Everyday Maxi (On sale)

This skirt is one of  my favorite recent purchases.  I also got in blue and these skirts are very comfortable, classic and easy to style.  They are on sale right now, and I might have to buy in red too!

Outfit Details: 

Sweater LOFT // Skirt LOFT // Scarf LOFT (last year) Similar //

 Handbag Target Similar// Shoes Amazon 

Neutral Blazer

Shop the Look: 

Blazer J Crew via Thred Up, Similar  // Cami LOFT // Denim Leggings LOFT // 

Ankle Boots (old) Amazon , Similar // Necklace Similar 

One super easy look for fall is a blazer with a blouse type camisole.  That is probably not the right terminology (ha),  but basically, a cami that is a poly blend as opposed to a cotton tee or tank.  Of course, I love a good cotton tee, but cotton tends to cling on me in all the wrong places.  Not to mention, these LOFT camisoles, look a little more dressed up than your average tee.   

Here is another blazer and cami look I wore last fall.  I have purchased both these blazers at consignment shops because I have noticed they tend to keep their shape and don't really go out of style.   I also linked a few more blazers below since mine is old.  I especially love the velvet blush camisole paired with the burgundy blazer.  I am trying not to shop anymore though until spring so maybe next year!  

As much as I enjoy fashion, I often feel silly writing about it since it is such a small part of my life and obviously not very important.  Especially as women, I feel God puts it on our hearts to be searching for and surrounding ourselves with beauty - from breathtaking sunsets during a stressful drive home to tender moments between loved ones amidst a day of chaos.  I recently came across this touching article where she very eloquently states the importance of recognizing and appreciating those beautiful moments as gifts.  

Thanks for reading!! 

~ Rose 

Swing Dress & Kimono

I love the Lou & Grey line from LOFT and when it occasionally goes on sale now for 50% off, I always try to pick up a basic piece.  This "suede dress" is soo soft and the color is perfect for fall.  I plan on pairing it with some deep purple or camel layers as it gets colder.  Swing dresses are great, but I rarely wear them alone.  For my body type, I feel I need to add a jacket or cardigan to add more shape to the look.   So basically, you may want to try it with some layers before you give up on it! 

Thanks for reading! 

~ Rose 

Outfit Details: 

Dress LOFT (Similar) // Kimono Shop Ruche (Similar) // Sandals Amazon // 

Necklace LOFT // 

Seamed Maxi

I've been a little absent on here lately for two reasons.  One, we have started a new year in our homeschool routine and two, my baby has started eating/throwing solid foods so it has been a little pointless to throw on anything other than a T-shirt and jeans in the morning.  Now that we have kind of discovered a flow to our day, I hope to be posting again because I really do enjoy it!

Poolside Maxi

I know summer has officially ended,  but temperatures here are still pretending like it's still if full force.  Now, since retailers are making room for fall inventory, it is a great time to stock up on any basics you need for summer.  A pretty summer maxi is a great addition to your wardrobe and can be worn to Church, picnics or festivals.  I paired it with a basic camisole and an olive colored cardigan to make it look a little more appropriate for fall.   Hope everyone had a great weekend! 

Tie Shoulder Sweater

It has cooled down a little bit here in the midwest, so it was perfect weather for this cold shoulder sweater I purchased at LOFT at the beginning of the summer.  This sweater was a final sale item and only a size Large was available so it is a little big on me.  I had been saving it to wear for some kind of special occasion, but then I realized that I really like it so why don't I just wear it??  Does anyone else do that?   I feel like I do that way more often than I should.  Anyway, love these flowy shorts too.  I can't stand it when shorts ride up or stick to your legs, so I rarely wear them, but these are great! 

Thanks for reading! 

Outfit Details: 

Tie Shoulder Sweater LOFT (couldn't find it online) Similar Style // Shorts LOFT // Shoes Similar // 

Necklaces LOFT here and here // Sunglasses LOFT 

Best Dress

I purchased this dress on a whim last year during my pregnancy and I have worn it SO much.  It is lightweight and easy to wear for all seasons.  I wore it three ways here and have worn it numerous times as well.  If I am not wearing a cardigan with it, I definitely need a bandeau underneath, but other than that it is perfect!  

Outfit Details: 

Dress LOFT, Similar Style // Bandeau Nordstrom, Similar // 

Plaid Shirt J Crew Factory, Similar style // Shoes, similar //

 Necklace LOFT //Sunglasses LOFT // Diaper Backpack Vera Bradley

Bright Yellow

I have been pretty absent here lately.   Unfortunately, my husband's sweet Grandma passed away, so we made an unexpected trip to MI over the Fourth of July holiday.  She was married to my husband's grandfather for 61 years!  Such a beautiful testament to the sanctity of marriage and commitment.  She took such good care of her husband and family and was constantly making sure everyone was well fed and happy.  Right before she passed, we also adopted a puppy!  He has brought a lot of joy (and a lot more chaos) to our family, and it was really comforting for the girls to have him as they dealt with yet another funeral (both my husband's parents passed away last year).  We have a few traditions we have instilled to try and keep their memories alive, but I would love to hear any of your ideas as well.  

