Just Be Yourself!

I am tired. Tired of seeing posts about being the perfect mother. I was just searching on Pinterest for teen bedroom ideas and up pops a pin the reads "7 Things Kids Need to See Their Mom Doing".  Before I go on, I must say that I never clicked on the pin. I'm sure the 7 ideas are lovely. I'm just tired of reading posts that make me question my mothering skills.

The photo in the pin shows someone sewing...surely a better mom than me. I have a machine. I can imagine what I want to make and cut pieces to make it without a pattern. I can (most times) sew it together when I remember how to fill the bobbin and thread the machine. I get a thrill when I see my handiwork. And then , it all falls apart in the wash. Seriously... My stitches are too loose and my creations are lost.  Seeing that title and image on Pinterest made me wonder if my daughter has had a lesser childhood. She actually asked me to teach her to sew last week. I honestly told her no and explained why I was not the best person for the job. Hopefully, one of her grandmothers will be able to help!

Here's the thing....we are all good moms. We are doing the best we can, some days that may be a meal with all four food groups and other days it may be a PB&J and a banana....or a bowl of cereal.  Your kids may have a perfectly clean room...or perhaps a  messy room with a scary pile like I see right now. Our children may be dressed in the finest...or be running around in dirty socks because the laundry did not get washed and they need to make do. You may have planned activities every day during the summer... or there may be a construction crew fixing the rotten seal at your front door and your fun for the day may be all-you-can-play video games because mom is up to her eyeballs in sawdust! (If that last example seemed too real, it's because it is!)

We love our kids and they know that...they know it in all seasons...the easy times and the stressful times... through the sun and the rain...they are loved! No one will every be able to give me a list of numbered things that will make me the best mom for my children. And no one will ever be able to give you a list. Because you already are! Just be yourself!

I'm sharing these flowers with you, moms! You all are the best!

My dear friend, Patti, brought these to me! They are from her garden!

So what are you sweet moms doing today? I'd love to know!
xoxo Elizabeth

p.s. My friend, Patti, just opened an Easy shop!
When you get a chance, hop over to The Cozy Dewdrop ! Her shop is on a little break until August 17th, but it is still open so you can view her delightful items!

Waving Hello!

  Hello, hello! I am coming out of my cave for a bit. Wow, it has been a long time since I last posted. I feel like I should have numerous stories to share...but when I look back at the last 8 months, it all seems like a whirlwind.

  Both of my children started new schools this year.

  My son is in high school and loves it. He took an art class first semester and I enjoyed watching him work on his self-portrait.

9th Grade self-portrait

  My daughter is in middle school this year. And growing up so fast. Her school had a half-day today, so she is enjoying the sunshine.

A girl, her dog, a new book, and sunshine:)

  What else is new?

I am officially a big nerd:)

  I started wearing glasses this fall. I really needed them for long distances. Driving is much easier now that I can see road signs.
  I have been simplifying life. I was a bit overwhelmed and it was time to let go of some commitments. (I highly recommend this if you are feeling scattered. It will all be okay and you can always add more things to your plate when you are ready.)
  Along with letting go of commitments, I've also let go of unused items around our home. It's nice to have an empty shelf or two. (I still have a long way to go!)
  Yoga and BodyFlow are my two favorite gym classes.
  We can not walk to school this year, so I feel like I spend lots of time in the carpool line. I am thankful for wonderful friends who share this job with me. (You two know who you are and it has been such a joy to get to know you and your kiddos better this year.)
  The last few snow days have helped me catch up on laundry...I can see the bottom of the laundry hamper! (This is the first time since becoming a mother that I can say that!)
  Zoe's Kitchen just opened nearby. Such a great place for fresh takeout and they have great gluten-free options!
  I am often asked about my shop. Polka Dot Skies is still on vacation and will be for a while. As much as I love my shop and my customers, life keeps getting busier as the kids grow up and I don't want to miss the rare opportunity when my tween and teen want to chat. I really treasure these moments. Right now, I am exactly where I need to be.

Pause. My motto right now.

  Now it's your turn. I have truly been wrapped up in my own little world for a while and I have missed you all. Please let me know how you are doing.

xoxo,
Elizabeth

Stitch Fix Review #4 Green Jeans

Stitch Fix #4

Hello Friends! Would you like to see my latest Stitch Fix? This is my 4th box. I love this service...cute clothes arrive on your doorstep...such an easy way to shop!

Let's dive in, shall we?

Under Skies
Leona Tonal Chevron Print Cross-Front Dress

Eight Sixty
Jaden Colorblock Trim Zip Detail Blouse

Margaret M
Duboce Straight Leg Jean

Pomelo
Missy Polka Dot Tab-Sleeve Blouse

Kut From The Cloth
Elliot Cargo Pocket Shorts

Style Card
Dress Things Up or Down

My thoughts...
I truly enjoy this service and love the pieces I have from Stitch Fix. Unfortunately, this box was a miss for so many reasons. I sent it all back. When you get online to leave feedback on your fix, there is a comment section for each item. Here is my feedback.

Under Skies Leona Tonal Chevron Print Cross-Front Dress

This was too big at the top and a little too short. I did not like the scooped hemline. Nice color.

Eight Sixty Jaden Colorblock Trim Zip Detail Blouse

I do not like decorative zippers...awful. Very edgy and not my style at all. Nice color.

Margaret M Duboce Straight Leg Jean

Please read my profile. I do not like super tight pants (on me). I had to struggle to get them on. Other reviews on these also mention how small they run. Great green color.

Pomelo Missy Polka Dot Tab-Sleeve Blouse

This fit well except when I pulled my arms forward, it felt tight across the back of my shoulders...there is no give in the fabric. I don't normally have this problem. Muted green is too drab for me.

Kut From The Cloth Elliot Cargo Pocket Shorts

These were too small and too short. I like this color for shorts.

This is me...wishing this color did not wash me out...

Final Thoughts on my feedback page: Disappointing fix. By the 4th one, I had hoped most of the things would have fit and felt like me. I am sad to lose my $20 styling fee:( I still love your service and I hope that my next box is fun of soft material, happy colors, and fun (mostly classic) patterns.

The good news about this fix?  
Now I know how much I would love a pair of green jeans. I've never been brave enough to even try on colored jeans. Stitch Fix encourages me to try new things. 
I also found a pair of shorts in the same color at REI. They are longer and fit well and I will live in them over the next few months! I am not normally drawn to army green, so this is a color I would have never considered before getting my Stitch Fix box. 
I had a good laugh over trying on the green jeans. They say laughing makes you look and feel younger... I'd say I lost at least 5 years trying to get in those jeans.:)

Will I try Stitch Fix again? Yes! I have everything I need for Summer, so I scheduled a box for September. I like the convenience of scheduling monthly fixes or just ordering when you need a box.

Do you have a favorite item you will wear all the time? Since I've narrowed down my wardrobe, I truly love pieces that can be paired with many items and "make me feel like a million bucks"! I'd love to know what you will be living in all summer!

xoxo, Elizabeth

p.s. Not a raving review like my others, but I have hope for my next fix! If you are interested in trying Stitch Fix, you are welcome to use my link! I get a small credit for anyone who signs up. Stitch Fix does not let me know who uses the link, so I will say a big thank you now!
If you would like to read my other reviews, you can find them here: Box 1  Box 2 Box 3