Style Perspectives 5: Colored pants

Last week the ladies of TBB featured pattenred blouses and 15 ladies came up with 15 different tops. Check us out:

Shaunacey's style prompt for week 5 of the Style Perspective Series is colored pants.  This is right up my alley.  I often wear colored pants to work and have accumulated many colors over the years.  I scored these Sloane fit ankle pants at Banana Republic on mega sale.  Believe it or not, not everyone likes colored pants, so they often go on sale. And let's be honest, you always wait for 40% sale at BR and when you can score 40% off sale items, you can get colored pants for $40.  For reals.  I have accumulated black, navy, grey, cobalt Christy blue, peacock blue, and pink.

For me, the key to wearing colored pants is keeping the rest of the outfit neutral.  The pants are the focus of your outfit.  I love how the peacock blue looks with the white and grey.  My office is 'formal' meaning that the men wear a full suit and tie every day.  For ladies, it seems to be a touch more relaxed.  I try to wear a blazer most days, but never matching.  I call the full matching suit look 'Corpoarate Christy' and we don't like to see her unless we have to!  I grabbed this blazer for $20 at Loft in Vegas and I almost didn't buy it, but for the price I figured I'd buy it and I'm glad it did.  I prefer blazers that don't have a collar and once I figured that out it has made buying blazers so much easier.

Once again, one of my bracelets is from Stella and Dot, the vintage crystal bracelet and the other is a Pandora bangle my Mom bought me for Christmas. Also notice the fashionable fitbit that doesn't leave my wrist.  I actually got a fitbit tan in Maui!    Thankfully you wear the fit bit high enough on your arm that you can still wear fun jewelry at the same time!

Now that you've seen how I styled the colored pants, pop on over to the Blended Blog and have a look at how some of the others bloggers have styled Shaunaceys look. 

Next week is my style prompt of jeans, a tee, statement necklace and cardi.  Start thinking about what YOU will wear!

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After : Library-Lovin'-Lady

Daily Style Finds: The Personal Stylist

Foxy's Domestic Side: The Crafty Engineer

Grumbling Grace: Toddler Tamer & Teacher

Simply Shaunacey: Reformed Frumpy Mommy

Two Teens and Their Mama: Stylish Midlife Mama

RSquared: The Not So Nerdy Accountant

Shoes to Shiraz: The Shoe Hoarding French Teacher

Puppies and Pretties: Cube Dwelling Fashionista

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life:  Single Girl, Simple Style

A Lovely Little Wardrobe: A Casual Petite

Making the Most of Everyday Classic Yet Current Over Forty 

NickandNik: Mama with Curves

Living on Cloud Nine: Blissful Fashionista

An InLinkz Link-up

Maui Diaries - Part 2

On to the second part of our vacation...

{eight}  This afternoon we made a trip up the Volcano.  It is a long windy road up and Cooper cried almost the entire way that his throat hurt.  I'm not sure if he meant ears or if he felt nauseous??  We went from elevation of 2000 feet to over 10,000 so it would have made more sense if his ears hurt.  We spent an hour exploring at the top and we all enjoyed it.  Then we started the drive down.  I felt nauseous almost instantly and Grady cried about his ears the whole drive down.  We will not be doing that drive ever again.  #fail

{nine}  Each year we go to Mama's Fish House. You can't beat the scenery, or the food!  The first time we went, 4 years ago, I tried fish for the first time.  I always thought I didn't like it, but it turns out I had never given it a fair chance.  Ever since then I've started eating mild white fish out quite often.  It wouldn't be a trip to Maui with out a trip to the restaurant that introduced me to fish.

{ten}  Today the kids made a friend at the pool.  What is great is that the kids stay in the pool extra long while I get to read on the side. Win-Win if you ask me.  Did I mention I read 7 books on this trip?  Now that is a personal record!

{eleven} This year instead of having a date night, we opted to have a date day.  We went for a long walk along the ocean, got some coffees and sat at the adult pool.  Nice way to spend a few hours.  The kids and Nana went for lunch and to the pool.  Win-Win if you ask me.

{twelve} We ventured over to Lahaina for dinner to eat at James fave restaurant, Lahaina Grill.  While the ambiance is nothing like Mama's, the food is pretty darn tasty.  I thought they were going to have to roll me out of there I ate so much.  After we had decided against dessert, the family beside us gave us some extra free dessert coupons so it would have been rude not to order something.  One of the great things about Maui is even the fancy restaurants cater to families.  They have kids menu and coloring books.  We prefer to take the kids out at lunch but this restaurant in particular is only open for dinner so we booked the 530pm spot, the first of the night, and it was still packed!  thankfully the kids behaved!

{thirteen}  I lost my Maui Jim prescription sunglasses.  For the second time.  Cooper and i were in the ocean and we both got taken out by an unexpected giant wave.  We were holding hands so as soon as I surfaced I pulled him out of the water.  I lost my hat and glasses but quickly retrieved my hat.  The sunglasses were not so lucky.  Thankfully I have good benefits and can order the same pair for a third time since I love them so much.

{fourteen} On our very last day of vacation, the kids finally said that they liked the beach better.  Of course.

And just like that, our vacation was over.  I love 2 week vacations.  I often spend the first week getting in the groove.  This year, it seemed that my expectations were out of line with the kids expectations.  I wanted to be active and enjoy the warm weather and they wanted to get back to the room to watch TV or play iPad.  It was like they were more excited about the extra TV time than they were about the pool/beach. 

We spent the first few days adjusting to the fact that leaving the pool to play electronics wasn't acceptable. The iPads were taken away many many times over the 2 weeks and there were many tears shed, mostly by the kids.  I just felt like the kids were taking the trip for granted.  They are lucky to get to go on vacation and it was so frustrating that they didn't want to do the things that I thought they should want to do. In the second week we were more on the same page but during that first week I felt myself wondering why we just didn't go on our own.  

I think it comes down to adjusting my expectations.  I wanted to walk, run, read, and relax - and those items weren't on the kids priority lists.  Once I accepted that a daily walk and a couple hours on a chair at the beach wasn't on the agenda I was able to enjoy what we were doing together.

All in all, our vacation was really good.  We learned that we need an outing every day for every one's sanity and that the kids on their devices gives me extra time to read.  Win-Win.

Until next year Maui.....

Yes the kids are in their underwear, that is how we role.

Maui Diaries - Part 1

Happy Monday! Over the next 2 days I'll be sharing our vacation to Maui with you.  If you've never been or don't ever plan to you may want to skip the next 2 days, but I love looking back on our vacations and remembering the highlights.  Each day I sat down to right about the most memorable moment of the day whether good or bad.   If you have any questions about travelling to Maui with kids feel free to ask as we've been more than few times......    So let's get to it!

{one} Day one is always bitter sweet.  You are so excited to arrive at your destination, but you got out of bed at 5am and so did the kids.  When you land, everyone is tired and hungry and you still have to go to Costco.  By the time we arrive at the hotel it has been somewhat of a day from hell, but as you open the door to the unit and see the view that you will wake up to for the next 14 days... all is forgotten.  Let the fun begin.

The view from our lanai.  The photo doesn't do it justice.

{two}  this year we switched things up and stayed in Wailea instead of Kaanapali because of the wind on the west side of the island. We were more than a bit surprised when the wind was so fierce on our first day in Wailea that we had to leave the beach.   Thankfully the winds died down after the first few days.

{three} We had a successful day at the beach.  We went in the morning to try and miss the winds, which we did.  Our unit had 2 boogie boards and once the kids got the hang of it they were off.  Truthfully I find the ocean with kids a little scary.  The kids don't understand how dangerous the ocean can be and it keeps me on my toes.  I found the pool to be way more relaxing.

I love the smiles!

{four}  Coopers swimming really took off today.  He hasn't worn water wings since we arrived and now if fully swimming across the pool.  So proud of him.

Swim Cooper Swim!

{five}  We've had some tired whiny kids for the first few days while they try and adjust to the 4 hour time change and vacation schedule.  They claim to not like the beach and only want to spend a few hours at the pool.  Very frustrating for parents that want to be outside all day when the kids want to watch TV or play on their ipads instead.  Do they know how lucky they are?  We decided we all needed a change of scenery and headed to Lahaina for the afternoon for a little walking, shopping, and drinks.  The kids were well behaved and we walked away with 3 pair of sketchers for the kids.  The older one is quite a shopper.  Like Mother, like son.

