Fashion Friday - The Perfect Sandal for a Wide Foot

Hi guys, Madison here! Happy Fashion Friday! I'll be taking over on today's post because we are going to be talking about shoes. Now I have never really been a shoes girl because I find it hard to find many that fit my foot. However, recently I have came across some really amazing sandals for all you wide foot girls out there!

Since summer has arrived I barely wear any other types of shoes except sandals, but I was getting tired of wearing the classic flip flop style and wanted some that were dressier and more stylish.

Then I found these: the Montego Bay Club "Women's Movie Star Embellished Sandal" from Payless. They are regularly $24.99, but are currently on sale online for $19.99. 

 They are the classic T strap sandal that really doesn't go out of style. The simple placement of the jems give these shoes a classic look.

The best part is that the back strap to wrap around the ankle has about an inch elastic to give you some extra room. It fits nicely around my ankle which was one of the struggles I was having when trying on these types of shoes. I was also pleasantly surprised at the fit across the top of the foot because I have high arches as well.

The comfort of these are AMAZING! They have padding and are very soft. I've worked 9 hour shifts in them and my feet were not hurting as bad as previous times I have stood that long in other shoes.

Another bonus is that there are seven color options : black, sliver, bronze, gold, white, blue, and coral.

So overall I would say if you're looking for a cute, stylish sandal to fit your wide and/or long foot (these go to a size 13), these are going to be a great investment for you this summer! Grab one pair or all seven colors!

The Pixie Cut - Friend or Foe?

There is a haircut that I have a love/hate relationship with and it's the pixie. The first pixie cut I had was when I was 5 and a friend dared me to cut my own hair. A few snips later I was missing chunks that only a pixie cut would solve. Looking back it was definitely cute (and seeing as it was 1987 I got a perm as soon as it was long enough), but there was teasing involved and I felt like I needed to grow it out as soon as possible. 

As the years passed my hair always stayed fairly short (mostly bobs) and when I was 16 I went for a pixie cut again thanks to this inspiration from Faith Hill (sorry I can't find a pic of myself):

That was really the start of what would happen time and time again throughout the years. I'd cut it short then try to grow it out, then cut it short and try to grow it out and so on and so forth. Here are some extra short cuts I've had over the past 10 years:

And here I am considering doing it again. I recently trimmed it similar to Kaley Cuoco, but I've got the itch to go shorter.

 I love pixie cuts because they are super easy to maintain, but I also feel like I have to put a little more effort into my look to feminize the cut. I've been coming across such fabulous inspiration though like Whippy Cake.  I love her style and her hair is always fab!!

I'm not making an rash decisions, but it's definitely fun to think about!! 

Fashion Friday - Summer Maxi

This gorgeous Floral Chiffon Maxi Dress from Lane Bryant is done right! Not only is the print beautiful, but the black piping makes it extra special! I also love that the waistband is dropped low enough where it gives your waist definition without being too much of an empire fit that you look pregnant. It's on the pricier end for my budget, but if you can catch a flash sale or pick it up with Real Women Dollars (there's 3 days left!!) then it's totally worth it.

Tomorrow is officially the first day of summer and we are loving it! How about you? 

A New Cycle & A New Medication

This month marks 2.5 years since Russ and I decided to start trying for baby #2 (I don't really like putting it like that, because believe me, this little soul is already so much more than just a number to us). This journey has been longer then expected and filled with twists and turns. It has also helped me to grow in explainable ways. I'm finding strength I never knew I had. It's the strength to take another pill, endure another ultrasound, hope for the future and prepare for the possible disappointments. As with most women who struggle to conceive, I never thought it would be this difficult to grow our family. I'm not yet at the place where I can say I'm thankful for it, but I believe one day I will be. The day will come when I'm holding our baby in my arms and telling Carter, "Here is your baby sister/brother." On that day, in that moment, I know the journey will be 100% worth every tear, every heartache, every dollar and every restless night. 

So onward and upward! I am at the beginning of a new cycle and this time I'll be taking the fertility drug Letrozole/Femara. Those who are Clomid resistant often have great success with it and I'm planning to be one of those people. 

Here's to a new cycle, these little magic pills and the soul that I still believe is trying to get to us.

 I won't give up if you don't, little one.

June Activities

I've fallen behind on my 'Weekly Roundup' posts (as slacking on posts seems to happen for me during the busy summer months), so I'm loading this post full of photos from some day trips and activities we've done lately.

Ever since we went to the Palm Springs Air Museum Carter's taken a big interest in planes. Before the really bad summer heat seats in we decided to check out the Planes of Fame air museum in Chino. 

Carter also still has his love of fish and other sea creatures and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps was an exciting day for him. 

Hands on tide pools

The water table is a hit with all ages :)

The Birch Aquarium is a great alternative to Sea World. They have no captive cetaceans, the animals aren't forced to perform and it really is educational. I highly recommend going here or to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.  

And what June is complete without at least one graduation party? This weekend we celebrated Russ' cousins High School graduation at a beautiful park in Huntington Beach. Does anything beat cool, coastal weather?!

The grad is on the left. Congrats Nicole!!

Fashion Friday - Tropical Florals

I got this dress last year because the tropical floral print was cute...I put it on and it was to die for! The fit of the dress is amazing (this is a size down from what I'd usually wear)! It's fun, flirty and definitely perfect for summer!

Nails are OPI Shocking Pink

Dress is from Torrid

The belt comes with it and I think it adds so much to the dress (plus it can easily pair with other pieces)!

Obviously this dress isn't available in stores anymore, but you might have some luck on eBay. It's perfect for graduation parties, luau themed parties or just when you want to wear something bright and fun! Nothing says summer like tropical florals!