First Girl Scout Camping Weekend // Post #1 Arrival

Wow! I can't even tell you how much of a learning experience this first camping trip was with my Girl Scouts.

A little background on our troop. We are a multi level troop, which means that we have 9 Daisy's, 9 Brownie's and 4 Junior's. I also had 2 other troop leaders this year that helped me. My daughter is a Brownie, so those are the girls that I led, my co-leader's daughter is a Junior, so she led those girls and then we were fortunate enough to have a Daisy mom volunteer to lead those girls. Altogether at the end of the year we had a total of 22 girls, which was a lot. We also were lucky enough to have a lot of parents that were very active this year and were more than willing to jump in to help.

Since, this was our very first camping trip and I had no idea what to expect I enlisted the help of the troop parents. We had 13 of them going to camp with us (since it was most of the girls first weekend trip) so I split them up in to groups and each group planned a snack, a meal, and and activity. It worked out really well.

We arrived at the camp about 6:00 pm and once we were all checked in we let the girls move into their bunkbeds and get their things situated. I recommended that the girls pack their things in a Rubbermaid container so that if anything spilled or was wet everything didn't get wet. I'm so glad that I did that, because we had a few times that things spilled on top of the bins or from bunks and everything would have been wet if they were in bags.

Our first activity of the weekend was to decorate our camp shirts. We had "Camp Playfair, Troop 71596, 2015" and a little girl roasting a marshmallow over a fire on the front. They came out adorable thanks to one of my Brownie moms. 

When we were finally done with our shirts (they took a long time) we decided to start a fire and make a few snacks. There were 3 moms that were in charge of this nights snack and they definitely delivered with hobo pies and popcorn over the fire. The girls loved that they could put whatever they wanted in the pies (we had apple filling, pizza ingredients and cheese). 

 

The one thing that I would change for the first night at camp, was I would make our activity more active. When it was time to go to bed it was a little bit of a nightmare. The girls weren't very tired at all and most of us didn't get much sleep. The mom's were able to sleep in the room with the girls (many of them didn't want to sleep away from their parent), but because of this the girls kept us up  most of the night (mostly my daughter and a few others). So, for next year I will probably plan a very active event for when we get there and a filling snack or even dinner...tire them out and fill them up! Overall our first night was successful and we were all excited for the rest of the weekend.

More to come...

Stitch Fix #4 // Brighter Color Requests

I received my 4th fix a week ago and this was a definite winner! I left my stylist a note that was a little speciifc, bright colors, a dress, tunic, and romper, but also told her that I trusted her to send me things that I would love and would look good on me; that's her job after all, right?

For those that aren't familiar with Stitch Fix I will give you a quick synopsis of how it works. 

1. First you will start out by filling out your Style Profile. You'll answer questions about your sizes, your color and print preferences, your preferred items (tops, bottoms, jewelry), and what you think your style is. 

2. Next you'll schedule when you want to receive your first fix. You will also decide how often you want to receive your fixes, ever 2-3 weeks, every month, every other month, or every 3 months, at this time. Don't worry you can change this if you need/want to any time. You can also write a little note to your stylist at this time.

3. You will get a shipping notice and tracking number when your fix ships so that you can stalk the delivery man ;) When this happens your card will be charged a $20 styling fee. The $20 styling fee will get credited towards your purchase. I always recommend buying at least one thing from your fix so that you don't lose this fee.

4. When you receive your fix you will have 3 business days to try everything on and decide what you want to keep and what you want to send back. The great thing about Stitch fix is that the shipping is free. They will enclose a bag that you just put the clothes in and put right in the mail, simple. You will also go to your account and checkout. You will tell them what you liked and didn't like about each piece and you also have a chance to write a little note. 

So, on to my 4th fix review...

41Hawthorne - Moni Abstract Chevron Stud Detail Blouse, $58 (KEPT)

I wasn't sure if I was going to like the top when I saw that I was getting it (tip: you can peek once your fix is shipped). I had seen a lot of other people getting it and loving it, but I just wasnt sure. However, when I got it and put it on, it is very comfortable and light weight, so you can still wear it even in the warmer weather. I can definitely see myself wearing this a lot come Fall with a pair of skinny jeans and tall boots.

