Winter Break Fun!

Anyone else's kids have to always be on the go? Mine like to be out and about and definitely take after me. We are always looking for new places to try and check out or that are highly recommended.

My friend passed this rink the other day and asked us if we wanted to try it out. I had never heard of it and don't go past this area very often. The day we were supposed to go it rained so we didn't end up going and since then the girls have been bugging to go try it out.

This is the Dodge Park Ice Rink located in Sterling Heights. We arrived at around 10:30 (it opened at 10:00) to find it pretty empty except for a few other skaters. The admission is $5 and I didn't have to pay since I wasn't skating. There are plenty of places to sit and put on skates. They also have lockers to store items and a bathroom. They have the ice trainers for the little ones that aren't comfortable on the ice without holding on. I watched the staff offer them to skaters that seemed like they might benefit from them without even having to ask. The facility is very nice. The actual rink is open air but does have a cover over the top.

The staff was extremely friendly. The gentlemen on the ice made small talk a few times and any time someone was entering or exiting the ice he would try to open the gates for them. The girls working at the counter were friendly and when I paid for myself (thinking I was supposed to even watching) she corrected it and gave me my money back.

Across from the rink they have these fire pits and benches, which were super nice and warm. I did see a few other people take advantage of them that were watching grandkids skate.

This is a very nice facility and we will definitely be back! I highly recommend it if you are looking for a nice, close outdoor rink.

Last Party of the year!

Dress//Boots//Earrings//Ring//Bag (old, linked similar)

I can't believe Christmas is already over! It seemed to come and go so fast. Summer ended up being sick on Christmas Eve night and I was up till 3 am taking care of her. Luckily, she bounced back quickly on Christmas Day and so far Lily and I have not gotten it. The last few days have been filled with cleaning and disinfecting the entire house.

We aren't quite sure yet what we are going to do on New Year's Eve. Most of the time the girls and I lay low because I don't like to be on the roads with the partiers. I just feel safer at home. I did see this outfit though that would be perfect if we did decide to head out and wanted to share.

This dress is so flattering! I love the ruche detail on the front of this dress. Between the ruche detail and the satin material I think the dress is so flattering.

When I purchased this dress and was browsing the site I came across these boots that are so fun! Who doesn't love a little sparkle on New Years? It is breaks up the all black look. I also found this pair that are equally as fun.

Anyone have any super fun plans for New Year's Eve? Do you stay in or normally go out? I personally will probably be in these and in bed by ten!

My favorite time of the year

Top (I am wearing petite xs but comes in reg and tall sizes)//Sequin pants (old H&M, linked similar)//Bow //Coat (Similar) //Gloves//Heels 

I love going to Downtown Detroit during the holidays, especially the Campus Martius area. We usually do a girl's night and see a show and then have dinner and walk around the area. The girls and I also love to go ice skating on the rink. This year Lily even went and worked in Capitol Square at the Mitten Crate pop up store. I just love the vibe in that whole area. It smells like a bonfire and there is cute holiday décor all over. It is the perfect place to just walk around and take in the sites, shop, or grab a cup of coffee and people watch. 

This outfit is a favorite of mine for holiday gatherings. I love sequins at Christmas. I think it is so festive. My pants are a few years old, but I still pull them out and wear them every year. In Michigan, it is hard to wear cute dresses because it is so cold, I like that I can put on these sparkly pants and still get that dressed up look without freezing. 

I have worn these pants with a lot of different tops, but this is probably one of my favorites. I love the high/low of this top. I like my butt to be covered when I wear leggings so this is a perfect shirt. I opted for a petite size in this shirt and it fit just perfect. I love when stores offer a petite option because it usually fits better. 

My hair bow is the same one from my post the other day. I love that it just dresses up the outfit. This again, was an easy hair style to achieve. 

Of course I had to add a little leopard to my outfit because I love all leopard print! 

What are some of your favorite holiday activities? Any hidden gems in Detroit I should check out? Let me know! 

