Seven on Sunday ~ Week 26

Day 1: Sunday ~ Father's Day! We celebrated these two awesome men!! I am truly blessed to have them in my life. This was taken in Kauai about 7 years ago! We have such good memories from that trip!

Day 2: Monday ~ First day of Everest VBS!! They're excited!! This is always such a fun week for the kids and we always end of singing the songs all month/summer/year long!

They took pics of all the kids and put them in these cute little frames.

Day 3: Tuesday ~ This book was written by one of my friend's hubby's--I started it on Tuesday and I literally cannot put it down! I don't read a whole lot, but I love finding awesome books like this ! Read it!!!!

Day 4: Wednesday ~ Thought this was a great quote :)

Day 5: Thursday ~ VBS had their ice cream social where the kids sang all their songs. As usual it was ADORABLE. Sarah was too young to participate in VBS, but she had no problem getting up on stage to perform the songs! This kid....!

Day 6: Friday ~ On Friday Brookey had her very first sleepover!!! Mama was sad, so I took these clowns to the movies to distract me! Inside Out...AWESOME movie...yeah, I TOTALLY cried....like a lot :)

3D!!!!

Day 7: Saturday ~ Wine pick up day!!! In Chicago, Scott used to work with Terin, the founder of Bryter Estates...one of our favorite wineries!! Once a quarter, we go to Sonoma to pick up our wine club shipment--they are always soooo nice and so gracious and welcoming to our kids! They have a 'fridge full of kid drinks and a basket full of kid snacks! We LOVE Bryter...the people, the tasting room and especially the wine!! AWESOME!

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Favorite Summer Reads

Happy Friday!!!! I know I typically do a recipe for Foodie Friday, but Foodie Friday is taking a little hiatus for the next few weeks. As you know, I'll be hosting Create28 ~ Lovely Summer Looks with my gals Carrie and Whitney throughout July, so it will be all summer fashion!! Read about Create28 HERE and please join in the fun!!

Today I'm linking up with my Blogger Besties (again!) to share what we're reading this summer!! I will be honest ya'lls---there's not much time for me to read up in these parts. Between 3 kids, work, laundry, blogging, and trying to put dinner on the table, I have about 40 seconds a day to read an actual BOOK. But I do TRY. Here is a little of what I've been reading lately ~

1. The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury ~ My best friend loaned me this entire series and I have to say it rocked my world. Even if you just read the first book, Redemption, I promise you will experience every range of emotion...joy, sadness, bitter, hatred..and possibly forgiveness. The characters and writing by this Christian author keep you enthralled and emotionally involved in every page!!

The next books are "reads in progress" ~

2. The Fives Run North-South by Dan Goodin ~ Ok, so this one has been on my Kindle for awhile but I haven't had the chance to read anything since the end of the school year!! I just picked it up and now (darn it!!) I can't put it down!! OMG--it is so good...I was reading it last night and I had to force myself to put it down at midnight so I could get some sleep!

I guess I will mention it just happens to be written by my good friend's hubby. Geez, I can say I knew them when....! Already has amazing Amazon reviews...i just love finding hidden gems like this one--WOW!

3. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young ~ I have heard about this book/devotional for awhile now but never purchased it until now. I got it for my mother in law for Mother's Day and she texted me a few weeks later saying it was "life changing." I guess I better get on this one, huh? I have been so busy lately, I have sometimes let my time with God slip a bit. I definitely think reading a little of this book each day will help get me back on track!

4. The Adventure of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain ~ I love reading to Brooke and Will before bed, but it's really rare when I can read a book that they both enjoy. The kids recently "found" this book at our neighborhood "free" library/book swap and boy, has it been a hit!! I read (parts) of this book when I was a kid, but had forgotten a lot of it. They are both at the edges of their beds when I read all about Tom and his adventures with Injun Joe! We are all loving it! It's one of the few books they have BOTH begged me to read more and more!!

So that's what's on my reading list this summer--and it's more than enough to keep me busy for a few months!! I can't wait to hear what you all are reading--i am always, always looking for ideas and motivation! Link up or leave you recommendations in the comments--please!!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 
R Squared  | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy 

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life |  Quilty Joy Joy

Making The Most of Everyday | Puppies and Pretties | She Thought She Could 

 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time &Happily Ever After 

Sprinkled Just Right | Nick and Nik | The Blondissima | Daily Style Finds | A Little Bit Of Cheer

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An InLinkz Link-up

The Summer Challenge Week 2 + Linkup + Giveaway!

