Just like every last Wednesday of the month, it’s time for What’s Up Wednesday! Wait…as I typed that….I realized that the next two months are going to be a bit different. In November, What’s Up Wednesday will be November 23rd , and in December it will be the 21st….so mark your calendars, ladies!
WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK
Monday night…tacos at Nom Noms before our final baseball game of the season. If you are local, you have to try Nom Noms. You build your own taco or bowl (similar to Chipotle), and it’s so dang good! I flip over the crispy beef tacos with pico de gallo and chipotle sour cream…and the soft shredded chicken tacos with mango salsa. YUM!
Tuesday night…leftover grilled chicken and veggies from Sunday night.
Wednesday-Sunday…I seriously have ZERO idea.
WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT
Well, Timehop has been doing a number on me lately. Over just the last week or so, SEVERAL pics have popped up and just about PUT ME DOWN. Here’s 4 week old baby Carter at The Arboretum. I told Chris last week that I would give $10,000 to hold baby Carter again for 24 hours. Where would I get the money? I have no idea. But I’d scrounge it up somehow if I could make this happen. LOOK AT THAT TINY PUMPKIN ONESIE and his ITTY BITT FEET!!!!
I think he’s about 6 weeks old here with sweet Scout. Scout was such a good big brother.
11 month old baby Carter. #yeehaw
3 year old Carter. Look at all of that blonde hair!
5 year old Carter.
WHAT I’M LOVING
I looked back through some of my posts over the last month, and several of the outfits are made up of items that are still available! I thought I would do a round up of some of my favorites….
I love this simple tee and scarf combo, with the cutest scarf this side of the Mississippi. It just makes me happy! 🙂 And you are going to hear more about this tee on Friday. I have it in 3 colors. And you should too. #sorryimbossy #butitsforyourowngood
plaid infinity scarf / black cross front tee / favorite jeans /similar jeans that are much less expensive /wedge booties / axis tote c/o Barrington (use the code PTMTSAVE 10 for 10% OFF your Barrington purchase)
Get The Look For Yourself Here…
I could go on AND ON AND ON about this sweater. So I will. First of all, the cowl neck is perfection. It’s big, but not overwhelming, and the neck doesn’t make me claustrophobic (like some turtlenecks do). The sweater is so soft (I absolutely hate sweaters that are itchy!), and it kind of feels a bit cashmere-ish! The fit is great (it’s kind of fitted, but not clingy), and it drapes so nicely because it’s not bulky at all. I’m wearing the regular small (at almost 5’4″), so I think it’s true to size. It also comes in petite for you shorter gals (or for those that only want to wear with jeans). It maybe runs a bit big, so if you are just going to wear with jeans and not leggings, I might consider sizing down a size. I definitely wanted the room and the length that the regular small provided since I knew I would be wearing it with leggings.
sweater tunic (plus size version HERE)/ leggings /over the knee suede boots / earrings / necklace / cross body
This next dress is only $48, and it comes in several other colors. I’m wearing the small, so it was true to size for me.
bell sleeve shift dress (other colors HERE) / MUST HAVE leggings / necklace / earrings / similar cognac boots / bracelet / square faced watch
And last but not least, the camo pants! Lots of you ladies ended up getting these for yourselves, and you all seem to reallllllllllllly love them! And the grey sweater is ON SALE for 40% OFF! I’m wearing a small, so I think it’s true to size!
When I went to the site yesterday, I saw the following review left by a reader.
v neck sweater (plus sized sweater HERE) / camo pants / arrow necklace / pendant necklace / booties /earrings c.o. Accessory Concierge/ gilded horn cuff bracelet c.o. Accessory Concierge/ cross body bag
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
A couple of weekends ago we headed to the ranch with some of our neighbors. It was a little bit hot FOR FREAKING OCTOBER, but we still had a great time!
We held some chickens….
hung out in a barn…
explored the great outdoors…
looked for frogs…
caught some frogs…
went on an adventure in a creek…
scaled some trees…
and soaked up everything the great outdoors had to offer!
