Fanny Packs, Bum Bags, or Belt Bags, whatever you call them – THEY ARE BACK!

Personally I’m a fan. I almost always carry a crossbody bag because I love having my hands free. But, I have also been known to wear a belt bag. I got one about a year ago and I love it for a lot of different outings. Mostly, my dang yoga pants that I walk, run and ride my bike in have no place for keys, wallet or a phone. The one I carry is a very basic black polyester with a gold zip. But, I’ve been doing a little searching, and it might be time to take this convenient, hand’s-free purse to the next level. I’m thinking something a little less athletic looking and maybe something in leather.

My only concern is that am a very curvy girl with big hips. I don’t know if this brings more attention to my hips. But, I’m not going to worry about that right now. I’m just digging the idea of never losing my stuff, because it will be literally attached to my body.

I did a little hunting online and I think I’ve found some winners.

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This next week I am headed to Costa Rica with Olivia. We are meeting my parents there for a mission trip. We will be spending part of our time on a building project and part of our time doing some children’s ministry in local schools. It wasn’t a great time for the rest of the family to miss school, but since Olivia is only in Kindergarten, we figured this would be a great learning opportunity for her. Olivia is one of those kids that makes friends instantly, so she will be great over there.

Anyways, I share all that, because as dorky as they might seem, a belt bag is a great travel accessory. And I will be taking mine for trips into town. Who wants to lug around a big bag or even backpack when you can fit everything you need around your waste.

I really am feeling #7, it’s my favorite color of leather and it feels sleek and minimal. I don’t think I want to add any bulk to my waste and hips. And this one feels like it would sit flat. How do you feel about the come back? Would you wear one? Is there one you like more then the others?

I didn’t set any New Year’s Resolutions, but I’m trying to stretch myself and try new things as often as I can. I’m comfortable behind the camera taking the picture, being in the pictures, not so much. I’m trying to hide less behind my work. I’m a real person, with real issues and real feelings.

I never want Oleander + Palm to be a place folks visit on the internet and then leave feeling bad about their lives. I have always wanted it to be a tool for sharing and showing how to live a beautiful life without spending a tone of money. I know I crave good design and pretty spaces, it does my soul so much good. I think God has wired us this way. I am more at peace when my home is clean and clutter free. I am inspired and energized when I’m surrounded by beauty. And I feel confident when I’m wearing clothes and accessories that fit my personality and my body shape.

So, here I am, an awkward model trying not to squint, keep my hair out of my face and my shirt from blowing up because it was super windy and bright.

My sense of style is always comfort first. But, I don’t want to wear yoga pants all the time and I do love a good trend. I’m a mom and more often then not I’m standing on a chair or squatting in a corner trying to get a picture. So, my clothing needs to work for all of that.

Here’s the deets on what I’m wearing:

• THAT PINK PURSE
• Shoes (Similar)
• Jeans
• Top
• Earrings (Similar)
• Watch

Anyways, that’s me. Let me know if you’d like to see more of this.

I’m going to warn you right away – today’s post has way too many pics of Olivia, my youngest in the most adorable clothes from Janie and Jack! I just couldn’t help myself. I use my camera everyday, but lately I feel like it’s just for food, DIY and interior photography. And while that is my job, I don’t want to miss capturing some of the milestones in my kid’s lives as well. And really, taking pictures is one of most favorite creative things to do.

I really don’t think parents ever look back and say, well darn we took way too many pictures. I know all too well that they grow up way too fast. I can’t believe Denali, my oldest, is in the 10th grade. So, I wanted to capture the end of our Summer and Olivia at the fun age. She started TK this week (it’s Transitional Kindergarten, a California thing). That means she goes to school everyday!

To celebrate the end of Summer and her new school adventure, Olivia and I got dressed up and we went downtown for a little date. We went out for her favorite treat – Macarons from De Coeur Bake Shop. Olivia asks for these special sweets many times a week. Usually it sounds something like this, “Mom, sometime we should go have Macarons.” She’s just throwing that out as an idea or a suggestion. So this week I indulged her request and surprised her with her favorite cookies. 

