Mama Style File - Mama Bags

Are you a mama on the go? I sure am! And when we're out and about, it seems that I have to be the one to cart all the stuff. Lunches if we're headed to the zoo, snacks if we're just out, Hot Wheels and other toys for times of boredom at the table, and all the other essentials like sunscreen, wet wipes, sunglasses, and water bottles. That's a lot of stuff! And way too much stuff to put in a handbag.

Because of all the things we carry, a mama bag is something more like a tote bag, right? And if you're anything like me, you need a bag that can be wiped clean after jelly got all over the inside, grass stains appear from being carried on picnics, or when crayons escape from their bag and get all over the inside lining. Well look no further! Our line of totes from Stella & Dot are what you need!

The Reversible Tote is one of my all time favorites! It's two bags in one because well, it's reversible. But really, it's three bags in one with the removable pouch! The pouch is great for when you only need to carry a few diapers, a small thing of wipes, some hand sanitizer, and a bottle of sunscreen. It has a small little wristlet handle that will hang right off the stroller! But, for the days you need it all, the tote is perfection. I carried the Voyage Tote all summer last year and loved it. It was my pool bag, my zoo bag, the bag I took to Worlds of Fun and Deanna Rose Farmstead. The new tote is gorgeous for spring and summer with it's Bee design on one side and the solid coral on the other. It's $79, but with girl math, it's roughly $26 a bag!! 

When you need something a little bigger, reach for the new Day Tripper bag! I love it! I just got it last week and I'm dying for a spring day that will allow us to hit the zoo. It will hold all the essentials I mentioned above, but because it unzips in the middle to create a larger space, I can carry a few extras like sweatshirts or light weight jackets when layers are needed! And the print is darling! Navy is one of my favorite colors for spring, and when paired with coral arrows, it couldn't get any cuter!!

And then there's the Getaway tote! The must-have travel tote of all time. It literally holds everything. A friend of mine purchased one before their family trip to Hawaii. She packed it the night before, and realized that it held so much, so had packed entirely too many things and had to remove some of the unnecessary items! My mom took hers on a week long trip to VA last summer for times that she would be traveling by car and didn't need the suitcase she had packed for the plane. She was able to pack everything she needed for a few overnight stays! And what's even better, it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane! Seriously, a must-have travel piece! And the new elephant design for spring is so sweet!

Lastly, every girl needs a little pouf for her handbag. Whether it holds lipsticks/gloss, touch up makeup items, or crayons for this mama, the Slim Pouf is perfect! Look how much it holds!

What kind of mama bag do you currently carry? Are you one that only needs the pouch that comes with the Reversible Tote? If so, I am super jealous! If you need something bigger like myself, which one is going to be your go-to bag this year? 

XO,

Andrea

Shop any of the bags here!!

The Cool Mom

I've read several blog posts and articles about "How to Be the Cool Mom" and I feel like that phrase is an oxymoron. Is there really such a thing as a cool mom? Or is it our way of saying we think we're the cool mom? No kid in the history of childhood has ever uttered the phrase, "My mom's the coolest." And if they have, I want their names and phone number so I can call them directly and ask them what exactly made their mom so cool.

What did a cool mom do before social media? My mom took me to school, picked me up from school, and did day to day things that moms did while kids were at school. In the car, she listened to the last songs on the Top 40 radio station, chatted with me about how the school day was, listened for cues that could cause ill feelings, made a list of acceptable and non-acceptable kids for me to hang out with, and at times was "the meanest mom in the world." I don't think I ever uttered "coolest mom in the world." Now, with all the social media outlets, latest apps for our phones, and ways to track our kids, I'm still not thinking any kid out there is thinking their mom is the cool mom.

Social Media, in my opinion, is just another way to embarrass our kids! Let's face it, no child wants to see their mom taking selfies of themselves in front of their friends. So not cool. No kid wants their mom on Facebook and then sending Friends Requests to them and their best friends. And they certainly don't want their moms posting photos to Instagram of them together. It may be okay in the early grades of elementary school, but if they're in sixth and heading into middle school, I'm thinking these items are checked off the not so cool mom checklist! You are now just the embarrassing mom! 

So what makes a cool mom? Well, I'm currently navigating this with my five year old and I still can't figure it out! But since this is my blog, and strictly my opinion, here are my five things to try and achieve Cool Mom status:

1) You don't always have to listen to kids music in the car. Or ever! Expose your child to the classics, whatever era that might be, and don't worry about the lyrics. There is nothing more gratifying than hearing your child sing "Welcome to the Hotel California" from the backseat. Coolest feeling ever!

2) Let them make a mess and don't tell them that they're making a mess! My child loves to run his snowplow trucks and Zamboni's through flour on the counter. He is in heaven and I am freaking out on the inside. His clothes, the floor, his step stool, and toys are now covered in flour that may or may not come out! And that's okay. He's having a blast and you look like the hero when it's too cold to go outside and play in the sandbox.

3) If you're a boy mama like myself, then you know it's all boy all the time! From time to time, you miss playing dress up, dolls, and especially Barbie's. But just because you have a boy, it doesn't mean these things go out the window. We play dress up around here. McKinley has a construction worker outfit he loves to put on and pretend to be a repair man for all different appliances. He even wears it to Home Depot on Kid Workshop Saturdays. He also loves to wear his Kion costume from Halloween. He likes playing with my Barbie's, Care Bears, and Cabbage Patch Kids. He likes to have this toenails painted and it doesn't bother me or my husband. He picks his own color, sometimes red, sometimes pink, and sometimes green. If you make a big deal about it, it's going to be an even bigger deal later. And, just to ensure my cool mom status, a friend of his at school had his nails painted all different colors and was proud to show them off! 

4) I think this one applies no matter what age your child is, but don't always be their friend. They have those at school and at other extra curricular activities. There are those moments where you are best friends, but there are times when you simply have to be the parents. Step in. Take charge. And show them who's boss. Put them in time out. Send them to their room. And stay consistent with your discipline. I know how hard that is. The bottom lip quiver. The crocodile tears. The "I don't like you" response can cut through your heart. But trust me, in the end, they know you're their friend. It's cool to be their parent and friend! 

5) Lastly, embarrass the heck out of them! Have that dance party in the car while they roll their eyes in the backseat. Eventually, they start dancing as well. Take those silly SnapChat pics, but don't always post them. McKinley loves looking back over the photos and laughing at the funny faces we made. Sing out loud in the grocery store if your favorite song comes on. You may get looks from others in the store, and your child may think you're crazy, but you're letting them know that life is too short to not act silly! Sometimes you have to act like a kid too! It's cool!

So what do you think makes you a cool mom? Share your thoughts about what makes you cool. I'm sure we all have our ideas! And, if you have older kids, tell us how to maintain your cool status!

XO,

Andrea

The Southern Dictionary

In the South, we have a different vocabulary than say our friends to the North or West. It's like we have our own dictionary and most everyone you meet in the South knows what you're saying. However, if you use a word or phrase around someone unfamiliar with our vocabulary, they aren't quite sure what you're saying. For instance, when I was nine I moved to Overland Park, KS from Blountville, TN. I had a very thick accent that focused on all the long "I's". One morning during a super cold recess, I forgot my hat in the classroom. I asked Mrs. Borth if I could run back inside to grab my toboggan and she looked at me funny. She then asked again what I needed from inside and I said my toboggan. She asked if I had brought a sled to school and I said no, I need my hat. You see, in the South a toboggan is a knit winter hat. 

That's not the only strange one. Here are a few more:

Buggy - A shopping Cart

Pocketbook - Handbag

Stove Eye - Burner

Fixin' - Getting Ready to Do Something

When my mom and I started Southern Unique Elegance, I started thinking of ways we could expand on our Southern brand. I started playing with our southern phrases and dictionary and ways we could use them in the future. There are quite a few, but we were able to narrow it down to "Fixin'" and "Bless Its Heart". Here's what they mean.

Fixin' is something almost every Southern woman uses. It's a verb that explains that you are about to do something. Such as "I'm getting ready to fix dinner." "I'm fixin' to go to the store." "I"m fixin' to throw a fit!" As you can see, we are pretty much fixin' to do just about anything! And it was the perfect choice for our next business venture.

The other Southern phrase that gets used often is "Bless Its Heart". That's right,  bless its Heart, not your heart. Its refers to just about anything and it's not always polite! My grandmother used this phrase often and it just had to be on the list of our Southern phrases. Here are some examples. Let's say you see someone and she's get her dress hem stuck in her pantyhose. "Bless its heart. She has no idea that her skirt hem is caught in her pantyhose." Or if you hear that someone is sick. "Aw, bless its heart. I hate to hear that." You see a baby throwing a fit. "Bless its heart. He needs a nap." And here is another reason it was a perfect choice. The other day, my son was sick and my dad was talking with him on the phone. McKinley informed Granddaddy that he wasn't feeling well and that his throat hurt. I wasn't on the other end of the conversation, so when he hung up the phone, I asked McKinley what my dad had said. His response, "Bless your heart." So it wasn't its, but you can get the idea of how often this phrase is used. It's the perfect fit.

