What It REALLY Means To Be A Momma {C.Lee}

March 30, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 2 Comments

Today I am super excited to share with you a blogger who I simply love and devour every post. It’s not often that I come across a blog that speaks to me as though we were sitting in the same room.

Christy Lee from C.Lee is an amazing woman! Momma to 3 gorgeous kiddos, killer fashionista, Christy shares her insight, positivity, and ability to always look for the silver lining has me in awe. Too many times I lose my temper, don’t handle situations the best way possible, or simply get down…and I look to her on how to be better.

Without further ado, here’s Christy….

I am Christy Lee and I blog over at C.Lee

My blog is all about joy.

The joy I feel since becoming a mother,

finding myself again through fashion and learning,

joy in God and in life’s little moments.

As mother’s we have a HUGE calling. One that does not end at 9 p.m, or even when our kids turn 18.

We are mother’s forever.

When our children are grown, hopefully they will continue to trust us and call us for advice.

At any hour of the night, knowing that we will continue to be there for them.

We develop their faith in us while we do little things.

The mundane day to day tasks that sometimes as mother’s we don’t think they notice

or we deem unimportant.

It is through the little things that we show our love for them.

Leaving our house work until later to enjoy our precious time with them.

Waking up in the middle of the night to comfort a scared or sick child, changing messy sheets when they have been thrown up on and loving them back to their dreams.

Taking time out from whatever we might be doing to answer simple questions they might have.

Letting their little hands help us prepare dinner, even if it takes 30 minutes longer to complete that task.

Having conversations in the car with our kids as we run our daily errands.

Teaching them to trust in God and know that he is also someone who will ALWAYS be there for them

and never fail them.

Allowing them to pour their heart out in prayer,

even if it is a simple prayer that asks God to bless their action figures.

They are all things that develop our bond with them and build their faith.

I love the journey I am on in my life.

A journey of learning things for myself and teaching those experiences and lessons to my children.

Through this I have the most loving, wonderful man by my side.

A husband who is on the same page as me.

We have the same priorities and goals, the same wishes and desires for our children.

Life is a incredible adventure and I am so blessed to have him by my side for it.

I would love for you to journey with us and share your stories with us along the way!

Every Thursday I host a link up party titled “Share your joy”.

Every week I am so touched by the things that are linked up and I read.

Sometimes they make me laugh out loud and sometimes they pull so hard on my heart.

It is one of my most favorite days of the week.

I would love to have you come over and share your joy and life lessons with us!

Hopefully I will see you soon!

XOXO

Thank you so much Christy! I’m so glad that we aren’t the only ones who spend a good portion of prayer time each day blessing our toys (every.single.train).

Thanks for sharing your joy with us, and making my day a little brighter!

Filed Under: Blogging, Guest Posts, Life, Thoughts

Print Perfection {RMRS Round-Up}

March 29, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 4 Comments

I’m always so impressed with people who wear prints like they are no big deal. It has taken me 27 years and 8 months of my 28 years to finally become semi-comfortable in prints. Even though I’m getting better, I still lean towards my trusty solids.

You gorgeous ladies however, are not afraid to show your prints and wear them proud! Here are some of my favorite print perfection outfits from this week’s Real Momma, Real Style.

Amy from Amy Day to Day

Rachel from Rachel the Hat

Knocked Up Fabulous

Kym from bitty. and. bunny.

Brittany from Love Stitched

Well done girls! Love all the patterns, colors, and even a little pattern mixing. Thanks for sharing!

Filed Under: Inspiration, Style

Bloggie Bestie {Kassi from Truly Lovely}

March 29, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 3 Comments

Whether near or far, talked in person or just online, friends are friends, and I’m grateful for each and everyone. A few days ago, my friend Kassi from Truly Lovely swooped in right when I needed a friend. She asked me to switch places with her for her Bloggie Bestie series, right when I really needed a good distraction from all the packing and signing and bleeding money.

I couldn’t be more excited to have Kassi here today, and to be over at Truly Lovely sharing my thoughts on how I build an outfit.

