The Country “Suite” Life

So I had been looking forward to the Kenny Chesney Aug 20^th concert at Metlife stadium for an extremely long time! That weekend couldn’t come soon enough! Tailgating plans were being set up, outfits were being decided upon, and camera batteries were on the chargers! Then on Wednesday night prior to the concert our friend Katie, who works for Live Nation sent a text, “What are the chances you guys could get a babysitter two nights in a row? I have Suite tickets for Zac Brown Band in NYC Friday night!” Luckily we already had a setup that the baby was going to mum-mums house for the weekend, so we were able to go!

NYC is always interesting for us, and I won’t get into too much detail, but we did miss the last train home that evening, so it was a LONG night. The suite however was awesome! I’ve never been VIP like this before. We were extremely close to the stage, sharing a suite with other Live Nation employees and their families. This was truly an awesome experience, the suite was packed with catered food and drink! So much fun!

Then Saturday morning I was up bright and early filled with excitement to see Sam Hunt & Old Dominion. I started prepping food for the tailgate, and filling the truck with all the necessities for the days festivities. We hit the road around 1:30 and got to Metlife stadium just shy of 3pm. Cooked up some burgers, chicken, and dogs, ate chips and dip, mac and cheese and drank till our hearts were content. Brian and I created these flabongos, which were a huge hit! Even the group tailgating next to us asked to borrow them.

Then as 3:30 rolled around I was on a mission to pack it up and get in there for Old Dominion! Again Katie had been blessed with VIP tickets, which we were not quite sure what that meant, but very eager to find out.

I had purchased 3 nose bleed seats ahead of time, for myself, Brian & Stefanie, so when Katie told us about the VIP Brian offered to hang with our other friends Kevin & Lauren in the nose bleeds and allow Stef & I to check out the VIP. Well upon arrival into the stadium we followed our tickets to yet another suite, this time the only people there were the FOUR of us! Craziness!

After listening to Old Dominion from the privacy of our personal suite, we went down into the pit, we had been given VIP Sandbar bracelets as well. Could this day get any better? Just wait…

Sam Hunt singing to us in the pit was pure awesome! After that set we ventured over to meet up with Katie’s friend who had gotten her these amazing passes. We were then given monster size stickers to wear which allowed us access into yet another VIP room, this room was basically a create your own mixed drink bar room! How amazing is that!

I was on cloud 9, seriously I was having a blast! After mixing up a few drinks the four of us headed back up into the air conditioned suite to relax, cool off, and enjoy Miranda Lamberts set. I didn’t think anything could top this day, until Kenny Chesney was about to take the stage. Katie’s friend who happens to be Kenny’s set manager found us, and took us BACKSTAGE!!!!! We got to watch the “Kenny Chesney” concert from back stage, mere yards from the country crooner! I just can’t even put into words the events of the weekend…check out some photos from the evening…simply amazing! I’m not sure we can top that concert, but I would love to relive it all again!!

Augusts Fix

It’s that time once again, the beloved “Your Fix Is on It’s way!” email has arrived! On par with the course I begin my digging for items ahead of delivery….

As always, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Stitch Fix, let me spin you up. You can sign up here, and when you do please leave me comments on how it’s worked out for you! You’re going to love it, I know I have.

1.       Sign up and get started with the Style Quiz – This will create a profile of your style, likes, dislike, body shape & sizing, so that your personal stylist can get a feel for you. There’s also a notes section to let your stylist know about personal likes and dislikes, and a section to add your pinterest board link. I highly recommend this, sometimes your stylist can get you an exact piece you pin, or an article of clothing extremely similar to something you love.

2.       You’ll pay a $20 Styling Fee when ordering your first Fix, which will be credited towards any or all items you purchase in your fix. Stitch Fix carries an assortment of clothing, tops, dresses, pants, jewelry, handbags and even shoes! Your Fixes will arrive as frequent or as infrequent as you desire. Five personalized pieces are delivered right to your door, and that’s when the fun begins!

