Stitch Fix Plus: Round 13 + Announcement!
December 31, 2018 • brands. review
This will be my final reveal of 2018, and also for awhile. This year I came to terms with the fact that I needed modest and stylish clothes for a body that was suddenly considered plus size.
I'm so grateful to have found options via services like Stitch Fix, but I'm equally discontent with my body and ready to make some changes. In 2019, I will be focusing on my health and body, starting with participating in Arbonne's 30 day challenge. During that time, the shopping and subscription boxes will be on hold as my first size-related goal will be to get back into traditional women's sizes.
I'll be blogging about my progress along the way, and as much as I love the two items I kept from this fix, hopefully I'll be requesting smaller sizes in my fixes come spring!
KUT FROM THE KLOTH | Dayna Skinny Jean - KEPT
These fit like a dream! They are more than I would usually spend on jeans, but a well-fitting pair of pants has always been hard for me to find.
WISP | Leeah Lace Knit Dress - KEPT
This is super pretty and I kept it with the intention of wearing it to my friend's March wedding. Fingers crossed, it will be too big by then and I'll be selling it on one of the SF Facebook groups!
PAPERMOON | Marisol Mixed Material 3/4 Sleeve Knit Top - Passed Along
What the photo doesn't show is that the back has huge polka dots. This is a comfy simple shirt, but not exactly my style. Another SF enthusiast purchased it from me.
The remaining two items, the coat and necklace (whoops, hit checkout before copying down the exact names), were both on the frumpy side for me and were returned.
The good news is, I love a lot of the clothes SF has to offer and look forward to trying on some new things in smaller sizes in 2019. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy getting yourself some pretties in the meantime - here's $25 off your first fix!
The good news is, I love a lot of the clothes SF has to offer and look forward to trying on some new things in smaller sizes in 2019. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy getting yourself some pretties in the meantime - here's $25 off your first fix!
Baltimore, MD, USA
2018 | The Year in Review
December 26, 2018 • life, theatre
As Sean and I decorated our Christmas tree, it was impossible not to pause to be grateful. Our tradition of collecting ornaments allows us to remember where we've been together and appreciate even more where we are now. I never tire of the pitiful paper "wedding ornament" we made in 2010 when we couldn't splurge for a custom one, or the emerald-colored glass Hershey kiss ornament from one "vacation" just up the road at Hershey Park. Those were all fond memories that make the ones we made this year even more special:
January
Our neighbors became some of our best friends in 2017 and it was only fitting that we ring in 2018 together. I hit the 1-year milestone since having PRK. My neighbor and I saw our first show of 2018, Waitress, at the Hippodrome in Baltimore.
February
Sean and I celebrated 13 years of dating! We had a blast at Pour the Core cider fest with one of our neighbors.
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| I realize we are holding water bottles, but I promise, much cider was consumed. |
March
A snow day cancelled a production of School of Rock that my neighbor and I had tickets to, but thankfully we were able to get tickets to another performance-and meet up with another neighbor!
April
I checked an item off my Broadway bucket list: two shows in one day! I enjoyed Carousel and My Fair Lady in NYC.
Sean and I headed to the west coast for a whirlwind California trip including a wedding, sea otters/seals, and Disneyland!
May
Another Broadway first - a show I wanted to leave! My neighbor and I saw American in Paris and it had us thinking #metoo!
June
Summer at last! On top of celebrating 8 years of marriage, Sean and I took in our first foster dog, Pluto, enjoyed our neighborhood Greek festival, and spent some time poolside with our neighbors. Oh, and I saw the tour of one of my Broadway favorites - On Your Feet! - twice! In an especially impressive fashion, Sean willingly joined us for a musical - Avenue Q!
July
Sean celebrated his birthday! We headed to Pennsylvania for his family reunion and also enjoyed a day trip to Gettysburg! While in PA, we took our second foster dog, Daphne, to her fur-ever home.
August
We took in 2 adorable foster puppies - Bonnie and Buccaneer! A long-time friend of mine moved back to the east coast, so we celebrated with a double date at Maryland's new Guinness Brewery! The theatre itch was bad, but the awesome folks at Show Score hooked me up with a pair of tickets to see the premiere of Dave at Arena Stage in Washington, DC!
September
I gave myself the birthday gift of travel and headed to Texas for a girls' weekend with Aleshea while Sean enjoyed all the sports that happen over Labor Day weekend. I finished my first year in business as a freelancer at Fiverr. My neighbors and I enjoyed a Rogers and Hammerstein classic, South Pacific, at Olney Theatre Center.
