January Favorite Things

Here are some of my favorite things from January!

It's really hard to take a picture of yourself and get a good shot of your earrings.  You should try it....and then give me some tips.  Anyways....these earrings have quickly become my favorite.  They're online here.  (Not available now, which stinks..but if you go to Francesca's they'll be about $2 on the clearance table!) 

I left my blow dryer at my parents' house over Christmas, and quickly realized how badly my hair needs a blow dryer.  It was literally sticking up straight for about 3 weeks.

One of the best parts about having these little guys is watching how excited they get over everything.  I'm pretty sure a motorized cart/scooter thing had their complete attention at this moment.  Love these 2 boys so much.

OPI Cajun Shrimp.  Favorite color of all time.  My friend, Kristen, and I were supposed to get a manicure on my birthday, but the dang ice closed up all the salons!!  We had a make up date this past Monday, though...so everything is all good!

And last, but certainly not least, Charlie singing "Popcorn Popping".  3 things to point out here.  Charlie is a musical genius in the making, you now have solid proof that I change into my sweats the second I get inside, and you were able to witness my creepy Jr. Miss picture that my parent's refuse to take down.

I hope your January was amazing!!

And now it's your turn to link up.

1.  Link to your actual Favorite Things post.

2.  If you have an old post you want to use, that's totally fine!!  Just make sure you link back to my blog in some way.  (You can grab a Favorite Things button on the sidebar if you'd like)

3.  Go visit a few other bloggers and say hey!  (I've met some pretty amazing people through link ups!)

Winter Fashion Series

 

It's a challenge coming up with different outfits every day.  I want to look presentable, but want to be comfortable at the same time.  I had an idea to ask other people to help me come up with a collection of outfits that you would wear on a typical/normal day.  Out to run errands, casual day at the office, lunch with a friend, your child's soccer game...whatever it is that you do!  So here are 15 incredible ladies who are sharing their "everyday" winter outfits with you.  (And I put them in categories to help you when you're searching through your own wardrobe!)

Danavee/Daliene/Tiffany

Colored pants are the way to go!!  Pair them with neutrals, a funky pattern, or a belt and you are set!

Katie/Hailey/Sharon

Scarves make all the difference in the world.  Take an outfit you normally wear and add a funky/colorful scarf to change it up!

Taleen/Niki/Amy

Scarves make all the difference in the world.  Take an outfit you normally wear and add a funky/colorful scarf to change it up!

Leigh/Katie/Jessica

Go bright!  I love that these 3 ladies sent in bright colored outfits, because it fits all 3 of their personalities so perfectly.  Pairing a bright color shirt or scarf with neutral bottoms can freshen up any outfit.

Kirsten/Alix/Megan

Did you know that wearing red can increase self-confidence, which increases your motivation to work towards success?  Try putting a red cardi over your outfit, making your outfit pop with some red shoes, or pairing a neutral top with a red pair of pants.

Aren't these outfits fantastic?  They all are so, so cute...but so comfy and practical!  I hope you got some inspiration to carry you through the rest of the winter.

If you would like to be part of the Spring Fashion Series, please send me an email (ashanderson10@gmail.com) with the Subject Line:  Spring Series.  You don't have to send me the picture now, just an email.  You can definitely participate in the Spring Series even if you were featured in this one.  And no, you don't have to be a blogger to participate!

Linking up with Shanna and The Pleated Poppy

PS.  I hope you'll link up with me this Thursday for January's Favorite Things!

PPS.  Make sure you enter to win these gift cards!

5 things that make me smile

And they all start with H today.

1.  Harry Potter.  How I miss it!  And yes, I dressed Charlie up for the last premiere.

2.  Hats.  The boys' hats in particular.  They're starting to outgrow them, so I need to find some that are equally as adorable.

3.  Heat.  For goodness sake....up the temps NC.  40s are completely unacceptable to me.  I'd like to wear my favorite poofy short-sleeve shirt pretty soon here.

Also, on the list are Hailey and Helene.  

Blog/Facebook/Twitter

Hailey is my go-to beauty expert.  I love seeing all the new products she's trying, and love to try them out myself!  Her make up organization post is swoon-worthy.  Just look at all that make up!! 

Blog/Facebook/Twitter

Helene is my go-to funny girl.  She's down to earth, so sweet, and SO hilarious.  My absolute favorite post of hers is If The Mayans Are Right.  She wrote this over a month ago, and I'm still laughing over it.

And now one lucky person will get to win 2 gift cards from 2 amazing ladies!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

(Must be a follower of Dancing with Ashley through Google Friend Connect to enter)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments turned off so you can go show Hailey and Helene some love!

Art

One of my favorite places to take the boys is the Art Museum.  We get to make a fun project, look at beautiful pieces of art, and play outside on the gorgeous grounds.  Now here's where the arts' advocate comes out.  One thing that is absolutely non debatable when it comes to parenting is the importance of exposing your kids to the arts on a regular basis. Dance, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, whatever!  Being involved with the arts boosts self esteem and can completely change your life for the better. 

Are you involved in the arts in some way?

Linking up with Molly

Celebrate!

No, this isn't me...but I've decided it could be :-) via

It's officially my birthday weekend!  I'll be 28 tomorrow (the 26th) and I can't even believe it.  The other day, when I saw that Selma from the Bachelor was 29, I thought 'wow she's old', and then had a very sad moment when I realized I would be 28 in a matter of days.

Anyways.  Here are 28 tid bits about me.

1.  I change into sweats the second I walk into my house.     

2. It really freaks me out when people wear their shoes on the carpet in a home...I can't even handle thinking about all the germs being transferred.

3.  I have 3 siblings.  1 brother and 2 sisters.  All of them gorgeous.  They are my very best friends, and I think it's sad when people aren't close to their siblings.

4.  I currently have the travel bug something fierce.  Somewhere that I've never been before....

5.  Growing up I always wanted to be a Rockette...but sadly, I am only 5'4" and the height requirement is 5'5 1/2".

6.  I pray every day that my boys will be southern gentlemen.  

7.  And I plan on them being an orthodontist and a dentist.  They can decide who wants to be what.  I know it's a lot of work/money getting to that point...but Fridays off?  Yes.  I need them to have Fridays off so they can drive me to my beach house (the one that they buy for me.)

8.  I have a BFA in Dance Education, and it is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made.  

9.  Lack of gratitude is probably my biggest pet peeve.

10.  After getting in to Downton Abbey, I often wonder why no one is waiting for me at my door to take my coat off.  That's a lot of work, you know.

11.  My eyes were a piercing green color my entire life until I got pregnant with Charlie.  Then, they turned grey and are now slowly getting back to green.

12.  The first smell of spring always takes me back to my college days when my best friend, Erin and I would cruise around after class with the windows down.  

13.  I could watch The Holiday on repeat every single day.  But it's one of those movies that I have to watch by myself.

14.  My celebrity dinner guest list?  Celine Dion, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jimmy Fallon, Stacey London, and Clinton Kelly.  We'd have fun.

15.  I am the ultimate neat freak.  

16.  Organizing is one of my favorite hobbies.

17.  When Noel is out of town, I keep Charlie up way past his bedtime.  And I always want Charlie to sleep with me on these nights, but I'm terrified that he'll never sleep in his own bed again if I let him.

18.  I absolutely hate swimming.  And those goggles touching my face.

19.  People always talk about how much they love to snorkle.  I've done it once, and almost had a panic attack when a fish touched me.  Ain't nobody got time for fish to be brushing up all over you.

20.  If it wouldn't be totally awkward, I would have everything I own monogrammed.

21.  When I'm away from my boys I miss them way too much....even if it's for an hour.  They're kind of amazing to be around.

22.  When the boys serve their 2 year mission for our church, I really hope that they get sent to the same place...and that Noel will be called as mission president over their mission so I will never have to be away from them.

23.  I really hate seeing people eat french fries in their car.  It's so gross to me.  (And, yes...I do it sometimes).  But I hate seeing other people do it.  Ew.

24.  I could honestly sleep anywhere...at any time. I consider it one of my best talents.

25.  Noel and I are total opposites.  He's going to the Super Bowl.  I have no clue who's even playing. I probably will never know....nor will I ever care.

26.  I honestly don't understand why girls get jealous of each other.  Especially among friends.  I want my friends to be smart, successful, funny, etc., and love hearing about their success.

27.  I hate snow...and it's supposed to snow today.  As long as it's melted, sunny, and 70 degrees by Saturday, I won't be too bitter.

28.  I sing "Little Town" from Beauty and the Beast, out loud, at least 4 times every day.

Did you learn anything new? :-)

Have a great weekend, everyone.  Eat an extra large piece of chocolate cake in my honor!

PS.  Don't forget to enter this gorgeous necklace.

Linking up with Lauren.

THE Shirt

Let's get one thing out in the open.  I am THE worst model of all time.  I never know what to do with my arms, I am always squinting, and I have about 2 poses in my repertoire.  (I think I should send in this last picture for my Top Model audition.) Now that that's been put out there....

When I saw Annie in this top, I nearly passed out.  Polka dots AND sequins?  I searched for it the following week at JCrew, and the price made me want to cry.  Go figure, right?  Last weekend, though, I saw this top on the 40% off rack, with an additional 40% off of that, and with a gift card burning a hole in my Vera Bradley back pack, I took this baby home with me!  I can't wait to wear it every day for the rest of my life!!

Where has your latest style inspiration come from?

Linking up with Shanna, Lauren, and The Pleated Poppy.

Make sure you enter to win this gorgeous necklace!

First Timer

This is the first time I've ever worn a bubble necklace!  I was so excited when Michelle from Third Street Boutique sent me this one, and have already had so much fun wearing it with tons of different outfits.  The best news of the day?  One lucky reader is going to win this same necklace with matching earrings!  Yay!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will end this Sunday. 

Linking up with Helene.

Comments turned off for the day!

Getting them ready

(No, I will never stop quoting Pitch Perfect.  Don't you love that man split?!)

