XiaolinMama

Puttin' It All Together - Bed and Bath Must Haves

It is summer - which means sleeping in! Okay, not really, but it IS more likely to happen this season than any other time throughout the year.  We are rough on our sheets and towels.  With 2 busy kids who spend most of their summer the pool or runnign through sprinklers, the towels get a major workout. Towels need to be up to the test.  We have had our towels (purchased at Macy's) since we've been married.  I knew nothing about towels when I registered for them 13 years ago and had no idea that they would last so long.  I love them, but they are starting to get shabby.  So, I've been on the hunt for something luxurious and sturdy.  Anyone have a brand you can recommend?

The gals at BlogHer launched the latest video in the Putting it All Together series today, where they are discussing some must have for the home. I have no doubt that with Ree and Rhoda sharing secrets that you're bound to learn a few hot tips!

Puttin' It All Together - Real Men

This weekend was Father's Day.  We went out to brekkie, hung out and had dinner at a friend's house. No dishes and no cleaning.  Perfect.  My dear John is a fantastic dad and good husband. My hero in many ways - especially when he wakes up to help the kids and lets me sleep in.
 

The gals at BlogHer launched the latest video in the Putting it All Together series today, where the topic is Heroes.

So check it out and let us all know about a hero in you life.

Putting It All Together - Bed and Bath

We're kicking off a new topic over at BlogHer.  Hosted by Rhoda of Southern Hospitality, we are chatting about Bed and Bath - "Pretty is as pretty does". Love this topic because those two space are constantly on my mind.  I either am thinking about how much I HATE our bathrooms or how much I LOVE the color of my bedroom walls and how much I wish I could stay in bed all day and just look at it.  They just make me happy. (I know I am a dork!)

When we first moved into the house we are living in now, I had BIG plans to knock down a wall, redo the bathrooms and build a patio.  I bought magazines, watched tv remodel shows, asked my interior design friend's opnions and went to open house.  Heck, I started a blog based on checking out other homes just because I wanted an excuse to go on home tours and check out other people's homes.  Alas, my home still looks alot like it did when I bought it because of two things - time and money!  So I have had to recalibrate a little and think more strategically about how to make over a house, when I have little of both - moolah and time, yet plenty of kids to get in the way.

I've got a few tips and am looking for some from you:

Paint: It is cheap, relative to other renovation ideas.  You can go big with doing an entire room with multiple colors or you can go super easy with painting just one wall.  You can bring order to your home by painting a dark color that can cover up grubby finger prints or go bright to bring energy into a room. 

Start with One Focal Point:  Look at your bedroom or bathroom and figure out what could be a simple quick start.  My bedroom is tiny, so I started with the dark bed and the Korean screen from my mother-in-law. I needed something to balance that, so I painted the room a bright, almost tiffany blue.  I loved the dark brown bed set, so I looked for duvet cover that brought complimented it.  When we repainted the room, I wanted a pop of color, so added purple throw pillows. CHEAP from Target, thrown in the basket along with the suntan lotion and cheetos.  Simple updating of a room, without going out of my way.

Lighting:  I bought new lamp shades recently on the same trip above. I think they add a pop of color and texture.  A shade can change a lamp dramatically. These are great examples cause I've had these lamps since before I was married <like a million years ago>. I've just changed the shades 3-4 times to match the room. Did you notice I still have the tags on the lamp shades? Going on 3 weeks and still haven't decided if I like them.  What do you think?

This summer, we are taking on the  kids rooms. Since they will be home from school, my plan is to use  them to do the painting.  Should be entertaining...or a nightmare.  SO, how can you make over your bedroom and bathroom when you have zero time, zero money, and kids running around like crazy?  Would love to hear your thoughts on it!

Puttin' It All Together - Shoes

The sun is finally out here in Northern California (Hello Global Warming!) and so are shorts and flowy skirts.  It was time to bust out some sandals that were not flip flops. But alas, my favorite green wedges are thrashed. Ugh.  There is no wearing them another season. So I've started the hunt for the perfect pair of summer sandals. Thoughts?  Where would you go to find them? 

