My Opinion of Stitch Fix

Have you guys heard of Stitch Fix yet? If you're around the online blog world I am sure you have. If not, let me explain. This site let's you fill out a preference survey on your style (which is super fun and free to fill out) and they will have a stylist pick out 5 items to send to you. I am not the best shopper as I don't have much time and I never know what goes together. I also hate spending a ton of money because I can think of other things I'd rather buy. For Christmas this year David decided to get me this as a gift. The only upfront cost is $20 for them to pick out your fix. If you decide to buy something then that $20 goes towards your purchase. There is no shipping cost and they send you a bag/label to send what you don't like back. If you decide to purchase all of it then you get a 25% discount. You can specify a price range you are looking for, but know that these are very high quality items so the average price (even for me who picked the lowest range possible) was around $50-60 per item.  So I asked for mostly shirts/blouses/layering items as I am pregnant and wasn't sure I wanted other things that I wouldn't fit in soon. Let's see what my stylist picked out. Let me just say that I was VERY surprised that I loved everything.

First up is this adorable navy striped tank top that has wide straps (hello no bra straps showing) and the cutest little pocket.

It has a little spandex in the material so it's super soft.  The sides also come up to add a little bit. This was on the no makeup day so just imagine me all done up. Am I keeping it... YES!

2nd up was this gray cardigan/coverup. The material is just so wonderful on this as well. It feels so soft, so warm and I know it can go with anything. I am always looking for a good coverup. Am I keeping it... YES!

3rd up with this cobalt blue blouse top. At first I thought it looked a little boxy.

But after walking in it and looking at this photo I knew I had to have it! I like the neckline and the shoulder/arm sleeve details. Am I keeping it.... YES!

4th up was this black blouse shirt that was 3 quarter length and the same type of material as the blue one above. It was a little longer (which I liked) than the blue one and I know it could go with a lot of outfits. Am I keeping it... no! I wish I could have. I just didn't want to add another $50 to my purchase this time so I had to eliminate it.

Ok don't laugh at me on this one. Last up were these deep red pants! I really did like them in the box. They were very thick and durable. They were the smallest size you could get, but as you can see they still didn't fit me, pregnant and all. I was a little bummed because I might have purchased them all for that 25% discount, but there was no way now.

Backside view... baggy central. But they are really cute pants. Am I keeping... no! I really had the best time with this. You get to do a post-survey based on what your stylist sent. You can say what you didn't like and why and request other things for your next fix. They also send you a style sheet with ideas on how to wear the pieces with things you already have. Well, I didn't have nearly anything they suggested, but I like them on their own with a little jewelery and viola! I would definitely do it again. If you are interested, use my referral link here so I can get money off my next stitch fix! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Weekend Bullet Points

It was a great long weekend, it makes me want to start a petition for shorter work weeks. I didn't take as many pictures as I should have so I'll highlight random thoughts and points from the weekend in bullet points.

• We had a great doctor appointment on Friday, we got to hear BW's (baby W) heart beat which was very strong at 157. Here is video from the appointment. The next appointment September 30th will be the gender appointment! The gender reveal party has been set and planning is under way!

• As part of our bedroom remodel David purchased a gigantic Samsung LED 55" flat screen TV for downstairs so we could move the one downstairs to our room. We got a great deal as it was a floor model from Sams (would you expect anything else). The picture occasionally goes out on our old one so it was only a matter of time. We've had it for 5 years. 

•  This was David the next day. He went and got his Dave Ramsey shirt that says Sell Some Stuff on it. He felt guilty for buying it even if we had the money in cash and it was part of the plan. It's staying and looks fantastic!

• Saturday I was suppose to run around looking for decorating items, but ended up taking Molly for a shot at the vet (she was due for one) and getting her flea/heart guard medicines. She had been itching for a while so we wanted to make sure she didn't have fleas. They said she was fine, but she does have allergies. So we have to give her 1 claritin a day for a while. It's starting to help, but that was a nice $160 bill. We also got oil changes/car washes and David studied for a bit. 

•  Sunday we had some fun parties. First up was a 3rd birthday party for Thomas, our friends Kerry and Matt's youngest. He loves super heros and got a lot of costumes to wear. It was fun seeing everyone. I stole this picture from Angela on her FB. Thanks! 

 I had to put this picture up. This is what Dad's do with their sons, you know Matt was enjoying it just as much as Thomas!

• Yesterday we went and looked around for bedding and a nice chair for our bedroom, but came out with nothing. The one I showed you from Home Goods wasn't as I thought. It ended up having a lime green color in it instead of that mustardy yellow that is pictured on the packaging. I wasn't impressed. Back to the drawing board, I think online I will have much better luck. Anyone know of good places online for duvet covers?

• David did a ton of work on the master bathroom, finishing up patching and painting (which he has sworn he will never do again, and I won't let him. He is not a happy camper when he paints). All in all it was a great weekend and it was nice to have that extra day. 

Weekend Roundup and Tile Grout

We had a great weekend eating out with friends, cleaning the house, hanging with Davids parents and doing work around the house.

