Sharing Style & Week in Review

Dress (here & here) | Cardigan | Belt | Necklace (Another similar one here) | Flats (similar here) 

This past week or so the weather in Utah has been beautiful. After the long, cold winter and chilly spring, I forgot how amazing it can be to spend time outside. Additionally, I suppose the fact that Klair is now old enough to really enjoy the outdoors adds to the experience as well. On Thursday, her half birthday, we decided to have a little celebration. We went to a local restaurant that serves mac and cheese kid's meals (Klair's favorite) and headed to a park afterwards. Sam and I walked around the trail circling the park, our toddler leading the way with all the confidence in the world. The sun was setting, and it cast a tangerine glow across the darkening sky. Just then, I turned to Sam and expressed the overwhelming feeling that this is what heaven must be like. Or, at least, I hoped it would be similar. He agreed, and we continued to walk hand-in-hand, savoring each passing moment--wishing we could somehow stop the hands of time and live there--at that particular junction--forever. 

But, alas, time continued to march on as it always does, and we had to get our 18 month old home and in bed. Fortunately, the weekend held more family fun for us. On Friday, a friend of mine invited Klair and I to Thanksgiving Point. It's a nearby family attraction that boasts a beautiful garden, a children's museum, petting zoo, and dinosaur museum.  I'm so glad we went. I ended up purchasing a year-pass for Sam and myself (kids under 3 get in free). The garden alone was worth the money. If you live in northern Utah, I highly recommend checking it out.

 I was so enthusiastic about it, in fact, I told Sam all about it and made him go with us again on Saturday. He happily came along, but admitted that it was much better than he expected. We walked around the garden, let Klair romp around, and managed to take a few photos in the process.  Next, we headed to the museum. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. There is so much for kids of all ages to do both inside and out, I have a sneaking suspicion that we will be spending a lot of time there. Klair was all smiles, and that same feeling of peace and happiness swept over me, as if the veil between heaven and earth had been parted. I was given a glimpse of the perfect joy that lies ahead. 

Sunday we went to church, and Klair made it through nursery. In the LDS church a child begins nursery once they're 18 months old. They attend this while the adults go to their classes--a total time of about an hour and a half. Klair has been 3 times now, and she has done amazingly well. The first day she started crying half-way through, so I stayed with her for the rest of the time. The last two Sundays, however, she has been a champ. I make sure to sit by the door during my classes so that I can easily go to her if the nursery leaders come to find me, but I haven't needed to worry. My social little butterfly loves the toys, kids, and teachers--and apparently she even cleans up after herself. She does this at home when I ask her to, but the nursery leader informed me that she likes to put her toys away. I'm kind of proud. 

Sunday night we had my sister's family over for dinner, and Miss Marie loved playing with her three older boy cousins. They are so sweet with her, and it's fun to see her interacting with older kids. We once again enjoyed the perfect weather, playing outside and even walking to a little park that's just down the road. 

All-in-all, I'm feeling really blessed this last week. Even though some bitterness exists as my baby girl grows up faster than I would prefer, there's certainly more sweetness than anything. I love watching her grow and develop, and I'm grateful to have such a lovely, heavenly little family to call my own. 

Red, White, and Chambray Memorial Day Continued | Klair Bear Style

As promised, here are the pictures we took of Klair yesterday in her holiday attire. In addition to remembering all of the fallen heroes who died serving our country, Memorial Day is one that reminds us of our own family members who have gone before. The most prominent in my mind is always the person who Klair is named after--my dad. Rather than dwell on his loss and spend the day in sadness, we chose to remember him by enjoying our little family, and especially his granddaughter who shares the same name. She is the promised morning light that comes after a long, dark night of sorrow. She brings new life to my dad's name and memory. She is all of his good qualities, a symbol of hope, and a reminder that families really can be together forever. Plus, she just looks so darn cute in her little dress and bow, how could we resist from taking 10,000 photos?

We set out to simply enjoy the day as a family. Sam has been travelling a lot for work lately, so a weekday spent together was a much needed reprieve. We played outside, took baby girl shopping with us, and even took a nap together. Our next door neighbors have a cat that loves to come hang out with us while we are in the yard, and is surprisingly fond of Klair. I don't know of many cats that would seek out a toddler, but Klair is really gentle with the little kitty and it's fun to see the bond the two have formed. In the evening we had some friends over for a barbecue, and we ate out on the deck and enjoyed the perfect weather. They brought their pup along, and Klair was thrilled to walk him around the yard. Between the cat and the dog, Klair Bear was in heaven. It was a simple, wonderful holiday. I'm convinced my dad was all smiles yesterday as he watched his namesake romp around and enjoy the beautiful day with her parents--as he watched us enjoy life.

Dress: Carter's | Bow: Homemade (Tutorial Here) | Shoes: Target | Sunnies: Carter's (Similar Here)

Red, White and Chambray | Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  This holiday is a lot more meaningful than Sam getting the day off. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that he gets a paid holiday... any extra time with him is appreciated (especially with as much as he's been traveling for work lately) but the holiday is much more than that. It's a day to be grateful--to reflect on what we have, and why we have it. From those who have gone before us, to those who are currently making sacrifices to make this life as we know it possible... they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. America may not be perfect. We have our fair share of problems to work through. Yet, the fact that I live in a country that enjoys and protects a degree of freedom that many throughout the history of this world could only have dreamed of, is not lost on me. I can get on this little blog of mine, and shout my ideas and opinions all day long if I so desire. Me. A member of a religion born in obscurity and protected by the freedoms promised by the constitution--a true homegrown, American undertaking (and one that, I'm convinced, could not have survived anywhere else). Me. A woman--educated, empowered, encouraged even to do and say as I please.  These are not a trifle things. Peering through the lens of history (and sadly some contemporary events as well) the rights that I enjoy are made that much more impressive.