Brixon Ivy - Priya Abstract Floral Print Knit Back Tank, $48 (KEPT)

I had asked for bright colors in my fix and this top definitely delivered. I hadn't seen it before I googled it and was pleasantly surprised. I am not necessarily a flower girl, but I feel like these are so abstract that they don't feel all flower/feminine/girly like. 

Brixon Ivy - Bernadino Split Neck Blouse, $58 (KEPT)

I also asked for a tunic in my fix this month and was sent this beautiful one. I love the colors and the patterns. I had asked for a tunic to wear with leggings and this doesn't necessarily fit that category, because it's not long enough for my liking, however I absolutely loved it and can definitely wear it with other things, shorts and jeans in the Fall. 

Pixley - William Dress, $64 (KEPT)

Last month I asked for them to send me a dress and the hit the mark on the casual dress preference, but not the style that I think looks good on my. This month I asked them to send me another one and they hit the mark on the style, higher waste and shorter length, as well as the color (color seems to be my go to in the summer), but it is a little too fancy for my stay at home mom lifestyle. I did keep it, because my husband and I are trying to go out on more dates, but I am going to ask for a dress again in my next fix in hopes that I will get one that is casual and the right style. 

Pixley - Frida Romper, $68 (KEPT)

I really wanted a romper in this fix. I had seen a few, but when I saw that it was this one that I was getting I was a little worried. The picture I saw of this looked like it was a thick material, but when I actually got it and felt it, it's definitely not. It's a light weight satiny like material. Very cool, even in really hot weather. I loved the way that it fell at my waist and hid my wider hips. The colors are very pretty too. 

Overall, I loved this fix. Not everything hit the mark, but after the 25% discount, and a $50 credit for referrals, I only ended up paying $172 for my fix, which ends up to be about $34.40 per item, not bad!

What do you think of my items? What would you have kept or sent back/sold? Want to try your own fix? Click on my link on the right side of this post and fill out your own style profile!

Stitch Fix #1-#3 // Stitch Fix Firsts

I have recently jumped on the Stitch Fix bandwagon and instantly fell in love. You see I love clothes, but with 3 kids it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to go clothing shopping and come out with things that fit AND I love. Plus, I'm still not positive what flatters my body and what doesn't. On top of those things, what woman wouldn't want a stylist picking out clothes specifically for her and her body type. 

So, since I have had so many compliments on the clothes I've received from my "fixes" I decided that I would start doing reviews of my boxes when I get them. Now, I've already gotten 4 fixes so I'm not going to do 4 different reviews, however I am going to do my first 3 in this post and a separate for #4 and ones I get going forward. 

For those that aren't familiar with Stitch Fix I will give you a quick synopsis of how it works. 

1. First you will start out by filling out your Style Profile. You'll answer questions about your sizes, your color and print preferences, your preferred items (tops, bottoms, jewelry), and what you think your style is. 

2. Next you'll schedule when you want to receive your first fix. You will also decide how often you want to receive your fixes, ever 2-3 weeks, every month, every other month, or every 3 months, at this time. Don't worry you can change this if you need/want to any time. You can also write a little note to your stylist at this time.

3. You will get a shipping notice and tracking number when your fix ships so that you can stalk the delivery man ;) When this happens your card will be charged a $20 styling fee. The $20 styling fee will get credited towards your purchase. I always recommend buying at least one thing from your fix so that you don't lose this fee.

4. When you receive your fix you will have 3 business days to try everything on and decide what you want to keep and what you want to send back. The great thing about Stitch fix is that the shipping is free. They will enclose a bag that you just put the clothes in and put right in the mail, simple. You will also go to your account and checkout. You will tell them what you liked and didn't like about each piece and you also have a chance to write a little note. 

So, on to my first few fixes...

Left side: Papermoon - Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse, $38 (KEPT) & Romolo - Laguna Mixed Metal Square Layering Necklace $28 (KEPT)

Right side: Collective Concepts - Rosco Floral Print Crochet Detail Tank, $58 (KEPT), Pixley - Abriella Waffle Knit Cardigan, $48 (KEPT), & Dear John - Finnegan Roll Cuff Short, & 58 (KEPT)

Love, love, love all 5 of my pieces in my first fix. I was very lucky. Because I kept all 5 of the pieces I got a 25% discount on my total, which helps a TON! The black top is perfect for a casual dinner out or even dressed up for date night and the necklace is the perfect compliment for almost anything considering it is several metals together. The cardigan is absolutely perfect for Michigan evenings. It gets really hot during the day during the summers, but at night it can get fairly cold so, sitting around a bonfire roasting smores sometimes you need a little more warmth. The top is beautiful and you can't see it completely in this picture, but the back is crochet also and I love those details. I typically have trouble finding shorts that look cute, but aren't really big in my waist and tight in my hips and thighs, but these Dear John ones are amazing. They are comfortable and chic too!

