Blogger on a Budget : Fall Investment Pieces

It's coming... I know it's still 98 degrees outside... But, hashtag fall will be here before you know it! Now is the time to get your fall wardrobe capsule (full post on my capsule wardrobe to come) in check! I suggest investing in a few items if you do not already have them in your closet. An 'investment' piece, to me, is one that costs over $100 and is a high quality. These items will last you several years (if not longer), so they are worth the extra money if you can get some good wear out of them.


1. Tall Leather Boots : I've decided that it is time in my life to really spend more money on shoes. Sure the target shoe isles are filled with designer dupes that cost less than $30, but how long are those going to last you? And most likely, they are not as comfortable as the full price, designer brands. When it comes to leather shoes like booties and tall boots, I say go big or go home. I own this pair of tall leather boots that I've had for almost 3 years now and they have held up so well! I have worn them through cold weather, snow and rain (make sure to spray them with this leather protectant first!) and they are still looking sharp! I also love how soft the leather is and the minimal heel makes them extra comfy. These boots also come in a wider calf version if you need a little extra room in that area.


2. Booties : I was really hoping to get a new pair of transitional booties this year. I ordered this pair during the Nordstom anniversary sale, but later got the email that they were on back order until October. I wanted a pair that I could wear a little sooner, so I decided to cancel my order. I'm currently trying to decide between this pair and this pair. How do you feel about an open toe bootie? How late in the season is it appropriate to have an open toe shoe? I'm really not sure, but I love the look!

3. Rain/all weather boots : Yes, I'm talking Hunter boots! Love them or hate them, these babies are my go to when it's raining, snowing, sleeting, etc. And in Ohio that is most of the time in the fall and winter. I have the matte navy original tall boots and I'm thinking about investing in another pair and leaning towards the glossy red (to represent my Buckeyes, of course). I also got a pair of these sock inserts last year which is a game changer during the snowy months of winter!


4. Distressed, dark wash skinny jeans - This pair has been on my wish list for a while, but I am most likely purchasing this pair soon. I just haven't been able to pull the trigger on a pair of jeans over $100 since I'm still hopeful about loosing the last 5-10ish pounds post baby (can I still blame it on the baby weight after a year?). I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out though, because this pair looks like it is the perfect stretch, wash and has the perfectly placed, modest rips. Since I'm a mom (and cough cough... over 30), I'm not really into the overly distressed denim. I'm afraid one of my babies' fingers might get caught up in all those rips!

5. Dark wash skinny jeans - You can't go wrong with a good pair of dark wash skinny jeans aka the most flattering pair of denim you own. I purchased this high waisted pair during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and I LOVE them! They have the perfect amount of stretch and the high waist just helps to suck everything in on top. No muffin top or pulling up your jeans every minute, these babies stay in place! I highly recommend them!


6. Thick, quality black leggings - I'm not talking your skimpy little see through cheapos... You need to invest in a thick, high quality pair of leggings to get you through fall and winter! I consider these an investment piece even though they are under $100 (as in half that!), because you can buy a pair of black leggings for much less, but they do not have the quality like this brand. I've had this pair of leggings for 3 years (I actually own 3 pairs now!) and I LOVE them! I suggest getting the high waisted style which are great for post pregnancy or just to keep everything snug up top! These leggings do not fall down and are not see through. Yes, they are 'athletic' leggings, but I still wear them with normal tunics, sweaters, tee shirts, etc. And they are great to wear with tall boots, booties or sneakers!


7. Neutral tone handbag - I've been wanting a new neutral tone handbag for a while now and I'm so glad I decided to splurge on this bag during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale last month. It is such a pretty color, like a blush/beige, and it goes with everything I wear. I love the size because it can hold everything I need (it even fits my mac book air!) and comes with a detachable cross body strap, which is convenient if I'm wearing it while out and about with the boys.

What wardrobe pieces have you invested in for fall?

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Back to School, Back to School...


Camden is heading back to 'school' this week! We got him signed up with a 2 year old program (one more year until preschool) at a local church 2 days a week. I think he is so ready to be in a more social atmosphere and he loves to be around other kids. I'm sure he will love meeting his new friends and his teachers. I'm anxious to hear how his first day goes because he's been out of a classroom/daycare setting for over 7 months now, but I'm sure he will do just fine! 

His school days are Mondays and Thursdays, so my parents will still watch them 2 days a week (one day they will just have Bennett while Camden is at school) and Bill's mom watches the boys on Fridays. I have Mondays and Tuesdays off, so that will leave me with one day at home with just Bennett and one day with both of them. I feel like it is the perfect balance for everyone! Although it will be somewhat of an adjustment for everyone with the new schedule, I'm really looking forward to my one on one time with Bennett. I feel like I haven't been able to give him my full attention especially at this important stage (starting to walk, talk, etc). And running errands with one kid vs. two seems like a breeze!

 (a little fruit snack bribery for pictures goes a long way...)

Camden is at such a fun stage and growing so quickly! He's gone through a lot of milestones the past 6 months, one of which was transitioning to his big boy bed! He has done so well with this transition that it makes me hopeful for the big ones to come, mainly potty training! We started a while ago, but have since had a little regression. I'm hoping being back in a 'school' setting where he sees other kids using the potty and having his teachers help him will also help the process. Or, I just need to bite the bullet and do the naked for 3 days method! But, that will be the next big step for him. I'm hoping to plan some one on one time with him on the weekends when Bill can be with Bennett. Of course, we will have our little family outings, church, etc each weekend, but it would be nice to schedule a few hours of just mommy and Camden time. 

