Cozy New Year's Eve

We're rounding the home stretch, folks. 2012 is just about over! I say it year after year, but when this time arrives I just can't believe how fast the year went by. Doesn't it feel like we JUST did all this holiday stuff? Wasn't I just putting away my Christmas from last year? But really, when will I stop being amazed at how fast time flies? I'm beginning to sound 85...no but seriously, the way time is flying I'll be 85 before I know it...

We've put together a couple New Year's Eve outfits, hoping to spark some inspiration for your own holiday evening. Mine is more of a casual take on the celebration of ringing in the new year, since we typically end up spending it at a family's house playing games, and much to my chagrin, watching stupid TV. Like those motocross dudes in Vegas. Can't they pull these stunts on any of the other 364 days of the year? Nope, just the one night that we could really go out and PARTY, ya know, all Mormon style with a two year old (who will be 18, like tomorrow! 85...), but I digress!

This outfit is super comfy, perfectly fit for splaying on the ground killing everyone in Mad Gab, but also really fun, so I wouldn't feel out of place hitting up a midnight party with friends. Which, I may force myself to do this year. Why is it that only on New Year's Eve am I completely wiped out by 11pm, and every other night I'm not falling asleep until at least 1am? ... It's because I'm turning 85, isn't it?

Husband, we're doin' it. Find us a sitter. Let's party.

Stay tuned for Meg's glamorous New Year's Ever attire post!

Shirt: Forever 21 - $20 | Jacket: Forever 21 - $35 | Velvet Leggings: Forever 21 - $15 | Striped Mesh Leggings: Forever 21 - $11 | Boots: Target - $9 | Accessories: Heirloom and Forever 21 - <$15 | Hat: Forever 21 - $9

Aztec & Snow

I've struggled this year figuring out exactly how I feel about Santa. It's not that I feel I should raise my kid(s) knowing the truth because I do definitely believe in the magic of Santa Clause. I'm just struggling with the commercialized aspect of Christmas, and the fibs upon fibs upon fibs. It's all fun and games, sure, but do I really need something like an elf on a shelf to make my son behave? Or should I just raise him with certain behavioral expectations year round? Easier said than done, right?

I don't want to be "that mom" that strips my children of the commercial novelties their friends and cousins experience during the holiday season, and yet I don't want to succumb to it all just to "fit in". There must be a balance!

I'd rather not go from place to place visiting the big man in the red suit and tell my kids that Santa's eeeeeeverywhere. A once a year visit at my in-laws seems like enough Santa for one holiday season. However, when S and I visited The Dickens Christmas Festival with my family this weekend and found that Father Christmas was there, of course I had to have S sit on his lap, and when he marched on up there and let Santa lift him onto his lap, my cold, Bah-Humbug heart melted. And when he told Santa he'd like "that train" (the one he just finished riding), I just melted into a puddle. Maybe my outlook on Santa visits has changed...

Blanket Poncho: Target - $8 | Tunic: Forever 21 - $26 | Leggings: Target - $20 | Scarf: Target - $16 | Booties: Target - $35 | Bracelet: Forever 21 - $6

Sequins & Studs

We don't know how the rest of you moms do it. Bringing your kids together for a giant, or little, playdate, and end up conversing with each other while the kids nicely play. Caitlyn and I gave it a go today so we could work on some blog things, and you wouldn't believe the amount of fighting that went on between K and S. We swear we raise them in calm, loving homes, but somehow they pick up on hitting, pushing, yelling and the like from somewhere and use it on each other. What is your secret!?

It even got so bad that Caitlyn had to whisk S away from the house earlier than planned and head home. Something about Thomas the Train, and not wanting to share with K. Kids... Or is it boys... ?

Shirt: Forever 21 - $18 | Metallic Pants: H&M - $40 | Booties: Forever 21 - $30 | Hat: Gap - $30

Mama Wolf

Today I'm feeling overwhelmed. It seems like everyday I set small goals to reach for the next day; I have a laundry list of things I want to get done, and I can never seem to get anything accomplished before work! Maybe I should try to be a little more realistic about what I can get done with two, active kids running around?

Remember birthdays as a kid? Practically revered as a holiday! Funny how the older we get the less important birthdays get...

I spent my b-day with my kiddos, and went to lunch with Cait. Since my hubby worked all day, we decided to celebrate the following Monday, and after failing to find a sitter we brought the kids thinking it'd be fun to spend the day together as a family.

We ended up eating at The Garden Restaraunt in Salt Lake. I've always loved the beautiful view from up there of the temple we were sealed in and the city. We sat near the window since K wanted to see the temple while we ate. Naturally, something had to go wrong during our meal, it's just the way of the world, right!? Poor K ended up flipping off his chair and banging his chin on the table, sinking his top teeth deep into his lip. It was a freakin' blood bath in there, and he was hysterical! He was so upset, then peed all over the chair and the floor. Poor kid! After that he was so grumpy, and there was nothing to make him happy. And somehow, a giant hole DIDN'T open up right in the middle of the floor to swallow me up whole! How rude is that? Needless to say, we won't be going there for a looong time.

Sweater: Forever 21 - $23 | Skirt: Forever 21 - $18 | Hat: Gap - $15 | Tights: Gap | Necklace: Handmade by Me for Sparkle Series

Love & Birthdays

Meg had a birthday over the weekend, and we partied it up! Well, as much as two moms with littles at home, and limited sitter time can! Even still, it was so nice to spend a few hours together undisturbed by anything other than the occasional buzz of our phones so we could properly celebrate Meg's big day!

