An outfit and that's about it

 This is probably the least photo heavy blog post I've done in a long time...maybe ever. Just an outfit of the day today. I'm sad for many reasons to be sending Ella off to school next week but one of them is that I am going to have to figure out how to take decent pics of myself with the self timer. My five year old photographer extraordinaire will no longer be around to lend her talents.

Cardigan: Wal Mart last year

Top: Max Studio (Winners)

Jeans: Warehouse One

Flats: Earth Spirit (Wal Mart)

Necklace: cameo from my mother

The day started out beautiful today and then turned into an absolute downpour and then back to sun again as you can see from my squinty eyes. Now it's overcast. Typical BC weather......

Have you heard Taylor Swift's new song? It's catchy...

Taylor Swift - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Gorgeous but cooler weather

I'm happy to say the last couple of days have been lovely, not warm summer lovely but clear sunshiney days with lower temps. While it isn't quite cold enough for sweaters and scarves (thank goodness, it's still only August for pete's sake!) the average temp has been in the low 20's rather than 30's like it was just a short while ago.

With a nod towards the slightly cooler temps but not cool enough to bundle, my outfit of the day is warmer but I'm still sporting flip flops.

Button shirt: Old Navy - this is from a few months ago but they may still have them.

Camisole: Bootlegger - these are stretchy and Bootlegger carries them year round in just about any colour you can think of.

Jeans: Warehouse One

Flip Flops: Wal Mart

Necklace: old b-day present

Bracelets: Wal Mart - I got these out of the clearance bin for about $3 quite a few months ago and wear them a lot.

Headband: BIC Bands - Minnie Sparkle Black

Made a quick day trip to the Mainland yesterday. It was an absolutely gorgeous day for a ferry ride and the kids ran and ran around on the deck playing in the wind. Marshall was exhausted last night after our long day and could barely keep his eyes open for dinner. In fact when I asked him if it was time to go "night night" he threw up his hands and said "yay!".

      

I visited a Doberman friend of mine while on my trip and she gave me this gorgeous pillow. I love it! It fits in nicely with my canine decor. 

I'm getting myself back into a cleaning schedule at home (certain days means certain cleaning jobs need to be done). Do you follow any kind of schedule, or are you more like I have been this summer (how did this mess get out of hand!!? Ack..must clean all day long to get back on top of things!!)??

Fall clothes and other random things...

 Today's OOTD is super casual, so casual in fact that it looks like I should have ironed this shirt but in fact I did not. Weird, I usually iron everything I wear (ahem...)....

Top: DKNY - I really like a lot of the DKNY clothes and have quite a few of them but my biggest complaint would be that they lose their shape easily. This shirt is also a little big on me now (yay!) so that doesn't help with keeping shape.

Jeans: Warehouse one - really old, I don't know if they even carry this style anymore

Shoes:  Sanuk Kyoto style - this particular style is a mens shoes and are super comfy, like wearing slippers.

Necklace - birthday present

Bracelets - Wal Mart

So what is on your list for fall clothing? Do you have some ideas in your head of what pieces you want to add to your collection? I definitely know what I would like, it's the narrowing it down that's the hard part..haha. 

The first thing I really wanted was leopard print flats which if you have been following along with this blog than you know I found these babies Pyper Shoes - Roxy. They are really comfy and cute, almost feel like you don't have anything on your feet at all.

The next thing on my list is a military style jacket. I tried this one on when I was at Mountain Equipment Co - Op and I think it's cute but with a price tag of $155 it stayed there. This girl shops on a budget!

I did find this one online that I'm thinking of ordering as it looks perfect. My only concern is that I won't get a lot of wear out of it because it looks pretty light weight. It's super cute though, love the embellishments and the fact that it nips in at the waist (always flattering). Here is the link: Helluva Punch Utility Jacket

The next thing on my list is a nautical style striped top. I found this one online at the Gap and will be checking it out in store to see how it looks on. Here is the link: Striped button-shoulder T 

Next is a navy blazer, and I also found this one online at the Gap. Blazers are great as they can be worn dressed up or down and always make you look pulled together. Here is the link: Ponte academy blazer

Next on the list is boyfriend jeans and a white tailored blouse like these two I found on Pinterest.

Now onto footwear. As mentioned above I have my flats, so now it's boots. I really want a pair of motorcycle style boots. I have found quite a few that are way out of my price range, and then I also found these Roxy boots that are much more in my price range and also looks very cute and comfortable. Love 'em! Here's the link: Biscayne Boots 

I also wanted some full height riding style boots and I found these ones at Winners. You remember I told you in a previous post that they were unpacking boxes of boots when I was there? Well I went back the next day and picked up these lovelies. The fit perfectly and will go great with leggings, skinny jeans, and pencil skirts. I can't wait to wear them!

So that is pretty much my fall essentials list. Add to that a couple of big chunky sweaters, leggings, scarves and some skinny jeans and I'm set! What's on your list? Please comment below and share.

 Now for the random parts of the blog....

I found this saying on Pinterest and just loved it so had to share. Remember it always ladies...

Have you ever had fruit ale? I know, not something I would have normally chosen but when we went out to dinner last night we were able to try it out thanks to our friends. The last time we got together we indulged in the fruit wine from Coastal Black Estate Winery which was a big hit so we carried on with our fruity exploration but this time in the form of ale. Big hit, it was so yummy. All the way from England this brewery carries several fruit beers and I plan to try more of them. Here's the link: Organic Cherry Fruit Beer

So now that summer is coming to a close (nothing solidifies that like sending the kiddies back to school) I am in the midst of figuring out my schedule again after living virtually schedule free the last couple of months. I'm trying to work in all of Ella's after school activities so they don't conflict, setting up Marshall with some preschool activities and also trying to get my self back on track as far as eating healthy and exercising regularly.

I'm back to having morning smoothies which I love...

I'm also planning on getting out to hit the trails five mornings a week with Marshall in tow (actually, in a stroller), starting with power walking and then moving on to running again. Must get this body back in shape!

How about you? Are you feeling the change in the air? Planning out a new schedule?

OOTD and an easy trick to use up over ripe bananas

We are heading out to a casual dinner at a friends house tonight so that is exactly what today's outfit of the day is, casual but pulled together.

Cardigan - Winners, the brand is Say What and it's from the juniors section. I've worn this in previous OOTD posts but I'm pretty sure I saw this one still in store.

Top - tank, also from the juniors section of Winners.

Jean skirt - love the pencil style, they never go out of fashion. This one is from Winners (surprise!) and is One Five One brand

Flats - Earth Spirit brand from Wal Mart. These are usually so comfy but I did wear them on a long day showing dogs (the ultimate comfort test!) and they gave me some killer blisters. The back of the shoes rubbed above my heels really bad.

Necklace - an old birthday present from my mother in law

Bracelets: EllaMarsh on Etsy

I had fun doing my hair in a sort of messy braided bun. I think it turned out well and was very easy to do. Just a simple braid (starts out french and then finishes regular), and then pull everything up into a high pony. On the last pull through of the pony only bring it through half way and then pin the hair around into a bun style. I am the queen of bobby pins so there are about 579 pins in this do. Finish with some hairspray to keep everything in place and away you go.

I wanted to include a make up pic in this post as a way of elaborating on the OOTD idea. Ella managed to cut off my chin in this picture but I think you can still get the idea. 

I used Mushroom from my new Urban Decay Smoked palette on my lid, then on the inner corners and blending out onto the lid I used Sin from the Urban Decay Naked palette, then Virgin from the Naked palette on my brow bone and blended down towards my lid. I used a black pencil liner from Annabelle on my upper lash line as well as in my water line and then finished with L'oreal's Double Extend black mascara.

I used Rimmel Lasting finish foundation, Wet and Wild blush in Pearlescent Pink, and a Rimmel bronzer who's name escapes me right at the moment. I have a Revlon Lip Butter on my lips in Berry Smoothie. I love the Lip Butters, they aren't heavy like a lot of lipsticks and they don't dry your lips out. I think this berry colour works well with my skin tone.

 

Another pic of the Ella Marsh bracelet. This one is stretchy and fits any size.