Widow Wednesday--Holidays as a single, only parent

Christmas for me is absolutely draining. Ray was diagnosed Christmas Eve, so that has always put a huge damper on what used to be my favorite holiday. As I said in an earlier post, his diagnosis was more like the day he died to me because he was never the same. That aside holidays when you are a single, only parent are a struggle.

What should be a joyous family day you are constantly reminded of that huge part that is missing. No matter how many people you are surrounded by that emptiness never goes away. There are always the feelings of missing out. What he is missing out on, what my girls and I are missing out on with him not here. He LOVED the holidays, didn't matter what holiday it was. So that makes it even tougher. Being surrounded by whole family units and seeing the photos on facebook etc. you see the part that is missing. What my girls are missing out on by not having their Dad. Even divorced families, most spend time with both sides and aren't missing that part of their life.

I always imagined spending a day Christmas shopping with my husband as they got older. Talking excitedly about what we were buying for them. Putting up the decorations as a family. I have downsized my tree and decorations because it is so hard for me to do alone. I have been offered help, but relying on others hasn't always turned out for the best. Waiting for a time when they are free to help instead of when we want to do it. Elf on the shelf, playing Santa are all extra difficult when you all sleep in the same room and are light sleepers. Thankfully, the girls have a great group of aunts and uncles that are up to help with that challenge.

Trying to make time to see everyone is hard and tiring. I am only one person to be driving from one place to another. Getting them dressed, food together, presents in the car, etc. My time before Christmas is swamped by photoshoots. I am constantly working or taking the girls to activities or helping with schoolwork. I don't have the help other people have. Even divorced families normally have rotating schedules and a break. In between I am cleaning, wrapping presents, and trying to make memories. I am not complaining because I would do anything for my kids, but it is tiring. I know a lot of people also have busy schedules but when you are also the only person to be worrying about all of this without anyone to talk to about any of it it causes strain on my mental health. It is exhausting.

I also never thought that one of our stops on the holidays would have to be to a cemetery. We see Ray every holiday. The girls like to bring books to read and depending on the occasion make him new flowers. Yes, we make our own arrangements so they can pick out things that are meaningful to put in the arrangement. This is something we would never skip doing no matter how busy we are.

I have started to learn that as time has gone by sometimes it is easiest to stop and do what is best for the girls and I and not worry about everyone else. Hard because I naturally do, but saying no sometimes has to be done. I am only one person and do most things on my own. I am all the girls have and have to be a happy, healthy mom for them.

I know the holidays are draining for everyone, but sometimes it is best to slow down and just enjoy things at home.

Holiday Hair

Super fun post today for the blog with holiday hair ideas! A HUGE thank you to Jeni from Kimi K Salon and Spa in Downtown Rochester for styling my hair for the shoot. If you are looking for someone that is great with updos (or really anything hair related) she is definitely your girl.

She did some easy, quick hair styles that are great for all types of holiday events. Each one took under 10 mins. Before doing any of the styles she quickly curled my hair to give it some waves and then all the styles were created from that base.

Black Velvet Bow 

This was probably my favorite look and it was so easy to achieve. I bought a few of these bows a while back and wore one for Thanksgiving. Since buying these bows I have been seeing them all over Instagram. They are something so easy to add for something a little extra. For this style she braided both sides of my hair and brought them across my head and secured with a rubber band and then added the bow clip. 

Sparkle Comb //Leaf Barrette

This is a really easy, classic look. All she did was take the braid out and add the clips for a little sparkle. Doesn't get much easier than this!

Small Velvet Bow

If you can't tell I am a bit obsessed with braids! The top was pulled over and pinned and then the rest was achieved with a very loose braid. After braiding it she pulled the pieces to make it even looser and added another bow to the end.

Jeweled Bobby Pins

This look is perfect for a dinner party or more elegant affair. She pulled my hair into a loose bun at the nape of my neck and added a few pins. A little messy and pieces left out up front make it put together without being overdone.

Anyone going to an ugly sweater party? Another braid across the crown of my head and then this light up necklace was pinned in. How fun is that!?

Hair Glitter

This look would be perfect for a night on the town or New Year's Eve, but more than likely you will find me on the couch watching Hallmark movies. Unless you can find me a bar that serves mochas and donuts and has on the Hallmark channel. A low pony and glitter was all this look needed to have me looking a little extra. 

