Maria. Judge Crater is indebted to the leaders at Tammany Hall as well as a notorious gangster. One night, as rumors circulate about Crater's involvement in wide-scale political corruption, he disappears. Or does he? Slowly, the women in his life break out of their prescribed roles, making it clear there's more to the story

The Paris Dressmaker - Based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation of World War II, this is the story of two women who risked everything to fight an evil they couldn't abide. Dressmaker Lila de Laurent finds herself out of the world of high fashion and in with La Reistance, where she uses her skills to infiltrate the Nazi elite. She takes their measurements and designs masterpieces, all while collecting secrets. Years later, Sandrine Paquet is tasked with cataloging artwork stolen from Jewish families, but behind closed doors she secretly looks for information on the underground resistance, hoping to learn the fate of her missing husband. Sandrine is drawn in deeper when she discovers a gown with a cryptic message that may reveal the fate of a dressmaker who vanished from the fashion elite.

Wild Women and the Blues - In 1925, Honoree Dalcour is determined to dance her way to the top, starting with Chicago's Dreamland Cafe jazz club, where she rubs elbows with celebrities like Louis Armstrong and filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. In 2015, Honoree is the only living link to Micheaux, and film student Sawyer Hayes is determined to use her for his thesis, but the links she makes aren't ones he's expecting.

The Vine Witch - Elena loses her vineyard when she's blindsided by a curse. After she breaks the spell, Elena struggles to return to her former life. The new owner of her vineyard, Jean-Paul, favors science over superstition, but Elena knows the vineyard is covered in hexes. To help the vines recover, she must hide her true identity and her plans for revenge against whoever cursed her.

Worth It - Two friends set out to avenge their best friend, Lydia, after her boyfriend cheats on her. They crash the ex's wedding, but nothing else goes to plan, including two sexy distractions who don't like to hear the word no.

Treasured Find - Jasmine Wyn is a human among shifters who follows one rule: never trust a shifter. But when a stalker sets his sights on her family, she's forced to put her trust in Rafe, a royal feline shifter who wasn't prepared to find his true mate in her. But now that he's found her, nothing will take Jasmine away from him.

Monday Motivation

This really spoke to me this weekend. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I didn't have the best week, or it could be that there's just been a ton going on this entire month that's been pressing down on my shoulders. Either way, I felt this one in my soul.

Every Sunday, I sit down with my planner and schedule out the upcoming week, and I couldn't help but sigh with relief when I didn't have to fill up my week with appointments and a seemingly never-ending list of to-do's.

This month has felt like it's lasted forever, and there's still a week to go. Honestly, I don't feel like I've accomplished much, even though I know that's not really true. Between multiple trips to the dentist, psyching myself out for my first COVID shot, and feeling like I'm having to put twice as much effort into work, I've been feeling a little burned out. Yoga definitely helps but due to circumstances beyond my control, I wasn't able to attend either of my classes last week.

Okay, this post is starting to feel like a pity party, so let's move on.

This past weekend was a mixed bag. It stormed all day long Saturday, and there were tornadoes all around. We didn't have any damage, and neither did any of my family, but a family friend did. Needless to say, we spent Saturday in pajamas with movies and weather. Sunday, the sun came out, but we had another laid-back day interspersed with a few chores. Alexis has turned into quite the helper these days so chores aren't quite so mind-numbing.

This week looks a lot nicer weather-wise with lots of sunshine and warm temps. I've got yoga to look forward to and a retirement party for my father-in-law. I've got a pretty solid jump on the June magazine, and for once I'm not behind on housework.

I hope you've all got a great week ahead! Happy Monday!

Work-At-Home Outfit Ideas for Spring

I spent nearly a decade working in a television newsroom. Generally speaking, the on-air talent had a stricter dress code to follow than those of us working behind-the-scenes, but as the executive producer I often found myself representing the station in some way so I also followed certain expectations with my dress code. I rarely wore jeans, nearly always wore heels of some kind, and the only t-shirts I ever wore had the station logo on them.

Now that I work from home, I can dress however I like. The only slacks I have in my closet these days are really basic - black, navy blue, red, and white. The only "professional" dresses I still own are sleeveless sheath dresses that can also be worn to special occasions like a face-to-face meeting, wedding, or funeral. And my sneaker collection is starting to catch up to my heel collection.

