Winter Classics

On me: Puffer Coat (only $27!) // Adidas Tee // Jeans // Purse: Dagne Dover Petite tote // Hat (found this look alike for under $10) // Boots // Socks 

On Athena: Sweater // Bow Leggings: On sale for $7.99 from Janie and Jack // Gold Shoes

I find as I get older I make less trendy purchases. I stick to things that I know will last and not date themselves in a couple of years. This outfit pretty much sums up those choices. It stays true to my love of comfort and pops of color, but also includes smart functional pieces that I know I'll wear for years to come and will remain classics. 

This red puffer jacket is perfect for my mountain life here in Salt Lake. It's warm but lightweight and only cost $27!  And what mountain look doesn't include some good hiking boots? These are going on their third winter and still going strong and keep getting rereleased at Nordstrom so you know they are good!. I like that they are somewhere between a hiking boot and a shoe so they aren't too bulky. They are great with these striped top boot socks I looked everywhere for last year but could only find a few of. They are fully stocked in lots of colors right now here in both mens and women' sizes. I like to buy mens because I have giant feet! But don't wait, they sell out fast.

You probably all know about my love for Dagne Dover bags by now... I own five! This 

Petite Tote in Warm Dust is just about the most beautiful shade of dusty pink that isn't too overly girly and not season specific so It's great year round. I find it great for my days with athena because I can fit all my stuff and hers in it surprisingly easily. It's great for the necessities; 1 diaper, bottle, my keys, credit cards and chapstick and phone. 

This hat is probably two or three years old but I always get compliments on it because as you know fair isle is a classic and always great in the winter. I found this cute look alike on Amazon for under $10 and it comes in multiple colors. It would make a great stocking stuffer in my opinion.

So what classics do you love for winter? Do you feel the same way as I do about getting older and avoiding trendy pieces?

What I'm Actually Buying, Wearing and Loving This Holiday Season.

I know you are probably sick of hearing about sale, but if our here, it's because you trust me that I don't always try to sell you on random stuff. I tell you truthfully about only the stuff I'm actually loving and spend my own money on, and spend it wisely because I love a good sale and am willing to wait one out on things worth waiting for.

The items I'm linking here I own, love and wear. Cross my heart! I'm sure some of you have even seen some of these loungy items  in my Instastories because that's how I dress the moment I get home from work.  Like these Ugg slippers or my buffalo check thermal pants and buttery top made from the softest cozy material. Also if you have seen Athena and I rocking onesies together you know I love some adult onesie jammies. Especially when they are 50% off. Pretty much everything you see below is either on sale or worth paying the price in my opinion.

The two that are added into the mix for Athena are some new Freshly Picked baby moccasins because they are 25% off right now and the only shoes we own that don't make walking hard for her or make her feet smell. I also loaded up on H&M baby tights for her in multiple colors. They have so many great two-packs for keeping her legs warm for winter and under pants for our hikes.

And if you are looking for some holiday outfit ideas that are actually comfortable, check out yesterdays post, which consists of more stuff I already own and love and will totally be wearing for all our Holiday parties.

How to Dress Comfortably for Holiday Parties

The Holiday party attire problem. You know the one. You want to look all cute and sparkly but it's cold and you also want to stuff your face with all the yummy foods of the season. So what's a girl to wear when she wants to stay warm, cozy and essentially feel like she's wearing pajamas when it's time to hit all those holiday parties? I've got you covered.

First up, If you have not checked out these new "Easy Pants" from J. Crew, they are a must. 40% off site wide right now btw. They look like tailored pants from the front but the back is elastic! Heck yeah. They come in so many pretty shades and textures. I cant get over how versatile the black lace ones would be with literally any sweater, a sparkly top or a button down. And the pink velvet are hands down my fav and you would expect. The velvet is buttery soft and the shade of pink is just dusty enough to not be overtly girly. I can't wait to wear mine with this super soft stretch silk star top.

Next up is this glittery jersey dress! I tried it on and its amazingly comfortable, not at all scratchy, as you would usually associated with a sparkly dress, and has just the most subtle shimmer of gold, it really almost just looks black from a distance. The shape is flattering and keeps you covered which equals WARM! and the price being under $35 (on sale even more with Black Friday codes on site!) doesn't hurt either.

Your going to need a cute comfy and forgiving top to wear with these fancy new pants so I say make a statement with color and style. This ruffle sleeve sweatshirt I own in baby blue, also comes in black and I bet no one would even notice you were wearing a sweatshirt if you had on a fun top like this! You can always go with a bold color like this Free People sweater I have in hot pink but the red is just perfect for the holidays, don't you think? And if you're already thinking lace or velvet pnts are statement enough and you want to play down the top half, you cant go wrong with a classic white button down with the sleeves cuffed. Want something in between? Try that stretch silk star top I was talking about.

