My sweet baby boy, today you are ONE! I just cannot get past the bittersweet feelings on your big day, Porter. Bitter because time is a real beast as a mom; it's going too quickly and my baby isn't a wrinkly newborn anymore. Sweet because you are pure perfection and the best little caboose to our family, I'm not sure how we managed without you.
I will do a twelve month post for you soon, complete with descriptions about all you're doing these days. Rest assured, because you know I love talking about you in detail and I will maybe have a few (hundred) pictures to share from your big day.
Today you have your party, where with many of our friends and family will cheer you on as you eat cake. GoGo flew in from Colorado and we all plan to snuggle you extra aggressively this weekend, as the man of the hour. We love to celebrate you, Porter, and we are so happy you are growing and thriving and becoming such a little person.
I made this slideshow this week, because I will be damned if I don't at least *attempt* to keep things equal between siblings when it comes to my over-the-top documentation ways. Your party is not going to be as crafty and elaborate as Truman and Cecelia had it as one year olds, but I certainly took more pictures of you in your first year of life than I did for them. So the slideshow is a little long and makes me extra weepy and YOU ARE JUST A JOY, buddy. Thank you for being here and for completing our family. You make me want at least ONE more Porter because I just can't get enough of your sweet cheeks.
You're the happiest, you're the silliest, you're our favorite little baby-turned-one-year-old in the history of ever.
We love you more than words. We are so glad you're ours.
Porter 1 year from Julia H. on Vimeo.
Stitch Fix #1 | July Review
I really enjoy being the last to jump on bandwagons, and it takes me an annoying amount of contemplating and overanalyzing before I agree to do anything in life. Ask Nate, he will tell you all about my ability to shop online for hours and hours and come away with zero items in my cart. I think too much about many things, fashion included.
Stitch Fix has been around for years and it seems like I'm the last blogger in the entire blogging world to try it out (not really, but kind of). I only became remotely interested lately now that I'm really paying attention to fit and quality of my clothes, hoping to toss all of my junky/old/ill-fitting items and replace them with pieces that actually fit. I mean, I'm a mom of three kids and although I don't make time to shop for myself often, I am tired of wearing the same 3 shirts and 2 shorts that 'sort of' look nice. Yoga pants and work out gear will always get a thumbs up from me, but sometimes I find myself yearning to feel and look put together. Fake it until you make it, right?
Anyway, I finally decided that although I'm still a huge skeptic about Stitch Fix stylists being able to nail my requests, I'm going to give it a try anyway. (Not a sponsored post, got nothing for free, just a regular old customer who was hoping to be pleasantly surprised).
I made it very clear on my style profile that I am tall, without curves, and need everything to be machine washable. I made a Pinterest board for guidance, as they suggest to do, and found that I am drawn to a very specific style: flowy tank tops, open cardigans, skinny jeans/shorts, and long necklaces. I tried to reiterate many times that I have major issues with the length of shirts in the torso and also the arms. I said I love bold colors and could use a few new things to wear to work, but also like the casual style for an outfit that works on my days at home with the kids. Also, a few casual but nice things for date nights/parties/etc. So basically, all parts of my daily style wardrobe need an upgrade. But bottom line: I am totally psychotic about the fit and cut of clothes and I don't like to spend a boat load of money on anything. UNLESS it fits perfectly and makes my heart sing somehow, then I could agree to pay more than $50 for something assuming I'd wear it non-stop.
I totally peeked on the website once I saw my Fix had shipped, so I could get the list of items headed my way. Googling and finding the pictures of the pieces on Pinterest had me intrigued and excited, and then my box came two days after they predicted which was a bit of a bummer but somehow I lived.
Marissa was my stylist and her personal note to me was sweet. She seemed to focus on the idea of flowy tanks and a cardigan, plus the bold colors I like. I am pretty sure this is a 1/5 box though, only keeping one item *possibly* two. I didn't go into this expecting to buy more than 1-2 pieces at a time though, and really am such a skeptic that I will be happy if I just get one piece each time. Again: I'm picky!!
Want to see my five items??