October
Another vacation! Sean and I headed to Key West in a group of 8 friends...who happen to be our neighbors! We opted to fly to Fort Lauterdale and drive through all of the Keys which I absolutely recommend (I usually hate driving/road trips, so take my word here!)
November
Finally, the first show of the new season at the Hippodrome! My neighbor and I enjoyed Fiddler on the Roof (and 4 other plays including 2 productions of Cabaret and one amazing production of Anything Goes). Sean and I celebrated "stoopsgiving" with our neighbors the night before Thanksgiving which was spent with my family.
December
Full swing festivities! Sean and I went to two work holiday parties, two family birthday parties, two neighborhood holiday parties, and two visiting family from out of town get togethers! On the theatre side of things, I got together with my high school bestie and two neighbors to enjoy the first national tour of Anastasia, then with Sean to see a local production of Black Nativity (yes, he saw two musicals this year! Next year, we have 3 on the books for him!).
In Numbers
13 years together
8 years married
23 plays attended
4 trips taken
4 dogs fostered and re-homed
1 amazing neighborhood
I am so grateful for all the memories made this year and am excited for what 2019 will bring!
What were your favorite highlights in 2018? I'd love to hear in the comments!
Baltimore, MD, USA
GIVEAWAY! Mary Poppins Returns
December 18, 2018
Mary Poppins is back in the new film, Mary Poppins Returns, and fans cannot wait to see her back on the big screen! To help celebrate this new Disney release, The Hopping Bloggers have come together to bring our readers a Mary Poppins Returns prize pack worth $80!
#MaryPoppinsReturns
Like MARY POPPINS RETURNS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marypoppinsreturns/
Follow Walt Disney Studios on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneystudios
Follow MARY POPPINS RETURNS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marypoppinsreturns/
This Mary Poppins Returns Prize Pack Includes:
- Mary Funko Pop
- Mary Poppins Gift Edition Book
- Jack Funko Pop
- Mary Poppins Returns Soundtrack
- Mary Poppins Blu-ray
About Mary Poppins Returns
In Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS, an all-new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London.See Mary Poppins Returns in theaters 12/19!
Enter to win this Mary Poppins Returns Prize Pack using the form below. GOOD LUCK!
If you're a blogger looking to connect with brands: Join The Hopping Bloggers database and get started today!
If you're a brand looking to work with a network of professional bloggers: Check out the creative campaigns The Hopping Bloggers has to offer!
Fiddler on the Roof National Tour | Baltimore, MD
December 10, 2018 • theatre
Who: My neighbors and I
What: Fiddler on the Roof, the touring production of the revived classic
When: November 2018
When: November 2018
Where: Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Why: Tradition! Oh, and it was the first show of the Hippodrome's season. Finally!
Thoughts: This was actually my first time seeing a live production of Fiddler (I saw the film once ages ago) and I couldn't have loved it more! The talent was every ounce as good as it would be on Broadway, and the story is so lovely and relevant. Seeing major shifts in culture through Tevye's point of view is so relatable.
It might not have escaped your attention that I saw this production in Baltimore. I saw the show on a Friday, two days after we made national news regarding an incident that took place during Wednesday's performance. Baltimore has a healthy Jewish population and nobody was impressed by what went down. I was so proud to be in an especially enthusiastic audience on Friday that was sure to cheer for every moment of the performance!
Fiddler is a classic for a reason, and I hope you'll take the time to enjoy it if the tour visits a city near you. While you wait, enjoy the most recent cast recording!
Baltimore, MD, USA
Stitch Fix Plus: Round 12
December 5, 2018 • brands. review
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and I'm ready for some festive clothes. I mentioned to my stylist that holiday-friendly items would be welcome this round.
Stitch Fix is a styling service for women, men, and children. After completing a style profile including your likes and sizes, a $20 deposit secures a box of five items chosen for you (some members receive an invite to style pass which waives the styling fee for a year)! Try everything on at home, keeping what you like and returning what you don't in a convenient prepaid mailer. Your deposit is applied towards anything you keep and a 25% discount is applied if you love and keep all 5 pieces. I was a skeptic when I first tried Stitch Fix, but I enjoy trying the new goodies each month.
Here's what my stylist chose for me this round:
VIOLETS & ROSES | Tinsley Slim Straight Trouser, $58
These were a decently fitting pull-on pant, but at 5'10, they were way too short for me. Returned.
41 HAWTHORN | Jarred Lace Detail Cap-Sleeve Blouse, $58
I've had this top on my Pinterest board forever and had finally accepted that my stylist would never send it to me. Earlier this month, I bought it from someone in a Facebook group. So, technically this pick was a win. I returned it, but only because I already own it.
