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Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Summer Style with Walmart!


Walmart has been truly stepping up their game in the fashion department lately, and I am continuing to be blown away each time I hop online to see what's new!  Especially with the addition of SCOOP being exclusively sold there, you can easily find both trendy and basic pieces AT A MAJOR DISCOUNT.  Though the prices are low, the quality is not!  I found a couple basic dresses to style different ways and with some fun Summer accessories, (all $20 or less) to wear now and carry me all Summer long! Check out these great pieces you can find from Walmart Fashion!
Tiered Dress - wearing a small \ available in 7 colors \ under $14
Denim Jacket -  wearing a small \ 4 colors (I have it in white, too) \ under $15
Slides - true to size \ 3 colors \ under $15
Straw Bag - 4 colors \ under $15
Straw Hat - under $8
Tank Dress - wearing a small \ 5 colors \ under $10





Saturday, March 14, 2020

WARDROBE ESSENTIAL - Styling a Jean Jacket 5 Ways!

I recently found this denim jacket at Walmart and couldn't checkout fast enough!  It runs true to size, is under $20 and the quality is better than any other denim jacket I own!  I also purchased it in White, and it is available in Pink and Snakeskin, too!  A good denim jacket is a wardrobe essential all year long and for any season! In this post I am styling it 5 different ways so that you can get some ideas on how to get the most out of this gem!

1. Denim on Denim - I chose an easy embroidered top and some distressed jean shorts...I love denim on denim - especially when mixing different washes!
2. Casual Jumper - My easiest go-to travel outfit!  Comfortable and chic!
3. Easy Everyday Basic Dress - dress it up or down, tie it around or waist or throw it over your shoulder!
4. Jogger Sweats + White Tee - My go-to weekend lounge outfit, running errands, or dropping the kids off at school attire!
5. Graphic Tee, Sweater Midi Skirt - easy breezy, enough said!

I hope this gives you some outfit inspo for Spring and transitioning from season to season! If you want to snag it, you can purchase it here!




Friday, February 28, 2020

Affordable Spring Fashion!


Spring is just around the corner, and while it is still way too cold for for my liking, I have been shopping and WILLING the cold away in preparation for warmer temps and a wardrobe refresh!  As you all know, I have been beyond impressed with the fashion found at Walmart lately, so that was my first place to shop.  You just can't beat the prices of their items - and the quality has been amazing!  I put together a little style board of some of the items in my cart and some other fun pieces for the upcoming season.  I'm happy to see the tie-dye trend sticking around - and of course denim is always on trend and in season.  Its also the easiest to style! Happy Shopping and sending all the warmer weather vibes your way!

SHOP SPRING!



*Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions are my own.

Friday, July 12, 2019

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE 2019! MY TOP PICKS & RECOMMENDATIONS!

Its here!!  The biggest shopping event of the year! The sale is overwhelming even to me - who is very familiar with how it all goes down as I've been shopping it / covering it for the last 3 years!  But my goal here between my YouTube video and this blog post is to break it down so it feels less overwhelming to you-and really zero in on the best sellers (that are bound to sell out) and my own personal picks for the Fall!  


WHEN CAN I SHOP?
Early Access begins on Friday, July 12 at 12:30pm EST and is open to all card holders.  This is one of the very few times that I highly recommend having a store card.  Its worth it since things often sell out during Early Access and aren't always restocked.  You can sign up for a Nordstrom Card and immediately be given access to shop early here.   The sale goes public next week on July 19th and prices go up on August 5.

IF YOU LOVE IT, BUY IT!
Nordstrom offers FREE SHIPPING AND FREE RETURNS.  And may I add that the returns are simple and painless.  In the rare case you would have to get in touch with Customer Service - they are a sheer delight to call into and always so friendly and helpful!

Because they offer free returns, during the sale - if you see it, and you like it BUY IT!  This isn't one of those times that you can wait on and come back to in the evening to checkout.  Chances are your cart won't be where you left it because things sell.out.so fast.  Restocks do happen, but its not a guarantee on every item.  Take it from someone who is still kicking herself that I missed a few things last year - the regret is REAL!!

