Suburban Strut

Rocking the Pool Party!

2013-05-28T12:20:00.001-07:00

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

2013-05-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

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

2013-05-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2013-05-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

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

2013-05-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

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:

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!
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!
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 :).
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!

2013-04-17T11:32:00.004-07:00

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!

2013-04-15T09:11:00.001-07:00

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!!!

Suburban Strut Shopping

2013-04-04T12:16:00.002-07:00

Hey buds!! Hope yall are having a great week!!

Per a recent request on FB, today, we are going to talk about my favorite places to shop! You probably know most of these because I post about them so much, but here are a list of places / sites of where I shop and what I like to find there...

Savoir Faire, Masons, and Riffraff - Local NWA boutiques that are fabulous!!! I love to buy everything from these two stores. From dresses to headbands to scarves and jewelry, they have it all. Lucky for you, they all have sites to shop from, you are welcome!

La Posh Style and Tobi - online boutiques that carry great dresses and cardigans. I bought quite a few cardis this fall from them and I just ordered some great maxis.

ModCloth - I LOVE this site. It can be pricey, but you can find great dresses on this site. They carry plus sizes as well. I was able to order some great tunics in XL!

Forever 21, Old Navy, Gap and H&M - All great stores to shop in, but I love to shop online from them too!! I buy a lot of basics from Old Navy, dresses and skinnies from F21 (great plus size section!), skinnies and tops from Gap, and H&M is my favorite store to hit up when I travel because we do not have one here.

Altered State - This is a Christian based store that we have in our mall here. I LOVE it!! It is pricey, but it carries all the boutique brands and has the most beautiful tops and dresses. They also carry Toms, which is a big plus.

TJ Maxx - Now put your patient pants on before you enter this store. It can be a treasure hunt, but oh the treasures you can find at great prices!!! Trust me on this one. I find everything from handbags to clothes to random kitchen utensils and housewares here - one might need a marg before entering, but it is worth it :).

Now, don't forget the daily deal sites that I love and have found great accessories and even clothes (for the kiddos too!)...

Zulily
Rue La La
Haute Look
Gilt
Groop Dealz
Very Jane

Now if you are looking for a great deal on handbag, check out Coach Factory Online - GREAT deals on brand new Coach bags that you cannot beat! Also, Kate Spade now has Kate Spade Saturday where you can get better deals on her bags. You are welcome :).

The key to always finding the best stuff is check the sites regularly for sales and most of all, always check the "New Arrivals" tab. Always google for coupon codes for the specific store you are looking at too, you can usually at least find free shipping :).

I know there are many other fun places to shop that I am probably missing, but these are my tried and true (and not too expensive, I am looking at you J. Crew!) that I love! Please feel free to share your favorites in the comments...

Have a great day friends!!!

Easter Sunday Attire

2013-03-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday lady loves!! Guess what is less than a week away? Easter Sunday!!! Do you know what your kids are wearing? How about you?? Never fear! I can help a sister out!

My three guidelines for Easter:
1. Nothing tight - you will be hiding and finding eggs with the kids, therefore pictures of you bent over and squatting next to your kids. Fuller bottom dresses look better, fitted on top.
2. Make sure it looks good with a cardigan and get a cardigan to match. Easter is always sure to be during unexpected weather. The worst is when you have a gorgeous dress covered up by a bulky cardi that you had to grab on your way out. I usually get a blazer to match because it looks tailored and more put together.
3. Don't be afraid of pastels and pretty springy colors!! Who cares if your legs are pasty, it is time to break out the pretty colors!!! If you are worried about your lack of color, wear a maxi! Or get your spray tan on!

Here are some easy, inexpensive options that I found for yall at Old Navy and F21....

Look at this cute dress at Old Navy for less $30.00 right now!! Great colors paired with a cardigan, like the ones below from ON as well, and statement necklace, like the ones below from Savoir Faire....perfect! Even looks cute with flats!

Now if you would rather a maxi - here is a cute option from Old Navy...would look like a million bucks with a big necklace and a blazer or cardi! Love these colors!

Now for the curvier ladies - here are some great options from F21 and you can rush ship these if needed!

Hope that helped!! Email if you have any questions suburbanstrutblog@gmail.com. Have a great ladies!!!!!

PS - A couple of yall asked about my dresses I wore last weekend to Fashion Week - All three came from F21 :)

Spring Time Stutting

2013-03-11T11:45:00.001-07:00

So, as it is like 40 something degrees outside right now, I can hardly believe that Spring begins next Wednesday!!! Whether the temp says it or not, Spring is coming...and we will laugh at our silly griping selves when it is 99 degrees in 2 months :).

Here in the south, it is warm one day and then cold the very next (at least in Arkansas), so it is hard to dress right now. BUT, as I always preach to my crew and pretty much anyone else who will listen, once March 20th is here, it's time to retire the big winter clothes and start embracing Spring!

So, as much as we would like to live in Uggs and big sweaters all year, it's time to start planning a new uniform :) and dressing for the season. Here are my tips for dressing for the Spring season, without freezing on the cold days and still looking very "mama chic" :)...

