So I jumped on the Stitch Fix bandwagon

I have a problem. You see, I am not good at shopping, and it always frustrates me every time I go, but I do like having cute, nice clothes. I decided to try out Stitch Fix for fun, and thought I'd share my experience with you. 

Basically, the idea is that you fill out a fashion profile with your sizes and preferences, and then they send you 5 pieces of clothing based on that. You keep/buy what you like, and send back what you don't in the prepaid envelope. Seems like a good idea, right? I thought it did! And while the idea is fun, I must say the prices were a little lot more than what I usually spend on clothes. 

Anyway, here's what I got in my fix. Also, please enjoy my super fancy pictures taken with my good friend... the self timer. ;)

Ohara Faux Wrap Tie-Waist Dress

$68

I didn't hate this chevron print as much as I usually hate chevron, but I still wasn't a very big fan. It was also just a little shorter then I like my dresses to be. It's pulled down pretty far in this picture, but it rode up pretty far whenever I moved. Also not a huge fan of the fit; the waist was almost at the widest point of my post-partum belly. Pass.

Trinidad Chevron Print Henley Blouse

$48

Again, not a fan of chevron. I also didn't like the fit of this one at all. Actually, there was pretty much nothing I liked about this top. Pass. 

Colibri Bird Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse

$48

I liked this top more than I thought I would, but it is something I would only buy if it were really cheap. I love bird prints, but wasn't a huge fan of this particular one. The fit wasn't stellar, but I did like the length. Pass again.

Nolan Ankle Skinny Jean

$58

This is all you are going to see of these pants. folks. I refuse to post a picture of anything above the knee! While I was able to somehow squeeze myself into these, it was only after considerable effort. I think Jimmy Fallon wore them better than I did. Actually, I'm sure he did. PASS.

Renee C. Graphic Print Split Back Blouse

$48

I really loved this top. I love the colors, the cut, the pattern, everything. Well, everything but the $48 price tag. That's almost $50! Fiddy dollas, people! That's why I'm so torn on whether to keep it or not. I'm a total cheapskate I guess, since I rarely spend from the $15-$20 on shirts, especially now that I have a baby. But I love it, so... maybe I'll have to be wild and crazy and splurge. Maaaaybe. If I hadn't already paid the $20 stylist fee that can go towards a purchase I made, should I decide to keep anything, I would probably send it back, albeit reluctantly. But it would "only" be $28 more after than $20, so... Hmmmm.

I have until tomorrow to decide... what do you think? Yea or nay?

Bottom line: It was fun to do once, but unless I know it will be less expensive I probably won't do it again. Unless maybe someone uses this link to get their own Stitch Fix, 'cause that will give me $25 towards my next one. ;)

Halfway there, livin' on a prayer

I'm 20 weeks pregnant today. Halfway there! 20 more weeks, give or take, until we meet this tiny human and our family of two (and a half) becomes three.

I don't think that has really sunk in yet.

It's pretty hard to wrap my head around the fact that this is all really happening. I just got used to the idea of being a wife, and now I'm becoming (and in some ways already am) a mother? Whaaaaat? 

It's all a little crazy still, but I love it. I am so happy to be where I am today... married to the sweetest man, anticipating this little baby's arrival, and living a life that is even happier than I hoped. 

So sappy, I know. Just feeling really blessed today, I s'pose. :)

On a lighter note (because if you know me you'll know I'm not good at staying serious for very long), it's a really good thing that I ended up watching last night's Relief Society broadcast at home last night rather than going to the activity at the church. Let me put it this way... I was very well hydrated (Sonic's happy hour is hard to resist sometimes), and had an unfortunate incident involving a rather large sneeze while sitting cross-legged on the couch.

Truly, is there anything more glamorous than a pregnant woman? Lovely.

Also, wasn't the RS broadcast great? It just got me even more excited for General Conference next weekend! Yippee! Also, funny story, I like to write down some of my favorite quotes in a somewhat cute manner to post on instagram, and a couple of them ended up the the LDS General Conference facebook page and this Deseret News article. I sure would have made my handwriting a little neater if I had known it would end up there... just saying. Haha!

 

Happy Sunday! :)

Fairy tale castle, creepy basilica, and temple (Spain part 3)

(Click here for part one, part two)

I have been some really beautiful places in my life. I've done a bit of travelling in my life and spend a lot of my time outside exploring and hiking. This means that it's a big deal when I say that Segovia (our next stop after Merida) is in the top 3 most beautiful places I've been. I felt like I was walking around inside a painting of a fairy tale. It was magic, I tell you... magic!

My favorite picture of us!

Looking up at the castle from the river.

First order of business was to check out the inside of the castle.

Tiny suit of armor!

There were some amazing views from the castle tower of the town (with the cathedral in the center) and some snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Working off all the delicious food on the stairs to the tower! 

Here is a closer view of the cathedral we could see from the tower.

Inside was beautiful, and very different from the cathedrals I saw in Russia.

Next stop: the incredible, huge Roman aqueduct! It's almost in perfect condition, even after all these years, and it is truly a sight to see.

See little Dallin way down at the base?

We couldn't stay long because we had one more place to stop before headed back to Madrid, so off we hurried to our car by way of the beautiful path/stairs. These were much more fun going down than coming up.

A couple more pictures of the grandeur, because it was irresistable...