Yes those are R2D2 shoes. Cooper loved them so much how could I say no?

{six}  Today we had an incident at the pool.  Our pool was very quiet.  The most people we ever had in it at once is probably 12.  Grady and I were in the pool along with about 4 other 10 or 12 year old boys.  Within minutes of being in the pool a hard long unidentifiable object came flying at our heads.  I am usually calm but these boys rubbed me the wrong way as I'd already seen them hit someone with a football.  I picked the toy up and waited as one of the boys came to fetch it.  I looked right at him and told him not to do it again.  That could have hurt us.  He told me it wasn't him and the parents that were sitting right behind me said he didn't throw it.  I told him to tell his friends not to do it.  Then of course I felt bad for getting mad at the wrong kid.  Go figure.  The most maddening part was the the 2 dads responsible for the trouble making boys were drinking beer in the corner not paying attention at all. Makes me so mad.

{seven}  Today we went whale watching.  The only day of our entire trip that it rained.  I guess I should have looked at the forecast when I booked....  Despite the wetness, we saw many, many whales.  This was my first time on a whale watching boat so I have no comparison but I thought it was well worth the money.  #success

This whale is way closer than it looks in the picture!  

And before we knew it, our first week was over.  I find it interesting how the first week always feel to last forever and the second week flies by so quickly.  Then when you load your pictures the day you get home it feels like you never even went on vacation....

Come back tomorrow to see what we did our second week!

five on friday

We just got back from a 2 week trip to Maui last night.  My happy place.  While I love going on vacation, there are certain things I also love about coming home.

{one}  Sleeping in my own bed.  There is just something about climbing into your own bed with fresh sheets and your head landing on your own pillow.  Dreamy.

{two}  A clean toilet.  I've been sharing a bathroom with 3 boys for 2 weeks and 2 of them chronically pee on the seat and leave the lid open.  It is so nice to use a dry toilet seat.

{three}  Alone time.  When you are staying in a condo with 4 other people there is very little alone time.  There is always someone around and you don't truly appreciate being alone until you've been away from it.

{four}  The gym.  I did make it to the fitness center at our resort a few times, but I really miss working out on a regular basis.  I miss spin. I miss my trainer. I miss barre.

{five}  Healthy eating.  I ate really bad while away.  I have a weakness for the Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Nuts they sell at the Maui Costco.  I ate the whole bag.  Add in all the cocktails, wine, and beer I consumed... it was bad.  I am actually craving my lunch salad.....

Next week we'll have a few editions of Maui Diaries where I tell you about what we did while we were away.

Have a good weekend!

Style perspective 4: Patterned blouse with neutrals

Before moving on to this weeks style perspective, let's look at the collage of all the different ways to wear white.  You can most certainly tell which contributors live further north where spring hasn't quite sprung yet!

Today we are styling a patterned blouse with neutrals as part of the Bleneded Blog's Style Perspectives series. Abbie blogs at Grumbling Grace and is the newest member of our Blended Blog posse.  I just recently found her online and love her wit and charm.

I quickly chose this blouse to style when I saw the prompt.  I love the color that is mixed into the navy base.  While it is hard to tell in the photo, I chose navy pants for the bottom.  My go to necklace and earrings for this shirt is orange.  Or I would top it with an orange cardi and neutral accessories.  I'm a self proclaimed color gal so I had to make a conscious effort not to add more color than is already shown in the blouse itself.

The booties I got on mega sale at the bay a few years ago. I think I paid $30 and I've wore the heck out of them.  They are a higher heel than I usually wear in a pump, but in a bootie I push the limit a little further because of the extra support.

The jewelery is all Stella and Dot.   I am NOT a stylist, but I probably should be!  I have so many of their pieces and absolutely love them.  While you can't see all or them, here is a summary of the jewelery I wore with this outfit.

Clockwise from top left:  Makena Pendant Necklade (not available), Cady Wrap Necklace, Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Riviera Ring (not available)

I loved this outfit.  I would could also pair the blouse with a pair of ripped jeans for a bit of contrast.  If only ripped jeans were office appropriate....