Going from working in an office to working at home has drastically transformed my wardrobe. Not that I disliked how I dressed when I worked in TV, but these days I feel more like myself, a little more secure in my skin.

So here's a look at eight days of my personal work-at-home style.

Sizing info: I'm 5'2" and unless otherwise noted wear size medium or 6/8 in tops and dresses, size 6 in bottoms, and size 7 in shoes.

Sweatshirt: Walmart / Joggers: Fabletics / Socks: Academy

To be fair, this is not my typical work-at-home ensemble. My yoga session this day had been pushed back to mid-morning instead of early morning, and Chris was working the overnight shift, so when I got home, he was already asleep. So I swapped out my tank for this cozy sweatshirt and called it a day.

I typically wear a medium in all bottoms from Fabletics, but these joggers felt like they run bigger. They were really loose in the waist, and while I have slimmed down a bit since starting my yoga journey I don't know that I would have liked the small. I have washed and dried them since but haven't worn them so I can't speak to if they shrank any.

I've recently become a big fan of compression socks. I have near-constant issues with my left ankle and foot from a cheerleading injury back in high school, and these socks provide a nice bit of support.

Shirt: Old Navy / Jeans: Old Navy / Belt: Amazon / Shoes: Converse

This was a typical day in the office for me. I don't remember going anywhere other than to drop off Alexis off at school.

Generally speaking, I stay away from cropped tops. After all my surgeries last year, I'm not too keen on my belly being on display. I couldn't say no to this one, though. I mean, look at it. It's like a psychadelic little ray of happiness. Plus, it's not one of those ridiculously cropped styles that stops just below the boobs. In fact, if my jeans had been high-waisted instead of mid-rise, you probably wouldn't even be able to tell the shirt wasn't full-length.

Shirt: Old Navy / Jeans: Old Navy / Belt: Amazon / Shoes: Amazon

In all honesty, I didn't wear this on a work day, but I totally would. This outfit got me through a bit of housework, a trip to Target, and dinner out.

This t-shirt is nice and thick, so even though I got rained on several times, it never became see-through. It's also a bit of a boxier fit than others I own, and the hems are split at the sides. I feel like I probably could have gone down to the small but I'm not unhappy with the more oversized fit.

Have I talked about these slides before? I am really enjoying them. The footbed has more cushion than any of my other slides. The leather strap is really soft and doesn't rub at all.

Dress: Old Navy / Shirt (old): similar / Shoes: Converse

Dresses are my ultimate go-to for pretty much everything. You guys are already familiar with this tie-dye tank dress from my post last week showing it with different denim styles. As a reminder, this is the petite medium so it's a few inches shorter than what the regular sizing would be.

The chambray shirt I have tied around my waist is really old - so old that the store doesn't exist anymore - so I'm linking to a good inexpensive option. Also, apparently these pink Converse were a seasonal thing so the sizing is really limited, but I feel like this color is always in demand so hopefully they'll restock.

Shirt: Target / Jeans: Old Navy / Belt: Amazon / Shoes: Amazon

I rarely tuck my shirts in fully, but it just felt right for this one. The slim fit coupled with the belt and mid-rise cut of my jeans made for a flattering end result.

I picked up this shirt during the Target run I told you about earlier in this post. It's a nice not-see-through breathable material. The sleeves are cuffed. It stayed tucked in effortlessly, which was surprising. The buttons didn't pull or gap, which was a very nice surprise.

 Shirt: Amazon / Skirt: Target / Jacket: Old Navy / Shoes: ShoeDazzle

This skirt was also part of my Target haul. Isn't it wonderful? I'm really into green right now, and this skirt is so much fun. It is fully lined and has an elastic waistband. It is ankle length on me, but remember that I'm barely 5'2".

This is one of those effortless outfit combinations you should pin for future reference. This combo works every time - a colorful skirt paired with a white t-shirt and jean jacket. Shoes are pretty versatile here, but I decided to go a little trendy with my clear wedges.

Shirt: Target / Jeans: Old Navy / Belt: Amazon / Shoes (old): similar

This was actually a pretty busy out-of-office day for me. I had a dentist appointment and a meeting with Alexis's speech teacher, and of course I had work to get done as well.