...and then we were off to our next stop, Valle de los Caidos, or Valley of the Fallen. Now, this is kind of a controversial place. It was built by Franco, who was kind of a bad dude. And when I say he built it I mean he forced his enslaved opposing political leaders to build it. I don't know the whole story thanks to my limited knowledge of Spanish history, but all I know is that this place gave me the willies. Although majestic and amazing, is was very creepy.

There is a huge basilica carved inside, but no pictures were allowed. Look it up if you'd like!

I wish you could tell just how massive that cross is. 

We tried to walk up to the cross, but the trail was closed, so we got as close as we could and then walked around the big monastery a bit before heading out.

We drove through El Escorial where there is a huge, beautiful monastery. I didn't get a picture of it, and we didn't have time to find parking and see it, but it was beautiful! 

After El Escorial, we managed to successfully make our way back to the airport to return the car, which was both stressful and miraculous. The next morning we woke up bright and early to attend the beautiful Madrid temple.

We were able to do both sealings and initiatory, and it was wonderful! Oh, it is beautiful in there. The Celestial Room is so bright and gorgeous, and I just loved being there. Maybe one day we can go on a mission here!

P.S. I got to wear the Shabby Apple dress I got with the gift card I won from the lovely Katie (from Katilda, which is one of my very favorite blogs to read) to the temple! The bright red felt very fitting for Spain. :)

Lunch of a Spanish tortilla, bread, and European orange Fanta. Also known as what I wish I could eat all day errrday. If you haven't had real Fanta (not the crap from the US) or a Spanish tortilla, then you are missing out, folks. Good stuff right there. And of course it tastes even better when enjoyed at a cute cafe with outdoor seating.

We spent the evening exploring Retiro Park.

The Crystal Palace

Pretty leaves in the park. Aren't these cool?

A view of Puerta de Alcala on the walk home.

The next and final edition of our last few days, which included a crazy bullfight, museums, my birthday, and a really beautiful, unique cathedral, will be coming soon! :) Thanks for reading! 

Outfit a day every day in May {week three}

One more week left! 

May 17

Maxi dresses are amazing. 

(Especially when you don't want to shave...)

Dress: Ross || Scarf: Rue 21 || Shoes: Target 

May 18

I love this dress but haven't worn it in a long time since it got an ink stain... boooo. I finally managed to get it out though with a combination of hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dish soap, Shout, and lots of elbow grease. Yay!

Dress: Downeast Basics (old) || Shoes and pearls: thrifted

May 19

This is kind of a crazy pattern, but I love it!

Shirt: Downeast Basics || Cardigan: F21 || Belt: Charlotte Russe (?)

May 20 and 21

I was a little apprehensive at first, but now I love my pink pants probably more than I should.

(On the left) Shirt: Ross || Jeans: Old Navy || Flats: Charlotte Russe
(On the right) Shirt: Thrifted and refashioned by me || Pants: F21 || Flats: Ross || Necklace: gift

May 22

I mentioned this shirt briefly in my previous post, but here it is again! I really love how it turned out after I altered it and added the belt for some shape. It is this pretty, silky fabric too that is really cool and comfy. It looks much better in real life, not that my awkward self-timer shots aren't lovely, but...

Shirt: Thrifted/refashioned by me || Jeans: Old Navy || Flats: Ross || Bubble necklace: Groopdealz

May 23 and 24 

Yesterday was a t-shirt kind of day. In fact, I might just change back into a t-shirt this afternoon while I finish packing... which I should probably be doing instead of blogging, but whatevs. 

(On the left) Shirt from my trip to Russia
(On the right) Shirt: Ross || Belt: F21

Outfit a day every day in May {week two}

(See week one here)

I'm loving this outfit a day challenge on instagram, and I'm very proud of myself for not missing a day yet. Hopefully I can keep it up through the end of the month, although our upcoming trip to Spain (Eeeeeeeek!!!) might interfere, and I'm 100% okay with that! That's one of the reasons why I am posting this weekly since I'm pretty sure that blogging isn't going to be on my mind at the end of the month while I'm celebrating my birthday in beautiful Madrid. :D

Anyway. Here's my outfits from the past week! 

May 9 & 10 

Not a huge fan of the outfit on the left, but I guess that's what I get for procrastinating the laundry. ;)

(On the left) Shirt and jeans: Old Navy || Shoes: Ross || Necklace: gift from my mother-in-law
(On the right) Shirt: ? || Jeans: Old Mavy || Scarf: Target || Shoes: Ross

May 11

I jumped on the bubble necklace bandwagon, and I ain't looking back. 

Shirt: Styles for Less || Belt: Forever 21 || Necklace: GroopDealz 

May 12

Can you tell I love to wear colors? ;)

Cardigan: Forever 21 || Shirt: ? || Skirt: DownEast Basics (old) || Shoes: Ross || Pearls: Thrifted 

May 13 & 14

And can you tell I love scarves? ;) Some girls collect shoes, I collect scarves. 

(On the left) Shirt: ? || Scarf: Rue 21 || Jeans: Old Navy || Shoes: Target
(On the right) Shirt: Walmart || Scarf: gift || Skirt: thrifted || Shoes: Charlotte Russe

May 15

Three things I love: mint, floral, and cardigans.

Shirt: Rue 21 || Cardigan: Forever 21

May 16

This is my favorite from this week, by far!  

Shirt: Ross || Pants and necklace: gift (thanks again to my MIL!) || Shoes: Charlotte Russe || Belt: thrifted || Watch: Kohls