Why God Made Little Girls

It is time to start thinking about spring time.  I know most of you are under a couple of feet of snow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look through a few catalogs while bundled up in front of the fire.  I am not sure how I did it, but I have been getting some pricey catalogs, lately.  I look through them and dream of the days when little girls were little ladies and never considered running around or getting their nice clothes dirty.  These were, also, the times when women cross-stitched and wrote letters with wax seals.  These days I don’t have tea and rarely do I put pen to paper, but I can dream of how my little girl would look in these high-price nods to a day of prim and proper.

How lovely would any girl be in this cupcaketastic dress?
Apparently, this dress is perfect for the beach or if you are like me,
after you pay the price for this dress, you would only let your
daugther wear it if she sits still and goes no where near any type of food,
drink or dirt.

This is the perfect party dress, if your child
will be near nothing but water.
Seriously, I love this dress and I could see my daughter
wearing it, but not at these prices.
I wonder if they have a rent to own program.

This is the perfect petticoat to transform any dress
into a twirling dream.

Now for the dress that took my breath away, literally.
This is the dress that makes me dream of a time when
Queens begged us to eat cake and dresses were big, puffy and
every delicate color of the rainbow.
I am not sure how you would wash this dress, but who cares
your little girl can go to the beach in style.

All these dresses and more can be found at Chasing Fireflies.  Enter at your own risk your estrogen levels may sky rocket.

Diva in Training

You think she can work it?

I think someone is giving his sister a run for her money.

I think the homemade scarves are a hit.  I just think that maybe we should find a better color scheme for Sam.

Only in New Orleans

I love this shirt.  Sam got it from his godmother as a Christmas present.
However, I think it was more for me and it will be a shirt I hang onto forever.

Now, that is more like it.

This shirt was made by a local artist.  She had many more themes that only New Orleanians would truly understand.  I love these kinds of clothes, they are very special. 

Deck the Halls with Tulle and Cotton

As I promised, and maybe forgot, here are some more selections of holiday outfits for the little ones.  As usual, the girls have many options, whereas, the boys had 2, on a good day.  This time I bring you a selection from Gymboree, I understand that the store is not for everyone, but if you need a little help with putting things together then this is the place for you.  Gymboree is based on outfits and not just pieces.  They are more then happy to tell you what goes with what, from head to toe. 

Let’s get started with the boys, since they have the least amount of options:

 
This is my favorite out of the 2 that were on the website. 
You can’t go wrong with a good red sweater.

Truthfully you could go with any pants with the sweater.
Although, if you are going for dressy and maybe something to hide the stains,
black is probably best.  Corduroy gives a little more to the pants, than just basic
twill.  It definitely screams winter, especially if their thighs rub together.

Now, for the fun and more options, the girls:

How cute is that sweater? That bow screams I am more than a holiday sweater.
Okay, I think that was my audition for Queer Eye for the Straight guy.

And what else screams Christmas?  A plaid skirt, of course.
How I wish this skirt came in my size.  Well, it does, but not as twirling.
Big girls like to twirl, too.
Anyway, this skirt is perfect for the sweater and with black tights and black maryjanes,
you can’t go wrong. 

If you are looking for luxury and a little more elegance for your little Princess,
then this should fit the bill and not send you to the poor house, like say, a tiara.
I think the plaid sash makes this dress.  I think to add a little more to it, I
would go with red shoes.  Teach that girl from the start about how to accesorize.

This next selection is only for you daring mothers, out there, or those that don’t have such a fetish about keeping white, well white:

This makes me cringe just looking at it, but it is so pretty.
If I were to put this on my daughter, she would be informed that if she were to eat,
she would eat naked or, at the very least, with a tablecloth around her.
If you are looking for something trully different for Christmas pictures or maybe
if you are hoping to lose your child in the snow, then here is the dress for you.
Otherwise, I would put it in a frame and admire from afar.

All the above clothes were found at Gymboree on SALE.  See it pays to be a last minute shopper.  Now, go forth and be Christmassy like.

 

School Girl

Lately, Amber has wore jeans to school most days.  I can understand, because when you are 5 years old there are many things you want to do that are not easily done in a skirt.  Then there are days that require nothing but pants, like horseback riding and P.E.  Her closet is filled with cute dresses, skirts and shirts that all issue a morning tantrum when the suggestion of wearing them rears it’s ugly head.  Most times I don’t put up much of a fight, unless it is something that is totally inappropriate for school or weather, like say boots with stripe shorts and a sweater.  Somethings just don’t go together, EVER. 