Hopefully this post will inspire some holiday hair looks for you. I didn't realize that I could look so glam with only a few simple hair accessories and about 10 mins. 

Holiday Outfit

Coat //Leggings//Sweater //Booties//Scarf//Gloves//Hat//Earrings

I wore this outfit this week while visiting one of my favorite places...Frankenmuth. If you are local then I am sure you are familiar with this little Bavarian Village with their famous chicken dinners and huge Christmas store. I have been here more times than I can count, but don't remember ever being here at Christmas. It was the perfect time to visit! Everything was decorated inside and out. Visiting Bronner's, the famous Christmas store, really put me in the holiday mood. I, of course, couldn't leave without eating a chicken lunch. This location was a perfect spot to shoot a holiday outfit, but I am sure I had another motive. If you know me you know I could live on fried chicken.

I wanted to wear a warm, comfy, festive outfit for the day trip. Do you see a common theme in my posts? Warm and comfortable are definitely my go-to outfit choices. This outfit was no exception. A few of the items I styled for this outfit were from last year, but even the ones that are more recent have been sold out. I tried to find similar items to link. I love the mixed pattern look of the leopard and plaid. Plaid to me always screams holidays! The red sweater was a Zara kid's section find from last year. I have worn it with so many different bottoms. I always check the kid's section when I am looking for things. Being tiny has its advantages when it comes to shopping. The pieces are normally cheaper and sometimes even fit my petite size better than adult sizes.

I have another fun holiday post coming up tomorrow! I am so happy to finally be able to get back to doing some blogging again. If you have anything you would like to read about or see let me know!

Widow Wednesday--What life is like when you hear it is terminal (at least for me)

When I heard the words terminal, was when Ray died to me. Life after that diagnosis was never the same. He was never the same person after that. He didn't want to believe it was true and that he could beat it. I tried to stay positive as I watched him get sicker and sicker.

My one-time big broad husband, was now skinnier and weighed less than I did. He was able to do less and less. He went from trying to at least live somewhat normal to sleeping all day.

The day he was diagnosed was the day he died to me. I still mourn that day more than I think I do his actual day he died. After that day we were just waiting for him to die in my eyes. Time stood still. Everyday was the same. Living in a sick world with no escape and all our hopes and dreams going with it. It is such a helpless feeling to be around someone that you know is dying. You can never do enough, you can't save them. I felt guilty for crying and telling him all my fears of losing him and living without him. I wasn't the one dying he shouldn't be burdened by my feelings. It was hard not to cry though when you watch someone be that sick and nothing is helping. The only thing that will help is finally dying and being at peace.

Since he didn't want to admit he was getting sicker and sicker he tried to still maintain doing the things he had always done. He didn't want me to handle any of the bills or banking. He continued to talk about the future and how his biggest regret was working too much. He wasn't going to work so much and would cry over it. How he finally realized that it wasn't worth it like I had always told him. That was our one argument we would have...that he was always working. He continued to talk about the future and how when he was better he wanted to take a trip.

It wasn't until he was on hospice did he finally admit he wasn't getting better. He tried during that time to show me all his online codes, switch bank accounts, etc. I hear some people say that it is better to know someone is dying because you have time to tell each other everything. That isn't always true because talking about it makes it real and he wasn't accepting it and I didn't want him to think I was giving up on him either. It wasn't till the very end did we talk and it was very little. He had little energy to even talk. He told me things about who he wanted our daughters around in his family and his wishes regarding their upbringing. He also told me he never wanted me to be like my Grandma and stay single the rest of my life because he knew I would and just focus on the girls. He said I deserved happiness again. I just wish some of what he did tell me he told others and I wasn't supposed to be the person to relay his wishes. I still haven't told people what he has said because it would hurt feelings. Being a widow you are left with so much more than just the loss.

