• budget,  fashion

    A Perfect Fall Look: Dress and Jacket

    While I said I would not be shopping till the new year, I have decided that not spending money equals to not really shopping. So I was able to purchase a few things without spending a dime by redeeming credit card points for a $50 gift card and finally reached my $20 on the Ibotta app to redeem for cash. I was able to get this dress and the hat at Target for 20% off. The Ibotta points paid for a TjMaxx dress on clearance and I have about 10 dollars left. Therefore I am helping my finances and budget by not spending money on clothes while still getting a…

  • mom

    Mommyhood: When We Don’t Have the Answers

    While there are certain areas of being a mommy that come naturally to me, I definitely have some areas where I don’t know what the right answer is. Having children from the age of 2 (almost 3) to 14, there are certain things that I have learned but a lot that I struggle with. Am I too lenient? Am I too tough? I definitely believe in structure, consistency and a routine but a schedule is easy compared to figuring out how much privacy is too much for a teen or whether your child is hurt or faking it. I also wonder sometimes if I am tougher with one kid versus…

  • budget,  travel

    Charleston, SC: Planning Food and Outfits

    We are heading to Charleston at the end of the week and as I shared in this first trip planning post, we will have free lodging and breakfast and are planning mostly free or very inexpensive activities. Where we will be spending our money is with eating out! Charleston is well known for its low country dishes: shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, corn bread,etc. To make the most of our trip, I searched family friendly restaurants that were recommended for their tasty meals. Restaurants to Try Leon’s Oyster Shop Hen and the Goat Famalari’s Brewery and Pizza Co Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar (fresh seafood, on the…

  • budget,  fashion

    October Sunday Showcase and Link Up: Kimonos: Dressy and Casual Looks

    Welcome to the Sunday Showcase! Today we are visiting the idea of kimonos: there are many different types of kimonos with  different length, fabric and cuts… and they are very versatile pieces to have in your closet. I have a couple of light weight floral kimonos and a few solid kimono/cardigans. Ada and I are sharing ways to wear them casual or dressy. At the end of the post, I will have a little slideshow of my kimonos so you can really see that versatility! Don’t just wear yours one way! They are meant to be fun, add a little whimsy to an outfit! Make sure to visit Ada’s post…

  • budget,  fashion

    Favorite September Looks (Part 2)

    I am concluding my review of my September look by sharing my fallish looks. If it is too warm, I try to incorporate fall with colors and textures or prints. While our early mornings have cooled down, the afternoons are now in the mid 70s and we have to shed the layers. Transitioning to Fall This is the 2nd skirt my neighbor and friend gave me: I love it! Isn’t this tie dye print and aren’t the colors perfect for fall? I added this thrifted denim jacket with it to make it fall worthy but had to shed it in the afternoon. Never used to wear booties with skirts but…

  • mom,  travel

    Allattoona Lake Hike and Motherhood

    Last week was a week! I have been struggling on the motherhood train lately for no particular reason. The children aren’t really behaving any differently than usual, squabbles are not more frequent nor am I really been woken up more than usual by the toddler. I just have been feeling blah. I haven’t been very productive around the house, just doing the necessary things such as laundry and vaccuming and of course feeding the troops. Why is it hard for children to realize they should be grateful their parents take them on outings, hikes and vacations? This past Saturday, we all enjoyed a pretty hike and a picnic. However to…

  • budget,  fashion

    Favorite September Looks (Part 1)

    As we reach the end of the month, I like to look back at what I wore! My blog is my space for sharing what I wear as a stay at home mom. a place where I try to be creative as well as share my travels and tips about life, organization and mommyhood. I feel like I am getting better with feeling content with what I have and more specific with what I would like to add to my closet. I am about 40 days into my no shopping for clothes and am loving the outfits I have created this month. One of my friends (and neighbor) gave be…

  • decor,  mom

    Fall Decor 2020

    I like to share my seasonal decor even though it is not grandiose or very exciting. As far as decor goes, I really am more of a minimalist as clutter just annoys me. I did add a couple of things to my decor this year with the plaid carpet for the front porch door mat and the felt pumpkins in my tiered tray. Fall is one of my favorite seasons as the weather makes hiking and outdoor activities more fun and I love having breakfast or any other meals on my back porch. So without further ado, here is my fall decor. I bought the letter board a year ago…

  • budget,  travel

    Charleston, SC: Trip Planning: How To Steps

    I have talked more in depth about how to plan a trip on a budget and how to find lodging and food to fit your budget. I thought it would be nice to share the actual process with our upcoming trip to Charleston, SC. Here are my how to steps: Choose destination and length of trip Book lodging Brainstorm activities to do Scope out restaurants and food possibilities Pack! Since this would make for a lengthy post, I divided it in two parts. Today I am sharing the first 3 steps. Choose destination and length of trip The boys have a school break in October (4 days over a weekend)…

  • fashion

    Apple Picking and Inspired by Aquamarina Style

    What a fun Saturday outing! It had been a several years since we had been apple picking and since the weather was perfectly overcast with a high of 72, I suggested going up to Ellijay, GA to go apple picking and have a picnic. We originally thought of visiting a new to us orchard (BJ Reece) however when we go there, we saw that it was incredibly crowded with their large parking lot full and traffic backing up some on the road. So we made the quick decision to go 3-4 miles down the road to R&A Orchard where we had been several times. Since I had planned to copy…