So where am I going with this? I'm fixin' to tell ya. We have made our own Southern phrases tees and they are darling! You always need a cute tee on casual days and you need one with some personality. And what has more personality than a Southern woman? Seriously, have you ever been in a room with Southern women? Have you seen Steel Magnolias? If your answer is no, watch it or just come over! It's insane at times. But so much fun! And so are these tees! Check them out!

I have to say that "Fixin'" is my all time fav! Not only is the t-shirt style perfection, but the word just describes everything about life! And it fits me to a tee...see what I did there?!

What do you think? Love them? Want one? Email me! We are hawking our wares and hope to see you sporting one soon! And if you do, please post pics!!

XO,

Andrea

Organizing My Life: Backseat Clean Up

On my quest to organize my life, one of the largest areas that needs help is my car! I drive a mama car. And it's the car we take around town and on road trips, and we take quite a few road trips. And as a result, it's filled with Hot Wheels, packs of wet wipes, crunched up Goldfish on the floor, and wads of Kleenex in the backseat where McKinley throws them after use. It's a disaster! I was forced to "clean" it out the other day when I had a friend rode with me, but it wasn't nearly as organized as I would like it to be. I want a place for the travel game boards, coloring books/crayons, and other miscellaneous kid friendly items that are wandering around the floor boards. Oh, and a trash can that's not a shopping bag that I found in the backseat. It's fine for now, but it flies all over the place, throwing the picked up trash back to where it came from. I need something that will stay put. Here is the brutal truth....

As you know, I love to browse the net for ideas and I headed straight to Buy, Buy, Baby for inspiration. And I found it! Tons of over the seat organizers that I love, but my only issue with these is that McKinley sits in the middle so he can't really reach the pockets in front of him. The cute storage containers that fit in the seat might be the way to go. However, I could get both! That why I'm ensured as much storage as possible. Here is what I found.

Look how nicely all that stuff fits and that it's all in one place! Not all over the floor and seats of the car. Now, if only it would vacuum up all the Goldfish...

Now to tackle the trashcan. I did see a really cute idea on Pinterest. Take an old wipes container, cover it with your favorite contact paper to dress it up a little, a voila! You have a re-useable car trashcan! Just another way to reduce, reuse, and recycle! Oh, and look at all the other things you can do with a wet wipe box. That's a whole 'nother blog post!

What are you currently using in your car for organization? I would love to know what works for you! Anything you've tried in the past that didn't? I can't be the only mama out there that needs the advice.

Stay tuned to see how clean my car looks post organization!

XO,

Andrea

Southern Unique Elegance

I've mentioned a couple of times that my mom and I have gone into business together and then I recanted that statement. It's really my mom's business and I'm here for the grunt work! Okay, I do a little more than just the grunt work. I get to help pick out the pieces we want to re-purpose and sell. I get to work on the pieces with my dad from time to time. And, I get to arrange the booth when adding new items. And I have to say that's the best part of the job! Oh, and I love working with my mom. 

We have wanted to do something together for years, but we weren't really sure what we wanted to do. We love to craft, but everyone is doing that. We love specialty boutiques, but we didn't really want the day in and day out hassles and issues that come with running your own store front. We had a small staging business and loved it, but the jobs were too sporadic and we didn't really have the storage space for the all the items we needed to store. We love antiquing, finding treasures that need a little TLC, and then finding a place for them in our respective homes. That is was more our calling and we answered! 

We met a woman last May at our bi-annual garage sale who scooped up some of the Hallmark ornaments we were selling. She stated that she was planning to add them to her home decor booth and we started asking questions. Turns out, she had a space in a little shop in Louisburg, KS and sold various items. Antiques, Hallmark ornaments, crafts, and housewares. She said we needed to come check her out and we did. But it wasn't until late October. As we walked the space, roaming into little rooms, walking among rows of vendors, we felt so at home and decided to start asking some questions. It turned our that a space was opening up in November and it was our if we wanted it. We chatted briefly and decided to take the plunge. Booth number 10 was our new business!

We talked the entire 20 minute trip home. We bantered excitedly about what we were going to place in the booth, what we thought would be our best products to sell, and what we could do to really make it our own space. Make it look like us. And by the time we got home, we had our game plan in place. We were going to move in the week before Thanksgiving and we had a lot to do to prepare. We needed furniture to fill the space and make it look like a home, but we also needed it for showcasing our glassware and other small items. We gathered all the antique pieces we've collected over the years, but never used, and began placing them in our heads within the space. Now we needed a name. It needed to be unique. It needed to reflect us. And it came to me one night while lying awake thinking about the to-do list in my head. I originally thought of Southern Unique and Elegant, but it didn't really roll off the tongue. I talked it over with my mom and she said, what about Southern Unique Elegance. And a name was born. Oh, and just so you know, when the name is broken down, SUE just happens to be our middles names. Perfect, right? And not a coincidence.

As we got started at home, my dad helped us sand and paint a drop leaf kitchen table that we found at a garage sale, helped us prep a table that we got for free from a couple in their neighborhood who were moving back to Canada and didn't need it anymore, and he loaded up all the stuff when it was time to move in. I guess you could say it's a family biz now!

Since we started the booth in November, we have added space! We are now renting the space next to us which really helped open up the booth. We have added some additional furniture, home goods, and a few other pieces we think might sell. That's the thing for us right now. Figuring out what sells. What is the best thing for the booth. What people will find the most appealing. And we think it's furniture. However, we went last week to take out Christmas and give the space a little face lift and found that what we thought wasn't selling is selling. I think it's going to be a guessing game and it's so fun to play! Here is a glimpse into Southern Unique Elegance.

If you haven't made a trip to Louisburg, go! It's a quaint little town and Simply Selah, the boutique that houses Southern Unique Elegance and all the other fabulous vendors, is such a sweet place. And after your visit, let us know what you think! We would love to hear what you have to say about the entire experience and what you think of our little business!

XO,

Andrea

What Would You Say?

At five years old, I try to shield my child from as much as I possibly can. Famine, war, and poverty are a few. The election was another. When his school held a mock election on Election Day, which I didn't agree with, my child voted opposite than us. He told me it was because his friend was doing it and he just doesn't like girls. That he had seen a commercial with Trumps face and he said "I approve this message" and that he seemed nice. What would you say? My dad told me not to say anything. He was five. It wasn't something to go into. But it hurt me at the core. That I couldn't talk to my five year old about the hateful things Trump was saying. The unethical things Trump had done. And that, in my personal opinion, he doesn't seem nice. What would you say?

On the day after the election, I cried. I cried for me, for my family, for my son, for his future. I cried that in one vote, many people told me that my life didn't have value. That as a woman, I didn't mean anything. That my Jewish husband didn't have rights. That my gay and lesbian friends, who I consider family, are not equal. In the words of my favorite 80s movie, "You shit on my house." And I still feel that way today. On that day, as I dropped him off at his classroom, he informed that he had heard in the restroom that Trump had won. I hadn't told him. I said I knew and that I didn't want to talk about it. That I didn't want him cheering or applauding or showing any emotion that day because his views were going to be different than others. That he might offend someone with his joy. And as I choked back tears, I asked him to do this for mama. What would you say?

On the way to school today, he informed me that his teacher said that parents may be watching the news regarding the current presidency. I told him I don't. I told him that I don't want to be sad anymore and watching the news about the current presidency makes me sad. If they continue to talk about this kind of thing in school, in Kindergarten mind you, he needs to know how I feel. It's my right to tell him. I told him that Trump has made it very clear that he doesn't like people like his Mama. That he doesn't like his Meme. That he says terrible things about girls. I asked him if he wanted someone like that in his life. Someone that doesn't like his Mama and Meme. I informed that he doesn't agree with Martin Luther King and what he stood for. That he doesn't want everyone to get along. That his sign doesn't say Everybody. Does he want someone like that running our country? And when McKinley told me I was breaking his heart, I told him mine was broken on Election Day. What would you say?

As we walked into school, I told McKinley that I don't want to talk about things like this with him. That when I talk about the current presidency, all I want to do is cry. I told him that what mattered to me most in this world was him. That everything I do, I do for him. (Nothing like quoting Bryan Adams on a Monday morning.) That everything I was doing, I was doing for a better future for him. A better world for him. A world that includes Equality, Civil Rights, Women's Rights. A world that he can be proud to live in. I'm trying to instill Humanity in this little five year old's soul. What would you say?

As I hugged and kissed him and told him to have a good day, I turned and left his classroom. As I walked down the hallway, I heard this little voice yell "Mama" and when I turned around, there he was, standing in the doorway. He waved and said "Bye, Mama." I walked back toward him, knelt down and held him for brief moment. I told him again how much I loved him, kissed him, and told him I would see him after school. What would you say?

XO,

Andrea

If you feel the need to comment, and it's in any way negative, please know your comments will not be published. 

Today is a New Day

Today is a new day. A new dawn. A new beginning. Today, some of us are happy. Today, some of us are sad. I am one of the sad. 

However, today I am not going to allow myself to be sad because that just means hate won. Today, I am going to busy myself with things that make me happy. With things that bring me peace. And with things that I can change. 

Today, I am going to focus my energy on new ideas in 2017. I'm going to spend the day with my mom at our little booth in Louisburg in hopes of bringing new and exciting things to our lives. A business venture that will hopefully flourish in the coming months and bring us all the things we hoped we would accomplish when we set out on this journey three months ago. 