1. Roll up those skinnies!! First thing you can do to transition your current wardrobe is start rolling up your jeans! Whether you are wearing flats, chucks, or booties (put away the tall boots), your outfit will have a "Springier" feel with your jeans rolled up. Even if you are wearing a long sleeve top, roll up those pants to lighten up your look.
2. Invest in some cute flats. I have talked about cute flats before because these also work for Fall too. Having a good pairs of brown, black, and metallic are good investments that you will wear at least two seasons a year. Make sure they are comfy because you won't be wearing socks and nobody has time for blisters! If you really want to have some fun, get a fun color like dark purple, reddish orange, or yellow! They go with way more than you think and are a great addition to a plain outfit!
3. Start picking up lightweight scarves! Now, we all know that a scarf is the easiest way to add color to a bland outfit year round, but right now they are great to wear. Every where you look right now, you can find thin, colorful scarves that won't be too hot, but will make a plain shirt look better. Put away your warm, thicker scarves for next year. Its time to wear lighter weight!!
4. Thin or sheer button down blouses are big right now! They are light, but very chic. You can add a fab necklace or scarf, or throw a cardi over if it is cooler. Pick up a white or cream one, black and a fun color. Mint, coral, light pink or lavender (like the one Tara posted about recently!) all look great with denim! I have picked up many of these and a bunch of camis to wear underneath and plan to wear them a TON this Spring!! If you have issues like me with the bust area and keeping them buttoned, check out the F21 plus section, they have many options!!! Grab sleeveless ones too because you can wear cardis or denim jackets over them now and wear the heck out of them this summer.
5. PIKO PIKO PIKO! You have been living under a rock or at least away from social media if you have not heard about the angel shirts called Piko tops!!! Tons of pretty colors are coming out right now for Spring and I LOVE THEM!!! They are perfect to wear right now with rolled up jeans and a scarf. They are super comfy and pretty much we all can wear them!! Not going to lie, I wear a piko top more than once a week :).

Here are some fun examples:

Scarves from Old Navy and Gap, Button downs from Old Navy, Pikos from Savoir Faire and the citrine (greenish yellow) one is from Masons.

Email or leave comments with questions!! suburbanstrutblog@gmail.com

Happy Spring Strutters!!!!

The Mom on the Iphone...

2013-03-07T07:10:00.002-08:00

Hey laaaaaadies!! I came in this morning to work and one of the best posts I have ever read popped up on facebook (thank Janelle for sharing :) ). I had to share!

If you have facebook, I am sure you have seen the post called "Dear Mom on the Iphone". You can read a copy of it here. When I first read it, I felt awful and pissed. I felt awful because yes, I am guilty of what this author was referring to. I was pissed because I felt like "Why is the world do we have to continue to place such guilt trips on mothers?". From whether we are feeding them clean foods rather than Capri Suns and chips or how much time they spend on your iPad, mothers can never catch a break (don't even get me started on the never guilty, most beloved Daddy's). Okay, now I am getting snarky.

ANYWAYS, this post popped up this morning and I could not have said it better than this blogger. It was her answer to the first post and I was practically clapping by the time I finished reading. Here is the post and go read it NOW!

Nothing better than a strong Mama rocking our socks off and getting er done!! I know I am ready to tackle this day and pretty much...the world :)

Love ya strutters!!!

Rocking your Size

2013-02-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

Let's be honest here. How many of us are truly happy with our size in clothing? How many of us hold onto "skinny clothes" in hopes of wearing them again? I know I am guilty of both. We get so focused on what size we "were" or what we "hope to be again" that we completely neglect ourselves in our current size. We need to start embracing our current size so we feel good enough to make ourselves better. Hear me out.

One thing I learned a couple years ago and that I tell women all the time is to embrace your size RIGHT NOW! My weight has been a roller coaster over the last 10 years as I had babies, lost weight, had another baby, lost weight again, got busier, gained weight again etc. No matter my size, I have always (well not always, 20 something Rachel was an emotional mess over her weight) focused on finding good clothes in my real size and ignoring what that tag said. The truth is and what I say ALL the time is that you are never going to be that weight again or feel as good about yourself again if you can not feel fabulous right NOW! If you cannot love yourself at any size, you will NEVER be good enough.

The key is to WEAR YOUR RIGHT SIZE! You will look a million times better in the right size than a couple sizes too small. Just because you can barely button that size 8, it does not mean it looks better than that 10 or 12. In fact, you will look slimmer in the bigger size. The main reason why is because you will look and feel more comfortable. Think about how you feel when you are wearing a pair of jeans that you can barely button. You are pulling around on your shirt, constantly pulling the jeans up and are probably even walking funny in hopes that button does not fly off and black someone's eye! Now, think about how much better you would feel in a bigger size that contains the muffin top, your shirt lays flat on, and they stay put when you are sitting and walking. You honestly look so much better because you move effortlessly and you are focused on everything but your crack showing. A woman that can strut with ease in a 14 looks WAY better than a woman bent over pulling her too tight pants up in a 12. FACT.

This goes past jeans and pants though. The main culprit is tops. How many of y'all are more blessed in the chest region? I know y'all have heard me complain about my rather large girls and my issues with tops. Or how many of you are still fighting the extra skin and belly left over from those lovely little babies we just had to have? :) So we have all changed dramatically on top, but yet, we still think we can wear that medium we used to wear. Right? I mean God forbid we mean get a Large or Lord help us an EXTRA LARGE! Or let's just talk about the fact that the smalls that we see in stores now would fit my Claire! DO NOT feel ashamed that you may have to size up in your top. I swear you will look so much more polished and slimmer in a top that actually fits rather than one that rides up, is too tight or won't button.

Quit being so hard on yourself on what size you have to get!! Cut that damn tag out if you have to! I challenge you that next time you are shopping to try on a couple different sizes and take pictures of yourself in the dressing room mirror. You will see that not only your body looks slimmer with the right size, but the look on your face will be different too. I am not saying to start getting too big of sizes either (I have been guilty of that too!), just the right size.