This shirt is another Target pick. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about the sleeves. I knew they were "puff sleeves" when I grabbed it off the rack, but I wasn't really prepared for just how big they would be. Overall, I really like the shirt - it's such a pretty sage green with little white embroidered details and cloth-covered buttons. But I felt like I was pulling the sleeves down all day long.

Other than that, this is like the epitome of my style. A pretty blouse with interesting details, flattering jeans, and chunky heels.

Shirt: Old Navy / Jeans: Old Navy / Belt: Amazon / Shoes: Converse

Friday was a ridiculously busy day for me. Usually Fridays are pretty laid back, but I had quite the to-do list to get through, plus some things from earlier in the week that I hadn't finished.

In case you haven't figured it out from the rest of this post, this is basically my go-to work-at-home outfit these days: graphic tee + comfy jeans + sneakers/slides.

My t-shirt is of the vintage video game system, Atari, but because this is a unisex tee the proportions are a little different than my usual graphic tees. It's probably three inches longer and cut straighter rather than slim. I might could have sized down to the small, but I'm not sure how much narrower it would have run in the hips and shoulders, so just take that into account if you order one of the unisex tees from Old Navy.

My belt is the black version of the brown one seen in several other outfits in this post. It's inexpensive but decent quality and comes in several color/metal combos.

As always, I hope these outfits help you plan your own OOTD's. Have a great week!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Tie-Dye Dress & Denim 3 Ways

It's been awhile since I've done a One Item Three Ways, but when I was trying to decide how to finish out this casual tie-dye dress on Monday, I decided to snap pictures with each combination I tried. So I guess this is kind of an outfit evolution, as well as showing three different ways to use denim (or chambray) to complete a casual dress outfit.

Okay, so let's start with a look at how I'll honestly probably wear this dress the most this summer -- on its own with my trusty white knock-off birks. It's simple and basic, but when it's pushing 100 degrees with a feels like temp closer to 120, you don't need a bunch of extras.

Anyway, let's take a minute to talk about the dress itself. It's a nice soft jersey material. It's a swing dress so it really doesn't have any shape outside of a basic A-line. It does have a seam going up the center of the back. It comes in this pretty mauve, as well as a blue tie-dye, camo, and plain black. I'm wearing the petite medium. I didn't mean to order the petite, and it's a couple inches shorter than I typically like.

Up first is the outfit I actually wore all day. It's super casual and perfect for running errands or chasing a kid around.

It was a pretty warm day, so I really didn't need an extra layer like I'd originally thought, but I felt like the dress lacked personality on its own. And I wanted to feel as if I'd actually put together an outfit, rather than just threw on a dress and some sandals.

So, I pulled out my tried-and-true light wash chambray button-down shirt and tied it around my waist. You can do this exact same thing with a jacket if you like, but the shirt is easier to work with (for me). Plus, it's lighter than a jean jacket so it doesn't feel like it's falling all day long.

My pink Converse were a last-minute decision, but I love the way they rounded out the outfit.

Up next, my original outfit idea - dark wash denim jacket and comfy dark brown leather slides.

While this outfit definitely works, I really just wasn't feeling the dark denim. It felt really heavy and seemed to add bulk, which isn't something I usually experience with this particular jacket. Maybe it's just me, but I just truly didn't like the dark wash this go 'round.

So then, I pulled out my white jean jacket and new clear wedges.

I definitely like this denim jacket better with the dress. It felt like it added to the dress rather than distracting from it. And the wedges added a nice little bit of lift, but for the day I had mapped out they really weren't practical. I would absolutely wear this combination, though.

So what did I learn? I need to invest in a light-wash denim jacket other than my Levi's trucker-style one. It's really thick and doesn't work once the weather warms up, but is perfect for fall and winter looks.

Anywho, that's it for me today. Happy Friday!

Shop this Post

Dress - Old Navy, wearing Petite Medium in Mauve Tie-Dye

Dark-Wash Denim Jacket - Old Navy, wearing Medium

White Jean Jacket - Walmart, wearing Medium

Converse - wearing size 7

Brown Leather Slides - Amazon, wearing size 7

Clear Wedges - ShoeDazzle, wearing size 7

An Honest Review of LUS 3-Step Wavy Hair System

 
If you have curly hair, you know the struggle of finding the right concoction of products for your tresses. You also know that your special mix will change with the seasons, weather, and life circumstances (I'm talking about stress, people). So when I tell you that I'm always trying new products for my hair, even though I've found several that I love, that's the reasoning.