Carson (8), Tripp (9), Carter (8), Grisham (4), Mallie (8), and Isla (almost 4)! Love these kiddos!
And the adults might have indulged in some of these refreshing cocktails from Mighty Swell! Okay, we did. When I mentioned these drinks a couple of weeks ago on Friday Favorites, I received an e-mail from their Area Sales Manager that she would love to get me some samples if I was interested. Ha! IF I was interested? The grapefruit is by far my favorite, and after talking to her, I found out that in addition to drinking them alone, there are also recipes on their site for mixed drinks! SO FUN! Thank you Courtney for supplying a little extra fun for our weekend! And listen, if your marketing department wants to use this picture on their website a billboard, tell them to feel free. 😉
WHAT I’M WORKING ON
Today I am hoping to help raise awareness and get TONS of signatures for a very important petition. Look at these two precious kids. That’s Evie on the left. She’s the daughter of Liz, one of my besties from high school. That’s Julian on the right. Julian was in Evie’s 1st grade class last year in Lake Highlands (where I grew up). He started out the year as a typically developing and full of life 7 year old boy that was loved by all who knew him. After the first several months of school, things started changing for Julian. His teacher and his parents started noticing changes, thought he was having difficulty hearing and/or seeing, and things progressed rapidly from there. He was diagnosed with ALD (a progressive and deadly brain disease), and on October 6th of this year he went to be with Jesus at just 8 years old. I’m telling you this story about Julian because ALD is a disease, that IF detected early, can be treated. So, Julian’s parents (and all of Lake Highlands) are raising awareness and doing everything they can to make early detection possible so that nobody has to go through what their family and community has gone through.
If you have some time today, I strongly encourage you to watch the video below. It’s heartbreaking….but it’s also heartwarming. It will highlight how important it is to raise kind and empathetic children. And it will hopefully encourage you to go and sign a petition HERE for newborn screenings for this awful disease. If caught before the onset of symptoms, it can be treated…and in some cases, entirely reversed.
ALD afflicts 1 in 17,000 people, mostly boys and men, silently ravaging their central nervous systems. Results include blindness, deafness, seizures, progressive dementia – leading to permanent paralysis and death. What if this was your son. What if it’s the grandson you will have one day. Please please please, click HERE to sign the petition for early screenings. It will take you under 2 minutes and COULD SAVE A LIFE. And please keep Julian’s family in your prayers.
WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT
So, I know it’s only October, but Shay and I met last week to plan our annual 5 Days of Fabulous gift giving EXTRAVAGANZA. That’s right, it’s an EXTRAVAGANZA. Get ready.
I’m also excited about a couple of items I’ve mentioned previously that are NOW ON SALE!
This peplum top that that I bought during the Anniversary Sale is now on sale again! I LOVE IT. The little pleated peplum hem is so cute, and the neckline is also darling (see online pic to see it better). It’s gathered and pleated and just a really great look! It is a little sheer, so you will most likely want to wear a cami with it. Size References: I’m wearing a medium in the top (I sized up, because it said a small was a 2-4, and I am NEVER a size 2 top.)
peplum top / cami / Vigoss ankle jeans /necklace /suede over the knee boots / earrings(brown mother of pearl – but they just look golden!)
And this loft sweater is NOW $35! Actually, all the LOFT sweaters are on sale! And girls… THIS BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN is only $20 (regularly $49.50!). What a deal!
floral mixed media sweater / Wit and Wisdom black jeans / over the knee suede boots /my exact cross body(now only available in black) / similar cognac cross body bag / necklace / earrings
WHAT I’M WATCHING
This is Us. With the rest of the world. LOVE.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO
Right now I’m listening to Carter and his friend Benton play upstairs. They are taking turns yelling “SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE!” Would it be wrong for me to ask them to quit playing soccer upstairs and just to play video games? It would be a whole lot more quiet! Hahaha! 😉
WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND
We have a neighborhood Chili cook-off/Halloween party on Saturday night (pics on Friday Favorites next week!) and the rest of our weekend is low key!