We obviously fit in a little time to take pics together, only to be interrupted by a toothless man informing us of better shoot locations. Turns out, that's the best kind of company you encounter when you take pictures in a creepy alley. Who woulda thought?

While I realize eight outfit pics is excessive, I wanted to showcase Meagan's photography skills. Not only is she a whiz behind the lens, but she knows just how to tweak the poseof  an incredibly awkward girl [me] to yield flattering pictures! Because I tell ya, if it was just my brains behind these pics we'd be screwed!

Love Sweater: Forever 21 - $24 | Jeans: Honey & Lace - Hostess Gift | Booties: Target - $35 | Scarf: Cotton On - $5 | Aviators: Forever 21 - $6

Sequins & Polka Dots

While we surely didn't intend on taking pictures with the sun so low, they turned out so cool with the sun shining off my sequined tank. Meagan is a whiz behind the camera!

This is an outfit I wore to church on Sunday, but would definitely wear it again to a holiday party or special event. 

Speaking of church, yesterday's was a solo event. Since my husband was home sick, I came home after choir practice to pick up my two year old son, then head back. What should've been a morning of Sunday prep complete with bow tie tying, belt fastening, backpack readying, and the like, turned into a screeching, thrashing toddler refusing to get dressed, then me dropping S on his bed and storming out to attend church alone. I'm childish like that. But so is he. These tantrums have got to stop! From both of us...

<iPhone photo>
And since I'M in love with this booties and tights combo, I figured you'd want a close-up! You're welcome.

Cardigan (worn underneath): Nordstrom - $24 | Sequin Tank: Forever 21 - $25 | Skirt: Forever 21 - $16 | Tights: Free People via Soel Boutique - $20 | Booties: Target - $35

Stripes & Fur

While I am trying my best not to shop like a fiend, when something like a fur scarf isn't in your wardrobe, and you've got a hankering for one, by golly the debit card has got to come out of hiding! 

I snagged this fabulous scarf at H&M only for $18, and with what a chic touch it adds to so many outfits, cost per wear will probably end up at freaking two cents. Can't beat that! Shopper Remorse: Vanished.

Sweater : J. Crew - Thrifted | Pants: Forever 21 - $13 | Scarf: H&M - $18 | Booties: Target - $30

Camo & Leather

With winter approaching, and fall in full swing (who's looking forward to Halloween!?), I find myself seeking out edgier outfits often. Leather, dark prints, graphic tees, dark lips and metal accents really bring that sort of look together. Even one of those items can stand alone, and give you that rocker feel you may be seeking!

My favorite part about this outfit is the camo jacket I found in the men's department! It really pays to shop all sections wherever you are. 

Jacket: Old Navy - $25 (men's dept) | Shirt: Zara - $30 | Pants: Forever 21 - $22 | Booties: Target - $15 | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Forever 21 - $7

Stud Booties

First and foremost, please excuse the quality of these sub par photos, they were taken with my iPhone. 

I bought these awhile back from Target (and for $11 nonetheless!), and just felt like they needed a little pizazz. Gold studs are pizazz-y, right? Did you know you can buy random craft items in bulk, or not, off Etsy in the Supplies section? I ordered a pack of gold studs a long time ago, just knowing I'd find a good use for them, and if I may admit, I think I surely did that.

Things needed: Lucky item waiting to be studded, hot glue gun, studs (I bought the ones without the prongs, they have the round cap instead like this), tough thumbs and The Vampire Diaries - because who doesn't need a little Damon and Stefan while they craft?

I have the prettiest glue gun ever.

You get the idea...

Wah-lah! Unlike other crafts I take on, I'm extremely pleased with the outcome of this one. Stay tuned for an outfit post showcasing these gems. 

This was such an easy DIY, which is basically the only kind I can get involved in, and now I just want to bedazzle everything!

Season Skinnies

Colored skinnies are by no means on their way out, so don't feel too guilty about all the pairs you've bought this spring and summer! However, if you're feeling iffy about wearing some of the brightly colored ones this fall, buy yourself some Rit dye, and transform them into deeper autumn hues.

I purchased this kelly green pair at Target earlier this year, and felt a hunter green would suit me better this time of year. 

I highly advise getting yourself an adorable helper like I did, the work was much more enjoyable this way.

Shirt: Forever 21 - $11 | Blazer: Nordstrom - $30 | Jeans: Target - $23 | Booties: Target - $15 (on sale) | Watch: Michael Kors

Ties & Booties

Ever looking for an outfit that easily transitions from day to night? Or specifically in my case, from motherhood to appointments at the salon. Here is one of those such outfits (day outfit here). By simply removing the sweater, tying up the bolo, applying a bold lip color, and swapping out the flats for booties, I've got myself a fancier outfit!

Leather pants; they're tricky. Finding that perfect pair that is neither too tight or too loose, AND pairs well with flats and shoes with height. I hesitate saying "heels" since I immediately picture a stiletto of sorts, which is not my cup of tea. So, "shoes with height" it is. 

Seems I may have fallen short in that mission. Not loving these with my booties. Live and learn! I am, however, in love with the riding stripe on each side. 

Collared Blouse: Forever 21 - $20 | Leggings: Cotton On - $25 | Booties: Target - $30 | Bracelet: Heirloom | Lipstick: Cover Girl Flame