Over the weekend, I went a little crazy with consignment and bargain shopping for my family.  So, when I heard J. Crew had a regional warehouse sale plus an additional 20% off, I had to check it out.

It was a lot of work to sift through boxes and boxes of unfolded stuff (not exactly sorted by style or size, or even gender).  It was serious work that stole away almost two hours of my time.

However, I surfaced from the textile bins triumphant with a lot of cute and well-priced finds for my son (and a couple of wardrobe staples for me).

When I saw a checkered gingham seersucker jacket ($13) for my son, I couldn’t resist.  Love.  Paired with an apple green Crew Cuts tie ($3) and his orange and silver Augustin shoes from See Kai Run (that I reviewed in the spring–they’re currently on sale for $30), this kid was decked out for a stylish morning at church.  For the record, his khaki’s and white Gap polo were both consignment finds last year.

He wouldn’t remove his coat even after we got home.

Calvin pretending a rock is his camera – mimicking his Mama

Oh yes, I am in love with the fact that I can dress up  my boy and he will LET me!

YOUR TURN: Where’s your favorite place to find fun and stylish apparel for your kids for a price that won’t break the bank?

Ten years ago, before God and our loved ones, we young thangs committed to oneness.

Northeastern Pennsylvania 2000

We wrote our own vows, and Steve sang his to me in front of everyone.

Northeastern Pennsylvania 2002

Ten years ago, a couple of new second lieutenants in the Air Force with bright futures ahead joined hearts and grew in love after a very brief courtship that transitioned from a friendship to engagement overnight (quite literally) .

Daytona Beach, Florida 2005

Great Wall of China, 2006

Ten years later, we’ve honorably cut our ties with the military and moved on to a different adventure with the most precious gift a loving marriage can bestow: a precious child.

North Shore of Lake Superior (8 mos pregnant) 2007

It’s been a roller coaster of relocations, career changes, travels, and emotions, but I’ve been through it all with my lover and my best friend.

Who knows where God will lead us in the next decade, but I can’t wait to experience it with my husband.

I love a sweet baby photo, and I’m sure you do too. Lucien is now nine months old and my little baby boy is looking less and less baby and more and more boy. Which is why, when he woke up a little early last Friday, I took him out for a little photo session. Tips:

• Morning is a great time to get baby pictures. The light is great and Lucien was so happy. I like evening light as well, but that’s not generally a baby’s happiest time of day, is it?
• Bring a favorite toy – espcially if it makes a good prop.
• Either pick a statement piece of clothing, or just leave them naked. Everyone loves baby skin, but little hats for boys, and bloomers or headbands for girls are adorable.
• Make it fun, and make it quick. As soon as Lucien showed signs of tiring with the activity, we were done. I’d rather try again another day then push little ones beyond what they can bear and ruin the experience. We had a great time! Lucien was happy to be out with momma, happy to see his favorite bear, and happy to play peekaboo from behind the camera!

A few months ago I wrote to tell you about the Oh Plah! bracelet and Lucien’s teething. Well he now has six teeth and still loves my bracelet / his teething ring. I wear it out regularly, and really do like it.

I thought y’all might like to have one too, and so I’m sharing this invitation to join Zulily, where you can find them discounted at 40% off! They also carry lots of other fashionable brands for mammas, babies and kids.

PS I’m just telling you because I like a deal and thought you might too.