So sit back, enjoy, and let Kassi make your day a little more lovely

Hello there lovely Momma Go Round readers!!!

I am SO BEYOND excited to be here today! I’ve been reading Nina’s blog since… Well, since I started reading blogs!

It’s always been a favorite, so it’s my pleasure to be sharing her slice of blog land today!

(She’s over at my place sharing some fun right now too, so as soon as your done here I’m sure she’d love a visit!)

By the way, I’m Kassi and I blog over at Truly Lovely, ‘an all things lovely’ blog written by me and my sister, Kayli.

We like to talk about crafts, recipes, being thankful, fashion… You know, the LOVELY things in life! You can learn more about us and our blog by clicking our picture up there, but in the meantime… I would love to share my most recent sewing endeavor with you dolls!!!

We all know Nina is quite the fashionista and every fashionista loves her some accessories! My favorite accessory is always a good bag! Now, I’ll be honest, I’ve only really gotten into sewing within the last year or so, I am by no means an expert. But I can totally handle an EASY shopping tote pattern! Every lady needs a lovely tote for those fun shopping excursions, am I right?!

So, needless to say, I whipped one up! I’m not going to give you a rundown of how it was made… If you want to make one, the pattern is available in most craft stores or online (Simplicity W2420).

But I am going to tell you that with a couple yards of fabric and my sewing machine I made myself an accessory that I’m more proud to carry than any $100 bag!

The reasons I’m so proud of this tote? I saved my family the money it would’ve taken to purchase a more expensive bag… I made myself something that I can actually use and enjoy! All while staying in my budget!

We’ve all read how Nina stays within her shopping budget by carefully shopping for just the right item. Well in this case, I MADE myself just the right item!

Maybe you’re not a seamstress… But you can just as easily make yourself a beautiful beaded necklace or dye that faded pair of blue jeans into a bright pink pair that’s become so popular. It’s totally doable friends!

And I think that’s Real Momma, Real Style worthy, don’t you!?!

Thanks so much to Nina for having me over today! Hope you’ll stop by Truly Lovely sometime!

SO TRUE KASSI!

Style has nothing to do with how much you spent, where you got it, or if it’s “in”. It’s all about finding/making what you love and expressing yourself. I just LOVE that pink pattern…wanna make me one

Thanks so much for being a bright spot in my crazy week Kassi!

Filed Under: Guest Fashionistas, Style

A Deep Breath

March 27, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 15 Comments

There are seasons in life, and I’m learning this one is a chaotic one.

Lately, most days I’ve either wanted to run away from it all, or go sit on the couch under a blanket and pretend it wasn’t happening. My story is no different from many others. My challenges are no more challenging. They are just mine, and I don’t always deal in the best way possible.

If buying this house has taught me anything, it is to let go and take a deep breath.

There are things that are simply not in my control, and I have to learn to be ok with that.

The apartment is going to look like a box shop for a bit, and that’s just how it is.

Hubs is sick the weekend/week before we move, suck it up and move on.

Appliances are a fortune, deal.

Sweater/Blouse: Old Navy, Jeans: Gap, Necklace: c/o Krafty Kash use code FASHION for 20% off, Shoes: TOMS, Watch: Michael Kors

My usual mode of operation in situations like this is to become a giant stress ball. Freak out. Panic. Cry. Generally act like my toddler is currently acting.

As crazy as it seems, I’m the adult now. I have to be the one who holds it together.

That’s when I’m so grateful that I live in this beautiful area, with beautiful trails to walk, that allow me the space to get outside and just breathe.

Filed Under: Outfits, Style

Real Momma, Real Style

March 26, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 24 Comments

It’s funny how life surprises you sometimes. Like my best girlfriend as an adult is the girl I sat next to in chemistry in high school. Or how a guy whose name I barely knew in high school, is one of my husband’s best friends, and now one of mine. The same guy whose name I proceeded to mispronounce for years, is now our agent for this house, “Uncle D” to LJ, and someone who knows me so well he knows when to drag me out.

