Stitch Fix Summer 2021

Hello!  Happy end of summer!  I'm back with another great Stitch Fix to share!  In the styling note, I mentioned I was looking for some dresses and tops - and they delivered!  I really loved each of these items and it was difficult to decide what to keep!  

Nine Britton - Peggie Back Detail Knit Dress - Navy 

This is a super soft, spaghetti-strap dress with a fun floral print.  I liked styling it with a bright cardigan to make it a little more modest.  Ultimately, I did not keep it but it was very cute!

Kaileigh - Kaela Faux Wrap Knit Dress - Navy 

This dress is adorable and the first one I knew I would keep! I really like pairing it with a light pink camisole to make the pink floral pattern pop.  I have worn this dress to church and several different gatherings and been complimented on it every time!

Kaileigh - Amandine Knit Dress - Green 

This dress reminded me a lot of the navy one above.  It was cut just a tad different but had the same overall style.  Since these two dresses were so similar I went with the navy one because I liked the print and the flutter sleeves better. 

Market & Spruce - Irene Strappy Sandal - Cognac  

These sandals are adorable and surprisingly very padded and comfortable for how thin they are.  They would pair nicely with everything since they are a neutral light brown color.  Since we're heading into fall, and sandal season is almost over, I did not end up keeping them.  Super cute though!

Market & Spruce - Alora Twist Back Knit Tank - Navy 

I appreciate that this top can be dressed up or down.  I tried it on with shorts since it was warm outside for a casual look, but it could also be dressed up with white pants and a colorful cardigan.  Lots of options for this top!  I knew it had to stay with me. :)

Treat yourself to your own first Stitch Fix and get $25 towards anything you keep by using the coupon code below!

https://www.stitchfix.com/invite/dcw7cv3zv3?sod=w&som=c

Until next time,

Emily

Piggy Paint Nail Polish Review

Hey friends!  Today I wanted to share about Piggy Paint - a natural alternative to nail polish that my sister and I have been using for over eight years now.  My mom gets migraines from any strong smells,  so painting our nails at home was out of the question. We were thrilled to read about these nail polishes many years ago and they have stood the test of time.  Below I have attached some pictures of the different colors at various stages of wear and tear. 

Angel Kisses - Day 5 of wear.  This is one of my favorite colors!  It is a soft pink color that seems to go with everything. 

 

Periwinkle Little Star - Day 4 of wear.  This color is periwinkle with a strong purple tone to it.  I also wear this one a lot these days.  The color is bold and fun without being obnoxious.  

Wild Child - Two weeks of wear.  This is a very bright coral.  Another one of my favorites!

Something we have discovered over the years is that the Piggy Paint basecoat and topcoat make all the difference in the world with these polishes.  Since Piggy Paint doesn't have all the chemicals and "staying power" of traditional nail polishes, I do find that it chips very quickly.  Like within 24-48 hours.  Eek.  Not good.  But I've made it up to two weeks before the first chip by using the basecoat and topcoat.  I wouldn't recommend it without the basecoat and topcoat unless you're only looking for short-term wear. They do have their own non-toxic nail polish remover, but I have always gotten away with using rubbing alcohol to remove it.  The glitter polishes are the hardest for me to remove without the real remover, but I think that's true for any nail polish - natural or not. 

My sister and I have derived a lot of enjoyment from these polishes over the years and recommend you take a look at these if you're considering a natural option :).

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

                                                       

*Photo found on the internet

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" is another TV series I have watched on Hallmark Movies Now and enjoyed.  It follows four postal workers - the "Postables" - who work in the "Dead Letter Office."  Their primary job is to track down recipients of lost mail and deliver those lost items.  I would describe the series as quirky - the characters, the setting, and the job are all quirky.  Not in a bad way, just quirky.  There were underlying elements of mystery and suspense whether or not they would find the mail's rightful owner.  True to Hallmark's nature, everything always ended happily and the letters were always reunited with their intended recipients.  For some reason, I thought the main characters were kids before I watched it.  Not sure where that idea came from, but the four main characters are, in fact, adults.  :)  

There are 10 episodes and 12 movies thus far.  I enjoyed the 10 episodes more than the movies.  Maybe because of their shorter length?  Whatever it is, I enjoyed the episode storylines better. I also enjoyed seeing a lot of crossover actors from Chesapeake Shores on it.  

