Monday, March 31, 2014

Mama and Mini Style {gothic florals}

Ahhh! It's springy outside and we're feeling gooood. And every word is made much longer in response to our content and happinessssss. It's that long breathy sigh that can't help but escape each time you try to speak. I'm sure if you're a local you're doing/feeling it too. Lots of "suuuuun" and "waaaaarm" and "don't distuuuuurb meeeee". It's lovely.

Found this sweet little scuba skirt. At least that's what I'm calling it cause it's that rubbery scuba suit type fabric and if I was brave enough to dive deep into the ocean and swim with the sharks, I'd want to wear this. Definitely. But what originally caught my eye was the print. Beautiful flowers and butterflies in darker colors, worthy of outfitting the most beautiful of vampire Transylvanian princesses.
{mama: blazer - Gap, necklace - Express, tank and skirt - Target, shoes - Zara
mini: cardi - knit by great grandma, dress - Zara Kids, shoes - Sweet Pea's (GB)}

Friday, March 28, 2014

Overalls {forever!}


 {overalls - Free People, , shirt - J. Crew, scarf - Target, shoes - Old Navy}
Yes I'm still wearing these overalls, even though you thought they were going to be a one hit wonder. I know you did. ;) Lucky for me though, they're still a great go-to for a casual day. Super comfy, super cute. And that's all I require of everyday, unfussy, casual clothes. They simply MUST still be cute. I don't need beautiful but I do need cute. We can save beautiful clothes for the weekends. If we must.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

A Weekend Filled With Birthday Parties!

My sister's family celebrated 2 birthdays last weekend, as they had grandparents from Tulsa visiting and wanted to have them enjoy the festivities too! So we all helped Daena to put together 2 amazing parties for her kids, first for Jude who turned 1 and then for Adorlee who turned 6. You may remember from a few previous posts detailing some of our birthday parties in year's past, that our family LOVES to throw a party and tend to go ALL OUT for our kid's celebrations. This is especially the case in their early years and it seems that as they grow older (hit about the 8 and up range), that the parties are more intimate gatherings with smaller groups of friends and far simpler, which is also nice. But while they're little, we rock those parties!

(Here are a few loads of my favorite parties we've thrown - Elliot's 1st "little man" birthday - Monty's 4th birthday "swim party"  -Elliot's "superhero" 4th birthday - Parker's 7th birthday "Christmas party" - Daena's 30th birthday "white party" - Adorlee's "ballerina" 3rd birthday )

Let's first take a look at Jude's first "pow wow". It was perfect. He loved every minute of it and even wore his little feathered headband without ripping it off in the first seconds. I made the feathered headbands for the kids and decorated the room for Daena, while my younger sister put together the dream catchers (I slightly abhorrent job I hear) and the grandmas helped with food prep and cleaning. We all made it happen! (Daena received her 3rd round of chemo the day before Jude's party, so we all tried to help her as much as we could).
Details: 
Jude's head band - Kelli Murray
Others - supplies from Hobby Lobby
Dream Catcher supplies - Oriental Trading
Balloons & fringe garlands - Party City
Cake and ice cream cone teepees - The Amazing Cupcake 

And the day after, Adorlee's "cake" party. What you're looking at below is an impromptu performance by the party goers. And of course you are right, it is indeed "Let it Go". How could it be anything else. Each girl belted her heart out, sometimes added punches into the sky. And Charlie couldn't resist joining for a minute too. Scarlet and I swayed and twirled as their voices rang into a great crescendo. ;)
I thought I'd take a moment here to share an update on Daena's story. Do you remember the last post I wrote about her? I mentioned that she would be having another scan to see where her cancer was at ... how much it might have shrunk. And I said something like, wouldn't it be awesome if they said it was gone?! Well, it is. The tumor is gone. 100% completely gone. She has no cancer in her body. After just 2 chemo treatments. We give God all the praise for her speedy healing and are so awed by how He has made Himself so very present and real during these last months. He has taken this awful thing and made it an opportunity to grow our faith and to make us feel incredible, crazy huge love from Him. There are so many times in our lives when our faith in God is just there, simply because we have chosen to believe. It's those days when we see through the glass darkly, I suppose. But then there are these astonishing instants when He's suddenly very, very clear and you have that chance to experience a face to face moment with God. He heard our prayers and He reached out and touched her, wiping it all away. So thank you again for those words you lifted up on Daena's behalf. When hundreds of people agree together in prayer, so many powerful miracles take place. We've seen it in the life of a new baby named Pierce (once again, unbelievable healing in his body) and we've seen it here with Daena.

She will continue with her 3 remaining chemo treatments. There are several reasons for this but the best I can give you (in my own words) is that it's not something we and her docs would want to mess with. Like a round of antibiotics that eradicates an infection, you don't just stop taking them. You finish the course. And I believe that cancer is pretty sneaky, so she's going to make sure there's not opportunity for it to be hanging around somewhere unseen.