Like a few nights ago. Hubs was working late….again. LJ and I had been home packing and running around getting paperwork signed all day. It was just one of those days that I really wish Hubs could have come home.

Leave it to “Uncle D” to swoop in. He didn’t really ask, but insisted that LJ and I meet him and some of our friends for dinner. I didn’t really have a choice, and it was perfect.

Blouse: LOFT, Sweater/Jeans: Old Navy, Belt: Target, Watch: Michael Kors, Shoes: G by Guess via TJMaxx

We laughed so hard I almost spit soda all over him….again. LJ was a perfect angel playing his LeapPad. And a BBQ chicken salad never tasted so good.

I’m so glad I finally learned how to say his name right. That I didn’t forget about him until our reunion. That he’s the kind of friend who just knows when to force you out the door for a fun night with friends.

Thanks D, my sanity needed you

For more great fashion, I’m linking up to What I Wore Wednesday on The Pleated Poppy. You should too!

Party Rules

Link up only outfit or clothing related posts.

Link back to this week’s party in your post.

Place the RMRS button somewhere on your blog. Not particular, just somewhere.

Vote for your favorite outfits using the “like” button! I’ll be featuring your favorites and mine on Facebook and in the weekly round-up.

Grab button HERE!

Filed Under: RMRS, Style

Get Creative {RMRS Round Up}

March 24, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 4 Comments

I love it when you guys get all brilliant and creative with your outfits. From making your own dress, to figuring out how to wear a piece multiple ways, to thrifting the perfect look, this week you guys had some fabulous ideas I just had to share!

from The… Late, Young Family

Home Made Dress from Rae Gun Ramblings

Khakis 2 Ways from Rubys N Purls

Amazing Thrifted Vest from Juggling Chic

LOVE IT LADIES!!!!

Thanks for linking up! RMRS starts again Monday morning. Can’t wait to see what you wore!

Filed Under: Inspiration, Style

Confidence

March 23, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 13 Comments

It’s amazing to me that all those things that you hear about getting older are starting to come true for me. Age does give you perspective, and with that perspective comes a calm new confidence I’ve never had before.

The few of you who read this who knew me back in high school can atest that I was a rather outgoing person. Not really stuck in one group, I was kinda friends with everyone. I was a cheerleader for a year, captain of the dance team the next three, editor of the yearbook, yada yada yada. On the outside, it seemed like I had all the confidence in the world.

Top: c/o Fashion to Figure, Sweater/Shades: Target, Jeans: c/o Nordstrom Rack, Shoes: TOMS, Necklace: c/o Krafty Kash use code FASHION for 20% off!

I still don’t stand up for myself hardly ever. I’m quick to agree with someone else’s thoughts/opinions cause I’m too afraid to speak my own. I often use humor to cover up how insecure I’m feeling. These are things I’ve always done, I’m just now coming to realize why I do them.

Only now, over a year later, I’m learning to have confidence in my blog. I’m better at not being embarassed by “yeah, I write a blog where I look like a narcissist taking pictures of myself everyday”. I can set up to take pictures somewhere where people might walk by. I don’t feel like I have to photoshop out every bag, dark circle, or zit.

I’m getting there, cause I’m realizing it takes more energy to be unconfident than to just go for it.

Filed Under: Outfits, Style

How To Photograph Sun Flare

March 22, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 11 Comments

If you haven’t noticed lately, I’m minorly obsessed with sun flares in my pictures. I’ve always thought they looked so beautiful and made pictures look so high fashion. I like to pretend I know what I’m doing

So incase the rest of you would like to pretend you know what you are doing too, here’s how (at least how I’ve figured out) to create sun flare in your shots.

Step 1: Get Cozy With Your DSLR

source

Sorry ladies (and gents?), no way around this one…you need to shoot on manual. I’ve never tried it on auto, so I can’t really say, but in order to get the right balance, you basically need to overexpose your shot. Auto works against this, so it probably just won’t work.