Happy Hump Day, pretties! Today I'm recapping the first full week of Summer Challenge outfits! Hope you're ready for some serious summer outfit inspiration....check out all of my blogger bestie's outfits linked below, too! Feel free to link up your favorite outfits, too--the more the merrier!! Also, you only have 2 more days to enter to win the $200 gift card to Gap Brands...enter if you haven't already!!

OK-now for this week's outfits~

Outfit Formula 4: Kimono + Tank + Denim Shorts
I'm not giving up finding a kimono!! Still looking because I think the trend is darling--i just can't find one that looks right on me. In the meantime, I pulled this long cardigan/shrug thing out of my closet. I usually only wear it in the fall/spring, but now I know I can wear it with shorts!! Yay!

Cardigan/Shrug: Target (similar)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Coral Tee: Nordstrom/Stem (exact, in Red Fiesta)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 5: Lace Top + Bright Shorts + Colorful Necklace
I LOVE this outfit. It's light, bright and super easy!

White Eyelet Top: Loft Outlet (similar, similar)
Bright Shorts: J. Crew (similar, similar)
Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 6: Chambray Shirt + White Shorts + Sneakers
I chose to wear my white sandals instead of sneakers because I decided I really need to invest in a bright pair of Converse! I'm thinking pink, red or teal...any other suggestions??

Part of this Challenge is also trying new things with your hair. Soooo....I watched like 3,000 bun/top knot/messy bun tutorials! It looked sooo easy but once I had to do it on myself it was a mess!! This was my first attempt--I'll keep trying!!!

Chambray/Blue Shirt: HM (these are hard to find!! option, option)
White Shorts: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 7: Maxi/Summer Dress + Denim Vest + Sandals
I feel like I have been wearing my long printed maxi dress to death, so I opted for this short little jersey dress I found on the Target clearance rack for $8! It think it works!

Dress: Target (similar, similar)
Denim Vest: DIY'ed (similar, similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 8: Palazzo/Track/Printed/Soft Pants + Flowy Tank
Whatever they are called--I hopped on the Palazzo/Track/Soft pants trend a few months ago and I've never looked back. I LOVE them--totally feels like PJs, yet looks pulled together and not super frumpy. Nothing is more comfy than this outfit!!! You have to shop and be patient for the ones you like, but once you find them, you'll love them!

Track Pants: Coscto (similar, similar)
Tank: Loft (similar)
Sparkly Sandals: Target (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom/Kendra Scott (exact)

Outfit Formula 9: Graphic Tee + Denim Shorts + Sneakers
This is one of the outfits I could just live in all summer!!! Like I said, though, I need to invest in some super fun colored Chucks!

Graphic Tee: Forever 21 (exact one is sold out i think--option, option)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Sneakers: Nordstrom/Converse (exact)

As a girl of comfort, I can attest that every one of these outfits was super comfy and functional for my everyday, running around mom-life! Next week I'll have 6-7 more outfits for ya!

And don't forget, next WEDNESDAY, July 1st Create28 ~ Lovely Summer Looks starts!! Read all about it HERE and join us!!!

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

I'm on Instagram now! Yippeee! Follow me HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE 

Puppies & Pretties // Daily Style Finds

Shoes to Shiraz // A Lovely Little Wardrobe // Making the Most of Every Day

Two Teens and Their Mama // Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

A Little Bit of Cheer // Nick + Nik // Foxy's Domestic Side // The Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life // Quilty JoyJoy

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy // Get Your Pretty On

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama | 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds | 

Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side | 

Quilty Joy Joy |  Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |

A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

Seven on Sunday ~ Week 25

Our first week of summer vaca! We kicked it off on the last day of school and headed straight for our annual camping trip with friends. Our destination this year: Gold Country!!

Day 1: Sunday ~ We had so much fun!!! Gold panning (of course!)....

Playing in the beautiful American River....

:)

Clowning around with friends...

Getting SUPER dirty and SWEATY!!

...and visiting Sutter's Mill, the actual site where gold was discovered and where it all started! They all came to California in 1849...and unfortunately, they still haven't left! LOL!

Such a great trip--we can't wait to go back!!!!! Coloma Resort is perfect "glamping" with kids!

Day 2: Monday ~ Fun is over! I had them hitting the books again on Monday! (after they slept in until 9!)

Day 3: Tuesday ~Warriors!!! #DubNation!! So happy Buddy got us so excited about the Warriors this post-season!! I swear, without him, I wouldn't have even watched the series. It was SUCH an exciting series and awesome that a Bay Area team closed it out against LeBron!!! I know, sad for Lebron and SUPER sad for Cleveland but....#sorrynotsorry. Happy the NBA finally has a good role model for kids in Steph Curry. #itsabouttime #notathug #notats

Day 4: Wednesday ~ Sarah rocking the denim vest she tried on at Target! I didn't DIY this one, though :)

 Day 5: Thursday ~ I thought this quote was hilarious! Totally me!!!

