Halloween Fun!

Today was a great day! Started off my day with winning a giveaway by a very talented crafter: Jessica Jelly. I won the wreath picture below! I am so excited to receive it and display it on my door! Even better, it's totally a year round wreath, so don't be surprised when you see it on my front door 24/7 ;)

It was also an amazing family day.  I didn't have to work...YAY!! We got the house cleaned up and went grocery shopping for the week. Actually, hopefully these groceries last more than a week. Groceries are SO expensive! I don't even feel like we get tons and tons, but we always pay a bunch. Darn Safeway...that place is a rip off. Too bad, it's the closest grocery store to our house!

After cleaning and grocery shopping, we got ready for church. I wore the comfiest maxi dress I own. The boyfriend maxi in charcoal from Kiki La'Rue! They have a great sale going on right now! Use code: 20finalsale for 20% off your purchase (25% off in you're a KLR addict like me ;)) Visit www.kikilarue.com to start shopping now!

When church finished, Mike had to stay and practice for his concert on Wednesday. Vincent and I headed to my parents to decorate pumpkins and have dinner. This little cutie pictured above is celebrating his 2nd Halloween. Man how time flies!

Here are our pumpkins! I'm not a huge fan of carving them...they mold too quickly! Also, it's difficult with a toddler running around. Instead we just used sharpies to decorate! V had a ball and I was able to combine two of my favorite things...polka dots and chevron!

Last, I will leave you with a picture of me and my sweet boy. He's honestly everything to me! He sure does know how to drive his mama nuts, but he's the best thing that has ever happened to me! Hope you all had a great weekend and are celebrating this fun holiday with loved ones! Happy Halloween!

Until next time,

xoxo

j

The past few days...

I know I haven't written in a few days and I apologize! I've been busy! Babysitting Tuesday-Thursday definitely keeps me busy during the day and exhausted by night. I've also been trying to fit in some time to get out of the house and also try to make it to the gym. That's a lie, I only went to the gym on Tuesday night. I will go tonight though! I think...

Anyways, Tuesday night I went out to dinner with my family and the big discussion was my ticket. What am I going to do about it? Why didn't I say something to the officer? I need to stick up for myself...blah blah blah. First of all, I'm scared to death of the law. I seriously froze when I was pulled over. I could barely tell the guy my phone number. Second of all, what am I supposed to say to him? "You're lying. I didn't run a red light." I mean, I really don't think I should have been given a ticket. I don't feel I did anything wrong, but maybe I did? So enough about that, I have to take stupid driving school, but maybe I'll learn something. Like how to NOT run a red light.

Yesterday was Wednesday and after watching three kiddos all day, I was ready for some WINE BAR GOODNESS. We went to Postino's and had some delish bruschetta, bellinis, and sandwiches. It was just us three sisters. We rarely get to do stuff like that anymore, now that two of us have kids, so it was good to get dressed up and go out!

Tonight I will be seeing my good friend Sherry for some yummy dinner and girl talk. Vincent is coming with us too! Cross your fingers that he's a good boy (he usually is in public...most of the time. I think)

Until next time
xoxo,
j

Silver Lining

So today was a TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD day! First of all, I had to work...I like my job and all, but I have been working so much. Between babysitting 3 days a week and working at the restaurant 3-4 days a week. I'm exhausted. I submitted new availability a few days back, so hopefully I can get a better schedule in the future. Not only did I work, but I worked a double. Ummmm excuse me? A double for the girl with a husband and baby who wants to work PART TIME. I was super confused when they told me to take a break instead of go home. To top it off, my tips were not okay...$7 for a 4 hour shift? I'm supposed to raise a family on that money! Hopefully the money for the rest of my shift (5 hours) is decent...

Here's the icing on the cake though...I got pulled over on my way home (after a 9 hour shift) and got a ticket for "running" a red light. Basically I pulled into the intersection to turn left (no arrow, just a green light), yielded to oncoming traffic) and made a left turn on a yellowish red light when I found it safe to do so. I'm sorry, what was I supposed to do? Back up? Anyways, I can't figure out if I should fight it or just shut my mouth and take driving school...

My day pretty much sucked right? Well, when I called my mom in tears and said how bad I felt and how crappy my night was, she told me to look for the silver lining. At the time, I couldn't, but now I think I've found it.

The Silver Lining
When I came home my son was asleep and rested on my chest. Best feeling ever. Then before bed, we did some "gymnastics" and read some stories. After Vincent went to bed, Mike made me some dinner and talked to me about my ticket and a plan of action.

Moral of the story? I'm blessed. I should be happy I didn't get into an accident instead...or that my car wasn't stolen...or that I didn't get hurt. Stuff is going to happen in life that sucks, is downright terrible, horrible, and no good, but there are SO many other things in life to be thankful for. So take a minute and just THANK GOD for all you have, instead of wishing all that terrible stuff wasn't happening to you. I just did.

xoxo, j

KIKI LA'RUE MAIL DAY!!

So you've already read and know about my OBSESSION with Kiki La'Rue, but seriously KLR mail days are the best ever! Well yesterday I received my 10th order, so I'm officially a KLR addict which means I get an extra 5% off my order from now on! SO EXCITING!!

Anyways, in this particular order I received the Renee Sleeveless Top in Black/White (Only $15 Ladies!! Snag one while you can!!), the Native Land Cardi in Wine (soooo soft and AZTEC!), and the Boyfriend Maxi in Charcoal (hello comfort and looking pulled together at the same time!).  I worked last night so I was unable to have my normal fashion show that I do when my package arrives. Instead today, when Vincent napped, I decided to not only try on the clothes, but also put together some outfits. I often buy all of these cute clothes, but sometimes am too rushed to actually style them properly when I go to wear them.  I created two "looks" for each piece, creating six looks altogether. Each piece has a look for work and a look for play. I will break down each outfit below as well as provide links to the items! Hope you enjoy :) xoxo

WORK:

Native Land Cardi in Wine: http://www.kikilarue.com/native-land-cardi-wine/

The Morgan with Cami Straps Maxi in Mocha: http://www.kikilarue.com/the-morgan-with-cami-straps-maxi-mocha/

Steve Madden Flats in Cognac (similar here): http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=102023&np=605_740

Boyfriend Maxi in Grey: http://www.kikilarue.com/boyfriend-maxi-grey/

Jewelry by: Lia Sophia www.liasophia.com

Black Flats (similar here): http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=100012&green=11F923D3-0279-57F8-B8DE-9E46EE8A4279

Renee Sleeveless Top in Black/White: http://www.kikilarue.com/renee-sleeveless-top-black/

In Love Jeggings in Black: http://www.kikilarue.com/in-love-jeggings-black/

Black Cardigan (similar here): http://www.kikilarue.com/easy-come-easy-go-cardigan-black/

Black Gold Studded Flats (similar here): http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=101797&np=134_378

PLAY:

Native Land Cardi in Wine: http://www.kikilarue.com/native-land-cardi-wine/

Navy Long Sleeve Piko Top (currently sold out) Wine would look gorgeous too!: http://www.kikilarue.com/piko-top-long-sleeve-wine/

In Love Jeggings in Chocolate: http://www.kikilarue.com/in-love-jeggings-chocolate/

Brown Heeled Boots (similar style here): http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=96123&np=716_749

Boyfriend Maxi in Grey: http://www.kikilarue.com/boyfriend-maxi-grey/

Lenore Scarf in Black: http://www.kikilarue.com/lenore-scarf-black/

Black Heeled Boots (similar style here): http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=101666&np=716_749

Renee Sleeveless Top in Black/White: http://www.kikilarue.com/renee-sleeveless-top-black/

In Love Jeggings in Black: http://www.kikilarue.com/in-love-jeggings-black/

Black Motorcycle Boots (similar style here): http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=98232&np=716_749

my love/hate relationship with the gym

I'm one of those people that I love working out when I'm doing it, but it takes a lot of motivation to get me to the gym. Also, it's super easy to talk me out of going to the gym. For example...tonight, my husband said "let's go to dinner" when I had every intention of going to work out. That's all it took, suddenly instead of planning my work out, I was planning what I was going to eat at San Tan Brewery and what Kiki La'Rue outfit I was going to wear. 

