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Sunflower State of Mind

The Casual Girl’s Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Well friends, the day has finally come. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to everyone and their mama! I’ve been shopping here and there during early access and of course reading alllll the blogs to figure out what’s on this year’s ‘must have’ list. I love (and want) just about everything I see from my favorite fashion bloggers–but there’s one small problem. I live in casual clothes. I’m a mom of three who spends her days between the park, Target, and her toddler’s bed…just trying to get him to take a darn nap. So as much as I love the backless dresses and 3 inch heels…they’re just not practical enough for me in this stage of life.

So if you’re a casual gal too, this roundup is for you. Enjoy 🙂

(Just click on the pictured items for direct links)

1. Tie Front Cozy Fleece Pullover – I have another top from Gibson that’s made out of this same material and it’s heavenly. So cozy and comfortable…and I love the added tie front detail.

2. Gotta Have It V-Neck Tee – I realize this is technically “loungewear” but that hasn’t stopped me from wearing these shirts any and everywhere. My new favorite tee for sure.

3. Plaid Cotton Blend Shirt – A fall staple! I love the oversized look and the fact that it’s long enough to be worn with leggings.

4. Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan – If you only buy one thing from this year’s sale, I vote for this. It’s the most comfortable piece of clothing I’ve ever worn…and it’s CUTE. Don’t tell my husband, but I’ve been turning the air down in the evenings just so I can snuggle up in this cardi 😉

5. Leopard Scarf – Leopard print & less than $12? Sold! A perfect accessory for any season.

6. Converse Shorelines – These are a standard piece in my “momiform”. Easy to slip on and go–and they go with just about anything. This is a great price too!

7. Vans Slip On Sneakers – I’ve seen these on a few friends and loved them…I knew I couldn’t pass them up when I saw they were $20 off. A nice little change to my slip-on game 😉

8. Braided Handle Tote – This tote is big enough for all the essentials and I love the braided detail.

9. Faren Bootie – Can you believe it’s almost bootie season again?!? These. Are. Perfect.

10. Kendra Scott Pendant Necklace – My favorite kind of KS is the kind that’s on sale 🙂 This is a classic that will last forever!

11. Lazy Morning Lounge Pants – The name alone sold me on these babies. Well, that and the stripes. So cute!

12. Moto Leggings – These are one of my favorite purchases. Comfy like leggings, but the moto details gives them a little something extra.

13. Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – I’ll be honest, I don’t know if bootcut jeans are even cool…but I don’t care because these are SO GREAT. They’re stretchy, comfortable and super flattering. Sorry skinnies…I’m cheating on you.

14. Live In High Waist Leggings – They don’t call ’em “live in” for nothing. I hardly take these off in the fall and winter–which is why I grabbed another pair last week 🙂 The high-waist is EVERYTHING. I also grabbed another pair of my favorite crops–this time in gray.

And now for some awkward mirror selfies. I told you I’m not a fashion blogger, right?!?!

Cardigan / Jeans / Tee



Sweater / Moto Leggings / Shoes

Leggings / Shoes

Okay, so I did make a couple of “fancier” purchases. These faux leather leggings (that everyone raves about) for the occassional date night or girls night…and this lace midi dress for a late summer wedding. The leggings are backordered, but I’m kind of in love with this dress. Also, it’s not gray. So there’s that! 🙂

Alright, that’s all, friends! I would love to hear what you’ve picked up–so do share!

Merry Christmas in July 🙂

*this post contains affiliate links*

Small Town Fourth of July

Better 2 weeks late than never, right?? And don’t worry–at this point, I’m just going to combine Hartley’s 3 and 4 month update posts with #5. So get excited for the 9,000,000 pictures that post will include. At least she’s cute, right?

Anyway, back to the Fourth of July! I was a little bummed about it being in the middle of the week this year, but it turns out that the Fourth is a blast no matter when it falls. I actually kind of liked it because we got to celebrate the weekend before too!

We kicked off the holiday weekend with a fun little neighborhood bike parade and BBQ. It was a scorcher, but we all had so much fun. We met tons of new neighbors and the kids ate their weight in desserts. All around a great day 🙂 And if they’d been giving out award, these kids would’ve definitely won “Most Hardcore”. I mean, look at those faces!!

Chris took the day off on Monday and we did some big boy bed shopping, followed by dinner at the T-Rex Cafe. Annnnd, I’m pretty sure we spent almost as much on dinner as we did on the bed. I mean, have you seen the price of the kids meals?!? Dang. At least the atmosphere was cool though…? Ha!

Tuesday we headed to my mom’s little hometown in Iowa, like we have most years since I was little. You know those places or events that seemed so amazing when you were young–and then you grew up and realized that they were just okay? Yeah, this isn’t one of them 😉 The fourth in Clearfield is just as magical to me now as it was when I was 10. It’s the parade, the kids games, the family, the carnival…it’s all so perfectly “small town America”. Here, let me show you.. 🙂

We hung out with family before the games started and this girl won over lots of hearts. She’s just so smiley, she can’t help it…

After lunch, we headed to the park for the kids games. I love that my kids get to do this. I mean, where else can you compete in a sack race in hopes of winning a ribbon and a silver dollar?!?