LET'S GET STARTED, SHALL WE?!
I created photo boards of everything broken down into categories to make things simple!  Keep in mind there are a lot of categories I didn't cover like Denim (hello 9 months pregnant), Men, Baby, Baby Gear, etc.  TONS of other departments are included in the sale!
****************************************************************************
Barefoot Dreams are HOT ticket items...they alway sell out super fast and they don't always restock each one.  These make great gifts and this is the only time they are ever on sale!


I ALWAYS stock up on my favorite shampoo and conditioner Set...such a Steal and will last a good amount of time!  The T3 Cura and Curling Irons are AMAZING...definite investments but items you will have that will WORK for years and years to come!


I always recommend treating yourself to a Rails flannel...there really isn't anything else quite like it.  I usually size up for a more oversized fit.  They are incredibly soft, wash really well and will carry you through all Fall & Winter and beyond!  I've had mine for a few years and they still look brand spanking new! You can wear them with a front tuck, tie them in a knot in the front, wear them open with a cami underneath or tie around your waist! 

Sweaters are always a best-seller and I know that first one will surely sell out quick.  The colors are so perfect for Fall!  I love my sweaters oversized and slouchy so it will be hard to choose from all of these because there are so.many.great.options!


Again with Barefoot Dreams!  Their Cardis are one of the most popular NSale items as they also make beautiful gifts.  I usually size up for an oversized cozy fit! I'm loving all the sweater coat options again this year and happy to see this trend still going strong!

I LOVE all of these open Waterfall jackets - they will easily step-up your entire look with little effort!  The long Pink and short Eggplant Teddys will be MINE!

Definitely don't hesitate on these leopard mules if you don't already own a pair.  Leopard Mules were SUPER popular last Fall - so much so that no retailer or brand could keep any style in stock.  I bought last year's version during the sale and they were one of my most worn shoe last Fall!  This year I will be trying out the Python trend - as I think its another easy neutral that will pair with just about anything!

I'm thinking the first bootie here will be one of the most popular shoe in the Sale - love the color, point, the cutouts and the block heel! A lot of these styles come in multiple colors and I will definitely be grabbing a black pair as that is one shoe I really missed having in my Fall wardrobe last year!
1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. |
1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. |
1. | 2. | 3. | 4. |
1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7.

Happy Shopping!!
xo





















Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Delayed Intensification COMPLETE!!

Man, I never thought this day would come!  This last phase has been brutal.  Not only has it made Addie physically ill - more than any other phase, but it has wiped out her counts and immune system a few times, leaving us in a permanent state of paranoia.  Because she had an allergic reaction to one of the drugs in this phase last time - they had to switch her to a different one.  The original one that gave her a reaction would have been a one time infusion through her tubey.  The alternative is a shot in the leg - every other day times 6.  This is the one that makes her so sick.  We had to basically keep up her anti nausea medication every 7-8 hours for an entire week and a half while she was getting these shots.  Its crazy how the nausea would hit her right at the minute she was due for her medicine. Thankfully the anti-nausea does work and she had some relief.  She has needed 1 blood transfusion and 2 platelet transfusions, along with one more blood transfusion expected this week.  Her Hemoglobin and Platelets are still coming down, but her doctors said they have seen signs of her marrow recovering based on her blood work.  Her ANC has been below 500 for most of this phase and we have been stuck at 0 for the last week and a half.

During her Clinic visit this past Wednesday, she spiked a fever.  I immediately knew we would be admitted because her counts weren't high enough to give her the antibiotic and send us home.  They immediately took blood cultures, swabbed her nose to check for respiratory stuff, and I also requested a stool sample because she had had diarrhea since the weekend.  Her stool tested positive for CDIFF.  The doctors told us this is very common in kids with cancer, but unfortunately extremely contagious.  For any healthy person, it would cause a few days of diarrhea and an antibiotic is not always needed.  But for Addie, they had to put her on an antibiotic immediately. She has been taking it 4 times a day and is on it for a total of 10 days.  It tastes nasty....and the alternative tastes even worse.  Its not something that can be given through her tubey, nor in pill form which stinks.  She threw it up a few times in the beginning, but here we are day 6 and she's taking it like a champ!  All the doctors and nurses have to fully garb up when they come in to check her, and I also have to wear gloves in the bathroom with her and then wipe everything down with bleach after she's finished.  It seems to have gone away thanks to the antibiotic, but they told me it could come back.  Fingers crossed that doesn't happen.  She also tested positive for Rhinovirus & Enterovirus, which is essentially a cold, with no treatment needed - just has to run its course.

