My sweet sister-in-law, Kristina, went into labor early this morning - a whopping 5 weeks early.

She is a first time mom, and a worry-wart (like myself) and she is pretty much freaking out.

I'm going to empty my schedule as much as possible for the next couple of weeks so I can be there for her when she needs me.

Please pray that baby Kolby arrives here healthy and happy!

XOXO

Lyssie

I had THE most awesome opportunity this week. I was allowed to work on the set of an upcoming movie called Not Today.

Our church is directly involved in the making of this awesome film about the plight of the Delete People of India.

Since the church is involved, they gave members an opportunity to volunteer in various areas with the movie.

My love of fashion and entertainment had me RUSHING to my computer and signing up as quick as I could.

I was blessed to be put into the wardrobe department for two glorious days...

Here are the gentlemen they "made" me dress...

Yep, do you recognize this hottie?

Yes Siree that's John Schneider from Dukes of Hazzard...oh my!

Still.So.Gorgeous! (and plenty sweet as well) I used to watch that show EVERY SINGLE DAY (serious)

And then there was this young one (so easy on the eyes)

Cody Longo - have you heard of him before? He's been in quite a few things including Brother's And Sisters, and the movie Piranha 3-D.

He's so pretty (and has some pretty good dance moves)

And last but not least, I got to work with and help "dress" Shari Wiedmann (who is super sweet, so stinkin' pretty and HILARIOUS)

I had such a blast working side by side with some fabulous ladies from my church, and the cast and crew were all so cool!
I'm thinking I need to make a career switch from boring old finance to Wardrobe Assistant???

I know this has been mostly superficial, but seriously, this movie is going to change lives! I know it's going to bring awareness to something that MUST be addressed. It will inspire change for a country that desperately needs it.

Please check out the website for the movie Not Today...See what it's all about and how YOU can be involved!

Love You All

XOXO
Lyssie

I think I have the Caaauuutest little fellow in the whole wide world...

And this picture just proves it, don'tcha think?

I must tell you - the mittens were found "lying around the house" and he thought they were golf gloves.

He's also wearing his coveted "Ladies Man" t-shirt.

What a doll.

XOXO

Lyssie

I can hardly believe that it's already time for my boys to head back to school.

For us, school starts on September 7th (always the Tuesday after Labor Day)...

This week in particular is completely dedicated to back to school tasks - 2 separate days of school registrations (one for my jr. higher & one for my high schooler)...

Do any of you ladies remember when it was practically free for your child to go to public school? My high schooler registration is almost $350...crazy! And my jr higher isn't much cheaper at $150

So with those costs in mind, I am looking for great deals on clothes, shoes and supplies.

We've budgeted $500 between the two boys for everything. Do you think it's possible?

I've been scouting the sales at JCP and Tillys (my fave BTS stores for guys clothes and shoes)

I was able to get 3 t-shirts each at Tilly's(with each shirt under $19 ) and had a free shipping coupon - so shirts are done for $120! I know it doesn't sound like a bargain, but it is!

I am shopping at JCP today for jeans - I've got a $10 off coupon there. It will hardly make a dent but their prices are great anyway. I'll probably purchase each boy 2 pr of jeans at $45 each. This racks up a total of $200...

Thankfully my jr. higher already has a great pair of shoes so I've only got to buy a pair for my high schooler - Adida's from JCP at a cost of $75 BUT hopefully they will last all year (keeping fingers crossed!)

I got almost all of their school supplies at Walmart - they had AWESOME deals on Sharpie products and paper goods - I'm talking $1 for a 5-subject notebook! Woohoo! I was able to purchase ALL school supplies there (minus backpacks) for a total of $30...best bargain yet!

I always buy their backpacks at Tillys - I've got a 20% off coupon good on one item! Their backpacks are all $5 off before school as well so it ends up being about $26 for a Jansport backpack - the ONLY kind my kids will carry. This will be roughly a cost of $55 out the door.

If all goes well I'll come in just under $500 to start the year out. Later on when it starts to cool down (probably in November!) I will be purchasing some cool weather stuff like jackets and long sleeve t-shirts.

How are you budgeting for school this year?

XOXO

Lyssie

I'm participating in The Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday post.

Here's what I've got...

Shirt: H&M $5.99!

Tank: H&M $3.99

Jeans: Express Skinny $25 (1/2 off w/coupon!)

Espadrilles: Victoria's Secret $19.99

Stella Dog: Rescue Puppy!!! (priceless)

Sushi Dinner Outfit

Shirt: H&M (forget price-it was cheapo)

Tank: H&M $3.99

Leggings: Express $20.00 (you can barely make it out, but they have the coolest gold zipper on the side of them)

Suede Booties: Michael Antonio from Piperlime on sale for $59.00

I wasn't wearing this outfit anywhere but just bought it so I had to try it on for you all...

Corduroy Jacket: Old Navy (fresh off the truck!) $29,99

tanks: Old Navy

Jeans: Victoria's Secret (fave jeans ever...fit like a glove!)

Shoes aren't on yet :)

What's up with the blurry pic? Geesh.

shirt: old, old, old, old (really old)

jeans: Gap

Flip Flops: Reef

Stop by The Pleated Poppy and check out the other WIWW outfits!

XOXO

Lyssie

I'm a summer loving girl, but fall is just around the corner. It's time to start buying up fall fashion!
Here are a few of my faves.

What are you loving for fall?

XOXO

Lyssie

I'm joining with Lindsay over at The Pleated Poppy for her weekly What I Wore Wednesday link up.

Here are some pics from what I wore last week - so exciting! (wink wink)...

We went to the local children's museum on Monday...

This is an Old Navy tank with rosette detailing and Old Navy shorts. Sandals are ancient Roxy's that I've had forevah...and the gorgeous bag is Coach (I heart my new bag!)

Tuesday was a shopping day...

This is an Old Navy tank - you can't see the back but it is a cute little crochet number, jeans are Skinny Express, and the sandals are gold with gem details and are also from Express.

Wednesday was casual - don't know if I ever even left the house :)

The tank in this shot is from an awesome (but expensive) boutique down the street from my house. They sell a lot of designer stuff there but I couldn't tell you what brand this is...sorry! The cargo pants are Victoria's Secret and the sandals are Reef (they are so comfy!)

Thursday was a day spent entirely at home - not feeling well. Did not post this look!

Friday I went out to dinner with my hubby!

The tunic in this shot is from Old Navy, the shorts are from Express, and the cute slip-on shoes are American Eagle from Payless.

I love me some Payless!

Hope you all had a great week!

XOXO

Lyssie

A month ago I was making my way through a few garage sales and came across the mother load.

You know the one...

People just tired of being out in the heat, desperate to get rid of their stuff, willing to part with it for practically nothing.

Oh yah.

I spied these two beauties sitting all by themselves.

I ended up getting them 2 for $5 (total score!)

I immediately called my sissy Marie over at Emma Calls Me Mama and asked her if she'd like one.

(what do you think she said?) Hee Hee.

Practically matching chairs...we are soooo sisters.

I painted mine red, then a solid coat of turquoise on top with a light sanding to let the red show through.

I might sew a little cushion for the seat too...but that's another post.

I'm linking up with

Between Naps on the Porch

and also...

And Vintage Suitcase Friday over at Thrifty Tickle!

XOXO

Lyssie

San Diego was everything I wanted it to be (and a little more!)

We had a great time at Sea World...

(Of course the Cameraman Hubster is not pictured)

My favorite moment was watching the Beluga Whales- they were awesome!

We got close enough to see this big guy (Mr. Shamu) but not close enough to get wet (thank you!)

And we ate at wonderful restaurants.We even treated the older boys to their very first Filet Mignons.

They were quite impressed. (we told them to remember the moment because it wouldn't be happening often!)

(Not quite sure why DB is posing like the Captain Morgan Guy)

I asked the guys what their favorite experience was during our trip and they all unanimously said...

Kayaking!!!

We even got Cousin Josh to go!

And Uncle Dan and Cousin Emma - look at her little angel smile...so adorable!

And The Hubster even convinced me to let AJ go too. Look how happy he is to be out with the crew!

We also spent a fabulous day at the beach, a TON of time at the pool, and even had a great time just hanging out in our hotel suite.

I loved our trip to San Diego and can't wait to plan another visit!

XOXO
Lyssie

San Diego!!!

We are getting ready for a family trip to San Diego!

(Well I should really clarify by stating that I am getting us ready for the trip).

Everyone else will just hop merrily into the car at the last minute and everything will "magically" be ready to go. LOL.

We will be staying in a waterfront suite...we're going to the fabulous Sea World...and we're going to relax and swim the rest of the time. I can't wait!

For those that don't know me very well, let me tell you it is going to take me days and days to plan and pack.

I will make 10 different lists and organize and re-organize a few times before I'm satisfied with how everything is packed.

Therefore, I may not talk to you for awhile!

XOXO
Lyssie