Even some big kids got to compete. Say hello to the 18 & older (ahem…a LOT older) Egg Toss Champions! My sister and I married well…or something 😉
This might be my favorite picture of all time. She’s such a snuggly little peanut with that sweet look on her face!! Goodness, I love her!
Arden and her partner managed to get 3rd in the 3-legged-race…
And this guy tackled his partner. Note to self: practice next year!

The last event is everyone’s favorite…the greased pig contest! Yes, it’s as strange as it sounds…
And this is how a returning champ does it. This girl cracks me up!!!!

Her brother on the other hand…

He wins the award for cutest “tryer”. 😉 This video makes me laugh every single time…

In the end, they came away with a few ribbons and a lot of great memories.

Next up was the parade. Tractors, candy, and county fair queens. It’s adorable…

Finally, we ended the fun-filled day with a few carnival rides before hitting the road for home. I’m afraid the kids didn’t have ANY fun at all…


 The thing about doing a day trip is that we miss the fireworks show in Clearfield…which is a bummer because it’s usually a great one. However, it’s fun because we get to see parts of several towns’ shows as we drive home. Arden thought that was neat…and I agree.

Until next year, Clearfield. We’ll be looking forward to it!

 

Friday Hodge Podge

For any of you that still come around these parts and read my blog…you’re all saints. I promise someday life will be a little less crazy (maybe???) and I’ll go back to posting more consistently. And maybe something other than random Friday stuff. Maybe 😉

But for now…

ONE.

If you follow me on IG, you might already know that we got rid of Nash’s pacifiers this week. It all started when we ordered a Joker toy for a neighbor friend’s birthday and Nash just about lost his mind when it arrived at our house. He wanted it SO bad. I decided that was an opportunity to get rid of the binkies…for a mere $15. Well $15 and about 36 hours of hell… 😉

He was pumped about the idea when his new toy arrived, but that night at bedtime was a different story. Not sure why I decided to do this the week Chris was out of town (not smart…just NOT smart)…because it was rouuuugh.  Nash was in my room every 5 minutes from 8pm to midnight, begging for his binkies and asking me to go dig them out of the garage trashcan. It was really pretty sad 🙁 The next day was when I truly thought I was going to lose my mind…but then Chris came home and Nash konked out early (of course). Today has been a much better day and he hasn’t asked for his binkies once…so I’m hopeful we’re turning a corner!!! Now, let’s just pray those buck teeth go back to where they should be. YIKES!

The saddest thing is, I think that was the end of naps. He’s been down for at least 6 costume changes since I started typing this post. Sigh…

TWO.

We went to our first summer movie this week and the kids loved it! KC friends, B&B in Overland Park has $2 movies on Tuesdays and Thursday–and popcorn and sodas are also $2 with free refills! Our morning adventure only cost $10 total. Can’t beat that!

Now don’t go thinking I’m supermom or anything…because as long as Arden and Nash have a movie and unlimited popcorn, they will sit there all day and not make a peep. It’s actually easier than going to the park or the pool–haha. And Hartley is still young enough to nurse and sleep through the whole thing, which is great. Something tells me we won’t be making any summer movies next year though 😉

THREE.

This. What a perfect reminder. Even during the weeks where I have to hide in my closet more than once…I know there will be a time when I long for these days.

“It’s an incredible feeling. To know that I’m living in what I will look back on at the end of my life as the happiest I have ever been. The happiest I will ever be.”

FOUR.

There are so many good sales going on right now!!!

1. 50% off Cents of Style kimonos & ponchos + free shipping! (Use the code KIMONOSUMMER) I grabbed this one last time they went on sale and I love it! It’s easy to throw on with jeans or shorts and a tank top–and look put together. I snapped this pic yesterday when I was hiding in my closet. Ha! If I look tired it’s because I was/am…

2. 40% off sale items at Kate Spade! Sometimes sales on sale items are pretty crummy, but Kate does it right. There are some amazing deals on bags and jewelry that you’ll actually want!!! Use the code SUNNY…

3. 50% off everything at Ann Taylor with the code JUSTBEACHY!

4. The Hobo event on Hautelook, which includes my favorite wallet–the Lauren. I’ve never been able to keep a wallet organized until now. It makes me feel like a real adult 🙂 It’s 50-60% off–and worth every penny!

FIVE.

And…I leave you with a picture of my favorite girls. Don’t worry, I still love Nash too. For the most part 😉

Have a great weekend and a happy 4th of July!!!

XO,

Vanessa

F.R.I.D.A.Y.

Welcome back, Friday! It’s great to see you…as always. 🙂
Here’s what’s happenin’ in our neck of the woods…

ONE.

We celebrated Father’s Day in the midst of the stomach bug. Gotta love that! But on the bright side, we got to spend it at home…together…all. day. long. 😉

I’m sure Chris wasn’t hoping to start his Father’s Day by cleaning up vomit and doing laundry…but he did it without complaining. And we repaid him with range tokens, golf balls, some of his favorite snacks, a photo collage for his desk at work…and a card to “bad”. And lots of contagious cuddles 🙂


This shirt kills me. If you know Chris, you know he is full of these…

I hope our kids know how lucky they are to have a dad this fun and hands-on. And one that loves them like crazy…even when they barf on him. He’s the best!