I am going to try and be the change I want to see. Even if it's only in my own home. In my own community. In my own self. I can't change others, but I can change me. And that's where I plan to start.

What do you plan to change? What do you hope for the future? And do you have faith in these? Start now.

XO,

Andrea

Fashion DIY & Orly Shani

For those of you who know me, know I love fashion. I had a personal style blog for six years before turning my attention to blogging about motherhood, McKinley, and our adventures around Kansas City. And from to time to time, I'm sharing my Mama Style File opinions about current trends and what I'm wearing while running around town. If only I could find a way to incorporate my heels....

When I discovered the Hallmark Channel show Home and Family a couple of Christmas's ago, I found my fashion spirit animal, Orly Shani! I watched her years ago on a show on E! called The Fabulist. A precursor to Fashion Police, Shani, along with Kristin Cavallari, would talk about the current trends in fashion and beauty. Prior to The Fabulist, Orly was seen on the NBC reality show, Fashion Star which appeared to be based loosely on the Bravo hit Project Runway. I have to admit I never watched it. Wah, wah.... When the show aired, Orly designed on the principle that all women should have quality, multi-functional garments at a great value.  

In 2010, Orly started tuc+wes, a colorful collection of convertible t-shirts. And, it was based on tuc+wes that Orly was chosen as a designer on Fashion Star. Orly designed the “convertible skirt” which became the highlight of the season and made her a stand out designer. The convertible skirt was a tight miniskirt under a chiffon over-skirt that could be removed with a zipper. Orly has taken the knowledge she gained on the show and is currently expanding tuc+wes into a full e-commerce retailer providing weekly fashion under $50. And she has introduced her own Tuc+Wes Collection. If you haven't checked out the site, go now! Shop some of the coolest, easiest pieces for a super chic daily look! And I love the under $50 concept! 

As the resident fashion guru on Home and Family, she brings us some of the best DIY projects that I've taken on at home! What I love, is that she's taking major designer runway pieces and making them available to those of us who can't afford $1000 camo jackets or custom clutches. Remember the Butterfly Field Jacket? Designed originally by Valentino, and retailing at roughly $2000, it was a gorgeous bomber. However, who can afford a $2000 jacket? The DIY version was so easy and one of my all time favorite things to wear! Then there was the 3-D paint Spider Web sweater. These are two of the most complimented pieces I've made and it I wouldn't have them in my wardrobe if it weren't for Orly. 

On my list of things to recreate are the Peace stenciled jacket, the fringe concert tee, the Palm Tree jacket for summer, and the newly added Confetti sweater inspired by the Anthropologie version that retails for $150. 

I mean, a Mama has to have the latest fashion trends at an affordable price, right? And when you can make it yourself, it's even better! And thanks to Orly Shani, I can do that! Now, if I could capture her effortless style and obtain that enviable hair!

What do you like to DIY? Have you tried the any of the fashion DIY posts I've shared? Let me know! I would love to see them!

XO,

Andrea

Embracing the Imperfect

I read an interesting article the other day about Satan stealing your motherhood. In it, the author talked about how we as mothers allow this evilness into our hearts and soul without even knowing we've done it. We reach a brink, a breaking point, and then yell at anything in your path. Your child, the dog (we don't have one), the vacuum as you accidentally suck up a Lego you didn't know was in your path, the Hot Wheel you step on for all the same reasons as the Lego, or the fact that you are the only that can seem to find anything that's lost because no one actually looks for it. It's no ones fault, you know. It's just you. Taking out your frustration because life wasn't perfect in that moment.

The other interesting take away is that we, not even mothers but women in general, compare ourselves to the other women around us. It could be the ones that post all the perfect images to Instagram which allow you to believe that life for them is perfect. It could be the best friend you've had for years because she appears to be the type of woman to get whatever it is she wants, without really trying. A fellow Kindergarten mom who has the most beautiful hair you've ever seen and the cutest style that you know you could never pull off. The new mom down the street who seemed to drop all of her baby weight within a matter of months where you still carry yours from your child that you birthed five years ago. Apparently, Satan thrives on this.

And why do we allow ourselves to do this? Why can't we be more like men and just shake it off? Or Taylor Swift for that matter? Men don't really compare themselves to other men. They throw on a ball cap and go instead of using copious amounts of dry shampoo to mask their dirty hair. They don't fret about the imperfect moment that you seem to always capture on film because they are too busy actually living in that perfect moment. I'm constantly whining to my husband about these scenarios and he is constantly telling me to stop using Facebook. Get off Instagram. He declares that social media is the cause for so much angst and he's probably right. A friend of mine took a break from Facebook a little over a year ago because she couldn't take the stress. The perfect mom, the depressing status updates, and the opinionated posts that will never change anyone's mind. And she's probably better off for it! But is it really social media or Satan who we've allowed in the door?