Day 6: Friday ~ Every 6 months I take them all to the dentist and get it all out of the way at once! No cavities!! Yay!!

Day 7: Saturday ~ Our anniversary was a couple of weeks ago, but we celebrated today (free babysitting) :) We hired a driver to take us to some wineries in Napa. It was heaven and so much fun!!

This view!! This was at Joesph Phelps

It was a fun week! This week the kids have VBS, so it should be another fun-filled week!


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Denim Vest Love & Easy Tutorial

Today I am co-hosting a link-up with two LOVELY girls--Jill at Doused in Pink and Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom. Jill is super crafty so hopefully she approves of this post! HA! Link up with us below!!!

Girls--as you  know I am participating in the Summer Style Challenge. The thing about these challenges are they are truly CHALLENGES. They often put you outside of your comfort zone to try things you might not ever dream of wearing! A few past things I never thought to wear before the challenges...

~ Stripes and florals

~ Denim on Denim

~  Palazzo/Track pants

All of these things were outside my comfort zone at first but now I LOVE them!!!

I have to say, the Summer Challenge is definitely "challenging" me more than others! One HUGE "I will never wear that!" item on the list this challenge is a denim vest. Is it just me, a child of the 80's and 90's, that just makes you think of Billy Ray Cyrus, Achey Breaky Heart, when you think about about a denim vest??!! I know vests are mainstream now, but still. This isn't Billy Ray, but you get the idea....

But darn it, I was going to try to and step outside my comfort zone. So I went onto Pinterest and found these outfits....(better, right?)

Hmmmm...that looked  promising!!! So I started looking for some vest options...here are some GREAT ONES!

Then, in a short, rare, flash of genius, I remembered my huge "donate" pile that was ready for Goodwill and low and behold I found a denim jacket. Hmmmm......dare I just cut the sleeves off??! I am NOT, repeat, NOT a seamstress and the farthest thing from a DIYer! But I dared. This is how it turned out ~

 I think it turned out great!! I'm still feeling a tad Achey Breaky but I'm warming up to it!

Girls, you can do this, too in 3 easy steps. If I can do it, ANYONE can. I swear! I found ANOTHER denim jacket in my donate pile to show you how it's done.

Needed: Denim Jacket, Sharp Scissors (I used a pair of sharp scrapbooking scissors). I preferred the smaller scrapbook scissors so I could be more precise when cutting around the arms.

Step 1: Locate a denim jacket, preferably thrifted and INEXPENSIVE. I would not pay over $10. See fit guidelines below. Fit is VERY important!!!

Step 2: With your scissors, make a small cut right near the seam where the jacket's arms are sewn. This will allow you to easily get your scissors into where they need to be.

Step 3: Cut all the way around the jacket sleeve, cutting as close to the seam as you can to minimize fraying. In the first pic, you can see how close to the seam I'm cutting. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for the other sleeve.

Voila! A denim vest is born!!!

A few notes ~

~ Fraying: When you wash your jacket, it will fray just a tiny bit. If you cut close to the seam, it's hardly noticeable. If it bothers you, you can easily just trim it off with your sharp scissors or apply Fray Check, a seam sealer right at the edge where you cut it.

~ Denim jacket fit guidelines: When looking for a jacket to make into a vest, SIZE DOWN! A vest is meant to be fitted to avoid lots of extra bulk. When I put my vest on, it barely buttons. I would even look for one that is too tight to button (but still fits everywhere else), so you get a nice "open" look in the front (please don't ever think about buttoning your vest!). If you look at the pics of the girls at the top, their vests are all very open in the front.

There you have it! Are you brave enough to try a homemade vest??!

Don't forget the enter to win the $200 from Gap Brands!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

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Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE 


Welcome to Thursday Fashion Files!

Welcome to Thursday Fashion Files with Jill at Doused in Pink and Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom! We are excited to have you here and would love to have you link up one of your latest outfits with us.

We are always looking for Co-Hosts for Thursday Fashion Files. If you haven't signed up to Co-Host, but are interested, sign up by clicking HERE. 






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Guest Co-Host:

Casey from A Little Bit of Cheer is our co-host this week. Casey has been blogging since 2008 and it started as a digital scrapbook to document memories of her kids childhood. Now her blog shares outfits, but easy recipes and her family life. Casey wants to bring a little bit of cheer to anyone that stops by... be sure to stop by and say hello to her today!

Now let's get linking!

An InLinkz Link-up