I’ve always been a fan of Olivia wearing black and white. Maybe it’s because she is such a toe head. For her first year, I took monthly pics of her in a black and white polka dot shirt. Janie and Jack sent us the most adorable mix and match black and white combinations. Janie and Jack clothes instantly turn life’s smallest moments into ones to treasure. I’m so glad I have all these fun pictures of Olivia at this stage in her life.

Olivia is a spunky, energetic, outgoing kid. She keeps us busy and bring so much joy to our family.

Here’s what Olivia is wearing:

• Striped Bow Top
• Patent Bow Flat
• Quilted Colorblock Flat
• Floral Eyelet Dress
• Button Ponte Pant
• Quilted Colorblock Purse

Now, I challenge you to go document your life! Take sometime today to take pictures of your kids, your pets, your friends. You’ll be glad you did.

This post is sponsored by Janie and Jack. Thank you for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible. 

I’ve always been a fan of a cross body purse. I love having my hands free, maybe it’s a mom thing. I feel like I’m always have to hold a kid hand and carry lots of things. But, recently I’ve been eyeing backpack purses for even more hands-free freedom. Here’s a few great options in a lot of price points (from $30 to $200).

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And while I was in Canada last week, it was a birthday! My mom surprised me with a beautiful leather backpack purse from Roots (she didn’t even know I’d been looking at them). Plus, I’ve always wanted a Roots purse. I’m pretty sure every good Canadian should own something from Roots. This fun bag, can worn three ways – as a backpack, a cross body purse, or just as a regular should purse.

What do you think? Does practicality win over style for you too? Do these feel too 90s to you?  I do have to admit that I rocked a backpack purse in my youth.

Summer is definitely here in sunny California. I really am not very stylish, I dress for comfort, it’s #1 in my book. I’ve got three kids and just a busy life. So, shorts, comfortable sandals, and cotton tops are my uniform.

I’m not pretending to be a fashion blogger or that I know a lot about what’s in style.  This is just me, and what I would actually wear any day of the week. This is my “mom” style. Here’s the honest truth, I don’t think I look awesome in shorts, far from. I just know they are comfortable for the adventures of my everyday life. If I’m not DIYing, I’m cleaning, cooking or driving my kids all over town. Folks swear by dresses in the heat, but they just aren’t for me. Shorts are my go-to. I spend a lot of time exploring downtown Bakersfield and my neighborhood. I’m always taking walks in search of great photo-ops and locations for future shoots. I’m a mom on the move, ask any of my friends and family, I just don’t sit still for very long.

This year I’ve been trying really hard to love the body I am in. I’ve been working out at least 6 days a week. And while I don’t have the slim, toned body I’d like to have, I do feel strong and healthy. I’m grateful for that. And maybe I should be wearing long knee-length “mom” shorts (or even worse, capris), but I don’t want to. I’m feeling more and more comfortable in my skin these days. Maybe it’s my age, I am a lot closer to 40 then 30. I kind of wish I have this confidence in my 20s, because back then I looked a lot better in short shorts.

I usually slip on a pair of flip flops and go, but these grey Timberland sandals from Zappos look way more put together, and are every bit, if not more comfortable. And because I’m busy, I don’t have time to hit our sad little mall, so Zappos is my favorite online shoe store. I stress out about trying on and having to return online purchases, but with Zappos it’s so easy. Free shipping and returns friends, yep you heard that right. Zappos carries a the whole Timberland line of shoes. From stylish flats to fashion-forward oxfords and chunky heels, Timberland’s styles for women are beautiful, comfortable and perfectly versatile to transition your daytime outfit for a night out. These Timberland Caswell Closed Back Sandal in Dark Grey, are flexible and have a super comfy Ortholite footbed, for all day comfort.  I love that these aren’t black or brown. The grey felt sophisticated and different.

Top // Shorts // Bracelet (similar) // Clutch // Sandals

My friend, Ally Swen Photography took all these images.  If you are in Bakersfield California, she knows her stuff!

This post is sponsored by Zappos and Timberland, thank you for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible.