2014 was an eventful year for us. It brought with it mostly good times, but a few challenges as well.
In January, we saw the groundbreaking of our new church and throughout the year we've watched it seemingly rise out of the ground. It's been an amazing thing to watch and I can hardly wait to celebrate Mass within its new walls in just a few weeks!
In February, we saw the Denver Broncos (my favorite team!) get brutally beaten by the Seahawks (my second favorite team!) in the Super Bowl. I felt fortunate enough to see my two favorite teams in the championship, but I do wish the outcome would have been a bit different.
April saw the disappearance of our family cat, Booka. Typically an indoor pet, he managed to get out on Good Friday and hasn't been seen since.
We also saw the initiation of our boys as they entered the Catholic church through Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. What a blessing it was and what a blessing we have in the boys!
My oldest boy became an altar server at our church in July and I experienced a book that thoroughly frustrated me in "Gone Girl".
September brought a major hail storm from which our neighborhood is still recovering.
In October, my family spent a fun filled week in Orlando, FL visiting Disney World and Universal Studios. The boys were at the perfect ages for it. They were old enough to ride most of the rides, but they were still young enough to have magic in their eyes.
October also came with the best house guests we could have ever imagined!
Thanksgiving had my in-laws in town from Florida. The boys got a chance to spend some time and get to know their out-of-town grandparents.
My youngest boy injured his leg in December. The doctors were afraid it could have been fractured, so for three days he walked around on crutches that were too big for him. Fortunately, it was just a sprain and, after three weeks, we took off his brace today!
The year of 2014, for the most part, was kind to us. We experienced a lot of joy and spent a lot of time with friends and family. Here's to another year that I'm sure will be great!
Happy 2015!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Stitch Fix - December 2014 Review
Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.
I didn't send my stylist any notes this month. My stylist was Katie.
I really liked the pattern on this shirt and the material. The fit at the top of the shirt around the shoulders was a bit tight. It kind of felt the same as when I put a t-shirt on backwards by mistake. Whenever I moved my arms around it would bunch a bit. It was uncomfortable and awkward enough to send back.
Status: Sent back
The style of this shirt reminded me very much of the 80s; the sleeves had wings and the shirt cinched at the bottom. I understand that many styles from the 80s have returned, but that doesn't mean that I have to like it.
Yep, I just copied and pasted that from my May post regarding the Aleah V-Neck Heathered Dolman Sleeve Shirt. I like the deep purple color of this shirt, but hate the style, just like I did back in May. Funny how that works.
For a wool coat, this one is not very warm. It has the weight of my other wool coat, but didn't do a great job of keeping me warm, even though today wasn't all that cold.
However, I do like the style and I think it dresses up nicely enough to use for church. I'm just not sure it's worth the price.
UPDATE: After being undecided for a couple of days, Stitch Fix dropped the price to $134.00. I decided to keep it.
I desperately need pants. I have recently had to throw out two pairs of old, worn out jeans. These cords are comfortable and warm, but a bit on the short side by about and inch or two. I could pair them up with boots as they are a skinny fit.
It looks like, for now, it's a toss up between the pants and the coat.
UPDATE: After being undecided on this for a few days, I decided that to pay this much for cords, they need to fit the way I like. I decided to send them back.
This tote was HUGE. That's great for a mom, but I tend to lean towards a nice, hands-free crossover bag.
This tote just wasn't for me.
For those of you wondering, it was gold when reversed.
Status: Sent back
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for Stitch Fix and get your first Fix scheduled!
I didn't send my stylist any notes this month. My stylist was Katie.
Rosco Leopard Print Blouse - $44.00
Status: Sent back
Queensland Dolman Jersey Top - $48.00
Yep, I just copied and pasted that from my May post regarding the Aleah V-Neck Heathered Dolman Sleeve Shirt. I like the deep purple color of this shirt, but hate the style, just like I did back in May. Funny how that works.
Status: Sent back
Ada Asymmetrical Zip Faux Leather Piping Wool Pea Coat - $168.00
However, I do like the style and I think it dresses up nicely enough to use for church. I'm just not sure it's worth the price.
UPDATE: After being undecided for a couple of days, Stitch Fix dropped the price to $134.00. I decided to keep it.
Status: Kept
Frieda Corduroy - $68.00
It looks like, for now, it's a toss up between the pants and the coat.
UPDATE: After being undecided on this for a few days, I decided that to pay this much for cords, they need to fit the way I like. I decided to send them back.
Status: Sent back
Parvin Reversible Hang Tag Detail Tote - $48.00
This tote just wasn't for me.
For those of you wondering, it was gold when reversed.
Status: Sent back
Overall
This fix just didn't excite me at all. When it came down to it, I was debating over keeping two items, one of which I didn't really love and the other difficult to justify the price. I was especially disappointed to see another dolman shirt as I really don't like the style and had thought that had been clear in my feedback to the company.
My next Fix is scheduled for January 13, 2015, which just happens to be the day before my birthday. After that, I may consider suspending my subscription for a while as this was supposed to be a reward for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I haven't been doing too great.
My next Fix is scheduled for January 13, 2015, which just happens to be the day before my birthday. After that, I may consider suspending my subscription for a while as this was supposed to be a reward for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I haven't been doing too great.
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for Stitch Fix and get your first Fix scheduled!
Friday, November 21, 2014
Stitch Fix - November 2014 Review
Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.
This month, I made a note asking for black and classy pieces as I sing a lot during the Christmas season and need "performance" black. So, if you notice the lack of color in this Fix, it was intentional.
My stylist this month was Christina Ann and she did a great job!
I've seen this shirt around the Stitch Fix blogosphere and knew I would eventually receive it. I know a lot of women have liked and kept this one, but I'm not a big fan of the studs. The shirt didn't seem tailored very well as it sat lower on one shoulder than the other, making the studs around the corner look crooked. I also didn't like the way the sleeve poofed at the elbows.
Status: Sent back
I really liked the over-all style of this blouse. It had two layers: sheer layer, and then a solid tank top underneath. Cinches at the waist often make me look pregnant, but this one didn't do that.
However, this isn't a Colorado fall/winter blouse. I was freezing while I took the picture. I tried putting a blazer or cardigan over it, but it just didn't work.
I was on the fence for a few days on this, but ultimately decided to send it back as it wasn't worth the price.
I could use a good pair of black jeans in my closet, so I was happy to see these. However, I do wish they were just a tad bit longer and I didn't find the fit very flattering. I'm willing to pay the price for jeans that I love, but these just didn't get to that love status.
I'm going to be honest. This jacket has caused me to need a trip to the Confessional. When I pulled this jacket out of the box I uttered an "Oh, my ... " as my jaw dropped. I LOVE IT! I'm going to have to dig a bit into my savings for this one, but it's worth every penny!
The material is heavy for a cold day and the collar comes up like a turtle neck which keeps the cold wind off my neck.
The material on this scarf is very soft and I love infinity scarves. The colors of the chevron stripes are great for fall. This one was a keeper!
Status: Kept
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for Stitch Fix and get your first Fix scheduled!
This month, I made a note asking for black and classy pieces as I sing a lot during the Christmas season and need "performance" black. So, if you notice the lack of color in this Fix, it was intentional.
My stylist this month was Christina Ann and she did a great job!
Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse - $58.00
Status: Sent back
Aveda Sheer Cinched Waist Blouse - $68.00
However, this isn't a Colorado fall/winter blouse. I was freezing while I took the picture. I tried putting a blazer or cardigan over it, but it just didn't work.
I was on the fence for a few days on this, but ultimately decided to send it back as it wasn't worth the price.
Status: Sent back
Collen Straight Leg Jean - $78.00
Status: Sent back
Carver Faux Leather Quilted Bomber Jacket - $118.00
The material is heavy for a cold day and the collar comes up like a turtle neck which keeps the cold wind off my neck.
Status: Kept
Alfie Chevron Ribbed Edge Infinity Scarf - $32.00
Status: Kept
Overall
Even though I only kept two items, this is the closest I have ever come to keeping all five items. I liked four of them and it would have been cheaper to keep all five with the 25% discount I would have received for keeping them all then it would have to just buy the four I liked. However, I just didn't love the jeans and the blouse enough to hold on to them.
My next Fix is scheduled for December 16, 2014.
My next Fix is scheduled for December 16, 2014.
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for Stitch Fix and get your first Fix scheduled!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
BarkBox for Small Dogs - Review October 2014
BarkBox is a subscription service that sends treats and toys that are safe for your dog based on their size. They also donate to rescued dogs.
I have two small dogs, a Shiba Inu and a Puggle. They share just one box.
This month, BarkBox sent a Halloween package. It came while we were away on vacation, so this article is a bit late.
Neither dog seemed really interested in this toy at first. It sat in Aki's pin for a few days untouched. It looks like it's getting some wear and tear now, so she must be using it.
This toy's description starts out by saying, "Nothing to be afraid of here." Well, Aki disagrees. This cat plush has a squeaker in it that has a different sound than she's used to. It's one of those low toned squeaks rather than the higher pitch. Aki is terrified of it and Snuggles will destroy the toy in no time. Probably not the best toy for my dogs.
Both dogs devoured these treats quickly. Snuggles was on her best behavior when told to stay.
This only had two small pieces of jerky in them. It looked like a sampler. Both dogs quickly ate their piece. I imagine the small nature of this treat is why we received six items this month instead of the usual five.
This is the only chew that Snuggles took into the other room to eat. That's a good thing as she wants to make sure that no other pets or humans in the house can take it from her.
Aki put down another treat in order to chew on this one. This seems to be one of her favorites.
We got the same thing in rabbit flavor last month. Both dogs much these down.
I have two small dogs, a Shiba Inu and a Puggle. They share just one box.
This month, BarkBox sent a Halloween package. It came while we were away on vacation, so this article is a bit late.
Simply Fido Ghost
Plush Puppies Invincibles Cat
Twistix Peanut & Carob Chew Treats
Hare of the Dog Rabbit Jerky
Superior Farms Lamb Nik-Knacks Chews
Aki put down another treat in order to chew on this one. This seems to be one of her favorites.
Etta Says! Crunchy Duck Chews
Overall
Other than the scary cat toy, this box was quite a success.
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for BarkBox and get your first shipment scheduled!
Friday, October 24, 2014
Decorating for Halloween
My husband takes Halloween a bit seriously. He plans our decorating months in advance and has built a few of our best decorations. Our house has become the house of the neighborhood (and sometimes people drive in from outside of the neighborhood) each October 31st evening.
Now, I'm going to share a few pointers.
1. No cutesie decorations.
Okay, sure, "cutesie" isn't really a word, but you know what I mean. We've seen all the witches flying into trees and all those cute ghosts. No. Save the cute stuff for Christmas. Halloween is a time for scary and trick-or-treaters are much more impressed with a house that gives them the chills than one plastered with cute decorations.
2. Lighting is your friend and your enemy.
If you use lighting properly, it can cast an eerie glow on your decorations. Blue and purple lights can cast a moon-light like light. Just be careful not to flood your yard with too much light.
Those Christmas-wanna-be lights have to go. Just don't do it.
3. Don't rake up those leaves!
Leave the leaves in your yard until after Halloween. The dead leaves bring a bit of autumn to your decorations and keep your yard from looking clean and pristine. That's not a look we want for Halloween.
4. Jumpy is not scary.
My husband has become a master of giving a person the feeling that something is going to jump out at them when it won't. We find this much more affective than the pop-up scare tactics. We're looking for chills, not thrills.
5. Get into it.
No, I mean, literally, get into it. Be a decoration. Dress up as something creepy, preferably robed. If you stand still enough, people will think you're a prop ... until you move. Wahahahahaha!
6. Let there be sound!
Sound is a crucial sense to play on peoples nerves. Don't ramp up "Monster Mash" and think that will do it. Find a track with screams, wind, hooting owls, crashes, bangs, etc. This will drive people toward your house and set the proper mood.
7. Don't forget about the little ones.
When you've set up a scene that's a bit on the scary side, have an alternative for the little ones. They will probably be too scared to approach your doorstep, so pull down your hood and be ready to go down to them on the sidewalk so they can have some treats as well.
Now, I'm going to share a few pointers.
1. No cutesie decorations.
2. Lighting is your friend and your enemy.
Those Christmas-wanna-be lights have to go. Just don't do it.
3. Don't rake up those leaves!
4. Jumpy is not scary.
5. Get into it.
6. Let there be sound!
7. Don't forget about the little ones.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Stitch Fix - October 2014 Review
Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.
Today is a gorgeous day in Colorado! I used the golden Aspen trees as backdrop for my pictures. I was in a bit of hurry, though, and messed up the focus a bit.
This month's Fix was a bit on the pricey side. There was nothing under $50 other than a necklace.
My stylist this month was Melissa.
Wow. They weren't kidding when they put the word "slim" in the title of these jeans. My last experience with jeans and Stitch Fix didn't go well at all and that was a few months ago. These jeans are plenty long enough. Out of the light, they look black, but really, they're a very dark blue. I don't have a pair of jeans this color, so I was happy to see them. They do fit a bit tight, so I'm hoping they won't shrink in the wash.
Status: Kept
Out of the box, I loved this sweater. The color is great for fall, it's nice and heavy, and the material is soft. However, once I put it on, I knew I was sending it back. Although I loved the cowl neck and the sleeve length, it fit a bit awkwardly on me. It was too wide and too short and looked like it had swallowed me. Had the sweater been a bit longer or a little thinner, it might have looked better.
The material on this shirt was very light, but the pattern I could do without. I like the way the stripes gathered at the bottom and midsection of the shirt, but the stripes at the top of the shirt were so close together, they made my eyes and head hurt. There were just too many stripes in too many of the wrong places on this shirt.
This shirt is a light, cool material. It fit well on me and the colors went well with my skin tone and hair color. However, it didn't spark anything in me when I put it on. No, "ooo!" or "ew!". I just don't think it's worth the price.
I've been wanting a necklace like this, but I was hoping for something a little less pricey. I know I could probably find something similar and not pay this price, but, do I really want to when I already have it in hand?
After I gave it some thought for about a day, I decided that I wouldn't be able to find a necklace that matches what I wanted like this one does for much cheaper.
Status: Kept
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for Stitch Fix and get your first Fix scheduled!
Today is a gorgeous day in Colorado! I used the golden Aspen trees as backdrop for my pictures. I was in a bit of hurry, though, and messed up the focus a bit.
This month's Fix was a bit on the pricey side. There was nothing under $50 other than a necklace.
My stylist this month was Melissa.
Jake Slim Bootcut Jean - $88.00
Status: Kept
Douglas Cowl Neck Sweater - $68.00
Status: Sent back
Franklin Striped Side Gathered Knit Shirt - $58.00
Status: Sent back
Paul Colorblock Mixed Material Top - $64.00
Status: Sent back
Leighton Metal Bauble Necklace - $34.00
After I gave it some thought for about a day, I decided that I wouldn't be able to find a necklace that matches what I wanted like this one does for much cheaper.
Status: Kept
Overall
I feel much better about Stitch Fix once again. It seems as though they really are checking out my feedback before making selections for me. I've now got my second pair of Stitch Fix jeans. I do hope my next box is a bit less pricey.
My next Fix is scheduled for November 18, 2014.
My next Fix is scheduled for November 18, 2014.
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for Stitch Fix and get your first Fix scheduled!
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Stitch Fix - September 2014 Review
Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.
My last couple of Stick Fixes have been successes. Kim had been my stylist for both and had done a wonderful job of keeping things modest, but fashionable.
I sent a note to my stylist this month letting her/him know that I was looking for fall clothing. Although it was hot today, we've already had a frost warning out here in Colorado and the weather can change on a dime. Layering is essential here!
My stylist this month was Christine. Getting the same stylist each month didn't last long at all.
I love the style, fit, and colors on this dress ... on someone else. The fact that I am self conscience about my legs has still not changed from the last time they sent me something too short. The stylist said she looked at my profile and history, but if she did, she would have seen that I mentioned maxi dresses only and selected to keep my legs covered on my profile.
Other than the dress for which I specifically asked, I haven't liked what Stitch Fix has sent me. I have now marked dresses as something to avoid on my profile.
I would have loved and kept this dress if it went down to the ankles.
Status: Sent back
This tank top had a very thick material and therefore could be worn on it's own or layered. However, just like I don't like the doily look in knitting, I didn't like the runner look on this shirt.
The stylist in her note said she was looking for "conservative" pieces and I'm afraid this had her picking out an item that strikes me as too old fashioned.
This tank top is light, comfortable, and colorful. It goes great with the Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan I got from Stitch Fix back in June. I'm a little worried about the length in the front. If it shrinks at all, I'll have to give it away.
I was a little confused about the price. On the invoice it was listed as $44, but on the website it was listed as $28. Maybe, since it is kind of summery, it went on sale after it got shipped. Well, if that's the case, I love the price point!
I love this sweater! I love how cozy it feels. I love the colorblock and the colors. I love the long length. I don't love the price. This sweater ended up being another item that I loved, but regretfully sent back due to price.
I can justify that price for a jacket or maybe even a dress, but not for a sweater.
This necklace was cute and who doesn't like chevron these days, but I'm hard pressed to think of something in my closet that I could wear paired up with this.
I think I would have kept this necklace if I wasn't keeping anything else, but this time, I'm sending it back.
Status: Sent back
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for Stitch Fix and get your first Fix scheduled!
My last couple of Stick Fixes have been successes. Kim had been my stylist for both and had done a wonderful job of keeping things modest, but fashionable.
I sent a note to my stylist this month letting her/him know that I was looking for fall clothing. Although it was hot today, we've already had a frost warning out here in Colorado and the weather can change on a dime. Layering is essential here!
My stylist this month was Christine. Getting the same stylist each month didn't last long at all.
Florence Colorblocked Dress - $68.00
Other than the dress for which I specifically asked, I haven't liked what Stitch Fix has sent me. I have now marked dresses as something to avoid on my profile.
I would have loved and kept this dress if it went down to the ankles.
Status: Sent back
Ferdinand Lace & Pleat Detail Blouse - $48.00
The stylist in her note said she was looking for "conservative" pieces and I'm afraid this had her picking out an item that strikes me as too old fashioned.
Status: Sent back
Rachel Floral Print Racerback Tank - $28.00
I was a little confused about the price. On the invoice it was listed as $44, but on the website it was listed as $28. Maybe, since it is kind of summery, it went on sale after it got shipped. Well, if that's the case, I love the price point!
Status: Kept
Jeffrey Waffle Knit Colorblock Sweater - $84.00
I can justify that price for a jacket or maybe even a dress, but not for a sweater.
Status: Sent back
Genevieve Stacked Chevron Pendant Necklace - $28.00
I think I would have kept this necklace if I wasn't keeping anything else, but this time, I'm sending it back.
Status: Sent back
Overall
The style of each piece, other than the blouse, was exactly what I like. However, I only kept one piece due to price and my own issues with my legs.
My next Fix is scheduled for October 21, 2014.
My next Fix is scheduled for October 21, 2014.
If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for Stitch Fix and get your first Fix scheduled!
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