1. Kut From The Kloth Haiden Distressed Straight Leg Jean: $88
(Attempted a photo shoot last night as the sun was setting, on our airing porch with the horrible floors. Ended up doing a new shoot today inside with sunlight;) )
So, I didn't ask for jeans, I asked for jean shorts, but apparently my stylist wanted me to try these instead. I was kind of excited to try on a new pair of jeans especially in the more 'trendy' distressed look. BUT I really hate how these are sewn to be permanently cuffed. This might have been a sneaky way to get out of finding jeans long enough for my 5'10" frame and I just really hate the cuff. I will roll my own (very old, very flared) jeans if I want that look but I also like plain old straight leg jeans without a cuff. They fit great otherwise but just nope. Especially not for $88! (Shirt reviewed next, don't worry)
Good color, okay distressed look, but nope. Sorry, verdict: going back!
2. 41Hawthorn Navarro Henley Top: $48
Seeing this on the card I immediately did not like the print, but in person it's actually quite pretty. A little more 'grown up' and maybe slightly nautical or something, and I really like the collar and buttons. Upon trying it on, I was definitely torn---I wanted to dislike it but it started growing on me. But look at the arm holes on the picture up there on the left. Sigh. Then look at how short the bottom of the top is on the side, in the right picture.
Nate even likes this one which is saying a lot. I like the length in the back but the front and the sides are definitely iffy for being too short. Such pretty print though!
I was set on keeping it and wearing it for work with a cardigan on top but then I realized what seems 'off' about this one. The arm holes are giantic on me. Would probably help if I had big boobs but that is not one of my qualities in life. If I sized the entire shirt down I know it'd be entirely too short on the sides. So for now, it's going back unless I have a last minute change of heart. Flowy is one thing but ill-fitting is another.
Verdict: Going back unless there is an uprising in blog comments begging me to keep it;)
3. Collective Concepts Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse: $54
Obsessed with this color and the idea of a sleeveless, flowy blouse. I tried it on with my own gray jeans like the style card suggested and also my favorite cut offs (which are Citizen for Humanity jeans that I have had for at least ten years, but they were super flared and so I just cut them off a week ago on a whim. LOVE how they turned out!). But my problem with this top? Short and boxy:
Plus it's fairly see through, which I guess is in style but I am not a fan. Love this color and the neckline so much but it's just too short--I wish it was about three inches longer everywhere. PLUS it's 'dry clean only' which is comical for this household, need to reiterate to my stylist that machine wash is the way to go! Verdict: going back, sadly.
4. Pixley Bramley Back Lace Detail Knit Tank: $54
Okay, a gray knit tank top is SO very me! And it's flowy and nice thin but not see-through fabric. The back is...interesting and kind of fun, and I do love lace.
But Nate really hates this and thinks the black lace is 'trashy'. (I made him specify that it's the black color and the design of this lace, NOT all lace in general because my entire wedding gown was lace). It's a nice length and a good amount of 'flow' but nah, not for me. If it was a racer back with the lace in the middle or something, I probably would have kept it. But again, for $54 a tank top better be amaze-balls for me to keep it.
Verdict: going back. But close to my style!
5. 41Hawthorn Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan: $48
Bright color, open front cardigan, that is LONG? YES. Finally, a keeper. I don't own anything in this bold blue color and I love it. Will be great to wear to work over tank tops or even on my days at home/date nights if I pair it with the correct items.
The only thing that makes me nervous is that it's 'hand wash cold' and knit, so if I *do* happen to accidentally throw it in with the wash, I can just picture how much this baby will shrink.
But I am not going to lose my $20 styling fee and at $48 the price is right for a versatile piece like this. I actually tried it on with the coral Collective Concepts blouse and loved that color combo, so I am sure I can make this work in a variety of settings. The style card showed it with a striped tank and also a striped dress---I can handle that. Verdict: The Keeper!
Opinions please!!! I am going to fill out my response card online tonight and then return all of the rejects tomorrow. I'm still looking forward to next month when I do this again and will probably ask for tunic tops (which might be a 'regular' length for me) and machine washable. Would also take any more cardigans, especially a short sleeved one, and might attempt a maxi dress from Stitch Fix, too.
Final note: Nate was not at all excited about my decision to try Stitch Fix, since he just didn't really get the concept and figured I'd be way too picky and everything would be horribly expensive. When he saw me try everything on he was surprisingly into it and supportive of almost everything (except for the gray lace tank, he really hated that one). I mean, I think he expected the entire box to total $500 but it was $292, and if I kept everything in the box it would have totaled $200 with the 25% discount. I think if I kept the cardigan, the coral tank, the green tank, and the jeans he would have been totally down for that. Which shocks me because I was prepared to defend my picks to him and instead he encouraged me to get more than I wanted. Guys and their opinions on fashion are interesting to me.
If you are like me and haven't tried Stitch Fix before, use my Referral link, if you would. And give me honest opinions, please!
Stitch Fix has been around for years and it seems like I'm the last blogger in the entire blogging world to try it out (not really, but kind of). I only became remotely interested lately now that I'm really paying attention to fit and quality of my clothes, hoping to toss all of my junky/old/ill-fitting items and replace them with pieces that actually fit. I mean, I'm a mom of three kids and although I don't make time to shop for myself often, I am tired of wearing the same 3 shirts and 2 shorts that 'sort of' look nice. Yoga pants and work out gear will always get a thumbs up from me, but sometimes I find myself yearning to feel and look put together. Fake it until you make it, right?
Anyway, I finally decided that although I'm still a huge skeptic about Stitch Fix stylists being able to nail my requests, I'm going to give it a try anyway. (Not a sponsored post, got nothing for free, just a regular old customer who was hoping to be pleasantly surprised).
I made it very clear on my style profile that I am tall, without curves, and need everything to be machine washable. I made a Pinterest board for guidance, as they suggest to do, and found that I am drawn to a very specific style: flowy tank tops, open cardigans, skinny jeans/shorts, and long necklaces. I tried to reiterate many times that I have major issues with the length of shirts in the torso and also the arms. I said I love bold colors and could use a few new things to wear to work, but also like the casual style for an outfit that works on my days at home with the kids. Also, a few casual but nice things for date nights/parties/etc. So basically, all parts of my daily style wardrobe need an upgrade. But bottom line: I am totally psychotic about the fit and cut of clothes and I don't like to spend a boat load of money on anything. UNLESS it fits perfectly and makes my heart sing somehow, then I could agree to pay more than $50 for something assuming I'd wear it non-stop.
I totally peeked on the website once I saw my Fix had shipped, so I could get the list of items headed my way. Googling and finding the pictures of the pieces on Pinterest had me intrigued and excited, and then my box came two days after they predicted which was a bit of a bummer but somehow I lived.
Marissa was my stylist and her personal note to me was sweet. She seemed to focus on the idea of flowy tanks and a cardigan, plus the bold colors I like. I am pretty sure this is a 1/5 box though, only keeping one item *possibly* two. I didn't go into this expecting to buy more than 1-2 pieces at a time though, and really am such a skeptic that I will be happy if I just get one piece each time. Again: I'm picky!!
Want to see my five items??
1. Kut From The Kloth Haiden Distressed Straight Leg Jean: $88
(Attempted a photo shoot last night as the sun was setting, on our airing porch with the horrible floors. Ended up doing a new shoot today inside with sunlight;) )
So, I didn't ask for jeans, I asked for jean shorts, but apparently my stylist wanted me to try these instead. I was kind of excited to try on a new pair of jeans especially in the more 'trendy' distressed look. BUT I really hate how these are sewn to be permanently cuffed. This might have been a sneaky way to get out of finding jeans long enough for my 5'10" frame and I just really hate the cuff. I will roll my own (very old, very flared) jeans if I want that look but I also like plain old straight leg jeans without a cuff. They fit great otherwise but just nope. Especially not for $88! (Shirt reviewed next, don't worry)
Good color, okay distressed look, but nope. Sorry, verdict: going back!
2. 41Hawthorn Navarro Henley Top: $48
Seeing this on the card I immediately did not like the print, but in person it's actually quite pretty. A little more 'grown up' and maybe slightly nautical or something, and I really like the collar and buttons. Upon trying it on, I was definitely torn---I wanted to dislike it but it started growing on me. But look at the arm holes on the picture up there on the left. Sigh. Then look at how short the bottom of the top is on the side, in the right picture.
Nate even likes this one which is saying a lot. I like the length in the back but the front and the sides are definitely iffy for being too short. Such pretty print though!
I was set on keeping it and wearing it for work with a cardigan on top but then I realized what seems 'off' about this one. The arm holes are giantic on me. Would probably help if I had big boobs but that is not one of my qualities in life. If I sized the entire shirt down I know it'd be entirely too short on the sides. So for now, it's going back unless I have a last minute change of heart. Flowy is one thing but ill-fitting is another.
Verdict: Going back unless there is an uprising in blog comments begging me to keep it;)
3. Collective Concepts Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse: $54
Obsessed with this color and the idea of a sleeveless, flowy blouse. I tried it on with my own gray jeans like the style card suggested and also my favorite cut offs (which are Citizen for Humanity jeans that I have had for at least ten years, but they were super flared and so I just cut them off a week ago on a whim. LOVE how they turned out!). But my problem with this top? Short and boxy:
Plus it's fairly see through, which I guess is in style but I am not a fan. Love this color and the neckline so much but it's just too short--I wish it was about three inches longer everywhere. PLUS it's 'dry clean only' which is comical for this household, need to reiterate to my stylist that machine wash is the way to go! Verdict: going back, sadly.
4. Pixley Bramley Back Lace Detail Knit Tank: $54
Okay, a gray knit tank top is SO very me! And it's flowy and nice thin but not see-through fabric. The back is...interesting and kind of fun, and I do love lace.
But Nate really hates this and thinks the black lace is 'trashy'. (I made him specify that it's the black color and the design of this lace, NOT all lace in general because my entire wedding gown was lace). It's a nice length and a good amount of 'flow' but nah, not for me. If it was a racer back with the lace in the middle or something, I probably would have kept it. But again, for $54 a tank top better be amaze-balls for me to keep it.
Verdict: going back. But close to my style!
5. 41Hawthorn Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan: $48
Bright color, open front cardigan, that is LONG? YES. Finally, a keeper. I don't own anything in this bold blue color and I love it. Will be great to wear to work over tank tops or even on my days at home/date nights if I pair it with the correct items.
The only thing that makes me nervous is that it's 'hand wash cold' and knit, so if I *do* happen to accidentally throw it in with the wash, I can just picture how much this baby will shrink.
But I am not going to lose my $20 styling fee and at $48 the price is right for a versatile piece like this. I actually tried it on with the coral Collective Concepts blouse and loved that color combo, so I am sure I can make this work in a variety of settings. The style card showed it with a striped tank and also a striped dress---I can handle that. Verdict: The Keeper!
Opinions please!!! I am going to fill out my response card online tonight and then return all of the rejects tomorrow. I'm still looking forward to next month when I do this again and will probably ask for tunic tops (which might be a 'regular' length for me) and machine washable. Would also take any more cardigans, especially a short sleeved one, and might attempt a maxi dress from Stitch Fix, too.
Final note: Nate was not at all excited about my decision to try Stitch Fix, since he just didn't really get the concept and figured I'd be way too picky and everything would be horribly expensive. When he saw me try everything on he was surprisingly into it and supportive of almost everything (except for the gray lace tank, he really hated that one). I mean, I think he expected the entire box to total $500 but it was $292, and if I kept everything in the box it would have totaled $200 with the 25% discount. I think if I kept the cardigan, the coral tank, the green tank, and the jeans he would have been totally down for that. Which shocks me because I was prepared to defend my picks to him and instead he encouraged me to get more than I wanted. Guys and their opinions on fashion are interesting to me.
If you are like me and haven't tried Stitch Fix before, use my Referral link, if you would. And give me honest opinions, please!
A Place for my Fourth of July Pictures to Live
Holidays + weekends + summertime are all individually amazing. So combined, when you roll the Fourth of July into a long weekend? YES. Perfect excuse for me to take an absurd amount of pictures. Please oblige me;)
Friday 7/3: Nate and I were both off work, and we ran errands in the morning, then had our friend Natalie's third birthday party that evening. I sort of tried to have the kids wear festive outfits and definitely forced a few pictures out of them.
Cecelia got new goggles and was cracking me up this day.
The birthday party was about 40 minutes away on a farm and the light there was AMAZING. So much fun, so many kids, and lots of mosquito bites as souvenirs!
Video of the girls being adorable.
Saturday 7/4: Parade and Fireworks day, yay!! The kids sort of slept in this day until around 7:30, since they were up late the night before until almost 9pm. The parade was at 9 am and fireworks at 9:30pm. SUPER long day but it was the best.
Matching outfits in FULL FORCE on July 4th, duh.
New favorite picture of all time, and can you get over Porter being vertical??? Obviously, not quite there yet on his own but just imagining a day when all three kids can stand up for pictures makes me giddy.
