Monday Munchies - "Turkey" Vegetable Platter

I was asked to bring a veggie tray for Thansgiving this year at my cousin's house. I found this turkey platter idea (on Pinterest of course, ha!). It ended up being a hit! Now, someone needs to post a Christmas veggie tray theme. I had to bring a veggie tray for a Christmas party and was unsuccessful finding anything.

The Boot Search - b.o.c. by Born Martina Boot

I went to DSW specifically to find a pair of boots to go over my skinny jeans. I have ordered pairs online and sent them back. DSW had rows and rows of boots! I figured I had to find at least one pair that fit right?

After trying on many pairs, I started to get discouraged. A salesman asked me if I needed help and I explained my problem. His answer was to wear thick legwarmers until he noticed just how small my legs were! Then he said DSW fits those with average to larger-sized calves and not those with smaller calves.

I decided to still keep trying pairs on and then I tried on b.o.c by Born Martina boot. They were so comfortable! They had buckles on the top which I cinched as tight as they would go - past the holes. They actually looked decent! I bought them on a whim and I've been pretty happy with them. They're a little loose but you can't tell when I wear them over jeans. The only problem is they seem to be stretching out. I'm wondering if I can take them to a shoe repair shop and have them taken in. They are for a casual look so they are serving their purpose.

 I'm still learning how to use my camera so these aren't the greatest pictures. I used the self-timer feature after several attempts at my 4 year-old trying to take them. She didn't understand why I didn't want my face in the picture :-)

The belt is cinched tighter than the holes allow.

They are so comfy. 

I usually make sure my jeans are tucked in the boots better.

Miss Anna crying because she wanted the camera!

My Search for the Perfect Pair of Boots

I have been on the search for a pair of knee-high boots that fit snugly against my narrow calves (aka stick legs!) for the past 10 years. I have tried on pair after pair and my legs were always swimming in them. I looked like I was wearing buckets :-(  Four years ago, my husband's gift to me was to order a pair of custom-fit boots from DUO (a UK-based shop). Granted, they were over $200 but they are beautiful, leather and fit like a glove!

My search now has been to find a pair to go over skinny jeans and leggings. As much as I love my DUO pair, I can't spend that much money on another pair of boots just for a few months (we currently live in the South).

And so started my search again. I've ordered countless pairs on Endless and Piperlime that claim that they have a smaller calf circumference than listed on their websites. Disappointed, I had to send them back (got to love the free shipping both ways!). My calves are small -  less than 12 inches circumference and I'm 5'5" with a size 8 1/2 in shoes. Most boots are about 15 inches circumference in my size of shoe. It doesn't sound like a big difference - but it really is! It is frustrating because stores have options for those with wider calves. Why not the option for those with skinny calves?

I've done some research online and designer boots seem to run smaller but I'm not forking over $400+ for boots! I did find a very helpful blog, Little Contessa, about a woman with the same issue as me and she has several boot reviews for narrow calves.

I will be documenting what boots have worked for my legs in the hopes that other women with my problem can start finding boots that fit as well. Even my friends who have average-sized legs have problems finding fitted boots. It makes me wonder why boots don't have more sizing options as clothes do.

Let the search begin!

First Day of School Teacher Gifts

This all rooted from Pinterest (seriously, it's like crack). I was not planning on taking a gift on the first day until I found this idea on Pinterest involving cups with cute little flag toppers. I just couldn't wait until Christmas to give this so I'm sending it with L on her first day. 

The cups were $5 or $6 and from Wal-mart but I read on another blog that they have them at Joann's and you can use a coupon. The link provides instructions and a nifty template so you can print the flags yourself.

I need to arrange the drink packets a little better. I might throw some tissue paper in the middle so they stand up around the edge. Those are just Crystal Light on-the-go packets. I included three flavors so they could have a few drink options to choose from. The leftover packets are for the hubby. He likes to keep them at work to flavor his water bottles.

Mommy Back to School Shopping

I have no excuse other than I'm vain and want to look cute dropping off and picking up my 4 year-old next week when Pre-K starts. Yeah, I've been a little bit bad. Luckily, my husband hasn't seen all of the packages. Even if it's been weeks and I get one package, I'll hear "What did you buy now?" One order though was out of necessity, though! I DID need shoes for the gym as I've started working out again.

I'm in an Ann Taylor Loft phase right now.

I wore this top all day today (playdate, cheer practice, errands) and it held up great! It will be very versatile - running around with kids or date night with my hubby!

Soft layering tank

I ordered these in two colors. Not sure which one to keep. If I can find a cute khaki skirt, I might keep the navy one.

This was way cuter in person. It fit so nicely!

With my coupon, this was only $4 so I had to buy it!

Back to School Shoes

With school starting up soon, I of course used the excuse to buy some new shoes for L. We haven't bought many clothes as it's still 100+ degrees here and she can still wear her summer clothes to school.

I DID buy everything on sale or with a coupon and free shipping.

Morgan & Milo sneakers - I sized up on these to save for Spring.

Lelli Kelly - These are her "dressy" sneakers. They are sooooo cute and sparkly. I wish they made them in my size!

Morgan & Milo - They have elastic inside so they slip-on easily.

She also has a pair of suede brown Morgan & Milo shoes from last year that will probably hold up another couple of months. Her shoe size changes so quickly so I like to be prepared by keeping a couple of larger sizes just in case.

Dynamic Drive CSS Library

For the web dev geeks out there, Dynamic Drive CSS Library is where I get code for drop-down menus, rotating images, and other nifty tricks.


The jQuery Multi Level CSS Menu #2 is a drop-down menu code I use frequently. The colors and styles can easily be changed through the stylesheet to match the look of your website. It also works on phones and other mobile devices.