Stitch Fix

I've been back at work for a couple of months now and I am finding it challenging for a whole host of reasons. Although I'm really happy to be back, and I love my job, life as a working mother of two is really hard. Add an hour-long commute plus time to pump at work, and I feel like I'm just constantly running around with no down time at all.

I am also finding it challenging to dress myself for work. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but my body has shifted and I'm still nursing. So I need clothes that flatter me, are work-appropriate, and are nursing/pumping-friendly. Oh, and did I mention I have no time to go shopping for these clothes? Right.

A friend of mine recommended I try Stitch Fix (thanks Katie!). I had heard a lot about it from various bloggers and social media, but I wasn't too sure about it. Thanks to Katie though I got a credit to try the service free. I figured, why not?

I went online and filled out the style survey. I was pretty nervous at this point because, in addition to putting in my own measurements, I am asked for my thoughts on some style mood boards. The problem was I hated all of them! They did not reflect my style at all. Some were too boho, some were too modern, some were just the wrong colors, etc. So I was pretty weary of what I would expect to receive in my own box.

Too preppy

Too glam

But, when I got my box I couldn't believe how happy I was with the products! Each box gives you five separate pieces. I had specifically asked for jeans and a dress for an upcoming wedding. The first outfit I tried on was an asymmetrical fuchsia shirt and cuffed jeans. They were both perfect!  

My stylist also sent this fantastic cardigan. I really loved it, but I have a few pieces that are similar so I begrudgingly set it aside.

This shirt was cool, and I liked the colors, but it just didn't fit very well.

This was the only miss for me. I hated everything about this dress. I get why people might like it. My cousin Larin, for example, would rock this. But it was way too fashion-forward for me. And the color was awful.

I kept the first two pieces: the shirt and the jeans. They were a little pricier than I would normally pay (the jeans are $78 and the shirt is $48), but they seem like they're great quality. Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this service and will definitely use it again. I don't think it's an every day thing for me, but maybe once a season? Or for special occasions? It's nice to have one less thing on my plate.

What do you think? Have you used Stitch Fix before? If not, here's my referral code you can use.

Let me know how it goes!

Things I Love: Seaweed

My kid and I are weird. At least that's what everyone keeps telling us as they see us snack away on our newest favorite snack: dried seaweed.

source

Zahara and I were at Costco tasting all the samples, as you do, and we tried this dried seaweed. We were both hooked! It reminds me of sushi, in that it has that slightly fishy taste. That turns a lot of people off, but Z and I love this crunchy, salty snack. We certainly get strange looks when we're happily munching our seaweed, but we don't mind.

What makes you weird? Any interesting food choices in your family?

Dear Asher: 8 Months

Dear Asher,

Happy 8 month birthday! I can't get over what a big boy you're becoming. Long gone are the sleepy newborn days. These days are all about exploring the world around you, primarily through touch and taste.

You're just starting to crawl! Last month you were working on "scooping," but this month you've started to lift your knees to move. You're not really going more than one crawl at a time, but you're getting the hang of it. Apparently at daycare you move all over the place. You roll, scoot, or crawl to get where you're going. We don't see it too much at home though.

You've been to seven states: DC, MD, VA, NC, TX, FL, and now NJ. We took a short road trip to attend a family wedding. We got to see babushka, dedushka, Aunt Amy, Aunt Sara, Uncle Shlomo, and Avi. As an added bonus, we also got to hang out with one of my best friends, Dina, and her adorable family.

You have four little teeth with several more on their way. They seem to really bother you, as you've been a lot more fussy than usual. You're still pretty happy, but you want to be held all the time. Once you are in our arms, you're full of smiles and snuggles. 

A few other quick facts: your number one love is still your sister; you get up at least twice a night to eat; you hate baths but love showers with daddy; 9-month clothes are already a little tight; your favorite song is the ABCs; you wake up happy every day.

We love you to the moon and back, little Asher!

Read about Zahara at this age:
Dear Zahara: 8 Months

March Thoughts by Z

I may be biased, but Zahara is really clever. Sometimes she really surprises us with what she knows. And we always love learning more about the way she thinks.

Thought 1:
When reading a book about a ninja made out of cookie dough:

Z: The Ninjabread man is made out of food and his head is a circle. That's silly
Me: I'm made out of food too. And my head is a circle. Right?
Z: No! You're made out of bones. And your head is an oval.

Thought 2:

On seeing the moon in the sky during the day:
Z: Go back to bed, moon! You're not supposed to be here!

Thought 3:

On seeing bright pink clouds during a sunset:
Z: I have a hypothesis. My hypothesis is that the clouds are really hot lava.

Thought 4:

Z: I like Ms. Victoria (our babysitter) because I don't have to earn TV shows. I just ask for them and she lets me watch.

See previous Thoughts by Z here