So what do we do? Since reading that article, I've been trying to take deep breaths before possibly losing my cool. Living in the moment, imperfect and all, and laughing with my son over the sleeve that's covered in dry snot instead of scolding him for not using a Kleenex. Wiping up the crumbs under the kitchen table because they aren't going to do it themselves. I'm trying to embrace my curls, at times, because there are very few of us who actually have them. I'm trying to capture the photos that have zero smiles, tongues sticking out, or that contain action poses that have nothing to do with the scenario. And posting them, instead of the ones that are filtered and perfect. Be the imperfect mother, and woman, that I am. And not apologize for it.

Do you find that you deal with this issue? Are you a mother that truly lets things go or do you harbor all of it and then break? And when you do break, what do you do to relieve the stress? Release the evil? Sending Satan packing.

XO,

Andrea

Mama Style File: New Jeans

I would say that as a mama, I now wear jeans 95% of the time! I love my jeans, but they are starting show their age. The holes in the knees are getting a little too big. The dressier styles are getting moved to the back of the pack. And, the styles are changing and I need to make some updates.

I attended a Spring Rally for Stella & Dot last night and I noticed that there is a new jean trend in town and I am left out in the cold! It's a fringed cuff and it's darling!! I need a pair stat. But at the same time, I've found some additional styles that I really like. I'm a girl who will never give up on her boyfriend jeans. I'm loving the slouchier style with less rips and holes. And, I found a super cute camo pair that will be so chic with some of the new Stella pieces! Check them out!

For trendier jeans, check out Target, Loft, Zara, and Nordstrom. That's where I these. With a new year comes new trends and it's time for this mama to update hers! 

What are your favorites? I've listed mine! But, I do love the ones from Zara and Target. 

XO,

Andrea

The Answer is Blowin' in the Wind

Peter, Paul, and Mary. A folk singing trio that was a religion in my home. My parents discovered them during their youth and introduced them to me during mine. At 13, we all attended their concert at the Midland in Kansas City and you couldn't help yourself from singing along. And when the show was over, a large group of people were making their way from their orchestra seats and taking a place on stage. We didn't know what was happening, but my dad and I knew we wanted to be a part of it. The two of us gathered with the crowd, leaving my rule follower mom in the audience to fret. The group, with two stragglers, found themselves backstage with Peter and Mary, however I was a little distracted knowing my mom was still waiting nervously in the theater. As I continued to look over my shoulder, Peter asked me, "What's the matter, muffin?" I told him that we had left my mom behind in the theater so he walked me to center stage and asked, "Muffin's mom? Come join us" The three of us made our way backstage with the others. What an incredible experience. We spent time with them, listening to Mary (who drank red wine) and Peter talk to us all as if we were old friends gathered together in their home. The only one missing was Peter.

My dad had brought along the cover to their reunion album in hopes of having all three sign it. We had success with Peter and Mary. We lacked Paul's. Again, we wandered off in the search of our trifecta and found him as he was making his way out of the theater. My dad approached gingerly and Paul obliged. It was night we three will never forget.

Since that concert in the mid 1980s, we have seen the trio seven times. And again, we found ourselves backstage at their concert at Wolftrap in VA. And again, Peter referred to me as muffin. We were home.

In 1963, during the March on Washington, Peter, Paul, and Mary performed two incredibly poignant songs. Blowin' in the Wind, written by Bob Dylan, is best known as a protest anthem. But really, it's a song that asks questions. It searches for answers. Answers that may never come.

How many roads must a man walk down

Before you call him a man?

How many seas must a white dove sail

Before she sleeps in the sand?

Yes, and how many times must the cannon balls fly

Before they're forever banned?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

The answer is blowin' in the wind

Yes, and how many years can a mountain exist

Before it's washed to the sea?

Yes, and how many years can some people exist

Before they're allowed to be free?

Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head

And pretend that he just doesn't see?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

The answer is blowin' in the wind

Yes, and how many times must a man look up

Before he can see the sky?

Yes, and how many ears must one man have

Before he can hear people cry?

Yes, and how many deaths will it take 'till he knows

That too many people have died?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

The answer is blowin' in the wind

We must continue to ask the questions. We must continue to search for the answers. I will continue to find faith in the religion of Peter, Paul, and Mary. I will harbor this religion in my home with my child and his children after him. 

