Stitch Fix Review!! December 2017

It's Stitch Fix Review Day! I got a box delivered on Sunday, just in time for Christmas. I am officially wrapping up a couple of things and telling my husband that he can chill and not do his usual last minute shopping for me this go round. I'm selfless like that. ;-)

Speaking of, if you are still searching for a last minute idea and don't want to have to brave the mall, a Stitch Fix Gift Certificate just might be what you're looking for for your mom, sister, girlfriend, friend or even your husband. The deal is that there is a $20 a month styling fee. Your person goes to the site and fills out a style profile and determines how often she'd like a shipment. (I get a box every other month.) Then 5 items show up on her doorstep. She tries them on, has three days to decide, mails back what she doesn't like in a pre-paid envelope and keeps what she wants. If she chooses any items her styling fee is credited to the price. If she chooses all five she gets 25% off her order. Go HERE and you can even just sit here in your jammies watching the Hallmark Channel and just have an email sent to your person's inbox. Done and done.

My stylist, who happens to be named Jason, actually is a real person and did a great job picking out items for me. He (or she? I don't know any Jasons that are shes, but could be) even wrote a note which made it clear that he heard my plea for no more wool in any of the sweaters I'm sent.  YAY! This brings us to Item number 1.

Loveappella

Persy Drawstring Hem Knit Sweatshirt

This sweatshirt is so soft and not made of a single thing that will give me hives. It's thin, so it's not too hot or bulky. I think it can be really casual for a day hanging on the couch or sitting in the basketball gym or could be dressed up a bit.

Other outfit details:

Similar Jeans/ Shoes / Silver Hoop Earrings / Similar Watch

Articles of Society

Tiana Skinny Jean

These Articles of Society black skinny jeans were really cute and reasonably priced. I think black jeans can dress up just about any top. I already have a great pair of black jeans that are from Banana Republic. They are really old, but holding up pretty well. Kinda like me. :-) I think the grey sweater will be great with black jeans and these suede grey booties.

Other outfit details:

Similar Totes / Similar Booties / Similar Watch

Pink Clover

Elanie Button Down Blouse

This top fit well and I liked the cut. Also, it has a plethora of stars on it. Perhaps the song lyrics "The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas" should have motivated this Texas gal to want to wear stars all over her shirt, but alas, they did not. Still, because I am a loyal Texan who loves the big and bright stars of my home state, I put this outfit together. And then I returned the shirt because my love has healthy boundaries. The end.

Other outfit details:

My Favorite Boots Ever / Similar State Necklace/ Earrings/ Jeans from Stitch Fix/ Similar Bag

Amour Vert

Kaitlyn Striped Drawstring Pullover

This cute pullover was totally my jam as far as the stripes, the colors and the style. The only problem was that for me, a casual sweatshirt pullover needs to be a bit bigger than my normal size and this wasn't. It fit perfectly, but I would have liked it to be roomier. Anyway, it made a cute outfit before I returned it.

Other outfit details:

Joggers from Stitch Fix/ Shoes / Earrings / Similar Watch

Octavia

London Mixed Material Satchel

I hugged this bag when I took it out of the box. It's so embarrassing. I didn't have any idea that I  wanted or needed an olive colored bag until it was staring me in the face. It's exactly like a Hallmark Christmas movie plot actually. The single, hard working mom - who is usually someone from a 90s sitcom - is certain she has no time or interest in love again and then she finds herself running into an incredibly good-looking, yet exasperating Christmas tree farmer numerous times until she realizes that he is her soulmate and she must kiss him under the mistletoe as snow falls around her in giant heaps. You see? She didn't know what she needed until she bumped right into him it. Pretty much same plot line here. Yes? No? Whatever. I've watched a lot of Hallmark Channel this week.

Anyway, I love the gold zipper detail. And that little tag hanging off the strap? It's totally meaningless, but makes me happy. This was a keep, but I'm not letting myself use it until Christmas because I make arbitrary rules like that to offset how shallow it is that I hugged a handbag.

Other Outfit Details

Similar Jeans/ My Favorite Boots Ever / Similar Plaid Shirts

So, that's it for today. I kept two of the five items sent to me which I consider a win. I still think all of the items were really cute and that Stitch Fix continues to do a great job with sending me items that are right in my style wheelhouse.

