I can't believe summer is more than halfway over! It's been full of fun and memory making, but as the start of school draws closer, I'm getting back to organization. I have a running list of organizational projects to make life easier and making a few 'go bags' has been one of them. I keep a few essentials in my purse or car, but thought it was time to make sure I'm prepared for anything that comes my way while we're out- wiping off a grimy table at the park, a bird pooping all over me while at the pool (true story), or cleaning up big messes from on-the-go snacking (more on that later). Wherever we go, clean up is usually part of the game so I added Viva Towels to bags for the car, the park, and the pool. Here's what's in them:
I have a gut. It's super annoying because my stomach was never my problem area (see the proof). And also because my "baby" is two. I'm working on not feeling the need to hide my imperfections but I think there's a happy spot between being ashamed of our bodies and being oblivious to how clothes flatter or flaunt our flaws. I've been told repeatedly that people "can't believe" I have a mom pooch (For the record, I hate that term but it's really the best way to describe it). I've even felt the need to show it off to prove I'm not just fishing for compliments. And then there's the awkward moment where a friend is like "Oh, you're right. It is ridiculous." haha. Rather than turn sideways bump-picture-style, I've decided to take the disbelief as a compliment. I'm very intentional about wearing shirts that flatter. Gone are the days of slim fitting tees and waist cinching garments. But that doesn't mean I'm going to don a baby doll tee every day either. Here are some of my favorite silhouettes and pieces (many of which I own a version of) to flatter plus an explanation of why they work.
I can't wait to finish start the girls' mermaid inspired room. I truly enjoy decorating kid spaces more than I do grown up ones. There's less pressure, not as many rules, and using fun patterns and colors makes sense. For their room, I chose mermaid partly because of their obsession with "The Little Mermaid," and partly because both girls love the ocean. They often draw pictures of themselves with Joe or me at the beach- I love that it's their happy place and it makes this theme more personal. Plus there's the fact that I immediately had a vision of coral, mint, and fun 'adventure' touches like arrows, maps, and treasure (i.e. lots of 'gold'). Doesn't that sound fun?! The room has slowly been coming together in my head, but I wanted to put it together on paper.
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I've been keeping a running list of things to do with the kids this summer. I go a little stir crazy if we sit around the house all day. On day 2 of summer break, I was all "We've gotta get out of here!" Also it's super tempting to turn on Netflix or hand them my iPad if I don't have a game plan. Some of these activities are basics (bubble fun!) while others are more unique (the world explorer game!). Plus I'm a box checker and I love the idea of printing out a list and checking off each little activity as we do it--even the simple ones. Who's with me? So here goes. Oh and leave a comment with any of your go-tos that I missed!



