Boulder, Mary Jane, & a dirty 30.

The last month has been crazy.  I quit my job at Sephora after 6 years so I could spend more time with Tim & Ava.  Since then, we have traveled twice, ran a half marathon, met a couple celebs, planned more vacations, & celebrated Tim's 30th birthday three times (at least).  

Now to back up a bit.

After quitting my job, we were able to schedule a great little trip to Colorado.  I have never been.  It sounded like a great idea, but for those of you who know me.  It's NEVER that simple. 

 

We hopped on a quick flight to Denver & it was perfectly short.  My adorable baby girl is rapidly turning into a rowdy pre-teen.  Let's just say she doesn't have the patience for long flights.  Or maybe that's me.   

 We stayed in Louisville, right next to Boulder.  Travel tip 1: Download Tripadvisor.  Tim always looks at the top places to eat & visit in any city we go to.  First stop: Pearl Street in downtown Boulder.  It was beautiful & quaint.  If you head down to it, parking happens on the streets around Pearl.  Be prepared to pay for parking almost everywhere.  Also take a stroller for the littles & take the time to watch the street performers.  It's free entertainment.

Tim hit the big 3-0 while we were on our travels.  

He's the bee's knees.  

 

 

I found the best mall called Flatiron.  It's about 15 minutes from Boulder & it's magnificent.  You might think I love to shop.  Not really.   Maybe for makeup.  Yea, I could spend a lifetime in Sephora. Ever since I had little miss, I haven't loved looking for clothes.  This mall... Holy crap it was huge.  I spent 5 hours too many in it.  I left with some goods that later got lost on a plane.  Yep.  That my friends is why I HATE clothes shopping.  Later this summer we will be talking to a clothes buyer who is the ultimate shopper!  Maybe she can relight my love for clothes.

Here are a couple pieces I bought knowing we would be going to the One Republic concert (yesterday, but more on that later).  I wandered into Old Navy to pick up Ava a couple things & I left with this cute tank.  I then headed over to H&M for this super light sweater.   Tip 2: Get the WRAPP app!  It's free giftcards for you and your facebook friends.  I had a free $6 to H&M making my sweater on $7.

Sweater// H&M $13

Tank// Old Navy $10

Black Skinnies// JCP $15

 

Now for our favorite part of our trip.  Food.  When we travel, we throw our diets out the window in the evenings & love to try out new places. 

We hit up the Yardhouse.  Yes, it's a chain- but not in Utah.  

Tim had the PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN -garlic mashed potatoes with sun-dried tomato three mushroom sauce.  Yum!

   I'm sure most of your are pretty savvy when it comes to political happenings.  Colorado passed a law legalizing marijuana.   I only bring this point up for two reasons.  One: If you aren't a good driver, DON'T travel into downtown Denver without someone who is.   Not only is Denver a labyrinth of one way streets (just a minor nightmare-no biggy), but jay-walking is a huge problem.  Everywhere we drove, people were almost getting hit by trax or cars.  ANXIETY.  Holy crap.   

Where are you going with this Jamie?  

Where there is pot, there is smoke.  

Wait, I don't think that's how that goes.  Lets try again.  

Where there is smoke, there is the munchies.  

No, I don't smoke, drink, do drugs, or even have Diet Coke.  But, other people do- soooooooooo VooDoo doughnut rolled into town to help fulfill the late night needs.  Open 24 hours!  Imagine eating a doughnut and then multiply the best doughnut by 1000.  Seriously.  The BEST treat I've had in forever.  Prepare to wait.  There is a consistent line out the door, but they are worth it.  

Tip 3: know what you want before you get to the front!  

I had a blast on our little getaway.  The ride home was puke-turbulent & the airline lost our luggage.  

All in all I would say it was perfect.  

 

Happy Monday my loves. 

XoXo

 Jamie

Hudson Smash

Does anyone know if the "middle child syndrome" is really real? World, Meet Hudson Dean. 

Number 2 of 3. Smack dab in the middle. He is witty, funny, manly, and by far my hardest. We butt heads like crazy. This little dude has had stitches 4 times within the past 14 months, drank dog antibiotics, gave his brother stitches, tried to ride his 10 month old sister like a horse, and permanently stole my spot in MY bed. He is 3 1/2. 

He is my test for sure. My oldest didn't have a mean bone in his body. He and Hudson couldn't be more opposite. Don't get me wrong, I love this dude to the moon and back infinity and beyond. I just haven't figured out how to be his parent yet. It's hard being the one who is supposed  to be the nurturer when he doesn't want me. He wants Daddy. Which is fine.. I'm totally good with sharing that responsibility, but I would be lying if I I said it didn't make me a little jealous. I just can't figure out my place with him because he doesn't want me to have one. Every once in a while, like this morning, he will climb up on my lap and ask me to hold him. You bet your arse that I take full advantage of those moments. Phone down, my arms are all his. 

Last night while talking to my Husband about it, he says

"He loves you. He just does in his own way on his terms."

This kid is just as hard headed as his momma. I'm sure what is happening here is we are one in the same. Too much alike. 

Im not perfect. I don't have all the answers. Clearly. I just want my children to know that they are loved and that these arms are open 24/7. Don't you ever think..I hope I am not screwing this up. Am I doing this all wrong? 

And then there are the days that he says

"Mom, you're beautiful. I love you."

All in the most sincere voice I've ever heard. 

I won't give up on you little man. I will still run to you when you fall no matter how many times yo tell me to "go away". I will tell you I love you everyday, multiple times a day. I will share my bed when the nightmares creep in. I will love you for life. No conditions. 

Hudson will no doubt be the life of the party as he gets older. He loves superheroes and the Hulk is his favorite. Hudson Smash is the perfect nickname for this little stud. This kid is already about his fashion and is pretty consistent. He consistently has his underwear and his pants on backwards and mismatched socks. In his defense, red and blue go together so his one Ironman sock and his one Captain America sock DO match! Ha Ha oh I love him so..

Hudson is head to toe in Old Navy. Can I first just say a big THANK YOU to Old Navy for selling vintage character tees? I can't stand character clothes/shoes/ect.  I know it's not me wearing them, but I struggle putting my kids in them. Jammies? Totally fine. I can deal with that.

 The vintage feel makes them much more bearable and most of the time cute! I LOVE VINTAGE. These shirts allow everyone to be happy. Win win I say!

Marvel Heroes Shirt// Old Navy 

Belted Twill Shorts// Old Navy similar HERE

Flip Flops// Old Navy similar HERE

Target Tees (say that 5x's fast)

Have you eve gone to someones house and it was super clean and decorated perfectly AND they have kids? That happened last night. I went to my monthly BUNCO night and my friend's house made me want to burn mine down and start all over.  Now don't get me wrong.. I am totally blessed with what I have. But times are a changing folks and I'm sick of my once "crepe" colored walls that are now a smoker yellow. No one smokes at my house! What the heck?! Seriously I am tired of the warm tones. Bring on the cool and clean! Anyway, I am hosting next month so now I have to get my rear in gear! This only includes:

*Re-painting my whole house

*Painting our kitchen cupboards 

*Planking our wall

*Putting a brick wall in our kitchen

That's all totally doable right?! In one month? Sigh…..Bring on the pink rockstars I suppose. And a tree that grows money. Actually a tree that hands it out would be better..who has time for picking? How about just direct deposit please. 

Today I wanted to talk about the perfect plain Tee. 

Sometimes you just need a comfy yet stylish tee that you can either dress up, or dress down. A dependable tee. One that has your back whether you've got a hot date, an interview, or  one that won't judge as you realize that you are going to bed in the same thing you woke up in. This shirt fits all those needs and is normally on sale for $5 in stores at Target. Dead. Serious. You guys I promise you can't go wrong with this Tee. They are made by Mossimo and feel and fit like a dream. They are 60% Cotton and 40% Polyester so you can totally toss them in the dryer and not have to deal with shrinkage. This is a seller for me because I literally hang dry almost every shirt I own.

You choice of colors online aren't great. However, in store there are more available options. The one I am wearing here is a salmon color. When I checked this weekend they had gray, salmon, black, white, jade, and a few different striped options.

A few ways to wear:

*Pair them with jeans and pumps (like I did here)

*Your favorite blazer over your favorite tee

*With pajama bottoms… duh 

*Worn tucked into a pencil skirt with a thick belt

*Paired with a maxi skirt 

Boyfriend Crew Tee- Target/ HERE

Premium Skinnies- Rue 21/ Similar HERE

Love Necklace- Rue 21

Feather Chain Necklace- Old Navy

Vera Wang Nude Pumps- Kohls

 Watch- Covet Boutique 

*photos by Jamie Healy Images*