Step 2: Choose Your Time Of Day Carefully

The best time of day for shooting any shots is that last hour before the sun goes down. Same is true for getting sun flare. You need the sun to be low enough in the sky that you are almost shooting directly into it.

Step 3: Compose Your Shot

Yes, I know that goes against everything you’ve ever heard about photography, but you need to have the sun in or just barely out of your shot to get the flare.

Step 4: Adjust Your Settings

Here comes the time where you need to know your manual settings and be able to adjust them. Since shooting toward the sun will creat horrendous backlighting, you basically have to overexpose the shot so you or your subject aren’t just a dark blob. If you look at the pictures above, you can see which times I did this better.

Most of these shots are taken at ISO 100-200, f/4.5, and a rather slow shutter speed of somewhere around 1/50 sec. Depending on your light, you will need to play with these. The main point is that you want to allow a lot of light into the lens.

(Optional) Step 5: Turn On The Flash

Here you can see how much darker I look when there’s no flash, and then how much brighter I am with the flash on. The flash helps compensate for the backlighting. Sometimes you will find that you need to turn on the flash to fill the subject in with light.

The most important thing you can do is practice! The more I attempt to shoot sun flares, the better my shots get. It’s all about learning your camera settings and learning how to capture the light.

Each time you try this, your flare will look different. Sometimes I get the amazing colored dots, other times it’s rainbow lines, and others it’s simply a beautiful wash of lighting. Just as each photograph is unique, so is each sun flare.

Filed Under: Tutorials

A New Appreciation

March 21, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 11 Comments

As we get closer and closer to move date, our apartment is getting closer and closer to looking like a disaster zone.

Boxes are piled anywhere that doesn’t have furniture occupying the floor space.

What toys LJ has left out are sprawled all over his room and the hallway.

Cooking should be considered an Olympic sport for how many hurdles I have to jump over.

Let’s not even talk about LJ’s attitude. The mess is obviously messing with him.

With all this chaos, I have found a new appreciation for the little things, like clean clothes, a tantrum free day, not having to cook dinner, and my favorite new necklace from my friend Kashoan at Krafty Kash.

How could a vintage dictionary “fashion” pendant not make me smile?

I met Kashoan at CE, and I instantly fell in love with her beautiful pendants (she was pretty awesome too, I guess ). She’s lucky enough to live in a part of this country that’s rich with history, antiques, and all the awesome vintage stuff that LA is simply too new to have My fashion pendant is made from a vintage Webster’s Dictionary….how cool is that?!

Necklace: c/o Krafty Kash, Sweater: Loft, Leggings: Target, Boots: Annie, Belt: Old Navy, Ring: Charming Charlie, Watch: Michael Kors

With all this chaos around me, this little thing is definitely a big thing to me!

Want a beautiful Krafty Kash creation of your own? Kashoan is offering MGR readers 20% off! Enter “FASHION” in the coupon code at checkout. I promise, you will fall in love with yours too!

Filed Under: Deals, Fun, Outfits, Style

A Bright Exit

March 20, 2012 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 22 Comments

No one else knew, but in my own mind this outfit was my little statement. Sunday was our second to last day in our ward at church, and you’ve got one guess what I had to bust out…

Yeah…the purple tights are back. And not just purple tights, but about the loudest outfit I could come up with. I must say, I kinda stood out in the sea of muted colors.

And that was the point

Dress: c/o Old Navy, Undertee/Belt: Old Navy, Tights: c/o We Love Colors, Boots: Annie, Necklace: c/o Lisa Leonard Designs

My new dress from Old Navy was definitely the color quaterback. Such a bright, fun color and print all on it’s own, but I really loved it with the belt Just added to the fun of the purple tights.

While definitely not my most mature moment, it was fun to see the look on the face of the purple tights hater when she saw this get up.

I couldn’t resist going out with a bang!

**Disclosure: this dress was provided by Old Navy through my participation in Crowdtap. I was not compensated for this post.***

Filed Under: Outfits, Style