Seven on Sunday ~ Week 3

Day 1: Sunday ~ A little Sunday inspiration!

Day 2: Monday ~ First phase of pre-braces is complete! No more jaw-expander!! It's amazing how much her mouth as changed in the few months she's had that thing!

Day 3: Tuesday ~ Monkey see, monkey do :)

Day 4: Wednesday ~ #truth!

Day 5: Thursday ~ When you ask your little "macho" 6 year to cuddle and he says "yes." :) #mamasboy #growinguptoofast

Day 6: Friday ~ Trying on Daddy's old letter jacket :)

Day 7: Saturday ~Brookey's friend spent the night and Scott and I stayed downstairs until 10pm singing 1D songs with them! #coolestparentsever HA! Omg! I think they wanted to kill us! LOL!

See ya back here next week!


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Simple, Crockpot Mongolian Beef

Ok you guys HAVE to try this recipe! I made it and it was such a hit at our house!!! I suggest doubling it because we had zero leftovers!

If you are concerned about the sugar content, you can substitute Stevia or honey--just start with a small amount and taste the "sauce" until it's sweet enough for your liking.

Crockpot Mongolian Beef
Serves 2-4

1 1/2 lbs flank steak, cut into large strips
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
4 cloves garlic, ,minced
3/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
3/4 water
3/4 brown sugar
1 cup shredded carrots (i used the kind in the bag)
3-4 scallions for garnish

1. Toss steak slices in cornstarch. Discard extra cornstarch and place meat into the crockpot.
2. Whisk together ginger, garlic, soy sauce, water and brown sugar; pour sauce over meat.
3. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW 5-6 hours until meat is tender and sauce has thickened. (If the sauce needs to be thicker, take a little of the sauce and mix in a little more cornstarch--then add back into the crockpot. It will thicken quickly).
4. A few minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in carrots ( i like to add them late in the cooking process so they don't get soggy)
4. Serve over brown rice and garnish with scallions!

ENJOY!!!


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What I Learned from Style Challenges + Exciting News!

So you guys know I have been doing Style Challenges with Alison from Get Your Pretty On for over a year now. Although it CAN be slightly "time consuming" and MIGHT drain your wallet, I wanted to share with you a few tips I learned along the way and how I made the Style Challenges work for me:

Tip 1 ~ You don't have to buy everything on the list!
When I first started, I felt the need to buy every single item on the list so I could be "in uniform" and follow along perfectly (the OCD in me, I guess). What I do now is make an effort to TRY everything, but be OK if the items don't work for me. I will wear things around the house for a day or so with the tags and if I don't feel it, back it goes! At this point, I need to LOVE the clothes I have and I am honest with myself--if I don't love it, I don't keep it!

For example, duck boots were on the list for the Winter Challenge. I LIKE them, but I don't live in a climate that really necessitates the need to super "wintery" boots like that! So here I just swapped out my rain boots for duck boots (perfect since El Nino is upon us here in California!)

Outfit Formula: Black Jeans + Chambray + Vest + Duck Boots

Chambray: H&M (similar)
Vest: via Jane.com (similar)
Scarf: Target (similar)
Black Jeans: Express (exact)
Boots: Target(exact--the pink and red ones are super cute too!)

Tip 2 ~ You don't have to stick with the EXACT same color or pattern combos as the preview pictures.
Sometimes the outfit formula will say "printed sweater," and the preview picture will show a fair isle sweater. This DOES NOT mean you have to buy a fair isle sweater if that's not your game! It means a PRINTED sweater. I used a polka dot sweater for my printed sweater in the last challenge and loved it!! Same goes with colors. If the preview shoes a beige shirt and you know that color washes you out, choose another neutral color that works!

This outfit called for a grey sweater....well, I didn't have a grey sweater, but I did have this beige one that  loved and wanted to wear!

Outfit Formula: Plaid Top + Skinny Jeans + Grey Sweater + Boots

Sweater: Express (exact)
Plaid: Express (exact)
Jeans: Express (exact--LOVE THESE SO MUCH!)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)

Tip 3 ~ Learn to love what you have.
Once you get a good "base" of clothing you love, it's easy to just keep wanting more...when logic would tell you stop and be happy with what you have! Try hard to push through the urge to buy more before you consider what you already have. The challenges have been great at using past classic pieces such as dark wash jeans, black jeans, boots, etc. Try to add in a piece or two to keep your wardrobe updated, but there is no reason to buy a whole new wardrobe every season. Scour Pinterest to find more ways to wear the same pieces, but it different ways.

