Just Like Mom

I’ve heard “Just like mommy” and “minni me” even with my first two children for years, but I think this little girlie girl takes the cake. She is full of spunk and personality, but can be quite shy. It all depends on the vibe she gets off of people. I’m the same way.

She loves all things sparkly, all things clothes, all things girly, but then again Alexis, my oldest, used to be that way too, lol. So, I will enjoy this while can!!

I just had to have this shirt that I found that Target carried from Cat & Jack. I’m still a little iffy about the whole turtle thing though because we’re far from “slow”, but they are cute and glittery, haha!!!

She is a doll. See the OOTD and read the details below!! Always keep an open mind about saving in different areas for your family! Pride will only hold you back from great things.

She was so antsy to get up and play!

I had to be very quick to snap a pic before she slid off the chair to run around.

This is how our sessions go, but I manage to snag a few cute pics each time. We’re getting better at it!!

ABOUT THE OUTFIT:

Top: Cat & Jack: Dirt Cheap- $1.00 NWT

Shorts: Park Bench Kids: Dirt Cheap (part of a 2 piece set)- $1.00 NWT

Headband: By BowPosh

Lil Miss Independent

The title says it all. Bentlie has grown into a very “do it myself” kind of girl, more so than my other two even. I promise you she will be in gymnastics at a very early age. The other two tried it out and liked it but we had to make some family changes at that time so it ended up being too far, and now they don’t want to do it again which is fine. I really feel Bentlie was born to do that or be a stunt double. I don’t know, lol! Anyone that meets her realizes that right away!

This outfit was picked out by her after I gathered the pieces over a few store stops. It looks a bit patriotic but there is no reason why we can’t sport red, white, and blue on random days in our beautiful country :D.

Technically the shirt was sold during July 4th, but we found it on clearance, and are happy to wear it any time.

The dots are silver which went great with the headband!

The skirt is originally from Target. Here is the link: https://www.target.com/p/baby-girls-2-piece-tutu-and-long-sleeve-sparkle-bodysuit-set-red-grand/-/A-51779430

The store that we got the skirt from carries all new clothes with tags but some at major discounts. When I do the Dirt Cheap blog, I’ll show you a few examples including a dress and other items I found!

If I leave this headband on for the picture, can I rock a minute?

This skirt is just tutu cute!! She was complimented all day.

Beyond this gate is wide open spaces, lol. Shoes or not she doesn’t care.

ABOUT THE OUTFIT:

Top: No brand on the inner tag: Walmart- Clearance $1.00 (reg $4.98 if I remember correctly)

Skirt: Baby Grand Signature: Dirt Cheap- $.50

Headband: By BowPosh

 

$1.50 and you would never know! I love how much we save on kids clothes!!

 

My Mini Me

A short and sweet post just like this beauty we call Bentlie!

I love that she loves little mature outfits. She doesn’t always have to be dressed in Disney princesses, and My Little Pony pieces to laugh, play, and be a joyful child. This outfit is probably one of my favs! I’m not wishing her to grow up, not at all but I cherish every moment I have with her and we have a blast picking out clothes (mini me outfits and princesses)!

ABOUT THE OUTFIT:

Top: Old Navy: Dirt Cheap- $1.60 (I still need to explain this store!!)

Lace vest: RMLA: Goodwill- $1.99

Leggings: No brand: Goodwill- $1.00

Shoes: No brand listed on shoes: Walmart- $3.00

Headband: Made by BowPosh

 

The lace vest is a size 2T. I cant stress enough to size up! Bentlie now wears 18mo but she fits in some 24mo and will be able to wear them for the rest of the year which will save me a lot with her rapid growth!!

 

My Cup Runneth Over

When I found out I was pregnant with my third child, I locked myself in the bathroom for maybe an hour or more. As my husband explains it, it was exactly what happened with the first. That is how he knew the test was positive.

