Mommy The Journalist: August 2021

A hair routine is only as good as the products you apply and the tools you use.

Having curly hair is an adventure, y'all. There are so many rules to remember, and they vary from person to person depending your specific curl type.

For those of you who don't know, I decided to start embracing my natural hair in 2018. Three years later, and I still feel like I'm learning as I go some days. Here are some things you should know before we dive into this roundup of my favorite tools: I have 2c/3a type curls. That means my curl pattern can be as loose as defined waves or a tighter 's' shape, but it does not spiral. My hair tends to be on the drier side and loves loves loves to be a knotted, tangled mess.

These eight products are the things I use on a daily or weekly basis to help keep my tresses under control(ish). I hope some, or all, of them can help you too!

1. Telephone Cord Hair Ties - These are my absolute favorite hair ties. They don't get tangled in my hair and end up pulling half of it out. They don't leave those wonky dents. They're comfortable. Oh, and they don't have that annoying habit of breaking at the worst possible moment.

2. Puff Cuff - This was recommended by one of my favorite beauty bloggers, The Joyful Wavy. This is like a banana clip, but better. I use this when I shower or take a bubble bath, and when I sleep. It's the perfect tool to make that pineapple, and the teeth help keep it in place while you're rolling around in bed.

3. Microfiber Hair Turban - I have been a fan of the turbie twist since long before I decided to embrace that curly life. These are so much gentler on your hair than a regular terry cloth bath towel. Plus they're easier to wrap your hair up in and don't weigh down your neck or fall off when you move your head.

4. Perfect Hair Care Towel - This is one step up from the turbie twist. It dries my hair so much faster (sometimes it's almost too fast) and it doesn't cause frizz at all.

5. Scalp Shampoo Massager - I've talked about this baby on the blog before, so most of you are probably familiar with it's awesomeness. If not, all you need to know is that this will elevate your wash days to the next level. Not only does it break-up any scalp buildup you've got, it also like getting a little mini head massage.

6. Diffuser - If you've got curls or waves, you've gotta get a diffuser. For me, at least, it's the only way to get volume and guarantee that my hair actually dries.

7. Shower Cap - I only wash my hair once or twice a week, but that doesn't mean I'm not showering. Shower caps don't have to be fancy. The ones I use cost $2.

8. Silk Pillowcase - If you're like me and don't like sleeping in a satin sleep cap (I've tried and just really don't like it), you need to invest in a good silk pillow case. It helps keep your hair from getting frizzy overnight, and they're supposed to be good for your skin too!

What hair tools can you not live without?

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One of the biggest reasons I started Wiregrass Parents magazine was to provide resources for local families in a way that saved them time and effort. What I've learned in the last three years is that we, as mothers, have so much to offer one another...if only we'll take the time to listen.

Each month, I interview a local mom for one of our columns. The questions always change depending on the time of year, topic we're focusing on that month, and the mom herself. But what doesn't change is three specific questions I ask each and every one of them.

For me, these are the questions that give the interview the most depth. The responses are always thought provoking and, for me at least, are the ones that offer the most opportunity for connection between us all as mothers.

So, in the spirit of motherhood, I wanted to share my own answers to these questions. And I would love to hear your responses, as well! Share in the comments section or feel free to send me a message via the contact page.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I was one of those kids/teens who was good at school but didn't particularly like school. I wasn't bullied, but I didn't ever really feel like I belonged either. I was constantly moving from group to group, just hoping that one day it would all click and I would magically find a place where I fit.

To that girl, I would say to just hold on. Keep walking that path only you can see. That small town you grew up in isn't going anywhere, but you are. And you will find your tribe eventually.

I would tell her that it did finally happen...when we made it to college, in a town where I didn't even need a whole hand to count the number of people I knew. That's where we met the truest friends we've ever had. The friends who have been with us through thick and thin. The ones we can always count on for anything, no matter how many miles stand between us.

I would tell her that all those things you thought you were missing out on weren't really anything at all.

How do you avoid mom burnout/What does self-care look like for you?

First, I had to learn the early warning signs. For me, the earliest red flag is when I start counting words. The ones I read, the ones I speak, the ones other people speak, the ones in songs. All words. Things are getting particularly stressful when I start fixating on if the number of words is odd or even. My preference is even.

The next step is to identify the trigger or triggers and start dialing back wherever I can. The beauty of being a work at home mom who makes my own schedule is that I can take time off when I need to (most of the time -- deadlines days don't count).

