Stitch Fix #3 {Skinny Jeans & Fab Shirts}

In the middle of the work and fun that came with the launch of a new website and podcast for moms, Stitch Fix #3 arrived in my mailbox back in the first week of May! I just love Stitch Fix days!

Read more about Stitch Fix HERE - and also check out Stitch Fixes #1 and #2.

When I scheduled this fix, I requested a pair of skinny jeans to try. I have the hardest time finding them to fit my body. They're either too tight in the waist and just right in the legs or vice versa. I love them under dresses and long shirts and have been eager to find a really nice pair I would actually wear.

Item #1 - Renee C, Vancouver Abstract Print V-Neck Blouse

I loved this shirt from the moment I clamped eyes on it. I have nothing in this print or combination of colors. I wore it right out of the box to Bunko that night. It's a winner!

Item #2 - Papermoon, Wynn Mixed Dot Print Front Pocket Blouse

I'll admit it - when I saw this shirt peeking out from around the other items in my box, I didn't know whether to laugh my head off or sigh. It reminded me of mint chip ice cream and looks like it'd be worn by women who are greatly my senior. I absolutely loved the sheer and light nature of the shirt and the fit and cut too. But the print and color combo are just not me. So I sent it back. It was the easiest decision I've yet to make in any one of my Fixes.

Item #3 - Peach and Gold Bib Necklace

While it would have been fun to receive a fun new necklace in my box, this one just didn't do anything for me. It was virtually the same color as my skin, and I try to steer clear of pastel colors because they do a really good job of washing me out.

Item #4 - Kut From the Kloth, Faith Skinny Jean

I was so pleased to see this pair of jeans just like I'd requested in just the right color! I slipped them on right away, and guess what? They were a perfect fit in the waist and through the legs. Unheard of! I'm still not up for wearing skinnies by themselves with a shorter shirt, but you can bet I've been wearing these with long shirts and under dresses since I pulled them out of the box.

Item #5 - 41Hawthorn, Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse

Ooh, and then there's this one. I swooned big-time over this gem of a blouse. It's this wonderful combo of sheer, stretch, and thickness in just the right color for me. Jewel tones are a fair-skinned girl's best friend. I don't know if I've ever liked any shirt better!

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Well, that's it! It only took me nearly two months to finish this blog post. I have another Fix coming mid-July, so I thought I'd better get to moving!!!

Care to try Stitch Fix yourself? Fill out your online style profile (HERE), and for just $20 you'll get your very own box of goodies in the mail! Try it all on, and use that $20 toward purchasing one of the five items in your Fix. Pop the things you don't like back in the mail in a pre-paid shipping bag. Easy. Like it all? Take 25% off the whole order for keeping all five things. Get started here!

P.S. I do get a $25 credit to my account for every person that tries it for the first time. Win - win! Then when you try it, advertise your Fix to your friends and family and online using your personal referral code, and gain some credit yourself!



The What I've Been Up to Edition

I've started two blog posts in the last few weeks with every intention of writing here in this space weekly once The Masterpiece Mom blog and podcast got off the ground over Mother's Day weekend. Obviously that hasn't happened. But I'm still here enjoying summer in all its glory with my family, and am happy to connect again with you lovely readers.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the new site, or listen to the podcast (on the blog, iTunes, or the Stitcher Radio app), I'd invite you to do so! (Shameless plug.) We've been floored that people are actually listening. After all, who are all these people? Either way, it's oh-so-fun. God has been so, so good to us.

If you're interested, here's what I've written lately:
Missing Out or Missing the Point?
Dear Mom Who's Struggling to Forgive Her Child
When You Wonder If Your Work is Worth It

And here's a link to the latest episode of The Masterpiece Mom podcast:
Episode 5 - Mothering Myths: Part 2 of 5 

Would you be willing to help us get the word out? Thank you!

Well, since I hadn't planned to come on here and say anything too profound (after all it is past midnight), I did want to give you a little peek into my life as we head into a new season.

Here's what I've been up to and into lately:

1.  Decaf earl grey tea with half and half is my new favorite at-home comfort drink. I never realized how yummy earl grey could be. It sounded so plain, and well, grey. I just didn't know it was orange-y and rich and perfect. Add some sweetener if you must and enjoy.

P.S. Starbucks makes an amazing earl grey tea latte. Oh, the foam!

2.  I get teary and want to go through labor, delivery, and welcoming a newborn again every time I watch an episode of Call the Midwife. But then I remember how pregnancy hated me last time, and then uh, I have 8 children who are keeping me so busy I can hardly keep my head on straight. Plus, I'd still need to raise said child and be all postpartum again. So I'll just be thankful that I can experience those feelings all over again each time I watch Call the Midwife. And then I'll just wait for some grandbabies to come along in like 10+ years, right? Right. That feels really soon.

3.  I LOVE podcasting. It's much faster to brainstorm, outline, and record an episode than writing a blog post will ever be. Plus, working with a dear friend on it all is a major bonus.

4.  The amazing all-night daylight during the summer months here enlivens my spirit. It's easier to get out of bed in the morning, but also easier to stay up way too late because it feels too early to turn in.

5.  A couple weeks ago, we completed our 9th year of homeschooling. And honestly? I didn't even feel like celebrating. I felt like I needed a three-month long nap to recover from it all. Jeremy and I are brainstorming and making plans for how next year can be a different kind of wow. I think we're onto something. But for now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy this summer with all of its opportunities to serve God, my family and friends, and all of you.

What have you been into or up to lately?