For your information: I ate like a pig...appetizer: soft pretzels, main entree: mac 'n cheese burger with fries, and dessert: chocolate peanut butter ice cream. I feel like I'm going to barf. 

Here's what I wore: KLR of course!

It's called the Midwest Mama Cardi: 

http://www.kikilarue.com/search.php?search_query=midwest&x=-1365&y=-7 and comes in burgundy/taupe (pictured) and black/white. Also, the Native Land Cardi you see on that page should be here tomorrow. I freakin' LOVE aztec!

Ok, so back to the gym. Moral of the story is, I really need to get more motivated to work out. I'm thinking a new playlist, workout plan, and diet plan would definitely help! Any recommendations are welcome :) Below I've complied my love/hate list about the gym. Feel free to write your own in the comments...I'd love to hear!

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE GYM:

• It helps me de-stress
• I like to "sweat it out"
• I usually feel amazing afterwards
• I like to listen to fun, motivating songs
• It's something I do for myself

WHAT I HATE ABOUT THE GYM:

• It's tough to fit into my schedule
• Sometimes I don't feel like sweating
• I don't always feel motivated to go
• I have a hard time going to bed after I workout
• I stay sore for a day or two after I workout making me walk like I just got off of a horse or not be able to lift my arms above my head

So it looks like my love/hate relationship is 50/50. Leave me some motivation in the comments section!

Until next time xo,

j

I'm a shopaholic...don't hate.

So seriously...daily I get people saying to me, "Jenna, you shop too much." "Jenna, don't you have enough clothes?" "Jenna, you need to save money." "Jenna, you spend too much money." Honestly, it's all white noise to me. Moral of the story is, I'll do what I want and I'm a big girl. At 26 years of age, I know my budget, my limit, and when enough is enough. And a girl can NEVER have enough clothes right? At least that's my thought.

Above is a picture of the portion of my closet that I ACTUALLY wear. Everything else I should get rid of, because I don't even look at it. When it comes to clothes, I love anything with my current favorite fall colors: burgundy, brown, and jade. Also, I'm a HUGE fan of comfort and versatility. Being a mom, it's hard to find that sometimes when it comes to clothes because you want the pieces to be cute, unique, and wearable. An item that I wore today that I'm OBSESSED with is the "Easy Come, Easy Go" Cardi from Kiki La'Rue (KLR): http://www.kikilarue.com/search.php?search_query=easy&x=-1365&y=-7 (<-view all the color choices here). I still can't believe it's only $26 and will dress up a maxi dress or wear over a tank to keep you warm. I'm in LOVE. Here's a quick pic I snapped of myself wearing it (pictured wearing a medium in espresso, but I normally wear a small. I have long arms and a long torso, but no need to size up.)

 Anyways, it's super soft and comfy. You will love it too. I promise! Another thing I want to mention is that you will see me post A LOT about KLR and how obsessed I am. Honestly, their customer service is bar none and the quality is outstanding. I'm a strong believer in finding something you love and sticking with it...hence why I shop there more than anywhere else.

As a closing thought, I will post a picture from my favorite movie, "Clueless". I always envied Cher's closet and this picture reminds me how I feel some days...all these clothes and nothing to wear!

xoxo, j

Introduction

Hi! My name is Jenna. I decided to start a blog on a whim, so I am by no means a "blogger". I'm here to share my thoughts and words with others. If you want to read along, great. If you don't, that's ok too. Since some of you reading this may not know me, my name is Jenna. I am a wife to Mike, a mother to Vincent, and shopaholic since birth.  I will write about my life experiences as a wife, mom, and share some fashion fun along the way. I will try to post daily, but don't crucify me if I don't. Besides being a wife, mom, and shopaholic, I also babysit, work in a restaurant, and work out. Sometimes I wish there were more hours in a day. I want to fit this in my life as a fun "me" activity. Hopefully it will work out well and be a good outlet to voice my opinion. Thanks for reading my first post :) Looking forward to many more.

xo, j