For me, self-care is getting a day or two to myself. And no, I don't feel guilty for asking my parents or in-laws to keep Alexis when I need a break. I also tend to escape into books...unless the word counting thing gets too distracting. Bubble baths a few times a week give me some much needed space to space out. And weekly yoga sessions are the best preventative I've found so far.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for new parents?

When Alexis was first born, I was offered all kinds of advice. Everything from useful tidbits like sleep when the baby sleeps to ones that bordered on mom shaming like breast is best. Then, of course, there were the horror stories I would hear about how so-and-so didn't shower for days or how I shouldn't expect to ever have a moment of silence. Basically, I got an earful of well-wishers spreading the message that being a new mother meant I would have to put aside my own basic needs.

So, my advice to new moms is to not confuse your basic needs for self-care. They are not mutually exclusive. Sure, sleep when the baby sleeps is good advice until they start sleeping all through the night, but I would advise you to substitute a shower for one of those daily snooze breaks. Put on clean clothes. Brush your hair. Heck, style it if you've got time! Put on makeup just because.

Don't lose yourself to motherhood. You're still the same person, so take the time to remind yourself of that every day. Even if that means dragging the basinet or pack-n-play into the bathroom with you for peace of mind.

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We survived the first week of school. Other than the ridiculous drop-off and pick-up lines, everything went smoothly. I hope they've gotten everything figured out so that this week isn't as crazy.

Just like last year, it took me a couple of days to get used to not having a bunch of background noise while I worked. Also just like last year, because I didn't have interruptions, I ended up with more free time than I had planned on. It's been months since I had an hour to myself during the week.

Last year, we made a lot of changes to our school routine. Kindergarten brought with it a lot more structure than Pre-K had. We've carried that schedule over to this year, and I thought it would be helpful for those of you with younger kids if I shared what works for us.

Our School Routine

Our school routine starts the night before with our bedtime routine. We try to eat supper around the same time every night - 5:00 p.m. Then we do bath/shower at 6:00, mostly so her hair has time to air dry because we both hate blow drying it. 7:00-7:30 is our wind down time. Then we do nighttime meds, pick out clothes for the next day, read a story, and turn out the lights around 7:45, with the intention of Alexis being asleep by 8:00.

My alarm goes off at 6:45 each weekday morning. That gives me 15 minutes to wake up, wash my face, change out of pajamas, etc. Then, if she isn't already up, I wake Alexis up at 7:00. She's dressed before she leaves her room. Then we do morning meds and fix her hair before heading to the kitchen for breakfast.

I pack her lunchbox and make sure her bookbag is ready while she eats. Some mornings I make a cup of coffee, which goes through the morning car line with me. After she eats, we brush her teeth and do one final check to make sure she's got everything she needs. We're out of the house by 7:30.

Our after school routine varies depending on the day. On Tuesdays, we come home long enough for her to change for gymnastics before we make the drive across town. She brings a binder home every day with notes and sometimes assignments from her teacher. I check that as soon as we get home. If she has homework, that gets done first, usually with a snack, before she's allowed to turn the TV on or play.

Then everything starts all over with bedtime.

What routines or time-saving hacks help you survive the school year?

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Happy Thursday, friends! I have done a pretty terrible job of keeping up with my daily outfits, so it didn't feel fair to call this a Real Outfit Roundup. Although, these are outfits that I wore in real life.

Not much has changed since my last Real Outfit Roundup post. It's still dreadfully hot and humid, so most days my outfit of choice is shorts and a t-shirt. But in the last week, I've had a few reasons to make more of an effort, and those are the days I snapped pictures.

I love how dresses usually speak for themselves. You don't have to put a lot of effort into styling them, and there are so many different options out there to choose from! No matter your style, the right dress can take you so many places.

Let's get to it, yeah?

Sizing info: I'm 5'2", weigh about 150 lbs., and typically wear size 6/M in clothing and size 7 in shoes.

Dress / Shoes (similar)

I came across this dress when a blogger I follow shared it in a different print. I really liked the print they shared but it wasn't available in my size, and I had kind of fell in love with this this one. The pattern is called fireworks, but I think they look more like paint splatters. The buttons are fully functional, and even though you can't really tell in this picture, the skirt is tiered. I ordered it in a medium so it's pretty roomy. I'm pretty sure a small would have fit but might would be too tight across the chest. I wore this for Alexis's school's open house/meet the teacher event. I paired it with my Oxfords because I felt like they were the perfect level of quirkiness to match the dress. Mine are really old, but I linked to a pair that has a lot of good reviews.

