As a journalism and newspaper teacher, I adored the news. I read it, watched it, scrolled through it, studied it, analyzed, shared it, even obsessed over it. I relayed news trends to my students. We talked about news determinants and why certain stories were chosen over others. We looked at the motivations, angles, scopes, and impacts. We talked news daily. And I loved it. 

But since becoming a mom, my love affair with the news is slowly dying. Stories that used to intrigue and horrify me are now just utterly horrifying and way less intriguing. I feel like lately when I catch the news, it's just tragic. Major fast food chain spokesman pleads guilty to child pornography and sex with children. Christian vlogger who just days ago announced a pregnancy and miscarriage with his wife found to have Ashley Madison account. Reporter and her cameraman shot to death during a live feed. Trending locally today, an elderly man who was knocked to the ground when some a-holes in a park demanded money of him. (That last one wasn't the headline - I added my own opinion, which makes me a bad journalist.) 

It's all just different now. Hits a little closer to home. Sadder, somehow. 

I want to raise my child in a world free of all this yuck. I want so much to put him a bubble and never let him know that these atrocities exist. I pray, daily, and worry, nightly, that none of these awful, awful things ever happen to him. And as tempting as that bubble is, it's not reality, and putting him in one will only make it harder later down the line, and that's not fair to him either.  

So instead of just complaining about it or wishing for a better world, I'm going to be kinder. I'm going to say nice things. I'm going to spread positive vibes as far and as wide as I can. Because I can't take away the bad, but I can definitely make it better. 

Stitch Fix #14: Transition to Autumn

We have so many fun things going on right now, and today was an awesome day for our family and my new business. But time is going so fast! I can't believe it's almost Labor Day weekend! And I really can't believe it's time for my next Stitch Fix! 

If you don't know about Stitch Fix (<--Referral link!), let me give you a little rundown. Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription service, and you decide how frequently, or infrequently, you'd like a shipment. You'll fill out a detailed style profile about your sizes, style preferences, and budget (and it's super fun to fill out the profile to see what your style preferences are!). 

Then, you decide when you'd like to receive a shipment! Stitch Fix will send you five clothing items or accessories to try on in your own home! This is perfect for seeing if the pieces you receive will work with the pieces you already have. Your Fix also arrives with detailed styling cards to give you ideas of how to wear each item. Each Fix costs $20, but the fee is credited toward anything you decide to keep. When you've decided what you don't want, you simply check out online and mail the items back in the prepaid mailing envelope. If you keep everything, you score a 25% discount! I love that I can work with my current wardrobe to see what will work best with what I already have. 

And, if someone signs up through your referral link, you get a $25 credit to use toward your next purchase! 

You can see my previous Fixes here:

Stitch Fix #1

Stitch Fix #2

Stitch Fix #3

Stitch Fix #4

Stitch Fix #5

Stitch Fix #6

Stitch Fix #7

Stitch Fix #8

Stitch Fix #9

Stitch Fix #10

Stitch Fix #11

Stitch Fix #12

Stitch Fix #13

This time around, Tan styled me with some gorgeous pieces that I could mix and match for the upcoming transition to cooler temperatures. But, I could really use your help deciding what to keep! What do you think is best?

1. Daniel Rainn Pam Lattice Detail Blouse, $68

2. Street Level Nile Wallet Clutch, $38

This top is really fun, and a pretty burgundy color. I like the detailing at the shoulders, but the sleeves are a little short for my monkey arms. The clutch is a gorgeous metallic gold, but I just got an amazing monogrammed clutch recently from my Bock Box, and that's been my go to lately! I think I can count these two out. 

3. Skies are Blue Zayda Mixed Material Sweater, $58

4. Liverpool Collen Straight Leg Jean, $78

I love the mixed material of this cream sweater! The underlay is a light tan, and there's a high-low look to it. It's got subtle embroidery and is lightweight enough to wear now but will look perfect with jeans and boots in the fall! I also really like the jeans (funny story... I thought I had put on the jeans Stitch Fix sent me in the previous picture... and then I realized those are jeans I already own!). The straight leg is cute, and they fit PERFECTLY in the waist, hip, and thighs. But $78? I just don't know! What do you think?

5. Collective Concepts Reanne Cap Sleeve Polka Dot Dress, $78

I do love a good polka dot pattern. And this dress is SO cute! I love the little cap sleeves, and the zipper on the back is a gorgeous gold! We do have a few weddings this fall and winter, but I kept a gorgeous scalloped neck dress from my last Fix... so do I really need another one? 

Alright, hellllllp me! What do I keep? Send back? Leave a comment, and let me know! 