Hop on over to the Blended Blog and have a look at how some of the others bloggers have styled Abbie's look. I promise you there will be a mix of style and a lot of great ideas.

Next week we will be styling bright pants so start thinking about what YOU will wear!  The possibilities are endless!

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After : Library-Lovin'-Lady

Daily Style Finds: The Personal Stylist

Foxy's Domestic Side: The Crafty Engineer

Grumbling Grace: Toddler Tamer & Teacher

Simply Shaunacey: Reformed Frumpy Mommy

Two Teens and Their Mama: Stylish Midlife Mama

RSquared: The Not So Nerdy Accountant

Shoes to Shiraz: The Shoe Hoarding French Teacher

Puppies and Pretties: Cube Dwelling Fashionista

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life:  Single Girl, Simple Style

A Lovely Little Wardrobe: A Casual Petite

Making the Most of Everyday Classic Yet Current Over Forty 

NickandNik: Mama with Curves

Living on Cloud Nine: Blissful Fashionista

An InLinkz Link-up

five on friday

As March comes to an end, so does our hockey season.  This week we have five things that I am going to miss about hockey.

{one}  The parents.  I am going to miss the socializing in the stands, the cheering at games, and the complaining at the early morning practices.  I've made so many friends this season that I hate to think that this exact group of parents will never to together again.  Ever.

{two}  The games.  I am going to miss going to the hockey games.  Especially the tournaments.  I never expected to be that parent that cheers and jumps up when our team scores. I am not a yeller.  At the beginning of the season i only clapped then I bought a cow bell and it is the best.  It is so loud and my hands don't hurt from clapping.  I'm going to miss cheering at the games.

{three}   The smiles.  I love seeing the kids come off the ice with huge smiles and sweaty heads.  Seeing their pride when they score a goal or when they get the heart and hustle.  There is nothing better than seeing your child happy.

{four}  New friendships.  Grady is my shy child, and over the hockey season he has made 15 new friends in his teammates.  Within a month Grady knew the names of all his teammates and they knew him.  I love when they get off the ice and tell each other they played a good game or when they all run over to give the goalie a head tap after a game.

{five}  What do you do when your older son says he doesn't want hockey to end and he wants to keep playing? You register him in spring hockey even though he is also playing soccer.  Oy.  More hockey? Bring it on.

Style Perspectives 3: White Jeans

Welcome to week 3 of the Style perspective series hosted by The Blended Blog.  Here is a recap of week 2 and what all the TBB contributors wore for Shades of Pink.  It is so interesting to see how 15 different people of all ages, sizes, and locations have one prompt and come up with 15 entirely different outfits.  LOVE!

 

This week we are wearing white jeans for Sarah's signature style.  She lives in San Diego so she can wear white jeans all year.  Here in Canada, it is a bit early to wear white jeans given we've barely gotten rid of the snow so I was trying to combine a winter/spring look with my white denim.

With the white jeans, I chose a big grey sweater.  I was hoping that the winter-ness of the sweater would balance out the summer-ness of the white jeans.  To keep in line with the spring theme, I threw on this floral scarf.  If you look at the close up of the scarf you'll see traces of teal.  I matched that to my teal shoes.

I really liked this outfit.  Sadly I didn't not wear it out of the house.  It is really dirty and wet
here.  Trust me when we say that the weather would have won against my white pants.  I'll save this look for a little further into spring.

Please link up below or on the Blended Blog to show us how you would wear the prompt or take a look at how some of the others have styled Sarah's look. I hope you will join in on the fun!

Next week we will be wearing patterned blouses with neutrals so start thinking about what YOU will wear!