Left side: Papermoon - Waters Printed Maxi Dress, $68 (KEPT) & Romolo - Munroe Feather Pendant Necklace, $28 (RETURNED)

Right Top: Kut from the Kloth - Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean, $78 (RETURNED) & Papermoon - Alandra Knit Tee, $44 (RETURNED)

Right Bottom: Brixon Ivy - Fallon Mixed Print Sleeveless Blouse, $44 (KEPT)

My second fix was a 3 out of 5 for me. I absolutely loved the dress as soon as I put it on. It was very slimming and perfect for casual summer  nights. The boyfriend jeans and the tee were nice, but I couldn't see myself reaching for these jeans a lot (especially during the summer) and the tee was a little pricey for a tee. The sleeveless top I was very on the fence about, but my friends and family (I surveyed them) love it and I am so glad that I kept it, because I find myself reaching to put it on ALL the time now.

Left Side: Brixon Ivy - Pinson Drape Cardigan, $54 (KEPT), Pixley - Gonzalez Double Strap Tank, $44 (KEPT), & Kut from the Kloth - Carie Distressed Cut Off Short, $58 (KEPT)

Right Top: Skies Are Blue - Scribe Ruffle Front Blouse, $48 (KEPT)

Right Bottom: Gilli - Arisha Striped Dress, $38 (KEPT - SOLD)

My 3rd fix I asked for pieces that I could wear for our upcoming Traverse City trip. I definitely got a few, but they didn't all work for me. I ended up keeping all of the pieces, however the dress I sold and the green top I kept to sell, but didn't end up selling it. The cardigan was absolutely perfect. I had pinned it to my Stitch Fix Pinterest Board (you can put this in your Style Profile for your stylist to see) and was elated when I saw it in my box. It is a lightweight material, perfect for Michigan nights. The tank top is beautiful and definitely hits the "colorful pieces" mark. It also has a double strap detail that is unique. The shorts fit wonderfully, which I normally have a very hard time finding. The green top I liked, it had a nice front detail, however I have 2 newer tank tops hanging in my closet that are this exact color, which does show that my stylist is starting to know my style. The dress looks nice in this picture on me, however I am not a fan of this length on me. I prefer above my knee or all the way to my ankles. I was able to keep this and sell it to someone on one of the Facebook Stitch Fix boards I am apart of. Because I was able to sell the dress I still got the 25% discount (I passed this discount on to the buyer). 

So, there are my first 3 fixes. As I said I am absolutely hooked. I just received my 4th fix last weekend and will be posting that in a future post. Want to try your first fix? Click on the link on my sidebar to try it out. I guarantee you'll be hooked too.

** I do not have any affiliation with Stitch Fix. This is just my honest opinion. I do however get a $25 referral credit for people that click on my link and sign up for the service, when their first fix ships. You can get this too!!

Why This Blog, Why Now

Why Choose Now

I know that you are not sitting in your chair or your car or you bed wondering this, but I am.

I've tried to start a blog before, but somewhere between marriage, motherhood, and mortgages it just never stuck. So, why now? I find myself asking that...how is now different?

Because.

Since I tell my children that "because" is not a reason, I will try to express my reasoning. I feel like I need to find my voice again. I feel like I have something to say...even if no one else wants to listen. But who knows, maybe someone will. Maybe someone else will read what I'm writing and get it. They will be going through the same thing, or feeling the same way, or in the same place in life. What's there to lose?

There will be a lot of different things that I will post on. Children, marriage, life in general. Sometimes the posts may be quick and not have a whole lot of organization to them, other times they will be thought out and precise. Every time though they will be honest. I hope that in some way I help someone else out there to feel a little less alone, a little less crazy, and a little more normal...if so, you definitely have a friend and support here.