Rocking the Pool Party!

Well hello there beautiful ladies!!! Hope y'all are well!!

This week we are going to talk about your "Summer Bummers".  What is this crazy lady talking about? Well I am talking about all those things that may keep you from doing something fun because you have nothing to wear or you just don't feel comfortable in your clothes to go or do.  Yall know what I am talking about...how many pool parties are you going to turn down this year because you do not want to get in front of anyone in a bathing suit? How many BBQs are you not going to because it is too hot and you don't want to wear the bare minimum and show off your arms?  Well, let Rachel help a sister out...

First let's talk pool parties or the beach. I used to cringe when I thought of attending a pool party.  But, I did not want that to keep my kids and my hubs from attending because I was being selfish.  So, I got smart and learned of the best thing ever invented, the swimsuit cover up and all the other fun accessories. Now keep in my folks, I go to the beach with my itty bitty sisters and mom, so this mama had to figure this out and make it a good time.  So here are my keys to feeling good at a pool...without actually getting drunk :)...

• First things first - take the time, spend some money if needed, and buy a good swimsuit.  I know this sucks, and we all LOATHE swimsuit shopping, but it is a must.  My favorite place to shop for suits is Dillards.  Tons of brands and options.  You have to get one that FITS.  That means not being ashamed to go up a few sizes if that means keeping your girls in and not feeling completely exposed.  Feeling really uncomfortable? BUY BLACK!!  It is slimming and easy.  The truth is, there may be a time when you HAVE to be seen in that suit if you venture to the pool, and it needs to look good. (you know when your 5 year old goes down the slide and you have to dive in after them :) )
• Second - now honestly, we are going to cover that baby up. I know, you probably just spent a fortune getting the best suit you can find, but this is essential to feeling great.  You need to find a fabulous cover up.  One that you would wear as a shirt or dress if you thought you could pull it off.  It needs to cover the booty and not feel like it is too short.  There are so many cover ups to choose from these days and I know they can be expensive too. I believe they are worth the money if it means you can go out with family and feel comfortable.  There are some with bling even!!  Try them on with your suit and find one that you feel really hot and comfy in.  This is the most important part!!!
• Last - ACCESSORIZE!!! This is the cheap stuff that can make a huge impact.  Now that you have your suit and a super fab cover up, get a pair flops or sandals to match. Seriously match it up. Get yourself a cute hat.  I am serious!  Or find a scarf that will look cute tied around your head.  Match your towel to your ensemble. Last, but not least, don't forget your sunnies!  Sunglasses can cure any look, right?!    

Okay - so you need visuals? Here are a bunch of examples of my looks over the last few years.  I can tell you that almost every set came from Dillards and they are at least a year old since I have not bought any thing this year.  I have spent some cashola on these items, but I have had them for years now and feel like I can wear them for a few more years.  So there is the only way you will see me in a bathing suit on the internets these days :)....oh and you can see some older pics here of my sweet babies :)

So - just keep the entire look on the whole time.  Sit on the edge of the pool and stick your feet in to stay cool.  I promise it is full proof!! Will you try it?

Motherhood

I have been thinking a lot lately about being my kids' mama.  I don't know if it is because Mother's Day is approaching, but mostly because the Lord has been putting it on my heart.

Motherhood is not for the weary.  When I think back to when I was pregnant with Claire, I just knew that this was what I was meant to do in life.  I was right, but I did not have a clue what I was talking about.  Motherhood is nothing like I thought it would be.  It is so much harder...way harder than I expected.

My three kids are my everything. I would give my life for them and try my hardest every day to make their lives as perfect as possible.  I go overboard on holidays, I buy them too many clothes and too much stuff, and I get overly excited about little things. I never waver on them attending church and creating their own relationships with the Lord.  But, perfect does not always mean "perfect". It could mean pushing Claire to try out for dances that she may not make, pushing Owen to play tball when he is still figuring it out and he may feel a bit unsure of himself,  pushing Bree to attend Sunday school even though she is attaching herself to me in the likes of a howler monkey, or even making all three of them do chores when they beg not to and absolutely hate it...accusing me of making them my slaves :).  But it may also mean letting Owen have a snack after dinner even though he would not touch the spaghetti at dinner, letting Claire go play outside even though she was supposed to be grounded, or letting 3 year old Bree still sleep in our bed. I believe in discipline and learning from our losses and sad times. I also believe in grace and showing/teaching it to our children.