On how timing is everything

This week would have marked the start of my 11th year of teaching. Only, I didn't walk in to the classroom this week. I didn't print an endless amount of first day materials. I didn't come up with fun getting to know you activities. I didn't even put on business casual clothing this week. 

Because this week marks the start of my first school year as a Stay-at-home-mom. I knew it would be hard this week to think about all of my sweet students from last year and how I wouldn't be seeing them pass by my classroom. I felt serious sadness when a few of them tweeted me on the first day of school to say how they'd miss our interactions. And I'm sad that I'm missing those conversations and moments with all the amazing LPHS family. 

But on the first teacher work day this week, my son spiked his first fever. And on the second teacher work day, we were at the doctor. And on the first student day, I held my sweet, sick baby the entire day. 

Signs seem to be everywhere lately for me, and this was just another one. I am absolutely in the right place this year, spending time and getting to know and teach my little boy. It would have been incredibly difficult to be away from him this week, and now I don't have to be. Signs, friends. 

Timing is a funny thing. When it's wrong, it is OH-SO-WRONG, but when it is right, and everything falls in to place, life gets really, really good. 

I've taken on an incredible new venture in to direct sales. I was so nervous when I started, and I worried that perhaps I'd seen the signs wrong. Maybe I'd made a mistake. But two weeks in, business is going so well, I'm making new connections every day, I am blissfully happy, and I get to do it all from home with my son and husband. Does life get any sweeter than that? 

Timing truly is everything. And right now, right now the time is right. 

What I've learned from my parents 40 year marriage

Ignore my reflection. Focus on the cuteness that hangs on my grandpa's wall.

On Saturday, my parents celebrated 40 years of marriage. FORTY. YEARS. That's a lotta years! And naturally, I'm biased, by my parents are truly the definition of true love. They are supportive, loving, and kind to one another at all times. And in the 32 years I've been alive, I've learned so much from them. I thought their 40th anniversary would be an excellent time to reflect and share some of my favorite lessons from them. Oh, and bust out their beautiful bridesmaid dresses. 

Do things together
Is it a Sunday? I can pretty much guarantee that my parents will be at their favorite store together. It might be a running joke in our family, but I think it's adorable. This is their time together! And it's something they both love to do. And they do it together! Find what it is you like to do, and do it together. If that's a hobby, exercise, or something else entirely, that's great, as long as you do it together. (Hint: Their favorite store rhymes with Nenards). 

Let the little things go
My dad is a defensive driver. My mom is a backseat driver. And yet, they RARELY say anything to one another about this. Because really, does it matter? No. In the words of Elsa, "Let it go." My parents have mastered the art of not nagging one another. This is an art form I need to be attempt more often. 

Hold hands
To this day, my parents still hold hands. They do it when they walk. They do it when they sit. It's natural for them, and it's a sweet way to show affection. A simple hand hold can make the world of difference in someone's day. Hold hands!

Enjoy every moment
No, it won't always be kittens and sunshine, but finding joy in every day together makes for a solid marriage. 

Telling YOUR story: Taking a GIANT leap with a new career at KEEP Collective!

I'm literally bursting with excitement writing this blog. And also, I can't believe I'm writing this blog. I never, ever thought I would want to sell anything. But then I was introduced to KEEP Collective, and I've totally fallen in love. 

I've fallen so much in love with KEEP Collective that I've decided to become a designer and sell the product! 

And I think you're going to love it just as much as I do! 

So, a little background here. I love story telling. And I have always loved the idea that everybody has a story. This was one of my staple assignments teaching journalism and newspaper, and my students would find incredible people to write incredible stories about. We all have our own unique stories, and those stories deserve to be celebrated! 

Enter KEEP Collective, the brand new baby of Stella & Dot. KEEP is unique, though, because it focuses on Keepers (bracelets and necklaces) and Keys (TONS of one-of-a-kind charms to place on the Keepers). You choose the Keeper and Keys that speak to you, that you love, and that tell your story. And then you get to show it off! It's a beautiful way to tell your story and display what you love, and I couldn't love that any more if I tried! 

I attended my friend Corrie's Facebook Social this past winter, and I had my own party in February (right as another piece of my story arrived in our world!). And I've literally been thinking about joining this company ever since, but I never took the plunge... until now! 

