Backwards N High Heels

Balancing work and play while wearing many hats (I mean heels).

Favorite Clothing Brands for Toddler Girls

We have been on the G-O these days. More on that to come here soon. I know you are all on the edge of your seat in suspense. Don’t be. Just typical parenting life and talk happening over here. Some days I feel like we live in the cyclone part of a vacuum, swept up like a dust bunny on the floor and swirled around among all the other dust bunnies until someone pushes the off button and we come crashing down to rest. It is a whirlwind most days. Go, go, go, go – crash and burn, stop! Repeat.

Please tell me I am going to hit the lottery soon, so I can focus all my attention on Lo girl? I feel like if I put that statement out there in the universe it could happen, right? Ahh! Who knows?

toddler-girl_backwardsnhighheels_copyAnd how does one really lead in with the paragraph above and then abruptly change the subject to this? Well, I do, my friends! It is two-part, really.

  1. Being on the go a decent amount of time means running into many people out and about. I have to admit that little Lo gets complimented on her attire more than me these days. It is okay. I have come to accept this and that it is part of having kids. I now live vicariously through my toddler. But, all joking aside, I do get asked where I buy her clothes quite a bit.
  2. That whole lottery thing. Yeah, it would come in handy with all the cutest out there in the kid fashion world. Luckily for me and for you – the brands featured above are for the most part incredibly reasonable. I am an 80% sale shopper and 20% regular price shopper. For the most part, I head to clearance and sale, before “new arrivals.” Some brands above are better than others at this. I divulge below.

Baby Gap – Pictured
I love GAP for the quality and pricing. So much of Lo’s wardrobe is from GAP. I would recommend becoming a Card Holder. You get extra discounts and they have great Cash Backs programs that basically is virtual money to spend in store or online. Besides all that, I love them for their pajamas alone.

Burts Bees Baby – Pictured
I fell in love with Burts Bees as a beauty product brand, then one day when Lo was just a few months old, Zulily had a sale featuring the Burts Bees Baby clothing line. I gave it a chance and have been hooked ever since. The material is so soft! I often give this line to expecting mothers because it just really is a quality of itself.

Crazy 8’s – Pictured
Here is the thing about Crazy 8’s, they have some of the best pricing around. Often they have store wide $12.99 sales and during the holidays, you cannot beat their promotions. My favorite item though is their leggings. They are my go-to for Lo.

H&M – Pictured
This is a newbie brand for me in terms of toddler fashion. I have been an H&M fan personally, for many years. They have very reasonable pricing and out-of-the-ordinary styles. A bit more fashion forward. The same holds true for their kids line.

J.Crew – Pictured
This is my go-to when I am looking for those must-have pieces that look like mini mommy. That sounds strange?! What I mean, is I can buy Lo classic tops, bottoms, dresses and outer wear that are so similar in style to something I would wear you would swear Nathan shrunk my sweater. J.Crew is incredibly on-point with their children’s line. And, little secret – J.Crew Factory offers incredible sales! Just saying.

Mini Boden – Pictured
This is my new gawking obsession. Mini Boden is the most expensive of the lines featured above, but they have a strong quality and incredible designs. Right now they are featuring a limited edition Roald Dahl collection, you know, the author of famed stories, such as James and the Giant Peach, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check it our Here. The line is a top-quality splurge!

Old Navy – Pictured and Pictured
Can I tell you who has been on-point each season with kids fashions? Old Navy! I am not sure if they hired new designers, merchandisers, etc but each season, their selection has been worthy of my dollars. With GAP as a sister brand, Card Members get the same perks mentioned above at Old Navy as well. (Cards also can be used at Banana Republic and Athleta!). The prices are the best for quick growing children!

Target – Pictured
Hands down, their Cat & Jack line is the easiest purchases I make. Not once do I second guess the amount of wear I will get out of them. I can run into Target for one item and leave with three outfits for Lo, under $20 when you count their incredible pricing and versatile mix and match options. I love, love this line!! And, Target Card Holders get an extra 5% off every day!