Lots of love to everyone. Thank you for being such incredible family, friends, and support to her. Please know that while she is free from cancer, these continued treatments are still often really hard. She has days where she feels really good but then many where she is still tired and weak, sometimes nauseas, etc. Life is certainly not normal yet and she's laying low, keeping away from the hugs and hands shakes while tummy bugs and colds pass in a whirlwind around church and school (and Target!). All of your texts, voicemails, and cards have meant so much and she has cherished every word. She may not always be able to get back in touch with people the way she would like to (I can barely do it myself with just an average amount of texts and emails to deal with!), but please know that you are appreciated. And these updates here can help keep you all in the loupe from time to time, when the Gus' are not able to let you know themselves. One day we'll have a big thank you party for everyone who sent a card and a meal and flowers and blankets and prayers. Since we love throwing parties and all! Right?! :)

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The Stylish Traveler {for YOU mag}

Hi friends! Just thought I'd share some more pictures from the style feature that recently printed with YOU magazine. This article was such a blast to write as it allowed me ample opportunity to sit and day dream about one of my favorite things, adventures in travel. So I think I'll share the article with you too … Here we go! 

The world and its magnificent beauties fuel a sense of wanderlust in me that grows daily and excites day dreams that flit between “let’s fly away” and “let’s wear something beautiful”. I find that people and places around the globe and the pulse of their colorful and unique cultures are the greatest inspiration we have in fashion today. So when I begin to toss items into my suitcase, I’m immensely influenced by where I’m heading. As you begin to circumnavigate the globe, you too may find that your explorations and adventures will have a beautiful affect and end result on your wardrobe and sense of style. But for now, let’s set ourselves adrift on a voyage that takes us to four perfectly different and equally exquisite worlds and, most importantly, let’s focus on what we might wear on those travels both near and far.

The Heat of Miami
Miami is where I’ll head to feel the warm sun on my skin. This getaway offers a chance to unwind on the beach, sand in-between your toes and palm trees swaying in the breeze. And then later, a picturesque candlelit dinner overlooking the ocean. In Miami you can show a little more skin and this neon leopard print feels flirty and beach-y to me. It’s even perfect for slipping over a bikini and heading to the boardwalk. Sparkly sandals and piles of bangles add a touch of glitz.

If you’re itching to try something new with your do but are unwilling to make any sort of long term commitment, I’ve found a fun solution. Travis at Salon 54 used a fabulous little Color Bug on my hair (also available in other hues like purple, orange and white). This color is in and out in just one wash (have no fear!) and what better time to try something wild and wonderful with your locks than on your next vacation. 

 {dress - T J Maxx, necklace - Forever 21, shoes - Zara, bag - Free People}

The Palaces of London
London has both the exhilaration of the big city and the grandeur of royalty. I want to waltz through St Paul’s Cathedral and snap a picture near the Tower Bridge, to sit for a charming cup of tea and then enjoy the dreamy store fronts at St James’s. This floaty floor length dress with its dramatic floral print feels very English to me, with billowing folds that dance in each breeze and long sleeves for the chill of a rainy London day.

{dress & shoes - Free People

The Souks of Marrakech
When my mind wanders to Morocco I see rich colors - indigo, poppy, saffron, and turquoise. And when it comes to wardrobe, I’m inspired by the squares and souks of Marrakech, the most exotic shopping experience in the world. It’s a spellbinding treat with mysterious apothecaries and rich rugs, shiny brass lanterns and copper candlesticks, spices and perfumes. This dress hints at the colors and textures of those markets as do the chunky brass and copper cuffs. And the oversized leather bag is the perfect companion to any outfit.  

 {dress - Zara, necklace - Forever 21, shoes - Payless}

The Romance of Paris 
The city of love and light, macarons and pain au chocolat! Let’s walk down tiny cobblestone streets and ride a bike along the River Seine, sip a cappuccino in a cozy cafe in Montmartre and visit the Eiffel Tower at night. When I think Parisian chic I immediately envision stripes, scarves, and demure flats. This look is a nod to that put together, classic effortlessness of French woman. 

{dress - Asos, blazer - H&M, scarf - Target, shoes - Zara}

Monday, March 24, 2014

Mama and Mini Style {celebrating spring, despite the actual weather}

{mama: blazer - New York and Co, dress - Kohls, necklace - J. Crew, rings - Hannah Naomi and Raw Earth Studio, sunnies - Target
mini: dress - Zara Kids, headband, tights and sunnies - Target, shoes - gift from a friend}

Yesterday was a happy spring dress kinda Sunday for us girls. We made every attempt to celebrate the first few days of spring, making it happen with a layer here and there to keep us warm. These sorts of colors and prints just put a bounce in your step and a twinkle in your eye. How can you resist? Even if it's still frigid outside (growl). It's shocking how pale we look in warm weather clothing. Though I'd say Scarlet is just a gorgeous milky white while I fall into that pasty category. Not to worry, I say love the skin you're in. Right?! And for me it's freckled and pale, all summer long. I think I've given up on tanning altogether. Just going to preserve myself for the next 50 years instead. Sounds like a better plan for retirement. :)

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Glitter, Cupcakes, and Model Poses

Miss Adorlee just recently turned 6 and her Aunty Cara and I wanted to do something with her and our girls to celebrate. We stole away for a few hours of celebrating all things girly, starting with a party do at Snips and Giggles, which included a sprinkling of glitter on each of their heads (imagine my giddy delight) and afternoon dessert at Cupcake Couture. We finished our outing with "model" pictures for miss A, who had made the request of me, a sort of personal portfolio update. You know how these things go. 

What a beautiful young lady. Love you so much Adorlee!
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