Just because you have to go up a size should not keep you from looking good. Just because you had to go up a size should not keep you from buying something. So often, I hear "well the medium did not fit, so I just left. There was no way I was buying a large". Puh-lease. So you are just going to wear yoga pants and over-sized sweatshirts until you lose your weight? You are going to only wear workout clothes until you get back to your long lost small? Stop it! You can look just as fabulous (or maybe even more now because I know that when I was smaller, I did not have nearly as fab taste as I do now :)!) as you did then right now!

So now is when I will be really honest with you and put my money where my mouth is. I don't have an easy time always finding the right size. My girls are big, my arms are not as small as they used to be and my belly needs some work (as in work, I would love a good mommy makeover, but these little people that follow me around and call me mama are apparently more important than that right now :) ). I HATE TIGHT CLOTHING. I refuse to wear it. The tightest I will get are a good pair of skinnies. So I am really picky about what I will get from boutiques and I sometimes get pissed when I am shopping that I can't get most things to fit. Do I let that stop me from being in style or looking put together? Absolutely not! I just have to be smarter on my shopping choices.

So, while in OKC for Claire's dance competition a couple weekends ago, we found the most gorgeous F21 I had ever seen. It was new and me and Mom were pumped. Ok let's be real for a second. F21 is not exactly the best store to judge on sizes. Their smalls are teeny tiny, mediums are like smalls and the larges are what I call normal. I don't have a lot of luck with clothes there outside of their colored twill skinnies and cardigans. I will randomly find a dress every once in awhile. As I was walking around this store, I stumble upon this gorgeous, HUGE plus size section. At first, I did not even want to go in it. Then I got really pissed at myself. How dare I do this to myself? Here I was being all judge-y, AT ME! I walked right in the section and I swear the angels began to sing. I found sheer button downs that actually buttoned over my chest, blazers that were not too tight on my broad shoulders, dresses that were fabulous and fit perfect. I was shocked....and spent way too much money :). I bought mainly XL's but they had up to 3X. I was so impressed. Mom was so jelly of some of the stuff I bought. :)

Since I have been home and while in CA last week for work, I got so many compliments on my outfits and you know what? I even got asked if I had lost weight? Not even joking y'all!!! I was shocked and I thanked the Lord for confirming that I should not be ashamed that I shopped in that section. Sure I need to lose weight and I know that, but I am not going to let that keep me from feeling beautiful. I have even been telling people about it more than I thought I would. Well good grief - I am even putting it out here :). Here are some of the cute things I bought and a few things I saw...

Do you need to change your attitude on your current size? Are you too focused on what you want it to be or what it should be to embrace what you have right now? Change it. We all need to take better care of ourselves and Lord knows I need to lose weight too. BUT that should not stop us from rocking what we got and living each day as if it was our last....or at least as if we could run into that snotty girl from high school or an ex boyfriend :).

Strut it strutters!!!

Faking it!

2013-02-25T08:21:00.002-08:00

Hey friends!! Today we are talking "Faking It!". Now, don't let me lose you in the gutter, this is a good post, I swear.

Now, we all know that here at Suburban Strut, I preach like it is my job to be yourself and REAL. Nothing has changed, I am just going to share a few of my favorite ways to "fake it" and feel even better with the real you. The good Lord gave us these things for a reason :). With Spring around the corner, we all feeling a little extra pep in our step and ready to refresh our beauty routine, right?

So here are three things that I love to "Fake"...

Spray Tan!
I can tell y'all all day how bad it is to go tanning in a tanning bed, but y'all are going to still do it. I finally quit last year when Claire started asking about it and I KNEW that I did not want tanning in a tanning bed to passed down in my legacy :). I am still a huge fan of a summer glow though and the thought of not being brown whilst wearing sundresses or showing my arms was not on my agenda. Being the busy, working mom that I am, I also knew that going to the spray tanning booth at least once a week was not going to happen either. So I set out to find my own, in home solution. I used to work for another beauty company and used to use all the best bottled self tanners and I would just end up a streaky mess. So I decided I needed an airbrush at home and spray myself. I found a set that came with a brush with a compressor and all the fancy hair caps, feet covers and even paper thongs (HA!) on eBay. It came with small bottles of 4 different shades and I was able to test which worked best for me. Here is an example of the brush and compressor I bought

I bought this one last year and it is still in great condition and will be using it hopefully for a couple more years. The key to taking care of it is to clean it every time by running water through it until it runs clear. You can search the web and eBay for solution. My favorite is Ocean 12.5% Medium.

Now. Here is the kicker. It is going to take practice. It also means standing naked and spraying yourself and getting help with your back. I spray in our garage and Shane always teases that he is going to open the garage one of these times and see how fast I can run. He sprays my back for me and I know how stressful depending on your husband to spray a tan on you can be. Not going to lie, he has sprayed a happy face across my booty before I could stop him! Just keeping it real y'all! :) After a week or two or practice, I got pretty good at it and could do it really fast. I would spray every 2-3 days, only having Shane give the back a good spray once a week. I am honestly very happy with this investment and recommend everyone to give it a try if they are wanting a better answer to tanning in a tanning bed. Comment with questions or email me. I have not started back up yet, but I just ordered solution and plan to start spraying next week.

