Stitch Fix Review June 2019

Whew, it's been a while since my last Stitch Fix review! (January 2019, to be exact). I did receive a Fix back in April and kept the perfect pair of denim shorts that I now wear on repeat. But for some reason I never blogged about it. I'm back with a summer fix and I need your help deciding what to keep!

My stylist, Tess, is a local friend and fellow mom of 4. If you want to try out Stitch Fix for yourself and request Tess (or let them pair you with someone else), use my link to get $25 in instant credit! Your styling fee of $20 would be taken out of this $25, so you wouldn't pay anything for your first fix. Also, that $25 goes towards any purchase, so it's basically like getting $25 in free clothes if you keep something from your first box!! Link is here ------>
https://www.stitchfix.com/invite/stephanienullmeyer?sod=w&som=c

Ok, on with the show! For this fix I requested a lot of tank tops for the hot Rocklin summers. Because when it's close to 100 degrees, you don't even want to wear a short-sleeve top. And I only own a few tank tops that fit well and I love.

Hannah Distressed Tacked Cuffed Short by Judy Blue

Let me start by saying I have been wanting white shorts for the past 2 summers. I recently received white cargo shorts from Trunk Club that I love!! So I was a bit disappointed to receive these from Stitch Fix. But then I tried them on and they fit SO well! And the ones I kept from Trunk Club are not denim, but more of a cotton cargo material. So they're different. I need to decide if I really need two pairs of white shorts. (That are different!)

Loki Mixed Material Cross Front Knit Tank Top by Kaileigh

I love the yellow color in this top. It is more of a mustard yellow and I really don't have this color in my closet. I also like tops that have some unique detail or a different pattern on the back. However, I do not think the fit is the best on my body type. It hangs a bit loosely, even though it is my usual size medium. I'm not sure if it is accentuating my shape at all or just hanging on me.

Adison Tie Front Top

This top, on the other hand, fits really well. I love the tie in the front and I feel like it is the perfect combination of slightly fitted but still loose. However, I can't figure out if I'm crazy about the color and pattern. It feels a bit more "fall" to me, like something to layer under a cardigan. Decisions decisions!

Elaria Keyhole Knit Top by Papermoon

I LOVE the neckline on this top! I just think it is really cute and flattering. The color and pattern on the top is nice. Not really unique, but nice. Still trying to decide about this one. It's perfect with white shorts, don't you think?

Alicia Pleat Detail Knit Top by Beacon

Another color I don't really have in my closet....red! I do like how it looks on me though. Mom, what do you think? Is this my shade of red? I think it is more of an orangey red than a pink red. I like this top, but I'm not completely sold on the bottom hemline. The older I get the more picky I get about what I buy. And for whatever reason, I like the look of a straight hemline on me. When it dips down in the front and the back I just don't love it as much. I do like the color and pattern!

Stitch Fix just rolled out a new feature! When you click on "My Items" on their website, you can see all the items you have purchased. If they are in stock in other colors, you can click on them an instantly buy. For example, a few days ago I clicked on my new favorite pair of denim shorts and saw that they come in a lighter wash.

Remember, Stitch Fix offers clothes and accessories for women, men, maternity, petites, plus sizes, and kids!

Try Stitch Fix for yourself! https://www.stitchfix.com/invite/stephanienullmeyer?sod=w&som=c

Placer County Fair

On Sunday we attended the Placer County Fair in Roseville with Grandma Jan. It was a really hot afternoon, so our first stop (after a water balloon toss) was for some cold treats!

We took our drinks and walked through the barn area to look at the animals. Andrew was particularly excited about all the goats.

 Moooo

We arrived at the Pedal Puller event just in time to get the kids on the list. All 3 participated and it was so much fun to watch!

The kids spotted some fun games, so we told them they could each choose 1 activity to do. The boys both opted to "walk on water" in these giant balls. Personally, I think it looked a bit claustrophobic....and I think Lucas felt the same way. As soon as he got in I could tell he wasn't enjoying himself. He looked panicked. Then I could see him crying. I asked the lady to get him out, an he told me it was scary and he couldn't breathe. Poor guy!

 Ryan, on the other hand, LOVED it!

At this point we were pretty hot, so we went inside a building where they had various contest winners' art showcased. It was air-conditioned, so we took our time looking at everything. We stopped for a nice family photo.

And then Andrew kicked Adam in a bad spot and he tossed him into my arms before walking off in pain. And that is what you call real life with kids.

Back outside it was time for the pig races!

Lucas really wanted to be chosen as our area's pig representative, to select a pig to win and then cheer it on. He stood there raising his hand so politely the entire time, and the guy walked right by him. I felt bad for poor Lucas.

Cheering on piggies Big Joe, Bob, and Strawberry.

Someone randomly handed us a few tickets for the carnival rides and games, so we let the boys ride the bumper cars.

And all 3 kids played a game and won some fish.

 And wouldn't you know it, they named them Big Joe, Bob, and Strawberry. Unfortunately Big Joe and Bob didn't make it through the night.

It was a hot day but we had a lot of fun experiencing our first Fair up here in Placer County! It reminded me a little bit of Newark Days from my childhood (except a good 20 degrees hotter!!)

Lucas' Vision Check

If you recall, Lucas failed his eye test at his 7-year checkup a couple weeks ago. So per his doctor's advice, we went to see an optometrist this past week for a more thorough vision check. I want to start by saying that getting the chance to go out with just Lucas is so wonderful. He is so sweet when he is separated from his siblings, and I really enjoyed our time together. (We started our date off with Jamba Juice!)

Once at the doctor they did a basic vision test for each eye. As I sat and heard him get about 50% of the letters wrong, I was convinced he was nearly blind and would surely need glasses. I mean, he was seeing C as N, O as B, K as L. Like he was just totally guessing because he couldn't read the letters at all.

After a while the doctor said he wanted to do more in-depth testing, because he was seeing signs of an astigmatism. He dilated Lucas' eyes and then had us wait in the waiting room for about 15 minutes. During that time I had to tell Lucas he wouldn't be able to participate in the outdoor VBS family night that evening, since the doctor has said to stay out of the sun for the next 6 hours. He was a little sad but took it in stride.

The eye drops made him feel kind of sleepy and a bit "off". I sat and scratched his back and he nearly fell asleep.

Back in the doctor's office, he examined his eyes a bit more and did a few more vision tests. The optometrist told me Lucas is having a little trouble seeing both near and far, and that glasses may be a good option for things like reading, or reading the board in class. Then he tested his eyes with his prescription, and Lucas was able to see 20/20. He told me that at this age, the way a child sees can affect the way their brain processes things. But because Lucas' eyes still have the ability to see 20/20, that means his brain processing has not been affected by his vision. At least, I think that's what he said. I was a little confused at this point. In the end, he said Lucas does not need glasses right now, unless he is complaining of blurriness or trouble reading/in school.

Lucas walked out of that office excited about his cool plastic dilation glasses, without a single complaint about the entire process. I was proud of him and the way he handled it all.

Also, the doctor told me that because I am near-sighted, there is a 90% chance my kids will inherit the same vision problems. I thought that was so interesting....I had no idea it was so hereditary.

Screen Time Rules

Now that it's summer I have decided my kids need some rules for their screen time. Screen time in this house means a cartoon on TV or sometimes the Angry Birds video game on my phone. Without rules, my kids will wake up and turn on the TV. Get home and immediately turn on the TV. Ask for a movie night every single night. Oh, and ask me all day long if they can play video games on my phone. It's exhausting trying to limit and manage it all. 

So I took some inspiration from the internet and created this page of rules. The idea is my kids have to do each of these before they are allowed to watch TV or ask me for video game time. And even once they have "earned" it, their screen time is fairly limited. Maybe a couple of shows and 30 minutes of video games at the most. During the school year video games are completely off limits on week days.

Initially when I rolled this out last week they complained a little bit, but then caught on pretty quickly.

Ideally, my kids would know when to turn the TV off and do something else. But until they develop that self-control and know how to restrict their time, I feel like it is my job to do it for them.