As a social studies major in college I took my fair share of history classes that emphasized the negative in American history and politics. Yet, despite the shortcomings, there has always been a silver lining--a desire to improve, to move forward, and to stay true to the principles this country was founded on. We may not always agree on the best ways to implement the American dream, or what that even means--but I'm glad for the opportunity to disagree. Democracy, freedom... it can be a messy business letting everyone have a voice, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am proud to be an American--proud of my heritage, and proud of our potential. And, along with my love of country, comes a deep and profound respect for those who have made very real, often heartbreaking sacrifices to protect it. I owe much to the men and women who have fought--even died--to protect that freedoms I enjoy every day. 

...like (but not limited to of course) the ability to talk about fashion and photography. This is my first pair of Buffalo brand jeans, and I'm in love. I've been looking for a good pair of distressed, lighter washed jeans to wear this summer, and these are perfect. I love the fit, feel, and look of them--almost the definition of a boyfriend jean, but skinny rather than a relaxed fit (which I prefer). Additionally from this post, my red and white checkered shirt is my attempt at being festive. At Sam's suggestion I paired it with my straw fedora hat I got earlier this spring. Klair went to bed a little early last night, so Sam and I had some fun taking a few fun/creative photos in our yard. Don't worry though, there will be an overload of Klair pictures once we get them uploaded. She's pretty darn cute in her little holiday outfit, if I do say so myself!

Happy Memorial Day!

 I hope you all have a beautiful day filled with lots of love and laughter. 

Jeans | Shirt (similar) | Hat (similar) | Shoes 

Date Night Style | Jewels and Gold

When I was younger I used to look forward to the days that I could forgo makeup, forget my hair, and stay in my pajamas all day. Working full-time, going to school full-time, dating, and juggling the demands of family, friends, and church left me with little time to be undone. I always had to be made up. Now, as a mom of a toddler, the tables have turned. I look forward to any excuse to get ready. Applying eye shadow (something I rarely have time for), curling my hair, donning heels--the occasions that demand these tasks are so few and far between that I've learned to relish them.

Our weekly date night is one such occasion that I can rely on for some relief from my typical mom attire (jeggings/yoga pants/t-shirts). Although I'm well aware that my appearance does not define my worth and is only a small part of my identity, I love feeling done up and polished.

This outfit was particularly fun for me.The neutral tones are jazzed up a bit with the jeweled shoulder, subtle printed jeans, and a pop of gold on the stilettos. The blouse seemed to me to have a vintage vibe, so I paired it with retro side-swept hair, red lips, and a clutch to complete the effect.

Do you get excited for any excuse to dress up? Or are you in a place in life where a casual day is a nice reprieve?

Blouse (similar here & here) | Jeans (similar here) | Pumps | Earrings | Clutch 

Plaid, Pearls, and Polka Dots | Mom and Daughter Style

My Outfit Deatails (similar items): 

Blouse | Skirt | Necklace | Booties 

Baby Girl's Outfit Details (similar items): 

Dress | Headband | Tights | Shoes 

Mixing prints is a popular trend right now, thus Klair and I proudly present a plaid and polka dot combo... with some pearls for good measure. The necklace also doubles as a toy/baby distraction (as do the bracelets seen in the photo above) which is kind of awesome. Because, when you're a mom trying to get your toddler through a church meeting (or any other social function for that matter) you have to think of these things. Fashion AND function... the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. For instance, take this eShakti skirt I scored for $5 at a fashion blogger consignment sale. It has pockets! These days, having pockets is not only nice, it's necessary. And, with the fullness of the skirt, the possibility of mom goods I can stash away makes for one happy mama.

This photo shoot was actually done a few Sundays back on a cool, rainy day. And, although our outfit colors aren't exactly "springy" in the traditional sense, I do think that Klair's little red dress really pops against the just after rain greenness of our yard, don't you? I love that little dress. In fact, I think red might be my very favorite color on Klair... something I  believe has rubbed off on her. She is obsessed with her little red Mary Jane shoes, and wants to wear them all the time, every time. They're actually the first shoes she successfully put on by herself--and on the correct feet too! Since that accomplishment she has found a new passion for putting shoes on, taking them off, and putting them on again. Her footwear obsession is both exciting and a little scary. Have I created a shoe lover/monster already? Kids really are impressionable, aren't they?

I hope you have a happy Thursday! I for one am excited for the rest of the week. Sam has been out of town since Friday and is finally home. So yes, he missed out on Mother's Day. Luckily I had the cutest girl in the world to keep me company, but I definitely missed him (he did spoil me with presents though, so I can't complain). Sam got in late last night, but was pretty tired. I can't wait to have him home and hang out with him tonight after work. Although Klair keeps me very busy while he is away, I always miss him terribly. That's the problem with fiercely loving your husband. Being apart sucks. Although, I suppose it's a good problem to have...