David has finished the grout for the back splash and it looks magnificent! I am so happy with how it turned out.

I picked the socket covers in a nice stainless steel color and I think it came together nicely.

The grout really ties in the counters and the back splash. I am loving the new kitchen. All that is left is to put in some recessed lighting and take out that ginormous rectangle light that I can't stand.

Once we started cleaning up the dust and dirt from the kitchen we decided to take apart the couch and clean the dog hair from every nook and cranny.

It was worth all the effort. We also FINALLY got the glass for the shower in and it looks great! I took a picture with my phone, but it doesn't do it justice so I'll take one this week and show you. I also purchased something really exciting this weekend!!! 

I am the proud new owner of a 13" MacBook Pro! I am loving it so far although I am just trying to figure out how to use it. I have used webcam, found email, internet and all that, but transfering files is more difficult than I thought. I also purchased their one-to-one training program they have. I paid $99 for a year worth of personal one on one training at their stores and they have online video tutorials that I've been watching. I am very excited and can't wait to learn to use it more! Hope everyone else had a great weekend.

Summer Goals & Plans

With today being my sister's last full day of school for the year, it got me thinking about upcoming summer goals and plans. Back to that in a second, first off how lucky is she!?! She is excited to say the least. She has a fun June ahead of her from road tripping it for 2 weeks to a nice California vacation planned. I am jealous of her plans and her career choice at this current time.

I could be a teacher right? Remember when I went to her classroom to teach, I pulled it off for the 2 minutes I was up there. I am going to take some days off to join her for the NY part of her road trip, but I will be flying (she'll be jealous of me by that point of her trip.) I am also the dog/cat sitter during some of her journey, can't wait to see my pup and cat nieces.

Summer Goals & Plans-

I think its nice to think ahead and start planning for a chunk of time. The summer seems like a good span of time to set some goals and be accountable. David will be starting an online class for work that will span until October. The class is most the day on Saturdays so I will need to keep myself busy.

I have decided to learn some Italian for our trip! I will be starting Rosetta Stone (I think) to learn the basics to get around Italy. I will also be planning and booking the Italy trip by reading my Italy 2011 book I showed you yesterday.

We hope to take a little break to celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary and possibly go to this place. The Biltmore! We have some hotel points that we want to use to stay close and visit the Biltmore to save some money.

We will also be starting some of the renovations on the house. We hope to tile the laundry room and spare bathroom this weekend. Since the classes are on Saturdays the DIY items might be on hold for a long while, we'll still be able to get counter tops and carpet just not the master bath project.

I also mentioned yesterday that peak tomato season is Georgia is in July so we hope to have a Canning Party. Other than that I see a lot of pool time and margaritaville margarita time in our future. What are your summer goals and plans?

Packages in the Mail

Yesterday I got home from work early because I went to my regular doctor about my throat issue. He didn't have exact insight as to why I have uvulitis (that's what he called it.) He gave me more steroids for swelling and an antibiotics in case the steroids make it worse, which would mean it was bacterial. It still looks the same today. Anyways, I got home a bit early yesterday and was able to get the mail and box from the postman and then the UPS guy came and brought me another huge box. It was quite fun and exciting.

Look at what was inside!! Our new Margaritaville Margarita Machine from the CheapCaribbean.com contest I won on Cinco De Mayo!

It's just as awesome as I would have pictured it. I can't wait to use it!

It came with some extra goodies like coasters, shot glass and a salt rim dipper. Now we just need to find a nice place to store it.

Look at this BEAUTIFUL wreath that my friend, Jen, made for me and sent from CO. I've been working on a special order from work for a few of her upcoming events and she was so sweet and made this for me!

I love EVERYTHING about it. The W, the berries, and the fabric flower colors! She is a talented crafter. I'm pretty sure my sister is eying mine, Jen, so you better get you an etsy shop or she'll steal mine when she comes to visit.

Wasting away again in Margaritaville....

Searching for my lost shaker of salt!

Yes, I know Cinco De Mayo is over, but I have some EXCITING news! I entered a contest on facebook through CheapCaribbean.com's page to win a free Margaritaville Margarita mixer and I WON!!! You had to submit your best salsa recipe and a picture from Mexico.

This is the photo I submitted and this is the salsa recipe I posted. The photo is from the Tulum ruins. They ended up picking 5 winners so I was pumped!

Here is another photo so you can get a better view. I am probably way more excited than I should be, but I am beyond thrilled. Besides a sum of money or a vacation this is probably one of the best things I could possibly think to win. We used CheapCaribbean.com to book our Dominican Republic trip a few years ago and my brother has used them before, too. They have GREAT deals posted on their site so be sure to check there before you book your next Caribbean vacation (I didn't have to say this, I just really do like them a lot.) Ole! 

Teacher Appreciation and Random Weekend Items

This week is teacher appreciation week. You may not be aware if you don't have any kids in school, but my sister is a teacher and she doesn't let me forget. I wanted to send her some virtual appreciation as most teachers don't get enough praise and recognition for the hard job they do every day (minus summers-yep still jealous about your well deserved days off). 