WHAT I’M WEARING
So I have a necklace that I used to wear all the time. And then I lost it and forgot about it. But then I found out it! And till the end of the day today it’s ON SALE for $47 (regularly $79) while supplies last! Click HERE and type “Sanibel” pendant in the search bar. It comes in silver too! And as you can see, it’s reversible, so it’s like getting 2 necklaces in one! One side is a pretty green, and the other side is a faceted brown stone!
WHAT I’M WISHING I COULD WEAR (I added this one because THIS VEST.)
If you’re tall, you should probably go ahead and buy THIS. I LOVE IT (and it’s a great price point for what it is!), but I think I’m just too dang short. BOO! I think it is totally chic! I love the neutral colors and the stripes of varying sizes.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH
THANKSGIVING!
BONUS QUESTIONS: Favorite Halloween Memory/Tradition
So my favorite Halloween costome of Carter’s was when he was 2 years old. He was a dragon and SO STINKIN’ CUTE!
Do y’all know who that is with him? That’s Erika‘s daughter, Ebby Lee!
I mean.
Make sure you link up, and let us know what you’ve been up to! See y’all back here on Friday!
jenny says
I understand about the $10,000 to hold your baby again for 24 hours-thing. We’ve been looking at old videos lately and seeing my 9 yr old and 7 yr old as wee babies has done a number on me. I miss those sweet, bald heads. Ouch…
~Jenny
http://www.introvertsguidetosobriety.com/
Erika Slaughter says
Hahahahaha!!! I am laughing so hard at that picture of Ebby Lee! It looks like that little goldfish was about to topple over! They were so teeny tiny! After that goldfish picture, I promise to help you scrounge up the $10,000! 😉
Shay Shull says
Why do I not have that plaid scarf? No seriously, why? Every single time I see you in it, I LOVE it and WANT/NEED/MUST HAVE it! And all of those baby pics of Carter just melted my heart…especially the one of he and Scout.
Carol says
I signed the petition and will be praying for that precious family. I cannot imagine.
Sheaffer says
Thank you so much, Carol! xoxo
Narci says
Every time I see that Barrington Bag, I think of Fall. I mean, oh my word. It is just perfect! Also, baby Carter is so precious!! Love him!
Lindsay says
I signed. What a precious little boy. His life will make a difference for so many. God bless his family.
Sheaffer says
Thank you, Lindsay! xoxo
Megan says
Those time hop pics will get you every time! Oh how I wish I weren’t a petite gal. That vest is amazing!
Megan says
That Stella and Dot necklace you posted today was one of the very first items I purchased because of your blog years ago, and I still wear it! In today’s post, I also have the arrow necklace and the leggings (from a couple of years ago), and more recently the sweater tunic, and the camo pants. Looks like when Sheaffer tells me to, I listen. 🙂
Jan Fisher says
I Signed the petition! Oh my goodness, what a story and why would we NOT screen for that. Thanks for sharing so we can sign.
Sheaffer says
Thank you for signing, Jan!!!
Laura R G says
Wow, aside from the adorable fashion tips (I have that plaid infinity scarf and now I think I need that long vest…), this post just about killed me. I have 4 1/2 year old twins and a one year old who only naps/sleeps while being held. Some days I find myself wishing away the baby years because life has been so chaotic and exhausting. But thank you for reminding me that it all goes so fast and that things can change so dramatically and so quickly. I’ll be taking some breaths, hugging all of my little kiddos super tight, and praying for that poor family who would give anything, I’m sure, to hold their boy again. Thank you, Sheaffer. ????????
Sheaffer says
I know. I think about Julian all the time. His short life has really put things into perspective. So many prayers for his family. xoxo, Sheaffer
Sarah Goldsberry says
Thank you for sharing the story of Julian. What a heartbreaking thing to go thru. The video was beyond sweet and will bring so much awareness of the disease. I signed the petition and will be praying for the family and all the kids/teachers at the school.
