Friday, July 26, 2013

thrifty: unexpected places

I'm always on the lookout for cute, affordable clothes, for myself and for my family. I will splurge on items occasionally if they are staple pieces but for the most part, I look for a deal. 

Lately, I have had incredible lucky at Family Dollar of all places! I stopped by their clearance rack one day and found adorable things! 

I bought this maxi for $8:
I also found this skirt (not on clearance for $10):
This top for $5:
This skirt in this photo for $5:
And I even found this great chevron tote bag (that's perfect for my farmers market shopping) for $5:
I found these items on different days so the key is to keep looking. If you don't see anything one day, check back later or try another store. I have also found the quality to be surprising good! 

I love great deals on cute things in very unexpected places!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Julianna: 3 Years 4 Months

Our Julianna is 3 years and 4 months old... is that even possible? She is such a big girl now. So independent, so smart, and oh so sassy. This picture perfectly describes her now:
So much personality for such a tiny girl and I love it... most of the time. She is definitely embracing her time as threenager by being as opinionated as possible and pushing the limits on a regular basis. But she makes up for those trying times by being such a sweet, compassionate little girl. She loves with her whole heart and is so sensitive.

She will begin taking ballet and tumble classes in August and will begin preschool in September. She will go 3 days per week in the mornings. So many exciting things and I know she is going to enjoy it so much.

We love you, Julianna Hope!

Olivia: 13-14 months

Olivia is 14 months and I am busier than ever chasing after our sweet little girls! Olivia started walking the first week of July (during her very first trip to the beach) at 13 months old. She is moving fast and into everything! She loves following her big sister around.

She is still a nursing champ. I've decided to let her lead the way with weaning. She isn't ready yet and we aren't ready yet. I've met some criticism about my choice to breastfeed past 12 months but honestly it doesn't bother me. I'm so proud to still be nursing her! She doesn't nurse as much as she used to. Maybe 4-5 a day now because she loves food- yogurt and cheese are her favorites along with strawberries, clementines, beans, corn, bananas, and spaghetti. She's a great eater and thoroughly enjoys mealtime.

Olivia enjoys having "conversations" with us. Sometimes I have no idea what she's saying but she's super cute saying it. She clearly says: mommy, dada, dog dog, cheese, please, bye bye, hey, and uh oh. She mimics what we say often as well.

Her favorite "trick" right now is following commands. For example, if you tell her to get a specific toy, she quickly goes to retrieve it for you and she will put an object in the trash upon request. She gets so excited when she completes it correctly.

I am enjoying every second of watching my two girls grow up and they are growing up so fast! I am so thankful to be their mommy!