And just like that I'm back! Hello 2015!

Man - it's amazing how a little break can turn into a big break. But just like rising a horse you never forget how to ride and I'm ecstatic to be back in the saddle again!

It's certainly been a busy year since I last wrote! The kids have grown, my relationships have grown, my side biz has grown, and my DIY list has grown, and I've grown! One of the things that I've learned though is I do actually miss having this blog as an outlet. I've still been active on social media and I love that but this is different. This is all me in a totally judgement free place. So you'll be seeing lots more of me right here over the next 350+ days!

Since it is a new year after all - it's time for me to start thinking about goals, what I want to accomplish this year and what I need to learn to put on the back burner (that is a hard one for me!) For some reason - twice in the last few days I have seen or heard this idea of having a core word for 2015. So I'm taking that as a sign that God and the universe is really curious what my focus will be for this year.

 the amazing Lara Casey - if you need some help with goals check her out!

Looking back on 2014 - one of the big learnings I had is that it is okay to say NO and that it is essential to my sanity to practice this principle ALOT. I have by no means perfected the art but it is a work in progress. Even harder than the actual process of saying no is the feelings that come after it for me. Guilt mainly - because I hate to think that someone was counting on me and I let them down. But there are only 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week and I need to do what is right for me and my family.

So the words started coming: intentional, balance, boundary, brave, unsettle, change, happy, believe, focus, engage, content, create, inspire, joy, clarity, appreciate, patience, move, purpose, present, stretch, dream, thrive, commit, health, action, passion, trust, dedicate.

No surprise that I'm still working and thinking. My perfectionist mind knows that the perfect word is out there and I can't settle until I've found it and then the fun begins!

XO - Nikki

Post Labor Day Blues?

I saw this amazing post on a friend and business partner's blog and just had to share.... it rings so true to me as I spent today with my littles, organizing a Mommy & Me Arts and Crafts Co-op at our church, still trying to master my Master bedroom, a quick trip to Target and the gym, and doing a little bit of 'work' in the 30 minutes that the kids actually napped today. And now as I sit here in the silence (it is 7:40 and the kids have been asleep for 30+ minutes and hubby is still at work) I realize just how lucky I am. I did not wake up today and dread another week of work - I can finally say that I am right where I need to be and loving every minute of it :)

xo - from this blog writin, craft lovin, fabric obsessin, young lookin, shopaholic, biz ownin, wifey and mommy of 2 :)

A big announcement..... my new love!

Happy Friday :) It has been a super busy week so apologies for the lack of posts!  Do you want to know why I have been so busy???? 

I have a new love interest and cannot wipe this super cheesy smile off of my face! I recently reconnected with a friend from high school (and college) on Facebook and stumbled into this crazy love affair....

 Let me start with a little background. Rewind back to 4 years ago.... Joey and I had just gotten married and bought our first house together. I was a Director of Marketing and Research in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry working crazy hours, traveling, and loving every minute of it. But when my Lil Man was born in March 2010 it all changed. I dragged myself back to work after my 12 week maternity leave and only survived a month before I knew that working FT was no longer for me. I was very blessed to work with an amazing company who let me move to PT. I made it another 2 years working PT (30 hrs a week with no child care) before I finally had enough when I was 4 months pregnant with Fiona. I have been LOVING the last 18 months of being a stay at home mommy and wife! I adore being home with my kids but I do miss the adult interaction and feeling like I am contributing to my family's financial future. Add this to the negative effects on my face and body thanks to aging, sun damage, and pregnancy hormones and I was not the confident girl that I once was! But what could possibly help me get back that missing confidence???? Thanks to several FB posts, I took a giant step out of my comfort zone and reached out to my friend. Don't worry.... It's not nearly as scandalous as it sounds! Meet my new love:

I am using ReDefine regimen and literally counted the minutes until they arrived at my door. I am less than a week in and my skin looks AMAZING!!!! It is so smooth, silky, and clear that I find myself looking in the mirror and touching my face to make sure it's real! The spots and lines from years of sun worshipping are fading. I actually look forward to the 3 minutes it takes to complete my regimen in the morning and evening. And let's not forget the Macro E! This little machine (that was just recently highlighted by Oprah in her magazine!) is my new best friend!