On to shoes. I pretty much wear exclusively flats or heels under 2 inches at this stage in my life and am totally ok with it. I love to have flats that pack a little punch so they are not too basic. These raspberry velvet ones are such a fun color and these tie-maryjane style low heels dress up any pants. I'm also loving these black multi-buckle flats that also come in cheetah and are on sale for $60. Even with all those straps, they are surprisingly comfortable and easy to put on with the easy access back zipper.

All these items are pretty interchangeable so you can mix and match them for multiple parties. So lets review. Deceptively comfy pants paired with a simple or statement top and a pair of interesting flats make for the perfect holiday outfit that you will feel ready to party in all night long! Click on the links or photos to shop the pieces. I aslo threw in these stick-on beaded stars because I think if you add them to a simple clutch, they can step it up to holiday level.

Farm Day

Sweatshirt (that's right, it's a sweatshirt!) on sale now for $22// Jeans // Dagne Dover Petite tote bag (c/o)

Athena's romper on sale for $8 // Athena's Freshly Picked shoes'

Lover of all animals, it was only fair to get this girl to a petting zoo before winter hit and thats just what we did. It's been pretty warm comparatively to what we are seeing from friends back home in the midwest, so we are enjoying these crisp but sunny Fall days. 

This ruffle sleeve sweatshirt is on sale online for $22 but I have seen it in stores for $15 in the Black Friday section so stop in or check back in a few days to get the best deals!

Speaking of deals, Dagne Dover is going to be doing a pretty epic Black Friday sale, so if you've had your eye on my Charlie work bag or this petite tote, it's time to pull the trigger. I am finally going to snap up this backpack come Friday. 

Target is Killin' It

Target seems to have everything thing I want and then some right now with pieces I'm coveting more than some of my favorite more pricey brands. Who doesn't want to save money this time of year with the holidays rapidly approaching? I've rounded up my favorites, packed with cozy jammies and slippers, super cute shoes that are dead ringers for designer pairs at department stores now, and cute home decor rivaling some serious name brands we all know and love? And how stinking cute are those advent blocks with the numbers on them shaped like tiny houses? They are going to make the perfect gift and will also be making the cutest tiny town on my mantle. Let the Target madness begin!

October Recap

October was a crazy month in our family. We happen to have lots of our big dates fall in October like our Anniversary, my birthday, Halloween and some other big stuff. Athena's birthday is pretty close too since it falls on November 4th but that's worth a post of its own.

One of the biggest things that happened was that we bought our first brand new family car! We went with a 2018 Subaru Outback and I must say, as a girl who could care less about cars I'm loving it...or maybe I just love the seat warmers. 

Anyway, here's a wrap-up of the busy month that feels like it just passed before another one gets away from me.  It was filled with all the fun fall activities we could possibly jam in as well as several colds for all in the family.

In efforts to get the most bang for our Halloween costume buck, we took Athena to the aviary's costume day were she got to test out her unicorn costume the weekend before the big day.

We are just a few days away from Halloween and we realized we never took Athena to a pumpkin patch. Mostly because she had a cold pretty much every weekend prior (thanks daycare) so we had to pass until last minute but I'm glad we squeezed it in. Here she is sampling her tiny pumpkin she picked out. 

Pretty spectacular view from the pumpkin patch.

I started" jumpsuit Wednesday" as my school attire because it's the only day I have a bunch of prep periods which means enough time get myself out of them to use the restroom. Seriously, It requires being strategic and you need some time.

Athena chilling in the Subaru showroom.

Little nugget got a double ear infection and actually snuggled with me for a whole day and it was delightful for me, not so great for her.

Athena has been sampling leaves at all the various parks in our neighborhood. 

While staying at the Washington Schoolhouse Hotel for my birthday, we discovered Athena really likes tiny hotel toiletry bottles. She had to have one in each hand and one in her mouth at all times. She also threw all the slippers in the bathtub.

This is the rooftop lounge area at the Washington Schoolhouse Hotel. The whole place is really stunning and worth a visit.

This is the lobby lounge where breakfast is made to order every morning. It was such a great place to relax since Andrew took the baby so I could eat brunch in peace!

We drove up Guardsman's Pass and took a few pictures with the beautiful mountains in the background.

I found the perfect pink velvet skirt for only $23 at Target when I was rushing to find something to wear to the Ballet with my class for a field trip the next day of school. The length makes it perfect for the colder months too. 

Athena Trick-or-Treated for the first time and even shared candy with this other cutie we passed on the candy trail.

We attempted to take Athena to a petting zoo but it was closed so we just hung out outside and took pictures with their well-placed pumpkin to make a very literal "Athena-Boo."

We decided to test out the new car and drove to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Every time we have gone it's been so magical. Athena clomped around on the salt and we didn't have to worry about her running away from us or falling. She just roamed free and was loving life.

Buffalo Check to Work

Bag: Dagne Dover "Charlie" Tote // Mules (only $23) // Buffalo Check button down // Dress: Zara ( a sale find from last winter) // Watch

I'm hoping this proves I still dress like a professional from time to time, at least mostly at work and when I have the chance to get someone to take photos. The only reason these pictures exist is because my friend Sandy and I met up to plan some of the details of the double baby shower we threw at my house this weekend.

Flannel can be a tricky one to wear in a professional setting. It's got a collar so it makes you feel like it's ok, but the warm cozy softness makes it feel like it shouldn't be worn to work. I made this buffalo check flannel more professional by layering it under this faux-suede dress I scored for $20 last winter knowing it would be a great layering piece. I also intend to wear this shirt with a black pencil skirt and my brown moto jacket over it.

If you haven't jumped on the Mule trend yet, I suggest you buy these as your starter pair. The $23 price tag is too good to beat and they are pretty great dupes for the Gucci mules that cost $680. Click and compare if you don't believe me.


If I'm going to work, you won't find me without my Charlie tote! It goes with me every day and can hold everything I need for the day including a bit of stuff for Athena so it doubles as a diaper bag. This bag would be the ultimate gift for a lady who totes around as much stuff as I do.

One last full week of school till Thanksgiving Break!!! I know I'll be counting down the days.

This is 36

Maxi Dress: Evereve (on sale now!) // Knit Moto Jacket: Old Navy // Booties:  Hushpuppies // Bag: Dagne Dover Petite Tote in Warm Dust // Sunglasses: Loft 

My first birthday as a mother was yesterday. And while I didn't feel much different about it being my birthday, I felt different about me. So maybe it's being 36, maybe it's being a mom, or maybe it's just a new me but a lot has changed.

1. I don't really care what people think anymore. Really I feel like I have always prided myself on this characteristic of my personality but as of lately, I find myself doing things with only two motivations: Do I personally find value in it; and does it help me spend time with my family. Those are really the only two things that matter to me. This pretty much leaves me time to teach, clean my house like the neat freak I am, shop because I still love cute clothes, and spend time with my family.

2. I have lost my mind. I have noticed this since being pregnant that my memory has gotten worse but oh boy, after being a mother and going back to teaching and trying to remember things like changing class schedules or times for random school events, I'm wrecked. I feel like the minutia of the day's schedule at school is last on my list of actually committing to memory. Let's all just thank our lucky stars that I have a big whiteboard right in front of me with times for class periods all day. Also, sorry students, sometimes I just straight up blank on your names. They are in my brain somewhere. 

3. I'm not eating "perfectly." I used to be pretty hard core on the no sugar, no junk food, home-cooked lifestyle, and it was totally doable back when I had just myself to cook for (Andrew never cared much for my Whole 30 cooking) so it was pretty easy. Now I feel like I have cut myself some slack because I now realize that if I prep meals for breakfast and lunch all week that's pretty great, but dinner may end up being a Lara Bar, or a handful of chips, nothing at all, or literally whatever I can find in the house because I'm too busy taking care of Athena. I know I could try harder with that last "meal" in the day but honestly, it's just not as much of a priority anymore. I like getting my workout in at 6am, having a healthy breakfast and lunch, and letting life happen after that. I feel like that's the best kind of balance I can make happen as a working mom with a very active toddler.

4. I'm more forgiving of what I look like. I think part of the Whole 30 eating and tons of working out I used to be very strict about really did work for me. I liked it even. But now, I can't make it to hot yoga 3 times a week with Bar Method every day because I simply don't have time to recover from hot yoga, which means showering and blowing my hair back out. I like taking my Pilates class for the same reason I've always loved Barre classes. They are a great workout but you don't get  super sweaty and look destroyed afterwards. So maybe my hair is dirty and in a ponytail but I choose that over having to start this whole body from scratch daily.

5. I choose fashion based strictly on function and comfort. When I look back on some of the things I've willingly worn that were scratchy, tight, or just plain hard to move in, I cant believe I actually spent money on those things! There is simply no way I'd be wearing those things anymore. My rule of thumb now is if I can sit on the floor at school in it or play with Athena wearing it and it won't drive me crazy, it's worth my money. It's kind of a fun challenge to find functional, comfortable and stylish clothes that can be worn in a professional setting now too.

This jacket fits the bill for #5. It looks like suede but is the softest stretchy knit moto jacket. No tight arms and inability to bend your arms here! This Evereve dress allows me to look professional too but keeps me covered at school. It even has long sleeves too. And to top it all off, my new super-functional bag in my Dagne Dover collection, the Petite Tote in Warm Dust. They really killed it this season with their fall/winter colors and as per usual, the interior pockets are smart and easy to organize all your items.