With the first child you’re scared. It’s all new, and now everyone you know is going to start trying to tell you their ways on how to raise your children, lol. With a third on the way, you probably know a thing or two, but if it has been 10 years since your last, well then…….it’s like a first all over again!! At least to me.

After two kids I was saying the same things that I said with my first which I had 13 years ago. “We’re not ready.”, “I don’t know what to do.”, “Can we even afford this?”, “What about work. School?”, and on and on! I look at this blessing now, and think what did we even do before her? The other two kids were excited about the news. They understood that a baby would take a lot of the adults time. They were great with helping with everything, and playing with her. Now that she’s 1, they have even more fun because she is a dare devil- scared of nothing- knows she’s protected.

It has been an amazing journey. We weren’t ready, but who ever is…actually READY? I knew what to do because I had to do whatever it took to provide for my family. We could afford it because I have learned how to save A LOT of money on items and necessities for the family. I work at home and no longer have side jobs because I learned how to build my online business and even took on a network marketing “job” helping others feel their absolute BEST.

I love that I’m able to stay home with Bentlie and work on my businesses now. She lights up our lives and gives us a chance to share things that we went through to help others who may be going through similar situations. I just love that.

I snapped these pics of Bentlie a couple of weeks ago because I couldn’t get over how adorable and sweet she is. I’m truly blessed more than words can tell you <3.

 

See how we saved with this outfit!

Those toes though!!! Stay this sweet forever my love.

Pastels with bold colors is where its at ;).

The back of this shirt is to die for <3.

The pieces we buy are usually bought at different times and then we mix and match throughout the time she wears them. Not many outfits are set with specific pieces. This top was given to her by a long time friend, Lanika Abbott at Bentlies one year birthday party in March with a pair of abstract printed harem shorts in pastel colors. The cutest outfits ever!

The cutest!! Thank you Lanika. These were given to Bentlie at her 1 year birthday party in March. 18 mo sizing. She was able to wear the outfit on the right immediately, but the shorts on the left were a bit big then. Now, she can wear them both just fine. This is why we always size UP!!

I thought the black and white was SO cute with the pastel pink <3.

ABOUT THE OUTFIT:

Top: Maggie & Zoe: Birthday gift- 0.00

Tribal shorts: Garanimals: Walmart- $2.00 Clearance

Headband: Hobby Lobby Clearance- 1.00 (I make headbands but it was super cute and only a buck, so why not?)

 

Daddy’s little princess

OOTD!!

My husband loves all of his kids whole heartedly, but the little ones always get a little more attention ;). When we were walking through Walmart after picking up some necessities we walked by the car seats because we are on the search for a new one for Bentlie. On his way through he saw an outfit he liked but put it down. The next day we went back for something else, and he showed me the outfit again saying that she really liked it so I tossed it in the cart. He looked a little shocked because it wasn’t even on clearance, LOL.

I thought it was the sweetest thing that he had picked out an outfit for her and I knew he wanted it because he mentioned it again. He did a great job and it looks perfect on her!! She has a couple of tops like this but her other she has outgrown and another is still too big so why not have one for NOW? She does love it though, and its wonderful for these 100 degree Tennessee summer days, that’s for sure.

Check out the deets below!

Acting a little bummed she couldn’t get out of the gate.

Moving a lot once I start taking more photos, lol.

I told her we needed to go inside because it was super hot!

She still didn’t want to go in. I had to pick her up. She LOVES being inside regardless of heat index warnings, but what Mommy says is final <3.

About the outfit:

Top and pant combo: Healthtex Baby: Walmart- $6.88

Headband: BowPosh by Laura C Cole & Co. found at http://www.lauraccoleco.etsy.com

 

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Love my family. Love my life. ❤

Love, The Family Coleition ❤

Feel free to post photos of your amazing finds!!!

Be sure to look back at our other cuties.

Let your love shine

Let your love shine, always, in everything you do!!

We are doing our best to teach our kids this, and as we head back into the school year this is even more important!! We are, of course, anti-bully- having been the kids that went through that in school, even into some high school. We believe that everyone is unique, and just because they are interested or like something that someone else doesn’t, that doesn’t make them non-friend worthy! We can learn so much from each other.

Our kids have done a phenomenal job at making others feel comfortable and being their friend even when others see things differently.  I pray that they continue to show this love to everyone, giving them the chance they deserve even as adults.

Now that our oldest two (13 and 11) are going to be in high school soon, we didn’t expect to have another to experience these things, lol! I think she will be just fine as well <3.

This shirt was absolutely perfect and we found it at Target on clearance a few months ago, in March I believe.

We usually buy a size up for Bentlie so she can get some extra wear time because she grows so fast. Now that the other two are slowing down, its becoming easier with their sizes.

Bentlie sitting in her great grandmothers chair in the formal living room. So sweet! She even let me paint her nails. Now, she gets upset if I don’t paint them when she hands me he nail polish, haha. Girly girl!

These gold bows just MAKE the outfit!

This shows how the skirt was NWT! There were two available at 18 mo but unfortunately, I only needed one, lol.

Those eyes though!!! This photo was taken for our OOTD (outfit of the day) we did a few months back around her birthday month :). The leggings have little gold flowers so it went great together!

This was when she first got this outfit. The hearts on the leggings are half black and half gold :). Funny story about these leggings coming in another blog! Stay tuned.

About the outfit:

T-shirt: Cat & Jack: Target clearance- $3.49

Bow skirt: No brand (has snowflake/star symbol- Regular price $4.97 at Walmart online): Goodwill NWT- .99 cents

Bow headband (in first photo): BowPosh by Laura C Cole & Co. (made by me, can be found in our shops at http://www.lauraccoleco.esty.com).

 

 

About the other pieces:

Black leggings: Forgot brand: Goodwill- $1.99

Heart leggings: Cat & Jack: Target sale- Buy one get one half off (regular price $6.00).

Bow headband (in next to last photo): BowPosh by Laura C Cole & Co. (made by me, can be found in our shops at http://www.lauraccoleco.etsy.com).

Funny story about the heart pants coming soon!!!

 

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Love my family. Love my life. ❤

Love, The Family Coleition ❤

Feel free to post photos of your amazing finds!!!

Be sure to look back at our other cuties.

 

 

Modern Country Chic

Many weekends when my husband is off of work we pit stop into Goodwill to browse, but we all know that this browsing we speak of turns into pieces hanging all around the cart for us to decide on as we make our way through housewares.

This trip I remember finding quit a few pieces and this was a really nice one that was like new. Bentlie already had the pants from March.

This top reminds me of a cute country summer top that a teen would wear with some boots. We decided to keep it modern with the harem pants and glitter shoes to tone it down a bit!

It was a super HOT Tennessee day, but we paired these harem pants with the summer tank since we would be inside most of the day.

Bentlie thought it was so fun to sit in the front seat waiting on dad to go! The photo below was taken a couple of months ago! She can still wear this outfit with ease :). I think the mismatched socks she touch was just perfect!

Here she is in the same pants a few months ago with a different top (a onesie). I love how all of her pieces can be mix and matched and worn a while! It makes for a lot more outfits which is always a WIN!

I learned a long time ago not to let my pride keep me from big savings, and we have done a fabulous job. I wish I would have kept ALL of the receipts through these trips and sites to show how much we truly have saved by shopping deals.

About the outfit:

Top: 2 be real (could hardly read the embroidered logo on the tag): Goodwill- $1.00

Harem pants: Cat & Jack: Target clearance- $3.49

Shoes: Garanimals: Walmart- $3.00

Other pieces:

Top: Shown in another blog: Friends: Target clearance- $3.49

Onesie: With the Victorias Secret dog: Made by a friend for Bentlies 1st birthday- Free

Socks: Walmart- $1.97 (pack of two)

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Love my family. Love my life. ❤

Love, The Family Coleition ❤

Feel free to post photos of your amazing finds!!!

Be sure to look back at our other cuties.

Friends Forever

Since I am a bit behind on my blogs because there is some big news coming up in the Laura C Cole & Co. world, Im going to get them all posted this week so I’m hoping I don’t overload you with cuteness ;).

I hope you enjoy. These are super adorbs, and Bentlie absolutely loves them! We let her pick out her outfit each day :).

For this outfit you will see the same shirt worn different ways, but it is one of her favorite shirts. When she sees it she grabs it and hugs it with the biggest smile!!!

 

This tutu skirt was originally only at Macy’s by Hello Kitty and it is super fluffy!!

She taught herself how to rock and LOVES it!

The photo below was from a few months ago, and it still fits her. We buy a size up so clothes can last a bit longer. In the above photos you can see how much her hair has grown!!

Bentlie visiting my dad for the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, she never got to meet him but I know he would be so very proud!! He loved his other two grandchildren, Alexis and DuGrei!

Here is another shot of Bentlie in her Friends shirt with some harem pants from this blog! We love all of the mix and matching!!

About the outfits:

Friends Forever T-shirt: Target Clearance- $3.49

Hello Kitty tutu skirt for Macys: Goodwill- 1.00 NWT

Cute sneakers: Garanimals: Walmart: 3.00

About the other bottoms:

Tan shimmery harem pants with padded knees: Target clearance- $3.49

Zebra ruffled skirt with undershorts: Jumping beans: Goodwill- 1.00

Heather black harem pants: Target clearance- $3.49

Socks: Walmart- $1.97 (pack of two)

$3.49 was like a splurge, LOL.

 

*************************************************************************************

Love my family. Love my life. ❤

Love, The Family Coleition ❤

Feel free to post photos of your amazing finds!!!

Be sure to look back at our other cuties.

 

 

 

Pouty but pretty in pink and grey

I think talking about our finds for Bentlie, who is now 1, is such a blast, but getting the photos is quite a task!! She is such a busy body, but she did let me just paint her nails red so..WIN!!

Here is a summer casual outfit perfect for out outdoor adventures as long as we have quality bug repellent. If you have any notes on all natural bug repellent for kids, drop them in the comments for me, please!!

My kids make my heart overflow!! Cuteness and sweetness overload with each one of them. Time is passing us by so quickly so enjoy every moment!!

About the outfit!

Tank Top: Healthtex: Goodwill- 1.00

Shorts: Carter’s: Dirt Cheap NWT- .90 (2 pack- white/pink 1.80)

Socks: Walmart- .98 (2 pack 1.97 some packs are two colors or same color)

Shoes: Walmart- 3.00 (clearance)

 

Stretch your dollar or two

Babies grow so fast so after my first few months with my 1st child I was done with full price department store clothing. At that time Macys had some amazing clearance sales for toddler clothes. About $4 dollars a piece for items that normally cost about $20 and even some dresses that were $60 was saving me a fortune, but now, I can do better than $4 most of the time!!

All it takes is a little bit of leaving the pride at the stores door!

Even prices have gone up at thrift stores, especially Goodwill, but that is why our thrifting game got stepped up a few notches. This hurt my Goodwill splurges, but it only helped me be more disciplined with the tag color changes!!! That’s a positive!! My daughter has fun with this as well, but we’re still working on her discipline, lol. Watch for our post on how to work Goodwill colors, days, and coupons!

This outfit includes NWT pieces but without the new with tag prices!! We snagged this cute ensemble for less than two dollars!

We found these pieces at two different stores. Both pieces were NWT (new with tags), but not from department stores!

About the outfit:

Pink top: Carter’s: Goodwill- 1.00

White shorts: Circo: Dirt Cheap- .90 (pack of two/ white & pink 1.80)

CUTE AS A BUTTON!!

I’ll explain the “Dirt Cheap” store in another post. I had never seen anything like it until I got to TN. It has taken some getting used to but once in a while it turns out to be great!

What are some neat stores that you have in your town that allow you to save more?