 I found these cute flats for $12.00 at Payless - seriously! I couldn't believe it.  I scooped 'em so quick I don't think the cashier knew what hit her. They are cute flats that go with jeans, skirts and shorts.  I don't think I'll be walking a marathon in them, but I will look cute on quick jaunt to the froyo shop.

So help me find some cute wedges PLEASE! I need you suggestions on something affordable, that lasts more than one season, neutral to go with every outfit or just plain stunning that I can't resist. 

The conversation continues!  Check out the latest video in the  Putting it All Together series where the gals are talking about their own collections.Don't forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a $100 Macy's gift card.

Putting It All Together - What's it mean to be a "man" today?

The gals the kick butt Holly Burns and brilliant Karen Walrond are chatting this week about "real men". You know the ones we marry after we have "wasted all the lipgloss on dumb, but cute boys".  Real men are the one who get having priorities, like taking out the trash, paying bills and hanging out on Sunday afternoons.  Real men are the ones who get what being a "life partner" means.  At my house it means that John does laundry, picks up kids from school and makes dinner orders take-out as often as I do. It's not all perfect, but we are partners and do our best to keep it (the family and our crazy lives) together.

Now before you all stop reading this post, cuz I've gotten all sappy. I am the first to make fun of my dear husband. He doesn't really match his clothes all that well, he is horrible at picking presents out and is a computer geek. But he was the one who encouraged me to start my own business, and to follow my dreams.  I love him and there are days that I'm just touched by how much of a "man/father" he can really be. 

This weekend, we had two soccer games, two baseball games and the father-daughter dance. While he would much rather be watching the Sharks in the hockey play offs, he spent the afternoon coaching the boys.  Cheering them on, yelling at them and buying post game donuts. He came home from said game and then had to don his one suit to escort our 7 year old daughter to the Father-Daughter dance.  They even got an invitation for pre-dance "Shirley Temples".  The thought of them dancing the macarena and grooving to Taylor Swift cracks me up.  LOL.  The next day he found time in between sports commitments to check in on his ailing father and pick up groceries, while I finished a report. Our life together is hectic, but we've created this madness together and together we muddle through.

In my book, a real man takes care of his family, understands that we are equals (but I am ALWAYS right) and knows when there are times that I just need him to be a hero.  No small feat.  So what do you think it means to be a "man" today? Are our expectations ridiculous?  Are they different from decades past.

Don't forget to check out the Putting it All Together page to see what other gals think.

Puttin' It All Together - Episode 2 Giving Back

I am SO excited to share Episode 2 of the Putting it All Together series, this one is featuring the gorgeous Susan Wagner of Friday Play Date and the amazing Michelle Woo chatting about how they give back to their communities at Ree's House.

It has always been a topic close to my heart.  Many moons ago, I ran a non profit agency, Public Allies, where we worked with young people who wanted to makes a difference in their communities. It was a start up with long hours, but the benefits are still paying off dividends to me personally and our community as a whole. It was an honor and privledge.

As a working mom, my contributions feel much smaller.  It revolves around issues that impact my kids on a daily basis - volunteering with the PTA, coaching soccer, reading in classrooms and leading the scout troop.  I remember prior to having kids, being impressed by a mom I met and commenting about how she was "changing the world".  She laughed and said, "No, I'm just doing mom stuff."  I didn't get it then. But I do now.  It may not feel like I am "feeding thousands of hungry people" or "housing the homeless", community service becomes less of an "optional thing", but part of my everyday kid raising philosophy and how my family operates - helping neighbors, giving donations when possible and building a community one potluck at a time.

What are other things you are doing to "change the world" big or small?

Putting it all Together - Shoes are Like a Window to Your Soul!

We're talking shoes this week here for the Putting it All Together series. This episode is being led by two of my favorite bloggers, Kelly aka Mocha Momma and Ree aka Pioneer Woman.   Be sure to head over there to join in on the fun.  