XO,

Andrea

A Dream

As I sit here on a Friday morning, with coffee in hand, hair that hasn't been washed since Tuesday, I dream about that shower I haven't had since Wednesday. I dream about a stylish blowout, instead of the curls I will more than likely sport, and a chic outfit that will take me from day to night, through an impending ice storm, and for the date night that will hopefully consist of dinner and movie. My dreams are bigger than this at times. But they are also superficial. It's what makes my world go round.

My five year old came home yesterday and told me that they talked about Martin Luther King and why he was so important. At five, there isn't much you can say that they will truly comprehend, but he did tell me that he watched his speech that stated "I have a dream." As the day went on, unprompted, he continued to tell me little snippets of things he had learned. "Did you know that there used to be signs that said whites only?" "Did you know there was a black a woman who sat on the bus?" Then he told me, in his own words, "Now signs say everybody." When his teacher sent out the daily "Five Things" email, in it she said that each child was asked to write down their own dream. When I asked McKinley what he wrote, he said "I wish that everyone got along." Wise words for a five year old.

What are dreams? Are they your subconscious coming to you while you sleep? Are they fate? Do they come from hard work and determination? Are are they just that, dreams? Things that are unattainable but you wish for them all the same? Can you really have everything you dream about? Do dreams really come true?

As for his dream, "I wish that everyone got along", in world where there is such turmoil, I couldn't wish or dream for anything more myself. Inclusion. Equality. Loving thy neighbor as thyself. It's that simply, really. And can a five year old sense that? In my house, yes they can! I am going to set this as our family motto for life. Because if we can't all get along under one roof, how do we expect our child to get along with everyone around him? We will continue to hammer home the fact that no one is different regardless of skin color, eye color, hair color, or gender. Everyone is equal. Girls can do anything boys can do. (That's already started at age five!) We will implement more patience, continue to shower each other with love, do random kind acts for one another and those around us, say please and thank you, and above all, dream of a day that everyone does the exact same thing. What a wonderful world, right?

I dream of the day where we don't have war. I dream that we stop "Killing people for killing people because killing people is wrong."  I dream that we as mothers stop judging each other, and instead, embrace each other because this job is harder than any other job in the world! I dream that I finally get to color my hair because these grays are out of control. I dream that my son grows up to be a well rounded human who loves classic movie musicals as much as he loves Monster Jam. And I dream that he will never stop letting me hold his hand. That sweet little hand that will guide me through our dreams while making them a reality.

I hope you continue to follow your dreams!

XO,

Andrea

The Movie Musical

In the summer of 1989, my parents moved me from Overland Park, KS to Manassas, VA where I would start my sophomore year of high school not knowing a sole. We had lived in Overland Park for roughly six years and I had started my freshman year the previous fall. Starting a new school, as a sophomore, was like starting as a freshman all over again. I was not a happy teenager. I was fifteen. 

But let me back up. During the fall of my freshman year, I was introduced to my first musical. I had seen Wizard of Oz on TV, a scared child curled up on a chair watching the Wicked Witch of the West do her thing, but I didn't realize it was a musical. It was a movie about a girl, her dog, and those fabulous red shoes. We saw Annie in the movie theater and I was sure I could star as the next Annie in a remake! Same goes for The Sound of Music. I had seen these films on TV, but never really grasped the movie musical concept. Fast forward to 1988 and the Shawnee Mission South production of West Side Story. I was hooked. Not only on musical theater, but theater in general. 

I immediately purchased my first VHS version of West Side Story and watched it on repeat. In my bedroom, the dormer room of the house, I found myself reenacting scenes from the movie. Sometimes I was Maria, sometimes Anita. I even played the men, because as an alto, I can sing most male roles! Same thing happened when I rediscovered The Sound of Music. I was Liesl and I was dancing around my bedroom as if I was 16 going on 17. Or, I was dancing the Landler as if I was Maria. Suddenly, movie musicals was an escape into a world that was joyful and dreamy. A world I wanted to live in.

So when we made our move to VA, I lived in our basement all summer watching musical after musical. I had my mom drive me to the local Blockbuster where I would rent two or three movies at a time. I would bring them home, hole up in the basement, and lose myself in this colorful world of gorgeous costumes, intricate choreography, and most times, love stories. There was Singin' in the Rain, An American in Paris, Meet Me in St. Louis, Easter Parade, Kiss Me Kate, Anchors Aweigh, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The list could go on and on, but this blog post can only go so far! But with every movie I watched, I sank deeper and deeper in love with the classic movie musical. 

As the years rolled by, I not only fell in love with the movie musical, I fell in love with live theater as well. Musical Theater was my thing, my major in college (Theater Performance to be exact), and my happy place. I recently watched a You Tube video on Facebook where they interviewed a group of teens and asked them to watch clips from old movie musicals. The interviewer would then ask them if they knew what movie the songs were from. In most instances, not one of them could answer the question. They were able to answer Singing in the Rain, Music Man, and Fiddler on the Roof. They didn't know West Side Story, My Fair Lady, or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The referenced Glee for obvious reasons, but what I thought was most interesting, is that they constantly referenced the Family Guy. And, a majority of them stated that they needed to start watching more movie musicals. Music to my ears!