What is Rodan & Fields you ask???? Dr Katie Rodan and Dr Kathy Fields (aka. the doctors who created ProActiv Solution) are among the most respected names in the skin care industry worldwide.  What the doctors did for acne they are now doing for aging skin.  Our products were previously selling #1 in Nordstrom,  Bloomingdales, Henry Bendel, Saks and in other high end retail.  Their extensive marketing analytics showed that it was actually word of mouth that was selling their products over their sales people. Rodan+Fields customers were sending their friends in, telling them they had to go buy it! They decided to pull them from under the counter and put them into direct sales, to reward the people who were truly responsible for the product sales: their customers. After getting into direct sales, R+F was making monthly in sales what they used to be making yearly! Anti-aging is a $2.5 billion industry (set to double in the next few years)! What a great time to check out Rodan & Fields and capitalize on this opportunity!

I took a leap of faith and decided to join R+F as a consultant (without even trying the products!) and I have been loving every minute of it! It's been a crazy week as I learn everything that I can about this amazing organization and incredible products! I have truly enjoyed catching up with old friends, trying out these life changing products and tools, and sharing my experience with others! Why did I jump in with both feet?

 - The doctors that created ProActiv! Need I say more?

 - These products are incredible & with a 60 day money back guarantee there is NO RISK to try them!!

 - In just 8-10 hours a week, I am able to bring in a paycheck without sacrificing time with my kids

 - Everyone has aging skin! Who doesn't want it to look and feel better??? That'a big market!

 - The Regimens are put together by doctors to make great skin as easy as 1...2...3!!!!

So, my reason for wanting to share all of this with you FABULOUS readers is that I would love to help you find the R+F products to give you the best skin of your life OR talk to you about starting your own part-time fabulous biz with me! Our team is growing crazy fast and I am looking for motivated, dynamic people to help me spread the word about Rodan & Fields! And if you could not tell by the million or so exclamation points in this post, I am pretty excited about my younger looking skin and the products that made it happen! Visit my site or comment me below if you want to learn more! Would also love to know if anyone else has tried R+F yet?

Don't take my word for it! Check out these before and afters for examples of what these products can do for you. These are real customers and all they gain by submitting the pictures is a free regimen if their images are used. That tells me that people love the products and the results!

Stay tuned for more before and after pics in the coming weeks!

My Space for Craft, Sewing, Blogging (aka. Mom's Office!)

I am not sure how I managed to luck into having a whole room to myself for just me! But I am thrilled beyond belief to have this happy place and also that it is 99% completed! I have been dying to share this space for a week now but I had one project that wasn't quite finished....

My 'office' as the kids like to say is upstairs right next to their play room. And there is a reason you have never really seen it before... It was the storage room for all of the furniture that had no where else to go! It was a mix match of prints, styles, and random pieces that really just needed a place to be hidden when we had people over. I don't really have a full before shot, but these below give you an idea of how messy and thrown together it was!

But now... I LOVE this room! I have a big smile whenever I walk up the stairs and see it. And even now at 5:30am, I am so happy to be sitting in my beautiful room typing this post! The color scheme for the room was chosen on a whim in Hobby Lobby! I had been going back and forth on what the heck I should do with this room. Nothing seemed right until I saw these 2 beautiful cotton duck fabric bolts sitting next to each other. The pink polka dots and the pink/blue/yellow ikat had me at hello! It was all so fun, girly, and funky! (Big thanks to the girls that are hosting the Style Soiree parties! This week's soiree is Kate Spade and I swear that seeing them set up this party gave me the needed push to jump into the pink and polka dots for this room!)

What I love best about this room is that almost everything was a DIY or a piece that we already had! Full source list at the bottom and I will be featuring the details behind the DIYs later this week and next.

Source:

Round Table - Shayne Table from PB

Rattan Basket on Table - WalMart

Baskets under Table - PB

Roll Arm Sofa - Ballard Designs (discontinued)

Pink Greek Key Pillow - DIY

Blue White Stripe Pillow - PB

Gray & White Greek Key Small Pillow - Calico Corners Fabric DIY

Parsons Desk used as Sewing Station (West Elm)

Metal Ampersand - RH Sale

Pink Polka Dot Magnet Board - Hobby Lobby fabric DIY

Cobalt Blue Desk Lamp - DIY

Fur Benches under Desk - DIY

Faux Wood Chair (West Elm)

Window Panels - Hobby Lobby Fabric DIY

Hanging Vinage Llama Rug (thanks mom!)

Happy Mother's Day to Super Hero Moms Everywhere!!!!

Wishing my mom, mother in law, and all of my mommy friends a wonderful day! You are truly super heroes! I hope that you get pampered, loved, and well fed today :)

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Polka Dots & Shorts

Like the rest of the South, we got hit with these crazy springtime showers this week followed by a bit of a cool front. It still warms up in the afternoons but the mornings are slightly comfortable (not yet 85 degrees!) My mom outfit of late has been shorts with a thin jacket and flat sandals. It allows me to cool and then remove the jacket in the afternoon when the sun really gets cooking.