TWO.

In my quest to never leave the house to shop, I’ve made some pretty good recent finds on Amazon. This romper being one of them. I mean, COME ON! Perfect for the 4th of July–and the back of it is so darling! (FYI – runs small. This is a 3-6 month and fits pretty snug on Hartley!)

Other recent faves include this swimsuit (I got the pineapple and I’m OBSESSED!), this coverup, and this mascara (aka: the only thing that makes me look like I actually have eyelashes!!!)

And did you hear about Prime Wardrobe? Oh Amazon…I love you.

THREE.

When Molly from NouNou Neighbors asked if we’d be interested in some Royals tickets, I said “heck yes!” (and thank you!!)  She told me the seats were good, but I didn’t know quite how good until we got to The K on Monday night…


(Thanks Sarah for snapping a pic of me with Hosmer–ha!)

I got a few text messages from friends and family that were watching the game–including this one from my mom. She’s always looking out for me 😉


It was pretty neat to see all of these hometown heros up close…even though I had a few people tell me it looked like I spent the whole game talking. I was eating too…okay??


Such a fun night with our neighbors! Thanks again, Molly!

FOUR.

Well, it happened. My perfect sleeper has regressed. Womp womp.
Little Miss Hartley has been waking up 3 times a night for over a week now. I swear it wouldn’t feel so bad if she hadn’t given us a taste of those long, restful nights!!! Anyway, I’m chalking it up to developmental stuff and hoping it will pass soon…but I’m also trying something new and letting her have an arm out of the swaddle at night to soothe herself. It worked last night, so cross your fingers that that wasn’t a fluke!

FIVE.

So…we don’t necessarily need a new rug, but lately I’ve just been wanting something cozier and a tad bit larger. This is the one I really want, but I haven’t wont the lottery yet!!! 🙁 Anyway, I found this moroccan shag rug on, you guessed it, Amazon…and the reviews and price are amazing. But the question is, which color would you get? The cream would probably be my first choice, but I just don’t know if it’s too much white in one room–and if the gray would balance it out better?

Our living room in its current state.

Color 1…

Or color 2…

Thoughts? Anybody own this rug?? Love it? Hate it?
Okay, those are all the questions I have for now 🙂

Happy Friday!!!

XO,
Vanessa

Friday Stuff

You guys…it’s FRIDAY! I feel like I’m crawling to the finish line this week, but by golly, I’m gonna make it. And yes, I just used the phrase “by golly”. (Signs that I’m up way too late writing this!!)

Anyway, the weekend is so close I can taste it…so I’m just going to jump right into this good ol’ Five on Friday!

one.

Arden went to a Royals game with her cousins this week and had the time of her life. They made it onto the jumbotron because of their clever signs (Arden’s said “Marry Me, Merrifield” HA!)…and then again when my nephew Will took off his shirt for the flex cam 😉 I was at home with the little people, but living vicariously through the pictures my sister and sister-in-law sent me. This one of Arden and Will is a classic. I hope they recreate it in 20 years!!! Her face is just priceless, isn’t it?!?

two.

Can we talk postpartum hair loss for a second? Because HOLY COW. I’ve always lost some hair around the 3-4 month mark with each baby, but this time is crazy. I almost hate to brush my hair because I’m afraid of how much is going to come out!! But the worst part is that it’s EVERYWHERE. It’s kind of like living in a house full of cobwebs–and you just can’t vacuum enough to keep them away!! Anyway…has anyone ever taken anything for this? Biotin maybe? Or should I just let it run it’s course and be happy that I don’t have baby bangs yet?

three.

About a week before Hartley was born, I received the most amazing gift–a pie from The Apple of my Pie…annnnnd I’ve been craving another one ever since! It was fresh-baked and almost too pretty to eat. Almost 😉 The pies are made by Mary O’Brien and available in the Wichita and Kansas City areas. And if you want everyone at your 4th of July BBQ to LOVE you–you could bring one of these 🙂 You can find more information here!

four.

This guy. He took me for a big long ride on the struggle bus this week. It turns out that his “listening ears” do not work…whatsoever…but his tantrum throwing skills are top notch. Guess those terrible twos are finally kicking in…

Thank goodness for the Old Navy dog who distracted him long enough for me to ditch the Batman gear.
Gosh, it’s a good thing he’s so cute…

five.

The UPS guy is really going to dislike me next week when this beauty shows up. I’ve been saving my pennies for awhile and finally pulled the trigger on this front porch swing! I can’t wait to swing on it and leisurely sip lemonade all day long. Oh wait, I have kids 🙂 It’s going to be great though. Stay tuned for pictures of the real deal!

And one more pic…because who can resist?!?!

Happy Friday, friends!

Hope you have a great weekend–and don’t forget to enter the Jarvy’s giveaway. The winner will be announced Monday!

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