Widow Wednesday--What I wish Ray knew before he died

I left this for my last post for stomach cancer awareness month because it is still the part of the story for our family that isn't finished. This is something that causes anxiety for me everyday. People ask why I let my kids each so much junk? Why I don't do things for myself more often? A lot of it all has to do with this very thing...they may also carry the gene. I fear everyday that they could get sick. That they may not be able to eat certain things. I never want to see them go through what their Dad went through. I know he would have done anything for his girls, including get cancer and die so that they could have the chance to survive. If he had to be the one to die for the family to find out they carried the gene he would have volunteered. I am a little ahead of myself so I am going to start back at the beginning.

When Ray was diagnosed all the doctors said the same thing, he was young and healthy and stomach cancer was never even a thought. Stomach cancer had been on the rise though in young, Italian males. A genetic doctor came in and asked if Ray wanted to be part of a study to see if he carried the gene for stomach cancer. His Grandfather had died of cancer, as well as his Grandfather's brother but both were in their 80's. The doctor didn't think that there was going to be a link and he just was "unlucky". There was never even a thought not to do the testing if we could find out the why he got sick we would do it. A neighbor had told us that some other neighbors were also going through cancer treatments too. I was an anxious mess thinking it was in the soil or in something where we lived. I wanted to move. The testing would answer some questions.

The testing would be done and sent to Canada and would take quite a while for results we were told. Unfortunately, it took almost a year for results and in that time Ray had already died. He never found out that he carried the gene for stomach cancer. It wasn't a matter of if he was going to get it just when. Since he had to get the gene from a parent and his grandfather had died from a similar cancer we knew his mom must also be carrying the gene. She was tested, as well as her sister, her sister's daughter, and all Ray's siblings. His mom was sure to be positive since he had to get the gene from someone, but the rest had 50/50 chance. As I said earlier if you have the gene it isn't whether or not you will get it, but when. With the gene there is also a higher incidence of a few other cancers occurring.

Of the tested his mom, aunt, and oldest brother all carried the gene. The recommendation if you carry the gene is to remove the stomach. Since the cancer starts in the inside layers it is usually silent until it is too late and progressed. All opted to have their stomachs removed quite quickly. It was scary and we didn't know what to expect. His mom has done the best of the three with very little obstacles. They do have things that make them sick and they can't tolerate. Not having a stomach can also cause some deficiencies and shots are needed. All in all they are all doing well. Adjusting to the new lifestyle and learning what they can and can't tolerate seems to have been the hardest for them all.

My girls can't be tested until they are 18. Most people are thinking about what their kids will be doing when they graduate school at 18 all I can think about is whether they will have to have this major surgery. I also worry if they get the cancer before they have the surgery. Statistics have shown that it rarely occurs before the age of 18, but what if they get it? The one true positive is that at least we know that they have this chance and hopefully it can be prevented. I know their Dad would have died for everyone like he did, for them to all have a chance at life.

The shoe that looks way more expensive!

Plaid Tunic (on sale)//Fur Vest (links to other colors)//Hat (on sale)//Boots

A random mid-day post! I have been so busy shooting sessions and working on wreaths (I work for my friend that owns an Etsy shop) and I haven't had time to put as much effort into the blog. This is just a hobby so it takes the backseat. I did want to do a quick post with these boots though. Every time I wear them I get stopped and asked where they are from. They must look more expensive than they are! Almost everyone thinks they are Ugg or from Nordstrom and are shocked to hear where I bought them. They also come in black and in a flat style.

The shirt I am wearing, as well as the hat, are both 50% right now if you have a card from the store or 40% with any form of payment. My faux fur vest is out of stock in the color I am wearing, but I linked to the other colors. It is so warm and an easy layer.

Hoping to get some more posts done in between all my craziness! Anything you guys would like to see? Christmas decorations, gift guides, holiday outfits? Let me know!

Widow Wednesday--Stomach Cancer Warning Signs

In my earlier posts, I talked about Ray and how he was feeling and some of his symptoms. In most cases stomach cancer doesn't have any signs until it is advanced. We knew his signs seemed to say cancer, but we didn't know what to ask for. We trusted that the doctors were doing their jobs and doing the right tests and treatments. In today's post I hope to just bring awareness to the signs and symptoms and remind everyone you are your only advocate. If you aren't feeling better ask for tests to be done. We were under the impression he was having the testing done that he needed. If we had known a scope from the throat down would have found the cancer it could have been found months earlier.

Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer can include:

• Indigestion, heartburn or ulcer-type symptoms
• Difficulty swallowing
• Abdominal pain or vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
• Nausea and vomiting and/or bloating after meals
• Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue
• Sense of fullness after eating small amounts of food (also called early satiety)
• Symptoms may mimic other conditions, such as GERD, gastritis or peptic ulcer
• Ascites (buildup of fluid in the abdomen) 

I found the above information on nostomachforcancer.org, but they were all experienced by Ray. These signs and symptoms could also mean other things, but if you do experience these please don't just take that it is IBS as an answer, especially if after treatment it doesn't get better. 

Thanksgiving Outfit

Black Turtleneck//Plaid Pants (Forever21 in store)//Hat (linked similar, mine is old)//Shoes (mine are old, linked other options)//Fur loafer

Ok, before I even talk about the outfit can I talk about the photos!? Summer took these! My little 11 year old. She even chose the angles etc. to shoot. I didn't even direct her! I needed to do a post and she had 1/2 a day at school, so I asked if she would shoot a few. Not expecting much, we set out to take them before I did a little boy's session in the location. I couldn't believe when I uploaded them what a great job she did! Maybe I should hire her?

Onto the outfit. I wanted something comfortable, but still a bit dressy. I had to have something WARM because I am always freezing. This outfit fits the bill and can also be worn on other days and not just Thanksgiving. It would be a perfect outfit for work or a night out. The pants and top are made of a super soft fabric and are warm. I like that the turtleneck is fitted and can be tucked into the pants and have worn it with other pants. I actually sized up in the pants so I had a little extra room to tuck (or maybe room for desserts?) and for them to hang a little. My normal size fit perfectly. I had the outfit paired with black heels and a black leather jacket for a classier look, but when I took the pictures I actually had on my Zara slip on furry flats. I think they made the outfit more comfortable and less dressy.

Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving? How do you prefer to dress? I will do a post next week with my outfit from last year since the pieces are still in store.

Stomach cancer awareness month

This month is stomach cancer awareness month so I wanted to take time to give statistics, warning signs, and also how this has impacted our family. Over the next few posts I hope to bring some awareness to this disease.

If you are like me, stomach cancer wasn't a cancer I had even heard of. It is the 3rd leading cause of all cancer deaths and the 5th most common worldwide, yet I had never really heard of it. When Ray was diagnosed there were so many questions, the obvious being why? and how? Did he do something to cause this? Luckily, this was answered for the family. The answer came months after he had already passed. This is one thing I had always wished he had known. I will cover all that in another post.

Today's post I just wanted to bring awareness to it and give some statistics. Next week's post I will give some of the warning signs. I wish we had known them and knew what to ask for when he was in and out of the doctor's appointments. That may have made a difference in the outcome. Not being in the typical age range of a person to be diagnosed, the opportunity was missed to be accurately diagnosed in the earlier stages. I plan to do a post on how the disease still impacts our family and can in the future.

What to wear to cheer on your favorite team!

Football Sweatshirt//Football Tank//Jeans//Tennis shoe

In Michigan, we are a huge sport's state. I am sure everyone owns at least one item supporting a team. Growing up we were huge Michigan fans. My Dad graduated from U of M and had season tickets for 40 years and then I went to U of M and had season tickets. Every Saturday meant throwing on our Michigan gear and heading to the game or cheering them on in front of the tv. As I got older I wanted items that could be worn to other events but still supported our team or the game. I now own lots of just Detroit gear that I can wear to any of the games I go to.

I found this outfit while browsing Target one day. I love the sports theme, but it doesn't scream one team. Maybe a good outfit to wear to an away game to avoid heckling haha. It can be worn for college or NFL games. I paired it with my favorite denim from Nordstrom. They have just the right amount of stretch. The shoes were online only but of course I loved the leopard print so I scooped them up. I always had to run to and from the stadium to keep up with my Dad and his long legs, so comfortable shoes were a must. These shoes would have been perfect for those days! I also wear leopard as a pop to outfits, so these shoes will be worn with lots of different outfits to give it a little something more.