Eyebrow Powder!
This one is not hard at all!!! How many of you fill in your brows? I have read many a blog and watched many how to videos on make up and everyone says you have to pay attention to your brows. I set out recently looking for a good brow powder and found this:

Lorac Take a Brow in brunette! It is a couple shades of brown to fill in your brows and then a wax to set them in place. Now, when you first start doing this, you are going to probably panic a bit. I know I felt like I had the darkest brows I have ever seen and all I could see when I looked in the mirror was BROWS! But I will tell you, every time I did it, I would get so many compliments on my make up and it was insane the difference it made. You can just take some eye shadow and fill them in too if you don't want to add another item to your make up bag...but let's be honest, we all want to add to our bag :). Let me know if you use something better or different. If you try it and love it, let me know too!!

Fake eyelashes!
I love me some falsies!!! I love how false eyelashes make our eyes pop and make us feel instantly pretty. If you have never tried them, do it!! In the past, I have only worn them for fun occasions, date nights, etc. It took a lot of practice to get them on the correct way, but now that I have, I wear them almost every day for work and such. The key is learning to put them on so you don't feel them. That is possible, it just takes practice. I have tried expensive and cheap ones and my favorites are the Revlon ones from Walmart. It has nothing to do with the fact that my company has the license and manufactures them :). But, really, they are awesome and you can pick them up on your grocery trip...

I have also found a black glue so it looks just like my eyeliner! I have been wearing them more and more and love how it makes me feel. I challenge you to try it next time you go out for a fun night or just for a day of shopping or lunch with the hubs, trust me :).

So, will you try any of these? Do you do it already and have some great tips and tricks? Comment or email me!! Have a great week strutters!!!!!

Meal Planning like a BOSS!

2013-02-11T09:54:00.002-08:00

This post is not a normal, fashion-y post. And since this my blog and I am the boss here (ha!), that's ok! Quite a few of y'all asked how I stay organized as a working mom and plan our meals. As much as I laugh at the thought of my "organized chaos", I thought I would tell you how I do it!

If I did not meal plan, we would eat out every night. Seriously, when I don't, that is what we do. Being a working mom, I have to do my grocery shopping on the weekend and be completely prepared each night as soon as I get home. So my first advice to plan your meals on Sunday or Saturday for the next week. When I try to do more than one week, I end up wasting food as I change my mind or something comes up that I forgot. I shop on Sunday afternoons or evenings.

Next, you need a meal planner. There are great planners out there but this is my favorite from The Project Girl. Here is the link!

This my favorite planner because it groups your shopping list for you and it is really simple. I swear it cut my shopping time in half! Here is mine filled out for this week. This is a crazy busy week so we are having easy stuff. Who am I kidding? Every week is easy stuff. I am just trying to come up with an excuse why guacamole is the only thing in the produce section :) AND I just realized I put my canned goods in the dry goods section :)

Here is my other tip. Keep a theme for each night. Monday nights are always crock pot night, Tuesday is always Mexican, or "Taco Tuesday" and Wednesday is always Breakfast food. Usually I would do Italian on Thursday, but this week it is a holiday. We always eat Chinese take out on Sunday. The kids love that they know what each night is and it relives the pressure for me to come up with a whole new menu every week. I change up the dishes, but theme always stays the same. I am serious, this alone will relieve so much stress!! Trust me! We usually eat out on Friday and Saturday, but when I can, I use those nights to try something new.

Dinner time is a big deal at my house and very important to us. We take turns saying the prayer. We go around the table and each of us tell about our days. Each child loves to tell us what they did :). It is no perfect "Leave it to Beaver" scene as usually at least one kid does not like something...or a drink is spilled everywhere, but it is perfect for us :).

Hope that helped!!! Feel free to ask me any questions!!!

Have a good Monday!!!

Girl's Weekend!

2013-01-31T12:54:00.001-08:00

Wowza!! It's been serious around here lately!! I haven't even posted a pic in weeks...time to lighten it up a little bit, alrighty?

I am super excited because I am heading out of town this weekend with my favorites for a girls only weekend for my birthday (turned 32 yesterday, woohoo)!! We are going to KC to shop, eat, laugh, have a few cocktails and CHILL!! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!! This weekend will be my last few moments for months that I have free as we will be traveling for Claire's dance competitions, Shane and I will be both traveling for work, and just regular life. This was the perfect gift for me this year.

So it is going to a cold weekend, but that is not going to stop us from having a good time and looking fabulous doing it! What does Rachel pack for a fun girls' weekend? So glad you asked! :)

Hotel Partying! - I found these cute Juicy Pajamas on Rue La La before Christmas and have been saving them for a fun occasion...here is your invite to Rue La La here! They have Juicy sales all the time so watch for them! Of course I will be sporting my Ugg slippers - I wear them more than any other shoe...well at home at least :)
Brunching, Shopping, and Strolling - I have this cape from Riffraff and I love it. I have a hard time wearing it when I am with the kids, so I thought it would be fabulous for this weekend. I will wear it with skinnies, and my black piko tunic and turquoise necklace from Savoir Faire. Black booties and hand warmers (from the Juicy sale as well) will finish my outfit.
Birthday Dinner and Cocktails! - I bought this dress from H&M on my NYC trip this month. I LOVE IT!!! It is high low and I found it on their website here! I will wear it with leggings, my black leather jacket, statement necklace and my fave Steve Madden black booties. Of course with a red lip too...every birthday girl needs a red lip at their party!!

So the best part about my wardrobe this weekend, it is all comfy and I will enjoy wearing it!! I am big believer and planning your outfits ahead of time to ensure you are comfortable. A whole day can be ruined by a bad pair of skinnies, bad shoes, or a shirt too short, can I get an AMEN?!

Yall have a great weekend and follow me on Instagram to see how great of a weekend I will be having :)...

Love yall!!!