I turned to Pinterest to look for some more short friendly options and look what I stumbled on.... polka dots and jean shorts! My most comfy and worn in shorts are a pair of very worn in cuffed jean shorts. I love them!!! And they are from Forever 21 :)

Source (of above 3 images)

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I was surprised to see that I had both a long sleeve and tank top polka dot shirt. Yes, I need to clean and organize my closet! The above image of Kourtney K got me thinking about trying pink and khaki with the polka dots and I really liked it. I officially need a spring time khaki jacket!

And of course, red and polka dots is so classic! I like the added funk of the army green crop jacket and the animal print sandals. Thinking a chambray shirt would have rocked this too!

Stripes for Springtime

I am linking up with Sheaffer, Shay, and Mel at Get Pinspired!

I recently got this adorable striped shirt at Private Gallery. I love the material and it is a great piece to dress up, dress down, and throw on when I quickly need to get out the door. If you are in the market for a great striped shirt this one rocks for only $24!

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I know that stripes are like a neutral and that there are a million options to play with.... but I needed some help! I found 3 outfits that I wanted to try out using the striped shirt for springtime looks. So lets get started!

OUTFIT 1: Stripes & Coral

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I think that this look would be awesome with the floral tote or even a floral scarf. Only I don't have either.... sigh. So its just stripes and coral for now! I am adding a chunky gold necklace to my shopping list because that would totally complete this outfit too!

And then I realize that I do have a graphic scarf that just might work...

OUTFIT 2: Stripes & Green

I loved both of these inspiration pictures! The green and navy is such a fresh and lively combo!

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I threw on my new wedges with this outfit for a cute summer date look. And this scarf is from World Market. Super cute right? I bought it hoping to make it into pillows but I am not sure my closet is willing to make the sacrifice! Again, that chunky gold necklace would totally work to dress this down with some flat sandals too.

OUTFIT 3: Stripes and Yellow

I am pretty sure that EVERY single person alive has this pinned. Its such a put together look! White jeans are another item on my shopping list and in the meantime I switched this look up wearing jeans since I also don't have a chambray shirt!

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And what a fun way to translate this for spring or summer?

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Where did the baby go?

Apologies for the blogging absence... we are one week into our month o travel and it was either get the kids packed or work on my posts. I will let you guess which one won!

I am hoping to be back some next week for some slightly off topic posts about our travels, packing, and a master update. In the meantime, Happy 3rd Birthday to my Little Man!!! Is it possible that he is 3? Where did my little baby go?

We had a wonderful trip to Disney (sans Fia) to celebrate and he loved it! I hope that everyone else had as wonderful of a week as we did!

Green Jeans.... Fifth times a charm!

Here it is Friday already and I had such a great time working on my fashion last week that I decided to make an effort to think out of the box at least one day a week in regards to getting dressed. It's no shock that I LOVE clothes! But lately, the hustle and bustle of life has left me dreading getting dressed. My closet is a wreck, I can't find anything to wear, it's a vicious cycle.

Since it worked so well last week, I turned to the internets for some help. I am starting to think that my problem was too many choices.... so I narrowed it down to one clothing item I wanted to wear and simply did a Google search. This week's choice was the green skinny jeans. I pulled them out of the mess that I call a closet and got too searching. Open up google, type in green skinny jeans outfit and I was off!

I was on the search for a more casual outfit this week and two options jumped out at me instantly.

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I started with the black option... I felt certain that I would love this. Black is slimming right? And it's a staple in my wardrobe. Plus, it's safe! 

Green skinny jeans, black shirt, ivory jacket, animal print flats, & necklace.... it should be love but it's just not! I think that I needed to follow the inspiration and go with black heels and a less structured jacket. Then it might have been love!

I was on to the second look but I did not have the khaki shirt so I decided to try a gray shirt. I was shocked that I preferred it to the black. Still not a wow but much better!

I had to throw this in for my sis... I always do a little head tilt when analyzing outfits!

Duh... I was missing the scarf from the inspiration shot. So much better! 

But now need to switch out the shoes.

Yellow flats. Much better than the animal print with the scarf!

I should have just followed the inspiration from the start! I am shocked at how much thinner the ivory top makes me look. Would have never guessed it! 

We have a winner and I hope you enjoyed seeing a visual demonstration of why my closet floor is covered in clothes! (that was especially for the hubs!)

Linking up at Get Pin-Spired!

Red Jeans?

I must admit that I have been verrrryyyy slow jumping on the color skinny jean bandwagon. My first pair are Kelly green and I have really struggled with what to wear them with. So the logical thing to do would be to go buy another pair! This time, it was a $9 red pair that leaped into my arms at Old Navy (we also won't talk about the fact that they are actually maternity pants and no I am not prego!)

A quick Internet search led me to so many options for the red that I had a hard time focusing on just one look! But the red, animal print, and denim looked so fun that I had to give it a try!

Here are my inspiration looks....

Let me preface my take by saying tht it is really hard to take a full body shot of yourself! Props to all of bloggers that have this figured out! I went with an animal print top that has just a pop of teal, red skinny jeans, denim jacket, and teal wedges. And here is how it all looked together.... What do you think?

Linking up at Pinspired @ Pinterest Told Me To

MIA....House on the Market & Sleep Regression

If you had asked me awhile ago how I thought things were going, you would get a very different answer than today! The house has been shown like crazy (we are talking almost daily), 2 offers (that both had finance issues), and my wonderful little sleepers are not so wonderful at sleeping right now! I fear the the sleep issues are a result of the schedule changes from showings. Naps have been skipped and bedtimes pushed back to allow the house to be shown at 1pm or at 7:30pm at night. It's been brutal all around and I am ready for it to be over! Did I mention that I am back to falling asleep within 2 minutes of sitting down? So I find myself waking up at about 4am after several hours of sleeping while sitting up in the rocker in Fia's room after her night time feed. Yeah - It's been great on the neck and back too!

No naps and late bedtimes also mean that get zero time to do any DIYs! Not that there is much I want to do in the way of Home DIYs. I have closed the book for this house and there will be no more money or time dropped here! Thankfully there are plenty of kids crafts and seasonal decorations that I can work on!

Tomorrow, I will debut a super cute and easy one kiddo kraft that can easily be switched up year round!

New Year.... New Resolutions... New Outlet for me!

2011 was a great year for me filled with so many wonderful memories, accomplishments, and surprises. Topping the list: Jed's first birthday, 2nd anniversary of being married to my amazing hubby, becoming an aunt again, learning that we would be welcoming our own little girl in 2012, and finally putting in my notice at work and becoming a full time stay at home mom! Wow! I am so very much looking forward to the upcoming year and seeing what is in store for me and my growing family!

I love staying home with my son... I went back to work full time for about 11 weeks after he was born and I just really struggled with it. I ws lucky enough to have my mom take on his daily care for the brief time that I was working FT. For me, it was not a good fit. I missed my son and hated the idea of missing out on his daily activities, milestones, and smiles! I opted to move to a part time position that would be a reduction in hours (also reducing my pay, responsibilities, and title!) initially it was a great fit. I would go from being a director responsible for a team of people leading high level client training sessions and analytics working 60+ hours a week to a part time analyst logging 20-25 hours a week mostly while working from home. It sounded like the perfect option! I quickly learned that transitioning roles would be challenging to say the least. The biggest problem... I am a perfectionist. I cannot say no when asked to help out on a last minute project, training call, and whatever the request may be. My work ethic does not allow me to just say no! It took me nearly a year of trying to juggle what turned out to be 30+ hours per week all while my son was home with me full time. I spent every nap he took working or on a client call. I am not sure exactly when I realized that it was not working for me anymore. But I was working from home to be with my son and that was not happening. I am so blessed to say that it has been a wonderful feeling for the last 3 months to finally be a full time stay at home mom!

And the point of this long drawn out story leads me to why I have started this blog and chose to make my first post on January 1. I am immersed in Elmo, choo-choos, sippy cups, play dates, and trucks all day long. I try my best to do a fun activity with Jed every day and it's great for both him and me so neither of us get bored and it let's our creative minds run wild. Over the holidays, we cooked and painted over 4 dozen cookies in the month of December alone! However, I have found that cookies, coloring, play dough, and crafts still leave some desire for me. So here I am starting a blog about my creative pursuits that I accomplish while the little man is napping to help me keep my sanity!

So far on the list for early 2012: reupholstering my favorite club chair (it is super comfortable but a horrible blue floral print), milk painting Jed's new bunk beds, the full she-bang for little girls room (custom bedding using Serena and Lily / restoration hardware fabric thanks to moms sewing expertise!), adding black out liners to my newly completed kitchen drapes, DIY Hicks pendant ikea hack, and finally to finish off the under stairs 'playroom'. So hey- what better way to make sure I actually start and finish these projects than writing about them on a blog! Oh yeah, and since our little girl is due in April I have all of these projects on my radar to be completed before I add a newborn to the mix!

So here we go.... Cheers to a great 2012!