Zara – Pictured
High-fashion options? Meet Zara! Really, I want to wear almost every item that is showcased under the kids section. This is where I bought Lo’s Baptism gown and where I often stock for special occasion attire. Not priced as low as some of my other favorite brands, the pricing is still very much reasonable given the quality of the pieces and fashion-forwardness. Lastly, when your online order arrives, the packaging is so classic, it makes you want to order again and again. Or, is that just me?

All thoughts and suggestions featured in this post are 100% my opinion.

Enjoyed this post?  Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin

TOMS Shoes

Essentials for Better Snacking

Keeping up with a toddler is no smooth sailing. It is run here, do this, “Get off of that!” and “Come here,” pretty much all day long.

I think one of the hardest things for me as a mom is slowing down when I am with Lo. It is not in my nature to do so generally, so I find myself challenged with the whole concept. I was telling a co-worker the other day about our lazy Saturday a few weeks ago because Lo and I were both sick. She responded with, “That sounds delightful!” Referring to my story of PJ’s all day, movie marathons, camping out in the living room and being just generally sluggish.

To me it was a waste of a weekend. Being glued to my couch versus being outside or exploring the area. I feel like I define myself and my time by checking things off a list. I have problems. This I know.

So, being on the go a lot translates into meals and snacking on the go. Lots and lots.

better-snacking-for-toddlers_backwardsnhighheels_deep-river-snacks-5
It is super easy to just rely on drive-thrus, but as I have gotten older and wiser. Yes, wiser. I have come to actually not really enjoy fast food all that much. Expect for Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread and Chipotle. They are forever my ride-or-die biotches. Or, fast-foodish restaurants.

Besides them, well… ehh! I really try, really, really try, to pack Lo and I some snacks when we run to the playground, mall or to the local book store.

better-snacking-for-toddlers_backwardsnhighheels

These are my go-to items and essentials for when it comes to Lo and her itty bitty taste buds.

1 – Pack multiple snack options
If you are out and about for hours on end, pack some levels to snacking. Just like you, as an adult, like your options, so do kids. I really try to involve Lo and ask her what she wants, but I present her with her options, so to be clear it is not a free for all.

2 – Fresh is best but not always available
I am lucky to have a little girl that actually enjoys fruits and even vegetables. Shh! Sometimes, we can get her to consume raw broccoli. Whose. kid. is. she. I know, right? So, if you can pack a little cooler or if all else fails, go with a banana! They are always game for hanging with you (get it?) Oh, brother!

3 – Prep may be necessary
Bananas, apple slices and edamame are great! But, prep work is a must. This means allowing yourself the time to plan ahead and also investing in to-go containers such as these and these.

4 – Know where you are going
Snacking has seasons. While I love the Dannon Smoothies, I also know they are great at the park, sitting down, with a straw. The point is know where you are heading, what you plan on doing and pack snacks that make sense for your outing.

5 – Be conscious of what you are feeding your kids
Lo crushes hard on snacking. If it wasn’t for great products out there, it would be super easy to cram her mouth and little belly full of the not so good stuff. Processed this and that. I get it. Sometimes being conscious is tough. We run out of time and sometimes, we think what is it going to hurt? But, why do that when there are great options out there? For example, our new favorite snack has to be Nachos Cheese Honchos by Deep River Snacks! Here is why I love these. Deep River Snacks, tortilla chips are 90% organic, certified gluten-free and proudly made in the USA with non-GMO ingredients. Say that again, people, non-GMO ingredients! And I love the brand’s vision statement – ” To challenge and redefine the snack industry while inspiring our communities to do the right thing.” You can read some more good stuff, here. Seriously, check them out!

better-snacking-for-toddlers_backwardsnhighheels_deep-river-snacks-4
better-snacking-for-toddlers_backwardsnhighheels_deep-river-snacks-2
better-snacking-for-toddlers_backwardsnhighheels_deep-river-snacks-2

The only compliant Lo and I have… you have to lick your fingers when you are done with the bag. But, really, is that so much of a bad thing?

What are your tips for snacking with your toddler or big kids? What are your favorite go-to snacks?

Enjoyed this post?  Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

Thank you Deep River Snacks for sending me snacks for my family to try.

When You Give A Two-Year Old A Mini Shopping Cart

My hometown’s grocery store recently closed and reopened under a new franchise brand. The change brought about a reorganized produce section, complete with some organics, better pricing (my opinion) and a great perks program (again, my opinion). But, by far, the greatest addition is the kid-sized grocery carts. (INSERT – Complete sarcasm! HERE)

when-you-give-a-two-year-old-a-shopping-cart_backwardsnhighheels_blog-2

I thought I was the cool mom. I thought she was the disciplined child. I learned that those two things really do not go hand in hand.

Here is what happens when you give a near two-year old their own personal kid grocery cart.

It all started with her big eyed gasp, that seriously gets me every single time. How could I resist? She spotted the little shopping cart and reached out her hands, little fingers erect, nearly leaving my arms. Then with her little voice, “Mommy, cart, Mommy, cart.” There was a smile on my face. “I got this!” No, “We got this!” I thought proudly to myself.

Looking back now, there were other adults starring at me. Eyeing me up. I am sure they were all thinking the same thing… “What a cool Mom. Great Mom.”

Ahh, who am I kidding? They were secretly judging me. “Just you wait!” They all probably smirked.

But, she was so cute, cruising through the produce. “Mommy, orange,” she yelled. “Nana.” (That is banana talk, folks).

I think the first item in her cart was a pack of blueberries, then a yellow pepper, then said Nanas.

“Follow Mommy.” I would sweetly proclaim and smile at other shoppers. As if my smile and nod was really communication to cue them to look at my sweetheart.

The frozen foods were next. As she slowly lagged behind me, I scanned the freezers while constantly looking back. My concentration and meal planning game was totally off, but hey, I needed a “few” things.

As we made the turn, I noticed the produce guy hauling the empty cart up the aisle behind us. “Watch where you are going,” I softly encouraged her, smiling at the gentleman who did not return my sincere gesture. Nah, instead he sighed, looking around his cart, knowing he could easily take her out. There was no, “She is cute,” or mere awe from him. More like disdain and I felt it then, he was thinking, “Who the hell invented these things?”

We avoided a mid-aisle collision and rounded the end cap to the chips. Lo started to grab items. Up until this point, things were too high or behind freezer doors, but now they were just a hand away. “No,” starting to be said.

“I don’t think so. We don’t need that. Come on, Lo. No.” All the discipline started to come out, but she was still so darn cute. All disheveled and grimy from the day, pushing her cart. Ya, know, just like, her Mom. I got out my phone. I videoed her. Posted it to Instagram, then SnapChat. She was a bit more confident with the cart and I was still the cool Mom.

We scanned the next aisle and encountered an enthusiastic shopper. “Oh, would you look at her!” The happy lady said to her husband as he picked through the brats (actually I don’t know if that is what he was looking at in the meat section, but it sounds good now). He turned, holding his brats and chuckled, “Are you shopping young Lady?”

Of course, Lo replied, “Yesh!” (Not yes. It is Yesh!) I smiled back. THIS is what I was talking about and what I was envisioned in my head when we first spotted the cart in the front of the store. A happy Mommy / Daughter night.

I was growing in confidence too. I added some soup cans to her buggy as we made the turn to the next aisle revealing… more canned goods. Before I knew it she had beets, spam and tuna in her cart. Ya, know, typical items a two-year old desires! I secretly removed them, returning them to the shelf when she would turn her back. Half way up the aisle I realized… she was starting to take control. She started running. Grabbing a canned good here, grabbing one there. Actually she could no longer push the buggy. Well she could but she was exercising the same exertion I do, when I am loaded down and sliding into the check out lane.

“Why don’t we take a break form the buggy and you ride in Mommy’s cart I asked?” Surprisingly, she obliged. I transferred the items from her cart to mine, loaded her in the front, left the child’s cart in the aisle and went on my merry way. So, I thought…

Once the cart was out of sight, the meltdown began. Screaming, crying, tantrum status in the SODA section. Just like a shaken bottle of pop, there Lo was erupting. I tried shhhing her. I tried distraction. I talked about McDonald’s. I actually thought about aborting the whole damn mission. “But you have come so far!!” I mentally told myself. “You are right I have!” I mentally replied.

She was screaming! Clinging to my neck, looking into my eyes. Oh damn, we were deep. I started sweating. Like full on drench mode, as I passed Captain Crunch and Tony the Tiger. If they could talk, I was no longer the cool Mom. I was what-the-heck-did-you-do-to-your-child-Mom.

Then there were other children. A distraction to Lo. And, an end display of Beanie Babies. Who knew they made these anymore? I took her out of the shopping cart (BIG MISTAKE). I let her play with the toys to calm down. I grabbed some items quickly, we made the turn and then we each saw it… three children pushing mini shopping carts. I repeat pushing MINI SHOPPING CARTS. She freaked! She wanted one, had to have one, and then in the open she spotted the one I had abandoned mere moments earlier, sitting there alone and she took off. Full run through the meat section. I had a choice. I chose chase. I left my cart, my purse, wide open I might add and went after her. By the time I grabbed her arm, she grabbed the cart. I was defeated. I succumbed. “Fine. Push the damn cart!” I yelled. People looked at me. I was Mean Mom.

My cart was untouched. No one stole my snacks and my purse remained in the front seat. Wallet still intact.

At this point just wanted to hurry up and get the hell out of the store, while my mini shopper followed in tow.

As we made it through the dairy aisle I became a Bully Mom. “Come on, Lo. Hurry up. No. Pay attention. Stop that. Don’t touch that!” I felt like a jerk since I set this whole thing up. When she spotted the Popsicles, I felt like I HAD to buy them for her for the mere subtle sorry for the trouble I caused. I allowed her to put them in her buggy then hurried her along.

As we eyed the check out lanes, the finish line in sight. I snagged this picture.

when-you-give-a-two-year-old-a-shopping-cart_backwardsnhighheels_blog

She had actually opened the box, while she followed behind me and was two-seconds from eating one. I quickly threw the Popsicles in my cart. And drug her, her cart, my cart and all of her tears and screams to the open check out lane. Yes, for an open check out lane.

I ditched her mini shopping cart. I wanted to drop kick it or shove it as hard as I could into the nearby wall. Instead, I mildly pushed it aside.

When I thought I was home free, when I thought I had suppressed her anger and even my own, with gummies (fair trade-off for a Popsicle), the kind couple from aisle #3 appeared. You know, the ones who encouraged me, who made me feel like the Cool Mom, she heard my daughter’s squeals and thought now would be a great time to interact a bit more. She reach for the Snow white balloon in the check out lane and presented it to my daughter. I now realized I needed the mini shopping cart to run it into her heel. No, I am kidding, kidding. HaHa. But, I did want to ask her if she wanted to babysit my screaming daughter, while I peeled the balloon from her fingers.

We checked out. I spent more money than I planned. I actually had no idea what I even bought until I unpacked at home. And, I drove us straight to McDonald’s for our evening dinner. I was too exhausted to cook.

Then another fight broke out between the two of us in the fast food lane as I asked her if she wanted chicken nuggets and she started screaming and crying for pancakes and sausages. I thought I had lost all hope. But then a heavenly angel came through and spoke to me , using the drive-thru speaker as her medium and asked – “Welcome to McDonald’s. Breakfast Menu or Dinner Menu?” The light shined at the end of a long tunnel and I ordered breakfast for dinner.

Thank you, McDonald’s for the win!!  I will take the all-day breakfast idea over the mini shopping carts any day.

The end!

Enjoyed this post?  Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

Dear Little Sister

dear-little-sister_backwardsnhighheels_blog
There was a time I was your age. While it feels like ages ago, please understand, when you look back at me, I was once in your shoes. You can sit there quietly. You can put on a brave face, but what I am not acknowledging when I sit there looking at you is that I know on some days you are fighting back tears. And, I won’t call you on it. I know when someone says, “Are you crying?” or “Honey, don’t cry.” You will, because I too had those very questions asked at your age and before I knew it the waterworks would turn on and I would be a blubbering mess into someone’s shoulder. It is like the question turns the faucet on.

Being a teenager is hard. Don’t let anyone tell you it is not. Friends from elementary and middle school that you proclaimed as your BFF, splitting heart necklaces and making pinkie promises suddenly disappear. Or worse, sometimes you actually feel like you are the one who has disappeared as you pass them during the school day without a wave or a smile. Your body is changing. Suddenly things are happening that you heard about in 5th grade health and you want to crawl under your bed sheets and stay awhile.  You want to be a kid but you also want to grow up. You are learning who you are while navigating the halls of a school filled with judgment, pettiness, competition and jealousy.

But, here is the thing. This won’t last forever. These feelings you feel today as you scan Facebook to see what “he” is up to, or where all your “friends” are tonight, while you sit at your older sister’s home, they too shall pass. Because once you throw that cap in the air and earn your high school diploma, high school drama ends and real life begins. This I promise.

So, here are some things the real world doesn’t care about.

How popular you were.
You are going to graduate from high school and just like that, each and every one of you will scatter. Some will go into the workforce right away, some will take time to find themselves, some into the military, some into their hometown college and others will pack up and cross the country for school. But, you will scatter and you will start over, and I repeat, you will start over. So, popularity, in high school will soon in the snap of a finger mean nothing. College and / or the real world doesn’t gauge acceptance and hiring on how many people sat with you in the lunch room.

If you know how to contour your face or not.
Unless you are becoming a makeup artist, no one cares if you can contour your face or not. So, the need to be beautiful and cake your face in makeup is just plain silly. In fact, if you are not a makeup artist, don’t even try contouring. You are most beautiful without a drop of makeup on.

Who you dated.
Life goes round. Boys will come and go and your heart will break. If you are like most, it will break more than once and you will probably even break a heart or two, too. The thing is you are in that in between stage in life. Not quite a woman, and not quite a girl. It is the same for boys. Believe me. While it hurts today, in a few years you will look back and laugh. And, if you are anything like your sister, your brothers and uncles will one day pick on you for your young love crushes and choices.

Who Your Best Friends Are.
Friends will come and go. I promise you this. It will happen now and even when you become an adult. People change and adapt and because of this, so does friendship. Do not define yourself by quantity but by quality. One great best friend is worth the weight in gold than 10 sub-par “friends.”

But, here are the things the real world does care about.

Your Grades – Yes, this really is the main reason you are in high school. Take school seriously. Do well. Try hard and place your attention and efforts into learning and loving to learn. You never stop learning and high school is the stepping stone to what your future holds.

That You Can Multi-Task – Try out for the drama club. Play soccer. Join the Yearbook Team. Do all the things you want to do and possibly can! Use high school to your advantage. Show that you have initiative.

That You Respect Authority – A respectful teenager is a respectful adult and it goes both ways. Meaning, when you leave high school with the mentality that adults can be mentors and by exhibiting this trait, adults will look at you as a young adult with an equal amount of respect. Understand that you are not a know-it-all. Sometimes, adults know what they are talking about and their tough love is just that. They are guiding and shaping you.

That You Are Kind. Don’t be a bully today or tomorrow. Life is about acceptance. Be humble, be kind and don’t stoop to the level of others. My favorite Maya Angelou quote is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Remember this. I promise you in ten years you will pass an old classmate in public and they won’t remember who your best friends were or who you dated but they will remember how you made them feel right now. Be the shining person who strives to be that very person that in ten years from now is remembered for being accepting, friendly and kind. It is a better legacy than the mean girls.

Finally, dear sister, go to bed each night loving yourself today. You are special. Hold your head high with self-confidence not self-boasting. Love yourself for your own reflection each day, never the reflection you see through others. Unless of course it is through me, because what I see is something beautiful!

Enjoyed this post?  Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

 

Sunday Morning and Poison Control

poison-control_backwardsnhighheels_blog
This past Sunday morning started out like most. Pajamas and coffee in bed. A little bed head toddler beauty squished in between us for morning snuggles and sausage thawing in the refrigerator, awaiting the pitter-patter of our feet as we make a break from beneath the warmth of our bed covers to rise with the sun to start a new day. Where did I lose you? I lost myself at sausage. Cause’ Lord knows I forget to thaw meat out and then scramble by placing it in a scalding bowl of hot water and praying to the thawing Gods.

This is the morning I envisioned in my mind pre-baby and still even living crazy Sunday after crazy Sunday, envision will miraculously occur.

Picture perfect none the less. The real Sunday went a little something like this.

  • Lo fought me to go down Saturday. Our fault. We missed her mark and paid royally. Let me go back a bit further and explain that Friday night I finally got the new bed sheets on the bed that I purchased on Thursday. We only had the real joy of sleeping on them, Friday night. Lo decided Saturday morning was the morning and a good time to pee in our bed. Not even 10 hours on our mattress, I stripped the bed, yet again, to rewash the new sheets. So, by Saturday night when the clock struck 10 pm and my wired toddler poked me in the eye balls and flopped around like a fish out of water, I carried her into her own crib and crashed hard. On the bed with our missing fitted sheet. When Nathan finally awoke from the couch and pulled back the comforter at midnight, I knew he was tired too as he did not even bulk at the sheet-less situation
  • By 6:45 am on Sunday, Lo was calling out our names. We convinced her the “sky was not awake” (Frozen reference since she is slightly obsessed) and were able to convince her to give us about 30 more minutes of laying in bed time. Notice I did not say sleeping or even cuddling. 30 extra minutes to lay in bed.
  • Eventually, she crawled over my body and onto the floor and stood at the foot of the bed so we could only see her eyes, forehead and hair and repeatedly yelled,”Down. Down. Down.” Until we got out of bed.
  • At this point we caused our own chaos with an hour and a half until church. I skipped the breakfast ritual and opted for cinnamon rolls only to discover an odd oozing liquid that seeped out and onto the baking sheet. Realizing we were passed the expiration, I reluctantly tossed them. I say reluctant, because I Googled – Can you eat Cinnamon Rolls pass their expiration date? and then figured stomach cramps weren’t my thing. That morning we ate oatmeal and berries. I know, we are great people. Eating healthy as our last resource. I literally told Nathan, “It takes no food in the house to eat well.”
  • Lo hates showers and baths when the timing is right and when they are necessary but is obsessed when you have 40 minutes to get yourself and everyone out the door. So, after a quick shower, she was bathed, dried and dressed for church.
  • I let her play in our spare bedroom, which houses my childhood Barbie dream house that is now hers, while Nathan and I rushed around getting dressed, gathering an offering and packing her diaper bag. I believe I was semi-curling my hair when I heard Nathan call out my name. When I walked in the room our daughter was laying in the bedroom closet, against a pile of debris (otherwise known as junk you don’t know where else to put so you shove in a closet) and just starring at us red faced and weird. Yes, weird. “What is wrong with her?” Nathan asked. She was coherent. She kicked me when I approached, so I assumed all was well and I scooped her up, checked her over and then placed her back on the floor.
  • Minutes later when we returned to check on her. She had returned to the closet, squatting in the doorway. This time her face was red and she was blotchy. Nathan went to grab her and instead picked up a bottle of wood clue that he found beside her. “She is eating wood glue, Ashli!” He yelled. Of course I silently freaked out.
  • At this point, church had started 5 minutes ago. And, maybe we should have been there praying we were better, more observant parents. Nathan rushed to his phone to call someone for advice and I scanned the bottle for the words – “toxic.” Which I could not find. So, I grabbed my phone and Googled – Toddler ate wood glue – and then I slightly chuckled and then I got mad at myself for laughing at what could be a serious situation, because at this point, how the hell did I know?
  • Detective mode kicked in and I squeezed the bottle. I could not even get the wood glue out of the half dry rotted bottle so how could she? Then, at the same time, Nathan and I realized, she ate the hardened glue the gathered at the opening. You know, when you last use glue and it collectively gathers.
  • Once my Google search screen loaded, Poison Control’s number was the first thing I saw, so I dialed. And, to my surprise a nice lady answered quickly, “Poison Control, how may I assist you today.” Lo continued to lay across from me in the closet, starring at me, pushing me away as I reached for her, saying, “No, Mommy, go.” At this point a smell filled the closet air and I realized her red, blotchy face wasn’t from the wood glue.
  • Distracted by the whole situation, I answered, “Hi, umm yes…” I literally did not know what to say so I blurted it out, “my daughter ate wood glue. Is she going to be okay?” Now Lo was refusing eye contact.
  • The lady was so sweet and professional and asked me if she was choking or coughing or showing any symptoms and I actually said, “She is being quiet and starring at me.”  Omitting the redness and blotches which I at this point knew had nothing to do with the wood glue. The kind lady actually chuckled. Then I explained that I was sure it was not actually glue but the remnants of glue that hardened onto the cap. She reassured me she would be fine, even double checking the “site.” She warned the worse would be she may experience a stomach ache or be bound up but to give her some water and she would be just fine.
  • I felt relieved. Slightly embarrassed but so thankful for that number, which is 1-800-222-1222, by the way. Write it down!!
  • When Nathan returned to the room, I was hanging up the phone, and picking up my daughter. “What did they say?” he asked.”Oh, she will be just fine! The only toxins we have to worry about are in her diaper.”

We missed church. We changed into comfy clothes and I changed Lo’s diaper. Lo returned to her Barbies and I hid the wood glue. I Googled – When so you start potty training a toddler? I learned Lo is definitely showing the ready signs. I still think Lo ate some wood glue and I posted Poison Control’s number on our refrigerator.

The end!

Enjoyed this post?  Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

Puffer Vest Probs

Hi. My name is Ashli and I have a Puffer Vest problem.

fall-fashion-finds_the-puffer-vest_backwardsnhighheels-blog-copy
one | two | three |  four  |  five

There, now that I have that out in the open, let me share my latest fall fashion finds with you.

The Puffer Vest is such a versatile piece. They are hardy, meaning an investment in one is well worth it. They last! Years and years, might I add, so don’t go out of style. Okay?

I love how they provide the outerwear layer that is needed in the fall. You know, when the temperatures are in between. It is too warm for a coat, yet there is enough of a chill in the air to need an additional layer.

Let’s not forget, they are cute! Yes, they can be paired with gingham, chambray, plaid, you name it. I love how I can mix and match with tops in my closest and wear one vest in multiple ways.

The only problem I see is that I am obsessed; therefore, I can’t stop shopping and buying! Now I see these five options for this fall fashion season and I am torn on which to invest in. Decisions, decisions.

So, which is your favorite? Comment below or share a link! Am I crazy? Don’t answer that.

Happy Shopping!

TOMS Shoes

Not All Days Are Easy

not-all-days-are-easy_backwardsnhighheels
Not all days are easy. Actually, most are not. As I sit here writing this, I am donning the same PJ pants I had on the night my water broke with Lo. Eww! Gross. Yeah, I assume that is what you are thinking. I mean I probably would have too pre-baby but then again that was pre-baby. Amniotic fluid, totally washes out of clothes! Same as vomit, poop and pee that will inevitably cover your child’s clothes or blankets at one point, multi-times in their life and even your own. Anyways, back to the pants, they were and are my favorite. How the heck was I to know my water would break in them? I didn’t! I washed them, I kept them, moving on.

I am cranky. Lack of sleep. Always lack of sleep. Overwhelming work. Pending and never ending deadlines, a new hire, a looming move. Soon-to-be two-year old with a raging personality. Pushing buttons. Meltdowns and hyperactive mixed with a headstrong personality. Equally busy husband. End of season deadlines and the pressures of being a small business owner. And, for complete shits and giggles (as the old saying goes) dealing with a late appliance delivery.  A refrigerator too, which requires you to empty and clean your old, and clean and load your new. All of the above.

I am drinking a glass of wine. Chilled and served in a Stella chalice (P.S. – I hate Stella in a chalice. Just give me the bottle). I swore I would not drink tonight but then everything I discussed above happened in real life and I decided, ahh what the hell. I digress.

Not all days are easy. Most are exhausting. I am just being real. Not trying to complain or whine, but instead just painting a picture of a realistic day in a blogging mom’s life. My life. Sometimes I feel like social media paired with a Blogger is all white walls, fashion, highly stylized shots and picturesque days. That is not me. That is not my family. That is not my Blog. I stand for being raw and real and sharing aspects of my life, motherhood, parenting, adulting, with you all that hopefully you can relate with. My intention behind – Backwards N High Heels was to paint a picture. Not necessarily a pretty picture by a world renowned artist but instead a finger painting by me!

So, this post tonight is just to serve as a reminder to you, that I am real and to remind me that… I am real. Not all days are easy! Some require your favorite PJ’s that you just exploited to all and that chilled glass of wine! Heck, I made it through another day. That is a success and blessing. Cheers, friends!

Enjoyed this post?  Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

Easy Pot Roast Recipe

fall-recipe_pot-roast_backwardsnhighheels_blog
Happy first day of Fall. It is Fall, right? I mean apparently it is officially, but where are the bright orange and red leaves? Where are the cool temperatures? Where are my favorite Steve Madden boots? No, seriously, where are my boots?

All this lack of Fall feels has me longing for Fall even more. So when this past weekend came around and the temperatures dipped into the mid to low 70’s, I was all flannel and comfort food craving.

So, I turned to the easiest meal there is. Crock Pot Roast.

easy-pot-roast-and-mashed-potatoes_backwardsnhighheels_blog

EASY CROCK POT ROAST
Serves 4

  • 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil
  • 2.5 Lb Chuck Roast
  • 1 Pack on French Onion Soup Dry Mix
  • 1 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1/2 Cup of Water
  • 1  Yellow Onion
  • 6-8 Carrots (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 Tbsp of Rosemary
  • Sea Salt and Pepper, to taste

Want to know the secret? You need to sear your meat and turn your crock pot on low before you begin. Add 1 Tbs of olive oil to a heated pan. Season all sides of the roast with sea salt and pepper. Divide the 1 Tbsp of rosemary and season the top, bottom and longest sides of the roast with the rosemary in addition to the salt and pepper.  Sear each side of the roast, including sides. Once seared, transfer to the crock pot. In the same pain sear the yellow onion, which has been peeled and quartered. Sear all three sides of the onion, then add to the crock pot. Add peeled and chopped carrots to the same pan and allow the heat to season and sear the carrots, before transferring them to the crock pot. Add one pack of french onion soup mix, one can of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of water to the crock pot. Stir and cook on high for five hours or low for eight hours.

I like to serve up pot roast with homemade mashed potatoes. Recipe below! Yes, this is a two for one. And, yes you are welcome.

HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES

Serves 4

  • 4 Russel Potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 Stick of Butter
  • 3/4 cup of Milk
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Peel and chop potatoes. Heat a pot of water and season with salt. Add the chopped potatoes. Cook until tender. I use a fork and when I can easily poke, they are ready. Drain the potatoes and mash with a fork. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the butter and milk slowly, using an electric hand mixer. Once the mashed potatoes are at a mashed consistency you like, you are finished.

Just like that, dinner!

Enjoyed this post?  Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

The Third Voice

the-third-voice_backwardsnhighheels_blog
It is funny how loud our home has become.

Pattering of feet running hard across tile floors. The wheeling of a shopping cart buggy being pushed across the wooden planks that make up our back deck flooring. Squeals of delight as the music to Frozen starts up. Tears and tantrums. Oh the incredible tantrums. The call from one end of the home for “Mommy!” And, let me tell you one cry for Mommy will never do. It is “Mommy, Mommy… MOMMY!” Until I arrive.VIEW STORY »

Dear Pacifier

dear-pacifier_motherhood-blog_backwards-n-high-heels
Dear Pacifier,

Let’s just cut to the chase, you are called a “Binkie” in our home, so Binkie you shall remain and be referred to through this post. Okay, now that we cleared that up, you and I have a love / hate relationship right now.

It all began when Lo was a mere few hours old. For some unknown reason, I was scared of you. Afraid, she would become addicted to your power. Sitting there holding my day old baby and all I could think of was her at four running through the yard, I chasing after her, trying to coax you from her mouth.VIEW STORY »