I have found the answer to getting her to wear some of those tantrum inducing outfits, ignore my laundry duty.  Who knew that by simply imagining that mountain of laundry doesn’t exist would have such rewards?  It seems that all of Amber’s jeans were dirty or in some state of laundrydom that all she had to choose from was skirts or shorts.  Since wearing shorts to school when it is 50 degress out might look strange, wearing a plaid skirt with tights is very reasonable.  Surprisely, there was no fight when there was a mutal agreement on this outfit:

Cardigan, skirt, ankle tights, and socks by Gymboree. 
Shoes by Hanna Andersson
The cardigan and skirt were bought at ridicously low prices, last year. 

This is how I always envisioned sending my little girl off to school, but had come to realize may never happen.  And in case you are wondering, the skirt has built in shorts.  I am finding this more and more in little girls’ skirts, which is great.  Why can’t they look adorable and still have fun?  However, if you don’t have skirts with built in shorts, try some bike shorts.  I have several pair for Amber in white and pink.  She knows to wear them with all her dresses and skirts.  It says the inevitable occurence of “I see London, I see France, I see someone’s underpants”.
   

Little Red Riding Hood Never had it so Good

I am a big fan of capes.  Sure I get weird looks when I wear mine, but you can’t beat the feeling of being wrapped up in a warm blanket.  I think capes are easy and warm, but that is because our weather turns from cold to humid within 30 minutes.  It is easier to push a cape aside then a big bulky coat.  I passed this cape love down to my daughter.  I bought her a nice black velvet one when she was 2 years old and it has lasted her to this day.  It is a little shorter, but it still serves it’s purpose as a nice compliment to her Christmas dress. 

Then I saw this cape and knew that I had to have it for Amber.

And to know that it is reversible nearly knocked me over.  The solid side I could see for dressy days and the print side for jeans.

We never spend much on winter coats, but I could see spending a little more on a cape.  It says it will fit up to a 6 year old, but I know that it would fit my daughter well beyond that age.  Well worth the $68.     

Layering will be the Key to a Happy Southern Winter

Yesterday the weather ranged from 55-65 degrees all day, which meant if you worn a long sleeve shirt and maybe a light jacket you were fine.  Although, some people decided to cry and wrap themselves in wool coats.  I was perfectly happy in my long sleeve shirt and so were my kids.  We went to bed with the a/c off and woke up to a chilly morning.  One would suspect that the way we dressed yesterday would be appropriate for today.  That person would be a damn fool!  Down here in the South, one day will be chilly, then next will start out chilly, but quickly warm up.  The only way to keep up is to stick your head out the window every 5 minutes. 

That is where we found ourselves this morning as we prepared to go vote.  We all dressed in jeans and long sleeve shirts, but as soon as we opened the door we knew we were dead wrong.  It appears that between the hours of 630 and 930 am the weather, in the New Orleans, decided to go from fleece to shorts.  It is not boiling hot, but it is pleasant enough to wear shorts.  So we are in shorts, yet again, after being covered from head to toe just the day before.

Here is the key to enjoying and being prepared during the “wintertime” in the Deep South, LAYERS, especially for kids.  Often times we will leave in the morning when it is very cool and by the afternoon we will be sweating.  If you wear layers, and more importantly put your kids in them, it will make your day go a little smoother.  Layers give you the chance to peel away that which makes you uncomfortable.  If you are out longer enough for it to get dark, which is not that hard these days, then you can simply pile the layers back on. 

Why is this important for kids, because they whine the loudest.  It, also, gives them some control over their own climate control.  Often times, one person will not find it as cool as the next, so if that person has clothing to add or take away it gives them the ability to control their own body temperature.  On babies it is even more important.  In this crazy weather, it is hard for stores, libraries and other indoor areas to keep up.  If you like a happy baby, always be prepared with a light jacket that can be removed or put on easily. 

If you are worried about keeping up with multiple jackets, then do as I have for the past 5 years, keep one in the car, always.  Since my daughter was born, I have always kept a little jacket or blanket in the car for when the weather decided to change.  I guarantee that it will make your life much easier and more comfortable. 