Also ideally, I would love it if my kids had so much fun doing the things on the list that they would forget about the TV!! I mean, I shouldn't have to tell them to go outside to play! I shouldn't have to time them while they color. It does seem weird when I think about it that way.......

But so far they are willingly doing everything on the list. It is so nice to see them grab a book (and ask Alexa to time them while they read. haha). I would LOVE if they got so lost in a book that they forgot about the assigned time and just read for enjoyment. Unfortunately we're not there yet.

We have been pretty busy so far this summer with VBS's and swimming, so there hasn't actually been a lot of down time where they are begging for TV. We'll have to see how this plays out later in the summer.

And that last item on the list is my favorite. Hearing the words "How can I help you Mommy?" is music to my ears! Even if they are just a means to an end.

 How do you manage your kids' screen time?

Chocolate Peppermint Date Balls

At the start of 2019 I set a lofty goal. I challenged myself to not eat sugar for as long as possible throughout the year. I had been eating a lot of it during the Christmas season, and I just felt like my body needed a good long sugar-free reset. I did really well until about mid-March, when I let myself eat some dessert. Afterwards I set a new goal....no sugar until Adam's birthday in April. And after that, nothing until Easter. What I've been trying to do is pick one special day per month to let myself indulge, and then get right back on track with healthy eating and no added sugar. And it has really been working!

I don't find myself constantly craving sweets anymore. I used to crave something after every meal! However, sometimes I do want a little something to nibble on in the evening that won't break my no-sugar goal. I received some dates in my Imperfect Produce box last month and immediately googled date-sweetened desserts. Because in my mind, using a date to sweeten a dessert is kind of like using a banana. You end up with a sweet healthy dessert without the added-sugar! I'm sure some super strict health nuts would consider this a no-no, but I'm totally ok with it in moderation.

I experimented with date brownies and date balls. And they were all pretty good. One day I was making another batch of date balls, when I had the brilliant idea to add some peppermint extract instead of vanilla. And then I poured in some cacao nibs (I get mine at Trader Joe's) at the end to add some extra crunch, and my new favorite dessert was born! These really hit the spot when I want something sweet. I will have just 1 or 2 and be plenty satisfied. They're full of healthy nuts and dates, but still remind me of a fudgy decadent treat. Please let me know if you try them! And don't be afraid to customize them to your tastebuds. I can see these being great with some peanut butter or coconut, depending on what flavors you like paired with chocolate.

Chocolate Peppermint Date Balls
1 Cup Dates, pitted
1 cup Nuts (I like walnuts, almonds, and peanuts)
1/3 cup Cocoa or Cacao Powder
1-2 tsp Peppermint Extract
1/3 cup Cacao Nibs

In a food processor, blend dates and nuts just until combined. You want the nuts to stay a bit crunchy, so do not blend into a total paste. It took me 10 pulses on my food processor. Add cocoa powder and peppermint extract, to taste. Start with just 1 tsp and then add carefully if you want a stronger peppermint flavor. Blend just until combined. Finally, add cacao nibs and blend just until combined. Dough will be a little crumbly. Mold into balls in the palm of your hand, around the size of a tablespoon. Freeze until ready to eat. Yields 18 balls.

First Week of Summer

We are 1 week in to summer and having a lot of fun so far! Personally, I have a slight sandal tan forming, and I changed my morning alarm from 5:30am to 6am. Pretty wild, I know.

We began summer with a playoff baseball game on the last day of school. Ryan's team won their first playoff game, but sadly lost the second. Oh well, we all had fun hanging out at the ball park with friends!

The first official day of summer looked like this for Lucas:

And this. Lots of movie nights here lately!

This week the 3 big kids have attended a VBS at Hope Lutheran Church in Penryn. This was our fourth year participating and we just love their program.

We have gone swimming and also gone to the park (while it was 100+ degrees!).

We have a new little sand play area in the backyard. Andrew's face sums up how I felt about being outside in the intense heat.

 Jenna rediscovered her love for corn on the cob.

Yesterday my sister and I did a "cousin swap". I took her 2 little girls and she took my 2 big boys. At our house we did lots of singing and doll-playing.

 The boys explored the creek that runs through my sister's local park.

 Perfect start to the summer!