Remember this makes a unique gift, so go here to sign up for Stitch Fix for yourself or figure out the ways you can gift a Stitch Fix subscription gift card to a friend.

Have a very, very merry Christmas, Friends!!!

What's Up Wednesday: December 2017 Edition

I'm linking up with Sheaffer Told Me To The Larson Lingo and Mix and Match Mama for What's Up Wednesday today.

What We're Eating This Week

Because of our ridiculous sports schedule we are not always together for a family meal, but we do the best we can. For many years, we have been really protective of our Sunday night steak dinners, so it was really great to have Joe home from college for our Sunday night dinner this week. I'm certain I have mentioned this Warm Spinach Basil Salad that my mother-in-law introduced me to years ago, but we had it Sunday night and I'm guessing we'll do it again for Christmas dinner. It is so good and seems a little fancier than your regular cold salad.

6 cups spinach

2 cups basil leaves

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup pine nuts (or more)

4 oz. prosciutto, diced

salt and pepper to taste

3/4 cup parmesean cheese, grated

Toss spinach and basil together in a large salad bowl. Heat oil in medium sized skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and pine nuts and saute until nuts begin to brown slightly. Stir in prosciutto and cook one minute more. Season with salt and pepper. Toss spinach and basil with warm dressing and sprinkle with cheese.

What I'm Reminiscing About

All three of my boys went to the same Mother's Morning Out program. Every year they did the same wooden ornaments that they painted and covered with glitter. I wonder if they still do the same ones even 16 years since Joe was there. I love pulling these out every year and thinking back on their chubby cheeks and sticky hands and sloppy kisses. 

What I'm Loving

When we're able to convince the boys to join in on a family movie night that does not involve a movie about war, rappers or sports. I will say that when they heard that It's a Wonderful Life was a black and white movie at least one of them acted as if we were asking him to watch Cinderella, but they all watched it last night with us and my in-laws and they all lasted through the whole thing. How amazing is the look of gratitude and wonder on Jimmy Stewart's face? This is one of the most perfect Christmas movies. It makes me cry every darn time.

What We've Been Up To

Steve and I were lucky to get a chance to escape to Florida when Kyle and his high school basketball team traveled there last week for a tournament. Actually, besides during the games, during that trip we saw our son for approximately 2.5 minutes and he spoke approximately 17 words to us. Such is life with a 16 year old on a trip with his squad. In the end I didn't mind at all, as it turned out to be a really fun and necessary few days for Steve and me to have time together. 

I'm not one to get too mushy about my husband because he is the least mushy person on the planet, but sometimes it is really important to get away from the routine and stress of parenting and work and remember why you even started out on this whole marriage thing in first place. Sometimes it's easy to forget that you actually have a darn good time together. My husband still makes me laugh until my stomach hurts. I'm so grateful.

Also, I'm sure at this point you're as stunned as I am that Kyle wouldn't want to hang out with me in Orlando.

What I'm Dreading

I've gone running exactly twice in three weeks. I'm not sure it's going to go so well when I start back at it. That first time out after a long stretch of laziness is usually about like this.

What I'm Working On

I received a new box from Stitch Fix which had some really cute pieces in it including this olive satchel by Octavia which will be wrapped and put under the tree as a "surprise" to me from my husband. I'm hoping to post about it this week. If you a still need a gift for someone, you can easily still get them a gift card - even just an email sent right to them - to set up and try Stitch Fix. They have a program for men, too. I got this as a gift from my sister-in-law for Christmas a few years ago and it's one of my favorite gifts ever. 

What I'm Excited About

We are headed to DC this week to check out the newly opened Museum of the Bible. I've heard some wonderful things about it and I can't wait.

What I'm Watching

I'm beside myself with glee that the 2nd season of The Crown has started. I'm trying to watch it slowly so that I won't be so sad when it's over. I watched the first episode and it is so good. This on top of the Meghan and Harry news is just about more than I can take. 

What I'm Reading

I just downloaded this book to my Kindle. I've had numerous people suggest it.