3.       Keep what you love and send back what you don’t want within 3 days, in the postage paid supplied envelope. You’ll only pay for what you keep! You’ll get 25% off your total purchase if you decide you love it all! Then I’d recommend you leave feedback on the experience, because it’ll make your next Fix that much better!

So this month my note to my stylist explained I have a bachelorette party on a Sunday in NYC coming up, and I’d like something cute and maybe a tad sexy for that event, but to remember it’s a Sunday Day outing in a hot city. I also noted my 4^th wedding anniversary was approaching, and it would be nice to have something to wear out to dinner with the hubs on a cute date night. I’m attending my very first big country concert this month too, and I noted I’d love to have an adorable top to wear to that with jean shorts or something! I may or may not have mentioned Labor Day, and an upcoming wedding, I think I excluded those events. At the conclusion of my prior to delivery searching I must say I was very excited for the arrival of this fix at my doorstep, and below will show why!

Papermoon – Rosella Jersey Maxi Dress, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $74.00

Another one I couldn’t hunt down in my searches, all I kept coming up with was the Waters Maxi dress, so I’m planning on getting something similar in style and cut. A basic cotton maxi hopefully in a fun pattern, and great colors. I almost like the colors, but I’m a bit blue & white dressed out. This makes me wonder if the stylists look at what they’ve sent me in the past. This also was a new stylist to me, Lexi. I like the cut, the V neck line. The note said this was for the bachelorette party in NYC, but this is not anything that I was envisioning for a bachelorette party. This is more of a beach evening with my daughter! I do like the fact that the straps are adjustable though, major plus! I’ll keep it.

Papermoon Rosella Jersey Maxi Dress  

Crescent – Edita Crochet Detail Top, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $54.00

Found this item online in white, very cute looking, but I was quite unsure of how it would look on me. The straps seemed very thick, and the neckline boxy. My initial thought was this must be the top sent for the country concert. It would be nice to receive it in white, since I don’t really have very many cute white tops. Then it arrived, as I thought this was sent for the concert. A plus, it’s white, but it’s ridiculously see through. The straps are too big, it’s boxy in the neckline like I thought, short on me, and overall I’m not a fan. There’s no way this one was worth $54! I did keep it because in the end it would cost me to return...maybe it will grow on me? 

Crescent Edita Crochet Detail Top 

Pixley – Alasandra Lace Dress, S (Verdict – KEPT) $74.00

This item I could not come up with in my searches, but I was envisioning a very cute short dress with a lace overlay. When it arrived I was kind of on point with my assumption. This dress is wide, so I’m not sure how I feel about it. It would look cute with a jean jacket and maybe some cowboy boots, but that’s not really my style. I also feel it needs some sort of belt. Everyone I showed liked it,  so I'm going to give it a try. 

Pixley Alasandra Lace Dress

Renne C – Melisa Printed Pencil Skirt, S (Verdict – KEPT) $48.00

This one I found in my searches, and it looks absolutely awesome, I hope it’s long enough! I’ve also read it runs small, and on the tight side; fingers crossed I can squeeze into this without too much heartache. I found this skirt online in a few patterns, all seem cute, but I now really have my heart set on the black, white & red one!! What I really like most so far about this skirt is the price! So, I did not get the pattern I was praying for, but the one I got is very cute. This skirt is a bit tight, if I gain any weight I’ll be shoving it in the back of the closet for a while. This was sent to be worn with the black Pixley blouse, and I honestly don’t think the two look great together. The skirt is very tight and fitted, and the top loose, it just doesn’t really look right. I like the skirt so I’m definitely keeping it, but I’ll look for a new top. My stylists noted this was to meet my anniversary dinner outfit request, I think it fits the bill on that.

Renne C Melisa Printed Pencil Skirt

Pixley – Dinora Lattice Strap Blouse, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $54.00

Pinned this bad boy, and received it! I have seen this top in many bright summer festive colors, orange, coral, a light sea blue, pink. I’d love to have it in almost any color...I spoke to soon because then it arrived and it was black. I already own way way too many black tops, and this is like the third top Stitch Fix has sent me in black. Needless to say I’m changing my profile to note not to send me black! I need color in my life! However it’s such a cute top, and matches the skirt they sent so I’ll keep it!

