Irma Aint Your Grandmother's Hairdresser

My sister Heather lives in Indiana (which is a few states away from this Texas girl). A few weeks ago she hosted her own Lularoe Pop-up boutique in her home with her friend Tiffany who is also a LLR consultant. She FaceTimed me during the party taking me through the inventory to see if there was anything I wanted to add to my stash.  Among them was a black Irma. I've tried on an Irma once before so I knew the sizing I would need and last week my Irma arrived in the mail.

It may look like I'm in the jungle but this is actually my front yard.  It's been raining a lot. And we need to weed A LOT.

I was giddy with excitement to try that baby on! The Irma, just like our other lines is designed to be stylish yet comfortable. So I put on some leggings, topped it with my Irma and my hubs took me on the town for a little dessert before he left for the weekend.

These shirts are so perfect over leggings!! It felt like I was walking around in pajamas.

Here are a few things of note:
1. I LOVE my Irma. Like LOVE LOVE. I want a whole closet full.  I plan to experiment on the sizing a little because the sleeves in the one I have hugged my arms, which is totally not a big deal because I love the way it looks, but I want to see my options. The size I got was XXS.
Let's be perfectly honest here peeps.  I'm not a big person. I lean toward all things petite. I have NEVER lost a small hand contest.  Only tied once. #smallhandchampion Usually my comfortable size is a Medium, sometimes small if I want it more fitted, sometimes Large if I want it loose. So if you want one, go down a few sizes. Here is LLR's recommendation.

2. Todd and I weren't hungry for anything heavy. I was mainly thirsty, so we were thinking like a shake or something. We went to the Vintage area, which we love, to listen to the live music and walk around people watching, ya know? We couldn't find anything right away but we saw an Asian smoothie place- so we thought we would give it a try. The owner served us and was so wonderfully kind in explaining everything.  He made sure we stirred ours up right and encouraged us to take a sip, but to remember that toward the end, we'd need a spoon. He thanked us for the business and for being a little adventurous tonight. We took our sip then headed outside to enjoy the night.
The smoothie thingie was...an adventure. Ummm certainly out of the comfort zone. I tasted mine- tropical, kinda unusual. Then I tried Todd's which was downright *not delicious*. We kept trying but the gummies or gel things were a hard texture for me to slurp through a straw. Annnnd once Todd tasted mine he realized how very not tasty his was! So we ended up tossing them and stopping at Sonic on the way back. #adventurefail #Sonicforthewin #cherrylimadeforever

We've actually had one of these before and liked it alright but the ones we had were a lot...chunkier? Long skinny gel-things? Not our flavor, any way you spell it.

3. Todd spent his weekend helping the good people of Louisiana.  He and a group of men from church came on their own dime to enter stranger's home and offer their services for free. It was hard work and Todd was filthy and oh so tired and sore when he got home last night- but he's so glad he went.  So am I. Bless those sweet people he served and their kindness. He was served fried chicken, sack lunches, and loads of smiles and hugs.

Lularoe says this about the Iram Tunic:

LuLaRoe’s Irma top is a loose, knit “high-low” tunic with fitted mid-length sleeves. The extra length in the back makes it a great compliment to our leggings – especially for all those wanting some extra coverage for their, ahem, assets. Wear this top and you might never take it off. 

http://www.lularoe.com/irma-top

And they come in different colors and styles- I am SO EXCITED! The Irma is $36 and will be coming to a pop-up near you soon, if I don't grab them all first!

Happy Labor Day, friends!
xoxo,
Linz 

Kimonos are not no nos

So when I say Kimono, what do you think?  Is it something like this?

Well, it could be because that is a kimono- and its GORGEOUS...but I don't plan wearing that around town, because Houston weather isn't exactly traditional kimono savvy.  However, under the category of "kimono" Lularoe has 3 options...well, 4. You're gonna feel a little like this:

Check these out:

This one is called JOY, I think you'll see why.

The LuLaRoe Joy is a lightweight and breezy longline vest perfect for achieving that great layered look. The Joy comes in a feminine, custom made lace and features flirty side slits for added movement. This is a great pocketless piece to layer into your favorite LuLaRoe ensembles or to wear as a stylish cover-up at the pool or beach. The possibilities with Joy are endless!  http://www.lularoe.com/joy-vest

This is the Sarah!

Lightweight and cozy without being hot, the new Sarah cardigan is LuLaRoe’s newest layering piece. The Sarah is long, hitting around mid calf, and features a cropped long sleeve for easy movement and a flattering silhouette. The sweater knit Sarah adds texture and warmth – great for cool days – while its loose weave keeps the Sarah comfortably cool worn simply over your favorite tee or even as a swimsuit cover. Versatile and immensely comfortable, the Sarah is sure to become an instant fave.http://www.lularoe.com/sarah-cardigan

And one that I personally love, the Lindsay...if only they spelled it right?!?!

LuLaRoe’s "Lindsay" kimono, features loose, 3/4 length sleeves and a scooped “high-low” hemline that drapes and flatters. The Lindsay’s polyester, lace and chiffon    fabrics are delicate, durable and versatile. The Lindsay is airy, comfortable, beautiful and is sure to become your go-to layering piece.  http://www.lularoe.com/lindsay-kimono

Lastly, here is the Bianka...it's for kids, buuuuut...

Hey Hey! Biankas can also be worn by the more petite folks out there- and they're half the price!

I may or may not be tired of getting my picture taken at this point, can you tell? HA.

The LuLaRoe Bianka kimono gives even your littlest fashionistas a stylish new way to layer.  We know too well that getting a kid to wear a jacket can be… a challenge. Cue the soft and breezy Bianka that will add a bit of warmth, but is still light enough to be an amazing addition to their playtime!http://www.lularoe.com/bianka-kimono

These kimonos are SO fun.  I keep seeing them everywhere! I can't wait to own them ALL! One down, 3 to go...

Joy $60

Sarah $70

Lindsay $48

Bianka $28

xoxoxo,

Lindsey

It's OK to buy shredded cheese...

I remember the first time I heard the news.  I was at one of my friend's Pampered Chef party and we were putting together meals.  It was really fun, actually. Anyways- the lady was telling us that the shredded cheese that you buy in the store has added chemicals to keep it from clumping- and therefore it is better to buy blocks of cheese and shred it yourself...and then she tried to show us how great the Pampered Chef one is...etc,etc... I remember thinking:

It's not that I couldn't naturally deduce that myself, but I had never put any effort into it. I had bought shredded cheese since college because it was easier and I had no desire to add that step.

I'm not sure what the timeline was but LATER I was reading Pioneer Woman's blog- before Ree became the mega-star she is today (I love you Ree Drummond!) and she begged her readers to shred their own cheese! I was like, PEOPLE! At that time I had 2 little tornadoes at home and I was a MAJOR crafting blogger...at least in my head. I didn't have time to shred my cheese. I hardly had time to take a SHOWER. You can keep your shredder, thank you.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/broccoli-with-cheese-sauce/

Now fast forward many years.  Add 3 more kids to the mix.  Those oldest 2 are 11 & 10 and amazing helpers. Life is crazy but good- with an emphasis on crazy, ha. I wouldn't have it any other way- but get this. I shred my cheese now. I'll let you process that a moment.

Need more time?

Yes- I shred my own cheese now.  I'll hold for applause. 

Still holding. (Bwahahahah!)

With a family of 7 people that are constantly asking me to do this or that, I finally feel like I have matured to the level of a cheese grater.  Now please, do NOT get me wrong.  Sometimes I'll do a recipe that requires a cheese that I usually don't buy and I say- let's do this the easy way, mister. Pre-shredded please and thank you.

WHY am I telling you this? WHY should you care? And for heaven's sake- what does this have to do with fashion?!!!

It wasn't her season.

 Or hers...

 Or hers...

 And certainly not hers...haha! I can't help it, I love this picture.

BUT it is hers...

My season to what, exactly? My season to make time for things that matter to me. Time to make a little more time for myself, even if it requires getting out of bed a little earlier. My time to set my priorities in order- ya know? And actually, it really doesn't have anything to do with CHEESE, although I am a big fan. It's a season for me- not in a forget-your-kids-they're-on-their-own way, but more of a they-need-to-see-me-as-a-person kind of way- and Lularoe is doing that for me. Maybe it can do it for you too. That's your call, but I can help!

I'm not sure what season you're in, there are so many! I hope that whatever stage it is, that eventually you'll get to that point where it feels authentic in your skin.  It's a good feeling.  Even if there's shredded cheese in your fridge {heehee}.