Okay, so I constantly see ads for curly products, but probably none as frequently as LUS. After a particularly rough month, in which none of my current products seemed to be enough, I decided to take the plunge and give LUS a try.

It's a simple three-step system: shampoo, conditioner, and all-in-one styling cream. They recently started offering an unscented version, so that's what I went with because I really do have a hard time with scented products.

I decided to use the wavy system because my hair leans more toward wavy than curly most days. It's really a mix between 2c and 3a. So for me, finding products that aren't heavy is essential, which is why I was excited to try this particular system.

You can get the entire system for $45 plus tax and shipping, or you can buy them individually for about $16 per bottle. Not terrible in the scheme of things. The ordering process was easy, and my products shipped quickly.

Ultimately, LUS didn't work for me. After a month of trying, and hoping my hair would finally adjust, my results kept getting worse.

My experience went a little something like this:

First wash: after using a clarifying shampoo to remove all other product buildup, I shampooed and conditioned my hair in the shower. First impression was that the shampoo lathered nicely and the conditioner was nice and slippery, and I loved that there was no scent. Moved on to the styling. I apparently used too much of the all-in-one styling cream as it left my hair feeling like it was coated with something fuzzy. Worse, my hair barely curled at all.

Second attempt with the styling cream was similar, even though I barely used any product at all. My hair felt disgusting.

For my next wash, I decided to skip the LUS cream and use something I know works with my hair. It was a disaster. Not only did my hair not curl, but it was so dry and brittle it felt like straw.

Somewhere during all this, I went to my hairdresser and got a haircut. She did a deep conditioner to try to reverse some of the damage and suggested maybe one (or all) of the products had too much alcohol in it for my hair. I don't know about that, but we both agreed it had been long enough for my hair to adjust to the new products.

Now my LUS shampoo, conditioner, and styling cream are all resting in the cabinet under my sink.

So there you have it.

Monday Motivation

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a nice weekend. We didn't do much. Alexis spent the weekend with her grandparents, Chris did some work on his hunting land, and I mostly took it easy. Of course, there were a few things around the house that needed doing, like laundry and unfortunately the bathrooms. I'm doing better keeping things mostly tidy during the week. It's easier now that Alexis is old enough to actually help.

So last week started with magazine distribution. Then Alexis had her yearly check-up plus a consultation for a second case of lice (we got a really expensive prescription shampoo that hopefully took care of it for real this time because I am very much over it).

I got my first COVID shot on Wednesday. The hospital near our house has been doing a drive-through clinic, so I didn't even have to get out of my car. I got the Pfizer one, and other than my arm being a little sore and a dull neck/headache I've been fine. I get my second dose May 5th.

Thursday night, my temporary crown came loose, and of course my dentist is closed on Fridays. I looked up what to do and found that you can use Vaseline to reapply during the day, but unfortunately one of the corners broke off. I go in for my permanent one on Wednesday, though, so I guess I'll just tough it out until then.

This week, I'll be finishing up all the editorial stuff for the May issue of the magazine, as well as wrapping up ad sales. I think I'll probably get a jump start on June's guide just so it'll be done. Probably go ahead and start uploading stuff to the website, too. So, you know, the usual end-of-the-month routine.

I hope everyone has a productive week!

My Spring Momiform Style

Have you guys heard of a "momiform?" It's basically a 'uniform' for moms. That sounds pretty boring, huh? Like you wear the same thing day after day. Well, I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be!

Momiform is an ugly word that describes your everyday style as a mom. A momiform is your go-to combination of clothing pieces. The best momiforms are the perfect mix of style and functionality, meaning they're easy to move around in when you're running errands or chasing after kids but still look like a real outfit.

Not sure if you can pull off that balance of style and practicality? Today's post is all about expressing your personal style while still dressing in a way that's conducive to your current lifestyle...all using outfits I've worn in the past week. It's a Real Outfit Roundup with a purpose!

Let's get started, shall we?

Sizing info: I'm 5'2" with an athletic build. I typically wear size medium or 6/8 in tops and dresses, size 6 in pants and skirts, and size 7 in shoes.