What do you prefer to wear to a game? Do you like team items or more versatile ones?

Getting ready for the holidays

Pink Satin Top//Denim Jeans//Sequin Jacket//Faux Leather Pants//Glitter Boots

Now that Halloween is over, I can't help but start thinking about my holiday looks. I featured this shirt in my post on Monday (which I wasn't planning to do) but I love how versatile it is and planned to wear it in a few looks to show different ways it can be worn.

I had it dressed down in my post from Monday with tennis shoes and my teddy coat. Perfect for running errands or a casual day. 

My first look in this post I dressed it up with glitter boots. If you haven't checked out Call it Spring you should. They are owned by the same company as Aldo and have stylish choices with a lower price point. These boots are super fun and add just enough to the outfit to make it dressy without being over the top. Although I probably was a little extra at pickup at school that day in this outfit. 

The last look is a full on party, going out look. I paired it with this sequin, fur jacket. For me sequins and fur just scream the holidays. The black faux leather leggings take it over the top. I happened to score these at Nordstrom Rack recently after the zipper broke on the pair I had. These are super soft on the inside and a little thicker, so they are a little warmer. They also just pull on and have a nice stretch to them. 

I have a few other holiday outfit ideas planned to share including last year's Thanksgiving outfit (pieces are all still in stock!) and the one I plan to wear this year. What are some other things you guys would like to see on the blog as I plan? I love to hear different ideas! Leave me a comment below or contact me through one of my other social media sites. 

Widow Wednesday--New everyday life

For the next few months things were very monotonous. The girls were staying with my parents at this time and I would go every day to see them. It broke my heart that they were staying there and I hated to leave them every day. Ray couldn't handle the noise (even the little bit they would make) or them trying to play with him. He didn't have the energy or the strength and asked if they could just stay with them. He liked to visit my parent's house and almost every day we would go over there to see the girls and eat dinner or just get out of the house.

My days consisted of keeping the house clean because I was worried any little germ could potentially be fatal. We were also constantly emptying bags of fluids. My house began to have a "sick" smell. If I did bring the girls over I made sure they sanitized like crazy and everything was clean. If we had gone to a play place I would bring them in and strip them down as soon as we entered the house and throw them straight in the bath. If you ever wonder why I am so bothered by bringing kids sick to activities this is why. I remember one day taking Lily to her gymnastics class and the other little girl was visibly sick and running a fever. She was crying and her nose was running. The mom told us she couldn't handle being in the house one more day, she had had sick kids for 2 weeks at home. I never told anyone our situation but at this point I couldn't help but tell her how if my daughter now got whatever it is that her daughter had it could land my husband in the hospital or kill him. She was so apologetic and said she never thought of it like that. I still to this day keep my kids home from activities if they aren't feeling right because it isn't worth it you never know who you can come in contact with.

His mom stayed with us for the first little while too. After a short time we realized it wasn't really necessary. He would just sleep most of the time or watch tv. My days were filled with just hanging around in case he needed something.

Monday was chemo day and also Summer's dance class. In the beginning his mom and I would go with him. Sometimes it would be a quick trip just for chemo, other days it would be a very long day with fluids or appointments. He would sit in the chair and sleep and we would read. It was so hard going to these appointments and getting into the waiting room and being the youngest ones in the waiting room. Majority of the patients were quite a bit older and doing "well". Most would be beating the cancer with treatment and not just prolonging their life with it. It was a hard thing to do every week. After a while his sister decided to come too and three people sitting in a room didn't make sense. I started to take Summer to her dance classes every now and then. It was refreshing to be doing something "normal" and to go back to being a mom. I felt like I was missing out on so much by not being with them but also struggled with not being with him. I talked to him about it and he agreed it didn't make sense for everyone to go and I was doing the right thing.

