Vranicar Family: Party of 5

A few months ago my husband and I had some rare one on one conversation time as we traveled to a friend's wedding in St. Cloud. During the car ride topics bounced from the boys to whatever was on the radio, back to the boys, to an upcoming trip he would be taking for work, back to the boys and so on. My husband has been with the same company since graduating college, a rare feat these days I think considering that some of our friends have been with a handful of different companies in that same time. He loves his career! It challenges him, it makes him think, it is rewarding and he has opportunities to grow in his profession. When on the topic of his trip, I mentioned how proud I was of him and kind of nervously laughed and said I was jealous of him and all he's done. He responded by asking if I wished I were still working outside the home. My knee jerk reaction was no! I love being at home with our boys, even though most days I feel like I may lose my mind either from sensory o

I remember very vividly walking through the Pamida parking lot near my hometown, talking to my mom in the way only a 5 year old girl can, “When I grow up and I’m a mom I’m only going to have girls.” My mom (also the mother of two little boys) smiled and said “little boys are really nice too you know.” But I was certain I would have two or three little girls just like me; in love with sparkles and the color pink,  attending dance classes and girl scout meetings, searching the aisles for the newest Barbie and someday maybe even competing in pageants like I did.  Fast forward twenty some years to the birth of my husband and my first child, a healthy, red headed, nearly 9lb BOY.  Cooper Day 1 Parker Day 1 Jump ahead another two years to when we would meet our second child, a healthy, red headed, nearly 9lb BOY. Are you seeing a pattern here...? Another three years later we found ourselves in the delivery room where my husband would once again look over at me to announce th

This morning on Instagram one of my favorite bloggers posted the cutest, most comfortable (assumingly), kid chasing dress. I clicked the link to see where to buy and .... then my happiness was shattered. $88 for a cotton dress. Feeling slightly deflated I did a quick search for similar dresses. Much to my delight I found it's twin for a third the price of the original. Which lead me to an idea...much of what said favorite blogger posts is just not in my price point. On occasion, she will post a Target or Old Navy outfit, maybe a few home items from Marshalls... but I want a DEAL!  So, what's a girl to do? Since it seems I am finding little inspiration writing about "real life" I might as well find and share fantastic deals on items that are just out of reach. Here we go.... by the way, if you have your eye on something and haven't pushed the purchase button because of the price tag- send it to me and I'll see what I can find! Gap Midi Racer back dres

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 away

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