6 DIY's We Want To Try

     Happy September my people:)

This is my favorite month of the year, and I am so excited to watch the seasons change from Summer to Fall here at our home in Utah. We've been visiting Utah for many years for work and to visit family and such, and the Fall was always the most magical time of year here. 

     Now that the older kiddies are in school, our family has settled into a pretty good routine and rhythm, and our favorite part of that is after the kids come home and we're able to jump into activities altogether once again. We like to write up a big list for each season of the things that we'd all love to do together, and then we either plan loosely what we'll do each week or we might pick an activity on the spot. 

     Lately, it's been hot enough that we have to wait till early evening to do any outdoor activities, so we've been exploring my pinterest to find random and fun DIY's that we can do, especially without having to go buy any supplies:) Here is a list of 6 fun projects that we want to try creating this week!

1. DIY Earring Stand - 

2. Hanging Copper Hat Rack

3. Hanging Organiser 

4. Wooden Poloriod Gift Set

5. DIY God's Eyes

6. Herb Drying Rack

     Aren't those projects so cute?? I absolutely love seeing the focus and determination on my children's faces when they are creating, and that incredible gleam in their eyes when they excitedly call us over to admire their progress. My favorite part of the process though has might be when they announce their work and produce it from behind their backs with a grand flourish, then shyly grin and/or giggle as we express our surprise and gratitude for such priceless treasures:)

     That love of making and creating was instilled in me growing up, and nurturing it in my own kiddies has been a sweet experience. 

     I hope you can take some time to create this month in whatever way helps you feel most alive, and if you have kiddies than I hope you can pull them into that mindset with you! I'd also love for you to share any favorite hobbies or activities you like to do on your own or with your family to help inspire the rest of us, and I hope this post has maybe inspired you a little as well.

     Have a beautiful week ahead!

xoxo

Fox on Box: The Zoe Report’s Fall Box of Style Revealed

     Hey friends, thanks for stopping by! I don't know about you but as soon as September hits I love switching to Fall mode with all its incredible colors, scents, treats, etc, and so I thought it'd be the perfect time to share some new favorite Fall goodies! In case you missed it, I did a live unboxing on my Facebook Page yesterday of my first Box of Style by The Zoe Report, and it was so fun! You guys had some great questions about the different items, so I thought I'd share a closer look and give a more detailed review.

     For those of you that are new to Box of Style, it's a seasonal subscription box of luxury fashion and beauty items that are handpicked by Rachel Zoe, and collectively valued at over $400! Each product is packaged beautifully and delivered right to your door four times a year for only $99.99 per quarter. Sounds pretty great right? Now let me show you what I got inside the Fall Edition box!

      The first item that I curiously unwrapped was this beautiful dark navy Rachel Convertible Clutch from GiGi New York that I felt was literally handpicked for me! It has a convertible strap that allows you to use it as a cross-body purse or as a clutch, so it can easily be taken from day to night, and the size is small enough while still being practical for my everyday use. I could pair it with a simple blouse and jeans for running errands or with some heels and a sleek dress for going out to dinner. 

      The next thing I opened was the Pulse Gel Color lip and cheek balm from Nudestix. I instantly loved the smooth application as well as the shade, and I can definitely see tossing it in my purse as a quick alternative to having to carry a bunch of other products needed to do the same thing. Such a perfect color don't you think?!

     Fittingly, number three out of the box was a 3-step brightening + charcoal mask from Skinesque that I've actually been wanting to purchase for some time! The Fall is always the time when I like to give my skin extra love, after months of Summer sunshine and before the chilly winds of Winter, and this rich 3-in-one system is just what the doctor ordered. I can't wait to upgrade my skincare routine with this puppy.   

     Speaking of extra love, after the masks, I got to treat my hair to the Oribe Supershine light moisturizing cream.  I've never tried Oribe moisturizing cream before so I didn't know what to expect but whoa, you will NOT be disappointed here - it makes my hair feel so smooth and glossy without feeling greasy.  Oh and a total bonus - these hair and skincare items are made with natural, good-for-you ingredients and are totally paraben-free! Love that.