Pressure Pains

2013-01-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hey friends. I cannot thank y'all enough for all your sweet comments on my last post. Like I said, it felt so much better to get it off my chest and make some changes. Now the hard part is prioritizing everything and getting back in the swing of things. As you can tell and my lack of posting, not quite there yet :)

Y'all had some great questions and I have some fun posts in the works. But I want to tackle something important to me today. One thing I noticed in a lot of my comments and other conversations I have had with women is that the underlying issue for all of us is the PRESSURE. What do I mean:

The pressure to be:

A hot wife
A perfect mother
A detailed housewife and cook
If you work, the excellent worker (that does not leave for their kids every other day)
The teacher's pet's mother
A best friend, daughter, sister, etc.

I mean good Lord, that list gives me anxiety writing it. You know what is even worse about the pressure? The fact that we bring it on ourselves and each other.

Can we just stop? Here is the deal: There is no way in hell any of us can be perfect. One would have to be perfect to be all the things I listed above. No one is perfect. No one.

Let's talk about me for example. Many of y'all asked how do I manage my life with meals, outfits, working, etc. I can help you with some of that because believe you me, I have enough trial and errors to get my crew where we are today. BUT my number one tip: No pressure. I try my hardest to live my life without all the pressure. Sure I have my moments and I will fail at this, but for the most part, that is my mantra.

I work full time and there is no way on God's green earth I can be at every school event. I have to pick and choose what I can attend, while sending Shane or Mom in my place when I cannot make it. I have my guilt moments, but I have reel it back in and be real with myself. The thing is, my kids are cool with it. I have to stay organized, plan ahead when I can and make sure they know the plan. I never want my kids looking for me or disappointed because I could not be there, so I ensure it does not happen. My planner is my lifesaver and I keep up with it every day. I also regularly communicate with the teachers and manage their expectations of me as well. They know I am there when I can be and know that I am meticulously involved with my children and their school lives. Knowing that other mothers are there much more than me and can do more than I can, does not bother me because I know I do everything I can to be there and I am involved. It is just how it is with us. And we are all cool with it. Any guilt that I feel or worry, is self inflicted and I manage that. My kids are happy and doing well in school. That is what is important.

Oh the pressure to be a hot wife. Y'all I struggle. I admit it. My weight is a battle I have always fought. I joke that I have happy fat. When I am happy, I gain weight. The past year has been a really great one. Definitely one of the best years of my life. So you know what happened? I gained weight. But you know what? It does not define me. I am a very fortunate woman with a handsome husband that loves me how I am. Any pressure to lose weight or look a certain way comes from me, not from him. I have to come to a point in my life though, that pressure is long gone. Sure I try to eat healthy and do what I can to take care of myself, but I am not going to let it hurt my relationship with him or MYSELF. Boom. End of story.

The whole housework thing. Son of a biscuit-eater y'all. This one just pisses me off. I hate cleaning. I work full time and the last thing I want to do at night is come home and clean. So I don't. I have my house cleaned and that is the best money I spend each month. So that's how I do it. Now y'all, that stay home all day and feel this pressure to have a pristine, perfect home, have you ever thought about why you feel that way? Because you saw a home on instagram that looked perfect and you felt pressure to have the same? I bet you $100 she had a bunch of junk shoved in a closet somewhere or her laundry room was about to explode from laundry. Or maybe even behind her, a dog had just pooped in the floor or a child is running around naked and refusing to get dressed. Now how perfect is that room? My point is to take a step back and manage yourself. Don't spend so much time making everything look perfect, that you don't even see that is was already and you are missing it. My home is clean pretty much one day a week. The day it is cleaned. The rest of the week, it is lived in and "tidy". We need to do work in the house and I hate to go upstairs most days to see the disasters I call kids' rooms, but I don't let it stress me and ruin the little time I have at home with my family. I pick up every night before I go to bed and that manages my "cleaning stress". I may just have to shove a couple toys or random shoes out of the way before I take a picture and post to instagram or facebook :) in the evenings.... but you get the point. Check yourself. Don't cause yourself anymore stress.

Now we can all do this and make our lives easier, but the other part of this is probably more important. QUIT JUDGING EACH OTHER! We are all guilty. Whether it is judging a mom because her son is still taking a paci or is posting an OOTD pic with a dirty mirror, OR thinking a woman has it all together and is perfect - both are bad. We are all fighting the same battles every day, just trying to raise good citizens, while being ones ourselves and still willing to put out for our well fed husbands in our perfectly cleaned bedrooms. It is what it is. Next time you are going through your instagram feed or reading facebook, think about that before you judge or compare yourself. No one is perfect and no one has to be.

Before we can make our lives easier or feel better about ourselves, we have to stop the pressure. I am not perfect and I will probably make a mistake tonight. This post was just as much for me and as anyone else that ends up reading it. Can we just take a chill pill and enjoy our lives and quit worrying about how it looks to everyone else?? Let's do it.

The REAL Suburban Strut

2013-01-15T08:31:00.002-08:00

Well hello there friends. I need to unload today. Would y'all just give me a minute or two?

I love this blog. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing it and having so much fun with all of you. This was definitely something the Lord pressed on my heart last year that I needed and would enjoy. But you know what, this is so hard to keep up with too. I have no problem admitting that I have my hands full. I can't do it all and still have time to sleep at night. Some of y'all ask me all the time, how do I do it? Honestly, I don't. I can't be a full time working mother, wife, blogger, sister, daughter, friend...and the list goes on, every day. I have realized in recent months that it just not possible to be everything. And I KNOW, that is okay.