Sweater Tank

This cozy sweater is the perfect top to carry you through those days when the weather is transitioning from spring to summer.  The weight of the knit keeps you a little warmer while your arms don't get too hot!  (I am always hot!)  Also, love any top that is long enough to wear with leggings!  This is on sale too!  

Linked some more of my favorite summer sweaters after the break!  

Thanks for reading! 

~ Rose 

Outfit Details: 

Sweater Tank LOFT // Leggings LOFT // Necklace LOFT // Shoes Target // 

Bag Gift Similar // 

Summer Fun

Today, I'm taking a break from my usual "style" related posts and talking about our summer routine.  Even though we homeschool, and my kids are always home, I was still a bit anxious about having no routine or structure during our summer months.  While our daily schedule varies from day to day during the school year depending on the needs of the little ones, we still have expectations and deadlines that need to be met and a purpose to be fulfilled.  Last summer, was a bit chaotic with kids bickering about what they wanted to do that day, kids begging to do a craft but not having any of the correct materials, kids asking for electronics and so on.  So this summer after seeing Monica's post here, I was determined to create a similar schedule with a weekly focus.  I love how she chose a theme for each week and then planned a coordinating activity and field trip.  I stole a lot of her ideas for themes, and also based a theme or two off of what we were already doing that week.  I then went to https://www.education.com/ and printed off all sorts of worksheets related to the themes for my younger and older kids alike.  I placed all the worksheets in a folder for each of the kids and they were super excited.  We plan to go to the library on Mondays and pick out books that reinforce the topic, then do a craft on Tuesday, then go on a Field Trip to further explore the subject.  Here are some of my ideas: 

Week 1 Starfish, Dissect Starfish at Museum 

Week 2 Manners, Go out to "fancy" dinner 

Week 3 Sewing, Take a sewing class 

Week 4 USA Mock Interviews with US Presidents/Heroes 

Week 5 Government, Springfield, IL 

Week 6 Money/Budgeting, Bake Sale/Lemonade Stand/Bank 

Week 7 Art, Local Felting Class 

Week 8 Dinosaurs, Field Museum

Week 9 Egyptians, Field Museum 

Week 10 Rocks, Quarry Beach 

Week 11 Beach

 I included some pictures of our calendar and the workbooks for the kids below.  

By the time I finally completed this post, we had already finished our "Starfish" week and it was a lot of fun!  We created our own tide pools for the craft and the girls really enjoyed it.  (Now I am just trying to figure out what to do with all of them!)  We also had plenty of time throughout the week for free play and going to the pool.  Some of the kids were interested in the worksheets and some were not and that was totally fine.  I also have a couple of chores the older three kids are required to do before breakfast which has also been very helpful.  They do receive $1.00 if they do their chores without being prompted.  My 9 year old has to bring up any folded laundry, fold any clothes I did not get to the night before and begin making breakfast.  My 7  year old has to unload the dishwasher or load any dishes I did not get to the night before and take out any garbage or compost.  My 5 year old has to wipe down the bathroom counters and sinks (mainly just for the toothpaste that they manage to get ALL over!)  I am not an expert at enforcing this yet, but we are getting into a really good rhythm thanks to a good friend's advice!  Would love to hear your ideas on making your household's run smoothly! 

Thanks so much for reading! ! 

Printed Tee

Hello!  I know this outfit isn't really anything special, but I try to feature everything I wear, dressed up or dressed down.  I usually opt for solid colors as they pair with more items, but I also like to have a pretty printed top when I feel like throwing on jeans and a tee.

These sandals are so comfortable!  They are from Born and they are great for lots of walking- the foot bed is so supportive and soft at the same time.

Also, linked some more affordable printed tees after the break.

Thanks so much for reading!

Outfit Details: 

Tee LOFT // Denim LOFT // Shoes // Crossbody Bag Target, Similar // 

Sunglasses LOFT // Necklace LOFT Similar

Pink & Olive

When the crab apple trees were blooming a couple of weeks ago, their vibrant pink colors looked so gorgeous against the green grass and trees.  The beautiful colors inspired me to pair those hues in my closet as well!   I linked some other great pink and olive pieces too after the break.  

Thanks so much for reading! 

Outfit Details: 

J Crew Factory Sweater // Kohl's Vest Similar Style & on Sale // LOFT Necklace Similar // 

Aerosoles Wedges Amazon // 

Floral Dress

A pretty swing dress is the perfect piece for a casual day out, especially now that it is starting to get warmer.  I love this print from Pink Blush and this vest helps to add a little shape and polish to the dress.  The swing silhouette helps to conceal my postpartum belly too.  

I also added some other affordable floral dresses and different colored utility vests after the break.  