During this time he became sicker and sicker. Weight continued to drop and he began throwing up everything he ate as the tumor wrapped around his intestines and the food had no place to go, but back up. They decided at this point to put a tube down his throat that came out his stomach and whatever he ingested would go through the tube and into a bag that would have to be emptied. He reminded me of a doll. Everything you put in came right back out. He also had to be put on food bags for nourishment. I remember him being in the hospital and all upset and the nurse telling me he wasn't dying and that this would help him. Every time things progressed I knew we were closer to him dying. I continued to be an anxious mess.

I wasn't trained in the medical field I couldn't hook up food bags and disconnect them. I couldn't clean the tubes, etc. What if I messed up and killed him? At the very beginning of his journey his first chemo appointment he couldn't even walk and was out of it. We found out he had been given the wrong dose of medication and his blood pressure was so low if he wouldn't have come in for chemo he might have died. He ended up needing a ton of fluids that day. I asked for an outside company to come in and assistant with all training because we were all too invested and I wanted to make sure feelings didn't get in the way of doing what was right. Now my days were even more structured around caring for him. I had to wake up at a certain time every day to hook up his food and go to bed at a certain time every day to take it off. He lived on 7-11 Slurpees one of the few things that he could tolerate that wouldn't make him sick.

Every now and then he would get a craving for some type of food because he could no longer eat. One day he was craving Salsarita's burrito. He insisted I take him to get one and he was going to blend it up and drink it. Can you imagine wanting something so bad you would be willing to blend it up and drink it? I remember going into the restaurant and the stares from the employees and customers. He probably weighed under 100 lbs at this point and had ashy skin. I just remember asking for extra sauce because we needed to blend the burrito and make it more of a liquid and the lady looking at me like I was crazy. He did end up blending the burrito and drinking it. Now when people ask me why I let my kids eat junk all the time...this is why. What if one day they can't have it?

The "it" coat for fall

Pink top//Jeans (similar, mine were bought in store and can't find online)//Coat

I am completely obsessed with coats. I mean, we live in Michigan! No one sees your outfit most of the time anyway, they only see your coat. I am always cold so I look for coats that are warm and also a bit longer. This coat became popular last year, but I didn't jump on the train of owning one. This year I was browsing Forever 21 and happened to see this coat and at a great price point. I knew this could be dressed up or dressed down and is super neutral. I have pretty much not taken this off since I bought it. 

It is warm and I can wear my chunky sweaters under it without a problem. I wore this jacket for multiple photos the day I was shooting outfit pictures, so you will probably be seeing a lot of it in blog posts. Since it became quite popular last year I have been seeing it at all different price points this year. I am going to link a few more options of this coat beneath. 

Kensie Teddy Coat

Boohoo Teddy Coat

Lulu Teddy Coat

Shein $31 Teddy Coat

Shein Kid's Clothes Review

I did a Shein review the other day, but wanted to do a separate review on the kid's section. If you know me, you know I am always looking for new trendy retailers for the girl's clothes. As I was surfing through Shein's website I noticed a new kid's section and was instantly excited! I grabbed Lily (my little shopper) and we started to go through the section. They have so many amazing things at a great price point.

Lily has worn Shein for 1st day of school, school pictures, and now for my holiday promo shoot. Like the adult clothes, I measure the girls and order according to the chart and so far everything has been accurate. They have worn all the items a few times each and only one piece I had to resew a seam it came undone. I was worried about the pearl pants and those have gone through the wash (hung to dry) quite a few times and none of the pearls have fallen off.

I actually own the same button up Lily is wearing in a few of the pictures and was planning on doing a mom and me shoot but haven't had time yet. As I was looking through the site they actually have quite a few items in both the kids and the adult section. I love to dress the same as them, when they let me ;)

The first photo was taken as part of my holiday promo shoot for my photography business and I am in LOVE with Lily's outfit in that one. The jacket is adorable with the fur trim. My favorite item that Summer has is in the bottom photo. The white lace dress is so pretty and is a nice, thick, soft material.

Would you guy's want me to do a post with some of my other holiday photo outfit picks? Or other items we have saved? Leave me a comment!

Click here to go directly to the girl's section!