Smug Saturday

Gap skinny cords in Cafe 

evie cardigan in Oatmeal

Simply Vera sweater White

JCP Belt

Cole Hann Boots Chocolate

Lana patent clutch White

a typical Saturday touring the town from birthday parties, shopping (only the grocery variety) basketball game and a fundraising dinner tonight.  This monochrome look was easily dressed down or up today with a change of shoes. 

I just love the errands and Saturday family day when the husband (love him) joins in the fun!  So often it is only the kids and I (b/c husband is working; Saturdays are big lesson days for aspiring golfers) dad misses the excitment {utter chaos} of what it is like to shop with two little ones, and maintain any sanity for the day.  Insert blatantly smug smirk here. 

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A chilly morning, but it was an oh-yeah-it-is-Friday-rockstar-kind-a-day.

but it was a long one...

I hate pumping gas.

I have a cold sore today (lack of sleep I'm sure).

I ate too much at dinner tonight out with friends (enjoyed that!)

but thank goodness it is friday....

and now...

...oh yeah...    Burberry never felt so good!

All About the Benjamins!

The Ben Franklin costume came out wonderully (if I do say "sew" myself).  But I have to admit, it is mostly because of my adorable muse! 

  Now for the fun DIY facts. Moms and multi taskers everywhere can appreciate the resourcefulness it often takes to pull off the amazing list of accomplishments we must conquer in any given day.  That said, I will give you one guess on the key item used for the balled head look?  You guessed it...Spanx ,  one of my most coveted fashion accesories!  Do you think this means he will absolutely need therapy later in life? 

Day 2 - Ground Hog Day

This Wednesday's {long} itinerary is includes tonight's Math Night event at my son's school...(hence the attempt at the smart scholastic look). 

This is a busy week at Father Andrew White as it is Catholic Schools week and we have lots to celebrate!  Tomorrow is US History day so my project focus this week has been on our home-made Ben Franklin costume. Last night I completed sewing his top, which consisted of adding a stiff ruffled collar and white billowy sleeves to a white hanes T-shirt.  I also spray painted my (old and matted) clip-on hair extensions white to use as Ben's hair.  Not bad eh? 

My Remix Pix!

I must say, this was painful!  I love {emphasis on love} my clothes and having to shun a few of my beauties was stressful. I spent the weekend in edits and was so anxious through the process that I almost pulled the plug on the whole idea. 

I get this same exact anxiety when pack for a trip. Isn't that excrutiating? The husband hovering while I am left with having to play favorites with those pieces that hold such a special place in my wardrobe/heart. Anyway, enough with the dramatics...I am committed to this challenge, so here we go!

30 for 30 Remix

Getting my blog fired up to document my daily style journey as I gear up (literally) to take part in the 30 for 30 remix challenge. Here's the deal: remix the contents of your closet by taking 30 items and remix only those items into 30, (hopefully) stylish outfits.

The whole point of the remix is to show myself that with a little bit of creativity, I can make what I currently own, work.  No shopping or running to the boutique for a new peice for a big meeting, or event...just me and my creativity!

Interested in joining in?  The best part of remixing is working with what you’ve got. This is a challenge to help you learn to shop your closet and to shop smartly. By being well-versed in what you already have, you will become a better shopper.  Over 300 bloggers will join in this concept introduced by fashion blogger Kendi - and I am excited to embark on this fun journey with her!

Her Rules
1. Pick 30 items or less from your closet. Shoes are included, but accessories and jewelry are not.
2. Remix the 30 items into 30 different outfits.
3. Don't shop for 30 days.
   -learn to shop your own closet and appreciate what is already in it!  
4. Accessorize to create new looks...What counts as an accessory? Scarves, jewelry, purses, tights, etc.

Frankly I (we all?) could use a dose of grattitude and aprpeciation for what we have! This is a spiritual style journey my friends...isn't fashion so moving!?
Day one of the 30 day challenge starts on Feb.1st - there is still time to sign up if you want to join me for this fun challenge. Go here

be sure to check back often for my blog log of remixing!

Fabulous Room Friday

Just wanted to share some pictures that I love...  sheer inspiration for re-inventing the spaces in my life!  My living room is structured much like the one here and I plan to have my decorator help re-invent (one day!)

There is more inspiration where this came from. Just have to give a shout out to La Vita Dolce blog where each Friday a number of fab rooms are featured...just in time for weekend DIY projects :-) 

Made with Love Granola Bars

In the spirit of the approaching holiday, and mostly our post-holiday detoxing efforts... the husband and I have resolved this year to eat better.  We have made small adjustments in our menu planning to eat more organically, {attempting to} cut out the processed foods and working on a little cleaner living for our family.  This week I decided to 86 the store bought granola bars that we love to eat on the go and replace them with a home made organic variety.  My {second} batch came out great!  They are fun to make and perfect for lunches and the hub's golf bag.  


Below is the base recipe for these healthy filling snacks, with plenty of room for creativity and customization!  We simply used organic brands of the following ingredients, and most can be found at Good Earth Naturals in Leonardtown where we do a lot of our grocery shopping.  

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups rolled old fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup raw honey 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (lots of options for died fruit here)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325. Oil/coat with non-stick 9x13 square baking dish. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all of the ingredients above. hand mixing works best!
3. Bake at 325 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until set and edges are browned.
4. Cool completely on a wire rack. Allow to cool for 30 mins or more to ensure they are firm before cutting into bars.  (I popped mine in the freezer for 10 minutes too).

combine ingredients

mix well, hand mixing works well...

press firmly into baking dish

bake at 325 degrees F for 20 mins

cut into 1" bars

wrap individually for easy storage and grab go snack!

Family Fun Day

With such hectic schedules, it is such a treat when the four of us have a day to get out of town!  The Tiger family headed to Annapolis for a day of ice skating and Dave and Busters- a first time for us!

a pretty penny: Project ReStyle: Easy No-Sew T-Shirt Necklace

a pretty penny: Project ReStyle: Easy No-Sew T-Shirt Necklace: "I'm kind of ridiculously excited about this Project ReStyle challenge, and I'm really looking forward to learning some new crafting skills ..."

New Year Intentions

Check out my latest article on New Year Intentions around Southern Maryland 

It has been said that a new year’s resolution is a frivolous commitment that should be incorporated into daily lifestyle improvement efforts, well before the calendars are switched over.  Why not a constant renewal?  If looked at with a positive energy and outlook, resolutions need not be mind boggling, but a simple goal to nudge your list of accomplishments for the coming year. 

In fact, let’s call them new year intentions!

a few snapshots from our NY[rockin']E

kissed him

hugged them

ate this

Organized Holiday

My favorite little side kick this time of year, I just had to share my Ho-Ho- Holiday Planner for the adorably cozy Gooseberry Patch.  I buy one each year and switch from the ol' Franklin Covey to this holiday-focused book of merriment, recipies, gifting and wrapping ideas.  It is the perfect spot to store reciepts, make a list [check it twice] and schedule holiday parties.  The calendars month-at-glance view lets you see Oct through Dec and quick the season is approaching. 

Filling this little tool with dates, lists, cards, and recipies over the years has been a great journal of Heimer Holidays.  I can go back and reflect on dishes that were especially popular, budgets and how much we spent on the kiddies, and even Christmas card lists and addresses!

The BayNet

I am so excited about a new little creative outlet that I have recently committed to.  The Baynet news…a local publication to Southern Maryland, will soon feature a Lifestyles Section and Yours Truly is the contributor!
I have enjoyed writing the stories I’ve submitted so far and look forward writing more on my favorite style-focused topics: fashion, entertaining, family, community events, moms in So MD, lifestyles, etc.


Here is the link to my first story that ran last this week! Be sure and comment on my story so they know folks are reading!!!  xo  Holiday Entertaining

Party with Good Company

What a blast!  A few friends came over to enjoy a little pre-game before my Company holiday party in our neighborhood's reception hall!

Dane's Sweet Birthday

Happy "Sweet" Birthday to our big boy.  With a Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory themed party, it surely was a sweet celebration.  Dane is my candy eater and loves all things chocolate.  Guests noshed on chocolate covered fruit and marshmellows thanks to our chocolate fountain, gobbstoppers, gumballs, pixie sticks and a few veggies (to throw in so the parents didn't throw us out!)

Our little guy had a big day!

Oompla Loompa dance contest (the little ones learn the steps first)

a little twister stretching

kids had fun making their own chocolate lollies!

toothbrushes in party favors ...of course!

Messy but fun!

Just in time for the holidays






Would like to give a shout out to one of my favorite "go-to" businesses when it comes to event & menu planning, interior refresh projects, and free-lance photography. 

Touch of Toni brings a creative and affordable breath of fresh air to the home, with mad domestic skills that help make you even more fabulous!



Add a little flair to your holiday decorating with new design-on-a-dime talents that uses what you already have to bring that Christmas magic home!

Contact Touch of Toni

With Gratitude...

...we celebrated Thanksgiving.  I am so very blessed and offer up my thanks and praise to God not only on Thanksgiving but all year long.  This turkey day we were filled with thanks and turkey...and stuffing...and repeat.  As per normal with my beautiful blended family, we pull double duty on the holidays...but who's complaining?!  Seconds? Count us in!


The guys enjoyed a little football while the hens were heating up the kitchen!


Try these fun place-card holers & get the kids involved!


At the Arnold's


At the Heimer's


What a day!