The local parade is always a highlight for me (Nate hates parades, but he tolerates it for the kids). We parked and then walked to the parade, and both big kids had their scooters along with the double BOB. It was HOT this day, over 80 degrees, but I really adore the parade pictures with all of the red, white, and blue. And children....so many children!!
Family picture---obviously a necessary evil. Holding all three kids between two parents highlights the fact that we are totally and completely outnumbered now. Ah, memories of last July 4 when I was gigantically pregnant and convinced I'd have Porter any day. (And then went another week, of course).
Okay, fine, a comparison of all of the July 4th celebrations as parents.
Nate had an afternoon beer, and the kids and I played with the selfie stick of course.
After naps----some sweet family time. Note that Porter likes me to talk into his open mouth during a kiss now. Love these guys so much!
Dinner that night was amazing (grilled chicken sandwiches, baked beans, salad, corn on the cob....and then Lois' amazing Patriotic Trifle. AND S'mores outside!)
Lois stayed back with Porter after he went to sleep at 7:15 that night, and then Nate and I took the big kids to the local fireworks. They didn't even start until 9:30 and this was Cecelia's first time, so we weren't sure how this would play out. She loved how 'sparkly' they were but was a little afraid of the loud boomers. Truman and Nate were in heaven and Cecelia admitted after that she also loved them. We didn't get home until after 10pm and the kids were awake until 10:30. CRAZY!!!
Video of the grande finale.
Sunday 7/5: We were all exhausted this day. We just did the pool in the backyard and had relaxing fun at home, and I believe the kids did sleep in a bit, too. Cecelia got a taste of my La Croix and loved it and her new swimming suits are my favorite.
Later that day after naps, me and my girl took a long scooter ride/walk together. She is getting so good at it!
Ah, I love you, July 4th weekend. SO MUCH.
Friday 7/3: Nate and I were both off work, and we ran errands in the morning, then had our friend Natalie's third birthday party that evening. I sort of tried to have the kids wear festive outfits and definitely forced a few pictures out of them.
Cecelia got new goggles and was cracking me up this day.
The birthday party was about 40 minutes away on a farm and the light there was AMAZING. So much fun, so many kids, and lots of mosquito bites as souvenirs!
Video of the girls being adorable.
Saturday 7/4: Parade and Fireworks day, yay!! The kids sort of slept in this day until around 7:30, since they were up late the night before until almost 9pm. The parade was at 9 am and fireworks at 9:30pm. SUPER long day but it was the best.
Matching outfits in FULL FORCE on July 4th, duh.
New favorite picture of all time, and can you get over Porter being vertical??? Obviously, not quite there yet on his own but just imagining a day when all three kids can stand up for pictures makes me giddy.
The local parade is always a highlight for me (Nate hates parades, but he tolerates it for the kids). We parked and then walked to the parade, and both big kids had their scooters along with the double BOB. It was HOT this day, over 80 degrees, but I really adore the parade pictures with all of the red, white, and blue. And children....so many children!!
Family picture---obviously a necessary evil. Holding all three kids between two parents highlights the fact that we are totally and completely outnumbered now. Ah, memories of last July 4 when I was gigantically pregnant and convinced I'd have Porter any day. (And then went another week, of course).
Okay, fine, a comparison of all of the July 4th celebrations as parents.
Nate had an afternoon beer, and the kids and I played with the selfie stick of course.
After naps----some sweet family time. Note that Porter likes me to talk into his open mouth during a kiss now. Love these guys so much!
Dinner that night was amazing (grilled chicken sandwiches, baked beans, salad, corn on the cob....and then Lois' amazing Patriotic Trifle. AND S'mores outside!)
Lois stayed back with Porter after he went to sleep at 7:15 that night, and then Nate and I took the big kids to the local fireworks. They didn't even start until 9:30 and this was Cecelia's first time, so we weren't sure how this would play out. She loved how 'sparkly' they were but was a little afraid of the loud boomers. Truman and Nate were in heaven and Cecelia admitted after that she also loved them. We didn't get home until after 10pm and the kids were awake until 10:30. CRAZY!!!
Video of the grande finale.
Sunday 7/5: We were all exhausted this day. We just did the pool in the backyard and had relaxing fun at home, and I believe the kids did sleep in a bit, too. Cecelia got a taste of my La Croix and loved it and her new swimming suits are my favorite.
Later that day after naps, me and my girl took a long scooter ride/walk together. She is getting so good at it!
Ah, I love you, July 4th weekend. SO MUCH.
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