So a good friend of mine recently went through her closet and got rid of clothes that she no longer liked or could wear, and gave them to me. It's kind of like thrifting, but free! :)

 

I have been in a skinny-jeans rut, and these jeans are the perfect example of why I have been in the rut. I have been having such a hard time finding jeans that 1) are modern, 2) are not skinny, and 3) don't fit me oddly in the crotch. I didn't used to have this problem, so I don't know what the deal is...but if I find them to fit in the waist, they are too tight in the legs, and if they fit my legs, they have a huge gap in the waistband.

 

Buuutttttt, not long ago I ran across another picture on Pinterest of Gwyneth Paltrow wearing a black button-down and jeans. The caption read, "this look never gets old." And it doesn't, does it??

 

Shirt: Hand-me-down (Gap)

Jeans: Already had (F21)

Shoes: Already had (Kohl's)

What I Wore (And an Attempt at a Leopard-Print Mani)

 

 

So this is actually an outfit that I wore before Christmas...we went back to the Midwest to visit family for the holidays, and then my husband and I went to NYC for our VERY FIRST TRIP AWAY WITHOUT KIDS in over six years. It was pretty awesome.

 

But we have also been plagued with a lot of sickness at our house, much like everyone else, it seems. Lots of flu, fevers, and fatigue. We are getting back into the swing of things with school, but while we were accustomed to finishing our tasks quickly and with joy, this week has been very much the opposite. I am hoping that once we get back into the flow, life will be a little smoother.

 

Today is my baby girl's sixth birthday! I am always amazed by how quickly time goes by; but I am even more amazed at how my children just keep getting better and better. DD is becoming so funny and sweet and helpful and FUN!!! She's my Pioneer Woman-watching-partner, always asking to help me in the kitchen...it is a little weird to be friends with a six-year-old, and while I am not forgetting that I am Mom first, I am excited to see how our relationship will continue to grow and change.  My hope is that as she grows, she will trust me with her heart, and that I will behave in a way that is worthy of her trust.

 

Brown sweater: Already had (Old Navy)

Jeans: Already had (NY&Co)

Sandals: Gift (F21)

Leopard scarf: $3.49 (eBay)

 



 

 

 

This is my attempt at a leopard-print mani. It needs a little work, I know. :) But I do have to say that I love, love, love this metallic nail polish (OPI DS Radiance)!!! I have discovered that I am hesitant to dress myself out of the box, but nail polish is a low-cost, low-commitment way to be trendy, and this particular polish was so festive for the holidays!  And I also tend to think that having my nails did (even if I am the one doing them, haha!) helps me to feel more feminine on a daily basis.

 

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