What I Wore: High-Low

 I'm off to camp for the week so it'll be quiet around here this week. I actually don't mind the actual act of camping, but the prep and aftermath is just so much WORK. But before I go I believe an outfit post is in order. Priorities, people!! 

Usually I'm a staunch believer in the idea that heels make everything look better. And this shirt is my new favorite ever, so wedges would just make it that much better, right? Well, I tried it with my moccasins too and ended up liking it better and now I don't even know who I am anymore.

 Top: American Eagle (similar) I was asked like, 6 billion times where this shirt was from and every time someone asked I'd just go blank and stutter. But yes, it's from American Eagle and I can't find it online but I bought it over Memorial Day so I bet stores still have it.

Shorts: F21(similar)

Wedges: Payless (similar)
Earrings: F21

Bracelets: F21 and Wizards of the West (here and sold out :(

 Aaaand with mocs. I ended up wearing this all day instead. 

Also, when I uploaded pics I found this on my camera. My kids are weird and my son looks like a Batman deer. 

So what do you think? High or low? I think part of my reasons for wearing the flats is sheer laziness -- I had errands to run and didn't want to worry about wedges. Maybe next time?

Alright, I have to go load my car and find something to eat so I don't get the hangries when driving to the campsite. Wish me luck, a lack of mosquitoes and non-leaky tent.

Freaky Friday: Stuff I Don't Get

Sorry, guys, I'm totally late. I was just sitting down to start work this morning and my husband called me in a mad panic from his office because he'd forgotten something and needed me to run it up to him. I wanted to cry because as we've established before, I don't like having my routine disrupted. So, while out and about I decided to also go to the bank, go to the mall and look for swimsuits (of which I found NONE) and then take my kids to a move and go grocery shopping and I just got home. My husband won't dare complain about the money spent because he'll know that when my routine is disrupted, I completely fly off the handle and make bad choices. YOU DID THIS, JUSTIN.

Anyway, as I was driving all over the state, I was thinking about some things that I just don't really understand. Not like calculus, but just in general. So I decided to dedicate today's post to stuff I don't get. Also, keep in mind that I'm super judgmental. This stuff runs through my head all day, everyday.

Wearing full makeup and hair to the pool. The other day I was at the pool with my friend and our kids and there were these women completely dolled up with full hair, headscarves (one had a floppy hat, natch) wearing things like caftans and long flowy skirts that were dropping on pool puddles. It was a PUBLIC POOL. Like, OK if you're on vacation with your husband and want to look cute for poolside pics, be my guest. But these women did nothing but yell at their kids from the side of the pool the entire time because you know, actually getting in would have ruined their look. Hey ladies, I hate to break it to you, but there aren't a lot of paparazzi at the community center, so you're probably OK barefaced.

 Brogues. I don't get it. Mostly because I've never wished for my feet to look more mannish and my legs to look stumpier. I don't care how often Taylor Swift wears them. They are not cute.

Also, is it me or do they look like awful jazz shoes from dance class that everyone took when they were nine? I just expect brogues-wearers to magically jump into a routine from Chicago.  

 People who get really, really drunk at weddings. I don't drink at all, but even I think a glass of champagne is appropriate. Shots? Ew no. It's like you're there to witness this amazing celebration between two people -- and you forget it because you were drunk-crying in the ladies room all night. Look, I know there's free alcohol. But you don't need to consume ALL of it.

 When undershirts are worn as normal T-shirts. Can I tell you how crazy this makes me? Not because they're not nice shirts. The one above is nice, white and well-fitted. But after like, two washes, the collar and sleeves get all rolled and the color fades or yellows. And then they just look sloppy and dingy and like you've pretty much just given up on yourself. And then I judge you. Do you really want that for yourself?

 The appeal of John Mayer. Is it me or does he totally come off as one of those guys who just sweats profusely all day long?

Palm prints. I know they're like, THE THING right now, but all I see is a couch from Golden Girls.