So here we are in the hospital, just waiting for her ANC to come back up.  We get her blood results early every morning and then all day she is her normal, happy, energetic self as we try to pass the time.  She isn't allowed in the play room because of the CDIFF, so its a struggle to keep her busy and not bored.  As for some GREAT NEWS - She had her last shot yesterday and I couldn't be more excited to say Adios to Delayed Intensification! I was warned it would be rough, but looking back on it as a whole, I suppose it could have been worse.  Her doc told me today that a lot of kids need transfusions every other day at this point, so we are counting our lucky stars that that hasn't been the case for us.  I'm also grateful that we were able to have a small birthday party with our family to celebrate her turning 5, and she had a ton of fun in the pool last weekend for Memorial Day.   Now, we are setting our sights on MAINTENANCE, where we will stay until the end of treatment.  From what I have been told, we can expect a smooth sail for the most part through this phase.  Only once a month visits to the clinic, 5 days a month of steroids and an oral chemo given at home.  Her counts should maintain high and her hair should start to grow back with a vengeance!  We have Disney World next month and Addison asks me almost every day if we are going tomorrow, haha.  While it totally stinks being stuck in the hospital with low counts-because there is literally nothing we can do about it to bring them up, I'm just glad to be out of the woods with all the nasty chemo. My hope is that once her counts are high enough to start Maintenance, they will stay there for the most part and we can enjoy a fun-filled "normal" Summer!  Theres so much to look forward to, including a camp that she has been gifted by the Angel 34 Foundation, Disney and lots of fun outside and in the pool, followed by KINDERGARTEN come Fall!  I will keep everyone posted via my Instagram on when we get discharged from the Hospital and I will update on here throughout Maintenance.  I can't believe its been almost an entire year already.  Some days it seems like it flew by, and other days it feels like it was an entire century ago that we started on this journey.  Its just nice to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel.  Addie is so strong - not just physically, but emotionally, too.  She has endured so much these last 10 months and matured so quickly.  She has never stopped dancing and she continues to always have a smile on her face.   Thank you for keeping up with us and for always sending so much positivity and prayers our way - we truly appreciate it!

xo

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

SHOP MY INSTAGRAM!

With all the changes lately, I wanted to create an easy way for you guys to shop my Instagram Feed WITHOUT needing to download the LIKEtoKNOW.it app.  I realize not everyone has it or wants to download it and I completely understand.   Anytime you see something you would like to shop from my Instagram, simply click on the photo for the shoppable links!  If you click on the items they will take you directly to the online retailer making it super easy for you to find and shop!

**If you DO have the LIKEtoKNOW.it app, all you have to do is SCREENSHOT any of my Instagram posts featuring the @liketoknow.it logo or #liketkit and all of the details will be emailed directly to your inbox!


________________________________________ SHOP THE FEED _______________________________________

Friday, April 6, 2018

Delayed Intensification Part 1 DONE!

We are currently in the hospital (more on that later), so I have a little downtime to update and give a recap of the last 29 days.  They warned us this phase would be rough - and man they weren't joking!  Delayed Intensification is essentially a combination of the very first phase and second phase of treatment COMBINED.  That means intense chemo and the comeback of steroids - my favorite (NOT). This phase has been hard on Addie to say the least.  It was definitely weird to see her so "down" during her weeks of treatment.  We are use to her being high energy, non-stop and dancing every second of the day and that hasn't been the case lately.  Overall she was her happy self, and she definitely had a lot of days where her energy level was where it has been - through the damn roof!  But overall, all the chemo definitely weakened her, made her vomit a few times and more sleepy than she's been in months.  She would ask to go to bed at night, lay on the couch throughout the day and was nauseous quite often.  She would be dancing one minute, then want to lay on the couch the next, run to the bathroom to vomit, and then want to go back to dancing, all within 10 minutes - no joke.  I feel like she's grown up so much in the last few weeks...and has this new maturity about her.  I both love it and hate it at the same time.  I love it because she's getting "easier" to handle...meaning, less talk back and challenging me and more understanding and cooperative.  She lets me know when she's nauseous and when she's about to be sick, and there have been some nights that we just sit at the toilet and she's crying that she just wants to get sick so she will feel better so she can sleep.  Those are the moments I hate it because I feel like I'm sitting there with my teenage daughter, not my 4 year old.  She shouldn't have to grow up more quickly than other 4 year olds.  She shouldn't have to know at this age that if she just vomits all the poison out, she will feel better.  She shouldn't have to say "Mom, I wish I could go to Target with you, but I know my counts are down so I will stay home".  Its just not fair.  The doctors warned us that through Delayed Intensification, all the chemo she would be getting would wipe out her immune system making her susceptible for fevers and the possible need for blood / platelets.  The crazy thing is, it usually takes about 7-10 days for the chemo to take affect on her system and drop her counts.  Needless to say, I basically have been holding my breath this entire last month just waiting for the day she would spike a fever.  We haven't gone anywhere with the exception of Easter when she was with family all day-I didn't have it in me to keep her home on a day she knew everyone would be together and having Easter Egg hunt - and it turned out to be a beautiful day!
 Her first week started out with a Spinal Tap, followed by 2 IV chemos and Day 1 of 7 of steroids- ALL ON THE SAME DAY.  I am always in awe of how such a little body could endure so damn much.  And while Spinal Taps have become pretty "routine" at this point, I will never get use to or be comfortable with her being put under anesthesia.  She is actually to the point now too where she doesn't like it either.  She hates the feeling of being "loopy" and actually cries as soon as she feels it.  Its heartbreaking to say the least.  Though she always wakes up happy, and silly and hungry!  That was all on a Wednesday.  That Saturday we had to start another chemo and this was is to be given via shot in her leg every other day for a total of 6 shots.  This is actually an alternative chemo that she has to get due to the fact that she had an allergic reaction to the typical IV chemo that is normally given.  We actually had to be admitted to the hospital for the day to get her first one, since she had to start on the weekend when the clinic was closed.  We put numbing cream on her thigh, the same one that we use to numb her port before accessing her - but she still hates the shot and I don't blame her.  Regardless if she can feel it or not, to watch a needle go in your leg is scary.  Thankfully, up to this point she hasn't needed any platelets or blood transfusions, and the steroids haven't been as bad as I was expecting.  The first week she only had one I'll say "moody" day, but other than that was a total angel.  The second time she was on them after a week break, they took on more of an effect.  Her face and belly are a little puffy at the moment and she has been ravenous!  The funny thing is, the things she craves are all pretty decent nutrition-wise.  She makes up for always wanting junk when she isn't on them - haha.

This past Wednesday was just a check-up and break from chemo for a week so her counts can recover to be ready for the 2nd Half of the phase to start next week.  They took her temperature as they always do when we get there and it was at 99.7 and the doctor said her heart rate was a little elevated, which told her that her body was trying to fight a fever.  They gave her some fluids to help her heart rate come down, but as her heart rate came down, her temperature went up =(.  She got up to 101, so they immediately took blood cultures and admitted us to the pediatric floor to start the antibiotics - all typical protocol anytime she gets a fever.  The blood cultures are watched for 24 hours to see if anything grows-but luckily those came back negative.  They also swabbed her for the flu and while she tested negative for the flu, she tested positive for the Rhinovirus and Enterovirus...both are usually seen together and are basically the common cold.  No antibiotics are used to treat it - it just has to run its course.  On Wednesday her ANC was 160.  She never spiked a fever again, though her ANC fell to 140.  The doctors want to see it coming up a good amount before we can be discharged.  Her Platelets and Hemoglobin are both holding steady and are high, so we are praying they stick.  Today(Friday) Addie's ANC shot up to 462!!  We are waiting for her doctor to let us know if we can leave as I type this so fingers crossed!

The second part of Delayed Intensification begins on Wednesday so long as her counts are where they need to be.  If they are lower than they need to be, then they will delay her by a week.  We were told that most kids are delayed in-between this phase and to expect it.  But being that her Hemoglobin and Platelets are holding steady and her ANC is coming up, I am hopeful we can start on time!  Maintenance is SO close, I can taste it haha.  I am praying she makes counts so we can start the 2nd half and be on our way to smooth sailing (fingers crossed) in Maintenance.  The next few weeks will be rough like the last, so I just want to get it over with!

Thank you for reading and for the prayers....we love you guys!

xo

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