Dress

Would you believe me if I told you I didn't wear shoes at all this particular day? Honestly, I probably wore flip flops at some point, but I truly don't remember leaving the house. And judging by my work to-do list for this day, I was at my desk for quite awhile.

So this dress is exactly like the black and white lily dress you've seen a few times. It's really comfortable, not see-through at all, has adjustable straps and pockets, and the ruching on the bust helps keep everything where it should be.

Dress / Shoes

This was the first day of school. Now normally I am the mom who drops their kid off in sweats and my hair in a messy bun. But since it was the first day, and I had showered the night before, I decided to make a bit more effort. So I grabbed this super soft, super comfy t-shirt dress and my new sneakers.

Dress (similar, similar) / Shoes (similar)

This is one of my favorite dresses. I really love everything about it: the print, the buttons, the cut, and the sleeves. The puffed sleeves are understated so they won't go out-of-style like their bigger counterparts. I decided to swap out the sash it came with for my braided belt, which I knotted to keep from hanging awkwardly. Then I finished the look with my maroon ballet flats. Unfortunately, neither my dress nor my shoes are still available, so I linked to some similar options (I have two pair of the flats I linked to).

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When I made the transition from working mom to work-at-home mom, it was pretty dang life changing. Suddenly I had all the flexibility my previous job lacked and only myself to be responsible for on a day-to-day basis. Not to mention the fact that I haven't had to miss a single thing when it comes to Alexis.

On the flip side, my organizational skills, attention to detail, and deadline-driven mind have come in clutch for this supervisor-less role. It takes a lot of planning and self-discipline to work at home on your own.

Thankfully, there are a ton of tools out there to help me stay on track, even when my schedule gets blown up unexpectedly. And today I'm sharing my most-used products, some of which might surprise you.

Before we dive into this list, I want to clarify that I did not include some of the more obvious things like my desk, chair, lamp, computer or printer, all of which get used daily.

Pens - This goes without saying, right? You can't have an office without writing utensils, but there are pens and there are pens. As a self-appointed office supply snob, I'm pretty picky when it comes to my pens. Right now, I'm really loving these Paper Mate InkJoy gel pens and these ones that are like a fine point marker.

Notepads - I might actually have a problem when it comes to these. I tend to collect notebooks and/or journals faster than I can actually use them. However, I am pretty old-fashioned about a lot of things, and prefer to physically write things down, be it lists or info in general. These mini steno-style notepads are my favorite to keep on hand.

Monthly & Weekly Planner - Once upon a time, I tried to keep separate planners for work and non-work. Now, I use one big planner to keep track of everything that's going on in my life. My current planner is The Simplified Planner by Emily Ley. I also have a wall-mounted, dry-erase weekly schedule so that appointments are front-and-center.

Digital Sticky Notes - I would be lost without these. I use these for all sorts of things like keeping up with my monthly spending and important info I can easily reference.

Ergonomic Mouse Pad - This was honestly one of the best things I bought for myself last year. Hours of working at a computer leaves my wrists sore and stiff. This ergonomic mouse pad provides just the right amount of support. Now all I need is a matching wrist support for my keyboard.

Storage - This is kind of a catch-all category to encompass the many types of storage I have in my office. I have this desktop organizer and three bookcases, and I honestly need another bookcase and a small filing cabinet.

Fuzzy Blanket - You might be thinking, since when are blankets considered office supplies? I present to you the following argument: I work better when I'm comfortable. A fuzzy blanket instantly ups my comfort level, regardless of the season.

Fingernail Clippers & File - The habit of keeping a pair of nail clippers and file in my desk began at the TV station. So much computer work, aka typing, wreaks havoc on my nails, and I don't tend to notice that I need a trim until I'm in my office and break or crack a nail.

Blue Light Glasses - These have made such a difference in my life. My eye strain is not nearly as bad. My regular glasses have blue light blocking technology built into the frames, but I started with this pair and they are amazing.

Postage Scale - This was perhaps one of the smartest purchases I've ever made. Between the scale and pirateship.com, now I don't have to go to the post office every time I need to drop a package in the mail.

Ring Light - This isn't really something I use for work, but it is something I use practically every day, and since it resides in my office, I figured I would include it on this list. I love the adjustable stand and the phone clamp. It also has a wireless remote and several light frequencies.