If you're looking for a fun, mindless, yet suspenseful show to watch, you might really enjoy this one - I sure did!

Stitch Fix December 2020 + Coupon Code

This may have been my favorite Stitch Fix yet!  Stitch Fix is a fun personal styling company that sends you a box of five items according to your style preferences.  You try on the items in the convenience of your home, buy what you like and send back the rest in a prepaid mailing envelope.  You can see my first and second fixes here and here.  So let's jump right in!

Halls Brushed Knit Two Pocket Cardigan by Market & Spruce

This is a fun olive-colored cardigan that is oh-so-soft!  I'm not sure what this style of cardigan is called, but it is my favorite!  It has pockets too! 

Corinna Brushed Dolman Knit Top by Market & Spruce 

This shirt is also so soft!!  I wasn't completely sure about the colors before I tried it on, but I love it and it is so comfortable!  I appreciate that the neckline is higher and I don't have to wear an additional layer underneath for modesty. 

Marian Skinny Jean by Just USA 

I don't know how Stitch Fix does it, but every pair of pants I have received from them have been spot on!  I have short legs for my height, but their pants have always fit me well!  The color is perfect and they are also super soft.  

Larie Crew Neck Blouse by Papermoon

This shirt was really not my style, unfortunately.  The pattern feels a little too busy and the front was too short for my long torso.

Arnett Faux Wrap Knit Dress by Kaileigh 

This dress is adorable!  It is a fake wrap dress that ties on the side.  It was below freezing when I received these items so definitely too cold for an outdoor try-on pic!   I decided against keeping it since we're going into the winter season and it's already unseasonably cold here.  

I am super happy with the items I kept from this fix and have already worn them several times!  If you are considering trying Stitch Fix for the first time, I cannot speak highly enough of the experience I have had.  They accommodate a wide variety of sizes and styles and are open to your feedback and style interests.  If you're looking for a great Christmas gift for yourself or someone else look no further!  Use this code to receive a $25 credit towards your first fix!

https://www.stitchfix.com/invite/dcw7cv3zv3?sod=w&som=c

I hope you are staying warm and enjoying the Christmas season!

Emily

Chesapeake Shores Review

                                      

Image found online

I have so enjoyed watching the Chesapeake Shores TV series on the Hallmark Movies Now app recently.  I know it has been around for a while, but I'm late to the party and never watched it while it was airing in real-time.  This fun series is set in fictional Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, and it has an amazing small-town feel to it. I love that the characters can drive their golf cart into town and grab a bite to eat.  All the beach and water scenes make me want to visit a northeastern beach. The series is *relatively* family-friendly.  It is a Christian show, but the Christian references are sometimes few and far between. All things considered, it is a pretty benign and light-hearted show that I believe you would enjoy too.

The first season had a lot of family drama in it.  Child custody disputes and old grudges added a good bit of tension to the first season.  It wasn't overpowering, but for me, it made it less enjoyable.  When I watch TV, I generally want it to be relaxing and happy.  I love Jess's personality but wish she was able to forgive the grudges she held against her mother (edit: they mellow out over time!).

The second season had a lot less tension and drama in it.  I thought something was off with Abbie but after some research, I realized she was pregnant in real life during that season.  She wasn't showing huge at the time, but it was funny seeing her always carrying something bulky or camera angles hiding her growing belly.  I enjoyed this season a lot more than the first one since it was more low-key and relaxed.  Trace and Lee's song will get stuck in your head - you've been warned!  Jess's romance is the cutest thing ever. 

