Cougar

H&M Cougar Sweatshirt

Sorry, it's been awhile since my last blog post!  I have been a little busy.  We are selling our house!!  It is so exciting, stressful, overwhelming and I have been busy doing a million little things, seriously A MILLION! So much goes into selling a house, geez, especially with two kiddos!  Good news is we are successfully past the inspection, YAY!!  Now on to the appraisal.  If all goes as planned this month we will be out of our current house and living who knows where......  Yes, you read that right. We have no idea where we are moving.  A little scary, right?!  In the big picture it's not a "big deal" because we want to buy that perfect house for our family!!  It will happen, even if we end up living in a tent by the river we WILL endure until we find the right house.  Okay, that's a little extreme...... we will be living in a Winnebago by the river but still extreme :)!

I took these photos yesterday and realized I had been wearing the same sweatshirt for a few days!   Hahaha, gross!!  I adore my H&M reverse quilted cougar sweatshirt so much that I unconsciously have been wearing it many days in a row. It is truly comfy, stylish and I can wear it with almost anything (at least that is what I tell myself) so I'm sure you will see other photos of this lovely essential wardrobe item of mine.

H&M Cougar Sweatshirt

For obviously reasons I will not be posting as frequently but I have a very exciting project in the works for my blog.  I will be featuring a new photographer monthly until the end of my clothing diet!  Thank you for reading and please stay connected because there are lots of amazing photos and adventures I will be posting in the future!

Close Call!

I had my first bout with the need to buy an item of clothing.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and honestly I'm amazed it hasn't happened earlier.  Good news is absolutely no tears were shed in the process.  I didn't even realize what was going on, I must be a creature of habit because I unconsciously found myself browsing the Anthropologie website in search of the perfect loungers.  You see, one piece of clothing I purchase at least three times a year are lounge pants!  I love and definitely live in them!  My primary job is "mom" and I can't be running around in sweatpants when I could be wearing fancy loungers at home! RIGHT?!  Anyways, I was adding a pair to my online shopping cart, not thinking anything of it, and suddenly realized I was breaking my shopping diet!  Seriously!  I felt like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar.  So close but I didn't buy them.  Geez, I do have self control.... barely!  Good news is they are all sold out, thanks Anthro shoppers for inadvertently saving me from a tragic diet splurge :-) 

I think I'll try and sew a pair of cute loungers, maybe not as fancy as these ones that almost broke my diet but we'll see I might surprise myself! 

Maiko Flannel Loungers

7 Year Itch!

I have been married for 7 years!  I feel like I have been in a dream and was awakened to being married and having two kids!  Geez, time really does fly by!  A lot has changed in my life while I was asleep..... emotionally, physically, careers and children.  We have grown into completely different people and so much has been shared and will be shared between us!  This reality of mine can be overwhelming and a tad scary. This is possible why this year of marriage is often referred to as the 7 year itch (I have a marriage itch I need to scratch?  Who named this?).  Anyway, divorce statistics show that over half of marriages don't have a happy ending.  That's a lot!!  Is my marriage going to have a happy ending?  I believe YES, it will!  This is why, every year has an "itch"! Marriage molds into many different ones throughout the years (good and bad) and I'm excited to see what this next year brings for us as a couple and a family!  If you need a few suggestions on how to control your marriage itch here's an article for you to read.

To celebrate our 7 year anniversary my husband planned a romantic getaway to Idaho City, Idaho. Idaho City has a population of 485 people and that was probably calculated during summer months. We staying at Mores Creek Cabins and relaxed at a beautiful hot springs call The Springs.  Not only did he plan our whole anniversary getaway, he also did all the meal preparations and cooking while we were away. Yes, I am one spoiled lady!  Thank you love!!  

It was so cold I had to wear my snow pants, two long sleeve shirts, a sweater and then my winter coat!  Even when I'm freezing I refuse to give up on fashion.  My husband had to patiently wait for me to pull my cable sweater out so I would look winter stylish in this photo, it did serve a purpose too, it kept me toasty warm while walking around. 