I have gained so many opportunities from Suburban Strut and I cannot even begin to tell you the joy I receive from your comments and the interaction with all your pretty faces (OK, I have rarely actually "seen" your faces, but you get it :) ). That is why I started this, because I wanted to maybe help a few women feel better about themselves or be better examples to their girls. The thing is that I never realized how hard it would be to keep up with this and not cause stress in my life. I did not want to hurt my example either.

I feel like this is the white elephant in my life right now "What about Suburban Strut?". I keep on putting it off to update. I have written probably 4 draft posts and honestly, I could just not post about the cute leggings I have seen or fun blinged out stocking caps when I have this weighing on me. It was not me posting, it was just filler posts so a post would pop up in your reader. I NEVER wanted this to come to that! So things are going to change. Right now.

From now on, I am going to post on questions y'all send me and my non-expert opinions :). No more fluff. No more advertising or sponsored posts. This is just going to be women to women, helping each other out. Plain and simple. This is going to be fun and I hope, funny :). This is going to be raw Rachel and her trial-ed and error-ed insight in life as a married, not skinny, working mother of three, trying to make it out of the door everyday ready to take on the world as a soldier of Christ.

So what does that mean? I need y'all's help!! Send me questions or anything in which you need help! Have something you want to see - tell me! I want to keep this relevant to y'all - my favorite readers! I want to make this not successful as read in followers and page hits (nothing wrong with that and party on you successful style bloggers!) , but successful in strong women strutting their stuff and proving we can be beautiful and confident - no matter the age, size, or bank account. Without y'all, there is no Suburban Strut - it is not me - it is our confidence in knowing we are beautiful. Every. Single. Freaking. Day.

So...tell me what you think and bring on your questions!

Good Lord - yall have no idea how much better I feel already :)

Contentment is the New Bubble Necklace

2013-01-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

Happy January friends!! I hope y'all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year's! I can assure you that Browns did :).

I am back to work today, trying to remember normal life and it is hard! I could not sleep last night as I am used to staying up late and sleeping in after my long vacation. I started thinking about what I should post about today, and the Lord pressed this on my heart.

January 1st - the resolutions start coming out and they are loud!

"Lose 20lbs"
"Get more organized"
"Make 5 dinners a week"
"Be a better wife"

...and so on.

I hate resolutions. Resolutions can be so negative. Most people, take this time to look at their life and focus on what they do not like or where they are failing. Now, there is nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself, as long as it is for the right reasons.

What if we accepted that we are perfect as we are and made a resolution to be content with that? I am not saying to give up on your life or accept the things you are not happy with, but to make a resolution to love you are you are right now before you make a resolution to change you.

Yes, you may need to lose weight to be healthier or be a better example to your children (I am in that boat like woah!), but do you really want to put all your faith in that weight loss that you will be a better person?? Or you may need to be more organized and not feel like a bad mom or wife (or girlfriend or co worker), but do you really believe that not being late again or forgetting something is going to prove your self worth to anyone? I am saying that we need to first be CONTENT with us now before we make changes. Because let me tell you friends, if you are not happy with YOU, there will never be enough weight to lose or planners to write in to make you feel any better!

We all play this game of "if I do this, I will be able to this". But we have to find the happiness with ourselves first to to be able to anything and everything! The Lord made you perfect. Say that out loud: The Lord made ME perfect. Don't let any one person or number on the scale or anything take that from you. You are beautiful as you are right now. If you don't believe it or feel that, fix that first....and I promise everything else will fall into place, pinky swear! Love yourself and your flaws, because right now with those flaws and imperfections, you are living January 2nd, 2013 for the only time ever. Don't waste this day, or season, wishing you were something else or looked a different way. As we have all learned watching wives lose their husbands and parents lose their babies lately, this is the only today we will ever have. Don't waste it.

This is how the Lord intended it and He will help you get where you need to be as long as you are putting your faith in Him to do it.

I am not saying I do not have resolutions. I, too, need to love myself more and not worry about the fact that I gained a lot of my weight back after losing it this time last year. I work a ton these days, and I still struggle with the work life balance. I also have a hard time keeping up with this blog and keeping it fun and not another thing on my to do list at times. But, I am not making a list of three resolutions this year, I have one. And it is a prayer...

Dear Lord, help me be a better me. Help me see how you made me beautiful and perfect in Your eyes. Be with me as I make my everyday decisions that hurt how I feel about myself. Whether it is the meal I choose to eat or the event I didn't say no to, show me the way I am to live this one life You have given me. Take all these worries and burdens off my shoulders and show me all my blessings and what I have to be thankful. You have given me this wonderful life and please let me see it as beautiful as it really is. I know Lord that with Your help, I will be able to see the changes that are needed to live an even fuller life. With Your help, I will be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, etc. Please show me the way.

So are you with me?? Let's make contentment the new bubble necklace and be happy, beautiful women! Y'all. We cannot do this alone. We need other supportive women and most of all, the Lord. I know I am going to have bad days and will need the support. The most wonderful thing is, we are NEVER alone. NEVER.

Love you to pieces!

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-17T11:46:00.005-08:00

Hey friends!!! This will be my last post of 2012. I am taking the the next few weeks off to spend time with my family and to thoroughly enjoy my blessings. I have a heavy heart right now with the tragic event last week, I just want to embrace my life that the Lord has blessed me with, and push out all the negative. I encourage you to do the same...

Push out the stress... hug your husbands and babies...don't worry about every picture...talk about the true meaning of Christmas...wear house shoes...bake cookies...stay up late and sleep in...hold your kids...hold your husband's hand...eat candy canes and hot cocoa with as many marshmallows as you can...look at Christmas lights...take gifts to your neighbors...thank you parents...thank your in laws...thank the Lord.

