Dresses & Skirts for Summer

It's no secret that I LOVE to shop.  It's also no secret that mama's got some hips and thighs. ;)  As a result of those two facts (and that our summer is JAM PACKED with fun weddings, showers, and a certain blog-conference that I need to look good for), I've spent an unhealthy amount a lot of time lately scouring the internet for dresses and skirts that meet the following criteria:

- Must be adorably cute in a NieNie meets Kendi meets Taza kind-of way.  (Isn't this everyone's top priority?)

- Must be affordable for my no-pay-in-the-summer salary.

- Must make me look & feel like a (hot) mama.  (i.e. You won't find me sporting cleavage or miniskirts any time soon; but, I also don't want to wear a denim jumper.)

Time and time again, I keep ending up at ShabbyApple.com and their amazing new line of vintage clothing.

Here are a few items on my current wishlist:

1. Gondola - Obsessed.

2. Knave of Hearts - I have a bit of a soft spot for navy.  And lace.

3. Marigold Skirt - It doesn't get much better than pink & orange ikat.  Really.

4. Jacob's Pillow - I think this looks so classy and retro, but I'm undecided about peplum.  What do you think?

5. Tuileries - A classic Shabby Apple dress; I've seriously had my eye on this for years.

6. Curiouser and Curiouser - How cool is this?  I'd love it with a simple white t-shirt and a gold statement necklace.  (It's on sale now too!)

All of these beauties are less than 100.00 and perfectly meet my "stylish but modest" guidelines; plus, I love that they aren't the same exact thing everyone else will be able to pick up at the mall. What do you think?  Which one is your favorite?  What's your criteria for summer style?

 *Shabby Apple is giving me a free skirt (#3 actually) for writing this post.  BUT, I really do love all of their clothes and have been a long time fan!!

If Pacifiers Are Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right

I think this counts as a confession...

Not long ago, Jeff and I kept a neighbor's little boy for a very short amount of time so he could deal with a car issue.  Let's just say Little Man wasn't having it, and he spent the entirety of that short amount of time absolutely wailing.  I held, I coddled, I distracted with silly faces and our most favorite toys, but nothing could calm him down.  And, as ashamed as I might be to admit this, I couldn't help thinking "if only he had a pacifier..."

See, in our house, pacis rule.  (As if you didn't know that.)  Really, Sam is a pretty good kid these days, but even the occasional meltdown is pretty easily managed with a pacifier.  Dude LOVES them. In fact, he has chewed through all three of his Wubbanubs now, and we are struggling to manage with just regular old pacifiers... Sure, we try to limit its use to crib/car/crisis; but, sometimes we splurge a little bit.  Seriously, I've become a FIRM believer that we might just find world peace if adults used a pacifiers.  (Think about it.)

And now, as we approach Sam's second birthday (howintheworld?), I'm all kinds of conflicted about the pacifier:

On the one hand, two seems like a reasonable time to give it up with no real stigmas attached to the "big kid" that still has a paci in his mouth. (Look, I've judged it before too.)  It also seems early enough that no real damage will have been done to his teeth yet (let's hope), and he'll probably grow up to be a functioning member of society.  Not to mention, I'm home in the summer, so it is the prime opportunity to go through the dreaded "three days" of misery it might (read: WILL) take to wean.

BUT... On the other hand, Sam still really likes the pacifier.  He's a good napper, a good night-time sleeper, and he doesn't cry all that much.  Why rock the boat?  Plus, letsjustbehonestforaminute, Mama likes the pacifier.  It has become my #1 parenting tool since the early throes of colic and, well, let's just say it is probably just as much my crutch as his.

What will I do when we are in the car he won't stop crying?

How will I soothe him back to sleep in the middle of the night?

How will I ever get through another phone call or grocery trip again in my life?

Last night, after we did our nightly walk through the house gathering up random pacifiers to take to bed, it occurred to me that whether Sam is ready to give up the paci or not (I'm voting not), I don't think I am ready.  Maybe my attitude will change soon (hopefully before he starts Kindegarten at least), but for now, I'm not in a hurry to break the addiction.  I'm just not.

Does this make me the worst mom ever?  Maybe. (Probably not.) But, we choose our battles as moms all the time.  And, well, if pacifiers are wrong, I don't want to be right. :)

P.S. In unrelated confessions, I only put eyeshadow on one of my eyes today.  #Whathashappenedtome?