The Springs

This is a photo I took while sitting in the hot tub at The Springs!  It is a gorgeous place! The building in this photo is the stream room (warm steam and cold wash clothes... heavenly) and to the right (not pictured) is a huge swimming pool.  It was so cold outside but so wonderful in the water.  They even have waiters that come by and bring you drinks while you soak.  Fancy!!  

Happy Anniversary my LOVE!!  

Happy HEARTS!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Anthropologie Necklace, Crafty Earrings I made :-), Crooked Fence Brewing Tee

Valentine's Day is one of the most profitable holidays celebrated, and historians are not even one hundred percent positive on the exact origins.  This is okay because it is a day to celebrate infatuation, appreciation and basically love in all forms.   Who doesn't like to celebrate all that?!

Daughters of the Liberation Jeans,  

Crafty Creativeness

Else Denim, Stripped Shirt, Vintage Jacket
& T-Strap Shoes

My last few blog posts Fashionable Mom Identity  & Single Parent were a bit more about my life and how I incorporate fashion into it. :-) I'm sure I will be telling you more mommy fashion tales in the future because they can be ridiculously humorous...... perhaps more on the dry humor side but, none the less comical to me! Honestly, a majority of my outings with my danger boys(as I call them) involve me  looking extremely fashionable (or thinking I do), laughing hysterically at some kind of randomness while other parents watch slightly confused....  I really believe everyone simply needs to have a good laugh at the little things or even at themselves because all of this serious grown-up stuff is pretty funny! 

Now, on to crafty creativeness!  I am well onto my second month of my clothing diet and so far so easy!!  I have not had the urge to shop.. not even a tiny bit.  Wow, I really thought this was going to be hard and full of tears lead by pleading to people to give me clothes.  Okay, I know it is really early into my "diet" ,and I live in Idaho where 20 degree weather isn't the best for fashion strolls to the market. Regardless, I'm feeling really good about this challenge.  I have even been brain storming creative ways to alter some of my clothes and filling my sparse spare time with crafting all sorts of goods. I have been sewing bags, they have even received a bit of publicity over the holiday.  One news paper, Idaho Statesman did a write up about them and I sold a few at Bricolage a local boutique in Boise, Idaho.

This is one of the bags I made!  The lucky owner sent me this photo of it just hanging out by the fireplace (you know relaxing).  How gorgeous is this photo!!?!  I can't believe I actually made this bag!

Here's a little Birthday clutch I made for a  friend's Birthday.  I love creating special, one-of-a-kind gifts for people.  I enjoy the challenge of creating something with a specific person in mind and incorporating their personality into my design.  I always add a touch of my style into my creations, so they have to think of me when they use it :-).  With this design I added oil cloth, it is the one thing I buy every time I vacation in Mexico!  I absolutely LOVE going to the fabric stores in Mexico and of course the local markets. They are the perfect place to see all the gorgeous colors and be submerged into the culture.

Fashionable Mom Identity?

Misery loves company....  these are the words that pop into my head when I remember conversations I had with family, girlfriends and even complete strangers that preached that their children were amazing and completed their lives.  Blah, blah..... blah!  I'm here to tell you that yes kids are amazing, sweet and add to your life in ways you never thought possible.  I'm also going to admit in raw honestly I wish someone would have prepared me for the amazing hardship and unconditional love kids bring when pursuing the "American Dream".

I must highlight that I LOVE my two little ginger boys!  They are dangerously adventurous and full of poetic love that I cherish. I also have an AMAZING husband that shares 50/50 all household, parenting responsibilities and beyond the norm with me.  I want you to know that I have an amazing life but I'm not in denial that life is hard and you have to WORK at it to stay sane.

