Our Memorial Adventure.

Our Memorial Day plans changed last minute so the family and I headed up American Fork Canyon to explore the mountains between rain storms.  And it was AMAZING. It was warm and since we've had so much rain recently, the scenery was incredibly lush and green.  I am always amazed at how beautiful this lovely state is that I call home.  The kids loved the hike and walk down to Tibble Fork Reservoir. We definitely took full advantage of our beautiful evening outdoors. 

This weather is getting me terribly excited for summer. What big plans do you have to explore this season?

How We Wore It // Summer Pleats

It's that time of the month again where I get to sneak in a Kyla-Non-Family related post and of course its my FAVORITE How We Wore It Fashion Post.

This months How We Wore It in was inspired by the lovely Mary from Memorandum. 

Mary is such a beautiful girl and she has the most charmingly sophisticated style that I cannot stop drooling over. 

You HAVE to follow her blog if you have a love for good fashion. 

I absolutely love how Mary paired the nude heels with the Polka Dot button down.
This was the first month I REALLY struggled to find something in my closet inspired by this look. Usually I am able to almost MATCH the outfit exactly and this time I had NOTHING. Nothing that matched this flawless look and it made me quiet sad and my husband quiet nervous as I matter of factly declared that I had NO nude shoes, NO pleated skirts and No beautiful bag and that I NEEDED to go shopping.
Here's my take on it: Since I had nothing in my closet that matched, or even came close, I really had to think outside my fashion bubble to come up with a "summer pleats" style. Luckily, I found this amazing dress I recently purchased for my anniversary dinner. It's not a skirt, however the high waist and tiny pleats gave a similar vibe to Mary's look.   I am not usually a tuck in shirt girl (#twobabygutproblem) so I opted for the famous kimono cover up. I said it in my last post that Floral prints are a spring must have and I absolutely love this elegant floral kimono that keeps the feeling of the outfit light and warm. I chose to go for a bold shoe color that pulled a little more brightness from the darkness of the dress.  Everyone needs a pair of bright orange wedges right?! Accessories and backpack didn't make this post. Funny enough I complained (yes again) to my hubby that I didn't have a cute purse for the post. He said I could just use my backpack (that I use as a purse/diaper bag and that's Gold and Beige) and I snobbed off the idea in disgust. Well, jokes on me since Mary is rocking that beautiful SoleSociety BACKPACK in her photo.

Dress: Forever 21. Kimono: Cotton On. Shoes: ShoeDazzle

I LOVE getting the chance to take what's in my closet and in this case, really get creative to mix and match different pieces and styles. 
Be sure to check out some other lovely ladies and how they styled Mary's look.

Brooke at Silver Lining

Deidre at Deidre Emme

Megan at And Here's to You, Mrs Robinson

Sierra at Sierra's View

Brooklyn at A Little Too Jolley

Laura at Sincerely, Laura

Aubrey at Dreaming About Someday

Kaycie at Redhead Memories 

Kyla at FordOlogy

Kallie at Life Through a Lens

Ashley at Absolutely Ashley

Stephanie at The Artist + The Architect

Danica at Danakin Skywalker 

Tayler at The Morrell Tale

Jessica at My Peanut Butter Problem

Paige at The Mrs and Momma Bird

Bonnie at Life of Bon

Mommy StayCation.

"mom!! Mom!! MOM!" The cry, yell, screech, happy sound that comes from my children's mouths all day everyday.  I've said it before and I'll probably say it a million times, that being a mommy is hard and sometimes the constant work it requires, 24 hours a day, seven days a week can be overwhelming and exhausting.

This year for Valentines Day, Kev surprised planned a Mommy Stay-Cation just for me. I was so excited, and a little nervous to leave the kids with Kev ALONE, OVERNIGHT, but luckily I was only 3 miles away, which eased some worry. 
My Mommy Stay-Cation was just what I needed to focus on me for a minute, relax and recharge so I can continue being the best wife and mother.
One night in a hotel, $100 in cash to spend on WHATEVER I wanted, hours of un-intrueuppted shopping, dinner and Dirty Dr Pepper funds plus The American President with Annette Bening on cable made for one of the best 18 hours I've ever had to myself. 

Kev was able to find a great deal at a local hotel for a Friday off peak weekend stay.

A great way to find deals and specials is to sign up for emails from your favorite hotels. 

We are on a couple email lists for a handful of our favorite places and it's great for any last minute traveling or quick one/two night stays. 

 I didn't buy either of these outfits, sad day for me, but sometimes window shopping is just as enjoyable. 

Lets be honest, I was so excited to be in a dressing room without screaming toddlers peaking under the wall to the next stall over. 

ALWAYS find a hotel that includes a FREE breakfast with your stay. Especially with kids, that extra meal can take away some $$ from your vacation budget.  My breakfast was AMAZING at the Hyatt Home 2 I stayed at.
Thanks so much to my AWESOME hubby for sponsoring this StayCation.  StayCation's can sometimes be better than real Vacations. I am always amazed at what there is to do and see right here in my own town.
Are you a StayCation person?  What are some of your favorite StayCation activities? I would love to hear!