Over-the-Door Hook - I use this for jackets, that way they're not draped over my desk chair and don't end up crumpled in the floor or a makeshift bed for the cat.

AP Stylebook - And last, but certainly not least, the journalist's Bible. For real, I reference this sucker at least once a week.

So those are my most-used home office supplies. Tell me what office supplies you can't live without in the comments!

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I swear, I don't actively try to add books to my TBR list faster than I can read them. It was never my intention for said list to get so out of control, but - as is true for every bookworm I'm sure - there are just too many books out there I want to read.

I've talked before about how I find books, but I've never really explained the method behind my TBR list, aka how I keep up with what I want to read next (or sometime in the future). It's really not all that complicated. I have three main ways that I keep up with what I want to read:

1. Kindle Samples - This is my #1 way of keeping track of books I find interesting. Instead of checking it out through Kindle Unlimited or buying it outright, I download a sample. Not only does it keep the title in a place I can see it, but I can read the first few chapters to see if it's something I really want to read.

2. Library TBR List - Our local library uses Overdrive for its digital loans, and on it you can add titles to a TBR list. I don't use it as often as Kindle but that's only because there's not as big of a selection on there.

3. Pinterest Board - This one is pretty self-explanatory, right? It's a good way to keep up with books I come across while browsing social media on my phone. I save them to my Bookworm board and then search for them on Kindle or Overdrive later.

You can see some other ways to manage your TBR list here.

Anyway, these are the latest books I've added to my massively out of control TBR list. The only question is when will I actually read them?

Mrs. Rochester's Ghost - As soon as I read "modern and twisty retelling of Jane Eyre," I was all aboard. When Jane loses her job, mother, relationship, and home, she accepts an unusual deal from a friend - a cottage to live in in return for tutoring Evan Rochester's daughter. Evan has been accused of murdering his wife but insists it was suicide. Jane is skeptical but finds herself falling for him anyway. Then, a ghostly presence starts to appear, and Jane begins searching for the truth.

Of Goblins and Gold (Of Goblin Kings Book 1) - This book is inspired by the movie Labyrinth, which is one of my cult favorites. Freya sets out on a rescue mission when sister is kidnapped by the Goblin King after taking a necklace. She's given four tasks to perform, but the Goblin King won't make it easy.

Thief (The Scarred Mage of Roseward Book 1) - On the cusp of leaving her life of thievery behind, Nelle takes on a dangerous job to get her father out of debt. The job takes her to Roseward Isle, where a cursed mage, Soran, is running out of weapons and magic to fight the monster that haunts his shore.

All Our Darkest Secrets - This my Amazon First Read for August, although I may not get to it this month (oops). James is a DEA agent about to make the biggest bust of his career when his wife does something terrible. So now James must choose whether to report it or help her.

Dark Horse (A Demon's Guide to the Afterlife Book 1) - After she's killed by her husband, Fury becomes a demon tasked with reforming the worst of the worst. She's on track to retire to Heaven, when the Risk Witches foresee three powerful men gifted with powers not seen in eons destroying the world unless their paths are corrected, and suddenly Fury is reassigned.

Magic Forged (Hall of Blood & Mercy Book 1) - Hazel is a wizard who barely has any magic. So when her parents die in an accident and she's suddenly in charge of the whole house and family, it's unsurprising when her cousin stages a coup and takes the family hostage. The only person willing to help is the most feared vampire in the region, Killian.

When Wishes Bleed - Sable is the daughter of Fate. When she foretells the death of Prince Tauren, he invites her to the castle to uncover whoever is plotting his death, but Sable also finds herself competing against a dozen women to be his wife and future queen.

Dynasty (Boys of Winter Book 1) - Yeah, yeah, I know. Another academy enemies-to-lovers romance, but I can't help myself. Everybody has a guilty pleasure, and these happen to be mine. At 18 years old, Winter is finally free of the foster system. In a new town and attending a new school, she doesn't expect to catch the attention of the boys who rule the school.

In Plain Sight (Arcane Casebook Book 1) - I love a good magical mystery. Alex Lockerby is a private detective investigating a magical plague that was released in a soup kitchen. His investigations lead him to a famous thief, a daring heist, and the search for a mythic book of ancient magic, but not the man responsible. Soon, Alex becomes a suspect himself, and has only four days to find the true villain.

To the Sky Kingdom - I'm not sure how to explain this one, if I'm being honest. The story spans a thousand years of tangled lives. It's a journey across worlds and time and delves into the forces that drive mortals and gods alive toward revenge, loyalty, and love.

The Last of the Stanfields - Eleanor-Rigby Donovan and George-Harrison Collins team up when they each receive anonymous letters alluding to a crime committed by their dead mothers. They delve into the shadowy past of the Stanfields, a wealthy Maryland family full of secrets that take them back decades, across continents, and to a mysterious crime long buried.

Court of Bitter Thorn (The Fae of Bitter Thorn Book 1) - Elora, tricked by a fae prince, is trapped in Faerie until the prince either becomes the next high king or is taken out of the running. Elora decides that sabotaging his chances at the crown are much faster than helping him win, so she conspires in secret with a rival king of a nearby court. Soon, there are more lives at stake than she expected, and Elora will have to choose between her sisters or half the inhabitants of Faerie.

Ink and Foxglove (The Chronicles of Whynne Book 1) - A few reviews compare this to Taming of the Shrew but with fae. Wren is a human who was adopted by fae nobility after her mother's death. Then, she's taken by Luka, a fae noble whom her adoptive parents owed a debt. There's always been speculation that Luka is part Unseelie, but he's hiding a larger secret, one that could topple the kingdom.

Captive (Night Elves of Ardani Book 1) - Novikke has little hope of surviving when she's taken prisoner by a night elf, but Aruna shows her unexpected compassion, causing Novikke to question everything she thought she knew about night elves.

Good Girl (The Siren Island Series Book 1) - Samantha's life has blown up in her face, so she decides to escape from it all at the Laughing Mermaid Bed & Breakfast on Siren Island. The B&B's neighbor, Lucas, is determined to help her unwind.

The Inheritance of Lion Hall - I really love Corina Bomman's writing, so I'm pretty excited about this one. The Moonlit Garden is fantastic. After winning her independence from her aristocratic family, Agneta is doing all she can to resist the expectations of women in high society. Then a tragic accident has her returning home to Lion Hall where her independent spirit is tested by her traditional mother, two men vying for her heart, and a twist of fate that upends her life again.

Never Never (Complete Series) - Charlize Wynwood and Silas Nash have been in love since they were 14, but one morning they wake up with no memory of their relationship. Now, they must work together to find out what happened to them and why, but the more they learn about the couple they once were, the more they question why they were ever together to begin with.

The Thorn Princess (Iron Crown Faerie Tales Book 1) - Ivy has always been different. She can see auras, animals watch her wherever she goes, and sometimes her dreams come true. But things have gone from strange to bizarre. The animals now follow her, strangers are watching her, and when she gets upset inexplicable things happen. Then, Barret Forbes, a mysterious transfer student, shows up. The more she gets to know him, the more Ivy learns about the truth behind her childhood and where her destiny lies.

Dark Waters (Celtic Legacy Series Book 1) - When the world of Fae emerges on a rocky shore far from the Emerald Isle, all hell breaks loose. Two factions vie for two sisters' loyalties - one light, the other dark, and neither honest.

The Fire in the Glass (The Charismatics Book 1) - Lily Albright is plagued by visions of the future she can never change. When a mysterious fiend threatens someone she loves, she's determined this time will be different. To save a life, Lily must reveal her secrets to someone she has little reason to trust, a man haunted by his own unusual powers.

Spells & Ashes (The Dark Files Book 1) - Samantha Beaumont isn't your average witch. She's a Dark witch who loves to hunt and kill demons with good old-fashioned magic. When a human girl is murdered and her soul taken by a Greater demon and human bodies dropping like flies, Samantha is forced to team up with an angel-born warrior to solve the case. There's just one problem: angel-borns hate Dark witches.

A Tempest of Shadows - I absolutely love Jane Washington and can't wait for this series to be complete so I can dive on in. The blurb gives me a Beatrice Harrow vibe, so I have high hopes. As punishment for an as-yet undisclosed crime, Lavinia is under the control of the "five great masters" and a "golden-eyed warrior's" fate is somehow tied with her own. She should have been executed for her crimes, but there's a darkness coming and Lavinia may be the only one who can stop it.

Rise of the Sea Witch (The Unfortunate Souls Collection) - This is a basically a prequel to The Little Mermaid, focusing on how the sea witch became what she does.

Witch Unexpected (The Thirteenth Sign Book 1) - Three dire wolf packs are bound to the world's most powerful coven through a single witch born under the 13th sign of the Zodiac. Cora is that witch, or at least she will be if she can make it to the next blood moon. Someone is trying to kill her, and the three leaders of the pack will have to work together to prevent it from happening.

My Bloodline (Featherstone Academy Book 1) - Luna has been thrown into a world representing bloodlines she knows nothing about, turning her world upside down. It doesn't matter that she doesn't want to be there. The organization that runs the criminal underworld is no joke. Apparently she's an Ace now, but few are happy about her arrival.

Wicked Wish (Dragon's Gift: The Storm Book 1) - Neveah works a desk job for the Order of Magica, aka the supernatural FBI. When her best friend is abducted, she teams up with a notorious crime lord to get her back. If the Order finds out she's working with Damian, she'll lose her job and maybe even be hunted for what she is. But if she doesn't give Damian what he wants, he'll reveal her secret.

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Do you guys follow me on Instagram? Yesterday I shared a screenshot of our weekly forecast. It's a pretty typical pattern for this time of year in the deep South - 90s across the board with a chance of afternoon storms. And it's one that will hold until at least mid-October. So while all my favorite bloggers are busy sharing tips for transitioning your wardrobe into cooler weather, I'll be here sharing extended summer looks, because in LA (lower Alabama), fall is still a long way away...if we even get to experience it at all.

We are officially in the Dog Days of Summer in my neck of the woods, aka the hottest days of the year. And don't let people fool you into thinking it's the humidity's fault. The heat is most definitely deserving of a good portion of the blame. Yesterday, our heat index was over 100 degrees!

Plus, summer isn't officially over until after Labor Day weekend, anyway. But everyone knows that it won't get truly cold here until the week of the Peanut Festival. It's science.

On to the outfits!

If you're new to the blog, welcome! Real Outfit Roundup is exactly what it says - a roundup of outfits I wore in real life. I'll tell you what I did when I wore them, do quick reviews of anything new, and link to the exact or similar item.

Sizing Note: I'm 5'2" and wear size 6/M in most clothing and size 7 in shoes.

Swimsuit / Sandals (similar)

We're going to start with this swimsuit. I mentioned it briefly in my July favorite things post, but didn't have a picture to share. The last week of July, we went to our local water park, and since I've been feeling more accepting of my body these days, I decided to wear it. Like I said in the aforementioned post, I received this swimsuit in exchange for posting about it on social media, and honestly I wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. It's probably the most comfortable swimsuit I own, and I'm impressed with the quality. It did take awhile to ship to me, but that could have been because it was gifted and not purchased.

Shirt (similar) / Shorts (similar) / Sandals (similar)

Skipping ahead to last Tuesday. I had an appointment to do a health assessment for our insurance, so I put a little more effort into getting dressed than I probably would have otherwise. You really can't go wrong with stripes. These are navy blue and it's a thicker material so a step up from a t-shirt. I also like the tie-waist and wooden buttons. All of these pieces are from last year, but I'll link to similar.

Shirt / Skirt (similar) / Shoes

The next day, I had to drop my car off to get a crack in the windshield fixed. Then we had a late breakfast at Cracker Barrel. I picked my car up after and came back to the office for a pretty full day of work. Have you taken advantage of the muscle tank trend? I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest fan because they tend to make my shoulders look really wide, but I couldn't resist this vintage Coke design. The tank itself is loose enough to do pretty much anything with, so I decided to knot it to add a fun summer feel. My skirt is really old from Forever 21, and my sneakers are still available.

Tank / Leggings

I legit stayed in my workout clothes all day Thursday. I don't do that often, but we had no other plans. This is one of my more recent sets from Fabletics. You can't see in the picture, but it came with a matching sports bra. I will say that the waist band on the leggings does have an annoying habit of rolling but it doesn't bother me enough to stop wearing them. This tank is actually probably my favorite workout top.

Dress (similar) / Vest (similar) / Shoes

If you've been around for awhile, this outfit probably looks familiar. I wear this a lot, actually. So here's your not-so-subtle nudge to invest in a striped dress and denim vest. My sneakers are new. This was the first full day I wore them, and they got broken in nicely distributing magazines. They come in quite a few color/pattern combos but I went with the more neutral taupe/silver so I'd be able to wear them with more.

Now for a bit of an outfit evolution... This black plaid dress has been in my closet for a couple years now, but I haven't worn it recently. It can be worn off or on the shoulder, so I tried it a couple different ways before I settled.

So, I originally grabbed my new sneakers because they go with everything, and they worked, but I felt like they kind of stole the show from the dress. I really wanted to wear it off-the-shoulder but sneakers felt like they detracted from that too much.

