Oh yes, StitchFix!

Oh yes. This is going to be about my new LOVE AFFAIR with StitchFix. Seriously! 

A few months ago, my friend, Cluttered Mama found StitchFix. After seeing her lovely clothes and how easy the process seemed to be, I decided to jump in and sign up for my own StitchFix. Seeing that I am in the middle of nowhere and hardly call Walmart a "good" choice for clothing, I thought it was well worth the $20 sign up fee. 

My first box wasn't a total bust, however- I didn't LOVE any of the items. Here's the deal. StitchFix isn't cheap. But it's not suppose to be cheap- these clothes are good quality and classic. However, I decided I would only purchase items that I loved and I would use the items that I liked as a starting point for actual shopping trips in the future. So, here is my first box- I apologize now, for not having the names of the items. I think I actually threw away my first set of cards. 

Loved this sweater- but I already had one almost identical. Also wearing pants that I loved but decided not to keep them- since they were really expensive for a basic black pant when I have a dozen pair in my closet. Emer Brocade Print High Waisted Cropped Pant & Heubert Space Dye Open Cardigan

LOVED this top, but Navy? Meh... Colibri Sleeveless Top

Liked this scarf, but not in gray. Emily Lightweight Chevron Infinity Scarf

I kinda liked this shirt, but I wasn't crazy about the color combination. (Pomelo) Priya Graphic Chevron Print

So, all in all, it wasn't terrible. I am still thinking I should have kept the pants... but I just couldn't justify another pair of black pants for almost $100. 

Today, my second box came in and I'm SO glad that I stuck with it! I'm keeping the whole box. EVERYTHING in this fix is perfect. I just cannot wait to wear this stuff! 

Each fix comes with these cards that help you work the pieces into your wardrobe. 

Holden Scoop Neck Blouse- how CUTE is this Navy and Hot Pink shirt?! 

Ernesto Striped Fitted Dress- This dress feels so nice and comfortable. The pattern is fun and makes the basic black and white NOT basic! 

Colibri Paisley Print Sleeveless Top- AHH! I was SO excited because I loved the one from my first fix, but I wanted a brighter color. My stylist delivered! 

Leanne Infinity Drop Earrings- Might not have bought this  on it's own, but I do love them.

I also got the Daisy Mini Skirt and I love that as well. However, it came in a Large and it's just a little snug on me right now. Hopefully, it will give me the motivation I need to start working out some so I can get into it and feel comfortable wearing it. It sits higher up on the waist and the length is still past my fingertips, so it's not too short. I think it will look GREAT with my Holden hot pink top as well. I will go ahead and tell you that after my $20 credit (the styling fee you pay to get started is credited back to you on your first purchase!) and the discount for buying all 5 items, my total was just over $150! I'd say that was a GREAT purchase for these items that I am going to be LOVING this summer! 

My tips are the same as anyone else that has done a StitchFix! Be honest in your questionnaire, build a good Pinterest Board (feel free to check mine out!) and communicate with your stylist on their website. It's so simple and I just can't tell you how fun it is to receive these clothes. Being a mom it's nearly impossible for me to really take my time to shop for myself. I love having someone else pick out the items and ship them to me. It's totally worth the investment and I'm happy to recommend this service! Please, feel free to use my referral link! When your friends use your referral link, YOU get a $25 credit towards your next fix- this is really a win-win! 

Why I love Disney... Or why I don't care if you don't want to visit Walt Disney World.

Growing up, my family life was less than ideal. Of course, everyone wants to imagine their childhood has a blissful time where life was easy and perfect, but even with a pair of rose colored glasses firmly in place, that's just not the case for myself.

Recently, I was asked to share my life history. I shared growing up without knowing my biological father, moving around a lot, emotional and physical abuse I suffered from my mother and how I have worked hard to get to where I currently am in my life. At the end of my spiel, someone asked "Wait- you love Disney and that NEVER came up. How does that fit into your history?" Great question.

As I stopped to think, it felt very easy for me to answer. The Walt Disney World Resort provides amazing experiences that I know my kids will never forget. And even if they forget, then I can remind them with the thousands of photographs that I have from our four family trips. I want happy memories for my kids. Memories that I didn't have from my immediate family. I want my girls to be happy and secure knowing that even when things are tough, that we can still stop and have fun and enjoy each other.

Selfie in front of Spaceship Earth! 

Not only do we have our family vacations to Walt Disney World, but a few years ago, I applied for the Disney Parks Mom Panel. To my surprise, I was accepted into the second round of the process- which according to my vast research (hours spent chatting online with other applicants) isn't very normal. While I did not make the panel, it actually helped inspire me to look at my life and think about other dreams that I had set aside.

I LOVE making client's wishes come true! 

At 32 years old, I decided to go back to school for MY dream. Cosmetology. My mother had never liked the idea and squashed the chance I had to attend Cosmetology school right after I graduated high school. Would I have decided to do this without the Walt Disney Company? Perhaps? But I really do believe that getting that close to working for Disney inspired me to reach out to ALL dreams that I have in my life. Now, I'm working in my field and a small business owner. Had you asked me even 3 years ago, I would NOT have believed you.

Another dream of mine has been writing. I have enjoying writing this blog- but lets face it. I've been less than committed to this small little blog. I've always enjoyed social media outlets- BabyCenter and the DisBoards were two places I was able to write and connect. About a year ago, I was asked to join the team at Magical DIStractions- combining my love for Disney and writing. I'm amazed at how our team has come together and how my passion for writing has bubbled to the surface.

I'm so grateful for the path that my life has taken as I have gotten older. It's been a lot of tough work and hard decisions. Nothing in my life has come easily- but honestly, I wouldn't want it to be easy. Perhaps I wouldn't appreciate where I am now if I didn't have to work to get where I am today.

So, don't go to Disney if you don't want to go- that just means less crowds for me. I'll be saving my pennies and looking forward to our next family trip.