     Next up was something I wasn't expecting which is more of a beauty accessory. It's this simple and sleek gold catch-all tray from Odeme! I love that it's so modern and trendy but also so timeless and versatile, and I can see it going with every kind of decorating style. I put it on my dresser to hold some of my dainty jewelry, but I could see it holding a candle on the coffee table or car keys by the door or your favorite lipsticks on your bathroom counter. What would you use it for?

     There was another final item (or rather two items) that I'd actually been looking for awhile now but haven't been happy with what I was seeing out there, until now!! This delicate diamond ring duo from La Soula is so on trend right now, and is also so versatile in that they can be paired with any kind of outfit! You can get them in yellow gold and because they have an open style they can be easily adjusted for regular fit or as midi rings. I've been so obsessed with simple delicate jewelry lately, I may never take these off!

     So in wrapping up (or rather unwrapping up haha), I was so pleasantly impressed by the quality, elegant choices and the value of the items in my first Box of Style, and I felt that this $500+ collection of goodies was way worth the price tag ($99.99!), don't you think? Everything was from luxury brands that are so popular, but that amazingly enough, I can see all of these products fitting every type of style-savvy woman from classic to trendy. I already can't wait to see what comes in the Winter box!

     Don't forget to watch my Facebook Live HERE to see my first impression of the box, and if you want more information about the Box of Style, you can visit the website here! I can't recommend enough that you grab one of these boxes for yourself (or some of you suggested maybe as a thoughtful gift?), just don't forget to use the special code FOX20 for $20 off of your first box! (new subscriptions only)

Retail Value of each item in The Zoe Report Fall Box of Style (Cost $99.99 = Value $526)

Gigi New York - Rachel Convertible Clutch $195

La Soula Two Diamond Ring Set $175

Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream $52

Odeme Gold Catchall Tray $45

Skinesque 3-Step Brightening + Charcoal Mask $35

Nudestix Pulse Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm $24

     Thanks so much for visiting today, and I'd love to know which of these items is your favorite.  

     Take care Fox Family,

 Thank you to The Zoe Report for sponsoring this post. All opinions and photos are my own.

first family pics + holiday cards

oh man you guys, 'tis the season for Christmas cards, and ours just came in the mail! I love them to bits and I'm excited about sharing them here since I can't ask for y'all's addresses:) Firstly though, I can't wait to share a few favorites from our little family hike with my dear Tracy Layne (and a sneak peek of a wedding photo). We only had a little window to get them shot, and she squeezed us into a tiny little open crack in her busy holiday schedule with like two days notice, but even with pouring rain and exhausted kiddies, she made magic as usual. It feels so great to have official pictures all together for the first time really (besides the one on our road trip in our messy travel clothes). Love my little clan:)

Can you believe how long and curly this girl's hair has gotten in the last several months? It really just snuck up on me, and I can't get over how fast she's growing as well. I've never had a baby this big(16 months) without a newborn to take care of too, and so each milestone she reaches is both hard and wonderful at the same time. And I mean look at these little goofballs in these next few shots. ♡♡♡

I can't get over how big all the kids look in these, and I'm so glad we just did sweaters and jeans and that I didn't stress over hair, instead of dealing with runs in pantyhose and lost ties, etc. We still had our fair share of rock throwing and hair pulling, etc, but to finally have pictures of my little clan altogether (where we're not in our messy travel clothes), and at least one smile from all five kids. So so worth it.

And now on to the cards! Once we picked our favorite pictures it was an absolute no-brainer that I would create the cards using Shutterfly. The holidays are traditionally the time when we make an extra effort to connect with people that are the most important to us, and despite how busy life is, Shutterfly has always taken the headache out of making personalized gifts, which to me are the most meaningful. I've used them for every single Christmas card, baby announcement, picture calendar, poster print, and photo book for the last 8 years, but this year I decided to do something a little different. I ordered three different cards.haha

I was looking forward to the traditional family card of course, but then because we've had many friends ask for photos of Richard and I, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to order some newlywed/marriage announcement cards as well. I'm beyond happy with how they turned out, and I love having something to help our favorite people share in our exciting new chapter.

photo via bensten photography

As usual, the colors and quality of the pictures are spot on, once you choose the layout it's really just a few clicks to drag in your photos and add names and other customizations, and delivery is fast and efficient. They also just about always have special offers on their site, which of course is always a bonus:) Feel free to ask any more questions that I didn't cover, but for today:

Ta-da! I still can't believe Tracy pulled out those pictures from that crazy windy day, let alone that I'm actually sending out our cards in the middle of November. Can I get a high-five? haha Now I'm gonna close my computer and go turn on some Frank Sinatra Christmas music while I fold laundry with the babies:) Welcome to the holidays my dears.

Card round-up: 

New Mr & Mrs Christmas Card, Lovely Laurels Holiday Card, Happy Script Banner New Year's Card

A big thank you to Shutterfly for sponsoring this post! And thank you to all my readers for supporting the partners that make this

 blog possible. Shop Shutterfly for personalized holiday cards and gifts that are unique, meaningful and just the way you want.

change the world

Friday I shared a quote on Instagram that really hit home for me after such an intense week, and I wanted to pass it on here as well. I've just felt so many different emotions because of dear friends on both sides of the race, and it's been extremely frustrating and saddening to see just the changes in the people, online and off.

via the lovely In Frames Photography

So as I said on IG, I'm going to try and check out of the mess as much as possible, and I'm turning to my little tribe of humans even more this week. Feel free to drop by and help eat the treats I can't stop making:)

"I think the world today is upside-down. Everybody seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater development and greater riches and so on. There is much suffering because there is so very little love in homes and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other; there is no time to enjoy each other. In the home begins the disruption of the peace in the world. If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” - Mother Teresa

Have peace, do good, love hard, breathe deeply, find hope, take action, be kind. 

Love you all so much

♡♡♡

10 things to remember when you feel stuck

Holy November Batman. I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween:) We threw together some really last-minute costumes again this year, but I thought that everyone actually looked really awesome, and the kids were all so excited about their outfits. Lydia(nearly 3) especially was finally able to really understand how the trick-or-treating works, and it was so good to see them all so happy and excited.

picture via 

I'll add some pictures to my weekend wrap-up in a couple days, but for right now I just want to share something that I came across on facebook a little while ago. It really helped me again recently, and I want to forward the wisdom on to you guys in case you're like me and are feeling extra overwhelmed or inadequate or hopeless, etc. It's from a video that popped up from a page I follow, and I stopped scrolling when I saw the word 'stuck'. I felt my mind and heart relaxing a bit as I read, and when it ended I watched it again and really tried to let each phrase sink in as it played. These were the pieces of advice:

1. Feeling stuck is a sign that something needs to change
2. Even the tiniest possible step is progress.
3. You don't have to have it all figured out to move forward
4. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
5. New beginnings can feel like endings
6. Beautiful things happen when you clear your life of all negativity.
7. Believe what your heart tells you, not what others say.
8. Stop overthinking. Whatever happens, happens.
9. If it's meant to be, it will happen at the right time, at the right place, for the right reasons.
10. Your best is yet to come. 

I hope there are more of you out there that needed this right now, and that you have a great weekend ahead! I've been so up and down in every way lately, but I'll keep setting little goals and keep trying to focus on the positive, and I hope you do the same:) Also, I asked on my social media if anyone had any 'simpler' questions for a light-hearted q&a video, so feel free to ask in the comments if you missed out. Thank you to everyone else for the awesome questions and motivation so far. You guys are such a constant blessing.

xoxo,

For those who listen

I saw a quote the other day by Will Shakespeare that read "The Earth has music for those who listen." 

This inspired what I wanted to touch on today. My first post back after such a long silence here.

image via

I'm happy to say that in time that's passed since I posted that list of goals, my little family and I were able to do everything I wrote on that list, at least once:) One thing that I've been focusing a lot on however that was not on the list, is more listening. 

Listening to the silence, 

listening to my children, 

listening to the breeze, 

listening to my heartbeat,

listening for guidance,

listening to my friends,

and lets be honest, listening to lots of tantrums and timer beeps and the whirring of laundry machines.

As I took time every day lately to stop and listen, to take a couple deep breaths, and to center myself, I began to see my days in a different light. I've felt for the first time in a while that I am actually contributing to my friendships again, that I'm able to be a more understanding and patient mother, that I've been able to better control my anxiety, and that I've been able to see a loving hand in my every-day life. I'm challenging you guys for this week to make a conscious effort to listen more. Pause, breath, and listen, and then come back and let me know if you saw any positive effects that might not have happened otherwise:)

We have had so many moments of happiness in the last little while, and I've done so much soul-searching and self-discovery, and so much has changed and happened that I can't wait to share with you all! So many of you have commented or messaged or sent mail and care-packages during that time, letting me know that we were still being lifted up by happy thoughts and prayers, and I can't thank you enough. 

Be back soon, I promise

What I Wore // last minute Christmas shopping tips + ideas

Happy weekend guys! I myself as I'm sure many of you have been so caught up in side projects, work things, kiddo things, morning sickness (bleh) lately that here we are only 5 days away from Christmas and still getting the last of our gift shopping done! Today I invited to invited to join with Sears in sharing a few tips and inspiration to help you wrap up your shopping, as well as share my comfy and festive outfit that I to the stores to complete mine. Don't you just love this jacket?!

If you still have a couple things on your list to get, and if you're like me, they're things for the people that are the hardest to shop for! haha I always procrastinate those people because I think I'm going to get some genius idea in my head, and I usually end up scrambling at the very end. It's usually that one friend who is really picky about brands, or that relative who has everything already, are you with me on this? haha Anyways, I've actually had comments and emails about this lately, so I figured today was a perfect time to share!

Last-minute Christmas Shopping Tips
- if you're stumped on what to even look for, it often helps to simply walk around a section based on their gender or favorite hobby, etc., and the right item or items will really jump out at you!

- Even though it's too late to buy online, you can still use online to inspire your gift giving! Write down a list of each person you're shopping for, and then think really hard about their interests, their hobbies, etc. Do they like reading? Do they like cooking? Sports, knitting, painting, video games, Legos, candle-making, scrapbooking, camping, music, and on and on. Everyone has something they like to do in their spare time, and you can play off that to no end! Simply Google 'writer gift ideas' etc, and you'll be presented with oodles of lists, then you can take those ideas to the store to complete your shopping:)

- Look through your mail or newspaper to see stores that will have something for everyone and that are having lots of storewide sales! I knew I didn't have the energy to run all over town, so I just went to Sears since over like half the store is on sale and I knew I'd be able to check off everyone left on my list from my mother-in-law to my nephew to my neighbor across the street. and at 50% off or more, that can't be beat!

- Usually kids are very easy to please and so aren't as hard, at least in my experience, but rather than gifting one big gift to a niece or nephew, I like to stick to the old saying to give them a little array of useful and fun gifts, you know the one: "Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read."

- When you're really at wit's end and they're not going to be pleased with anything, don't forget that it's the thought that counts, so try to make it look like you put as much thought into your gift as possible!

- The last tip I want to share today is to remember that stores like Sears have many options for gifts hanging out in every section and even in the aisles and by the registers! Their often-times already pre-selected bundles of little gifts or treats, toys, etc. with a theme and a pretty box or wrapping just waiting for you to wrap it up and put under the tree. I just love that so much of the work going into a gift is already done for me when I'm in a rush. Just something to think about!

Wearing:

plaid jacket - bongo | c/o SearsStyle (63% off!)

beatles t-shirt - bongo | c/o SearsStyle 

pants - bongo | c/o SearsStyle (55% off!)

lace detailed booties - sm new york c/o SearsStyle (50% off in stores!)

hobo handbag - covington | c/o SearsStyle (40% off!) 

Well I'd better wrap this up, but I hope that that's given you a bunch of inspiration and ideas for completing your holiday shopping, and thank you so much for visiting and reading today! Take care friends, and have a great rest of your weekend ahead!

 

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Disclosure: Compensation was provided for this post by Sears via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sears.

It’s more than a gift. It’s the joy of the season. #MoreThanAGift.

What we wore // Living with meaning, with BucketFeet

Hello friends! In order to supplement all the homemade gifts we've been working on this year, Ellie and I went out for some Christmas shopping to pick out a little something meaningful and special for each person. Martin and I have been looking for more opportunities to teach the older kiddos little lessons in a one-on-one setting, and that's where BucketFeet comes in!

One important thing that we're trying to implement starting this month and into the new year is living more on purpose, and more simply but with more meaning. We've been working on gleaning through closets and storage shelves for things to donate that don't get enough use for the space they take up, and when we purchase we make sure that it's quality pieces that will be loved and that are special or unique in some way, like these awesome shoes from BucketFeet that Ellie and I are wearing!

As soon as I heard about BucketFeet and how each pair of shoes is designed by artists or all kinds, I instantly fell in love with the idea and couldn't wait to check them out! I took way too long browsing through the site, bookmarking my favorite pairs (too many to count), and reading the artist's bios that are included with each pair of shoes. I read stories from illustrators, writers, tattooists, graffiti artists, and more from over 50 countries, and I couldn't wait to order a couple pieces of wearable art to have in my life! 

what we're wearing:

mama: 

Itzen womans bucketfeet sneakers, c/o

target black jeans, (sold out - similar here and here)

madeline lily jade bag, c/o

target john lennon tee, c/o (sold out at target but it's here, and here)

kiddo:

bamboo kids bucketfeet sneakers, c/o

purple capris, gift

one little belt, c/o

geo fox sunshine daydreams tee, c/o

deb floppy beanie, (borrowed from mama)

Another aspect that I really adore about BucketFeet is that they have sneakers not only for Women but also for Men and Children (many of them matching pairs!), and that was so important to me because I really want to work on teaching my kiddos about creating and finding art, and really change the way they interact with art, which is exactly what Bucketfeet is all about. 

I'd better stop gushing and let you go visit them so you can see what I'm talking about, but in wrapping up I really want to encourage you to think about adding BucketFeet to your shopping list for Christmas! Giving the gift of wearable art that's also a beautifully packaged, incredibly comfortable, creative, and fun fashion accessory that they're going to love and wear over and over just can't be beat. and they even offer their own gift guide to help you out! Also lets be honest they're ridiculously affordable for the quality so that's a bonus for us.haha

Here are a few of my current favorites, because like I said it was impossible to pick just one!

1: fat sugar canvas lace-up || 2: dots canvas lace-up || 3: sahara slip-ons

4: pindou canvas lace-up || 5: roadtrip canvas lace-up || 6: peacock slip-ons

Also as a special bonus, BucketFeet is offering a 25% off discount code for the first 20 readers to make a purchase using the code: FRECKLEDFOX at checkout, so hurry over and have fun shopping!

Thanks so much for stopping by today guys, and I hope you have a great weekend ahead! Also can I just point out how ridiculously big this girl is getting? She'll be 5 in just a few months! Later guys:)

 
P.S. those photos where we're doing the exact same thing with our legs and hands was 100% not planned I swear.haha I just noticed them while I was editing for this post and myheart melted a little bit:) Take care lovelies-

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Disc: This post was sponsored by Bucketfeet - thank you for supporting the people that keep The Freckled Fox going!

We have a little something to share...

Yes, we are expecting again! 

Some of you have probably guessed as much already due to my long absences from the blog and social media world, but Meyers baby #5 is expected to arrive sometime around early June 2015, and we couldn't be more excited!

I'm in my fourth month now but not showing quite yet, so instead of glamorous bump shots like so many of beautiful expecting friends, I decided to have the kiddos help me share the news in mostly our pajamas.haha 

The morning/all-day sickness has been pretty epic with this one(to put it mildly), which is hard when Martin's in a busier season of work and there's been so many cold and flu bugs going around, but hopefully I'll be out of the woods soon-ish and can get into a regular rhythm of life again. Thank you all so much for your patience this past month and for not giving up on me while you've stared at the growing cobwebs on my blog.haha

To answer a couple frequently asked questions, yes I'm still planning on starting a maternity series for this little one, but I'm gonna wait to take progress shots when I start showing. I should also mention that we're planning on another home-birth! I've been to see my midwife and everything is absolutely perfect with our little peach. Also we'll probably find out the sex sometime this month:) 

I can't believe we're going to be a family of 7!! 5 kids in five years seems way too nuts to be my life.haha But this was definitely on purpose which makes me certifiably insane I guess.hahaha 

If you have any other questions feel free to ask, but I'm so excited for life and my blog moving forward, and all the exciting things I have lined up for this month and the new year! So stoked!

Take care my lovely people,

 

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