Also, I heard recently ordered this book. I heard it suggested as one that would be good for those who might not be looking forward to the holiday season. I have a lot of friends who will be spending their first Christmas with an empty seat at the table and a number who are suffering through the emptiness for yet another season with not a shred of evidence that time heals all wounds. It occurs to me I should have ordered quite a few of these. :(

What I'm Listening To

Nichole  Nordeman's Every Mile Mattered on repeat. Favorites: Sound of Surviving, Dear Me and No Longer.

What I'm Wearing

You'll be shocked to know that I'm wearing this plaid flannel shirt from American Eagle. I cannot stop with the plaid shirts. I need help. Also, Articles of Society jeans similar to these and these shoes.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

Having Joe around for the first week or so, watching my two youngest guys play some hoops and celebrating this guy's 17th birthday and our 23rd wedding anniversary. We have lots of joyful celebrations in January to take the sting out of the cold, dark weather.

What Else is New

There's a new ornament on the tree this year. A gift from my college boy. I hung it just a tad below another ornament because I can't help myself. 

Hook Em Horns

We Are...

and also,

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com

How to Hit a Home Run This Holiday: A Baseball Mom's Gift Guide

Merry Christmas, Baseball Fans!

I don't know about you, but with Christmas only a couple of weeks away, I'm feeling very much like I'm facing a 100 mph fast ball with two outs and two strikes on me in the bottom of the ninth. Hopefully, you're ahead of me in taking care of your gift list, but if not, I'm offering my fellow baseball parents a little help today.

Having celebrated numerous Christmas mornings with baseball enthusiasts from t-ball age to veteran coaches, I have some ideas for you.

Here we go. READ THE REST HERE.

5 Friday Favorites: December 8, 2017

I am so happy to see Friday this week. It's been a fun, busy time around here which has left me little time to write. Mostly, it's been a lot of decking of the halls and dribbling of the basketballs. We've got Joe coming home from his first semester of college for Christmas next week, a trip to Florida with the High School basketball team and hopefully, a very efficient and frugal finish to the Christmas shopping with minimal stress and maximum spreading of holiday cheer.

A girl's gotta dream, folks.

Here are 5 of my favorite things from the week.

1. Remembering When They Were My "Littles"

I had the most precious time speaking with the Moms of Littles at my church on Wednesday. I adored these women who are in the midst of weaning toddlers off of pacifiers, guiding kiddos in potty training and powering through the unique brand of heroism that is a mama fighting morning sickness and exhaustion while running after a 3 year old.

Lord, have (enormous amounts of) mercy on them. Amen.

I have moments when I feel like those experiences were only 5 minutes ago like when I pull out this little angel preschool craft that Drew did. At the same time, it feels like a million years ago. It is so cliche, but so true that those days are long, but the years are short. Don't blink, sweet mamas. Do not blink.

2. Ellie Holcomb's Red Sea Road Album

I've mentioned a few of the songs on this album, but I cannot get enough of any of them. I highly recommend every single song. In the past few weeks, there seems to have been a lot of loss for my friends - parents, grandparents, spouses. I bought four sympathy cards just yesterday. My dad is recovering from back surgey. At least four of our good friends have had long hospital stays in the past few weeks. One of my little friends who is fighting cancer has had a significant set back. And we've marked the anniversary of the loss of one of my favorite kiddos in the whole universe to osteosarcoma this week. This album is bringing me hope in this season which seems so much darker than usual. Also, Ellie Holcomb was interviewed on The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey and their discussion is well worth your time.

3. AE Ahh-mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt

The question is how many times am I going to have a plaid shirt on Friday Favorites? And the answer is at least one more time. These shirts are so soft and comfortable and come in so many cute color combinations. They are on sale for $24.99 and look great alone or paired with this lightweight sweater which is only $20.00. Gift for one of your girls? Sister? Mom? Fake and/or Real Daughter? Done.

4. This Facebook Post

If there was a Top Ten Social Media Posts of All Time List this one by my friend, Christine, who has two girls and also two boys who seem to be cut from the same cloth as all the people in my house might just top it. She's posted this Thanksgiving worksheet several years in a row. The deep contemplation that her son obviously put in before he listed his greatest blessings never disappoints. Can you even stand it? Boys are just the best ever.

