FLIP FLOPS

If I had to pick a favorite shoe ever, this would be it. As as child I never liked to wear shoes so I guess this is the next best thing between your feet and the ground. I picked a few favorite styles and each come in lots of colors. My ultimate favorite is the Reef pair since they have a bit of arch support and you can buy them in two packs. Bang for your buck if you wear them year round like I do. Also, you can pick these up at any local store - J. Crew size and color permitting, and Nordstrom.

classic wedge flip flop
skinny flip flops
reef flip flops
havaianas
slim peacock

Coming out of the fog...

I have been lax on my posts due to some shifts in my children’s growing process and not having the time. Growing pains for all at the Sommers’ house. I have had one too many “Two Rivers” days as I call them – which refers to a local mental facility as I feel I am balancing my fragile state of mental health lately. I say this with humor as I am fine but I think we as mothers all have had those days where you are not sure you are getting through to anyone, let alone yourself.

My husband was out of town while some of these shifts have been occurring and upon his return I made a bee line to a bookstore for some “me time” and to locate some form of reference as a voice of reason. I felt like I was losing grip on what used to be a solid ground and sense of confidence as a parent but as your children age, each stage is different and some take you more off guard than others. This phase has thrown me for a loop. I think I have been in the trenches too long which goes to show how important it is to nurture, protect and preserve your self in the midst. A very tough balancing act and for some it is easier and easier at different phases in your life!

After a couple hours break, I felt like a new shiny penny. I found what probably most of you know about and I did know about and even picked it up one day. It wasn’t really what I needed at the time but LET ME JUST SAY IT WAS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ordered for me and my family- Parenting with Love & Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. (updated and expanded edition). I sat down with my beverage of choice, Starbuck’s mocha, and read the first few pages – “You had me at hello”…….is all I have to say. I know most of you may even have a copy but I highly recommend it if you don’t. I believe there is one for teens for those with older children. I read a few pages then scanned some more but came a across a sentence which I felt relieved to come across, basically it was never too late to implement their philosophy, whew!

A must have manual and constant companion for all parents!!! Hallelujah!

P.S. Did I mention my sweet husband walked in from his trip carrying a bottle of my favorite wine, an orchid, and lovely bar of soap. Sweet man-o-mine!

super roasted chicken

I had never roasted a chicken before I learned of this recipe-roasted chicken. I guess I was intimidated by the size and time involved but it turned out super and I have made it several times. This dish is perfect for holiday family get togethers or dinner at home during the week - such as tonight for my family. Tip - if you can find a whole chicken with the neck and giblets removed, all the better. You can find locally at 135th Super Target, of all places. One chicken can easily feed a family of four. If you have leftovers, it would be great for one of the recipes also on the site, chicken enchiladas, which I have also made - yum.

best tank top

for layering of course. Never alone - atleast for me - way too revealing of "my stuff" but I have to refresh ever few years cause I wear them year round under tops as sort of my girdle to smooth things out, if you know what I mean. Kind of my clothing security blanket. But I hadn't bought one in maybe two or three years and just recently bought two and were still "my
favorite tank" hence the name.

One stop shop

YES TO ALL.....
square neck tee
bubble tank
pique shift
pique v-neck dress
danielle sandals
athena sandals
boyfriend jacket
sparkle necklace
ripstop pants

skirt and top for all times

I love this seamed circle skirt mainly because you can wear it during the day or at night. Day time with a basic tee and dressier top for evening. I also like this rustled breeze top for the same reason -with jeans as shown on model. May be too flowy to wear the two together but who knows? Busy times around here with spring so my posts my dwindle a bit.

SALE

FYI - I am on a mailing list for various vendors for sales, etc. The GAP is having a big sale on lots of goodies for the whole family and Boden is having a 25% on EVERYTHING for TODAY ONLY. You can't beat some of these deals lately. I have a $20.00 coupon I may need to use for Boden today and really get a great deal. I will let you know when I do get some of these promotions as they come up, it really can make a difference.

A side note with Boden, if you have never ordered before, the quality of the clothes is great and well outlasts two rounds of hand me downs - for the kids. So it is money well spent especially if you have same sex siblings. The sizes run true to size on most. I think the sizing has gotten better over the last couple years especially the children's clothing. Now on the women's clothing, I always order up on the larger end of my size range since things "just fit". Check out the sizing guide if you are in doubt - the sizes are configured over to US sizes and they are great on returns and exchanges. A favorite of mine for myself and my girls.