Stitch Fix: What's the Fuss All About?

Anyone that knows me knows I have a LOVE for fashion and clothes. I always have.  Even as a little girl, I would go to my grandma's house and she would take me to the Gainesville Mall to shop at Limited Too. I loved all the cute clothes!!

In middle and high school I looked forward to back to school and Christmas shopping, homecoming, Easter, Prom, Graduation and Honors Day/Night because it was an excuse to buy new outfits!

So it makes perfect sense for me to LOVE Stitch Fix.

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, let me give you a quick rundown:

You start by filling out your style profile. This helps your stylist determine your size, taste, budget, likes and dislikes.  They give you examples of outfits and you say wether you "love It, Like It, Don't really Like It or Hate It." 

You then tell them how "adventurous" you want to be with your fixes.

For instance, my profile kinda reads that I prefer business casual due to my job, that my dresses need to be knee length, I would rather not show cleavage, I my budget is X amount, I prefer petite sizes if they have them and that I don't mind being adventurous every once in a while but I would rather stick to my preferred tastes. (of course there are other more specific details as well....)

Also, you can request specific patterns, clothing pieces or themes (i.e. Blazer, denim vest, maxi dress, romper) or something for a special event ("I am going to a wedding.") in notes to your stylist.

Then you schedule your fix and excitedly wait!!! (You can schedule your fixes for how frequent/in frequent you need to :))

When you receive your StitchFix box you will have 5 items (clothing and/or accessories) chosen based on your style profile. You also receive a note from your stylist. (I get more excited about my Note than anything I think!!) The note has a styling card attached to it with ideas of how to wear the items.

My 5 Items!

My Styling Card with Styling Suggestions for my Fix items!

You then have 3 business days to decide what you want to keep and send back!

I usually try on and "play dress up" with similar styles they recommended!

Photo Credit: Norah Kate Thompson
My Skinnies and turquoise top in my August fix

They send you a pre-postaged bag so you can seal up and just drop the items you don't want to keep right in your mailbox! It's so simple!!

Photo Credit: Norah Kate Thompson
My maxi dress from my August Fix.

You then go to your account and let your stylist know what you are keeping. I try to leave specific feedback too as to why I didn't keep something, or even why I did! It really helps the stylist fine tune your tastes/fit etc.  if something doesn't fit, you may be able to exchange it for a different size if they have it, free of charge!

The best part: if you keep all 5 items, you get a 25% discount!!!

It is fun, exciting and so easy!!!  It's also free to join :)

Use my referral link if you'd like to give it a try! Or even if you'd just like to see what it's all about: 

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5549384

Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts!!!

XO

Katie 

Conversation With My 3 Year Old: Dress Me Pretty

While sitting drinking my morning coffee...

NK: Mama!!! Come dress me in something pretty.

Oh Baby Girl, you are pretty in your PJs with your bed hair. 

Conversations with my 3 Year Old: Classrooms and Babies

Miss NK the Teacher

NK and G were playing Saturday and all I heard was "Grant, do this. Do that. Stop. Sit down. Stand up. No, Grant." 

Me: NK, don't be so bossy or Grant will not want to play with you.

NK: But I am the teacher!!

Me: Well, you don't have to be so bossy. Grant won't want to be in your class.

NK: Why. Would. He. Not! Want to be in my class?! It's a beautiful class. I have books, and chairs and toys. It's a beautiful class mama!!!

Bahaha!! She was so offended that I would even mentioning the fact that Grant would not want to be in NKs class and her as a teacher!!

Babies

NK is sitting on the couch with a baby under her shirt.

A second later she looks up so surprised.

NK: Mama!!! This baby just popped out of my tummy!!!

(maybe I need to watch a little less TLC and discovery channel around the house...)

Grant is 1!!

Grant turned ONE on March 20!  I can't believe how fast his first year went by.  I can't help but feel that he got "gipped" a little bit because I was in school and super stressed for most of his first year.  It's all for the best though.

I had to work on Grant's birthday this year, but bought him a "smash cake" from Harvey's.  He DUG IN.  He LOVED it! I sent cookies with him to "school" that day for his little class to celebrate him, but they called around lunch and he was running fever and had some diarrhea (they are supposed to be sick on their birthday right?  I think that is an unwritten rule somewhere.) We celebrated as our small little family of four.  It was perfect.  I held him tight before bed that night.

A few weeks later we had a "Construction Themed" party.  It was SO cute.  It was supposed to be outside at the playground at the state park.  It rained CATS AND DOGS that day though!  We were in a dry spell, so even though it altered his party a little, we were grateful for the rain.

We got Grant a big dump truck and he LOVED it.  He wasn't walking yet, but he pushed it around and sat in it.  His favorite was sitting in it and letting others push him.