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After : Library-Lovin'-Lady

Daily Style Finds: The Personal Stylist

Foxy's Domestic Side: The Crafty Engineer

Grumbling Grace: Toddler Tamer & Teacher

Simply Shaunacey: Reformed Frumpy Mommy

Two Teens and Their Mama: Stylish Midlife Mama

RSquared: The Not So Nerdy Accountant

Shoes to Shiraz: The Shoe Hoarding French Teacher

Puppies and Pretties: Cube Dwelling Fashionista

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life:  Single Girl, Simple Style

A Lovely Little Wardrobe: A Casual Petite

Making the Most of Everyday Classic Yet Current Over Forty 

NickandNik: Mama with Curves

Living on Cloud Nine: Blissful Fashionista

An InLinkz Link-up

Blog Makeover

The other week, Deena and I were talking about my blog and how I wanted to clean the look up a bit and give it a more classic white feel.  Since we were headed away on vacation, Deena offered to do a little blog makeover for me.  I gave her complete creative control and this is the end result. I LOVE IT.  There are still some updates to make but since I am away, the final touches will have to wait until I get home.  Creativity is not my thing, I'm an accountant after all.... but I am so thankful to have a BFF that has creativity coming out the ying yang.  We agreed that in return for her making my blog pretty, I would keep her spending in check when we go on our annual shopping trips in a few months. A deal is a deal.

I also thought this would be a good time to revisit the story of my blog name for all the new readers.  Through this whole blog makeover, I would have liked to change the name of the blog to just rsquared.com - can you believe it is already taken?  Unless I can change it to something permanent, I am not changing it for a second time (my blog started as babyrenton.blogspot.com over 8 years ago).  If you notice, the url is currently rsquaredplusg.blogspot.com.  Notice there is no 'plus c' as Cooper was not born or even thought of when I did the first name change.  oops.  It was so much work and stress and I am not ready to take that on again unless it is a url I really want.  And the one I want is taken.

Any hoo....

A lot of thought went into the name when I re-named the blog all those years ago.  Our last name starts with an R as does my maiden name, hence R Squared. I also like that 'squared' is a math reference and as an accountant, I can appreciate a little math humor :)

So there you have it, the story of my  blog name and also a pretty new place to read my ramblings.

Happy Monday!

five on friday

{one}  After one full season, on the very last game Cooper scored his first goal!  Then we went on to score a second goal that none of his fans saw, but Cooper knew exactly how many he had gotten.  He played so well!  It is amazing what a difference an entire season can make!  I happened to get a video of his first goal totally by fluke.  If you are my friend on instagram you've already seen it but I needed to post here as well.  I could watch this video over and over!

 
He Shoots he scores from Christy R on Vimeo.

{two}  My mom was here this weekend and we had the chance to watch her do a cross fit workout.  She was taking part in the Cross fit open and happened to be at our house for the second weekend.  We showed up at a crossfit gym on Sunday morning and she asked to do her workout.  I was so proud of her.  How many people can say their mom does crossfit at 60? Let me just say she would kick my @ss in a competition.  She is a tough cookie.

{three} Grady played 4 games in his last tourney this weekend.  we knew going in it was going to be a tough one.  We won our first 2 games and then lost 1.  We still made it to the A final and lost to the same team twice in 1 day.  The team played fantastic and I was so proud of the whole team.  They played 4 great games.  Even if they didn't win 1st place they are all winners in my books.  #hockeymom

Grady is front row #2

{four}  I've been seeing a trainer at the gym for 9 months now and truthfully, I haven't seen great results.  I was in pretty decent shape before I started but I really hoped that adding the weight training to my cardio mix would help fat melt off.  Wrong. We had our monthly weigh in this week and I gained a pound since last month.  I get so disappointed working so hard and showing no results.  For the first time ever, he decided not only to compare us to last month but also to our first weigh in last June.  Since then, I have lost 3 fat pounds and gained 3 pounds of muscle.  The number on the scale won't reflect that, so at least that made me feel a bit better.  Yes, yes, I do it for health as well, but it would also be nice if my pants fit a little looser as a bonus.

{five} Now that The Biggest Loser is over and The Bachelor is wrapping up (#teamjojo) I have lots of extra time to watch Big Brother Canada!  Any other watchers?  I haven't picked a favorite yet, but I do have a least favorite, Nikki from the UK.  Every time she open her mouth I cringe and want her to stop talking.   I also hate to admit that I like a good showmance #teamkelseyandjared.  Who are you rooting for?