You see little ones take a lot of love, patience and TIME! They wake frequently throughout a peaceful night and they are not singing lullaby's. They also have to be fed (more then three times a day), burped, diaper changed, bathed and the list goes on and on.... This list only covers the first three years of their lives.  I am sure the list expands in many areas while deleting and adding parenting challenges that I'm not even aware of yet.  A mom is basically on call at ALL times and if you are breastfeeding no one can give you a break. No time is off limits for your little sweetie/ sweeties to call for you, you have no breaks.  On top of no breaks I keep on waiting for a time when bathing isn't a luxury and dressing stylish with ease happens daily. I know this day will come, it has to or people wouldn't keep on having children!  Right? I can't be the only one that doesn't feel complete if I haven't gotten enough sleep or alone at enjoying  looking fashionable and together, even as a mom, when I venture out in public. Please tell me I don't stand alone trying to figure out how to redefine myself as a mom while holding on to a speck of my self identity. It's not easy! I know if I don't start doing things for myself or setting goals that only involve me I am going to get depressed. That is one reason I started this blog.......... to have something that only belong to me, to figure out what my mom identity is and to prove that I matter outside my home.  I'm not even sure if anyone is reading this blog or will continue through my year journey....... what I do know is I have something that belongs to me, something I created to challenge myself and all by myself, somewhere I can express myself and let myself discover who I am as a wife, mother and individually.

Basically, that's a wordy way to let you know that when I post photos of myself I'm either going to a playgroup, dropping kids off at school, and occasionally going on a date with my husband (doesn't happen often enough) or date with friends (which doesn't happen often either). I do not live the luxury life of having any reason to be a fashionable stylish mom either than wanting to.

J Crew Jeans, H&M Tee, Puffy Coat & Bag from Target & La Canadienne Boots

This is my life! I love my life and I'm just trying to find a way to live and love to the fullest in a fashionable functional mom sort of way.

Bag is from Target. I refuse to carry a diaper bag!

Single Parent....

I have often daydreamed of being a single parent with joint custody of my sweet kids.  To the point of being envious of those that had scheduled breaks from their little ones weekly with no worries of the welfare of them while they are gone.  The greener grass of a few peaceful nights would make those not so peaceful ones easier.....  my greener grass was scorched beyond recovery this week. The last five days I have been attempting to live the life of a single parent! You know the kind with NO form of a second parent... NO one else to help.... sole custody of a 3 and 5 year-old, with all the glorious unspoken responsibilities that go with parenthood.  I definitely was slapped in the face with reality when my husband took a short (much needed and deserved) vacation to ride his motorcycle through the Mojave Desert.  Parenthood responsibilities magnified in his absent, expected with one parent gone, but my kids craziness did also!  I would have turned my kids into zombie t.v. junkies if it wasn't for my sweet mom who unexpectedly rode her white horse over to help me!  Thank you mom!  

My sweet Mom with Vander & Phineus!  

The second day my husband was gone I was going to show the world or prove to myself that this single parenting thing was easy and could be done in style.  I put on my skinny J-Crew jeans, basic black long sleeve tee, Gsus coat and sassy black ankle boots.  I looked like I had my shit together from head to toe.  I even got my kids dressed all little boy cute and voyaged out to a French bakery to have a good time. It took me twenty minutes to get them in the van and by that time Vander's coat was off and Phineus was missing a shoe and screaming.  I didn't care I was determined to have fun and look good doing it!  I promised them treats, cause you know sugar always cures the craziness.... yeah right, I signed my own admittance slip into a mental ward.  We finally get to Janjou Patisserie and I think I have everything under control.  I did, that is until we get inside and it's starkly white and filled with NO CHILDREN!  Yeah, I pounce into this beautiful bakery with two ginger boys, who are kids, and ya know boys will be boys and it was like walking into a library filled with professional students.  OMG, and both my kids want chocolate, not only chocolate but chocolate with caramel surrounded by buttery yummy flaky pastry crust. Mouths watering, my kids were so excited and freaking out!  We order and sit at one of the gorgeous white tables and within second’s pastry crust is flying and those cute little hands have melted chocolate all over them.  It was a storm of yumminess and smiles, at least at our table.  I promptly got a to-go bag and took the party outside and slowly back home.  This adventure took only about fifteen minutes but by the time I got home I was exhausted.  Cute outfit off, sweats on and kid madness resumed where messes are welcomed and easily cleaned up….. at home!

Vander drooling at Janjou Patisserie 

A huge you all are amazing goes out to all you single parents out there.  I will definitely be lending a more helpful hand to those single parents in my life!

BIG SMILES & Thank YOU!!

I just want to say thank you!

Since starting my 365 Days Clothing Diet, less than three weeks ago, I've watched the most incredible support sprout up!   This spontaneous blog adventure has triggered a inspirational spark in me.  I had no clue it would or even could inspire me in ALL realms of my life.  Art, craft, sewing, home projects watch out cause this momma is on FIRE!  Who new giving the world a glimpse into my little life bubble could add such sparkle to my mundane day to day routine in a new creative way.  I love the goggles I've put on and look forward to sharing my new found view through them with you readers.

Image copied from - http://taughnee.com

What?  Is it February?  January just flew by! Which is good because that means I officially only have 11 months to conquer my NO shopping plan...... To keep me busy and make this month go by as fast as last I will dedicate this month to a word....  CRAFTY!  That could mean anything, right?  Here I go.....  

Thank you ~ Jeni

Hair... Where do I start?

This is how I generally keep my hair.....

REALLY SHORT, with some sassy bangs.  

Hair.... where do I start with this topic?  Growing up I had long blonde hair and did nothing stylish with it! I didn't realize the importance and impact the right hairstyle had on first impressions.  I kind of just followed and copied how others were styling their hair and dressing.  Where I'm from that was BAD, I mean REALLY BAD! Good LORD, someone should have helped me, I seriously was in need of HELP!  I wasn't brought up to really care about what I looked like or even given the tools to know what to do or how to be stylish.  Don't get me wrong I wasn't raised in a primitive manner, I was taught proper grooming and self expression but fashion was not important on a mini-farm!  Let me explain, I was raised in the remote town of Emmett, Idaho and my family lived in the country so fashion was not important or functional on the plot of land I was raised on.  Once I moved to the big city (Boise, Idaho) I started realizing the importance of looks. I was 20 years old and I cut my hair short, I mean SHORT, you know, like Mia Farrow's hair in Rosemary's Baby.  I have pretty much stayed within inches of that hairstyle because it is easy and so CUTE!! That is until now, I am attempting to grow my hair long but will not make such a big commitment as my clothing diet.  I honestly am not sure about this one.    

Here's a little selfie of me patiently waiting while my 3-year-old is running around.  YES, that is his ghostly blur in this photo.  We are at Cardinale's Hair Design (FYI - Ava-Honey, amazing hair stylist) waiting for my 5-year-old to chop off his beautiful red long hair!  He is ready, I'm ready but his hair is so pretty!  I wanted him to grow it out until the end of time but he is also very handsome with a milky pale complexion, blue eyes and little freckles. He picked the hairstyle,  it's short in back with a sweet mop top in front.  I love it and I had no clue that his short hair would make his eyes even more blue and his freckles even sweeter.  He was extremely excited to show his little girlfriend his new handsomeness the next day at school!  

Vigass Studio Jeans, H&M TEE, Striped Hoodie, GSUS Sindustries Coat & Born Cowgirl Boots

LET me Define the RULES

I've kind of started this 365 clothing diet spontaneously and have not properly defined the rules I will be abiding by.  Literally spontaneously I started writing down what I was thinking and next thing you know I had started a blog.  Insanity! I would not even call myself a writer in any sense and I generally like to keep my fashion opinions to myself, that is.. unless I'm working or am asked my opinion.   Why did I choose to GIVE UP SHOPPING?  What have I gotten myself into?  I love to shop, I get a calming feeling when I enter the mall and generally like to find excuses to visit one.  Why would I take away one of the things that I love.  Here's the truth - I needed to do something insanely challenging, dramatic and creative.  I felt like if I didn't "just do something", ANYTHING,  I would not make it through another year of being a functional mom and wife.  To me there is nothing more challenging than putting myself in a fish tank for anyone to get to know me....... the possibility of judgement or support is a little scary, that is if anyone other than my friends follow me.

Let's define the RULES:

• I will not be buying any clothing for 365 days, that includes shoes and accessories too!
• I can make and change clothing I own by altering or sewing it in new creative ways.
• I can purchase necessities, if needed.  Like undies, socks ....!  
• I can go to clothing exchanges but only take as many things as I bring.  AND I will be hosting a few so stay connect to find out more.
• I can accept gifts.  I can't be rude!  :-)
• Most importantly I vow to you (my reader? readers?) that I will document and post many photos of  my steps through this whole year.