Now that I will be home with both of them for just one day per week, I really want to start planning fun activities for us to do each week. Weather it's just a playdate at the park or going to the zoo, etc. Just something that will be fun for all of us and to continue to create fun memories with them.


Now that the boys are close to being the same size (yep!), I love dressing them! Of course, I don't want them to feel too uncomfortable and they need to be able to move around. So, I try to look for cute comfy clothes for playtime. Some of my favorite stores for toddler clothes are Target, Old Navy, GapKids, Carter's, and most recently Kohl's! I love the Cat & Jack brand at Target. They have the best easy to mix and match play clothes. Old Navy is also my go to for easy tee shirts, shorts and pants. As far as shoes go, I found a great deal on these Stride Rite shoes for Camden at Kohl's, but you can also find them on Amazon. I'm also on the hunt for a cute pair of Nike's for him, but waiting for a good sale because I can't bare to think of spending more than $40 on a pair of toddler shoes?! However, I don't mind spending a bit more on Camden's clothes because I know as soon as he grows out of them, his brother will get a chance to wear them as well. 

Toddler moms: what are some of your favorite shops for kids' clothes and shoes?

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Put-In-Bay Girls' Trip Weekend Getaway Guide


Here's the thing... Being a mom of young children is draining. Your kids suck up all your time and energy. They are worth your time and energy, yes. But, sometimes us mamas need a little getaway with our friends in order to really appreciate our lives at home. Enter the girls' (moms') weekend getaway!

It was just 4 of us on our weekend trip to Put-In-Bay, but I feel like it was the perfect size group. Not too big where you feel like you can't talk to everyone and not too small. Since we all live in Ohio, Put-In-Bay was a great location because it was less than a 2 hour drive for everyone to get up to Port Clinton and from there it was a 40 minute jet express ride to the island.

Our hotel (BayShore Resort) was the perfect location right by the lake and walking distance to the main action, but not right in the middle of the craziness. We got one hotel room with 2 queen beds just to save money and we were just fine bunking up together! There was a restaurant and a tiki bar next to the pool. The view from our balcony was amazing! It over looked the pool and the lake. Just the perfect scenery to wake up to in the morning.

(photo from hotel website)

We all met Friday evening at our hotel and left Sunday afternoon. So, it was somewhat of a quick trip, but it was just the right amount of time to experience all we wanted to do while we were there. 

My checklist of things I wanted to do included the following:
  • Dinner and drinks by the lake (our hotel restaurant had patio seating over looking the lake!).
  • Go to Mojito Bay, listen to live music and act like we were in our 20s again. And you MUST grab a swing seat at the bar if you can get one! (you must also order their famous mojito, duh!).
  • Continue to bar hop and stop in to see the longest bar in the world! Order drinks you haven't had since you were 29 (like a red bull and vodka...yuck!).
  • Dance like no one's watching... check!
  • Order the wine chicken and corn on the cob on the way back to the hotel. Decide you can't wait and eat at the patio tables like no one's watching... however, most people are...
  • Have a hang over the next day... worth it!
  • Enjoy a 'hair of the dog' Bloody Mary from the tiki bar by the pool.
  • Have a relaxing pool day. Also, try a cannonball to cure said hangover.
  • After a little nap and quick shower, head out to find a golf cart (if there are any left!).
  • Finally find and rent a golf cart for the remainder of the day after your hustler friend tracks down one that is being returned (thanks, Court!).
  • Drive around aimlessly on the island looking at all the pretty lake houses.
  • Stop by a chocolate cafe that is also home of the cutest little biergarten for some chocolates, soft pretzels and beer (am I in heaven?).
  • Hop back on the golf cart and drive to the little beach area at the end of the island. (cue screensaver shot).
  • Hop back on the golf cart and head over to the Put-In-Bay Winery for some wine, cheese and pizza on the front lawn patio over looking the boat filled docks. 

  • After wine and dinner, why not get ice cream? This is vacation, right? (there's the cutest little ice cream shop next to the BayShore Resort. I can't find anything about it online! Must be a local hidden gem!)
  • Then, head back to the hotel by 9pm and realize that we can hang like we used to... And be completely ok with that!
  • Get in jammies and talk until 11pm like you're having a middle school sleep over. 
  • Enjoy a little fairwell breakfast by the lake before packing up to catch the jet express. 
  • Of course, stopping by the candy bar on your way to get some fudge and truffles to bring home to your husband for watching the kids all weekend. (Although, you'll most likely eat half of the fudge in the car...oops!)
  • Wave goodbye to all the boats on the water as you cruise back to Port Clinton on the jet express. Feel bad for all the hung over bachelorette party girls... But, not really because you are older and much wiser. 
  • Before leaving Port Clinton, you MUST have some fried walleye or perch baskets at Jolly Rogers. Three words : homemade tartar sauce (Opt for the onion rings instead of fries because you are classy and they are sooo good!)
  • Jam out to all the late 90s and early 2000's hits all the way back to Columbus.

Yep, I think we checked off everything on my list! All in all this was such a great little trip with my friends to recharge my batteries and let me know I can still have a little fun! I was happy to see my babes on Sunday night, of course!

If you have been to Put-In-Bay before, what are your must see/do attractions?

I hope this post helped if you are looking to plan a little girls' getaway to the island in the near future!