Besides the gorgeous products, I love this company for so many reasons. Stella & Dot has been around for YEARS and has a super successful history. Keepers and Keys are all ionic plated which makes them super durable and high quality! Additionally, KEEP gives its designers great incentives and will be flexible around my Henry schedule. There's nothing more important to me right now than being a mom, and this will give me the flexibility to be a mom that can be home AND working! The company really focuses on empowering women, and I LOVE that mission! They love giving back, and have partnered with Kind Campaign to promote anti-bullying in schools, which I adore (check out the Kind bar above!). And did I mention the customer service is excellent? It's excellent. The company loves to make its customers happy! 

I'm so excited to share this jewelry because KEEP is so new that not many people have seen it yet! It's too much fun that I get to do this now! 

So, what do you do if you're interested in seeing more? Well, friends, you have options! 

Come to my online Launch Party! 
I'm hosting a bash on Facebook  to introduce you to the line! If you've never been to a Facebook social, you're going to love it! Join the event via Facebook, and then tune in on Wednesday, August 12 at 8 p.m.! I'll show you all the Keepers and Keys and design pieces to fit your story (oh, and, there will be giveaways too, of course!)! Want to know more? Want to see if there's anything you like? Come join me on Facebook and get to know KEEP! 

Come give me your opinion! 
Are you a local? I would LOVE to get your opinion the night before the launch party! Come visit me on Tuesday, August 11 from 6-8 p.m.! I'll have some nibbles and drinks and you can look over the jewelry and tell me what your favorite pieces are! 

Host a social
Let's say you're super interested already and want to score free swag for yourself (oh, hi, the hostess rewards are AWESOME). The best way to do so is to host a social, and this can be done two ways. You can host a traditional social in your home (you provide the place and the nibbles and I'll bring the jewelry so we can design!). OR, you can host a Facebook social, which is SO easy to do! We pick the time together, I set up the event, and you invite your friends and family. From there, we play some games and design your stories together! 

Order off my webpage
Not feeling having a social but still want to order a special piece for you or someone you care about? Check out my brand new website, and place an order there! 

Join me
Do you like what you're hearing? Have you been looking for something just like this to become a part of? If you take the leap, you won't regret it! Join me, and let's go on this amazing adventure together! Feel free to email me at AngelaPuttDesigner@gmail.com if you'd like to chat more about this opportunity! 

Sale-abrating Flourish: Enter to win a $50 gift card giveaway!

There are certain perks that come along with blogging. Like, I get to make my own schedule. And, I get to write about whatever I want. 

Oh, and I get invited to REALLY cool VIP pre-sales at my favorite store, Flourish Boutique. Their semi-annual Overstock Sale starts tomorrow at 10 a.m., and I got to have a sneak peek tonight! 

Let's start with the details. When doors open tomorrow, you'll see TONS of items from 50-90% off retail. And if that's not enough, almost everything else in the store (with the exception of Free People) is 25% off. 

Want to score even more? If you're in line at 10 a.m., you automatically get a $10 gift card (and one lucky lady will score a $100 one!). 

AND, there will be FREE items hidden throughout the store each day! 

AND if you spend over $50, you get a free infinity scarf. 

AND, even if you're not a local, there's an online Overstock sale starting on July 29! 

Okay, I'm done telling you about all of the awesome advertised deals. Onto the goods! 

When you stop in, you're going to see a HUGE variety of $1, $2, and $3 items. You can score adorable earrings and wall hangings at this price point, and these would make EXCELLENT gifts or stocking stuffers in just a few short months! Have a bachelorette party or bridal shower coming up? The earrings would be adorable take home gifts, and they're a steal at that price! 

There's also a whole rack of "slightly damaged" goods, like this amazing Aztec shirt below. The tag said there was a slight pull in the fabric, but I'm telling you, I thoroughly looked it over and I couldn't find one imperfection. It's a steal at only $9, and you can bet your bottom dollar if this had been in my size, it would have come home with me! (Seriously, if you wear a large, go get this! My picture does it no justice!)

There are also totally gorgeous displays in the Overstock section. I LOVE this pleated maxi in sherbert-y colors (it's only $28!)! There are some great summery dresses, along with a whole black, white, and pink display too! 

One of my favorite finds are a few pairs of green jeans with a large ND on the right back pocket. For super fans, of course, these guys are listed at $60 (which is half off retail price!). Perfect for those fall tailgates! I also really loved this Different is Beautiful jewelry box in the Overstock section, because, different IS beautiful! 

The 25% off sale has some awesome items too, and I had to share just a few favorites with you! This gorgeous white lace number would be PERFECT for a bride-to-be! (I don't even see it online yet, so it might be a new arrival!)

And I LOVE the look of the Stripe City Top paired with a great olive green vest! 

The accessory collection is on point for summer, and these adorable love earrings are only $6 with the current sale! I also loved these French Cross earrings! If I didn't have a little earring grabber right now, these would have come home with me for sure! 