Pixley Dinora Lattice Strap Blouse 

Overall I’m semi disappointed in this fix. The black top just bums me out because I don’t need black. I feel like they have to meet the price quote, and because I have absolutely no bottoms to be sent I get a dress or two in each fix. I do not wear dresses that often, so I’m also noting on my profile no more dresses. I just don’t feel like Lexi read my requests and met them. The lace dress that was sent said this will work for the upcoming baby shower…What baby shower?! LoL I’m not attending any baby showers, and I’m 100% positive I didn’t note that to my stylist. To double check I messaged Stitch Fix asking for a copy of the note I sent my stylist for this fix. That’s another thing that bothers me, there’s no place to view my past notes left to stylists. It would be nice to have them someplace. My request confirmed I said bridal shower in my note. I don't feel it appropriate to wear white or cream to a shower when the bride most likely will,  that could just be me. 

Then there’s the white top that is completely see through for $54, what a joke! I’m also curious to know if they have in their file for me, all the items they’ve previously sent. This being my 7^th fix I’m seeing similarities in my items when it comes to color, and that’s no good for me. I need more “Spice of Life!”

What are your thoughts on my August Fix? I’d love to hear, so comment away!

Breakdown

Merchandise Total = $304.00

25% off if keeping all 5 pieces = -$76.00

Styling Fee Credited = -$20.00

Total To Keep it all = $208.00

July Stitch Fix Reveal

This month’s Stitch Fix shipped while I was away on vacation, so obviously I had to peak at what was in transit! As usual I only found about 2 items during my online investigation, and I was so-so about them. I have to also say I was extremely upset to see a pair of jeans were in route. It is 85 degrees in New Jersey, where the heck am I going to be sporting Bootcut jeans to!? Alas, this is my own mistake, I had “no bottoms” to be sent, however I removed that last month when I requested shorts; clearly I didn’t reapply the “no bottom” rule to my profile. This put me in a grump mood, because basically right off the bat I figure I’ve lost my keep all 5 items discount. The horror!! Enough of the back story, let us dive in.

As always, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Stitch Fix, let me spin you up. You can sign up here, and when you do please leave me comments on how it’s worked out for you! You’re going to love it, I know I have.

1. Sign up and get started with the Style Quiz – This will create a profile of your style, likes, dislike, body shape & sizing, so that your personal stylist can get a feel for you. There’s also a notes section to let your stylist know about personal likes and dislikes, and a section to add your pinterest board link. I highly recommend this, sometimes your stylist can get you an exact piece you pin, or an article of clothing extremely similar to something you love.
2. You’ll pay a $20 Styling Fee when ordering your first Fix, which will be credited towards any or all items you purchase in your fix. Stitch Fix carries an assortment of clothing, tops, dresses, pants, jewelry, handbags and even shoes! Your Fixes will arrive as frequent or as infrequent as you desire. Five personalized pieces are delivered right to your door, and that’s when the fun begins!
3. Keep what you love and send back what you don’t want within 3 days, in the postage paid supplied envelope. You’ll only pay for what you keep! You’ll get 25% off your total purchase if you decide you love it all! Then I’d recommend you leave feedback on the experience, because it’ll make your next Fix that much better!

The wonderful Stitch Fix delivery alert arrived as I was laying around on the beach enjoy vacation, and my husband was finishing up working back at home. I kindly asked him if he would bring my package down with him, and he obliged. I was feeling the colors after the initial unwrapping of tissue paper, and after reading my stylists note I was happy to see the return of Michele. Finally, there’s the try on!

Skies are Blue Estela Cut Out Detail Blouse - Front

Skies are Blue Estela Cut Out Detail Blouse- Back

Skies are Blue – Estela Cut Out Detail Blouse, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $54.00

Loving the print and the colors on this top. The cute little cut out on the back is adorable too. All these tops I’ve been getting have these great detailed backs, but with my medium to long hair length I’m in need of some cute easy summer hairstyles to show these backs off. If you have any PLEASE feel free to comment them to me, or send me a pin @kgadus on pinterest!

Papermoon Benette Multi Strap Blouse - Front

Papermoon Benette Multi Strap Blouse - Back

Papermoon – Benette Multi Strap Blouse, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $44.00

This was a pinned top, don’t you just LOVE when you get exactly what you asked for! That makes me the happiest! Adorable, can’t go wrong with a classic black & white polka dot top. Again, the cutest strappy back details. LOVE LOVE LOVE, can’t wait to rock it out! Length on this is perfect. I had to laugh though, because the tag looked really beat up, so I’m guessing someone sent this number back. Who in their right mind would do such a thing?!

Kut From The Kloth Simmons Bootcut Jean

Kut From The Kloth Simmons Bootcut Jean

Kut From The Kloth – Simmons Bootcut Jean, 4 (Verdict – RETURNED) $88.00

UGHhh, with the Jeans in July Stitch Fix! I will say these jeans are ridiculously soft, which would be awesome if they fit. The size 4 fit well, but was not long enough. If I am to wear a boot or any type of heel with my jeans I prefer them to be close to touching the floor, these are nowhere near that. I do have “Long” on my style profile, so I’m really surprised I wouldn’t have been sent long lengths. This makes me feel like maybe the style profile isn’t read over again for each fix. I’m up in the air with these jeans, I could return them, or I could keep them because they’d make my total an extra $15 after the discount, and then I can attempt to sell them on ebay or something. As long as I make $15 on them I’d have broken even, but if I can squeeze out a bit more, then I’m ahead. Can you tell I’m a bit upset over this piece? $88 is too steep for these jeans in my opinion anyway. They're up on Ebay if anyone is interested!! They didn't sell, so they got returned!

Renee C Reyna Knit Maxi Dress

Renee C – Reyna Knit Maxi Dress, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $78.00

Once I pulled this maxi out of the pile I loved it, the style, the colors, the pattern!! I put it on and couldn’t be happier. This again is most likely not a dress I’d pick up in stores, which always makes me more thrilled to receive pieces such as this! To add to my excitement was the pattern, because on my initial pinterst search for this dress I came across it in an almost floral kaleidoscope pattern that reminded me of butterflies. I was not feeling that pattern or the pink, purple, blue, and yellow colors involved in it. I’m beyond thrilled to have received the pattern and colors I received. Thanks Michele!

Bay to Baubles Julianne Crystal Pendant Necklace

Bay to Baubles – Julianne Crystal Pendant Necklace, (Verdict – KEPT) $28.00

I’m not a typical purchaser of the “Statement Necklaces,” don’t get me wrong I love how they look. I just tend to never find any or they’re in the $50 price range. I’m happy with this one, I like the larger crystal look. The only thing I found odd about this necklace was that there’s a free floating ring at the clasp, which is going to fall right out when I open the clasp to wear the necklace.

Overall I’m satisfied with this fix, what’s your thoughts? I’d love to hear, so comment away!

Breakdown

Merchandise Total = $292.00

25% off if keeping all 5 pieces = -$73.00

Styling Fee Credited = -$20.00

Total To Keep it all = $199.00

Stars and Stripes Filled Adventures

Another wonderful 4th in the books! I started off my vacation with my birthday, and followed it up with 11 days of gorgeous weather in my favorite beach towns! Eating out, Lounging on the Beach, Drinking Cocktails, Grilling, Fishing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Concert Going, and Spending time with Family. What can be better than that to ring in year 32?

For my birthday, we all went to Guido Burittos in Ocean City, MD. My sister and dad had wanted to check it out, and although I’ve been, being the greatest daughter/sister they could ask for I Ok’d that as the evening’s restaurant. I had a chicken chimichanga and a 60oz Strawberry Monsterita. Two of my favorites!  Had this been my first trip I think I’d have been disappointed and may have left, never to return. Luckily for them it’s about my 5th visit, and I know there’s better days ahead. The food was ahh this time around & my huge monsterita left me with no buzz….WEAK! Very disappointing especially on my Day of Birth.

