Mom Style Upgrade: Accessorize (AND Scarf Giveaway!)

I am starting a Mom Style Upgrade Series, not because I am a style expert, but because I am constantly trying to find a balance between fashion and function. These will not be lengthy posts, just quick tips that have really helped this busy mama claim back her style.

I think many other moms face this challenge. It is so easy to get "dressed" in your black yoga pants and t-shirt for the day, but honestly a pair of jeans and a few accessories can bring you out of frumpy mom style pretty quick!

I have occasionally been seen at the grocery store in my yoga pants, but for the most part I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. In future posts we will cover everything from boots to bras, but for today let's focus on dressing up a simple look with a few accessories.

So, you got out of your yoga pants and into well-fitting pair of jeans, right?! The hard part is over. Now, put on a t-shirt and add two things; a scarf and some earrings. Done!

I got several of these light infinity scarves on Pick Your Plum, they add a great layer to any outfit. Add some big earrings and you are officially accessorized. It gives me more confidence knowing that I have a hint of a style going on, and I don't get so many of the "you must be tired" comments.

I like the scarf as an accessory because, unlike jewelry, my two year old can't break it. Well, I am sure he could try, but it's not like a delicate strand of beads. They come in so many cute colors and patterns, and are an inexpensive addition to your wardrobe.

If you wanted to take it to the next level, you could add a cute jacket or sweater. We will be talking about the right shoes in an upcoming post as well, but for now grab some jewelry and a scarf and see what a difference it can make. Let me know how it goes!

Want to upgrade YOUR style? I am giving away a Pick Your Plum turquoise infinity scarf to one lucky reader!

This giveaway is not sponsored by Pick Your Plum, but you should check out their fun site anyway! They offer great deals every day on craft supplies, home decor, and cute items to add to any lady's style. Great prices and fun finds, sign up so you don't miss the deals that change each day.

To win a turquoise infinity scarf for your closet, enter with the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keeping it Real: De-cluttering Kids' Rooms

I can't believe I am sharing these photos. However, this is my reality. I don't ever want you to get the wrong idea; that I have it all together. This should take care of that.

The mission seemed impossible. Find the floor. It took a few days, a lot of trash bags, and some cooperation from two boys who happen to share this room (and this mess). We did it!

How to:

1. Get rid of stuff. A lot of stuff. I asked the boys to pick two sets of toys that they play with the most. The others went out of the room. Some sold, some donated, a few in storage, and a lot in the trash.

2. Check to see if there is anything else you can get rid of. Seriously, you are on a roll, go with it!

3. Remind kids that if there are toys left on the floor, at the end of the day they will dissapear. For good.

4. Show kids where laundry hamper is located. Ahem!

5. If you find toys on the floor at the end of the day, follow through with the disappear rule! This is where I struggle. I can think if a million reasons to keep something. "It was a gift from grandma", "I spent a lot of money on that," and "it really is his favorite toy" are just a few. Be strong!

One kid room down, two more to go. Then, maybe mama's room. Yikes!


Please share...what are your best tips for keeping kids' rooms clean?

Ultrasound Results: It's a...

BOY!!!

It looks like the wives tales were wrong! We got a very clear shot and the doc said "do I need to tell you what it is?" No question about this one, he's all boy! I am excited that Baby Lu will get to stay the princess of the house, even though I was really picturing a sister. I have had three boys but have given away all of my baby boy stuff. 
I guess it is time to shop!!!


I just love this pattern from Carter's, this blanket set is so cute!





Hooray for snips and snails and puppy dog tails! 
We are SO blessed!!!

Pink or Blue? Test the Old Wives Tales!

Well, with only 10 days until we have our ultrasound I thought I'd try out a few of the old wives tales and gender prediction tests that we've heard about.
I did some with my last pregnancy and all but one were right!

The Chinese lunar chart has only been right 50% of the time with my other pregnancies, so I guess this will be our tie breaker to change the odds. There are many of these calendars out there, but basically it bases it on the age of the mother and month of conception.

The Chinese lunar calendar says...GIRL!

I took an Old Wives Tale quiz at pregnancy.about.com
1. Carrying high or low? = low
2. Craving salty or sweet? = sweet
3. Heart rate is above or below 140 bpm? = above
4. Color of urine dull or bright? = sorry for TMI, but dull
5. Pillow face North or South? = technically it faces west, but it is on the North side of the bed
6. Month of conception even or odd? = odd
7. Feet colder than before? = no
8. Hair on legs grow faster? = no
9. Eat the heel of loaf of bread? = yes
10. Increased breast development? = yes!
The results they gave me were...

You answered 4 items out of 10 Yes.

Your score is 40%. Congratulations! According to the Old Wives it's a GIRL!

The pencil test fascinates me, I don't know why/how this works. You take a needle and thread and put the end of the needle into the eraser of a sharpened pencil. You then lay your hand down on a table, palm side up, and hold the string with the needle and pencil attached with the other had (or have someone else hold it). You hold it just above the wrist and it will begin to circle. It will then either go side to side or up and down (elbow to hand) and circle again between each child.

It is said that it will predict all of your children, so in my case it circled then went up and down three times and side to side twice! So pencil test predicts...GIRL!

Took another quiz on justmommies.com and says...83 % chance of having a GIRL!

I also did a muscle test at my chiropractor's office and the results were...you guessed it, GIRL! 

So far it's looking pretty pink!

Okay, so I know there are more of these fun little tests out there! Leave me a comment and I will give them a try. 
We've got 10 days to test them out! 

New Beginnings

Hello Mama Smile fans...I've missed you! Life has been busy around our house, and it doesn't look like things are going to slow down anytime soon. In August we received some surprising news...

It looks like I will be needing to change my blog description to "mama of FIVE!" The shock is still wearing off, but I am so blessed!
I am so excited to be blogging again and have lots of fun things to share with you!!! I think the comeback party should begin with a giveaway, don't you?! Check back later this week for more details!

Wordless Wednesday - The Bib Says It All