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Stephanie Howell

reading, organizing, shopping, momming too close to the sun. Home is wherever the Army sends us.

Functional AND Pretty Planning

 

functionalandprettyplanning

Happy Friday everyone! Thank you so much for your kind words on yesterday’s post, this weekend I am going to spend some time responding to each one. They all basically made me cry yesterday. Love you guys.

So this year I’ve decided to try the creative team thing again and I’m designing for MAMBI/The Happy Planner.

I miss scrapbooking and still love it terribly and believe it’s so important, but the sad fact is I just don’t have time to do it right now.

I started going to the gym about 8 months ago and when I started doing that, something had to go. And that was my creative time. I made the choice that it was time to take care of ME. And although creative time feeds my soul SO much, it wasn’t helping my heart, my cardiovascular strength, or my my muscles.

So the gym it is.

But I miss my creative time. I finally found a way to be productive and creative at the same time.

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If you know me, you know I have to be terribly organized to survive. My planner is my brain and I make lists upon lists upon lists. Literally.

I’ve been a planner girl since I was a teenager. And now I’ve found a way to make something pretty AND functional.

I hear all the time What’s the deal with planners? Why are they such a big deal right now? Hello!!! I can now mix my obsession withy planners AND my obsession with pretty stickers and embellishments. What’s not to love about it? It’s kind of my jam.

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twofabexamplesoffullyfunctionalhappyplanninginthehappyplannerofmambidesignteammemberstephaniehowell-memybigideas-8

I love my  Happy Planner™! But I REALLY love the sticker books that MAMBI makes to go with my planner. I own more than I should admit. And I just pick a color scheme, embellish a bit, and I’m good to go. Pretty AND functional! Ahem- and I even used doilies. Shocking, I know.

twofabexamplesoffullyfunctionalhappyplanninginthehappyplannerofmambidesignteammemberstephaniehowell-memybigideas-6

twofabexamplesoffullyfunctionalhappyplanninginthehappyplannerofmambidesignteammemberstephaniehowell-memybigideas-7

For way more details (including products and tips) see my blog post on the Happy Planner™ blog.

I hope you all have a beautiful Friday!

xoxo

S

 

Be That Person

If you follow my blog page on Facebook you most likely already saw this video. I came across it in my feed the other day and I felt the words she was saying in my heart. To my core.

Yes, I’ve been busy. But you know that I don’t glorify busy. Busy isn’t an excuse or a badge. But to be honest, we are in the weeds right now. The weeds are beautiful and a gift, but they are high. They are over my head.

But that’s not the only reason I stopped blogging, or even the real reason. Y’all…I’m not good at dealing with criticism. Or ugly words. Now I’m not talking constructive criticism. I’m talking flat out unkind words. I’m not good with letting those roll off my back. You see, God made me with an extra big heart and extra thin skin. This combination HURTS.

When I put my heart out there I do so with a certain amount of confidence that it will be handled as fragile and treated with respect.

That doesn’t always happen.

And that’s the nature of the Internet.

If you put your heart out there, it becomes public property.

And that can be really, really good too. I have connected with so many women when I felt alone. Blogging got me through the really scary and lonely times in my life. And I gained a family along the way.

I also somehow I let the nasty outweigh the good.

And there is so so so so so so so so so much more good. There always has been.

So I want to come back. Because I miss you guys, and I miss sharing and learning and connecting.

I want to be that person. 

So here I am, if anyone is still out there reading. I don’t know how often I’ll be writing, and I don’t know what I’ll write about, but I’m here.

xoxo

Book of the Month {DISCOUNT CODES!}

BOTM // via Stephanie Howell #bookofthemonth #books #reading

FTC disclosure: This post uses affiliate links. I will recieve a small commission if you purchase a book using my link. Thanks for supporting my sweet family!!

Can someone please tell me why it took me so long to discover Book of the Month? If any monthly subscription SCREAMS my name, it’s this one.

Each month, you select one of five hardback books to be sent to you. The books are always varied, and they are mostly books I haven’t found on my own. Which I LOVE. When I first started BOTM, I assumed that the books would be ones I’ve already read, since I’m such an avid reader. I was totally wrong. 

So on the first of each month, the picks are revealed. You can select one to be sent to you OR you can pass for that month. I love that.

Here are the different pricing plans:

1-month plan = $16.99 per month
3-month plan = $14.99 per book, or $44.97
12-month plan = $11.99 per book, or $143.88

Right now I’m paying for the one month plan, but I’m kind of regretting that decision. I wish I would have just paid for the 12 month plan and saved some money. I just wanted to make sure I loved it first.

BOTM // via Stephanie Howell #bookofthemonth #books #reading

 

I got this blurb off of the BOTM website and it pretty much perfectly sums up why I love this subscription:

If you’re an avid reader, one thing is for certain: if you only shop the “bestseller” lists, you’re going to miss many of the best stories. That’s why we work hard to bring you the gems: well-written, immersive stories that transport you, give you thrills, and tug at your heartstrings. The books that are truly worth reading.

Yes Yes YES!

 

For those of you who want to see if you like BOTM, I have a couple of really great deals for y’all

 

1. $5 for your first month and a one month subscription using the code READ5

BOTM // via Stephanie Howell #bookofthemonth #books #reading

 

2.30% off the 3 month subscription and a free tote using code 30TOTE

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I was thinking of starting a monthly virtual book club for those of you who sign up. Would y’all be interested in that?  I know it would be kind of tricky because there are five books, but maybe I could share what I picked and what I thought about it, and then y’all could do the same.

Anway…let me know what you think. I think it would be crazy fun (I might be able to set up a group chat), but maybe I’m the only one who thinks so. Bahaha!

Oh- and before I forget, I think I’m going to choose The Couple Next Door. The Amy Schumer book looks sorta interesting, but I’m wondering if it would annoy me.

That’s enough babbling for now. Here’s what I need to know. Talk to me goose! Geese???

  1. Do you want to do a monthly BOTM chat/book club?
  2. What book should I choose?

 

xoxo

S

 

 

BYH // August 2016

Blog Your Heart // via StephanieHowell.com

1. Blog whatever is authentic. Whatever is truly on your mind and in your heart.

2. It can be serious, silly, short, long. NOTE:No one said it has to be serious. But it should be authentic.

3. No judging allowed no snarky comments, no making fun, no passive agressive digs.If you are going to read the blogs linked below, don’t be mean. Nothing here is whining, though I can’t help it if you perceive it that way. It’s me honestly sharing my feelings. if you feel that it’s whining, then you don’t have to read. :)

4. If you BYH, link back here in the comments. I always read and comment on every single post.

5. Feel free to use the graphic above. Just make sure to link back to me.

 

 

1.I’m ready for school to start. I keep seeing all of these truly awesome moms on Facebook talk about how sad they are that summer is ending. And how great of a time their kids have had together all summer. And all can I think about is how Harper and Sadie wake up ready to claw each other’s eyes out and how I just.need.a.break. And then I feel really bad. But the truth is…we do better with the structure of the school year. And I keep seeing all of these photos saying “You only have 18 summers with your kids, make them count” or whatever…and that makes me feel even worse. But we’ve all been on top of each other all summer and I feel like I’m losing my mind. All four of the big girls will be in school this fall. And although I will shed tears watching Cate and Lucy walk into their classrooms, I’m ready. I love them SO much, but I’m ready.

 

2. There is nothing in this world that makes me happier than reading. Every time I set foot in a library or book store, my heart starts pounding. Books are life. I’ve read so many great books this summer and my passion has been refueled.

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3. I have an emotional hangover from watching The Olympics every night? Michael Phelps on the podium? SOB. Simone Biles? SOB. Aly Raisman’s face when she completed her floor routine? SOB. Simone Manuel? Ugly sob. And so on and so forth. Every. Single. Night. It’s killing me!

 

4. People like to ask me how I do it all. And the long and short answer is I DON’T. I do some of it. And I do the important things well. But the rest of it? Screw it. Who cares if my house looks perfect? I don’t need to look perfect either. But as far as doing the things that matter? Coffee, prayer, and a good planner. That’s my secret.

 

5. I am so in love with this sweet baby girl. 2 years ago, I thought our family was complete. But we were missing her all along and we didn’t even know it. She’s poor joy and sunshine wrapped up in a sweet (hairy) little package.

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6. My 20 year reunion is coming up this fall. How did that happen? I’m a weirdo- I LOVED high school and I’m so excited to see everyone.

 

7. I am entering month four of 5x a week exercise- one hour a day. I feel so much better about myself. SO much better. I hope that this will finally be a life long habit. It took me long enough, dammit!

 

8. I turn 39 in a couple of weeks. I am not one who complains about growing older. I know so many who didn’t get that privilege. It’s a gift and I am so lucky to have another year.

 

9. I had no idea I would love being a Thirty-One consultant as much as I do. I’m paying our bills and sharing my passion for organization every day. It’s pretty much my dream gig. And it’s turned out to be so much bigger than I ever could have dreamed of it being.

 

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10. I miss Italy. I miss it so much that it literally hurts my heart. I dream in Italian and I get teary every time I think about it. I like it here, but I’m lonely. It’s so hard to make friends and I’ve never had that problem before. EVER. But it’s not a military town and that’s new to me. I miss my friends and my coffee and my wine and my walks. I’m scheming of a way to get back.

 

11. I’m still planner crazy. It’s a fun way to combine my creative side and my organized side!

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12. I was looking over the health curriculum for the girls school the other day (we have the opportunity to sign a waiver- I didn’t but I still wanted to read the curriculum). As J and I read the 5th grade curriculum – lots of puberty stuff- I totally had a breakdown and started to cry. When did my baby turn into a tween? I’m so proud of her and I’m loving this new stage…but I look at Cora and remember when Harper was that little. My heart is too tender sometimes!

 

Okay, that’s it for this month. If you have a link, share below.

Love you all!

 

xo

S

Golden Tote // My Review + Thoughts

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

I have been wanting to try a new clothing subscription service for a while, so when Golden Tote contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in reviewing them, I was super intrigued. I did some research and decided it sounded like a great deal and a good match so my answer was a resounding yes. And maybe a bit hesitant too…I haven’t had great luck with Stitch Fix the past year and I was a little bit wary.

Also, though I loved almost all of the clothing on the Golden Tote website…I was nervous that maybe it was for a younger demographic then this almost 40 mama of five vibe I’ve got going on over here.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. I loved every single thing I got and ended up keeping it all!

Golden Tote is the ultimate surprise grab bag – stylish clothing at amazingly discounted prices. Each tote is personally curated and includes a variety of items to complement your wardrobe. The founders are clothing designers from LA -they work with fashion brands to get you deep discounts and they also design clothing items as well. Golden Tote takes the thinking out of shopping. It’s great for women who don’t have time to shop or aren’t sure what to buy. 

A new tote launches the first Monday of every month at 9 am PST.

The Golden Tote:  Contains five items; two you choose and three Golden Tote picks for you. Cost- $149. This is the one I got.

The Surprise Tote:  Contains three items, all chosen by stylists for you. Cost- $89

The Mini Tote:    Contains three items, one chosen by you. Cost- $59

You choose one to three items based on the tote you select. Then based on your style profile and chosen items, the stylists flesh out the rest of your tote. This made me nervous, y’all. But it totally worked.

What to do:

☆ Fill out  a style profile. Take the time to really think about each question. Some are photo cues, some are questions. I was very specific in the profile. In the “anything else you’d like to add?” category I wrote:

My style icons are Grace Kelly, Jackie O, and Audrey Hepburn. I am a brunette with fair skin. I have five little girls ten and under, so I bend over alot. Nothing super short please. Classic doesn’t mean matronly!

Here are some screen shots from my profile:

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

☆Place your order and wait!

 

☆Open your box and have fun!

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

Each order comes in an adorable tote bag:

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The minute I opened my tote I knew I was going to love it. The patterns and colors were completely on point.

 

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

 

This is one of the two items I chose for my tote, the Embroidered Cape. I thought this would be perfect to throw over a tank and jeans or a maxi dress. I am all about versatile pieces and this is definitely versatile.

It was gorgeous in person, absolutely gorgeous.

Embroidered Cape from Golden Tote // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

Embroidered Cape from Golden Tote // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

 

The second piece I chose for my tote was the Blue Me Away dress. I pictured this as the perfect summer date dress with my gold braided sandals. I love the vibrant blue and the detail on the top.

In person? Stunning.

Blue Me Away Dress from Golden Tote// via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

Blue Me Away Dress from Golden Tote// via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

 

Here are the three pieces the stylist chose.

This polka dot midi dress is simple and comfortable but still chic. Yes, please.

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

Nest up was this striped cardigan/shrug. It’s preppy perfection and I loved it right away.

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

Last is this floral high necked blouse. I think it will go nicely with jeans AND a pencil skirt. Like all of the other items my stylist sent, it’s classic and very me.

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

 

I kept all of the items. But if you are not pleased, there is a new return policy you can read here.

I really loved that my stylist truly LISTENED to what I said and took the time to put together a thoughtful tote. That’s so nice and so refreshing.

Funny story time. Getting these pictures was HELL. It took two hours of sweating, tripping over a root, nearly getting stung by a wasp (don’t even ask)…and constantly redirecting Harper from taking selfies. Yes, my ten year old had to take these photos. And she likes taking photos under my chin and up my nose, so there’s that.

And no. I’m not a fashion blogger, dammit. I felt SO AWKWARD and I didn’t know what to do with my hands and I kept losing my balance and I COULD NEVER EVER BE A FASHION BLOGGER.

Jesus take the wheel.

But here is the moral of the story. Golden Tote is perfect for awkward mamas of five who are messy and imperfect. It works for real life women who don’t have time to shop or don’t have the mental fortitude to shop with five children. I’m a fan. And I think you should try it out! If you do, let me know what you think.

Golden Tote Review // via Stephanie Howell #goldentote

So there you have it! My honest, somewhat awkward review.

Have a beautiful day!

xo

Stephanie

 

If you’ve read this far, I just got an email that Golden Tote is having a 72 hour Warehouse Sale (40% off everything) tonight at 7pm EDT. Whoop!!!

Disclosure: Affiliate links are used in this post. Thank you so much for your support!