 For the Fall and Winter Challenges, I shopped my closet for 90% of the items--if I didn't have something, I found and sub and it worked perfectly! The Challenges have definitely helped me wear my "old" pieces in new ways.

Example--The Challenge called for a "sparkly tank" for layering. I knew that would be great for holiday parties, but not much beyond that. Instead, I swapped out my oldie but goodie lace tank and then followed the outfit formula of flare jeans/neutral cardi and ankle boots. I LOVE shopping my closet!!

Outfit Formula: Sparkly Tank + Black Cardigan + Boot Cut Jeans + Booties

Lace Tee: Loft, old (cute option)
Cardigan: Target (similar)
Jeans: Express (exact-LOVE!)
Boots: Sears (exact, sooo comfy!)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)


Tip 4 ~ You don't have to  be "in uniform" every day!
The Challenges last for 21 days and each day there is a new outfit formula. But a certain formula might not work for you on a certain day and that is perfectly FINE! For instance, I can't wear jeans to work. So if an outfit calls for jeans on a workday, I either find a sub or file the outfit away for another day! No biggie. I print all of the outfits and pin them up in my closet for easy reference. :)

I couldn't wear this outfit formula to work so I saved it for a weekend outing. I could have also subbed black jeans for work!

Outfit Formula: Plaid Top + Cardigan + Jeans + Boots

Jeans: Express (exact--LOVE THESE SO MUCH!)
Plaid: J Crew, old (cute option)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (exact, TONS of colors and on sale!)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)

From the Challenges, I have met so many AMAZING women and for that, I am SO grateful!!! In fact, it might be the best part! I met my blogging link up buddy Carrie from the Challenge! It might possibly be one of the most fun, positive places on the internet.

I just feel that you can go overboard and overbuy if you aren't mindful of the things I listed above. It CAN turn into a buying obsession. The bottom line is, you are trying to LOOK and FEEL pretty....and that doesn't necessarily take hundreds of dollars! Having a certain necklace/bag/sweater that you see won't bring you happiness. What will bring you happiness wardrobe-wise, is being secure with yourself and your body AND having a closet (big or small) of clothes you LOVE.

That being said, I love my Style Sisters from the Challenges and I LOVE the wardrobe the Challenges have helped me build! I'm so excited to announce the new way to join Challenges!! Registration for Annual Membership is now open! Basically you get 4 Challenges for the price of 3! 

As always, at the beginning of each season you'll get a shopping list and over 21 outfit combos for that season! It's been an awesome way to get classic pieces in my wardrobe, as well up have little "updates" every season! It's like having a personal stylist every season!

Click HERE and you can read all about it! The special rate ends January 31st and there won't be any other discounts for the individual challenges this year :( Definitely check out the Annual Membership, girls...you know I love a bargain!!!

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! My favorite look this week was Karen from She Thought She Could. She's always pretty, but I really loved her honest thoughts about blogging and how she's been feeling. Her post totally spoke to me! Read her sweet words HERE.

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

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

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An InLinkz Link-up

Seven on Sunday ~ Week 2

Day 1: Sunday ~ Helped out at the all-new toddler nursery at church! Crazy but fun!!!

Day 2: Monday ~ Ok, this was actually Sunday, too :) We ended our Christmas vacation with a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings! I like me some wings, but feels sooo good to be back on the healthy eating wagon!!

Day 3: Tuesday ~ She was SO SAD to go back to school today! Never, ever in her life has she complained about going to her "school." But today she was allllll tears. She recovered quickly though and was fine on Thursday so hopefully she's getting over this little phase! In the meantime, I guess I will just enjoy cuddles with my only baby!

Day 4: Wednesday ~ Have you ever seen our house so clean? ((The answer is no, you haven't!!)) It was an exciting day!! More details to come soon!

Day 5: Thursday ~ And so it begins....the "tween stage! Right now it's One Direction posters....what will it be next month??! Lord help me!

