Stitch Fix: My First Fix

Have you heard of Stitch Fix? When I first heard about it I thought it was a crazy concept. You fill out a crazy online profile survey, a stylist chooses five items for you, they mail them to you and you try them on. . .keep the things you like. . send back those that you don't. . .and your $20 style fee is applied to any item you decide to keep. Hmm. . . sounds interesting, but how cute could the clothes really be?  I started perusing some blogs of ladies who had joined Stitch Fix and was really impressed with some of the cute items they were receiving. Alrighty, nearly convinced. . .

While many of you know that I love shopping for clothes for my adorable kidlets and niece. . . I have nearly a nearly equal level of disdain for shopping for myself. Not only do my amazon arms make it difficult for me to find items that fit. . I HATE trying on things in dressing rooms. Add a crazy active (but so, so adorable) toddler to the shopping mix and I'm out. At the moment I have a ridiculous amount of clothing that I never wear hanging out in my closet. I've tried to go through it a few times, but always seem to get stuck in the "well I might wear that sometime" rut.

Let's be honest here, people . . I'm a thirty-something mom of two beautiful children. . . my wardrobe has adjusted over the past six years and it's time to oust the unfitables. I also have a large amount of items that don't have long enough arms due to shrinkage or improper buying decisions - I'm not sure if I'm expecting my arms to shrink inwards, but I find it unlikely (let's be honest - I'm not Inspector Gadget).

So, bottom line, I decided to take the leap. There is no obligation. I figured the worst thing that would happen is I'd be out $20 bucks if I liked nothing. I applied, waited a few days, and then received my invitation (there is a bit of a wait list, but it doesn't seem like the wait is long for most). I excitedly waited til the package arrived yesterday. . .and. . . . without further ado.

Look at the cute little package.  Wrapped up so pretty. . . was so excited to see what was inside.

My stylist, Catherine, had written me a note about the items in the box.  The paper also listed the cost of each item.  If you keep everything in your box you get a 25% discount.

The first two items are shown here.  The Ivy Square Print Tab Sleeve Blouse by Creative Concepts ($75).  This was not something I would normally have put on and I struggled to determine whether it was worth the price, but I really liked it for both work and non-work occassions.  I paired it with the skinny jeans in the box.  They are Sophia Skinny Jeans by Kensie ($88) and I love them.  SO soft and comfortable.  I need to lose a couple pounds before I'm convinced they look amazing. .but for now they are just short of amazing and I'm keeping them.  They fit my ridiculously long legs and I love the material.  Had to keep them.

Next up was the Doreen French Terry Blazer by Very J ($78).  Thiw was a "close but no cigar" item for me.  I loved the idea of it. . it was soft and comfy - but was slightly tight in the shoulers, and the internal lining turned the pretty spring color into more "Sante Fe" than "Yay It's Spring".  I've asked for them to include another blazer in the next box.  Hoping they come through.

Onwards to my "What in the world?!?" item.  This is the Benito Sleeveless Tie Front Denim Top by Costa Blanca ($68).  The card said it was a must have for every wardrobe and could be paired with a red pair of pants.  No thanks. . I don't have any hoe downs this year and I don't want to flashback to the 80s.  This item is going back.

Finally for the "holy cow, it definitely rained in Illinois and made me look like a drowned, pale, rat" picture.  This scarf is the Mini Anchor Print Scarf by Pretty Persuasions ($38).  I like the idea of liking scarves but I just don't love them. . . I also hate the idea of small object prints. . . so I gave the feedback that I wasn't interested in items with anchors, cats, birds, etc. from this point forward.  Just not my thing. 

Overall it was an awesome experience!  I got two new items for my wardrobe and already submitted a request for another Fix with some more specific requests.  I also changed my profile to remove interest in scarves . . and gave individual feedback on the items I liked and those I didn't.  The items I'm not keeping are going back in the prepaid shipping envelope today.  Easy peasy!


Want to join me in Stitch Fixing?  Here's a link:  http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3081901

This post was not endorsed by Stitch Fix nor did I receive any compensation from Stitch Fix for this post.  I just love the idea and want to share my experience.  I hope to get some better pictures with my next Fix.  I've been told that the Stitch Fix gets better with each experience as they learn your likes and dislikes.  Really looking forward to it!

Update on the Cuties

Another busy month in our house.  The kids are growing like weeds.

Brooklyn learned how to ride a bike on Easter weekend so we've been consumed with outdoor activities when the weather allows.  Illinois' weather has not been very kind through April - but we hope it improves in the coming week or so.  Our area experienced terrible flooding over the past week.  Many lost their homes, many had basement flooding. . . we consider ourselves lucky.

The past weekend my sister flew in to attend and help with my dad's retirement party.  After 40+ years of working for the same company he has chosen to retire.  While I love my job, I am partially jealous of his newfound flexibility in life. 

Here's a picture of our sweet little cuties. . Brooklyn, her cousin Ellery, and Easton.

While we had a great weekend celebrating and spending time with family, we are looking forward to a week or so of downtown before Brooklyn's dance recital. 

Once a week. . once a week. . I can do this!

I've been gone for so long I'm not sure I remember where I left off. Pinky promises made to my children apparently didn't hold enough weight to get me to continue on this blog. I've been struggling with determining the appropriate level of sharing for a mom that wants to keep my home life more private than I did in the past. I think this blog will soon go private and stay private. I'll be happy to share the password with anyone in my inner circle who wants it. But, I'm not interested in being "found" by random acquaintances hoping to dive further into my life.


All that being said, my kids deserve to have some documentation about their life. They deserve to know the funny stories and things that matter. My kids are AMAZING people. . . and I want to keep record of just how amazing they are. They are also HILARIOUS. Like, not just a little funny. . completely . . hilarious.

Easton

Easton turned 1 on the 17th. We celebrated with an fun birthday party surrounded by some dear friends who I adore. I pulled together two things I love - Caterpillar and my handsome boy - and it turned out better than I expected. Construction signs, traffic cones, and diggers, diggers everywhere! One of my besties, Jill, flew in from Houston and the birthday boy celebrated the weekend in big ways.

I loved the cake!  It was yummy and cute, too!

My Construction Family

Brooklyn was excited about the hard hats and treat boxes

Candy Bar

Tool Box Drinks

Food Table

Activities for the Kiddos

Easton and his "One and Only" Miss Stacey - we adore this girl - best babysitter ever!

Our next door 3 1/2 year old cutie, Mister C.  Brooklyn adores him.

Miss Gacky (Jackie) and Miss Stacey watching the present opening

Our neighbors - We got so lucky - LOVE them

Easton is, without a doubt, the most amazing little boy I have ever met. He is carefree and charismatic and can win over a room with his smile and laugh. He is significantly above average in both height and weight (on track for 6'4". . .though he has plenty of time to slow down) and often looks a lot older than his true age. His vocabulary is growing every day. He uses the words below regularly:

Thank You
Ball
Hi
Bye
Muah (is that a word? Lol)
Meow
Mommy
Daddy
Boo (Peak-a-boo)
Go
Bottle - Baba (he uses this when he wants milk. . . although sometimes he says Milk)
Tuhtuh (Tucker)
More (He does this with the accompanying sign language - which amuses us)
Cow
Moo
Bear
Duck
Yogurt (well - it sounds more like Yoga, but it's yogurt)
Jackie (Sounds like, "Gacky". . but it'll do)
One, Two, Three (Uhn, Doo, Twee)

Pretty sure there are others. . but those are the ones on the top of my mind.

I was stopped on the way out of daycare the other day and one of the floaters (one that isn't usually in his room) said "I am going to sound crazy, but earlier today I swear he said thank you". I said "oh yeah, he has been saying that since he was about 10 months old". She was shocked and confused lol Brooklyn was an early talker too - so not much surprises us at our house.  Thank you was one of his first phrases. . . we say it when he does nearly anything positive and use a sing songy voice so it must stick.

Easton is ALL BOY and I now understand some differences between boys and girls! We never needed locks for our cupboards or light socket covers for Brooklyn. . but with Easton they aren't optional. He is just totally, completely, 100% all boy in the best way possible. He loves to run, wrestle with Matt, knock over things. . he's rough and tumble. He is just SUCH a joy. It is almost unexplainable.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is thoroughly enjoying 1st grade. She is blossoming into someone I really enjoy spending time with. She loves books and animals and is passionate about both. The sweetness in her heart is amazing. She loves her baby brother from the depth of who she is. . .and she isn't afraid to show it.

Brooklyn continues to do extremely well at reading, but is still trying to improve her handwriting. She has the most supportive teacher who we feel very blessed to have in our lives. She is simply amazing at encouraging children to embrace both their strengths and their weaknesses. Brooklyn is in the advanced reading program (reading well above her grade level) and is getting some additional help on handwriting. We are currently trying to resolve some issues with her pencil grip.

For those that have known Brooklyn, you know that she has been in "love" with a little boy named Adam for a couple years. Adam is a sweet and quiet kid. They play regularly at school, but are in different classes and no longer ride the same bus or go to the same after-school program. At the beginning of January some friends of ours from our time in Belgium purchased a home on our street. Their little boy and Brooklyn have been friends since Brooklyn was 3. Brooklyn and Braeden have always been buddies and Brooklyn was delighted that Braeden was moving in. So were we. . .until. . .

Braeden has officially proclaimed his love for my daughter . . telling his mom that "he's pretty sure Brooklyn is going to be his Valentine" and refusing to call her anything but "sweetheart". Brooklyn has, reluctantly, admitted that she really likes him too. She got a new diary last night at the school book fair and told me "the first thing I'm going to write in my diary is - Braeden is my friend". Ahh. .young love.

The mention of Braeden reminds me of one of the more amusing moments of this school semester thus far. Braeden has a nut allergy which results in him having to sit at the "peanut free" table at school. Brooklyn is aware he has to sit at the table, but the magnitude of the situation is somewhat beyond Brooklyn's desire to understand. So, a few weeks ago Braeden decided to lean over to the standard table (where Brooklyn was sitting) to ask a question. Brooklyn touched the arm of his shirt with her hands. Braeden promptly exclaimed "I'm GONNA DIEEEEEE" through the cafeteria. Insert lunch monitors running to the table, friends gasping and pointing. . . . In the end Braeden was given a less than gentle warning about leaning into the "peanut zone". . .and Brooklyn decided that she would no longer touch Braeden's shirt. Learning experience for all!

Fortunately Brooklyn is buying into her daddy's demand that she not have another boyfriend other than her daddy until she is 35. Dream big, Matt. . . dream big.

I am still trying to determine at what level of "publicity" I will maintain the blog.  It will likely be moved to "by invitation only" fairly soon.

Just a few updated pictures. . .

 Easton and his Caterpillar Dump Truck

 Brooklyn and the doll she bought with her birthday money

 Mister Easton

 Two of my favorite Belgium girls were in town from overseas.  Amy, Cam, Tara and I met up with some other Belgium favorites at a favorite restaurant for dinner

 Amy and Me

A slightly too bright photo of the girls

 My cutie patooties

 Brooklyn and her Belgium Divas - Jemma and Ella were here visiting from Beligum!

And this little beast has been a bit under the weather - we speculate a combination of a cold combined with teething.  Leave my little man alone germs!!!

Steps Towards a New Me

If you are friends with me on Facebook you know that I am preparing for a half-marathon. This started as an idea back when one of my besties, Kathleen, and I were both pregnant.  We had this idea that to get the baby weight off we would participate in the Wine and Dine RELAY Half Marathon . . .meaning we could share the burden of 13.1 with our hubbys.  But of course, this is the year they chose to cancel the relay version.  So. . . 13.1 it is.  Woot. 

In addition to the running I'm also trying to eat healthy.  This is a struggle for me because I love me some food.  LOVE it.  I also tend to be all or nothing with food.  So. . I'm trying to remember that nothing is not a good alternative.  If you're on My Fitness Pal let me know so we can be "friends". . I need acountability partners. 

So far I've lost 6 pounds.  Not as many as I'd like to, but I've only been at it for 2 weeks.  So. . . I need to work on my patience. 

But I did get some new shoes. . they aren't cute, but they are fitted for my needs and are comfy.  They make them in cute colors. . so. . next time I'll order the cute ones.



Bajillions of Pictures

I take a bajillion pictures each week.  Right now I have 1,137 on my iPhone.  Time for a cleanup I think :)

But, I wanted to share a couple pics of my cuties.  Because. . . my cuties are cute!  Just sayin'.

Brooklyn's Birthday Party

How is it that I have a SIX year old?  Seriously. . . SIX?  I cannot believe it! 

This year we decided to start an alternating schedule of having the big "friends and family" birthday parties and the fun little friend party.  This year was a fun little friend party year.  Brooklyn invited about 15 of her friends to join us at the Riverplex here in town.  It's got a great water area with a sprinkler park area, etc. for the kids.  I think that the kids had a reasonibly good time.  Brooklyn was delighted. . .and that's what matters most I suppose.

Ally, Emily, Brooklyn, Cooper, Chloe, Lainey, Alyssa, Lauren

 Lauren, Alyssa, Ally, Brooklyn, Chloe, Jaclyn

 Mister Jackson - the dare devil

 Easton - My sweet little water boy

The World's Most AMAZING Babysitter (on the left) and two of my favorite mommies in the world

After the party Mister Jackson came to our house to ride our go-cart.  Yeah baby!!!