Dress (similar) / Shoes

So I changed into my trusty black sneakers, pulled the straps onto my shoulders, and called it a day.

Shirt (similar) / Shorts (similar)

And we'll end with a typical summer outfit for me - my favorite denim shorts and a graphic t-shirt. As much as I love dresses, and I really really do, my daily go-to is usually shorts and a t-shirt.

Well that's it for this real outfit roundup. Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday, friends!

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Back-to-school shopping for the upcoming school year has been weird. First of all, our school district got a grant for school supplies so all we had to buy this year was a bookbag. Second of all, Alexis really hasn't grown much since the end of last school year, other than her feet which grew two sizes over the summer! So we didn't need to buy a whole new collection of clothes (I'm holding off on fall/winter clothes for now because she may have a spurt between now and then).

But it wouldn't be a new school year without a few new outfits and new shoes, so we stocked up on a few things from Target and Old Navy.

I love Target and Old Navy for Alexis's clothes for several reasons. They have good quality pieces that withstand the daily wear and tear an active kid puts them through, and they don't break the bank. Plus, I almost always have Super Cash or Circle Rewards to retract from my total. I also like that they both offer free shipping for orders over $50 and they each do free returns.

Sizing info: Alexis is between sizes right now. She wears a size 6/S in the Cat & Jack brand at Target and we size up to 8/M at Old Navy. She wears size 13-1 in shoes.

Dress | Shoes

This dress is by far Alexis's favorite new thing, and if I'd let her she would already have worn it every other day. As such, you're looking at what will most likely be her first-day-of-school outfit. This dress is beyond adorable. The top is smocked and the sleeves are 3/4 length so she'll be able to wear it pretty much all year long here. It's a midi length, unlined but not see-through, although she will most definitely wear some little shorts underneath.

Her flats aren't 100% new. We bought them for her to wear to a specific event, so they've only been worn once or twice. They're a 13 so she won't be wearing them for much longer, but we'll stretch it out as long as we can.

Dress | Shoes

This is a great everyday dress. It's a soft t-shirt material with a tiered skirt. We have several of these in other patterns.

Dress | Shoes | Bookbag

This is your run-of-the-mill t-shirt dress, but they are a staple in Alexis's closet. What's great about this one is that it has pockets!

Pink combat boots have kinda become her signature shoe over the last few years. Seriously, she's had a pair every year for the last three years. This is a new-to-us brand, Art Class, but the quality seems pretty good for the price, and I know she'll get the maximum amount of wear out of them.

Shirt | Skirt | Shoes

Do your kids love flip sequins as much as mine? Sadly, this exact unicorn print isn't available online but there are a bunch of others to choose from. And how cute is this skirt? The buttons are functional so I would absolutely put shorts underneath.

Shirt | Skirt | Shoes

This is a ribbed knit, faux-button front henley-type shirt. It's basically a nicer version of a t-shirt. Alexis said it feels like a sweater.

Shirt | Shorts | Shoes (similar)

Graphic t-shirts are the bread and butter of Alexis's school clothes. They're easy to mix and match with pretty much every type of bottoms she's got. They don't cost a ton so if they get messed up, it's not a big deal. And right now there seems to be a ton of art-related prints, which fits her personality to a T.

These shorts are so much fun. Alexis likes that they look like a skirt but aren't. That said, they are very loose, so you might want to consider layering some bike shorts underneath. Otherwise, they're a stretchy waistband so no buttons and zippers to worry about.

And check out these kicks! They've got flip sequins on the sides and faux diamonds on the toes. Sadly, these exact ones aren't on the website, but Sketchers has a bunch of really cool high-tops for kids right now, and they're all 25% off!

Shirt | Shorts | Shoes (similar)

These shorts are not her favorite. She's not a big fan of the color, which is kind of in between khaki and gold. I like that they're neutral and will be easy to pair with most of her tops. They're twill and have a drawstring waist and pockets.

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Do you guys remember back in April when I tried LUS with disastrous results? Well, this post isn't going to be anything like that one. In fact, I'm here to talk to you about how I've been having the best hair days of my life.

I've said this before, and I'm sure I'll say it dozens more times in my lifetime, but if you have curly or wavy hair, finding the right products is kind of like playing scientist. You mix a little of this with a little of that. You plot out the best wash days. You hoard your favorite products, and you're resigned to the fact that you're going to waste your money on something that promises awesome results but doesn't deliver.