Sheaffer says
Thank you so much for taking the time to sign, Sarah! And thanks for the prayers! xoxo, Sheaffer
Keisha Dawson says
Oh my goodness! I had no idea that this disease even existed. Thank you so much for sharing and raising awareness. My heart breaks for that sweet family!
gail wilson says
Good Morning. Through tears, I signed the petition and gave what I could. I’m not a mom but I can imagine what his family is going through; what a sweet boy. Good thoughts always…
Sheaffer says
Thank you so much, Gail! I know every little bit helps! You are so sweet. xoxo, Sheaffer
Heather says
On a serious note, thank you for sharing the story of Julian. It breaks my heart! On a different note, I have to find those Mighty Swell Sparkling Cocktails!
Thank you so much for sharing! I love your What’s Up Wednesdays but I can’t wait for your Bachelor Recaps!
-Heather
http://www.newyorkrootstosouthernboots.com
Courtney says
Heather if you are local in the DFW area, Mighty Swell is at Total Wine, most Spec’s, Albertsons, Tom Thumb, Market Street, Central Market!
Rita says
I signed the petition on change.org and shared it on my Facebook page! My prayers go out to Julian’s family and all the families dealing with ALD. We test for PKU why not ALD! Thank you for sharing this!
Sheaffer says
Thank you, Rita! I so appreciate you signing and sharing! xoxo, Sheaffer
Rachel says
I signed the petition and watched the video. I don’t even really have words to explain my emotions. I just kept thinking of my 3.5 year old son.
Sheaffer says
Thank you, Rachel.xoxo
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
I can’t handle all that baby-carter cuteness!!!!!!
Tammy says
I signed the petition and forwarded to all my friends and family. Heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing! Praying for the family.
Sheaffer says
Thank you for signing Tammy, and for forwarding! Xoxo
April says
I’m a longtime reader, but new commenter. It’s so fun watching all your creative and beautiful ways you style yourself. There’s a super, sweet gal in the small town where I live who makes stunning and unique jewelry and sells them on Etsy. A lot of the pieces you wear remind me of her collection. You should take a look sometime, I have given her pieces as gifts several times and love each one! The Leather Wood Turquoise necklace is a bit boho and so pretty!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LFJewelryDesigns/items
Karen says
Petition signed! My husband’s best friend lost his life to ALD a few years ago, as did his brother when he was Julian’s age. Such a terrible thing especially when a simple test could help save all of these lives. Julian’s family will be in my prayers.
Sheaffer says
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry, Karen. Thank you so much for the prayers and for signing.
Tiffany Bagalini says
Oh my gosh, it was all over after I watched Julian’s sweet story. As a mom to a little one who has an unknown disease, my heart goes out to Julian’s family. I pray they know what a blessing he was and it’s obvious that he will be remembered forever by so many who loved him. Signing the petition now!
Sheaffer says
Such sweet words, Tiffany! Thanks for signing, and good luck with identifying and treating your child. I cannot imagine how scary the unknown must be. Lean on Him! xoxo, Sheaffer
Patti says
Thank you for sharing. Petition signed. Cannot imagine the hurt that family is going through. Praying hard for peace.
Sheaffer says
Thank you, Patti! xoxo, Sheaffer
Shannon says
Watched the video and signed the petition. Really makes you think how like can turn on a dime and to be thankful for what you have. Thanks for shining a light on an important cause!
Sheaffer says
Thank you, Shannon.
Hannah Hardy says
Just watched the Snuggle Julian video and now I’m over here a hot mess of tears. I can’t imagine. I’ve never heard of ALD before but I’m so glad you informed us about it. I signed the petition. Prayers for Julian’s sweet family.
Sheaffer says
Thank you so much for signing, Hannah! xoxo, Sheaffer