ABSOLUTELY | Emmay Button Up Lace Detail Cardigan, $48
I got a great black cardigan in another recent fix and ruffles just aren't my thing. This would be a great piece for most people, but this just wasn't my style. Returned.
FRANCO SARTO | Davey Leather Heel, $99
These shoes are gorgeous! They'd be a perfect holiday party shoe, which is what I asked for. If they were a more neutral color I may have kept them, but I'm not willing to pay that price for a shoe I'll only wear once or twice a year. Returned.
41 HAWTHORN | Alivia Sweater Dress, $78
Oh, how I wish this dress had sleeves. The sweater fabric was amazingly thick and soft. It would be the perfect dress to wear unlayered with just tights and booties. This would have been an absolute yes if it had a 3/4 or long sleeve. I'm not big on layering, though, so I returned it.
Try your first box - here's a $25 credit!
These were definitely festive like I asked for. Which items would you wear to a holiday party?
Baltimore, MD, USA
December to Remember: Office Party Gift Guide Under $25 + Giveaway Hop!
December 1, 2018 • giveaway
The spouse, the kids, the parents, the besties...there are so many gifts to buy right now! I personally like to get a head start and I love the feeling of being "done"—until I inevitably remember that one recipient or event I forgot. Then I'm hustling last minute to find that perfect appropriate gift for the office Santa swap. Whether it's a white elephant swap, a tactful boss' gift, or secret Santa, I've noticed that these affordable items tend to be crowd-pleasers:
- Doggy bag lunch bag: I stole this last year and it was immediately stolen from me. I'm still bummed.
- Bento box kit: I love how neatly this one stacks up. It has everything you need and comes in 3 other colors!
- Succulent planters: Also available in an assortment of colors, it's the perfect low-maintenance way to beautify a desk
- Volcano candle: A classic. One party I went to had three of these floating around (they were all stolen!)
- RFID passport wallet: Perfect for frequent travelers. Choose from an abundance of colors!
- Noise cancelling earbuds: Your cube-dwelling colleagues will thank you. The ear grips also make them perfect for the gym.
- Holiday tea set: Every bit as popular as coffee in my office. Such a festive assortment!
I have a gift for one of you - a stocking stuffed with at least $30 worth of goodies! Enter below to win and keep reading for more giveaways!
Welcome to the December to Remember Giveaway Hop brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers!
Each giveaway has a value of a minimum of $15, however some are worth much more. Be sure to enter to win all of them because there is no limit to how many you can win. GOOD LUCK!
If you’re a blogger looking to connect with brands: Join The Hopping Bloggers database and get started today!
If you’re a brand looking to work with a network of professional bloggers: Check out the creative campaigns The Hopping Bloggers has to offer!
Baltimore, MD, USA
Gourmet Pear Parmesean Bites with Stella + Giveaway!
November 19, 2018 • brands, food
This post is sponsored by Stella® Cheese but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
No holiday party is complete without delicious bites to eat. In anticipation of the season, my Facebook feed has been filled with videos of festive punches and appetizers. One particular appetizer featuring brie has appeared time and time again. Delicious as it is, why should brie get all the cheese love? If you're a cheeseaholic like me, take a good look at the cheese section of your local grocer and get creative! One cheesy appetizer is never enough.
My local Harris Teeter is full of Stella chesses. They are easy to use and have an Italian history of traditional cheesemaking almost as rich as it's flavors. I grabbed some organic shredded parmesean and explored pairings to find the best gourmet bite.
I love how it tastes in these puff pastry bites combined with the sweetness of pear and hint of cinnamon. It's easy to make, easy to eat, and looks super fancy. They're the perfect addition to your party hors d'oeuvre lineup!
I love how it tastes in these puff pastry bites combined with the sweetness of pear and hint of cinnamon. It's easy to make, easy to eat, and looks super fancy. They're the perfect addition to your party hors d'oeuvre lineup!
Psst...what's a holiday party without a stocking?
Enter to win this stocking full of goodies while you nibble on some yummy Stella Cheeses!
December to Remember Giveaway Hop
Enter to win this stocking full of goodies while you nibble on some yummy Stella Cheeses!
