Stitch Fix - Fix #3

This post will be a bit different than my usual family stories. I am fascinated by this thing called Stitch Fix. This is Fix #3 for me and I wanted to share in the allure of this subscription service! I'm also trying to get a little more feedback that I've kept the right things....Brent is doing a great job, but some other opinions would be beneficial! :)

For all of you out there who have never heard of Stitch Fix, here are a few words about it. 

1. You start by filling out your style profile. Answer all sorts of questions on sizing, pricing, preferences, colors, etc. You can also write notes about likes/dislikes.

2. Order your first fix! Your card will be charged a $20 styling fee however, if you keep any item (one or more) you will be credited back the $20. You will receive 5 items (made up of clothing, jewelry, and handbags, whatever you prefer). 

3. Decide what you want to keep and what you want to send back (in a postage paid envelope)! You have 3 business days to do so - use this time to try everything on, see what you have in your closet that pairs well with it and don't be afraid to say yes to something that you wouldn't normally. That's what makes Stitch Fix so fun! If you keep all 5 items you will receive 25% off your entire fix, winning! 

As I said before, it is a subscription service, but you can order your first box and then decide to receive your next box in 6 months or 2 years, whenever you are ready! There is a referral program, so if you sign up through my links, I do get credit towards a new fix!

After receiving an okay first box and then a bust of a second fix.... I was ready for Fix #3!

Velvet Heart - Polk Button Down Top $78

I initially really liked this one - the shirt is super soft and hides most of the problem areas. I love the three-quarter length sleeves too! But then I looked at the wrinkles and said "no, thank you!" I also saw a very similar shirt (that looks way nicer) on a blog I follow for LESS money and that was a deal breaker for this one. 

Doesn't her shirt look better? I like the gold toned buttons... and for $58, much better priced. 

 Verdict: Returned

Plenty By Tracy Reese - Bridgette Neoprene Pencil Skirt $98

I asked for a pencil skirt (specifically one I found on a blog) and my stylist said she couldn't get it and so opted for this one. I also told her I didn't like too crazy of a pattern....not sure she listened to that one. I just think these aren't my colors...Brock may like orange, but not his Momma. Also can't justify the price of this skirt as a SAHM. It does fit me well and was super soft, but the color was a bit too much. 

Verdict: Returned

Urban Expressions - Elisha Zipper Accent Structured Satchel (Coral) $64

I asked for a springy tote and this is what they sent. I actually love it. My black purse/diaper bag I received from my Dad for Christmas is great, but this one looks so much more cheerful for Spring! It has great pockets and a removable over-the-shoulder strap. I like the detail with the zipper on the sides.
Verdict: Kept

Free Heart - Kinderhook Chambray Top (Light Blue) $48

No. Just absolutely no. Too large on me and no way could I wear a bra with this shirt ever. Hello people, you did get my measurements, right?? And yes, I know denim is coming back, but this was just too washed out of a color for a top.
I had high hopes for it from the style guide...... (They send you examples of how to style each of the items you receive)

Verdict: Returned

THML Chassie Textured Knit Dress $78

When I took this dress out of the box, I wasn't too sure of it. Were those wings on the shoulders??? But it feels great and has that stretchy material so it's not too binding. It's a navy dress and covers my assets and hides my problem areas. Hard to find all that in a dress under $100! And......

it has pockets!!!!! Kinda cool! I really do like it, but I think it's a bit too small. This is a Medium Petite and I just don't think the Large Petite would fit me as well. (If only there was an in between size!) Alas, I am returning, but I hope to get a better dress in my next box!
Verdict: Returned with heavy heart

What are your thoughts? Did I keep the right things?

Spring Break 2016

Above picture is from BEFORE the game (Brent was much happier then)

The boys and I had a very eventful Spring Break week! (No trips to Fort Lauderdale or Caribbean cruises, but it was still pretty good). ;)   

After watching Daddy's team (Carolina) sadly lose the National Championship game Monday night, we were ready for some happier moments. 

 It was a little chillier on Tuesday, so we stayed indoors and hopped around Bellevue Mall. Brock picked out some Lion Guard paraphernalia with his Disney money from Aunt Beverly & Uncle Sam; then was ready to exert some energy at the play place.

 Only....Brock wanted to hang out with his brother! What a difference he has been since Kade started crawling. Brock genuinely wants to play with him now and it's so sweet to watch!

After lunch and a stop at the Lego Store, we met Brent at the Pediatrician for Kade's 9 month Well-Check appointment.

9 month stats = 20 pounds, 7 ounces (50th percentile) 28 inches (25th-50th percentile)

Wednesday was a bit warmer, so we headed to the farm.