I have a drawer in the bathroom that is filled with hair products, but I haven't found myself reaching for any of them in the past month, and - dare I say it?! - I might even clean that drawer out for good soon.

Ever since I tried LUS, my hair has been struggling. I've tried so many different things, but nothing has offered me consistent results, until now. So what's got me loving my natural hair once again? Monat.

I'll be honest. I was not familiar with this brand at all, but a mom friend of mine reached out to me during one of their big sales and convinced me I should give it a try. So I did, and the results from day one blew my mind.

This post is not sponsored. I did not receive compensation for this post.

Before we dive into my review, I want to be as transparent as possible. These products are by far the most expensive hair products I have ever bought, even with the major sale I took advantage of, but at least in this case, you truly get what you pay for.

Like I said, my friend, Shannon, reached out to me at the beginning of July to gauge my interest in trying Monat. After struggling for months to get my hair back on track, I was ready to try something new, and Shannon's passion for these products as well as the before-and-after stories she shared with me had me really intrigued.

We talked about my hair, the concerns I have with it, and my goals, then she recommended several products to help get me there. I ended up getting shampoo, conditioner, curl cream, gel, and a volumizing mousse. I also joined the VIP group and received a free hot tool (I chose a new hairdryer since mine has been dying a slow death) plus a jar of the scalp purifying scrub, which is by far my favorite product. All total, I spent a little over $100, but had I paid full price it would have been closer to $300.

Here's what makes these products so great. You don't have to use a ton of each to get the results you want. In fact, I'm not even using a quarter of the amount of any of the products I was using before, and my hair looks the best it's looked consistently since I decided to embrace my natural texture back in 2017-18 (can't remember which year it was exactly). And since I'm not using nearly as much product, they're lasting forever -- as in, I shouldn't need a refill on anything for at least another three months.

Have I convinced you to give these products a try yet? Let's take a look at my results and how I achieve it!

Step 1: Wash Day

For a regular wash day, I use the Renew Shampoo. I squeeze about a quarter-sized amount into my palm and work it into my scalp without getting it all sudsy and let it sit for two minutes. Rinse, then repeat but work it into a lather. I follow that with the Intense Repair Conditioner, using only about a nickel-sized amount, finger comb it through my hair, and let it sit for the rest of my shower, then rinse with cool water to seal in the moisture. About once a week, I use the scalp purifying scrub instead of the shampoo.

The above picture is my towel-dried hair right after a shower on wash day (I use either a micro-fiber towel or my perfect hair care towel only). As you can see, the waves/curls are already starting to form, which was not a usual occurrence for my hair pre-Monat.

Step 2: Products

I apply my products to towel-dried hair, meaning it's still pretty wet but not dripping. If I wait until it's damp, the results aren't as good.

I start with Frizz-Fix smoothing hair primer. I use two pumps and finger comb it from root to tip, then give it a minute or two to absorb into the strands.

Then, I combine the Curl Defining Cream and Flexible Hold Gel. As you can tell from the picture above, I use the smallest amount possible. For the gel, it's like a tear-drop and the cream is maybe twice that. Then I mix them together in my palms and scrunch them into my hair starting from the ends. I do not go all the way to my roots. I also make sure to start away from my face so that I don't end up applying too much to the thinner hair there and weighing it down.

Finally, I apply a small amount of The Moxie Magnifying Mousse to my roots only for volume.

Step 3: Diffuse Dry

You can let these products air dry if you want to, but my hair will literally stay wet all day long if I do that, so I diffuse it until it's at least 75% dry with my roots being fully dry.

And the results are in!

My hair is a mix of 2c and 3a waves and curls. With Monat, I have a lot more definition and ton more volume. The styling products don't dry crunchy so I don't have to deal with "scrunching out the crunch," which is a super annoying side effect of most other gels and mousses. The anti-frizz cream does a really good job keeping the waves/curls smooth considering I live in south Alabama where the heat and humidity are on overdrive this time of year.

The products smell amazing and my wash day styling lasts through two full days. Then all I do is dampen it with water to reactivate the products that are already there, gently use my fingers to detangle, apply a miniscule amount of gel to tame the flyaways, and let it air dry.

I was prepared to be underwhelmed by these products, but from the very first day I have been impressed. My hair is healthier and has honestly been getting better the longer I use the products. I can't explain the science behind any of it, but these results speak for themselves.

Want to give it a try? Click here to start the process!