He got another smash cake at his party and tore into that one too.  He is such a happy baby boy.

Grant started walking about a month after his birthday.  I know it's terrible, but I can't remember the exact day?  He had been taking "steps" for months.  Probably a good 3 months, and then it was just like one day he realized he could really walk.  He never did fall.  I think that is why I  can't really remember, because he started with a step, then a couple days later two, then three, then walking from the sofa to the loveseat, then running through the house over a period of several months. 

He is still small.  In the 6th percentile for height.  We also found out he was anemic shortly after his first birthday... so he was on iron.  But looking at him he has little fat rolls on his legs and arms.

Grant nursed until he was about 14 months old.  He got to where he would just nurse on one side, and only in the mornings.  It was a sad day when he didn't want to anymore :(:(

He is in size 12 months shirts and size 9-12 month shorts/pants. He is in size 5 shoe now.

Grant is ALL BOY.  He hits.  He loves to eat.  He plays with tractors and loves all things trucks and dogs.

He is also still a Mama's boy.  In the same though, he cries when his Daddy leaves him.  He loves to ride on the Ranger.  He adores both of his Papas (and the feeling is mutual.)

He is sleeping all through the night.  As a matter of fact, on the weekend he will sleep until 10-10:30?????  I can lay him down in his crib at 8:30-9:30 and he goes right to sleep. (He is not sleeping in our bed, thank Goodness.... Because I don't know how much more we could fit in our bed.)

He loves milk and is a cookie monster.

Grant also has a TEMPER.  Whew, he can get mad.  When he gets mad he hits me or himself.  He will also grunt until he is real red in the face.  I can also roll his bottom lip out farther than any other baby I think.  I know I shouldn't laugh, but it is funny when he does it.

He can say hey, bye, dog, mama, daddy, Papa, and this.  He isn't talking a lot, but I know it will come.  He knows what a lot of things are, because if I tell him to go do something, or get something he does.

Grant,
You are a sweet boy.  And so handsome.  It has been so much fun watching you grow.  I can not believe you are over a year old.  Your first year went by so fast.  I am so proud of you.  I can't believe you are considered a toddler now.  You will always be my baby though.
I love you a bushel and a peck!
Mama

Norah Kate is 3!

Better late than never.... right?  I am way behind on my blogging.  Between finishing my Master's, studying for NP boards, and starting a new job.  It has been so chaotic.  I hate that I have let myself get so behind on blogging though, because I thoroughly enjoy it.

Norah Kate turned 3 on December 29.  We had a small family birthday party at a local pizza restaurant.  I did a manicure and a pedicure on her.  My sister came to visit.  We baked cupcakes.
After her 1st birthday, I have since shied away from having a big party on their "birthday." I feel like if I do that, then I can't truly enjoy their day.  It is selfish, I know.  But I want to enjoy my babies all to myself on their birthdays.



Then (almost TWO months later!!!) I had her 3rd Birthday Party.  (I felt like a terrible mama, but it seriously was make or break time studying for my NP boards!!).  It was worth the wait though!!  She wanted a "Frozen" birthday.  Which was super easy to decorate for with the time of year.

 



We had her party at the local gymnastics gym.  The kids had a blast. 

Ever since then, NK keeps asking when she will get another "Frozen Birthday."  I have a feeling that she will put in for another Frozen themed party this year too! Haha!

Clothes:  NK is still wearing a 2T-3T clothes.  She weighed 30 pounds and was 3ft tall at her 3 year check up.  She is perfectly "average" size in all her percentiles.  She wears a size 9-10 shoes. I usually buy things a little "big" because I hate her only being able to wear something for a month or two before we outgrow it.  (I must admit, it is nice not having to buy a new wardrobe every 3-6 months.)  And with her having two older girl cousins we get beautiful hand-me-downs!

School:  NK started going to "school" (daycare) again in January.  Her and G are in the same "daycare" which makes it nice, but the daycare also has a 3K and PreK.  They get to go outside and have a schedule.  She is learning tons.  She really is such a smart girl... she also has a smart mouth which is starting to get her in a little trouble ;)
She knows her colors, shapes, she can count to 20 and is "reading."  She picks up a book and pretend reads.  It is so much fun listening to her imagination.  She also is huge into pretend play.  She plays with her babies and is all about being the "mama" or the "teacher."  I love sitting outside her room and listening to her talk to her babies.  I must say---she is a bossy little thing.  (I don't know where she could get that from?)

She likes:  Her daddy to tell her bedtime stories (We started telling her make-believe stories about a princess names Tiana.  That is a request every night now.)  Being bossy with her brother.  Swinging.  Eating candy.  Swimming.  Letting Hoss out to go potty.   Painting/coloring/crafting.  Going to Chick-fil-a.  Reading books.  Playing mama or teacher to her babies.  Peppa Pig.  Sleeping in Mama and Daddy's bed.
 
She doesn't like:  For me to pick out her clothes.  Grant playing with her toys.  For me to leave her at school (she is still clingy, which is ok with me.)  Sleeping by herself.  The dark.  Being told "no."  Being told "be quiet for just a minute."

I told her the other day to be quiet for just a minute (because she had chattered and asked questions since her feet hit the floor).  She told me, "No, Mama, I am talking." (Bahahahha!  I know, Baby,  hence, please be quiet!!)

NK doesn't forget ANYTHING.  I almost feel bad, because if I ever discipline her, she will bring it back up the next time.  Which hurts my heart a little, but at the same time, it is important to me for her to mind and be respectful.  She is very strong-willed and "spirited" if you will.  Very stubborn.  And I am a control-freak (I will be first to admit it).  So we bump heads often.  She also has NO patience.  None of this is unexpected though, for her to just be 3. I handle it the best way I can.  Sometimes I am not as patient as I need to be though, and I pray for God to help me raise her the best way.  It's hard, you know, wondering if you are doing a "good job" as a parent....  There is no "perfect" way to do anything, because each situation, child temperament, and home life is different.

I learned a while back to quit comparing my situation to everyone else.  What I do, in regards to raising my kids, may be different than what someone else does.  Because, I work full-time, and I am by myself with the kids most evenings because Matt works late.  Therefore, my kids may not be in bed at 7:30 every night.  If so, then they wouldn't get to see much of me or Matt.  And they may eat fastfood one night and sandwiches another because I am too tired to cook when I get home.  I may be more strict with my kids, because I the main one home with them so I need for them to half-mind for my sanity.  Then there may be times when I just let them eat the dang cookie because I don't have the energy to battle the falling-in-the-floor-kicking-and-screaming fit that would most likely follow  or because the cookie is the perfect distraction while I get supper started.  There is no perfect manual for me to follow.  I just have to pray and follow my heart.  I try to show them as much love as I can, all while encouraging a balance of respect and independence.

As exasperated as I may get with her, I can't help but have pride in that sweet, stubborn girl.  When I watch her work through a task (assuming she doesn't fold to the frustration of not being able to do it at first), I am in awe.  I know, that her strong-willed, determined personality is going to help her become a strong, independent, confident young woman, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

Norah Kate,
You did it Baby Girl.  You put up with Mama while she finished her Master's and studied for her boards.  I love you so much, and I am SO proud of you.  Your teachers at school always have wonderful things to say about you (I believe you are a favorite of theirs, which I completely understand why.)  You are smart and beautiful.  You know what you want and don't usually settle until you have it.  It's exasperating, but it's just like me.  I believe we are truly cut from the same cloth.  You love your baby brother and are quick to tell someone he is your baby.  You are a sponge and I pray that your Daddy and I are doing the best job of raising you right.
I love you a bushel and a peck,
Mama

 

Grant- 11 Months Old

A little late posting his 11 month update, but I knew I wanted to squeeze it in before his big ONE year mark!!

What is Grant up to?

 

-Still not walking but cruising and pushing everything to help him walk.  He is an AWESOME climber though!!  He is getting more and more adventurous every day.  I am constantly finding him on top of things or in my cabinets.

 

-He loves to hide.  His newest things to hide in are window curtains and shower curtains.  He will throw anything over his face and "hide."

 

-He is eating table food, usually a bigger helping than me and NK. 

 

-Nursing in the morning and at night.  He occasionally nurses during the day, but in the last two weeks he has gotten a sippy cup with cow's milk at daycare instead of a bottle.  He likes his cows milk cold though.  He is showing no intentions of weaning his morning and night time feedings, and that's ok with me.  At night, when I am getting ready to nurse him is will kick his feet and smile so big, he has also started smacking his lips (that could be a little embarrassing in public!) haha!

 

-Size 3 diapers, size 9-12 months clothes, size 6-12 month shoe.

 

-Grant is a mama's boy.  I usually end up holding him from the time I pick him up until bedtime at night.  He loves his daddy too.  He kicks his feet and gets so excited when Matt comes home.

 

-He wakes up around 6:30, nap around 9:30, another nap around 1, and bedtime around 8:30-9.  He sleeps through the night, for the most part.  Sometimes we have to go in there and give him his paci.  He also rarely cries when I lay him down at night, and if he does its only for a few minutes.

 

-We had a check up a few weeks ago and for the first time in months he hasn't had an ear infection!  yay!! we were thinking we might end up with tubes... but that is avoided- for now.  We are still going to the chiropractor once a week :)

 

-He loves tractors and has started pushing them around making tractor noises.

 

-He loves giving hugs and kisses.

 

-He is waving bye bye, hey, "talking" on the phone, saying mama and dada.

 

Grant also loves his bath.  He will barrel over the side of the tub when we are in the shower too!

 

 

Grant,

I can't believe this time last year I was in high gear preparing for the new addition to our family.  The last 11 months have made me feel so complete with you a part of our lives.  You are such a sweet, happy baby.  I love you and your sister more than I could ever put into words.  It makes me a little sad for you to be turning into a "toddler," but I am excited about watching you grow and learn.  I know you are going to be a busy, adventurous little boy!

 

Love you a bushel and a peck!

Mama

 

First big boy hair cut!! (2/20/2015)

 







Grant- 10 Months

 

 

 



Gracious, sweet baby boy is 10 months old now.  I honestly think I am having a harder time with him getting older because we aren't planning for another baby quite as soon.  Whereas with Norah Kate, I knew I wanted to get pregnant again shortly after she turned one.  I really think we will wait another 3-4 years.... Our life has been so crazy for the last 3 years, with me going back to school and all.  So I kinda want to just enjoy my two for a little while, pay off some bills, and gain some normalcy (what's that, right?).

But yay!! I am officially DONE with school!!!  I am certified and licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner!! It's crazy (and Matt would kill me if he knew) but I have already been thinking of new things I can "study."  Haha!  I really am interesting in some holistic approaches with my practice as a nurse practitioner, but for now, I am done with "school."  Never done learning though....

Anyways... back to Grant.

He is FINALLY sleeping through the night.  And has been for about 3 week now.  I mean, it only took him 9 months (enter eye roll here...this may be the reason I want to wait 4 years for another one!  haha!).  I finally had to just let him cry.  I would go in and give him his paci and walk out.  It took about three nights. It was rough, but it was worth it.  So now, I feel like our WHOLE household is functioning better.

He is pulling up and cruising along furniture.  He can stand for like 2 seconds without holding on.  He can also "walk" while pushing his little walker/push toy he got for Christmas.  He still climbs on everything...

He is also INTO everything.  He tries to pull my socket covers off.  He tears into my cabinents.  He strings canned food goods and rice and boxes every where.  He is all into my pots, pans and Tupperware containers.  Sometimes I feel like I am cleaning up one of his messes and he takes off into the other room to create another one.

He is very determined.  He was after the sockets at my mama's house last weekend, and we kept pulling him away and telling him no.  He would go right back.  He finally got frustrated and "growled" at us.  He was telling us off in his own way.

He is very dramatic.  I can tell him no or take something from him and he throws his hand up over his head, or lays his head down and "sniffles."  It's quite pitiful.

He is still breastfeeding.  He nurses about 4 times a day.  I am having to supplement some when he takes bottles because I don't pump enough, but when he is home with me and nurses he seems content.

Grant loves food.  He has finally discovered eating.  He prefers tablefood and prefers feeding himself.



He takes two naps a day.  One in the morning and one after lunch.  Some days he just gets one if our schedules get off.

He LOVES NK.  He gets so excited when he sees her in the afternoons at school.  I usually let them play in the car for about 5 minutes or so when I pick them up before putting them in their seats.... they are both so happy to see each other.

He isn't too fond of the sippy cup, but I keep offering him one with water.  He does not like milk in it at all.

We are still having a terrible time with his ears.  We may end up with tubes....  He doesn't run fever with his infections though, and honestly doesn't even act like they bother him.... but every time we go for a well check, he has an infection.

He is in size 9-12 month clothes, size 3 diapers.  He is 27 1/2 inches long (6th percentile) and 17 lbs 13 oz (12th percentile).  So he is a little small, but I think he will catch up and grow.  It worries Matt, but I am very petite... I don't really know what he expects.  Haha!  I mean, it's not like my genes are going to create a basketball player or line backer.  He looks proportional... and doesn't look shrimpy to me. He has chunky cheek and rolls on his thighs.

Grant can wave hey and byebye.  He also uses that when he wants more food/nursey.  He babbles and says "bababa, dadada, mmmmm."  He will also squeal when we are eating and that is his way of wanting you to share.  He sticks his tongue out and also blows raspberries.

He has this sweet way of turning his head sideways when you are holding him to catch your eye/attention.  He also will snuggle his head against me in the sweetest way.  He also loves to touch my face (sometimes not so pleasantly stick his finger up my nose, haha!) when I am nursing him.

He loves balls, going to the chiropractor, anything that NK is playing with or has, swinging outside and his two papa's.  He also loves playing with his tractors.  He cries when his daddy leaves.

Grant,
You have stolen my heart, sweet boy.  I never imagined I could love someone as much as I love your sister, but I sure do.  You have the sweetest, calmest demeanor already.  You are growing and learning so fast, almost too fast.  I love you so very much and can't even imagine my life without you and your sister in it.

I love you a bushel and a peck!
Mama