Bloggers Do It Better - White Out

Today is the Bloggers Do It Better event's White Out segment hosted by

Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly blog.

For more info on the challange click HERE!

I had already submitted my last Monday's outfit but decided to wear another 'white-out' outfit today to honor the challange. This was actually in my outfit list.

Initially I had the blouse tucked in with the belt over it which was cool but I felt I needed to add another neutral color so added the vest then belted over everything.  I love the color and the style of this belt (from H&M). Looks really cool and easy to use. It does stay put too. 

Isn't it cool my MK bag totally matches the new flat sandals!? These sandals have gladiator style straps that are detachable. But I need to take them to a shoe guy to get more holes so I can tighten the straps to stay put around my skinny calves. 

For once the background corner somewhat matches the outfit. Good thing cause my house was surrounded by contractors this morning and I couldn't do any photos outside. 

White skinny Jeans - Forever 21

Tulle front white blouse - Koton (from Turkey)

Vest - Forever 21

Belt - H&M

Flats - Victoria's Secret

Purse - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Forever 21

Earings - Mango (from Turkey)

To see everyone else in their 'white out' outfit click HERE!

Today's Activities: With no car my poor mom had to drive to my house to pick the kids and I up and take it to her house. Then I took her car to to the Dr's.

See photos to see the amazing obstacle swim course my mom and step dad set-up for the kids. The weather was in the mid 80s and perfect to play with water in their backyard.

I stopped by Marshalls after the Dr's and finally found the 'summer cream booties' I was looking for. That Target (dolce vita) one I had shown you a while back was in back-order and Target said they weren't sure when it would be coming and cancelled my order. Still not wanting to spend $100+ I found a cheaper pair that I really like at Marshalls. Can't wait to show it to you. Also got a pair of sandals for my son and daughter and a cute 4th of July outfit for my little girl.

Hung out at Mom's house all afternoon and evening until they took us back.

We had two of these big concerete trucks in front of our house this morning! 

And here are 5 of the 7 men crew pouring the first segment of concerete... 

This was the set-up at my Mom and Stepdad's house for the kids!

No wonder kids cry when we leave their house!

They took these photos earlier in the day when the kids were playing...

They had a nice patio lunch too before naps... 

Inspiration Monday - Casual Katie

Very simple and somewhat boring (for me anyway) outfit today but worked out perfectly for the things I had on my plate so I am soooo glad it was not a dressy one this Monday.

So once again this is Inspiration Monday hosted by Two Birds.

Today's outfit was of Katie Holmes'... 

Ok, so I was pretty amazed myself how I had almost identical pieces. Once again I know. The roll will end soon I bet though. Probably next week...

So, this is just a grey tank but it has silver sequins on the straps which once again I forgot to take a photo of but if you can see the chaos that is my house you would understand. The navy cardi is semi-recent purchase from F21. I thought it was longer in sleeves and body but it wasn't so it matches Katie's even more.

The wedge sneakers were perfect under this very causal outfit I thought. You can't really see what she is wearing so I picked these myself. 

I also felt a more casual purse went better than her structured leather one. I first posed with this straw one then the navy canvas one. I think like the canvas one better.

Of course in reality I didn't use any of these since I only left the house for 10 minutes today. 

The thin wide leg jeans are last year's purchase from Turkey. I had liked their thin material and the wider leg style. And this year that is in style so yeay! 

Have you noticed I am wearing sunglasses while posing indoors!? Well for one I wanted to match Katie. For second, it was too early I had bags under my eyes so the sunglasses were perfect. 

Tank and Jeans from Turkey

Cardi - Forever 21

Straw purse - do not remember

Canvas purse - Coach

Wedge sneakers - Roxy

To see how others fared with the same inspiration click HERE!

Today's Activities: After coming home so late and a schedule of many contractors coming this morning plus a car that seems to be leaking oil I made the smart choice of skipping preschool this morning and staying home. But of course had to call in the reinforcements as soon as possible. Those would be my mom and step dad. Luckily they were not working today and could come to rescue!

But first I had to get the kids in the car just so I can drive down to the auto shop to pick up their driver to drive back to my house and unload the kids so he can take the car back to the shop! Yes, this would be the equivalent of 'dropping off a car' when you have two kids and a car seat law it becames a finely coordinated orchestra event it seems.

After that my parents came and took the kids to the beach so I can actually speak to the 2 different contractors without interruptions. After an hour of discussion and organization the schedule and game plan for the next two weeks have been finalized. I just need to keep on them to maintain that schedule.

The day past fast between 5 loads of laundry, unpacking and cleanning up more contractor discussions and power washing areas of the yard before tomorrow's first concerete pour.

My mom and stepdad left  in the afternoon to run their errands but came back before dinner and we all had a family dinner and they helped bath and get the kids to bed. I am exhausted but at least sitting so happy!

This was the nest of a tiny little bird we had to move briefly before power washing under our deck. My mom moved it of course. I was just going to go around it... 

Isn't it so pretty. The mother bird went a bit nuts when she couldn't find her nest. But after 10 minutes we were able to put it back and she has been sitting on her eggs since then. She no longer trusts us I am sure. I can't wait for the babies to come. So much for kids to watch. 

Ah, the awaited backyard progression photos...

All this re-bar was put on Saturday... 

Also had not shown you the brick outline they did around the pool and the new play area.  

Chili CookOff

My outfit on Sunday to the chili cook-off festival nort of Los Angeles while visiting my in-laws...

Yes, my son is in a lot of my shots, didn't have the heart to crop him out as he looks so cute showing me his winnings of this 'fishing' game.

I am also wearing the new lace boy shorts from F21 I bought just to wear under mini skirts for additioanl coverage. If we were not in such public place I would have lifted up the skirt a bit to show them... 

I really like this tunic lenght tee from H&M. The leather fringe necklace I think looks great... I wore sandals as it was very hot in LA today but I have also worn this outfit (just did not blog about it) with my slouchy suede boots which also looks great.

Tee - H&M

Denim mini - Closet

Sandals - Boutique 9 from zappos

Necklace - Bebe

Sunday's Activities: Visiting in-laws still north of LA. Had a rough night with the kids waking up every alternating half hour. My husband got up each time so he had it worst than I did. Went to a Chili Cook-off by 10 AM Sunday morning. They had a whole section of antique cars to view, over 30 chilie's to taste from and 3 big jumpy attractions for the kids. It was quite warm but we had a great time before returning to their house for naps.

After naps took them to their housing community pool for a swim which they loved. Then had dinner at a nice family Italian restaurant before changing them in PJs and driving home. Made great time on the road with no traffic but my daughter did not fall a sleep until 20 minutes home and 1.5 hour past her bedtime. Not sure how tomorrow is going to be...

Posing next to a pretty white antique car at the show...

Showing how they used to have meals delivered to the car in drive in movie theaters...

My daughter with her Grammie... 

Son in front of an old bug bus, which he called 'filmore' from CARs... 

I like this lime green one... 

Matches the sunglasses my son got from the prize goodie bag... 

Finally a photo of us together! We rarely get these as we are always giving each other the camera to take photos of the kids. My mother-in-law took this one...