We felt a bit rushed as well. Being a party of 7 and a highchair they most definitely wanted us in and out because, they were setting up for a DJ dance party which was still an hour and change away when we were delivered our food! Se La Vie…

The rest of the weekend was spent on the beach, where we assembled “The World’s Most Awesome Beach Waterslide!” My husband brought the plastic; yes we packed it all back up when we were done, so no wildlife will be in any danger! Justin and Brian erected the slide, and filled the two 5 gallon buckets of water which were needed for each slide rider. We had a blast with this, everyone in the family rode down the slide including the grandparents! What an awesome family we have, always down for a good time!

Sunday was a bit on the rainy side so we travel up to Rehoboth and took the baby to FunLand, rode some rides, played some games, and the obligatory stop at Royal Treat for a hot fudge sundae. Justin’s parents were down for the 4th, we had to take them there of course.

That night we headed out to Ocean Downs casino to bet on the ponies! None of us won big at that, but Justin’s dad with the luck on electronic blackjack took home a few extra bucks!

The weekend then rounded off to the 4th, where I got an amazing XXXL beach chair from my Uncle Den and his girlfriend Lynne! Thanks again guys! This bad boy can hold 6 beverages and easily sit 2-3 people! No doubt this will be used for the remainder of the summer.

Brian and Sondra had rented a paddle board for the week, so we all took turns trying our balance on that.

The kayaks were available for trips around the lake, and the Jacuzzi warm to swim.

The annual ‘Honda Harold 4th of July Fishing Tournament’ was also in full effect. 

No one wanted a repeat of last year, where my cousin Brian left his pole unattended, only for a fish to bite, leaving me with no choice but to reel in the winning 4lb fish! HAHA. He was a trooper about it, and let me share the winners name placard that year. However this year the trophy went to Uncle Den, the winning bass weighed in at an astonishing 3lbs “HOLY MACRAL”. 

In all seriousness everyone enjoyed themselves on the lake at mom and dads for our annual family 4th of July party.

Tuesday we hit the beach again with the family, and the wildest thing happened! My second cousin Benji took the paddleboard out into the Ocean where he found himself surrounded by Dolphins! They were around him as if he was one of their own, and one even jumped out of the water as if we were viewing a Dolphin show at the Baltimore Aquarium! This you have to see to believe…

If you don't feel like watching the whole video, do yourself a favor and at least jump to 0:50!!

On July 6th, we got to eat out at Touch of Italy in Rehoboth Beach for Uncle Den’s Birthday. Sadie just wanted to run around outside, so I got to hang with her in attempts to tire her out. 

Food was decent, but like Brian is always saying “Why would I want to go out for Italian food while on vacation when I have the best Italian food at home. Chambersburg, Bordentown, etc.” Hard to argue with that, but he also would rather never get pizza anywhere other than a NJ tomato pie. I happen to like my DE Grotto Pizza, and Bri’s a good sport about it, he split a large pie with me on the boardwalk that previous weekend when we took Sadie up to FunLand!

Thursday Uncle Mark took Sadie and I up onto the Fenwick Island Beach State Park. She did some surf fishing while I caught up on my rays.

Thursday night looked like “We Needed a Drink”, so I got tickets to see Justin Moore. That was a really neat experience because he played at this little outside venue right by mom & dad in “Small Town USA” called the Freeman Stage (www. freemanstage.org). Although we had standing room only tickets we could see Justin clear as day! Mom babysat this night so that Dad, my sister Kaylin, Bro-in-law Mark, and I could take in the sights and sounds of the show!

Friday brought the weekend back around, and the hubs returned to the beach! We went over to the Cottage Café with my sis and Bro-in-law for a few drinks and our favorite Dune Fries!

The weekend was filled with more relaxing beach days, and the preparation for the return to work….Until next weekend, I’ll be dreaming of the sand in between my toes and a cold drink in my hand, life is good that way!