December to Remember Giveaway Hop
Parmesean Pear Bites
by
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients (2 dozen bites)
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp water
For the bites:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 container Stella shredded parmesean cheese
- 1 pear, diced
- Chopped walnuts
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Honey
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| Easy as 1,2,3! |
Instructions
For the egg wash:
Whisk egg and water together in separate container
For the bites:
Preheat oven to 425 F
Coat puff pastry on one side with egg wash
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar
Cut pastry into squares approximately 2x2 inches
Press squares wash side up into mini muffin tin
Fill pastry halfway with shredded Parmesan
Fill rest of pastry with diced pear
Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top and additional Parmesan if desired
Place in oven and bake 15–20 minutes
Drizzle with honey and serve warm
Powered by Recipage
Baltimore, MD, USA
Stitch Fix Plus: Round 11
November 8, 2018 • brands. review
Because of my style pass and need for more cooler-weather pieces, I've increased the frequency of my Stitch Fix shipments recently. For my 11th fix, I opted not to request anything of my stylist. It's weird, but I've noticed the fixes seem to be a better fit when I don't ask for anything specific. I was also given a different stylist from the last fix, so it's always interesting to see a new person's take on what I might like.
If you're new to this blog or to Stitch Fix, it's a handy styling service where a stylist picks 5 items for you based on preferences you've noted in a style quiz. You try them on at home, keeping what you love and sending back what you don't. a $20 styling fee gets this started, and it's applied to any items you keep (or you can use my referral link for $25 off your first fix meaning your fee is waived and you get another $5 towards whatever you like!).
Here's what was chosen for me this time (I checked out before I remembered to grab all the prices, but pretty much everything was in my preferred range this time):
Papermoon | Arin Button Front Top
I was in love with this when I put it on. It's the softest, most comfortable fabric, and I loved that it was a mixed media top - the back was mostly solid navy. I was dying to keep it, but it had the same issue most button-downs have for busty girls: gaps. You'd think designers would have worked this point out by now. Returned.
Pink Clover | Melbourne Duster Cardigan
The cardigan is comfortable and a nice olive green. Styling it with the other items from my fix here didn't do it justice.I would have liked a little more coverage in the front, but otherwise have no complaints about this. It just didn't wow me enough to keep it. Returned.
Wisp | Anaisey Jersey Dress
This one had me scratching my head. The sheath style, the loud print, nothing about this says "me". The photo doesn't look so bad, but I see a stranger. It was an odd choice and far out of my comfort zone. Returned.
Violet & Red | Vail Suede Flat
Yes! I asked for shoes my last two fixes and got zilch, so these were a nice surprise. While I suspect I will never get some cute booties in a Fix, I was thrilled to see some flats. These were adorable and comfortable. I exchanged them for a size up (exchanging is a super easy process) which means I kept these!
Market & Spruce | Bella Corduroy Bootcut Pant
Like shoes, I also asked for work-appropriate pants the past few fixes. I gave up and these showed up this fix. Navy is my jam but corduroy is not (and the waistline was a little low). Returned.
Thoughts
Overall, I'm happy that this new stylist took the time to pay attention to things I had previously requested. The shirt, shoes, and cardigan were all my style even though I only kept one of the items. While the other two items were out there, I can appreciate a stylist that makes bolder choices - some of my favorite items in my first fixes were ones I didn't think I'd like. I asked that this stylist stick around for my next fix, so stay tuned!
Baltimore, MD, USA
I tried Dia & Co.: Part 2
November 5, 2018 • brands. review
If you missed it, I decided to get more adventurous in my game of fashion subscription roulette, so I signed up for Dia & Co., a subscription specifically for us curvier ladies. Thanks to a promotion combined with the use of Ebates, not only did I try my first box for free, I was paid $10! Not bad.
You can read about my first Dia box here, or TL;DR: I sent everything back.
Of course, the point of subscriptions is they are supposed to improve based on your feedback, so I filled out all my likes and dislikes and awaited the second shipment (which I did, in fact pay the $20 styling fee for). Here's what they chose for me:
Molly & Isladora Candy Stripe Cardigan, $65
This is close to my style but more on the casual side, so I wouldn't get any work wear out of it. Also, I can't tell if the sleeves are 3/4 or just too short. Returned.
Cameo Stephy Mix Blouse, $65
I was thrilled when I pulled this out of the box! I loved the color, flowy fabric, and cute keyhole accent in the back. Then I put it on, and....why does everything have big sleeves!? I'm a simple person who likes simple sleeves. I wanted to keep this so bad but just couldn't get past the big sleeves and fit. Returned.
Delancey Studio Hudson Bootcut Jean, $69
These were a nice thick denim which will be great in cooler temps and I liked the clean, dark wash. I prefer skinny to bootcut, but kept these since they fit great and I didn't want to lose my styling fee.