Season three was a lot of fun.  Trace Riley, Simon Atwater, and Kevin's girlfriend really grew on me this season.  Admittedly, I didn't care a whole lot for any of the three early on.  Trace spent a lot of time on the road, which strained his and Abbie's relationship.  Meanwhile, Jess's relationship continues to bloom.  Her boyfriend's character, integrity, and commitment are admirable.  He has turned into one of my favorite characters on the show!  

Season four was lovely but sad to watch since I knew it was coming to an end.  It's six episodes were over way too fast.  This season was full of life-altering moments. I so enjoyed watching the characters navigate life and happily ever afters.    

Season five is supposedly coming out next year, so we'll see!  You'll find me impatiently waiting until then :).

June 2020 Stitch Fix + Coupon Code

Hello again!  I enjoyed my first experience with Stitch Fix so much that I requested another box for June!  I was once again thrilled to receive my Fix this past week.  With summer temperatures heating up here, I requested summer items and reiterated that I don't care for spaghetti straps or low necklines.  Once again, they delivered and did a great job.  I received a dress, three tops, and a pair of shorts this time. 

French Grey - Evalynn Brushed Knit Dress

This dress screams perfection!  I just love everything about it - the colors, the print, the cut, the feel of the fabric, literally everything!  It is very versatile, can be dressed up or down, and seems to look good with everything.  Did I mention yet how much I love this dress?

  

Papermoon - Reece Mixed Material Top

This top is pretty cute and I love the color.  Interestingly, the back of the top is a solid knit fabric while the front is a woven floral.  Very comfortable and flowy for hot summer days.

Papermoon - Egan One Pocket Knit Top

Level 99 Tinley - Distressed Cuffed Shorts 

Unfortunately, neither of these items "made the cut" for me so I included stock photos instead. They are cute in their own way, but not styles I typically go for.  I'll be sending these back so they can go to someone who loves them and can give them a good home.  In the future, I'll be more upfront and specific about my likes/dislikes.  However, they did a great job with what little information they had to go off of.

Papermoon - Jaimin Tie Front Top

I really like this top!  The fabric is soft and feels like good quality. I love navy shirts and this one is no exception.  The tie in the front gives it extra flair and personality.  Yet another keeper!

All in all, this was another great fix and I discovered several new favorite items.  If you are considering trying Stitch Fix for the first time, I highly encourage you to give it a shot!  Use the link below when signing up to receive $25 worth of credit to apply towards any items you keep!

https://www.stitchfix.com/invite/dcw7cv3zv3?sod=w&som=c

I hope your day is blessed!

Emily

"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris Review

One afternoon recently, I was flipping through a Christian Book magazine, and noticed a book I had never heard of before.  It was "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris.  Intrigued, I decided to look it up on Amazon.  I read the sample provided, and knew I wanted to read it. When it came in the mail a few days later, I was ecstatic to begin reading.  "Do Hard Things" proved to be one of the best books I have ever read.  I loved reading a book from someone who has the same thoughts and views I do about young adults.  Alex and Brett Harris encourage teenagers to rebel - not against parents and other influences - but against our society's low expectations.  This radical way of thinking and living uses the teenage years for good, and things of lasting value.  As Christians, we shouldn't waste the teenage years, but use them for God's glory.  Included below is what the premise of the book is written on, "The Five Kinds of Hard," and a few quotes.  I highly recommend reading this book, and would also recommend encouraging others you know to do the same.

The Five Kinds of Hard:
-Things that are outside your comfort zone
-Things that go beyond what is expected or required
-Things that are too big to accomplish alone
-Things that don't earn an immediate payoff
-Things that challenge the cultural norm

"The teen years are not a vacation from responsibility.  They are the training ground of future leaders who dare to be responsible now."

"Where some might look down on or excuse young adults, God calls us to be examples.  Where our culture might expect little, God expects great things."

"Our trust is not in the greatness of our vision or the strength of our effort, but in the grace and wisdom and goodness of God.  Our reason for rebelling against low expectations in the world around us is that Jesus tells us He has overcome the world and through faith in Him - so can we."