A hunting we will go . . . . .

what started out as a typical Wednesday in mommyland

turned into my very first (as a mom), and ever so scary, trip to the ER 

lets start from the top, shall we??

the only appointment on my schedule was Linc's 6 month checkup with the pediatrician

(mind you he is now 8 months, but my dr is in high demand!!)

everything went super smooth

my chunkers is a healthy happy boy, right on track in his development!

I now had the rest of the day to do as we pleased and since my boys were dressed oh so snazzy,

and I was in my coordinated attire (mind you, we usually ARE quite matchy matchy!)

I thought it best we head outside and snap some photos!!

(any excuse for a photo op, they don't stay little and willing for long)

I was feeling super safari chic in my utility vest and tried to find a landscape fit for the hunt! 

 

 

all was going as planned . . the tripod was cooperating, Nix was running around finding rocks and sticks, Linc was trying to eat any and everything he could get in his mouth, and I was a happy momma!!

until . . . . I hear screaming!!  and not the whiny, frustrated, i'm not getting my way scream, (i'm quite familiar with that one)

more like the petrified, blood curdling, raise the tiny hairs on the back of your neck screaming!

my poor phoenix had trampled onto a yellow jackets nest and they had him surrounded

adrenaline pumping, I started ripping his clothes off, beating the biters off of him, but they just kept swarming and stinging him . . . . the poor kid was traumatized. 

luckily, Lincoln was far enough away in the grass, they didn't get to him.

one emergency room visit later, my boy is a little puffy, totally drowsy from the Benadryl,

and happy as a clam with his Starbucks (cream based/no coffee) Frappuccino

and a bam bam sticker (band aid) from the doctor

 

"life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful"

xoxo,

Tara Belle

stripe tank Old Navy, denim shirt American Eagle similar here, utility vest Willow & Clay, pleated skirt H&M and its totally on super sale right now!!, booties Target(old) similar here, necklace Vintage, shawl Target(available in store), watch Michael Kors (sold out), rings Jewelmint (swatted 1 off :(), bangles Alex + Ani, olive wrap bracelet Stella & Dot (old), black buckle wrap Jewelmint, snake bangle Vintage

i heart greenville

took a family road trip this weekend for Christmas take 3!

we gathered up all my available siblings (there's 6 of us, so its a rare occasion for us all to be together at the same time), their significant others and our parents to celebrate the holidays, one last time!

having never been to Greenville, we played tourist for an afternoon

  

 

despite its painfully frigid temperatures (mind you, I think 50 degrees is cold) it is a charming town
fortunately, my hubs had pre-warned me of the wind chill so I was packed accordingly!

 I don't know what it is about my mother,

but she makes me want to channel my inner prepster and keep my look a bit more polished than usual, 

so I carefully chose this layered look with her in mind. 

 my only rule in layering is to stick with a color palette. 

I think you can add as many prints and patterns as you please as long as they all fall in the same spectrum of the color wheel.

 

threw in some pops of oxblood (it is the hot color of the season, afterall!)

and kept my accessories neutral

 stay bundled and fabulous!!

xoxo,

Tara Belle

 plaid button down Forever 21, heart sweater LC Lauren Conrad similar here, jeans Hudson, parka Old Navy(old) similar here, booties Betsey Johnson, bowler bag TJMaxx, knotted cupchain Stella & Dot similar here, sunnies Forever 21(in store), leather gloves TJMaxx similar here

braving the storm

I have a hate/hate relationship with the rain
I shouldn't say hate, cuz that's a super strong word,
but in sticking with the expression, yea, I kinda hate it!
I know its great for the environment and we need it for things to grow, blah blah blah
personally, I think mother nature is a jealous heffer who loves to ruin my hair and my heels!!
so I stuck it to her, put my best leopard fringe foot forward
and said "screw you rain!!  and your little puddles too!!"

  

 
  I thought it fitting to wear a military inspired jacket when fighting on the front lines of bad weather
and there's nothing like a lil leather on leather action to really make me feel empowered in my plight

 

 
 
(I know in reading this you might not sense my sarcasm, but those who know me, know that I rely heavily on sarcasm and I never take myself too seriously)

shout out to my baby nieces for making the best photogs a girl could ask for, and libs especially for battling the cold last night!  i love you both!! (equally!!  don't get it twisted ;))

 

now, go forth my little pretties!  and shine your light on the world!!
xoxo,
Tara Belle

military jacket Forever21(available in store) similar here and here, denim top American Eagle(old) similar here, faux leather pant Forever21(sold out) similar here, booties Betsey Johnson, studded bowler bag TJ Maxx score similar here, knotted cupchain Stella&Dot (old), rings Jewelmint

Blingin' in the New Year!

Happy 2014 Lovelies!!

 

Resolutions are soooo last year . . . dontcha think??

i tend to live my life day by day, with an ultimate goal in mind

this years goal is to live better, learn more and love often!!

 

 

so i started off the new year with some sparkle . . or rather A LOT of sparkle!!

 

 



and as if my sequined kimono wasn't enough,

we thought we'd shimmer a little brighter with some real sparklers!!

    

 and i sealed 2013 with the sweetest of kisses from my lil man

  

  

  all in all it was a great year!

i cant wait to see what 2014 has in store for us!!

let your light shine bright!!

xoxo,

Tara Belle

white blouse Chaus, sequin shawl Alice & Olivia similar here, drawstring pant H&M (old) similar here, snakeskin pumps Dolce Vita (old), necklace JewelMint, clutch Vintage