5. Rooted In Hope Advent Devotional

This Advent devotional is saving my life right now. I've had a pretty nasty cold this week and a lot of things on the to-do list but have really done my best to get up early and work through the daily readings. The words in the quiet, stillness of the morning before all the pressure and tasks come crashing in have been such a gift to me.  How 'bout this for your morning?

"It is hope that makes the difference between the prayer that opens our eyes to redemption and the prayer that forgets that help is on its way. It is hope that makes our prayers bold enough for us to defend them even when they make us look a little crazy. It is hope that lets us open our hands for the answer and keep them open, holding all the grace that is poured into them when God responds loosely enough that it rises back up to Him again as praise." - Colleen Mitchell

And all the people say, "Amen and Amen."

I wish you a weekend bursting full of hope, Friends. Have a good one.

Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com

Remembering Mathias

Reposting this from December 9, 2014 because I still have no words today. I still need you to tell Him, Mathias. On this morning three years after you met our Jesus, I still am dust and ash. I still know He waits for me and all of us who miss you. I still know that you wait beside Him. Please ask Him to be near us today, Mathias. Please ask Him to send us light today because the world feels dark without you.

Dear Mathias,

Hey, kid. I'm a bit of a mess.

All of us down here. Dude, we are all a big, giant mess.

I want to find the right words for us. I want to feel in my heart the words that I believe in my head. I thought all the tears that I spilled would clear my mind. A full hour straight of choking sobs as I sat in the car hunched under the steering wheel, hiding from the passers-by in the parking lot while waiting for Drew to come out of his baseball lesson yesterday. I thought that would do it and I would be full of hope and faith - ready to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, the end of the suffering, the comfort that you are whole and free. I want the words to come spewing out of my fingertips so that my heart feels less burdened and this splitting headache ceases.

Last night, I came to this space where I find God. And I left and poured a drink.  It tasted like dust.

Last night, I came to this space where I know God. And I left and ate a huge piece of red velvet cake.  It tasted like ash.

Last night, I came to this space where God gives me words. And I left to watch a movie on TV. It was kinda dumb. Like, really bad.

And now it's 5:00 AM and I come to this space again. The day after the news came. The news that it would be you. You would be the first one. The first child that I knew personally. The first that had given me a fist bump and made me laugh and shined a giant smile at me. The first to be stolen by cancer right out from under my eyes. And I came to this space in the darkness, icy rain pelting my kitchen window, in pjs that don't match and hair that is matted from restless sleep and eyes swollen with gunk and a tummyache from that crappy piece of grocery store cake.

I am ash and dust and I don't have the right words. Words that are worthy of you. Words that are worthy of Him.

And yet, I know God waits for me.

I want to go to Him. I want to be dressed in my Sunday best and full of my Sunday hope and clean with my Sunday purity. But it's Tuesday. And I am Tuesday angry and Tuesday sad and I need a shower.

And yet, I know God waits for me.

Could you tell Him, Mathias? Could you tell Him that I want to come to Him and I'm trying? That I want to have words to write and speak and sing but I can't find them? Could you tell Him that I want to use this space to be His hands and feet? Could you tell him that I know that THIS. Yes, THIS is the whole flippin' point of my writing? That I believe with everything that I am that you are there with Him and that I need to tell people? That I know you are free and happy and I need to tell people? That I know that now you look exactly like the Mathias that we know? That now you understand all the mysteries of this life? That you knew it in a second without even a moment's flicker of the raging doubt that threatens to pull us under?

I want to come to God like you are now. I want to be like you. Smiling and whole. Beauty and perfection. Hope and confidence. I know what's happening this morning.  I know you're charming the heck outta Jesus. And I know I'm supposed to be able to relay that I know this and I want everyone else to know it, too.

But I am left here. My heart shattered. I am not in my Sunday best today. I don't have the right words. But I remembered a song I heard a few weeks ago.  And this band, Crowder, with this song, Come As You Are, has some words.  I will listen to this song about 400 times today. And I know that God will welcome me just as I am. And He will make me new. Then I can go out just like you did, Mathias. I can be a light in a world full of darkness, just like you.

Will you tell Him, Mathias? Will you ask Him to help me? And while you're at it, tell Him I said thank you. Thank Him for giving the world you, if only for this short time.  The world is better because of you. I am better because of you.

Rest in peace, my sweet friend.