Which brings me to the inspiration for this blog post, La La Land. We have tickets to see the movie Friday night and I am on pins and needles until then. Watching the Golden Globes on Sunday was inspiring. That a modern day movie musical could bring accolades in 2017 is refreshing. A rejuvenation of an era long gone. A place where you can go to lose yourself in the magic of film making. A happy place. And, hopefully these interviewed teens find themselves in their local theater soaking up what could be classic film making in years to come. 

If you are reading this, and haven't started your child on movie musicals, it's never to early! McKinley has watched The Wizard of Oz numerous times and loves it. Thank goodness for Disney Jr, because in a way, they are bringing their own version of musicals with shows like Sophia the First and Elena of Avalor. Even The Lion Guard offers up song and dance. We don't have Netflix, but some of the teens stated that they've seen these titles scroll by. With this being our new Blockbuster, take a minute to stop and watch. As for me, I will just thumb through my catalog of VHS tapes and DVDs in the basement. 

Are you movie musical nerd? It's pretty obvious that I am. What are some of your favorites? I do love For Me and My Gal, Funny Face, and White Christmas. And I could spend all day watching them. With an ice storm heading our this weekend, now may be the perfect time to pop one of these in and let it roll in the background while McKinley plays. 

XO,

Andrea

  

Stella Style - Spring Collection

As most of you know, I'm a Stella & Dot Stylist. I took the leap of faith over a year ago and I've never really looked back. I love  everything about the company, but more importantly, I absolutely love the product! The designs just keep getting better and the versatility is amazing! You can wear it in the carpool lane or dress it up for a night on the town. The kind of style needed for this busy stay at home mama!

The new spring collection launched yesterday and I'm obsessed! So obsessed that I've been scouring the net for cute pieces that will not only compliment the collection, but showcase it. And, with all the incredible sales taking place, it's time so scoop some of the pieces up! I've put together five different looks using only one focal piece. These are items that may already exist in your wardrobe or you may just want to put them in your cart now. One sweater is only $9.99!

As we move through the collages, I will let you know where I found the article of clothing and what the pieces are from Stella & Dot. 

I found this pink off the shoulder top at Zara and it's on sale for $25.99! I love the sleeve, but the minimalist fit is what drew me in. And, it will allow the necklaces I chose to lay perfectly at the neck. And, the earrings will be center of attention when worn alone!

Top Right: York Necklace; Center Right: Collage Statement Necklace; Bottom Left: Cecily Chandelier 

This top is only $9.99 at Zara! Look at that sleeve! I love it! And because it's so laid back, I thought we could pack a punch with the Lindsay Layering Necklace. The new ear climbers are gorgeous and again with the Collage Statement Necklace! All of these pieces will amp up a simple gray sweater!

 Top Right: Lindsay Layering Necklace; Middle Right: Haven Ear Climber; Bottom Right: Collage Statement Necklace

Velvet, yes! Cute jacket, yes! Statement pieces, yes!! I realize I'm talking about spring looks, and you're thinking why have I added velvet, and I'll tell you why. When March rolls around, it's still cold! You need a little bit of warmth but you may not want a bulky sweater or coat. This velvet jacket is the perfect solution and it's $19.99!! Again from Zara, and it goes perfectly with these statement pieces!

Top Right: Ezra Statment Necklace; Middle Right: Cecily Chandelier; Bottom Right:York Necklace

This blue top is darling! I would add this to my wardrobe in a heartbeat. It would look lovely under a navy blazer. Chic with winter white pants. And it would be gorgeous with gray. And look at the stunning navy and brilliant blue pieces from our spring collection!

Top Right: Marine Collar; Middle Right: Iris Tassel Earrings: Bottom Right: Collage Statement Necklace 

A navy blazer is must! It goes so well with a great pair of jeans and a simple white tee! Classic. This one is from Ann Taylor. And with these pieces, it just elevates it that much more!

Top Right: Lindsay Layering Necklace; Right Middle: Cecily Chandeliers; Bottom Right: Marine Collar

What do you think of the new Spring Collection? Have a favorite? Share it with us. And, how you would style it for spring! I would love to bring you more of these throughout the year. You know I love fashion!!

XO,

Andrea

Shop along with me any time! My personal website is below. And let me know if you are ever interested in hosting! I can help!

Stella & Dot: http://stelladot.com/andreakrasnow