Flourish's owner, Vanessa, was SO kind to throw in a gift card for me so I could pick up a few things on them! So what did I try on? 

First, what I didn't get. I loved this pink top with lace sleeves, but I'm not a big fan of the hemline that highlights my hips like this. The top had a keyhole back which I love too! And this dress... oh, how I loved it! This medium was just too large on me, but it's beautifully tailored (and a STEAL at $36!)! 

And here's what I DID get! I went in knowing I wanted a dress for my cousin Emily's bridal shower. And it would be a major bonus if it was strapless and therefore nursing friendly. The This Way to Summer Maxi Dress absolutely fits the bill! I love the summery colors and it was only $18! Sold! 

And since I'm basically a sucker for anything chevron. The Say it Sweetly Maxi Dress is also included in the Overstock sale... for $12!!! This was an immediate yes! 

Next up for me was the Sunset Admirer Cardigan in Mint. This brought me back to every sweater I wore in Henry's newborn days, and it makes me oh-so-happy! Although this cardi isn't included in the Overstock sale, it IS 25% off the normal price of $39, so it came home with me too! 

And lastly, I've been wanting to try something new lately, and since my Stitch Fix where I realized I was NOT a romper girl, a kimono was next on my list to try! This is definitely more my speed. The Creative Soul Kimono is maybe my new favorite piece! I love the open front and the detailed lace sleeves. The pattern is just gorgeous! This was also 25% off $39! 

But now comes the VERY BEST PART of this whole blog! Vanessa threw in a gift card for one lucky blog reader, and it's a biggie... a $50 gift card! That can buy you a whole lotta sale items, baby! One lucky reader will take home the gift card in just five short days, which is just in time to hit the online Overstock sale or buy items in store! So if you need back to school clothes, an event outfit, or just want something new for you, now is the time! 

Enter below! And best of luck to you! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The lazy girl's guide to gift giving

So, did you catch any of the Amazon Prime sales last week? I think the general consensus was that they were way overhyped, but I know there were still a few good buys! We didn't pick anything up, but the sale got me thinking about Christmas shopping. Christmas? Did I say Christmas? In JULY? I did. I said Christmas. 

I looooove gift giving. Love. It! But lately I haven't had a ton of time to go shopping with my favorite little buddy in tow. It makes it a little more difficult to pick out a heartfelt gift when you know there's a feeding coming up or a nap looming (or, just a narrow aisle way to navigate with a giant stroller!). It makes me feel uber-lazy, but I still want to give gifts that are meaningful and personal. 

Enter the lazy girl's guide to gift giving! 

I've compiled just a few of my favorite gifts that I want to share with you today... just in case you're in a lazy girl position too. :) 

Sparkle Box
This is easily my favorite gift to give right now! Sparkle Box is the fabulous brain child of my bestie Shannon. For just $25, you can send a fabulous box of jewelry to a friend! You select a style (anything ranging from On Trend to Boho to Subtle Style) and can send off a whole box of lovely to someone you love. You can sign up for multiple months and choose multiple styles or you can make it a one time deal. I love Sparkle Box for so many reasons, and one of them is that I can order it from the comfort of my couch! This is a guaranteed hit with the fashionistas in your life! 

Birchbox 
So, I think this was my favorite birthday gift I received this year. My friend Erica got me a three month subscription to Birchbox (<-- Referral link), and I absolutely loved it! I'm not very creative when it comes to makeup, skincare, and hair care, so I've loved receiving my five samples each month! I've gotten everything from lip stains to eye shadows to BB Creams to perfumes to body lotions... even a hair clip! Some of the products I've liked way more than others, but it's been so fun to try out new things I never would have picked up before (like the most amazing leave in conditioning spray!). Again, easy to order from the comfort of your own couch, and so fun to receive the surprises every month! 

Time
I know what you're thinking. "But Angela! You said this was the lazy girl's guide to gift giving! How am I supposed to give someone my time when I'm being lazy?!" And you're right. Giving the gift of time will require a little effort on your part. But I honestly don't know if there's a better gift, especially for a new parent or someone who might be overwhelmed with responsibility at the moment. When someone offers to do something for you, whether it's drop off a caffeine-laden coffee drink or throw in a few loads of laundry, ohmigosh that's meaningful. There are days when I wish I had 12 extra hours, and I know I'm not alone. So I figure if I can help someone tack one item off a to-do list, that's a major help. And the cost is minimal! Time, people. Give it! 

What's your favorite go to gift? Comment below and give me some new ideas!