Shirt: Target / Jeans: Aeropostale / Shoes: Walmart

We'll start with the most basic of my momiforms - jeans and a t-shirt. I wore this while I was distributing magazines on a rainy day. Even though this outfit is simple, you can still pinpoint my personal style in the details. Instead of a plain, boring t-shirt, I picked a band tee (hint: I only wear bands I actually enjoy), and instead of the typical skinny jean, I picked a looser pair that has some distressing. You'll also notice that I rolled the bottoms, which is pretty much my go-to for every pair of jeans I wear. My sneakers, while offering practicality on a day where I did a lot of moving, are a nod at a more recent style choice.

Shirt: Old Navy / Jeans: Old Navy / Shoes: ShoeDazzle

I like to call this my elevated momiform. It stays true to a casual pair of jeans, this time in a non-distressed boyfriend style, but instead of a basic t-shirt I'm wearing a blouse, and I stepped up my shoe game (get it?) with a pair of wedges. I wore this for Alexis's birthday party, and trips to two stores beforehand.

Skinny jeans have been on a downward trend lately, both in my closet and in real life. I tend to reach for my boyfriend jeans most days. I like this straight style. They're more forgiving than my skinnies and way easier to move around in, plus I have an easier time pairing them with different shoes.

Shirt: Old Navy / Jeans: Old Navy / Belt: Amazon / Shoes: Amazon

Back to the basic jeans and a t-shirt combo, but see how this outfit looks more polished? The changes are subtle but they make a big difference. A belt almost always makes an outfit seem more intentional, even if you don't do a full tuck. And my slides feel more put together than sneakers, like they're on another level even though they're really just as casual. This was another 'magazine distribution' outfit, by the way.

Dress: Amazon / Vest: ShoeDazzle (similar) / Belt: Target (similar)

Oh, maxi dresses, how I love you. They are the epitome of the 'throw on and go' outfit, which is what makes them so great. You don't have to put much thought into your outfit with a maxi dress, but a maxi dress by itself often feels like just a dress, whereas when you add a few extra elements it feels like an outfit.

Step one: add a belt. It instantly adds structure to the dress without taking away from its awesomeness. Honestly, if this is the only step you follow, that's okay!

Step two: add a finishing piece, like my vest (or if it's still cold where you are, a jacket or sweater). This is totally optional. You can also play around with scarfs or handkerchiefs.

Step three: put a little effort into your shoe choice. Sure, a pair of slides would work here, but the wedges are the perfect punctuation point for the rest of the outfit, don't you think?

Dress: Old Navy (similar) / Shirt: Target / Shoes: DSW

Last but not least, my ultimate momiform. There's just something about a graphic tee layered over a dress and finished off with sneakers. It screams "trendy" but still gives you so much room to move.

This can't be done with every dress you own, unfortunately, but it works extremely well with sleeveless ones. The trick to picking the best graphic tee is all in the colors. They don't have to be exact matches but coordination is key. If you couldn't tell, red was my common denominator here.

Well, that's it for this round of Real Outfit Roundup. I hope my momiforms help inspire you to branch out a little in your own style. Remember, mom style doesn't have to be boring!

Mellow Cosmetics Review

 
I was introduced to Mellow Cosmetics several years ago when I got one of their creamy matte lipsticks in nude in my ipsy bag. To this day, it remains my go-to nude lipstick. So when Mellow reached out to me to collaborate, my answer was a resounding yes.

Mellow Cosmetics has been around since 2014. Their products are vegan, cruelty free, and don't contain parabens. They carry a range of products for lips, eyes and eyebrows, and cheeks.

For full transparency, I was given 30% off my purchase in exchange for a post about my experience.

I ordered three products: blush/bronzer, an eyeliner marker, and a liquid lip paint. From start to finish, the process was easy, and my order shipped quickly.

Now let's get to the good stuff.

As a redhead, blush is tricky for me. It's really difficult to find something that looks natural. Mellow's Powder Blush in Bronze is perfect. It's not overdone at all. It gives my cheeks just the right amount of definition, blends into my foundation smoothly, and lasts all day.

They also offer three other shades of blush. You can see them here.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cannot apply liquid eyeliner. Like at all. And pencil/crayon liners are pretty much always more trouble than they're worth. Breaking at the worst possible moment, and who wants to keep up with a sharpener? That's where Mellow's Liquid Precision Pen Eyeliner comes in. It's basically a marker but is smudgeable, which is a must for me because I can't draw a straight line. 10/10 definitely recommend.