Merry Christmas y'all - thank you for making this such a fun year!!! Love you to pieces!!!

Pucker Up!

2012-12-11T09:23:00.002-08:00

One thing that I have learned to embrace in the last year is a good lipstick color! Every time I wear one of my favorite new colors, everyone loves it and asks for more details. So here are my two faves and perfect ones for the Holiday season!

Mac Viva Glam 1 (Russian Red) with Brick liner

This my go to red - it is darker, but it looks very red on, see:

I have yet to see this look bad on anyone! Seriously - the best red out there! If you have been wanting to try a red lip, start here :).

Mac Viva Glam 3 with Burgundy liner

I know they don't look much different there, but they are! This is my newest purchase. On Halloween, I wore a dark brown/burgundy color with my costume and loved it! I went last week to find it in my favorite brand (Mac is the best in my opinion!) and found this. It is very dark! I love it, I am wearing it here:

The key I have been taught about putting on dark lipsticks is to put on the lipstick on the main areas of your lips first. Don't try to get in every nook and cranny with the lipstick. After you have put on the lipstick, color in and line with your liner. You can go back with the lipstick and make darker, but you want to use the liner to color in the hard places. No fool way, I promise! I buy matte sticks as I would like that look for dressier occasions. If I am wearing it everyday like the pic above, I will put a similar colored gloss over. Easy peasy!! Let me know if you try it!!

Hot Wifey - Christmas Party Time!

2012-12-05T12:55:00.002-08:00

Now is the time of year when you can wear sparkles and sequins and not feel funny. Well I will all year round, but some of you save it for the Holidays :). Whether it be your husband's or your fancy work party, a Christmas get together with your friends, or New Years Eve, you need a dress!

I LOVE buying these kind of dresses and have a closet full of them. I try to recycle when I can, but I buy a couple new ones every year. I am lucky girl and have the sparkly dress whisperer as a sister, Tara :) and she is oh so good at finding me my perfect dress. My tips? So glad you asked :)...

Don't wear a dress that you HAVE to wear spanx. I know that we sometimes wear them because we feel better with them on, but sometimes we NEED to wear them to wear a specific dress. Don't do that! You will be so uncomfortable and we all know that wine is flowing at office parties and such. You will soooo regret that too tight dress when you are trying to let loose and have a good time.
Wear a flowy dress. This does not mean wear a mumu. It means wear something that is not too tight across your stomach and backside. Cinch up your waist if you want. There are so many cute dresses out right now that are so flattering and you don't have to wear a tight shift. You will feel more like a lady and less self conscious if you are rocking a more flattering dress. High low dresses are perfect too!
Don't be afraid of glitter, sequins or beads. Just don't. Enough said :).
Kick up the make up and accessories. Wear a pretty lipstick or pretty eyes. Take a gorgeous clutch. Wear a dressier coat. Get yourself some kick-ass heels. All these things will make you hold your head higher and have no issue walking past the gorgeous, younger co worker or boss's wife that can totally rock the skin tight sequin ensemble...did I just say that??? :)
SMILE. Fun dressy parties are like an adult prom or formal. Tuck your arm in your husbands and hold your head high. A night out all dressed up with no kids with your handsome man are what we dream about. Go, have a good time and enjoy yourself. Everyone will think you are gorgeous and your husband is a lucky man :).

So here are some fun ones I found online that will for sure make you stand out and look like a hottie at the Christmas party :)...most of these are not cheap and that can scare you, but I personally think it is worth it!

Left to right top to bottom:
Dillards, Dillards, JcPenney, Riffraff, Loft, Dillards, Loft (bottom left), Alter'd State, Alter'd State, Savoir Faire

Now if you are not up for buying a new dress, you can totally amp up your favorite black dress with some pretty jewelry! Add lots of bling and jewel tones, pair with tights, fancy heels and clutch - all set!!!

I will be attending Shane's big Company Christmas party this weekend. My December Savoir Faire post will be posted from my new dress for that night!!! Stay tuned!

Holler if you need help finding a dress!!! Tag me in pics of your party attire so I can see how gorgeous y'all look!!! :)))

Suburban Strut Wish List

2012-12-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

I know there have been times when I just did not know what to ask for Christmas. You will have moms, and MILs, husbands, and friends asking and you don't want to say clothes. you know?! This is the time to ask for things you have wanted all year, but would never buy yourself. Some of you may have a list a mile long and fully prepped, but here is some help for y'all that are still struggling....

Here is a list of my favorite things that are great gift ideas for YOURSELF :)...and I guess others too :)

1. Cross body bag - I LOVE my cross body and use it all the time! Ask for a fun one like these personalized ones from Marley Lilly. This is a great Christmas gift because it is personalized as well!!
2. UGG slippers - Y'all. I know they are pricey, but they are worth every penny! I wear mine EVERY SINGLE DAY! Seriously. They are comfy and warm and you will wear them forever. I have had mine for a couple years and they still look brand new. Not going to lie, I have worn them to WM a time or two as well :). I know that y'all will not buy them for yourself so ask your MIL for them. You will thank me :).
3. Warm, cozy blankets - This is another that can be pricey, but worth it. Last year, I asked for these for Christmas and I still cover up with them to this day. We are quick to buy a gazillion cheap blankets that don't hold up after one wash and end up spending the same in the end as a nice blanket like these from Pottery Barn. Here is the deal - when you are home and have a moment, what sounds better than wrapping up in a luxurious blanket (and your UGG slippers :) ) and a good TV show or movie? Treat yourself this year and don't forget to forbid your family from touching it :).
4. Monogrammed necklace - I know y'all love them. Do it. Ask for one - you will wear it at least twice a week and will keep it forever. Cross my heart.
5. Pretty planner - I live and breathe by my Erin Condren Planner. I know some of y'all are not fans and some of you love them, but a planner can change your life. Start 2013 on the right foot and ask for a pretty planner to get your life in order! Go check out Erin Condren or the much cheaper, but as cute, Maybooks planners.
6. Personalized Iphone case - take your IG pics in style and ask for a monogrammed cell phone case! You can find these all over Etsy and Marley Lilly carries them too. If I had a dollar for every time I get a compliment on my cell phone case, I would be able to buy all of y'all one :).

