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

Stripes & Dots

Anyone else felt like they had to roll themselves out of bed this morning, still feeling the effects of their Thanksgiving feast from yesterday? My, what a splendid holiday. I hope yours was as fabulous as mine!

And now, Christmas is definitely upon us! Got your gift lists written? Online websites thoroughly browsed? Coupons organized and ready? Santa letters drafted? Ya, we don't either. There is so much to be done! 

And here's another outfit for the books...

Always on board with mixing patterns, even two bold patterns such as stripes and polka dots. Adding a solid coat and shoes neutralizes the look a little, but I can't say I wouldn't throw on a third pattern to kick it up a notch. Gotta take risks!

I always feel more than able to run around after my kids in rainboots. Super comfortable, and no-fuss. 

Coat: Zara | Shirt: Forever 21 - $18 | Pants: Forever 21 - $22 | Rainboots: Hunters c/o Piperlime - $90

Military & Mini Me

The best part about this blog for me is that I've got to digging. Digging through my closet. Brushing dust off old articles of clothing (no kidding), searching for inspiration among "outdated" items I couldn't bear to throw out, and exercising my creativity with what I have. 

One such inspiration that sparked in my closet was a "military theme", especially since I'd been eyeing a military jacket for little V. The little chica pulls it off quite well, wouldn't you agree?

And while I certainly don't aim to match with my kiddos, I have to admit occasionally it's pretty fun when our outfits somewhat coincide. 

V's outfit ... Military Jacket: Gap | Shirt: Target - $8 | Pants: Target - $12 | Boots: H&M - $10 | Hat: H&M - $5

Meagan's outfit ... Military Jacket: H&M - $50 | Shirt: Forever 21 - $15 | Army Pants: Forever 21 - $20 | Heels: Forever 21 - $22 | Hat: Gap - $10

Infinity & Geo

Fur. Most definitely one of the MANY things we find ourselves both owning, however, in this case I copied Meagan. Whoops!

Hey, want to know something interesting? It DOESN'T get easier posing for pics week after week. Shocker, eh? Weird that it hasn't become second nature. Bahaha!

Something else that has come to my attention: lipstick with fur isn't necessarily the best idea. Also, ten day hair doesn't photograph well. Live and learn.

Still can't get enough of mixing patterns and unassuming colors!

Sweater: Target - $30 | Jeans: Honey & Lace - Hostess Gift | Moccasins: Minnetonka c/o Soel Boutique - $47 | Infinity Scarf: Target - $16

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

Studs & Color Blocking

A trend I am totally on board with is color blocking. You'll find it on the celebs, if you care about those folks, on Pinterest, and just regular ol' gals like me! 

And I definitely had to put in a plug about the DIY booties from this post. Something to learn from this DIY is that super glue would've been the better bonding agent. Still loving them though, and surprisingly, I lasted all three hours of church in them, WITH a two year old. Bonus!

Blouse: Forever 21 - $13 | Skirt: J. Crew - HandMeDown | Fishnets: Nordstrom - $15 | Booties: Target - $11 | Bracelet: Peak-A-Boo Deals - $13 | Necklace: H&M - $15

Heels & Bows

What are we clearly loving over here lately? Leather. Leather. Leather. Nope, not genuine leather, we are the mothers of small children after all. Fortunately, we're finding imitation leather all over the place, at affordable prices! 

This skirt, for instance, is an item I'll wear all fall and winter long. Definitely labeling it as a staple! Dress it up with a flowy blouse and heels, or wear it casually with a rocker tee and flats or combat boots. 

Coated material in all forms is another thing that's catching our eye such as this skirt, and these jeans!

Jacket: Gap - $12 | Blouse: Forever 21 - $13 | Skirt: Forever 21 - $18 | Leopard Heels: Steven by Steve Madden - $45

Sunnies & Leggings

This is one of those safe, easy outfits that's comfortable for all day wear, no matter what the day calls for. For me, it was running errands, cutting five client's hair, pumpkin carving, pizza grabbing, and obviously gazing awkwardly into the distance. 

Although temperatures are dropping, and darker colors are much more fitting, I still find it comforting to occasionally throw on brighter colors and springy patterns. I've always felt that if the material of the clothing is season-appropriate I can wear whatever color I darn well please. 

Sweater: Target - $25 | Blouse: Target - $25 | Leggings: Forever 21 - $12 | Boots: HandMeDown | Sunnies: Romwe.com - $12 | Accessories: Forever 21 - < $15

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