Holiday Dressing

It is that time of year, again.  Time to find the perfect outfit for the little kiddies to wear to parties and holiday pictures.  I try to get the most out of our holiday clothes.  I let the kids wear them to church throughout the month, to any and all holiday parties we attend (whether dressy or not; noone minds when the kids are dressed up in their holiday best) and for those all important holiday pictures that are treasured always. 

Our first stop on the holiday search is Children’s Place.   I was never a big fan, especially of their older girl clothes, but lately Children’s Place has become a good place to find holiday outfits at good prices.  I tend to be a Gymboree fan, but their holiday outfits are a bit pricey for how much they are used.  On the other hand, the dress I bought for Amber last year still fits and she may end up wearing it, again, this year.  Given the choice I would probably buy from Gymboree, but when on a budget Children’s Place is a nice alternative.

My recent trip to Children’s Place peaked my interest and I needed to know more, so I went to their website and found some nice outfits that might fit the bill for great holiday outfits:

This dress just screams Christmas.

This skirt is perfect for a more tone down look.  You can pair it with a black turtleneck, black tights and black maryjanes making the skirt the focal point.  Or you can pair it with a muted red cardigan with a crisp white shirt.  Either way any little girl would love to wear this skirt in all it sparkly goodness.

Nothing says Christmas for a boy than the classic red sweater vest.  There are so many possiblities. 

You can pair it with

 or

It depends on the look you are going for and maybe what his little or big sister maybe wearing.

Another good thing about Children’s Place is that all these looks are available in sizes across the board with only minor adjustments (like sleeves on the dress for infants as opposed to sleeveless).  I am always disappointed when I find something I love in either big kid or infant section and they are only available in that size.     

Remember that if you are matching for photos, choose similar colors and mix it up.  If your daughter is wearing all red, then don’t do the same for your other child.  Maybe give your son a plaid shirt with red in it and find a complmentary color for the rest of his outfit.  You will end up with a much better photo instead of a blob of color.

I will be bringing other holiday outfits from other stores in other prices ranges, later. 

 

The Neverending Battle of Laundry

Recently, I was talking to the mother of a college student who told me of his complaint of how there seems to be no end to his journey.  I told her that if he really wants to see a neverending journey maybe he should try doing laundry, washing dishes or cleaning house.  Yeah, so I am a little bitter, but I think I have found something to make it all better.   Or at the very least make me a hit at any party. 

Go ahead and try it.  It is not hard.  I tried it with my daughter’s shirts, so it can be used on kids’ clothes.  It is a great way to get every shirt the same size, folded, and make those drawers a little neater.  And we all know life is easier when everything has it’s place and everything is in it’s place, or something like that.

Consignment Shopping

Consignment shopping takes a little bit of time, but can produce some great rewards.  In order to get the best out of a consignment store, you should go to as many as you can in your area.  It is true that the more upscale neighborhoods have better offerings.  You should, also, know the general price at the different children retail stores.  Recently, I found a pair of Children’s Place jeans at a consignment store for $9.99.  Well, I know that if I waited for a sale, I could get new jeans for either that price or just above.  There is no reason to pay for second hand clothes when you can get new ones at or slightly above the price.  Now, on my next trip to another consignment store I found a pair of Ralph Lauren jeans for my son for $9.99.  I don’t think I could ever find those jeans for that price, even at the outlet mall, so I snapped them up.  There are many things to be found at great prices at these stores, like, big toy items, baby furniture, accessories and books. 

These stores are a good place to bring your no longer needed baby items, too.  Again, you must try different stores; some pay better than others.  Clothes never bring in the big bucks, because there is usually an over abundance of supply.  Strollers, furniture, some toys and highchairs will bring you more money.  I have found that in my area they are no longer taking carseats due to liability issues.  It was suggested to me to find a women’s shelter to donate my carseats.  It seems a shame to throw them out, as long as they are not pass their expiration dates.

Overall consignment shopping can be a good experience as long as you don’t expect to find designer kids’ clothes at rock bottom prices.  You must be reasonable when walking in, but that doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards.  I wouldn’t buy anything stained, because if the previous person couldn’t get it out then I know I won’t be able to either.  So, I examine everything carefully and make sure I really want it.  There are usually no returns or exchanges.  Also, most consignment stores sell some new stuff.  Retailers sell items that couldn’t be sold in their stores.  These items will be priced higher than the other stuff, so be careful not to pay at or over retail price.  If you are looking for play clothes, clothes that you don’t mind if you kids lose or destroy and for those one time outfits then the consignment store is where you can find it.