The 21 Day Challenge

I am over-the-moon for the What I Wore Wednesday, Steppin' Out Saturday, and Real Momma. Real Style link up parties.  As a "play" at-home-mom to a couple of boys, I had no real reason to get dressed every day.  So I thought.  Now that I've been participating in the link up parties, I make it a point to get out of my sweatpants and make an effort to look nice most days.  I've noticed my attitude completely changes on the days I put something on that makes me feel pretty and smear on some lip gloss.  

I like myself more.  

My kids seem to like me more.  

The man-of-the-house definitely likes me more on those days.

As you can imagine, I was thrilled when I came across Kayla from Freckles in April and her upcoming 21 Day Challenge.  

Every day for 21 days, Kayla is going to post a "prompt" to give participants of the challenge a little guidance when choosing their outfit for the day.  Participants receive a contest entry for each outfit photo they post to the challenge Flickr group.  There are lots of fun ways to earn additional entries, too.  At the end of the challenge, names will be drawn and the lucky winners will receive something fabulous from the wonderful businesses who are sponsoring the challenge.  At this point sponsors are still being added, so head over to Freckles in April to get the latest low-down on the sponsors and prizes.

I'm SO looking forward to the 21 Day Challenge.  I believe it's going to push me to step-up my game when it comes to being creative when putting together my link up party outfits.  So far, everyone who is involved with the link up parties has been beyond encouraging and it makes me feel good to be a part of the love, and I know this challenge is going to be just as awesome.  I'm excited to share what I learn with you...my successes and my fails.  If you decide to join the fun, please let me know so I can follow along and cheer you on!

Etsy Love: Anna Joyce

In my last "What I Wore Wednesday" post, I showed off my favorite hoodie from fellow Pacific NW Etsy shop, Anna Joyce.  Here's a little reminder:

I cannot explain to you enough how much I love this hoodie.  I may complain about the rainy weather in Seattle 350 days out of the year, but on the bright side; that's 350 opportunities to wear this hoodie.  I'm wearing it right now.  For reals.

There's something so special about the items in the Anna Joyce shop.  Sure, you can find all kinds of appliqued goodness on Etsy.com.  But Anna Joyce designs are original appliques made out of the most beautiful fabric combinations, and applied to quality pre-made apparel.  The applique is so professionally done, that all the stitching looks brand new, even though I've washed and dried my hoodie at least twice a week since April.  Definetly worth the money. 

I also own a wrap cardigan from Anna Joyce.  It was my first purchase from her, and I fell in love with it the first time I saw it listed in her shop.  I love it, because it is the perfect way to dress up a jeans and t-shirt outfit and still be as cozy as if I put on an old sweatshirt.  I love to wear it with a white tank, my favorite jeans and flats...or skinny jeans and boots.  Or...the list goes on.



{photo via Anna Joyce}



I am guaranteed to receive a compliment or two on my Anna Joyce purchases each time I wear them.  I always make sure to tell people where I purchased the hoodie and wrap, because spreading the Etsy word is how I show my appreciation for an excellent product! 

The customer service I received from Anna Joyce was an A+.  It was a Monday when I contacted her saying I was interested in purchasing, but wanted to know if it was possible to put a "rush" on it, since I had an event I wanted to wear it to that weekend.  She happily agreed.  She made it, shipped it, and it was in my hands by that Wednesday!

The next Anna Joyce item on my wishlist is this hoodie:

{photo via Anna Joyce}

It's girly, but still casual and easy to wear.  I also like the "retro" feel of the design and the colors.  One can never have too much Anna Joyce, I'm convinced.  And right now there's a big SALE in her Etsy shop!  I'm going to head over there and purchase this hoodie now. 

I'll race ya!