I'm one of those people that puts lipstick on once and then never reapplies it, so once it wears off, it's gone. But Mellow's Liquid Lip Paint stays put, even through putting on and taking off a mask. It's not too shiny or too matte either. This is the London, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It comes in 18 shades total.

Here you can see all three products on my face. Note: I applied the lipstick heavier than I typically wear it so you can really see the color.

In conclusion, if you're looking for new lipstick, an easy-to-apply eyeliner, or a natural-looking blush/bronzer, give Mellow Cosmetics a try! The prices are reasonable, the website is easy to use, and the customer service is awesome.

Monday Motivation

 
I'm getting a slow start this Monday. Not that I'm surprised. Last night did not go the way I planned. At all.

I ordered us subs for dinner using GrubHub - before 5:00 p.m. so that Chris would be able to eat before going in to work. Well, after delaying our order multiple times, so that Chris ended up leaving earlier than he normally would have so he could pick up something on the way, they canceled my order altogether. At 7:00! At this point, I had Alexis in the bathtub, so I ordered from a different service. We finally got our supper around 8:00, Alexis's bedtime. Needless to say, she didn't get in bed until almost 9:00, so she was dragging this morning.

We had Alexis's birthday party Saturday afternoon. It ended up being even smaller than we had planned, but she had fun and her best friend from school came so I consider it a success.

The April magazines came late last week and then it stormed, so I've got to finish up distribution today and tomorrow. The rest of the week will be busy getting everything in order for the May magazine, although I'm in a pretty decent place work-wise considering.

I've got to get out the door, so I'm going to end things here. I hope everyone has a happy and productive week!

8 Casual Spring Looks to Try

Has Spring weather finally arrived where you live? Spring in the south is a confusing time. The weather is unpredictable and our temps bounce between winter and summer, sometimes in the same day, making getting dressed an often frustrating guessing game.

It's been awhile since I shared a Real Outfit Roundup, and several of my most recent outfits are good examples of casual Spring outfit formulas. Some of these you'll have seen already in my white jean jacket post.

Sizing info: I'm 5'2" and typically wear size medium or 6/8 in tops and dresses, size 6 in pants and skirts, and size 7 in shoes.

Romper: Amazon / Jacket: Walmart / Shoes: Target (similar)

Rompers are one of my favorite casual warm-weather outfits, but there are certain things I look for before committing. I tend to stick with cotton/polyester material and mostly avoid thinner materials. The thicker material tends to drape more flatteringly, hold it's shape better, and not get wrinkled if I sit for more than five seconds.

This particular romper has a halter neck and fitted waist (which makes it easier to achieve that bloused-out look of a tucked-in shirt). It's got pockets and is cut to fit loose. Many rompers are sleeveless like this one, which can make them trickier to style outside of summer. A denim jacket really comes in handy here, but you could also layer a light-weight patterned kimono for a more boho look. I opted for these peep-toed booties because I wanted something with a heel but it wasn't quite warm enough for my favorite wedges yet.

Dress: Amazon

Okay, so this one isn't really an outfit formula, but you really can't go wrong with a good maxi dress. This is one of my favorites. I wear it all the time. It's got the perfect amount of stretch and is super soft. It's also got pockets, which is always a win. It is a little long on me, but most maxi dresses are. I honestly have no idea if I'm wearing shoes in this picture, and if I was I can't remember what pair it was.

Top: Academy / Leggings: Walmart / Shoes: New Balance

I don't usually share workout clothes, but since I had the picture I figured why not? My t-shirt is one of those moisture-wicking shirts. It's the BCG brand from Academy, so I didn't pay a lot for it. I like that it's fitted without feeling like it's suctioned to my body. These leggings have become one of my favorites. I love the thicker material and that the waist stays where it's meant to, no rolling. Also, my sneakers are really old, like to the point I need to replace them but can't find a pair I really like. I don't remember where I got them, and NB no longer makes them.

Shirt: Amazon / Jeans: JCPenney / Jacket: Old Navy / Shoes: Converse

This is a really easy outfit formula to repeat: white jeans + a printed camisole + a denim jacket + tennis shoes. I love the casual vibe of pairing my dark-wash jean jacket with my navy blue Converse. That darker color combo helps to ground the nearly all-white outfit without making it feel heavy.