Since the topic at hand are shoes...I thought I'd take a photo of my perfectly organized shoe closet. And then I realized, my closet is no where near organized. (I apologize for the bad iphone picture - it's dark in there.) Now don't get me wrong.  I am a Virgo. I am pretty darn organized generally. I usually have my shoes arranged into four categories, boots, flats, heels, flip flops and ugg boots.  But life is crazy, so my closet look more like this.  I know, it hurts my eyes too!  But once you get past the mess, you'd find I actually have some pretty darn cute shoes - my leopard print flats, my croc heels and my favorite grey suade boots. Most have a story to tell. You'd also notice that I have more pairs of flip flops than should be allowed.  These are my favorites - $10 on clearance Lucky Brand.  Almost worn everyday, with my yoga pants. 

My husband has learned to look the other way when it comes to shoes.  Seriously, I probably have 50 pairs of shoes.  He has like 4 pairs, the brown pair, the black ones, the running shoes and soccer cleats.  Oh and flip flops!  We ARE married for a reason. heh. But what is it about the typical girl DNA that makes us want - ahem, NEED five pairs of black flats? 

Here are ways I rationalize my obsession:

• Shoes always fit, even after I've eaten a carton of ice cream.  My favorite heels and flats don't care if I am bloated or put on a few pounds.
• Bonding over shoes is the quickest way to a girl's heart.  No matter how icy a gal may be to you at first, compliment her shoes and she let's down her guard. Try it, really! It works, maybe not with a police officer if you are getting a ticket, but try it with sales person and somehow they bend over backwards to help. 
• Shoes say a lot about their owner.  A great pair of stylish heels says you are taking the situation seriously.  She wants to impress, and does cuz she is usually looking confident and actually balancing herself.  Scruffy shoes can say she just doesn't care or maybe that she's just busy - or mama, just paid for summer camp, so had to hold off on buying cute sandals this month.  Knowing the appropriate shoes to wear with an outfit says she is versatile and is prepared for anything.  I wear flip flops with most outfits, I  suppose that my "beach casual style" attitude towards most things translates to my shoes.  My ugg boots say , "I hate being cold".

So why do you think women have shoe obsessions? It's not just me, right?

Don't forget to enter the contest below, where you'll be entered to win a $100 Macy's gift cert!

Putting It All Together - PioneerPalooza Episode 1

Girlfriends, laughter, cowboys, and talk about clothes all make for a perfect afternoon on The Pioneer Woman's Ranch. The gals and I are thrilled to unveil the first episode of the Putting it Together Video Series produced by BlogHer and sponsored by Macy's.  

The goal for the project was is for every day women to chat about how we keep it together or "put it all together".  And I got the opportunity to chat with Loralee and Ree about fashion.  We're not fashion plates (though Loralee and Ree are gorgeous!) and we're not designers.  But like many of our readers, most days we actually have to get out of our jammies and talk to people (even if it is just the Fedex guy sometimes), so looking presentable is key.  

Check out our video and do marvel at how wicked smaht my co-hosts are - cuz you know they are. Thanks everyone for leaving comments and questions, we tried to figure out how to incorporate them into the segment. (Read toughest part of it all!) I had so much fun gettin' dolled up and talking that I plum forgot to be nervous or worry about how dumb I sounded until I got home. Gah!

In honor of some of the tips I've picked from many of my favorite bloggers, here's a list of some of my favorite style and fashion bloggers.  Some are super fancy and others are more of the "gals" sharing what works for them. Hope you love them as much as I do.  Special thanks to SueBob and Elz, who also shared their faves with me on Twitter!

• She's Still Got It
• Friday Play Date
• Wiksten-Made
• Maggie's Mighty Closet
• Petit Elephant
• Sartorialist
  
• DesignMom
• Godammit

Got any others to add to the list?  Would love to check them out!   

BTW: I posted a tour of the Pioneer Woman's Lodge up on Lookiloos.

Check it out.