The boys had a great time at basketball camp.  I love them being able to run and exercise in a huge space, and how they are taught to perform a skill.  The teacher had them stand on a square, and with a triangle out right in front of them, taught them to bounce the ball on the triangle and then catch it.  Bounce, catch.  Yes, we are still practicing for that future scholarship for fun.

Hope you all had a great weekend!!

Go here to see if you won the monogrammed earrings.

Linking up with Molly.

8 ways to be creative

Being creative helps boost confidence and positivity at every age and in every setting.  It can help a child with reading, a professional with a presentation, a mother with her children, a teacher with his/her class, a business owner with his/her company....I could go on all day.  So how do you become creative?  How do you stay creative?

Here are 8 ideas.

1.  Be CLEAN
          
          When your clothes are put away, your desk is in order, and everything is organized, your mind is clear to be more receptive to new ideas and thoughts.  

2.  Be PREPARED

          Do you carry some form of notepad with you everywhere?  You should.  I have a Moleskin, and am kind of in love with it.  When ideas come to your mind, do NOT trust yourself to remember them later.  You won't.  I'm also a huge fan of sticky notes and have them in my planner, on my desk, and on my night stand.

3.  Be INSPIRED

          Have you attended the theatre lately?  How about a lecture of some sort?  Find places to go where you can be inspired to be better.  Also, I highly recommend being around people on a daily basis who inspire you.  If someone who you are regularly spending time with is negative, unsupportive, or condescending, you need to find new friends immediately.

4. Be COLLABORATIVE

          Have conversations with amazing people.  Easy enough, right?!  Having an open discussion with  people on a certain topic can open your mind to new ideas.  Maybe it won't be something that they specifically suggest, but just being part of the conversation will help you form your own solution to a situation.

5.  Be ALONE

          Totally different from the last.  I was recently reading the Ensign, where Elder Neil L. Andersen quoted T.S Eliot.  Eliot was speaking of our world today when he wrote "Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness; Knowledge of speech, but not of silence."  Absolute truth.  I got a massage the other week, and before being called back, I sat in the "quiet room".  For a few minutes I didn't know what to do.  I had to be still and I haven't been still in...well, I don't know how long.  It was wonderful, though.  I closed my eyes and pondered on different issues.  It was nice to not be distracted by anything or anyone.

6.  Be DIFFERENT

         Step out of your comfort zone and change up your routine, spend time with new people, and try something you've never done before.  

7.  Be HAPPY

          What are you passionate about?  Make sure you have that in your life.

8.  Be a LIFELONG LEARNER

          This just might be my favorite one.  Take classes on things you are interested in.  Make sure you are reading.  For goodness' sake, make sure you are reading.  There is an entirely different, beautiful world that you will never know of if reading isn't part of your life.

Any additional ideas?

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

DIY Bowties

I actually made these!  (Well, with my friend, Kristen's, help.)  I look forward to crafting with Kristen on Monday nights while we watch The Bachelor.  We used this tutorial for the bow ties, with a few adjustments.   Instead of the 2x2 piece of fabric to go around the tie, we used a 2x4.  The original pattern also used a safety pin to attach the tie to the shirt.  Have you ever tried to safety pin a bow tie to a little guy's shirt?  It's basically like trying to leash a wild gorilla.  Not.going.to.happen.  So I suggest adding a strap and some velcro.  

PS.  Make sure you enter to win a pair of monogrammed earrings here.  

Decisions, Decisions....

Before we get to the question of the day, I have to tell you how much I love wearing a blazer with a dress.  They make outfits warm and cute, which is exactly what tights do.  The problem is...I can't decide which color tights I like better with this outfit.  (I know I look more excited about the black ones.)

What do you think?  Grey or Black?

Here is a cutie that can totally rock anything, especially a blazer and some black tights.

Ragan's blog, Touch of Serendipity, has quickly become one of my favorites for so many reasons, but specifically these:  

1.  She did a 30 for 30 wardrobe challenge that rocked my world.  (This was one of my favorite outfits from her challenge.)  

2.  She takes pictures that absolutely draw you in to her world.  How she does that, I don't know, but she does.  (Proof here) 

3.  She gives not one, but TWO full out tutorials on how to build a thrifty wardrobe.  (You can find those here.)

And what's even better is Ragan is giving away a pair of these fantastic monogrammed earrings, (You can choose from the following colors:  red, green, blue, pink, wood{brown}, black, white, or grey)

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 
Giveaway ends this Sunday.

Linking up with Shanna, Lauren, and The Pleated Poppy.

Jekyll and Hyde

I went to see the musical, Jekyll and Hyde, this past weekend with Noel, my sister, Jessica, and my dad.  It was a little darker than the original stage version, but I still loved it.  (Noel hated it.  In fact, he said it was the worst show he's ever seen.)  Silly Noel.  He said the only part of the show he actually enjoyed was seeing how loud I got during the applause.  Yes, I "woohhhh, woohhh!!" when I like a scene.  Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox played the lead roles, and their voices burned my soul with fierceness.  Love hearing amazing voices!

How was your weekend?  Have you ever seen this show?

Click here to see if you won the personalized necklace.

Linking up with Molly.