This button-front camisole is such a great addition to my closet. The material is so soft. The fit is loose but not tent-like. It's also not see-through. I also have the solid white and apricot. They are perfect for layering, have a nice drape for a front-tuck, or can be tucked fully in or left loose.

Dress: Target / Jacket: Walmart / Shoes: ShoeDazzle (similar, similar)

This is another one of my favorite Spring outfit formulas: maxi dress + denim jacket + sandals. You can literally do this with any maxi dress. Seriously. And pretty much any type of sandal will do - slides, flats, heeled, wedges. I was feeling extra Spring-ish this day and decided to bookend with white heeled sandals and a white jacket. The heels plus the bright white elevated this to a dressy casual look instead of just casual.

My dress is by Universal Thread at Target, and it's new, but I can't find it on their website to link to. It is just at my ankles in length, unlined but not see through, and does not have a defined waist. The colors are dark and light purple, and it's tiered from about the hips down.

My shoes I got on clearance, so they're no longer available, but I'm linking to some similar options.

Shirt: Old Navy / Shorts: Old Navy / Belt: Amazon / Sandals: Amazon

Pairing a button down with a pair of crisp white shorts just screams Spring. I fell in love with this outfit formula when I was still working at the TV station doing live outdoor shows during the summer. I needed to still look professional without dying of heat stroke.

My shirt is new this year. It's a little more fitted than I wanted, but the pattern is so cute. It's also pretty thin so you won't get too hot. My shorts are also from Old Navy, but they're from last year. They're on the thin side as well, but as long as you don't wear bright underwear, you shouldn't have a problem. I would say that this style of short runs a small. I sized up to an 8 and they're still a smidge tight around my thighs, and the pockets do that annoying gapping thing. They do stretch out some as you wear them, but not much.

My sandals and belt are both from Amazon. The belt is recent and comes in several more colors/patterns. It's a pretty good belt for the price point and limited times I'll wear it. The slides are more comfortable than I expected them to be. The footbed has a nice cushion compared to other pricier slides I've tried, and the faux leather strap is nice and soft.

Dress: Maurice's (similar) / Jacket: Old Navy / Shoes: ShoeDazzle

I wore this version of the maxi dress + denim jacket combo over Easter weekend. I like the way the dark-wash of the jacket plays up the blue in the dress's pattern without weighing it down.

My wedges are new. The straps are clear, which is on trend right now. I'm not a big fan of clear shoes, but since it seems like it's not going anywhere anytime soon, I decided to give a subtler version of the trend a try. Surprisingly, I didn't hate these. The gold buckle and straw wedge help to give them structure, and because they're sandals and not closed toe I don't have to worry about my toes looking squished and gross.

Shirt: Old Navy / Jeans: Old Navy / Shoes: Old Navy (similar) / Belt: Amazon / Bag: ShoeDazzle

You've seen this shirt before, except styled with white jeans and brown peep-toe booties. This version of the outfit feels a little more clean-cut to me and captures more of what I feel is my signature style. I love the clean cut of these boyfriend jeans, how the belt breaks of the almost monotone of all the blue, and how these two-toned slides are comfortable but not flip flops.

And can we talk about this circle bag for a minute? How adorable is it?! I've had my eye on it for a really long time and finally treated myself. It also has a shoulder strap which makes it easier to carry on outings.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Kid-Approved Instant Pot Taco Bowls

 
In our house, Taco Tuesday can fall on any day of the week. Mexican food is one of our favorite things to eat, but I get tired of just plain old homemade tacos. Not to mention, our stove has been out of commission for awhile now. That's where today's recipe comes in!

Tacos are pretty simple to begin with, right? Well, this one-pot recipe stays true to the simplicity of everybody's favorite Tuesday meal.

Some notes: we use Bush's chili beans, the mild pintos. We also use Old El Paso taco seasoning.

You can really use any toppings you'd like. We tend to keep ours pretty simple with Fritos scoops, sour cream, cheese, and maybe salsa.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 16 oz. cans chili beans
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 1 10 oz. can original Rotel
• Taco seasoning packet
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, brown your beef. Drain any excess grease and return to pot.
2. Add all your other ingredients and mix well.
3. Cook on manual 8 minutes with the steam vent closed.
4. Quick release your pressure. It may be a little soupy at first but will thicken as it sits.
5. Serve with all your favorite toppings.

This is the recipe I started with: Slow Cooker Smothered Fritos Taco Bowls