Tulsa Necklace, $28
This is the most perplexing accessory I've ever received in a subscription box. The stone is "real": it's heavy, it's nice, it's not plastic. The metal setting and chain, however, looked and felt like something out of a gumball machine. Usually accessories are one or the other. It was odd to have one that was both. Returned.
Rafaella Trista Grommet Trim Top, $59
Here we go again with the sleeves. WHY!? I shared this on insta live and a lot of people seemed to love it, but Sean said I looked like I was going to go perform at a rodeo, so....returned. Also, the fabric was an icky poly-ish blend.
Thoughts
This was close. Sooo close. The colors and overall simplicity were right on, but each item had some sort of detail that was just a no for me. What can I say, I'm a picky girl. The stylist is definitely on the right track, so I've put in more feedback and requested another box for November. Stay tuned!
What would you have kept from this box? Let me know in the comments!
Baltimore, MD, USA
Fall Favorites | GIVEAWAY HOP!
November 1, 2018 • giveaway
If you've been a reader here for awhile, you know that notably absent from the blog each year is what seems to be an obligatory lifestyle blogger's post: the ode to autumn.
Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't like fall. In Maryland, fall usually means still-warm days sans our signature summer humidity. That part I like. I just never got into pumpkin spice everything and the super "OMG it's coming!" excitement mode. Most importantly, fall means winter isn't far behind which tends to bring out my grumpy side.
The weather turned a little differently this year, skipping our transitional weather days and going right into high temperatures the 50s which feels downright freezing to me. My skin and lips already need more moisture, and though I'm fighting it, I already need a jacket.
It's not that I'm celebrating fall here, but these goodies make the cooler temps more pleasant for me. Check out my faves, then keep reading for lots of giveaways!
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| Tea | Lip Balm | Pendant | Booties | Essential Oil | Candle |
That gorgeous pendant is from Beth Millner Jewelry. All of her handmade pieces are sustainably handmade and nature inspired, so I'm giving away a $20 gift card to her shop! Be sure to enter, then check out the other giveaways in the hop!
Welcome to the Fall Favorites Giveaway Hop brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers!
Hosted By: Mama’s Geeky & Women and Their Pretties
Each giveaway has a value of a minimum of $15, however some are worth much more. Be sure to enter to win all of them because there is no limit to how many you can win. GOOD LUCK!
If you’re a blogger looking to connect with brands: Join The Hopping Bloggers database and get started today!
If you’re a brand looking to work with a network of professional bloggers: Check out the creative campaigns The Hopping Bloggers has to offer!
Baltimore, MD, USA
Stitch Fix Men: Haul #3
October 29, 2018 • brands. review
Sean recently received his third box from Stitch Fix men. As a recap, he kept two items from his first fix and none from the second (it included a shirt he loved but that wasn't available in his size). For this fit, we didn't put in any requests of the stylist.
If you're not familiar, Stitch Fix is a styling service that sends 5 pieces of clothing/accessories chosen for you each month (or whatever frequency you prefer; we have Sean set up every other month while I get fixes closer to every 3 weeks). After taking a style quiz and paying a $20 styling fee, you try everything on at home, keeping what you want and returning what you don't in a prepaid mailer. Your fee is applied to your purchase. They are available in a wide range of sizes for men, women, and children.
Here's what Sean's stylist Lukas chose for him this time:
Threads 4 Thought | Baseline Long Sleeve Henley | $48
This was soft and comfy but a little snug in the midsection and ultimately, it's an overpriced henley. Returned.
Flag & Anthem | Castelton Chino | $59.50
Even Tide | Denali Two Pocket Doublecloth Workshirt | $60
These pieces were both winners, but Sean hated the idea of paying $60 for a button down (I didn't disagree), so only the chinos were kept.
Random Access | Heatsink One Pocket Denim Shirt | $49.50
We loved the shirt at first sight, then started noticing weird details like how only the bottom two buttons have red detailing and how the cuffs don't have the second button to offer the tighter fit Sean prefers. So close. Returned.
Fairlane | Regular Fit Easton Refined Blazer | $118
It was a nice enough blazer, but as you can see, it's way too big. We've noticed it's been harder for him than me to acheive the right fit with Stitch Fix which has come as a surprise. Returned.
The Verdict
The items were good picks for Sean. He only kept one, but would have kept others if it weren't for pricing or fit issues. They've definitely got his style down, now we just need to fine tune the rest. He's enjoying receiving the fixes and is looking forward to the next one. I've ordered it to come a little earlier with the request of pieces he can wear to holiday parties. Stay tuned!
Which piece was your favorite? Would you sign your man up for Stitch Fix? Let me know in the comments!
Baltimore, MD, USA
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