Outfit Details: 

Floral Dress Pink Blush, Similar // Utility Vest Kohl's Similar // Wedges Amazon // Crossbody Bag Target, Similar // Necklace Target, Similar  

Pink Blush Wrap Dress

Ever since I was introduced to Pink Blush, I have been hooked!  Their dresses and tops are very versatile and are flattering to all shapes, sizes and stages of life.  The fabrics are also flowy, wash well and comfortable. I have also worn dresses from Pink Blush here, here and here.  I am giving away a $50 gift card to Pink Blush on my instagram @babiesandbluejeans, so make sure you check it out! 

Outfit Details: 

Denim Jacket (old) Similar // Floral Wrap Dress Pink Blush // Choker LOFT, Necklace Kohl's, Similar // Ivory Clutch, Similar // Aerosole Wedge Amazon 

SHOP THE LOOK: 

Mommy Style Monday: Me Time

Happy Monday!  Hope everyone had a good weekend!  Today I am collaborating with some other ladies on the topic of "Me Time".

Before Thomas was born, we had established a good routine of my husband taking the kids out of the house for a few hours every once in a while I got caught up on housework.  While that was always refreshing to catch up on chores and actually formulate complete thoughts and finish tasks (impossible to stay on task with kids around), I also found it helpful for ME to get out of the house!  When Thomas gets a little older, I'd like to make it a priority to go to the coffee shop or library at least once a month by myself and focus on creating lesson plans, meal plans and blog ideas.  But for now, while I'm not quite ready to leave Thomas, my "me time" has consisted of pampering myself in the bath and catching up on some inspirational reading and guidance.

I have felt a little overwhelmed recently at my 9 year old growing up so quickly and I've felt a little unprepared on how to navigate topics such as abortion, terrorist acts, material things, technology and even the very beginnings of the "birds and the bees" talks.  When my daughter asked me what a abortion was, my heart literally dropped and it made potty training feel like a piece of cake! Thankfully, she has not asked about sex yet, but it might not be as long as I hoped for the subject to arise, so I really want to be ready with a gentle yet informative response.  When my husband and I were first engaged, we did not have a true understanding of the Church's teachings on this topic. It wasn't until we were going through Pre Cana classes and were introduced to St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body that we truly began to understand God's design and plan for marriage and human sexuality.  I recently bought this book to read during my "Me Time" and then with my 9 yr old when she starts asking questions and I feel she is capable of understanding the information.  I feel a little more at peace knowing I have some resources to help me navigate this uncomfortable topic.
Another topic I have been concerned about lately, is entitlement.  We live in an age where you can receive instant gratification in so many avenues; shopping, communication, entertainment etc.  I really want to teach my children to be grateful regardless of their circumstances, obstacles and heartbreaks.  As we get older, there are so many times when life doesn't give us what we think we want and I feel the best way to overcome that is having a grateful heart.  Yesterday, was an absolutely beautiful day and one of my girls complained that it was "too hot"!!  She was half kidding, but it was still an opportunity to teach her the importance of expressing gratitude for the beautiful weather God provided.  I have started to read Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World during my "Me Time" in the bath and again, this book has given me confidence to approach this issue.

I always hesitate before publishing a post like this because I don't want to sound like I think I have all the answers (I know for certain that I don't HA!), but I love reading other Moms perspectives on these issues so I thought I'd offer mine as well.  What books, philosophies and practices on parenthood do you all recommend?  I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Lastly, I love to soak in the tub with my favorite essential oils and Epsom salts, and rejuvenate my skin and hair with various masks and conditioning treatments.  I wasn't intending on using this post as an ad to sell my favorite products, but if you are interested in more details, let me know!

Don't forget to check out what these other ladies do for their Me Time:

Madeline at CaseyLand

Rachel at Tutus and Heels

Monica at It's All About

Rose at Babies & Bluejeans

Melissa at The Frolics of Mama Llama

Britt at My Little Sunshine

Lace Top

Lace seems to be a big trend this spring and I love the variety of lace tops, dresses and skirts that retailers are selling this season.  The delicate lace fabric makes any outfit look polished and feminine without many accessories.  Love this top from LOFT and they have some other great options that I linked below.  Thanks so much for reading! 

~ Rose 

Outfit Details:

LOFT Lace Top, Similar// LOFT Pants (On clearance)// Kate Spade Diaper Bag (gift), Similar // Earrings Franchesca's Collection, Similar //  Carlos Santana Ankle Boots

Floral Skirt

This outfit is probably one of the most comfortable outfits I have worn in a long time!  Comfort and range of motion are key when you have a baby and an active toddler.  This turtleneck from LOFT is basically a glorified sweatshirt and this "Cassie Skirt" from Lularoe is stretchy and super soft.  This skirt happens to be a large which I like because of the length and the fact that it is not clingy at all.  The medium fit me fine too, but the large gives a little more casual feel.  

I linked a very similar turtleneck but could not find the exact one.  I also included some other floral skirts and turtlenecks (some short sleeved and sleeveless) at the end of this post!  Thanks so much for reading! 

~ Rose 

Outfit Details: 

LOFT Turtleneck, Similar // Lularoe Skirt // LOFT Necklace, Similar //

Kate Spade Diaper Bag (gift) Similar // Carlos Santana Ankle Boots