Quinoa everything. Hey, I don't mind quinoa. It's a little chewy, whatever. But can I point out that eating this does not make you a health and fitness guru overnight? Eat it for three meals a day... I still don't want to hear about how you eat quinoa. I mean, I could regale you with stories of my latest Big Mac, but to be honest, no one really cares what anyone else ate. It's like telling people about your dreams.

Printed leggings. Amy sent me over a particularly horrendous collection of printed leggings. I don't know how society went from colored jeans to what translates to a desparate cry for attention. If I ever see anyone wearing these, I'll just pointedly ignore them and continually refer to them as a "jeans and t-shirt kinda gal" just because I'm really passive aggressive and love doing stuff like that.


Alright, I feel like I just had a group therapy session. Anyone else wanna play? What don't you get this fine Friday?

Guest Post: 5 Trendy Travel Tips for Moms On-the-Go

Today's post is coming to you from Kendra Thornton, expert traveler and former Orbitz Director of Communication. Check out this info before you start packing for your summer vay-cay, will you?

It’s summertime and nothing says quality time with the family like a family vacation. As I make the necessary preparations, packing everything from sanitation wipes and sunscreen to sunglasses and sandals, I think of how nice (or potentially disastrous) it will be to get away and spend time together as a family. As a travel expert turned full-time mom, I cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared in order to make the trip at least slightly enjoyable for parents. So, I’m offering 5 trendy travel tips for moms on the go to travel with convenience and style. Just because you’re a mom, doesn’t mean you can’t look good.

The first item on any packing list should be the baggage; after all, that is how all of the other items are going to get around. Forget clunky suitcases and giant duffle bags. Don't you dare pack a fanny-pack.  A tote is an excellent day-to-day bag that can carry all the essentials of a diaper bag without reminding everyone of, well, diapers. A great straw bag or a black and white striped tote are excellent choices for your beach trip this summer and won’t embarrass you or your children.

Another must have for traveling with kids is a wet bathing suit bag. There is nothing worse than packing a wet bathing suit or towel with clothing and having all the items smell funky by the end of the trip. Trust me on that one.  A bag like those from Henri Bendel will keep the wet and dry items separate so your children can swim right until departure without forcing you to wash every item in your suitcase upon return. They’re also a lot cuter than a plastic grocery bag.

As a mom, I know keeping track of everyone’s luggage (and everyone) can be a real challenge. I have enough trouble keeping track of my own purse and carry-on baggage let alone all of my kids’ stuff. Sometimes, bags get lost in transit. To avoid your own meltdown, look into GPS luggage tags.  These are a great way to reunite you with your lost luggage should the unthinkable happen. 

No matter where the journey leads, your bag should include sunscreen. I suggest Tocca Sunscreen & Moisturizing wipes for on the go. Not only do the wipes provide protection against the sun but they moisturize the skin at the same time, leaving kids feeling fresh, not sticky like other sunscreen products (because we really needed another thing to make them sticky). Another plus is that they take up less space and don’t run the risk of getting slime all over your new tote. Less mess = less stress.

Besides looking good on vacation, you’re going to want to choose a destination that fits the bill.  Picking a destination that caters to families while simultaneously avoiding any resemblance of Chuck E. Cheese can seem a like a challenge.  I promise you with some research these places do exist. One of my favorite sites for finding kid friendly hotels and resorts, Gogobot, recently released their list of Top 25 Summer Destinations.  With destinations from Vancouver to Cape Cod, you’ll be able to find something for everyone and therefore, hopefully decrease whining. Their reviews helped my family find an excellent Honolulu hotel for our last family trip that provided a host of kid friendly amenities without skimping on luxury.  Looking good is great; looking good on a tropical island is better.

As you are packing your bags for your family vacation, keep these 5 trendy travel tips in mind to ensure that your trip is as convenient and fashionable as possible. And please, leave the mom jeans at home. 

Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks.