Dino Pack.

I have a dinosaur fanatic on my hands.  Every morning he "hatches" from his bed as a different creature and insists on acting like said creature for about an hour after waking.  We're well beyond T-Rex and Triceratops - it's all species I can no longer pronounce, periods I can no longer keep straight and every rock or stick protruding from the ground is a fossil he wants to dig up. 

Since he's such a fan, I took my sweet to the dinosaur exhibit at Crown Center, which of course meant we needed to stop by the KidOH! section at Halls Crown Center.  It's a feast for the eyes with lots of adorable kids clothing (brands you can't find anywhere else) and a great corner filled with toys, home items and cute gift ideas. 

Of course my guy was immediately attracted to the MadPax Spiketus Rex backpack.

Perfect for my dino-man, right?  Halls just carried one size, but the packs actually come in 4 different size options:  Full Pack (orange and blue above) for ages 5+, Half Pack (green above) for ages 4-. 

The other 2 sizes are Nibblers (cool lunch sacks) and Mighty Bites (gadget holder - just 6" big). 

I really, really love The Bug's current backpack - a classic LL Bean with his name on it.  But maybe he's ready for something more grown up...more boy-ish.  These definitely feel like they could handle the beating an almost 5 year old dinosaur would give it.  One of these would definitely make him roar.  I have a feeling I will be headed back to KidOh! one day soon. 

Kira Grace.

We are all aware of my love of Lululemon. (Here and here.)  Just the other day, I almost broke down and purchased a pair of their undies!  I knew then that I was almost crossing the line from huge fan to giant stalker. 

So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across a line of workout wear called Kira Grace.

Goddess Yoga Halter

Warrior Yoga Stance Tank

Warrior Yoga T-Back Tank

Warrior Yoga Capri Legging

Warrior Yoga Capri Legging

Founded by a yoga enthusiast / fashionista, Kira has spent her lifetime designing active wear for brands like Gap, Victoria's Secret and Lucy.  All of their items look incredible - well fitting, great colors, interesting shapes on the tops and good basics.  Everything has great customer reviews too - I always like it when someone else has done all the testing for me. 

I am so tired of being twinsies with everyone at Bar Method - I could use a little branching out.  I think my first purchase would be the Goddess Yoga Halter Top - perfect workout wear for these warm summer days.

It looks like right now you can only purchase online.  They are offering Free Shipping so it doesn't hurt to try!

Have you heard of Kira Grace?

Just Beachy.

The fam and I just returned from a week long vacay to Mexico.  Seriously doubted our June timing as I was fearful that it was going to be too hot to enjoy ourselves...but I'll take the 85 degree weather Playa del Carmen was having over this muy loco heat KC is stuck with.

It was a little like Groundhog Day each day - wake, kids pool, lunch, adult pool, beach, happy hour, repeat.   But, it was great family time and The Bug is rocking a major tan. 

Here are a few things that I couldn't manage without...

My sweet Forever 21 fedora.  Everyone in my family hates this, but I like that it's cute and keeps the sun off my face.  I have enough freckles and can't stand to squint. 

The most amazing sunscreen ever made.  Yes, it comes with a pump so you get every bit of the 48 ounces out of it.  And yes, we practically used it all.  The pump makes a huge difference when the child is trying to squirm away during the application process.  It's lightweight, rubs right in and seems to last as long as it says it will.  Worth every bit of it's (somewhat pricey) price tag.

Loft Ikat dress.  I found this the day before we left for about $30.  I paired mine with a turquoise necklace and wore it to dinner one night.  It was the perfect vacation dress and I think I will get lots of wear out of it this summer. 

Clearly, I am having an ikat moment and my brand new Arrowhead Ikat Suit is no exception.  I love the fit of the top - enough coverage for my modest self and fits well enough that flailing arms and kicking feet can't knock it lose.  Despite the fact that he thinks he can swim, he can't. 

What are your summer vacay necessities?

Day Dresses.

I am having a love affair with casual dresses.  They are just so much easier to throw on  in my daily life than shorts.  (Plus, I am not the biggest fan of shorts to begin with.)  Even The Texan has noticed "is wearing dresses a thing now?"

I do have a few requirements though:  they must not be sheer (so many are!) and they can't require a special bra (as many do!) and they must be reasonably priced.  I'm not running around in $100+ jersey dress.

Here are a few of my favorites...

Gap Crewneck Dress, $59.50.  SO MAD I didn't not pick these up during their recent 25% off promo.  And now I refuse to shop any Gap brand without a coupon, so I will wait.  Surely another promo is just around the corner!

Felicity & Coco Tank Dresses, $68.  Loving this line at Nordstrom.  I can't decide between the color block navy one (the belt is super cheap, but I would just replace it with one of my own or none at all) or one of the vibrant colors. 

Do you have a favorite summer dress?

Making a Statement.

It should be pretty clear from this post and this post that I do love a statement necklace.  And in the summer, I am finding it to be a easy way to take my daily uniform of colorful tees to the next level.

These are the three that have been in heavy rotation so far this summer.  I especially love the yellow "bubble" necklace - I have worn her with every color in the rainbow, but I think pairing it with my true red linen top is the best combination so far.

What are you reaching for this summer?

Necklace Love.

Doesn't my darling child have great taste?  Loving my newest necklace handpicked by him.  Style-setter in the making!

House of Harlow 1960 Pyramid Station Necklace, $75

Apparently, those hints I dropped last week provided some inspiration!

Mom Enough for Me.

Oh, Time.  You've got us all in a tizzy with your most recent article.  Perfect timing too - right before we are supposed to set aside all of our Mommy insecurities and celebrate the life we lead.

But here's the thing.  I'm not interested in the race you are trying to put me in.  I don't care what everyone else does - breastfeed until they're 4?  Sure!  Co-sleep?  Why not?!  These are not the choices we are making for our family, but if that is what's best for you, go ahead and wear that baby. 

I used to care.  We taught The Bug sign language and enrolled him in a music class, which he mostly slept through.  Really.  And I bought, steamed and pureed all of his baby food.  Organic of course.  I cried when The Texan would throw out less than 1 ounce of breast milk.  It was the Mommy Olympics and I wanted to win that gold.

I quickly realized that all of that didn't matter.  It was creating too much stress for me to be Mom Enough for everyone else.  So now, I'm the only Mom I worry about.  I know what is best for my child and I am confident in the decisions I make for him. 

So yesterday as millions of Moms were celebrated, I celebrated too.  Homemade donuts in the morning, an afternoon lunch with my own Mom and Grandma, and a play date in the park with friends. 

I'm Mom Enough for me and most importantly, Mom Enough for him.