Now on to a quick and easy way to take care of over ripe bananas:

 Marshall used to LOVE bananas and would eat 2-3 every day. Lately, not so much.. I have still been in the habit of buying a lot of them though so they would just sit on the counter and get over ripe and then go in the freezer to bake with "someday". I wanted to find a really easy way to use them up and Pinterest came to the rescue on this one.

All you need is a box of cake mix, 3-4 over ripe bananas, two eggs and whatever extras you would like to add such as chocolate chips and nuts. The bananas make it very moist and eliminate the need for oil which also makes it less fattening. A win win situation in my book. 

Just mash the bananas up, then add the other ingredients, mix with a hand held mixer and bake according to the directions on the cake box. 

It is more like banana cake than banana bread as it's not quite as dense at the latter but still yummy and a great way to use up the bananas.

We're off to dinner! Hope you're having a great weekend!

OOTD times TWO!

  It's days like today that I'm glad I have this blog and post pictures of what I wear everyday. This morning was a house cleaning morning, and from the house it went into the yard and turned into car washing. Let's face it, no one dresses up for that... I spent my morning in running shorts and a tank top. I knew that I had to go grocery shopping this afternoon and I almost (ALMOST!) went out in what I was wearing and with no make up on either. Instead I gave my head a shake, changed my clothes, put on some make up and had Ella take pictures to prove it. Fabulous Mommy 1 - Lazy Mommy 0.
 Taking the time to make yourself look nice can be hard when you have a million other things going on, or you're tired, or you're running late, or... or....or.... You can always find an excuse. However, from experience I can tell you....you'll always be glad you took the time. Inevitably, on the day you go out looking like you don't care is the day you will suddenly run into everyone you haven't seen in ages. Looking tired and haggard is not the way you want to do that. Thank you blog folks for keeping me accountable!
 Now on to the outfit.....

Cardigan is from Wal Mart. I got it late winter and I don't think it's there anymore.

Top: Winners - a tank from the juniors section

Jeans: Warehouse One

Flats: new Liz Claiborne's from a couple of days. Today was the first day I wore them and they were super comfy!

Necklace and bangles: Wal Mart

Now on to OOTD part TWO, staring Miss Ella. How stinkin' cute is this kid??!

  I think she's a natural, and she gave me some pretty sweet ideas for poses too.....

              

Top: Old Navy - it's a scratch and sniff shirt, totally fun!

Leggings: Gap - they are old from early last year

Shoes: Converse

I can't believe tomorrow is Friday already! What does everyone have planned for the weekend? I'm hoping for sun, the last couple of days have been overcast and it almost feels like, dare I say it.....?? Could fall be in the air already?! I know Chris would be thrilled but I'm just not quite ready to say good bye to summer yet...

OOTD and my current playlist

So if you read my last blog post you know I've sort of been subscribing to the following advice.....

So today's OOTD features one of my recent shoe purchases....

The cardigan is from Winners, but honestly this is the only thing I am wearing that's from Winners...that may be a first.

Top is from Old Navy and is their vintage tee. I love this one and have it in three different colours. They are long, not too fitted and super soft and worn in feeling. They are also not too expensive at around $8 I believe. I got mine a couple months ago but I know they still carry them in store.

Jeans are from Wearhouse One

Flats are my new Roxy Pyper Shoes in cheetah print

Necklace is a cameo from my mother

I know I haven't shared any music for awhile so I thought I would let you know what's on my current playlist. I usually like to listen to my iPod while I'm doing my hair and make up. Look at that far away look in my eyes...I must be thinking of all the great things I'm going to accomplish....

Current Playlist:

   Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire

Kings of leon - I want you

Greg Bates - Did It For The Girl

Conor Maynard - Vegas Girl 

K'naan - Hurt Me Tomorrow

Jesse Labelle - Heartbreak Coverup ft Alyssa Reid

Alex Clare - Too Close 

Even If It Breaks Your Heart- Eli Young Band

JET - She's a Genius

Neon Trees Everybody Talks 

Mother Mother - Let's Fall In Love

Green Day - Oh Love

It's a real mix of styles....a little alternative, a little pop and a little country. It's also a mix of some older stuff and some brand new. All my favourites at the moment. I hope you enjoy. 

The kiddies are back from visiting Grandma and Grandpa. I sure did miss them!