Giveaways

My initial purpose for my blog was to document for MYSELF, my big girl pants, my 2011, my 365 days of playing dress like a woman;  the blog was so that I had a point of reference-where I began, my growth, my end of the year result.  I was hoping the blog would force accountability and action.  I never dreamed that I would have a tiny following and LOVE it!  I am so encouraged by comments, blog stats, participation, etc.  I feel, for lack of a better word, "liked".  This is a good feeling!  This is a feeling I miss; not because I normally feel disliked, it's because for years I have avoided interacting.  So, thanks (blushing).

Back to the point of my post: Giveaways.  I never thought I would be doing giveaways.  I AM LOVING IT.  It is an opportunity for me to experiment in style/fashion AND allow readers to do the same!  I am really excited about it!  I actually have quite a few giveaways lined up (some aren't until spring due to a new line).  Here is a sneak peek; I cannot contain my excitement!

(These items are not necessarily items that you will win; these are just SOME items from each store that will be sponsoring a giveaway...more than likely, if you win, you will get to select ANY item from their store!)

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Now, business:  The more readers I have, the more likely it is that stores will want to sponsor a giveaway (more readers=more potential customers for sponsoring stores;  Stores sponsor giveaways because it is a good way for their product to gain exposure,  creates traffic to their site/shop, and caters to a market group that more than likely already has an interest in the type  of product they are selling.  It's basically free advertising for the sponsor).  If you want more awesome giveaways, the next step is to get more readers/participants in the giveaways.  ALSO, if you know anyone who has an Etsy store, makes jewelry, sells Mary Kay, whatever, and would like to be a sponsor for a giveaway, have them email me. Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com

I see my confidence rising...like a bad moon.

Or a bad joke.  HA HA HA.  Ok, moving on. 

I am feeling tad bit more comfortable dressing every day.  More comfortable, as in I don't feel like a clown. I do feel better about myself and am more likely to be spontaneously social when I dress. I went to church last night and didn't feel like my panties were in a wod--in fact, I stayed after to "socialize".  Maaaaaaybe I am creeping out of my little rut???   I still think it's easier avoiding social contact completely;  it's easier, not healthier.  BLAHHHHHHHHHH.  

I attempted to curl my hair...FAIL.  This is what I was hoping for ----->

<----This is very similar to what I achieved

 This is what I wanted to do after I was done curling it---->

I controlled myself, and put my hair up; you see?

I even added little flower clips (forever 21)...

 Gap ruffle front plaid shirt, AE cardigan, VS tank, 1921 straight leg jeans (Blue Seven), black TOMS.  (Notice, my arm is purposefully down by my side to avoid mannequin arm)

It is so nice being home from the hospital...so nice that I had to leave.  HA!  I was just NOT ready to face unpacking...again!  So, our solution was, in order to avoid any and all household responsibilities, we went to the science museum!  This was my plan since last night, so I woke up and got ready to leave.  I fed and dressed the three boys, fed and dressed myself and three hours later we were ready to leave.  GEEEEZ it takes a long time to get everyone ready.  What am I going to do Monday when I have to get us all ready for work???  Not only does it take a long time getting three distracted kiddos ready for the day, now I actually have to dress myself.  What a crock.  I thought I had a hard time deciding between a black hoodie and a gray hoodie, this is ridiculous!  Oh, and my room and closet are taking a major beating; not that they were clean and organized before or anything.  Ho hum. Ho hum.

Here we are, at the science museum.  Rafe lost his shoes on the slide.  Judah managed to fall down the stairs and some how used his sweet charm to talk a lady into letting him DRIVE A SEGWAY.  There was never a dull moment AND I still have a filthy house.

Express black polo, AE hooded sweater cardigan, VS tank, Gap vintage flare jeans, Tretorn black tennies, Forever21 black flower stud earrings, Mannequin arm (why can't I take a normal picture?).

I am attempting to be social again tonight.  Gulp.

HOME!!!!!!

Eating like a champ!

 After a 4 day stay in the Children's Hospital, Mr. Gianni Rocco is nearly 2 pounds heavier and doing GREAT!  The brothers were so happy to have him home!

I didn't let on in the picture but, moments before I posed in front of the Christmas tree  (Oh, brother...how embarrassing) I received a slap on the hand for being overly dramatic and PISSED about my resolution rule.  My reaction to my sweats this morning was much like  a moth to a flame.  Somehow,  I dressed:

AE skinny distressed jeans, VS long sleeve tee, Old Navy cardigan, Uggs, Express zipper flower head band, Target earrings...AND if look closely, you will see a chip on my shoulder...

The Stitch Niche GIVEAWAY!

Crocheted Headbands

Crocheted Ear Warmer

Last but not least...Crocheted Women's Beanie

Each of these items are from The Stitch Niche.  The Stitch Niche is an Etsy store that sells handmade, custom made, and well made crotcheted items.  

About The Stitch Niche's Jessica (store owner):

I'm a stay at home mom who wants to continue the legacy of my Chilean Abuelita by providing quality and unique handmade items. Most are crochet, which she taught me how to do when I was 10 years old. I have been married since 2005 to my best friend and have two beautiful children! I'm a blessed woman!

Her favorite material: YARN.

The Stitch Niche sent me these items to incorporate into my new womanly wardrobe.  My personal favorite is the mustard yellow crocheted headband!  All of the items she sent me are made with a strong,  excellent quality, soft yarn in which I was able to choose the color!  She took measurements for my head and each item fits me as if it were made for me-- because it was!  

The Stitch Niche is generously sponsoring my first giveaway!  The winner will receive one custom item from her shop!  It is a winner's choice item.  Here is how you enter (you must do the first one, the others are optional):

1.  Follow me through Google Friend Connect.  Leave a comment on this post letting my know that you follow through google friend and provide me with your email address. (one entry)




2.  Get a friend to follow 'my big girl pants' through Google Friend Connect.  Leave me a comment with the name of the person you recruited and provide with me your email address. (one entry)

3.  "Like" The Stitch Niche on FB by clicking here.  Leave a comment letting me know you "like" The Stitch Niche on FB and provide me with your email address.


4.  Post this giveaway on FB, make sure you tag me and The Stitch Niche.  Leave a comment letting my know you posted it on FB (and tagged me and The Stitch Niche) and leave me with your email address.

5.  Go to The Stitch Niche and browse her items, choose your favorite one.  Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite item is and provide me with your email address. (one entry)

6.  Go to The Stitch Niche  and choose an item.  Leave me a comment telling me how you would incorporate your chosen item into your wardrobe (what outfit you would where it with, where would you where it to, what occasion would you wear it on, etc.). Also, provide me with your email address. (one entry)

7.  Make a purchase from The Stitch Niche. (5 ENTRIES!)

Please make sure you leave a separate comment for each action you take (each comment is one entry, so if you leave me ONE comment telling me you did all the entries...it only counts as ONE entry.  If you leave 4 comments-because you completed 4 things on my entry list- you earned your 4 entries!  Get it?).  Also, you must provide me with your email address in each comment; if you are the winner I NEED your email address in order to contact you!  The winner will be chosen at random by my random number generator located on my blog.  The contest is closed and the winner will be drawn Sunday January 17th.  I will contact and announce the winner  Sunday January 17th.  GOOD LUCK!  

Day 3 in the Children's Hospital. It's snowing. GIVEAWAY TOMORROW!

Day three in the Children's Hospital.  So far, so good.  Gianni Rocco has put on a whole pound!  We have a little piglet on our hands!  YOU GROW BOY (this made me laugh; how did I get so good at entertaining myself??)!  We are still waiting on lab results to come back; things are looking good!    

Gap cuffed sleeve off the shoulder (sort of) Tee, VS tank, AE skinny distressed jeans, gray TOMS, HAIR DOWN (win!!!), and forever21 faux diamond earrings

Apparently it is snowing outside.  I have yet to witness this since I am shut in room 412387453417--I have no idea where I am....I dont even remember getting up here...I am in a room though; a lonely, cold, boring room.  I managed to keep the janitor in here for 45 minutes...I just talked and talked and talked; I ignored his glances at his watch and continued talking; I even stood in front of the door once.  He was neat--I wonder what he thought about me? :)  

Now, BUSINESS.  I have my first giveaway coming up tomorrow.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE participate.  I am so excited and YOU have the opportunity to win some neat items to incorporate into your womanly wardrobe.  I need to have a post where people send pictures of their outfits...I need ideas on dressing "womanly".  That will be a future post for sure--I want to see your pictures...I NEED to see your pictures!  Ok back to business: tomorrow when I post the giveaway, PARTICIPATE.  I am excited, I love the stuff I received.  I really hope you guys like it to; I know you want to be a winner like me...

Outfit today, brought to you by: Jay Iaquinta.

Thank you, Mr. Jay, for bringing me clothes while I am in the hospital with Gianni man.  I have decided dressing to feel good about myself is probably a good idea during a time I just want to curl up and pout.  Wearing my sweats could/would just encourage my curling up.  Its such a sensitive few days...I feel so unstable and out of control.  Every little bit helps...right?  Right??  Hopefully.  This is outfit number one picked out by the one and only Jay Iaquinta...

Gap ("red" line) cheetah shirt, gap "jeggings" (HAAAAAAATE that word), VS tank, large faux forever 21 diamond earrings, black TOMS.

My next step in dressing like a woman needs to be STOP TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE PONY TAIL.  I think I have had my hair up the last 4 years of my life.  I like my hair...I think?  Do I even have hair?

Not the day I asked for...

We had a little bit of a scare yesterday; after a routine Dr. appointment, little Gianni Rocco was rushed to Children's Hospital.  He had gone 3 weeks without gaining an ounce (babies are supposed to gain one ounce a day for the first few months).  He had been eating regularly, peeing and making poopies regularly but just not gaining weight and this was a problem.  He had all the basic labs done, everything came back normal, he was strong, alert, well hydrated, jaundice free...yet, our one and half month old was the size of a newborn.  They have done more tests, taken x-rays, urine samples, poopie samples, blood samples...so far no word; they just want to make sure everything internally is working properly.  MY diagnosis: kid just needs more to eat.  We just had Christmas, New Years, vacation, we have all been sick, Gianni got thrush, a cold, and my milk supply must have dwindled.  Since we have been here, we added more feedings, started supplementing with some of my pumped milk I had stored.  He seems to be thriving with more/larger feedings--it is amazing how my content tiny baby changed into a smiling, cooing content baby almost instantly.  I've been waiting on the smiles and the cooing for a few weeks now, and it was all the confirmation I needed to make a very hard decision.  I decided to stop breastfeeding (I am going to have him finish off the pumped milk I have stored, then switch to a soy based formula).  Now, I have NEVER stopped breastfeeding on my own...I am a huge advocate, even though it has never been easy or enjoyable for me.  I try to do everything as natural and healthy as possible.  My two older children stopped breastfeeding on their own after one year of age; I have never had to make this decision.   I could do what it takes to get my supply up (more feedings, more pumpings, more stimulation at the breast creates more milk...herbs...) BUT when I gave Gianni that first bottle and was able to monitor his intake, I was over come with relief and joy AND he was so happy--I GOT MY FIRST HUGE SMILE AND A COO!  I will never have to deal with clogged ducts, mastitis, cracked nipples, even BLOODY nipples.  In giving him that bottle I realized I could watch him and talk to him while I fed him...I could look into his eyes and see him conveying what seemed to me "thank you".  The instant gratification was very fulfilling.  It was a very happy revelation for me that I could still provide him with nourishment...but now was able to ENJOY IT.  I still believe breast feeding is a better source of nourishment.  I am just so thankful that science and technology has advanced as far as it has in the way of formula.  Sometimes it is easier to have situations make a decision for you.  We will see how I feel in a few weeks.

Throughout this event I am so thankful to have my husband and family.  Jay has been supportive in ways beyond what I knew.  Grandparents are watching the two older boys and spoiling them rotten.  I feel so loved, taken care of and thankful.

I will continue to post with Gianni updates...things seem to be moving up hill.  I am hopeful and happy.

Despite my day, I still managed to dress...I even wore a flower in my hair.

AE plum crop sweater, VS tank, AE skinny destroyed jeans, forever 21 large faux diamond earrings, gray TOMS

gray flower is from Target.

Blue seven sheer cowl neck sweater (mad props to the hubs for this Christmas gift), VS tank, AE skinny cargos, grey TOMS, forever 21 large faux diamond earrings, bad ass soccer mom van.

Special Thanks to Candice (sister) for being the photographer, and for sitting in the car with the kiddos while I ran into Blue Seven and bought (drum roll.....) THESE:

My new black TOMS.

Baaaaarely an upgrade from sweats...eh, it still counts.  Gap sweater/cardigan, VS yoga tunic, forever21 leggings and large stud faux diamond earrings, knit Uggs, and I tried to jazz it up a bit with my cheesy smile....how the hell have been fitting in this mirror?  I cannot let Jay leave the house without taking my picture.

Hmm...interesting...

My idea was to dress like a woman for a year (hopefully longer, but 365 days is my goal) and by doing so, feel like a woman, regain confidence, relieve/rid my self of social anxiety and possibly discover a piece of myself along the way.  I have "worn my big girl pants" for less than a week and here are somethings that I have noticed:

1.  I like spending money.

2.  I like spending money on me.

3.  I like my husband spending money on me.

4. I like my parents giving me money for my Birthday...so I can spend it.

5.  I like my in-laws giving me a Visa gift card for Christmas...so I can spend it.

6.  I like claiming other people's things as my own (hypothetically).
7.  Finders keepers, losers weepers.
8.  I like returning my children's Christmas gifts and using the credit on me (hypothetically).  

9.  No, I don't want to shop for other people...only for me.

10.  Every occasion is a good occasion for my to get things.

11.  Would you like to give me a present?  I would like that.

OK.  No, no, no. I do love/believe those things BUT it didn't take big girl pants to realize that.  Here are some things (serious business) that have happened, while "wearing my big girl pants"

1.  Ive been fairly social  (even if it began with me kicking and screaming)...more consistently social than I have in a been in a long while.  

2.  I went on vacation with the In-laws. It was the first time I had been on a vacation since Ive had children; it's the first time I've been on vacation and have had THREE children, one of which was sick, one of which is a clumsy yet fearless MANIAC,  one of which is breastfed, and all of which are three years and under; it's the first time I've been on vacation with other peoples children.  Let me preface this by saying, I am blessed with the most loving, accepting, easy going in-laws, niece and nephews, EVER.  They never fail in providing a comfortable and loving environment for me and my children.  Regardless, I HAVE AN ANXIETY PROBLEM.  I always seem to feel/create a tightness in my chest or a crisis in my mind when I am around anyone other than myself.  This trip had the utmost potential in being a personal perpetual anxiety attack resulting in my brain melting.  Surprisingly, on this trip, I experience the least anxiety I have ever felt with my family by marriage.  I felt comfortable and like I belonged.  I really enjoyed it.

3.  At times (few), I WANTED to dress like a woman...(I still WANTED to throw on a hoodie and sweats, sit in a corner, eat chocolate, and avoid all social contact).

I know that "wearing my big girl pants" may have nothing or everything to do with it.  Maaaaaaybe I felt confident in how I was physically presenting myself???  Maaaaybe that helped me relax???  Maybe getting out of Oklahoma, OUT OF MY HOUSE, helped me get my panties out of a wod.  Maybe I was just so damn happy NOT to be pregnant anymore.  I don't know.  Either way, those three things DID happen; I kind of liked those happenings...

Ooooo, it's swim wear--in your dreams, buddy!

One son has the flu (while on vacation, at what was bound to be his favorite place EVER--Great Wolf Lodge...saddest thing ever-I KNOW, I wept), one son is a maniac and NEEDS a nap...ALWAYS (for those of you who know my children, I will give you one guess as to which dear sweet child this could be), and one son is breastfed and needs me at LEAST every three hours (and I need him...nursing momma's breasts are known to explode).  However, I have been blessed with WONDERFUL in-laws who encouraged and enabled an outing for Jay and I at the indoor water park AND the outlets!  Thank you Joe and Char!

Old Navy coverup,  AE swim suit top (not shown) and I have no idea where my bottoms (not shown) came from...is that scary?

Here are my outlet finds thus far...

WIN! 

Next step: wearing them...DUN DUN DUN!  Croak.

Truckin...(that's for all the dead heads)

VS pink OU tunic, VS leggings, knit UGGS, forever 21 sunglasses, starbuck's decaf coffee.

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HITTIN THE ROAD!

The wonderful in-laws are taking the WHOLE family on a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in no other than Grapevine, Texas! I saved all my money from Christmas, Birthday, etc. for this trip! IM HITTING THE OUTLETS! This is where I will begin my journey of 'womanly wear'. What is 'womanly wear'? Hell, I DONT KNOW. I will make up a definition...'womanly wear' aka 'big girl pants' aka playing 'dress like a woman' aka 'the bane of my existence' aka 'shit with sleeves' aka--eh, you get the idea--is defined as fashionable items worn that create confidence in one's appearance. Plain. Simple. Easy....??? Oh, gag. It just MUST be something that celebrates being a woman (not a college student, not a person who looks like they should still be in bed, not a cave man--A WOMAN). I am in search of fashionable clothes and accessories...I shuddered as I typed that.

On a side note; I have lined up my first giveaway and will be reviewing and posting pictures of the items I have received to review. You will have the opportunity to win an item from the boutique I will be reviewing! Hoorah!

I think I can, I think I can...

First day of 2011, Good Egg Dining holiday party. Being social again, WIN! I had a blast! I can do this! I am wearing American Apparel sweater dress, Gap flare jeans, Gap ballet flats, Forever 21 flower studs AND the best part of my outfit... Vanessa name tag.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My sweeeeeeeeet sweeeeeeeeet parents stayed at my house for a few hours while the boys slept and Jay and I went to SpeakEasy. FUN TIMES WERE HAD! Ohhhhh Blake Brickman (nothing, ignore this). We hung out with people that I hope to become good friends with...so, yes, tonight I was social.

Blue Seven military cardigan (a wonderful Christmas present from my WONDERFUL hudsband), vs tank, Gap legging jeans, knit Uggs, and Express zipper flower headband....the minor amount of cleavage is due to nursing...THANK YOU GIANNI ROCCO.