Be sure to check out the rest of the series which now moves over to Friday Play Date. The lovely Susan is leading the charge and asking us all to weigh in on how we "give back" to our communities. Leave a comment there and your thoughts just may end up on the video!

Puttin' It All Together - Episode 2 From You With Love

For the past month, we've been chattin' fashion - whether it is in yoga pants or a Little Black Dress many of us have strong opinions on boundaries on what to wear when and what trends should not come back. LOL!  It has been a blast.  This week, I am headed off to meet Loralee at Ree's ranch to chat more about how we put our daily looks together (Doesn't it sound like we are all BFFs - oh we will be when we are done! Ha!)  So I need your questions and thoughts - please leave me a comment on what you think we should all chat about and what questions you may have and want us to dish about.  Squeeeee!!   Girl talk time - but on camera.  (hmmm...I need to lose a quick 50 lbs between now and then.  Aack!)  Seriously, LEAVE ME A COMMENT WITH YOUR QUESTIONS! I desperately need your help not looking like a dork on this project.

So the chatter for Episode 2 is moving on over to the amazing Susan Wagner's spot on the internets, FridayPlayDate.  We'll all be discussing how we give back to our communities.

How do you give back? BlogHer is a community that gives back. Some of us give money or time, some lead the PTA or bake cookies to raise funds for a sick child, others pick up trash at the local playground or coach the little league team. Whatever your giving personality may be, it is unique to you. How are you giving back? Tell us the ways big and small in which you make a difference in the lives around you and in your communities.

So go on over, check it out and be part of the convo.  I can't wait to hear your thoughts! 

Don't forget to enter the contest below - $100 Macy's gift cards given away each week!

Getting Dressed Up for a Night Out

It's clear that we love our jeans and yoga pants!  BUT, there are times when we must get gussied up and I admit it - I love it.  When I was younger the epitome of dressing up was getting ready for prom! I remember pining over the perfect dress for months - looking through magazines and combing the mall.  While I may have thought I looked awesome that night; looking back, clearly all those hours of worry were not worth it.  I shoulda focused on classic looks and great jewelry, rather than the height of my hair, ruffles and whether the corsage matched my date's bow tie, which of course matched my dress.  LOL!   (BTW - You must check out mah girl Kristy's new blog Promtacular, where the BEST prom pictures have been unearthed and become fodder for all our enjoyment.) 

Today for most smart gals, dressing up to "go out" is more about comfort and fit.  I wear jeans most of the time, but am also ready for when the occasion calls for cocktail dresses or something more fancy.  I have a few key Little Black Dresses, just in case I need something quick - a classic shift dress from Jones New York, a fitted cotton sundress from Target and a wrap dress from Shabby Apple. All can be dressed up or down with jewelry and shoes.  City Mama and Dear Bad Kitty are my makeup go-tos and have shared their secrets on applying false eyelashes, which is my newest favorite accessory!

But there are times when I am looking for something special, and that requires looking in unique places.  I love going to thrift shops for vintage jewelry.  But that requires wading through a ton of junk and some days that is just not happening. So I have discovered Ebay! Check out these great time outfits that are for sale now. 

   

Both for sale at the Thriftwares Shop on Ebay

You can also find more formal outfits like this vintage 50s silk floral cocktail dress ... who would not look awesome in this dress?  Starting bid $70 at the Red House Vintage Shop on Ebay.

Ebay is such a treasure trove.  But be warned remember the rule of anti-prom dressing - classic styles, high quality and nice jewelry are key. Cuz you don't want to find this on your doorstep. While it may look good on some of you, it would look like I escaped from the Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome movie set.  Admit it you all want "this python detailed bandeau bandage dress with gem stone strap details".  It is sure to take GNO in a whole 'nutha direction.

FYI: The other option for a new look for a night out is checking out your girl friend's closets! I have found many an item in my roommate's side of the room:)

So where do YOU go for outfits when you do need to gussy up?  The Mall, online, vintage shops or your sister's closet?  What am I am missing? Any must-check out shops?

Don't forget to enter the contest below - $100 Macy's gift cards given away each week!