 I love Kelsey Creek Farm. Just the right size for a preschooler and relatively close to the house (and a visit is free!!)
Brock was super excited they had bunnies!! (Easter Bunnies, he corrected me)

 And I have to include a picture taken by my three year old! Not too bad.

And here's one more side by side comparison....

April 6, 2016

February 16, 2015

And one more from Wednesday..... because, well, bacon!!

Thursday was like summer here... high of 82 degrees, so we really had no choice, but to head to the beach! ....yeah, yeah, yeah.... Newcastle Beach Park is really on the lake, but it's kinda like a beach. ;)

This is really a beautiful park. The city of Renton is at the very southern point of Lake Washington, therefore Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (the park we went to last week) has a northern facing beach whereas the Newcastle Park faces due West with a view of Mercer Island (which is between Bellevue and Seattle in Lake Washington). Newcastle is a small little town just between Renton and Bellevue..... very good schools and location, but expensive.... our exact same floorplan built in Newcastle for $200K MORE than our home. (A mini geography lesson for you non-Washingtonites) :)

 Back to the good stuff.... we brought our Christmas present from Grammy and Grandpa and it was awesome! The sun tent totally kept Kade out of the sun and a great place for lunch (I opened up the back after I took this picture to get a bit more light and breeze) - can't wait to use it more for summer....now that I know how to close it! (Note to self, next time do a test run beforehand.... don't wait until it's naptime for your three year old and your 9 month old starts vomiting)

 We met up with our friends Elijah and Kanoa and the boys had a blast playing in the water! My little shy guy is quite the Aquarian - had no fear walking up to his belly button in that cold water!

 I love this picture not only for the excitement you see in Kanoa and Brock chasing the boy with the soccer ball, but you can see the beautiful park and the proximity of the playground to the beach. (Also how many people got the memo on the summer weather).

So sweet to see them all play together. Brock has been asking to go back every day since! Oh we will Brock, Kade wants to properly play in that sand!!

One last fun day..... oh, what to do.... go to the ZOO!

Watching the three lions eat their breakfast

Because it was Spring Break week, it was BUSY, but I really wanted to take them since Kade has never been and it really was such a nice day (high 70's).

Kade liked people watching, but I don't think he saw too many zoo animals. He was quite enthralled watching Brock run all around!

Kade did have a close encounter with one of the orangutans. Melati, as we were told, is a 44 year old female and as soon as she saw me take Kade out of his stroller and over to her exhibit, she came right to the glass to get a closer look. I took Kade's hand to pat the glass and she put her hand up too. Amazing to see their interaction. 

Hard to see her face in this picture, her left hand is covering her face. Her eyes are up by the burlap sack blanket's fringe and she's looking down at Kade

Stopping for lunch

The boys playing together in Zoomazium

A very fun-filled week for all of us. Also throw in a little stomach bug for Kade at the end of the week to round everything out. Poor little guy is still on the mend from that. But even so, Kade is such a happy guy and wants nothing more than to hang out with his big brother. It warms my heart to see the brothers playing now....only had to endure 8 months of torture to get here, but it was worth it! ;)

Tulip Festival 2016 - A trip to RoozenGaarde

I have wanted to go here since hearing about it when we first moved here....and finally we were able to make the trek! Every year, the town of Mount Vernon, Washington (about an hour and twenty minute drive north of Seattle) transforms for the month long Tulip Festival! There are several tulip farms in the area, but we settled on the RoozenGaarde with their authentic Dutch windmill.

RoozenGaarde was established in 1985 by the Roozen family (William Roozen emigrated from Holland in 1947) growing Tulips, Daffodils, and Irises - the largest in the country, covering Skagit Valley with more than 1,000 acres of field blooms and 15 acres of greenhouses.

Photo by Brock

It was amazing to see how the garden was designed - I can only imagine the work behind it planting all those bulbs in a specific pattern!!

Poor Kade was not prepared for his photo opp!

But really, with a background like that, he still looks so adorable!

Here's my attempt at a close-up of these beautiful flowers....

Brock was mostly good listening to the instructions.... definitely needed a bit of a reminder to not touch the flowers....

 

"But I'm SOOOO excited Momma!!"

 Here's a little video of him walking the tulip maze.

The varieties were amazing! I've never seen so many! It was nice that they labeled each one (also so you can order the bulbs shipped to your house for next year).

And here Brock is again... doing the opposite of what we told him...

Good thing we wore our boots because it was a bit muddy down in the field!

Here it is... the authentic windmill! A bit smaller than I thought it would be though. Guess I've got to travel to Holland to see the real thing!

 One more video for your viewing pleasure....

It was nice of the sun to come out right as we were leaving!! Oh well! :(


That's a wrap! Time to head home!