Vranicar Family: Party of 5

A fresh start always feels good. Wiping the slate clean and starting the day with what feels like endless capabilities and possibilities. When I started the blog I wanted an outlet to write what was on my mind. After a handful of blogs it became apparent to me that I let my insecurities hold me back from really doing anything here. I would put more thought into what others would think about what I wrote or writing about what others would find interesting to read instead of building a blog based on what I wanted. I have also found that I much prefer a "live" platform. I would much rather be speaking all of this than pecking at my keyboard. Because while, as my husband will remind me, I do have a degree in English Literature, that doesn't mean I'm much of a great writer. I plan to revamp this site and clean it up to let more of what I want take over. The past several months I've turned off much of the "real world" and turned in to my world instead. The w...

It's been awhile since I received my last shipment from StitchFix . I pushed my next shipment until after the holidays and then I pushed it again until I started my part time gig for BeechNut Foods. (I'll writer more about that later). In the note to my stylist, I told her to surprise me with pieces for spring/summer and to just be sure it was "kid friendly".   In case you aren't familiar, here's a little overview about StichFix. First you start by  filling out your style profile  - you will complete all kinds of questions on sizing, pricing, preferences, colors, etc. You can also write notes about likes/dislikes. If you have one, link your  fashion board on Pinterest  so your stylist can see what you like! Next, schedule   your first fix! Your credit card will be charged a $20 styling fee however, if you keep any item [one or more] you will be credited back the $20. Because of this I suggest keeping at least one item or you are basically giving aw...

I can vividly remember my very good friend Emily and I talking about having children one day and what that would look like. "I  want to have kids but gosh, like, I realllly don't want to get stretch marks!" "Oh I know me too!" "Can you imagine?!" "And saggy skin!" LOL Oh yes, our college aged minds were all tied up in our own vanity. Of course now we both have children, three for me and number three on the way for her, but it seems some of those younger year insecurities of how your body changes after being pregnant once, twice, THREE TIMES or more, just don't go away. So here I sit, boy number two on my lap as I type, sweet baby bouncing away across from me in his jumper and our oldest at school and I see the immense blessing it is to have three, beautiful, healthy boys. But I also know that in the same breath that I say I am forever thankful for these wild little men, I also hear the old me clinging to the desire to wear a two pi...

"You blog?! After my post about StitchFix #4 that was the comment I got from several people. I laughed to myself because while this post is my 250th, I wouldn't call  myself a blogger. If you go back and read any of the my posts, you'll see I talk about this a lot. Ironic huh? It's been on my to-do list, my New Year's Resolution list, etc - I seem to keep trying to blog about things I think others will want to read about, when what I really should be doing is just blogging about whatever I feel like so I actually publish something. So with that in mind, here's post #250 It's no secret I love clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry... if you were to meet me today it may not be obvious because it's pretty low on my list but come into my "space" at home and you'll see it. I love shopping for clothes in stores or online, I love reading about fashion and trends. And while I love all types of clothing I have one true love. Wedding gowns! Weird r...

This fall I was introduced to a (FABULOUS) service called StitchFix. If you're not familiar here's a quick breakdown: 1.  Start by filling out your style profile - you will complete all sorts of questions on sizing, pricing, preferences, colors, etc. You can also write notes about likes/dislikes. Make sure to link your fashion board on Pinterest so your stylist can see what you like! 2. Order your first fix ! Your card will be charged a $20 styling fee however, if you keep any item [one or more] you will be credited back the $20. Because of this I recommend keeping at least one item or you are essentially giving away $20 for nothing in return. You will receive 5 items [made up of clothing, jewelry, and handbags]. I personally only want clothing in my fix so I just always let my stylist know!  3. Decide what you want and what you want to send back [in a postage paid envelope]! You have 3 business days to do so - use this time to try everything on, see what you have ...

The other day it occurred to me that I was no longer the high-heeled strutting, pencil skirt wearing, looks like she baths regularly girl I used to be. You would think it would have hit be sooner seeing that I haven't been in an actual paid working position for a few years now. I am aware that I have a closet full of beautiful 4" heels that are collecting dust and my feet are most often doting six year old Nike's with grass stains.  I'm also aware that I now almost feel awkward putting on a skirt instead of jeans or running tights. It feels like I'm playing pretend or that I'm not feminine enough for that anymore? This all hit me when I saw a (beautiful) picture of my friend Mindi- find her super cool blog HERE. Not to say Mindi hasn't always looked so pulled together, but seeing her in this photo; hair up, black asymmetrical lace detail dress on, coordinating bracelets in just the right spot on her arm- I saw how she was so polished and professional she h...

Over the next few weeks I'll be working on giving the blog a face lift. As you can see, it has had a few nips and tucks already. Looking forward to getting back into a regular schedule once school starts and (hopefully) getting a chance to post all the ideas I've had running around my head. For some reason I can't find a chunk of time to sit down, with two free hands, and do it.... hahahahhahahhahahah UPDATE........................ Oh dear I feel delusional. Here I thought I would actually get time to turn this blog into something once school started and we got into a routine. Boy was I wrong. Here I am weeks later.  The extra time I get I spend quickly clearing the floor of toys, throwing in a load of laundry or on occasion, getting in a little time on the treadmill. You see, I have this on-going internal battle called Mom Guilt or maybe it's "catholic guilt." This is completely self inflicted and for a majority of the time unnecessary. I think that I sh...