My main belief is that our parenting is our parenting and not anyone else's business but ours and the Lord's.  It took me three kids to learn this and I pray that all parents eventually find their stride and feel the same.  This is not saying we don't screw up and have to apologize or change our ways, but it means that we own this and do not need other opinions to sway us otherwise.  My guidance and teacher is the Lord and I pray everyday for Him to make me a better mama and to show me ways I can improve or change.

The thing I have realized is that the Lord has put each of these kids in my life to teach me something very important.  Each child has impacted my life in a different way.

Claire is in my life to make me a better woman.  My life goal and mantra is be the woman I want her (and Bree) to be.  I have changed how I look at everything all thanks to Claire.  She challenges me to be a better Christian woman and not be shy about my faith.  I have to exemplify a strong, kind woman to her that forgives and forgets. That no matter what circumstance, is kind and always taking the high road.  I am challenged to be a better wife because of Claire.  I am more successful in my job because of Claire.  She is so intuitive and is watching my every move.  The Lord speaks to me through Claire's eyes.  She is my little walking reminder of the strong woman I need and want to be.

Owen is my breath of fresh air.  I have never had my patience tested more in my life than with Owen Brown.  He takes life slower than the rest of us. I am very fast-natured person and I had to learn to slow down to relate to him.  I have learned the sting of my words with him.  I have learned to speak slower and kinder.  He is the kind of person that can get his feelings hurt easily. I have seen how my words can hurt feelings and to think before I speak. Most of all he has taught me to sit back, relax and to be thankful for our little life. Owen is easy going and before him, I am not sure Rachel and easy going were used in the same sentence...I have changed to the kind of mom that can let things roll off her back, not worry so much, and just enjoy time home with our family because of my sweet, hilarious Owen.

Bree is my heart. I have always loved all my kids, but Bree took it to a whole other level.  She made me love my children more than I thought I could.  She taught me to hug and kiss them more than before and to hold them as much as possible.  She taught me that nothing is is guaranteed and that I can never take a day for granted.  I do fail at that, but never a day goes by that I am not praying to remember because of her. Some of you may know that Bree's pregnancy was not an easy one and I almost lost her.  I changed my life because of her. I was re-baptized and renewed my walk with the Lord.  Because of Bree, I am a changed person.  She cuddles with us.  She is always telling us she loves us and how much :).  She loves to give kisses, right on the mouth.  She hates to be away from us.  She is loves her people and makes us better people.

With all this being said, I have bad days and I fail.  But, the great thing is the Lord picks me right back up and take the next day on full force.  We can't be too hard on ourselves.  We moms are rock stars.  These kids love us and we are the best in their eyes. No wonder we get a day to celebrate how awesome we are :).

Happy Mother's Day Mamas!!!

Random Rachel Thoughts

Random Rachel thoughts today...

• There is nothing better than self tanner!  I am telling yall - not loving your legs or not so fit arms? Slap some brown goodness on it and you will be flaunting it and loving life shortly!!  I am wearing a short dress today and I have not once thought about any of that stuff that starts with c and ends with ellulite!
• I am wearing a Nike Fuel band.  I was gifted one at work earlier this year and Shane took off with it like Bree with a tube of my lip gloss.  I didn't care at the time, mostly because it was ugly and I had no interest in adding it to my arm party.  Months later, I am intrigued and he bought me one.  I am wearing it today and it is ugly.  BUT, it is like a little ugly reminder that I need to move more and put down that donut :). I think with all of our busy lives, it is so hard to even freaking focus to eat right and  move more - we all need reminders :).
• I just recently started embracing this whole plus size clothing option. I don't feel like I am a plus size person...honestly, I still feel like the girl that was much smaller...but my stomach and booty tell me other wise in those clothes :). I just feel so much better in my clothes now and never worry about muffin-topping or my boobs popping out!  So, I had to get real about it.  The great thing, I get more compliments and people have actually asked if I lost weight - now that is crazy, huh? The best part, most people have no idea because I try to find things that are just boutique clothes in an XL (bigger options available too!).  Let's be real here ladies - the thing we fear most is people knowing they are bigger clothes - so step away from the mumus and spend your cash on cute items!!  Seriously...here are a few outfits that included these items of clothing and I loved them...and so did everyone else :)

1. Dress from F21+
2. Green tunic - Plus on Modcloth.com
3. Blazer - XL from TJ Maxx
4. Top - XL from Whimsy Woo
5. Dress - F21+

• I am obsessed with cupcakes.  That is all.  See the plus size clothing comments :)
• If you have not heard, my sister Tara, or "The Mrs. Gibby" as yall know her, is PREGNANT!! I am so giddy with excitement I can barely contain myself!! I have been catching baby fever like woah lately, but thank you to pregnant Rachel, my tubes are tied and we are good on children :). So this is perfect timing for me....and I do plan on stealing her baby :)...just kidding...kind of :).
• I taught Claire how to tease her hair this weeked.  It was so much fun, even though she looked way too old with her hair big.  She saw my hashtag on the picture I posted of her on insta and asked why I said #raisingasoutherngirl...that turned into a convo on the difference in southern women and other women across the country.  By the time I was done, I think she thinks she is being raised to be a crazy woman :).

• Lastly - Mother's Day (actually the 13th) is the anniversary of my best friends accident last year.  If you will, please take a moment to say a quick prayer for this year as I know it will be tough for her (and us all) to remember.  BUT, a year later, Boni is a freaking rock star and doing perfect!! She is gorgeous inside and out and we love her so much!!! 
  

Block!

Hey ladies!!

I am having major writers block on this ole blog here at Suburban Strut!  So....tell me what you want to see!  I have to admit, I am struggling with even keeping the blog going some days as I am still trying to find my place now that I have backed off a bit.   So if you have a hot second...please help a sister out!

What have I written about in the past that you enjoyed?
What would you like to see?
What are you struggling with these days that I could shed some light on or help?
Who are you and are you still reading? :)

Love y'all!!!

My Mother's Day List

Honestly, every year, I can't believe that I get to celebrate Mother's Day.  Even after three kids and MANY years  :) of motherhood, it is surreal to me that I am a mama.

But don't get me wrong, I have NO problem at all celebrating Mother's Day.  Don't be silly ladies :).

There was a time when I would have wanted jewels and anything expensive I could think of for Mother's Day, but honestly, times have changed. Not saying I don't love these things, but there are many more other "things" that are on my list these days....here is my list this year:

1. Pics with my kids - I want Tara to take pictures of me and my babies this year.  I have always wanted them, but have always put them off until I look better, lose weight, BLAH BLAH BLAH.  This year I am going to do it.  I want a picture with each kid individually.  I cannot wait!
2. CLEAN HOUSE!! My house is not filthy or anything, but I want the base boards cleaned, the blinds and fans dusted, windows washed, you know the stuff that never gets done!  
3. Flowers, champagne, and cards....and cupcakes. I am not talking the normal things you are thinking of. I don't want a vase of roses - I want flowers planted outside on the porch that the kids and Shane cleaned up and prepped for Summer. I don't necessarily want a big fancy bottle of champagne - I want a night outside with the kids,  grilling out, watching them play while I enjoy a beverage on my newly, summer'ed up porch. I really just want some yummy cupcakes...butter toffee from Bliss to be exact :).
4. Sunday morning CALMNESS!  I want Mother's Day morning to be calm. I want: the kids and Shane to wear what I ask without complaining, breakfast made, and just an easy Sunday that is not always the case in the Brown home.  Only a mother could truly appreciate this

What is on your list this year?  Please tell me in case you have a great one that I need to add to my list :) 

You are Beautiful!

Bawled at my desk today watching this video that was sent to me....good stuff!!  Every single woman needs to watch...

http://mashable.com/2013/04/15/dove-ad-beauty-sketches/

Happy Wednesday beautiful!

Catching my eye!

Hey friends!!!  Want to know what has caught my eye lately?

First - yall know how amazing piko tops are right? Well you know what's even better? Piko tunics!!!  For the longest time, they could only be found in black and white...well Savoir Faire has new colors!!! For $32!! Go NOW!!!!

Kiki La Rue Maxis!!!  You need to follow Kiki on Instagram and Facebook and follow closely to grab these gorgeous dresses - but they are fabulous and worth it!! And guess what? She is so smart and carries real dresses that look great on everyone and even carries Plus size ones!!! I totally ordered this one last night in XL and cannot wait to get it!! Go check this great boutique out!!!

Want to know one of my new favorite places to shop for my kiddos? Zara!! I have always loved their clothes for me and love to shop there when I travel, but I just recently found their cute, especically girls, clothes for kids!!! Look at these shirts I got my girls in Chicago last week!!! Go check them out and they are not too terribly expensive :) 

Happy Monday!!!