 Here is your bouquet of flowers since you didn't receive any by your class. They told me they wanted me to send them to you online :)

I loved these etched pencil and pen holders from HowDoesShe.com

Or how about these CUTE cupcakes from living locourto

Or this journal set by Nichole Healy. Presentation is everything ladies and gentlemen!

or lastly these apple cookies from 3 Four and Under! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, be sure to thank a teacher you know!

Here are some other random thoughts from the weekend. We went to a few garage sales in David's parents annual neighborhood garage sale (they live in a huge, nice community that we always find good stuff). We found this Ember grill for $100 and negotiated down to $80.

Our grill is about 4 years old and is rusted out beyond use. We've fixed it a few times with various parts, but it was time to get a new one and we didn't want to spend over $300 on a brand new one. This one is in great condition and we already tested it out. On the left side is a spot for a beer bucket (that is really what sold David on the grill, lets be honest) and the right side is a burner. It also has a light inside. We had more food than these sweet potatoes for dinner, just so you know.

I put together this cute basket of baby gifts for one of our friends who recently had a baby girl. The baskets were on sale from Walmart (stock up on these and Easter baskets right now at walmart). I love the decorative liner it came with and I used cellophane to wrap it all up.

Congrats to the Georgia Southern Cheerleading Teams!

A few weekends ago my alma mater college, Georgia Southern University went down to compete in the NCA cheerleading championships in Daytona Beach, FL. I wanted to give them a shout out because the all-girl team (which I was on) got 1st place in the intermediate division and the co-ed team got 2nd! Congratulations to the University and the teams! I'm so proud to say I went there and cheered. Go EAGLES!! Here is a link to the video (scroll over to intermediate tab) if you want to see it, I had it playing on here, but it starts playing even if you don't want it to so I took it off. The intermediate division is good for schools that aren't as big as the University of Louisville type schools so no full twists seem to be allowed, it looks like they did some scaling back but it paid off! I also put some photos of when my sister and I were on the team (can you tell whose who).

It's Almost Floppy Hat Time!

I got my hat last weekend for Steeplechase! I'm so excited that we decided to go again this year. I am wearing a dress my sister is letting me borrow and this weekend I am going to charming charlies to accessorize! 

I may even make a fabric flower for the hat in the color of my dress! We'll see how creative I am feeling. 

I finally did something with my wedding dress!

Well as most of you know, my wedding was about a year and a half ago. I have just been storing my non-cleaned dress in my closet. I just love my dress a lot. I think with all the costs of the wedding and trying to save money, I was having a hard time spending anymore money. So I finally decided to preserve my wedding dress. I looked up a company and did some research. I ended up going with Wedding Gown Preservation Company. You can just go to their website and look up a dealer. I found a local bridal shop that does this for you so I went in there and brought my dress to them. We looked around for big stains or areas that we wanted to make sure got cleaned with special attention. She even looked over it for me a few times after I was leaving. All you do is fill out their form and they box it up and do everything else for you. It says that it takes about 6-8weeks depending on high season. You have to specify an address where there will be someone to sign for the package when it comes back. I chose to have it delivered to work since I know someone will be here. How annoying is it when you get home to find that you missed a package that had to be signed and there is no chance you're going to be there ever when they re-deliver!

Well look at what arrived yesterday! It only took 4-5 weeks and they let me know by email when they received the dress and when they were sending it back with tracking. 

 Inside the big brown box was a big white box.

And inside the big white box was my preservation box with my beautiful dress inside! I also put our veil in(it was Michelle's originally). You get 3 pieces to include for free (veil, shoes, purse, whatever).

The reason I kept my dress is because I just want to be able to show my daughter one day (and if I don't have one I'll show one of Michelle's daughters. If we both don't have one then I guess our son's wife to be). I just loved when my mom brought out her wedding dress and we tried it on. It was a nice high neck with sleeves. I could get it on, but couldn't lift my arms up. I know it will probably go out of style and I'm not wanting them to wear it, its just for show and tell. If they want to cut it up or use a few pieces from it then that's fine too. The cost was $200 with taxes and extra insurance for the more value. I give them an A+++! If you are procrastinating like I was, just make a decision and do it!

Skinny Jeans and Boots!

I think I'm going to be brave and purchase a few new items that I have been resistant to for no real reason. It's probably because I have no idea how to pick them out and am not very trendy. I am finally going to give in to the skinny jean! It really makes perfect sense and looks great with boots and flat shoes. I just have never worn them. I have also never worn my jeans tucked in to any boot before. Here is my inspiration

 I mean Lauren is just adorable! She has such great fashion style, you'll see her all over these pics. I don't think I can mix black with brown though.

 I don't think I'd wear fur like this, but the outfit is really cute.

 I don't love the t-shirt look, but the boots, bag and jeans are great.

 I love everything about this photo. Both of their boots and jeans are fantastic.

 Same with this photo. I also don't have a scarf like this. I need a personal fashion shopper (Michelle, that's you).

So we'll see if I'm brave this weekend. I have a gift card that I need to spend.