Day 6: Friday ~ My Friday night happy place :) Wine, homemade pizza, my favorite hoodie and a surprise drop-by from a good friend....did I really stay up until 11:30??!

Day 7: Saturday ~ SO much fun meeting new friends at Beachbody's Super Saturday!! This "job" (can I call it that?!) has blessed me with way more than I ever imagined!

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2015: A Year In Review + LINK UP

Happy New Year, beautiful friends! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to start the New Year STRONG!!! It's Monday, and as usual, I am linking with with my blogging besties Carrie and Whitney. We are each doing a Year in Review of our favorite posts, outfits, looks, etc. Go check them out!! Here are my Top 10 posts from last year ~

1. Wardrobe Wednesday is Born! I've been "family" blogging for years, but it was only last January I made my blog "public" and started Wardrobe Wednesday! So this was pretty much my very first "fashion-y" post! I named my Casual Classic Wardrobe Staples for Moms. Frankly, they have not changed much from last year!!!! :) Read the post, Getting Dressed, Mom Style.

2. The Striped Dress: This is one of my first posts as well when I styled a $7 striped dress 3 ways. It's one of my most popular posts and I still wear this dress all the time! Read The Striped Dress. 

3. Building a Wardrobe You Love: This 4-part series is almost the most popular posts on the blog. People are still pinning it on Pinterest.  In this post, I make a shopping list of casual closet basics. Read Make a List. 

4. Spring Outfits: This is my #1 most popular post on the blog. Which I find pretty random, if you ask me! I have no clue why it's so popular but I see it on Pinterest from time to time and people are constantly coming back to it. It's just three fun spring outfits I loved! Read The Spring Style Challenge.

5. Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken: Among the most popular recipe on the blog. I know ya'll LOVE your crockpot as much as I do! This one is a keeper--i still make it a lot!!! Read Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken.

 6. Summer Packing: I love capsule posts because they remind you how much you can do with very little! You don't NEED a lot of clothes to make a great wardrobe or to look put together. I had so much fun putting together these summer outfits! Read Summer Packing Capsule 7-10 Days.

7. Pinned It, Did It! You guys know I love Pinned It Did It posts. This is one of my favorite summer looks featuring my DIY'ed denim vest!! Read Pinned It, Did It!

8. Mom Style Files: I need to get back to doing this series!!! I would just snap a simple picture each day of my outfit. Totally real life. Totally ME! Read Mom Style Files.

9. 21 Day Fix Review: This post is also among the post popular! Ya'll love the 21 Day Fix! Or you at least like reading about my experience! Read 21 Day Fix Review.

10. Fall Go-To Look: The last of my faves comes from the Fall Create28 Series I did with Carrie and Whitney. Super simple outfit, but one I could LIVE IN! It's very me :) Keep an eye out for another Create28 series coming SOON!!! Read Create28: Favorite Fall Go-To Look.

And that's a wrap on my 2015 favorites!!! I hope you enjoyed the walk down memory lane. I also just want to take this opportunity to thank you guys for supporting my blog this past year! I am so grateful for each and every one of you!! XOXOXXO

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! My favorite look this week was Iris from Love Iris. She put together TWENTY, count them TWENTY super cute winter outfits!!! Read the entire post HERE.

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

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

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Seven on Sunday ~ Week 52!

Week Fifty Two. FIFTY TWO!!! We made it another full year. Thank you so much for supporting my Seven on Sunday posts this year..my first FULL YEAR of Seven on Sunday! Each year, I collect pictures and put them into a slideshow..a highlight reel, so to speak. We always have the BEST time around the holidays watching our old videos and the kids absolutely get a kick our of seeing each other when they were younger.

I used to compile a pretty video on a site called One True Media, but this year they went out of business! I was SO SAD! So what did I do? Hired my oldest daughter to make the movie on iMovie, of course!!! She knows way more about it than me! She got to pick the music, too (any Liv and Maddie fans out there?! LOL!) So here you go, The Rooney Family 2015 ~

CHEERS TO 2016!!! XOXO


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Happy New Year + Link Up!!!

I hope everyone had an AWESOME holiday!! I am taking a bloggy break over the holidays, but we are still running the link up so feel free to link up below!!! Be blessed, my friends!

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

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

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up