Swap Party- A fun girls' night in!

This past Friday was one of my favorite girls' night out get togethers. It was Swap Party night!

For those who don't know what Swap Night is, don't worry. I didn't either until I went to my first one last November. Essentially, it is a night out with your girlfriends where you get to "shop" each other's clothes and accessories. Our group changes hostess responsibilities because it is quite the undertaking. You invite whoever you want. (Although I think if it gets too large it would be too overwhelming for all involved. You'll see why as I continue to explain.) Then, if you plan to attend you drop your swap items off at the hostess' home. Our group's rule is that you have to have at least 10 items to swap. It can be more. But all items should be in good condition. It isn't just the closet clean out that you may take to the donation spot in your town.

It's the items in your closet that you've loved but don't want to wear as much anymore. That item you got your family pictures in so you feel like it has had it's time. The fun accessory that you loved for a season but you've moved on from--whatever.

The hostess collects and arranges the items. At this past swap she had tops and dresses and such set up on clothes racks sorted by size; jeans, shorts and bottoms arranged by size laid out in another room, and accessories in one final room. Are you all seeing the genius of this night?? There were literally racks of clothes to choose from!!!

We all show up and eat, drink and "browse" that first hour.  Now- the first time I went, I was naive.  I browsed but didn't really try a ton on. I thought I knew what I liked or what would look good. This is my third or fourth swap and let me tell you what I've learned:

**Try on all the things.  Sometimes what looks ok on a hanger, looks GREAT on! Sometimes what says XS on the tag actually fits you like a dream. It is the weirdest thing how you can have all different shapes and sizes in a group and EVERYONE leaves with something! Seriously! It is like "Sister of the Traveling Pants" kind of magic.

**Take photos. Those items that you are crushing on? Take photos. When the actual picking begins, it can be hard to remember all the things you really loved and you don't want to forget. Remember you just tried on a million things so having a little photo roll to scroll back through becomes helpful.

**Be strategic.  That one thing you love but no one else really cared to look at? Don't pick that first. Because chances are no one else will pick that. Pick that one item you love that three other people like. Be sure you get it! ;)

So after we browse and try on, we draw numbers.  Here is why I say keep your swap party small-ish. At this last party we had eleven gals that could come.  You draw numbers 1-11 (duh) and then choose items based on your number. So number one has first pick and so on.  Then we work our way back down. So number 11 picks last, and then immediately picks again as we count down 11, 10, 9 etc. So being first or last is kind of a perk because you pick twice in a row.  You can see how this can take some time. So having 25 gal pals might sound like a blast with lots of things to choose from, but it would be a LOT of waiting around and, not to mention, a lot of inventory for the hostess to go through and organize.

We do several rounds of choosing. As we start to weed our way through our top picks we retry on things we might have missed as we wait. We pull things out and suggest them to a friend. Basically we keep going until people are kind of over what is left. Then we have a short free for all where we all grab anything we think we might want to have. I mean, free clothes so why not?

After the free for all, that's it! You have a full bag of items new to you that you get to go home with. I've gotten scarves, sandals, jeans, tops, dresses- sometimes with tags still on! (You all know that buyer remorse of getting something home and then going to wear it and not really loving it...but also never returning it. Swap it!!)

I think most girls would love a swap night with friends. It really is so, so fun and one of the events I most look forward to. Everyone that comes feels the same too. It is like a holiday we get so excited!

What are your favorite girls' night events?

Friday Favorites {2-3-17}

Is it just me or did this week FLY by? I can't believe  it's already the first Friday of February! I am busy today working on Hudson's cake for our family party tomorrow. I am hoping to share it with y'all next week. Fingers crossed it turns out like the plan! Ha!

{O N E}
So I am still going with my healthy eating plan and goals to be my fittest by my 30th birthday. I am a water drinker. It isn't hard for me to drink water all day long. I never have liked soda. And although I always spice up my water with lime or lemon ALWAYS, I decided to get on La Croix train. I purchased a couple of flavors to start. I went with lemon, because, I already know I like that flavor. And I also got Cherry Lime.

Y'all, I don't like it. So technically, NOT a favorite. What are your favorites?? Help a girl out!

{T W O}

This is Us. Who's watching?? Who was majorly let down this week when it was supposed to be on and then was just NOT??!!! You can not show me previews that I fully expect to see in one week and then nothing! It just is not ok, NBC! 

But seriously, I love Jack and Rebecca. I love the peeks back into their growing up years. I love Randall. I am uber intrigued in Kevin's (who's character I feel has very little depth right now) past relationship that just came up.  I am obviously riveted by the adoption plot line and the challenges that adds to the family dynamic. 

Is it my favorite show of all time? No, not even close. {Side note: Parenthood fans can we all rally for one more season. BRING IT BACK!!} But Jack and Rebecca are probably in my top favorite TV couples of all time for sure.  

{T H R E E}

Our family got a pool membership as a family gift for Christmas. We are super excited. The boys (and this mama) have tons of friends that are also members. It is minutes from home. And I just can't wait to create those memories with my boys like I have growing up spending days at the pool. 

That being said, I've been thinking swimsuits. We'll all need a few because we'll be going so much. I have always been a BIG advocate of wearing a bikini if you want. Kids, no kids. Stretch marks or not. Just owning your own skin. However, I am feeling like this may be my year to go to a cute one piece. I am not decided fully yet. And of course, my feelings my change once I lose some of my winter fluff and get some color. Pass the self-tanner, please. 

These are some of the suits I am loving right now. 

Isn't this suit so pretty? I love the mesh detailing. It is a fun touch that allows you to show some skin without really baring it all. I also love that it covers the backside well too according to reviews. 

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Clearly, I am taking the term one-piece and gravitating from the traditional sense. I don't need to be completely covered. I still want to get a great tan. And this cute, cut out suit delivers. Support with a halter top. Completely covered so I can move around and the high waisted bottoms cover that tough to tone area.

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Typically, I stray away from a tie bottom because, well I am no longer in college. But, these are a more substantial bottom in my opinion. And the high neck halter with all the detail just makes the suit. I feel like it adds some sexiness without being overt and I can totally swim and play with my kids in the pool without any wardrobe malfunctions. #winwin

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I love the high waist of these bottoms and the cute scallop detail on the top. I don't have a super long torso so not sure how this one would look on me but I feel like the coverage is right in all the places I want coverage and is totally a bikini I can rock as a mama without feeling too much like a "mom suit". 

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{F O U R}
Purging. It has been happening around here. It all started with looking through my closet for an upcoming swap (more on that some other day). Well, once I got through my closet, I decided to go through all the closets. Then our storage area. And toys. And DVDs. It felt so good to have these piles of things leaving my house. I typically do this every few months when I get the itch to de-clutter. I have found that we always have "stuff" we aren't using/wearing/playing with. No one even misses it when it's gone and because of this, my house never feels over cluttered or full. I think we can all really do without so much more than we think.

That's all I have for today! I have a cake that needs finishing! Better get to it! Have a fabulous weekend!

Spring is in the Air

Aside from Monday, this week's weather has been beautiful. Nothing was better than an almost 75* day on Tuesday but nonetheless, it has been blue skies and sunshine and we've taken full advantage.

Since Monday wasn't the nicest, and since Hudson and Beau didn't feel super great Monday morning, I caught up on a little cleaning, laundry and food prep for the week.

Which left time for LOTS of outdoor play on Tuesday. We went outside around 10:30 Tuesday morning and basically didn't come in until bath time! {Breaking for lunch and dinner of course!!}I even did my work outside for a bit while the big two played and Gabe napped. And that night, I had the faintest of faint lines from my tank top. I mean, it was enough to make my heart squeal.

This photo cracks me up. The helmets while driving! HA! They had just been riding bikes and went to drive around Gabe. Bless!

Yesterday was nice but so windy!!! We played outside for about an hour after preschool and lunch but that wind was just too much! I had it was a "nap afternoon" for everyone just because I knew it would be a busy evening. 

Digging. Don't have a shovel?? Golf club or bat will do!

Last night, my friend was having a trunk show at her house.  Since fall, two new, local clothing boutiques have opened in our area and I am IN LOVE with their stuff! They ship anywhere. They have a website for easy ordering but also both offer trunk shows. So they set their merchandise up at your house and you and your friends shop, drink and be merry! Perfection, right??? Plus it supports small business and I am all about that being a small business myself! 

My friend, Jenny (who was having the show) lives a couple streets over so I invited her to send her crew down to my house for dinner and to play. My friend, Jill, was coming with me to shop so her husband brought their kids over and my backyard turned into daddy daycare!

8 kids. 5 boys, 3 girls. Ages 8 and under. 

I just have to brag on my sweet guy for a second. I came home two hours later and all the kids were playing in the basement (it had cooled off and was dark by the time Jill and I returned), happy as can be, and my entire kitchen was spotless. He even washed Jill's pan she brought over to help with dinner! Like, dad of the year. He is the best!!

I can't wait for the temps to really warm up so I can start wearing all the fun new looks I've been collecting. I will highlight a few things soon!

And today is another gorgeous day! I see a long walk and more playtime outside in our future!!

Oh, this guy got a little messy during breakfast this morning. #longhairdontcare? I see hair cuts in my boys futures too! ;) 

Friday Favorites- An {exciting} list

Oh happy day! It is Friday!

I am especially excited about this weekend because it is one of my dearest friend's bachelorette party this weekend! {Wahoo}

Can I just be honest about a few things?
1. I have only attended a handful of bachelorette parties in my life.
2. The last being while pregnant with our firstborn.
3. None of which have come after a week where two days were spent with sick kiddos (and by sick I mean pukey.)

Her oh-so-cute sister, and MOH, planned the whole thing and I can not wait for a whole lot of spoiling of the bride-to-be to ensue!

Besides the weekend, other things that have me excited...

{O N E} 

Hudson is starting 4 year old preschool up right after Labor Day. We are in the district he will actually attend for preschool this year so I am really excited to meet lots of other moms and kiddos that he will be doing the school thing with for years to come!

I know how hard teachers work and will always appreciate what they do! I like to send a little something their way the first day to let them know how much they mean to us as they care for our littles and help them grow into brighter kids! 

I took this cute idea and adapted it a little. I put the "C" essentials in a tumbler instead of a mason jar. I seriously can never have enough tumblers, especially when I taught! 

{T W O}

Do you feel that change in the air?? Fall is coming and I couldn't be more excited! My pinboard has been growing by the day. If I could live in a season of clothes I would always and forever choose fall. Layers, boots, scarves, plaid, vests, texture. It is all just too much! Some of the looks I am coveting right now are (and by coveting I mean sitting in my virtual shopping bag waiting on me to checkout):

Not this exact one and I should have shown the back but I love a good layered look. 

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I love a good button down. 

Add a vest. 

Throw a sweater over it. 

Wear it open or buttoned.

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A scarf. Can one ever have enough? 

The correct answer is no. For our friendship, the answer is no.

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{T H R E E}

Speaking of fall fashion, my Fit For Fall Fashion Accountability Group is kicking off soon and I am really excited to get started with the ladies that have already made the commitment. I think we can get so wrapped up in being fit for summer that we forget that our bodies need proper nourishment and activity all year long.  It really is a lifestyle to be lived out!

Interested? There are still a few spots left!

{F O U R}

My friend got me started on essential oils.  I had heard all the chatter for awhile and have been on the fence but her love of her oils and just her knowledge base pushed me over the edge. I got my oil starter kit in last week and have since already placed another order for other oils I want to add to our stash. I can tell this may become an addiction.

{F I V E}

This is one I need some help with...

The excitement part--one of my good friends is getting married at the end of September! It is a going to be such a blast to watch him say I do and share in he and his fiance's special day. It is at a vineyard and will be such a beautiful day. They are both so laid back and in love I couldn't imagine a more perfect pair!

The help part...

I can NOT find a dress! I haven't come across anything I like. So--suggestions? Have you seen a fabulous dress that would be great for an outdoor wedding at a vineyard? End of September here in the Midwest?? Send your suggestions my way! I would be forever grateful (and stylish)!

That is it for me! Hope you have a fabulous weekend! I will be posting up a recap of our shenanigans from the weekend, I'm sure. And did I mention my husband is off to a bachelor party this weekend too (for said friend who get's married at the end of September?) What are we even going to do with ourselves??? :) 

Linking up

Amy

Andrea and the gang

Oh hey Friday: Fall Wardrobe Wish List

All summer long I have been eyeing lovely summer pieces, pining away wanting to add them to my own wardrobe.  However, I am not one to buy ANYTHING while pregnant in the clothes department.  I have bought a few maxi skirts, and some tops but honestly, I am not a maternity clothes gal.  I just don't love them and hate the idea of spending money on clothes I can only wear such a short time!

That being said, I am more than looking forward to getting back into shape post baby and picking up some new additions for my closet for fall! I love fall more than any season anyway but I especially love fall fashion.  You can layer. Skinny jeans. Tall boots. Chunkier scarves. Jackets {versus coats!}. It isn't hot or so so cold.

So this Friday, with one week until baby, I am sharing my fall wish list.  {Visualize with me how much better my closet will be!!}

{O N E}
Shoes. I can not narrow it down to one pair.  So I am lumping them together. It's a wish list right?? ;)

I love leopard as a neutral and just love the pointed toe on these Steve Maddens.  I already have a cognac pair of riding boots and although they go with everything, these black boots are adorable.  And yes, I know I am late to the game, but I would LOVE a pair of Hunter wellies.  I am unsure of the color, but perhaps navy or their forest green color!

{T W O}

Is anyone else as obsessed with this J Crew vest as I am? I will answer that with a resounding YES since the item is sold out! I just love a vest.  If I can't get this one, I am thinking a black puffer vest will suffice.

{T H R E E}

I know that I am not going to be slipping right back into skinny jeans and postpartum or not, I love a good pair of leggings.  I found this photo on Pinterest and love it.  I am all about a comfy, long sweater to layer over tunics, tees and leggings.  

{F O U R}

Now it may not be this exact one but I am dying to find a great brown leather jacket.  I feel like jackets can definitely take any outfit up a notch, if it's a GOOD jacket.  I am sure I will probably settle for a faux leather one but if it's my wish list, we'll just pretend not.  

{F I V E}

I am also wishing for a great handbag.  Yes I know that if I have a small wardrobe for fall I should be choosing more pieces of actual clothing but I also need more of a grown-up bag.  I haven't bought a purse in a while and feel mine are very young and just not big girl enough. I love simple, classic, and functional. I am open to color.  I love the structure of this bag and that it can be a crossbody if needed because, let's be honest, we mama's don't always have our arms available.  

So there you have it! My fall wardrobe wish list! What would be on yours? 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! We are soaking up the last bits of summer at our State Fair tomorrow! :)