Style Perspectives 2: Shades of Pink

Today is the seocnd week the Style Perspectives series hosted by the Blended Blog. Today we are featuring Lisa and she chose Shades of Pink as her signature style.   Make sure to stop by the Blended Blog to see how Lisa wore her pink outfit and be sure to check out the other blended bloggers on their personal blogs on the link at the end of this post.

Please link up below or on the Blended Blog to show us how you would wear the prompt or take a look at how some of the others have styled Lisa's look. I hope you will join in on the fun!

On to what I wore...

I loved this signature look.  Blush is so in this season so I immediately knew the shirt I would style.  A few months back one of my favorite stores closed a location and put everything on sale at 40% of to liquidate the location quickly.  I friend and I spotted the sale on the way to the gym and made a pit back on the way back to the office....  I bought this blush blouse on mega sale.

Truthfully, I bought it because it was cheap.  Then I started seeing the color everywhere and the more I wear it, the more I love it.

The jeans I am wearing are from the Gap and they are my favorite jeans.  Even more than my designer jeans.  I have to wear a belt to hold them up, but they are so so comfy that I don't care.  I may be waiting for these patch jeans to arrive in the mail....

I love the way this outfit came together.  The ripped jeans and the dressy blouse, topped with the floral shoes.   I must admit that I only put the outfit on to take the photo but I will for sure be wearing this cute little get up for dinner with the hubby or for drinks with my friends.

Check out all the pretty ladies that linked up last week.

Next week we will be wearing white jeans so start thinking about what YOU will wear!

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After : Library-Lovin'-Lady

Daily Style Finds: The Personal Stylist

Foxy's Domestic Side: The Crafty Engineer

Grumbling Grace: Toddler Tamer & Teacher

Simply Shaunacey: Reformed Frumpy Mommy

Two Teens and Their Mama: Stylish Midlife Mama

RSquared: The Not So Nerdy Accountant

Shoes to Shiraz: The Shoe Hoarding French Teacher

Puppies and Pretties: Cube Dwelling Fashionista

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life:  Single Girl, Simple Style

A Lovely Little Wardrobe: A Casual Petite

Making the Most of Everyday Classic Yet Current Over Forty 

NickandNik: Mama with Curves

Living on Cloud Nine: Blissful Fashionista

An InLinkz Link-up

And last but not least... here is my first giveaway! We are giving away $65 in Pay Pal Cash! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February in Numbers

Today I'm linking up with Dee over at Shoes to Shiraz to recount our month in numbers.  Let's get started.

We travelled 460 km to Whitefish to play 3 hockey games and spend 17 hours at the pool.  The team won 2 games and lost 1.  We came with with 0 medals.

We had 21 ice times this month.  I think this is our busiest month to date.  Cooper's team played 4 games and Grady's team had 6 games.  Grady played in net for 1 of the games and let 1 goal in.  He was hoping for a shut out.  Obviously.  Of all the ice time, 4 of them were at 8 am or earlier. I hate setting my alarm on the weekend.

I averaged 12,000 steps a day this month.  I achieved my 10,000 step goal every day this month except 2 days.  One day was because Grady wore my fit bit to school and only got 7000 steps compared to my more than 10,000 (estimated) and the other because I was skiing and skiing does not count as steps....

I volunteered in Grady's classroom for 180 minutes this month.  It was a felting project where they gave 24 seven year olds needles to poke felt into a sponge.  Very interesting and slightly dangerous if you ask me.  About 5 kids poked their fingers with the needle and Grady was one of them.

One medal earned for Cooper in a hockey tournament where they won 0 games.  In timbits it is all about fun so they all get medals.

The weather has been so mild that we took our bikes out. In February.  It took Cooper about 10 minutes to really get going on 2 wheels again and he was slow.  After 60 minutes of riding I realized that Cooper's tires were almost completely flat.  Ooops.

I was fortunate enough to attend 2 productions this month.  I went to the Wizard of Oz with my neighbour and friend.  Then the same weekend I took these 2 to see Snow White and several dwarfs at loose moose theatre.  If you have young kids and haven't been there, you are really missing out.

This month we sadly had 2 cases of pink eye and 2 trips to the doc to treat said pink eye.

It took over 60 minutes and a lot of patience to get my 2 boys to write their name in 25 valentine cards each.  Especially the little one.  They each attended one party where they made one valentine bag to collect their 25 cards in return.  They were most interested in the chocolate that came with the cards.

February was a good month - bring on March!

five on friday

{one}  Is anyone else watching Fuller House???  I started watching it last weekend but did not go crazy and binge watch the whole thing.  The first episode was pretty cheesy but not that I am about 4 in I am enjoying it much more.  I love how they came full circle to now have a group of 3 ladies raising 3 boys.  Can't wait to finish it!

{two} I brought the kids to the dentist this week and was thrilled that Cooper agreed to getting his xrays and it was actually a success.  After trying for several visits with Grady he was 7 when they finally succeeded.  I was less than thrilled when the xrays showed that Cooper needs 4 fillings.  That means 4 trips to the dentist is April.  Oy.  Considering the cleaning went terribly and was full of tears I'm not optimistic it is going to go well.  On the bright side, Grady had none.

{three}  My Mom is coming to visit this weekend!  It has been quite some time since she's made the drive to Calgary so we are excited to have her.  She is coming to watch the kids play hockey since she hasn't seem them since evaluations back in September.  Both kids have improved so much since then.  She'll have lots of opportunities to watch as we have 6 ice times this weekend.  Not sure we will have time to do much else.

{four} Last night we had our third and final set of parent teacher interviews.   Grady's teacher had nothing but good things to say about our young man.  Makes me a proud Mama.   I am especially proud that she pointed out that he is really good in math.  He gets that from me.

Handing in the hallway outside his class.

{five}  After Grady's parent teacher interviews we rushed to Cooper's year end hockey party at the roller rink.  While it started out all smiles, Cooper took one step on the 'rink' and fell on his butt and then got super grouchy and was done.  After we had dinner he ventured out again, but overall it was a fail.

Taken before he fell.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Style Perspectives 1: Styling a wrap/outer layer

Today is the first day of a 14 week series with the Blended Blog featuring 14 bloggers (including me!) that each picked a look that defined their personal style.  The featured blogger on the Blended Blog will showcase her signature style (the prompt for that day) and then the other bloggers (on their personal blogs) show how they interpret it.

  

Make sure you stop by the Blended Blog to see how Leslie is wearing her featured style of a wrap (or outer layer).    

Please link up below or on the Blended Blog to show us how you would wear the prompt or take a look at how some of the others have styled Leslie's look.

On to what I wore...

Since I don't own a wrap, I had to go with styling 'outerwear'. I sent a text to Deena to see what she was styling as my initial interpretation of the prompt was an outerwear jacket.  When she told me she was going to be styling her pink mink sweater we decided I would style the same sweater.  Twins! She is styling a casual look with jeans and I am making the same sweater office appropriate.

This sweater is a statement piece in and of itself, so I decided to pair it with navy pants and a grey shirt.  I also chose to not wear a necklace and and only very small studs as the fur serves as all the accessory you need.  I wanted to match the sweater with my red heels but they were at work so I chose the my cobalt blue heels instead.  Amongst my friends, this color is known as Christy Blue and was also my wedding color.  It is a fave color for sure!

We have been having an unseasonable warm winter so I think it is almost time pack this sweater away.  I was glad to be able to pull it out one last time this winter as it really is a great and versatile peice.  Hop on over to Deena's blog to see how she styled the exact same sweater with jeans for a more casual look.

Next week we will be wearing Shades of Pink so start thinking about what YOU will wear!

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After : Library-Lovin'-Lady

Daily Style Finds: The Personal Stylist

Foxy's Domestic Side: The Crafty Engineer

Grumbling Grace: Toddler Tamer & Teacher

Simply Shaunacey: Reformed Frumpy Mommy

Two Teens and Their Mama: Stylish Midlife Mama

RSquared: The Not So Nerdy Accountant

Shoes to Shiraz: The Shoe Hoarding French Teacher

Puppies and Pretties: Cube Dwelling Fashionista

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life:  Single Girl, Simple Style

A Lovely Little Wardrobe: A Casual Petite

Making the Most of Everyday Classic Yet Current Over Forty 

NickandNik: Mama with Curves

Living on Cloud Nine: Blissful Fashionista

An InLinkz Link-up