Bachelorette Unfiltered: Dez Episode 2

Well, you know an episode is unlifechanging when writing a recap requires me to actually go on ABC's website and re-watch portions of last night's show.  So far? I'm not impressed people.

I don't know about Dez, but I for one have not formed any major connections with the bachelors yet.  Seriously, I think Ben is the cutest (I have a thing for dimples, and dads) and he is turning out to be a freak.  So frustrating.

Jeff reminded me last night before bed when I was whining about the "terrible selection" of men, that I can't really expect "quality" guys to go on national television to find a wife.  Good point, but is it too much to ask for just three or four?

Alas, I will stick around because I can't resist and hope someone "sweeps me off my feet" soon.  (Dez, smez.)

Here are some of my unfiltered thoughts from last night's episode:

Honestly, besides wondering how "manly" Brooks felt as Dez drove him around in a baby blue mini Bentley, I really couldn't get past the similarities between Brooks and my friend Cliff. It isn't just looks either, his voice, his personality (from what I can tell in five minutes), etc. is SO much like him.  Uncanny!  (I realize 95% of my readers don't know Cliff, but if you, do you see it too?)

I mean, you needed the labels didn't you?

Anyway, this bodes well for Brooks - Cliff is a great guy (he is married to one of my best friends - sorry ladies) and Dez seems into him, so... we'll see.

THAT SAID, what is it with Bachelor/Bachelorette producers and fake weddings?  I just don't get it.  Do people actually do this?!?  I'm not expert, but I'm going to go ahead and tell all you single ladies out there that most normal men will RUN like the wind from you if you EVER try to pull this - much less as a first date.  Just... no.

I thought the rest of their date was sweet enough.  I guess it was cool that they got to sit on the Hollywood sign; but, from my experience there, they probably should have been wearing gas masks to protect them from the smog.  Also, is it just me or do the girls ALWAYS seem to get cold on these dates no matter when it is or where they are?!? 

I'm glad Brooks got the rose.  I think he was a bit awkward talking about his parents (totally get that it is hard; but, really, you knew what show you were going on buddy!), and his dance moves leave a bit to be desired; but, overall, he seems like a good guy.  Whew, at least there is one.

Ok, moving on...

I was quite relieved to find out that the group date involved the guys making a rap video with Soulja Boy because a.) that was the only clear explanation for Dez's outfit that day, and b.) who doesn't love Soulja Boy (kidding). Ha!

This turned out to actually be pretty funny... I appreciate that the show actually poked fun of itself a little bit, and the guys seemed to do a pretty good job of loosening up and having fun with it.  This goes without saying, but POOR Brandon.  I mean, bless his heart.  But, other than that, I applaud the producers for this date - it IS always a good idea to check out a guy's dance moves before marrying them.

P.S. Is there a dress code that says all the guys must wear solid color v-neck tees at all times?  I'm serious.

Obviously, I could have done without some of the drama the group date brought on later that night, but whatev... 

- Zak W.'s antique journal was a thoughtful gesture, but did anyone else think it was weird when they read the inscription from the dad to his daughter?  Not that romantic, right?  "Love always, Daddy."  Creepy.  Dez, did you really like that as much as you acted like you did?

- Brandon really is a lot like Love and Protect Kasey.  Oh, he totally lost me with the butterfly analogy.  Puke.

- Continuing the doppelganger theme, Mikey T. reminds me of my friend (and former E, Myself, & I Bachelor) Brett.  LOVE it!

- James is obviously in the mafia.  His outfit?  There are no words...

- The sound effects when Ben and Dez were kissing made me throw up a little in my mouth.  Also, zip-up sweater without an undershirt.  GAG.

I wasn't at all surprised the Bryden got the second one-on-one date. Who doesn't love a veteran?  He seems so genuine and sweet and I really do have so much respect and appreciation for him; but... THAT HAIR HAS GOT TO GO!!

I can't take credit for this one.

Hair aside, I think Bryden will be around for a while, and I'm ok with that. The photos of his car accident were a bit much, and - at times - his awkwardness was painful to watch.  But, he does seem sincere and I totally loved when Dez took control and told him to kiss her already. Cute.  Thanks for that Dez!

I gotta quit here... I'm boring myself.

In conclusion, I miss Arie and Jef. ;)

So, what did you think?!  We filled out brackets last night (Thanks Erika) and I have Ben/Brad/ going to the Final Four (Why are there SO many B names in this season?).  What about you?