There you go!!! PS - getting close to get monogrammed stuff done by Christmas - so go on and forward this link to your family NOW! :))))

Holiday-iform

2012-11-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

So, I am sure y'all are like me and are running around like crazy women these days getting all your shopping done, taking the kids to many Christmas activities, and you know the usual errands that still have to be ran. If you are not yet, you will be soon! Right now, it is not too bad because you can be drinking a Peppermint Mocha and listening to Christmas music at the same time. The only thing that could make it better would be if you were dressed as cute as that cute Starbucks cup you are carrying or your cute little bits wearing their cutest reindeer shirts, right?! Well, I am going to make it easy for you - here is an outfit idea for you to file away and use next time you are going to a fun activity or just Christmas shopping and want an easy outfit to throw on...

Suburban Strut go to Holiday-iform - Big sweater, colored skinnies and boots! Add a scarf or fun jewelry to jazz it up! Choose holiday-ish colors that will put you in the Christmas spirit and a good mood. Polka dots, aztec prints, chevron, stripes are all huge right now and you can definitely find a fun scarf in them! Here is a quick outfit example...

Sweater - Gap, scarf - F21, Skinnies - Old Navy

If you have been shopping around at all, you have seen big sweaters are everywhere and they are the perfect piece of clothing right now! I hope this trend of big tops never goes out because me and my muffin top are loving it!! You could also wear a big cardigan or poncho with this look too. I personally am loving the poncho look right now! Don't be afraid to go up a size on a sweater so you can get the looser look you looking for. It is not the end of the world to buy that bigger size, I promise. The outfit will be cuter if you are not tugging on it all day and wishing it was looser :). Don't be afraid of fun colors or even Christmas colors. This is the best time of year to dress cheery and happy! Here are some other cute options in sweaters...

Savoir Faire, Riffraff, La Posh Style, Kiki La Rue

The best thing about this is unless it is insane cold, you don't have to haul a coat too. With a gazillion bags, a couple kids, strollers and hot coffee - we don't have time for a coat:). This kind of outfit is easy to travel in as well. No buttons, or belts, just easy and warm. If the sweater is long enough, wear leggings, DUH! :) What more can you ask for?!

Is this an outfit you could love? Any cute sweaters you have seen that I need to know about :)?

Birthday Couture

2012-11-28T09:02:00.001-08:00

9 years ago today, I became a mama. Claire Isabella Brown was born at 6:49am. She came after 20 minutes of labor, 4 pushes and mama had zero drugs. It was an event for sure! She made her entrance with a BOOM and has never stopped since! Today we celebrate her and how much we love our loving, smart, dramatic, talented, opinionated, fashionable, and faithful little, I mean big girl :). What is she going to wear, you ask? This is very important, y'all. You think that I am a little crazy (ok a lot!) about my clothing choices, you should see this girl and her fashion planning. Last night, she was asking me what she was going to wear to dinner tonight and was appalled when I said "hmm I don't know". Well, this outfit was waiting on her this morning...

With skinnies and pink fringe boots - I think this is the perfect birthday dinner outfit :). She loved it. All came from TCP.

Her party is this weekend with her friends. It is a limo party :). Again, she keeps asking me what she is going to wear and I told her we would figure out something. Of course, this is unacceptable and she is stressing :). She will be opening this beauty tonight from me, her daddy and the kiddos :)..

Sorry for the picture quality - pic of my computer screen :). I found this gorgeous party dress on Rue La La - Here is an invite for you to shop there too!! I told y'all they had fun, different stuff!!

So proud of our girl!!!

Happy Wednesday strutters!

Holiday Pajama Shopping

2012-11-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have a deep love for pajamas. My kids love them as well and we have more than any family should. My most favorite time to get new pj's is during the holidays. I start at Halloween and proceed to buy every cute pair I can find through December Finding the kids' pj's is easy (Carters, CWD, Hanna Andersen, Old Navy, Gap, Walmart and Target), but sometimes it can be hard to find pj's for us that don't cost the same as buying three pairs for the kids (I am looking at you JCrew and your fancy polka dot ones :) ). So, I have been searching and here are some great finds for you to wear with your kids during the holidays. Trust me, get yourself at least one cute pair to wear Christmas morning. When you are taking pics you will be more willing to be in them if you have on matching pj's and not your husband's t shirt and boxers :)....

The top 4 - JCPenneys - here, here, here, and here!
Bottom left 4 - Target - here, here, here, and here!
The last 4 can be found here in 6 different patterns!

You can get all these with great coupon codes and deals right now - so go on, get yourself a little something and you will be so much happier, comfier and cozier...as well as fabulous on Christmas morning too :)! I may or may not have bought myself 2...or 6 pairs on Black Friday :)!!

Let me know if you find any or if you know of any other cute ones!! Happy shopping strutters!