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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

My baby is 2!!

February 12, 2018 by Katie Haller

 
Our first time meeting.  
Our first night home from the hospital.  I could not stop staring at him. 
It’s hard to believe that my little guy is already 2.  It seems like just yesterday we were all anxiously awaiting his arrival.  My pregnancy with Jack was very healthy and pretty easy for the most part.  After I got past the never-ending morning sickness in the first trimester, I felt pretty good.  Jack was an extremely active baby though.  There was never a time that I couldn’t feel his little feet kicking into my sides.  He was always on the go, even before he was out of the whom. 
He surprised us all by arriving 10 days early.  I had no problem with that because I wanted him out by that time.  I remember going to the doctor’s on a Monday and he talked to me about inducing on my due date.  I came home that day and discussed it with Kevin and we decided that it would be best to try to get him out by his due date.  I had planned to talk to my doctor the following Monday at my next appointment.  Little did I know, Jack had different plans.  By Wednesday night, my water broke.  We headed to the hospital early in the morning on Thursday and by late afternoon on Thursday, February 11th, we had our little boy in our arms.  My delivery didn’t go as expected for me.  Jack would not come out, so after 3 hours of pushing we decided it was safest for a C-section.  At the time I was so upset over this, but now looking back I completely understand why Jack was born cesarean.  He probably didn’t think that coming out the natural way was efficient enough, so he was too stubborn and made the doctors come and get him. 
Fast forward 2 years later, I have a healthy, active, smart, funny and loving little boy.  I’ve said it before, but I’m amazed at how smart my little guy is.  He soaks in everything.  Right now he is completely obsessed with letters.  He has a letter puzzle that my mom bought him when she visited and he plays with it non-stop.  He sings the alphabet song all the time and the best part is when he sings “Now I know my ABC’s, Next time won’t you sing with me.” It sounds more like “Now I ABC, Next time won’t you me!”  He also knows his numbers 1-10 and loves to count, especially when he jumps off of furniture.  

At school, Jack is officially in the toddler classroom.  He was such a big boy in the baby room, so it’s fun to see him with the older kids.  I can already tell that he is learning a lot from the other children.  I’m happy to report that I no longer have to worry about packing a lunch for Jack to bring to school now that he eats with the big kids.  This saves me a lot of time and dishes to wash every night.  I actually only have to run the dishwasher every other night now!!

  Jack has already been showing a lot of the terrible 2’s signs.  Tantrums are daily.  Some days are worst than others, but I’m hopeful that the more he learns more words he will have less tantrums.  Speaking of words, he’s been talking a lot more lately.  His vocabulary is growing all the time, now he just needs to put them into sentences so I don’t have to play the guessing game.

Jack is a total mommy’s boy.  He always wants me over daddy, unless it’s bath time or time to get his shoes on for school, then he runs to daddy and hides from me.  (it’s their new game that I don’t really enjoy, but they are pretty cute when they play it.) Sometimes his mommy obsession can get a little much, especially while I’m trying to get ready for work or make dinner, but to be honest, I don’t mind it at all.  I love how he takes my hand and drags me around the house.  It’s precious and I know that this stage won’t last forever, so I just enjoy our time together.  
It’s so hard to get a picture with this little guy.  That’s why our balloon is backwards. 

I remember holding Jack in my arms as a newborn and wondering what he would be like when he got older.  I wondered what kind of personality he would have and what his voice would sound like.  It’s just so fun getting to know your child as they grow.  I love learning about Jack each day.  I love watching him grow.  It’s such a blessing to be his mom.  

Filed in: Baby, Living Life, Mom Life, Motherhood • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

What I Wore- Weekday Wardrobe

February 5, 2018 by Katie Haller

Happy Monday everyone!  It’s been a while since I last posted my weekday outfits.  Sometimes I just really miss sharing my weekly outfit selfies. I had hoped to post this one last Friday, but these posts actually take some time to put together, so I thought I’d give you a little inspiration for this coming up week.  

I know I’ve said this before, but it’s hard to put together cute outfits when you’re a preschool teacher.  I spend the entire day with my little ones.  We eat together, play together, do art, go outside.  I’m always worried about ruining my clothes at work.   The good thing is, I buy most of my work clothes at thrift stores.  
Here are my outfits from last week. 
Monday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Pinkblush cardigan with leopard print pockets
Top- Forever 21 (similar) || Jeans- Hollister (similar) || Cardigan-  PinkBlush (similar) || Shoes- Ross (similar) || Purse- Last Call Neiman Marcus (similar)
Tuesday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Stripe sweater and jeans. Preschool teacher outfit ideas
Sweater- H&M (similar) || Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad (similar)  || Shoes- Target (similar) 
Wednesday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Preschool teacher outfit ideas. Layered Chambray shirt
Top- Target (similar) || Cardigan- Target (similar) || Jeans- Old Navy (similar) || Shoes- Target (similar) 
Thursday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Preschool teacher outfit ideas. Sweater and jeans
Sweater- Banana Republic (similar) || Jeans- Hollister (similar) || Shoes- Burlington Coat Factory (similar)
Friday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Preschool teacher outfit ideas. White jeans with denim jacket and white jeans
Top- PinkBlush (exact) || Jacket- Jessica Simpson (similar) || Pants- Target (similar) || Shoes- Burlington Coat Factory (similar)


I should mention that Friday was a teacher workday, so I usually like to wear something that I can’t wear around the kids.  On this particular day, I wore my white jeans with my favorite booties.

I hope you have a great week!

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Daily Outfits, outfits • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Denim Dressed Up

February 1, 2018 by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Chambray shirt with black pencil skirt, nude pumps and a pop of leopard

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Chambray shirt with black pencil skirt, nude pumps and a pop of leopard

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Chambray shirt with black pencil skirt, nude pumps and a pop of leopard

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Chambray shirt with black pencil skirt, nude pumps and a pop of leopard
Hey everyone!  The other day I posted about all my favorite wardrobe essentials, so today I wanted to do a post featuring some of the pieces I shared.  I took these pictures back in the fall, but I really love how this outfit can really be worn year-round.  It’s a perfect work or church outfit and it’s made from 4 of my essential wardrobe pieces.  Here is why I love these clothing items. 

Chambray Shirt- I love denim and I think that having a chambray shirt in my closet is a must.  I love that I can layer it under a cardigan or over a tank top.  It’s perfect on its own as well.  I can wear it with white pants, black pants or even jeans.  I like wearing it with a skirt because it gives the appearance that you’re dressed up, but having denim on keeps it a little more casual than a blouse. 

Black Pencil Skit- This is a must-have in my closet.  A black skirt will go with EVERYTHING!  It’s flattering and classic.  You can find a pencil skirt easily at an affordable price.  I’ve had great luck finding skirts like this at thrift stores.  I’ve also found cute skirts under $10 at stores like Forever 21 and H&M.

Nude Pumps- I love nude shoes!  I prefer them over black pumps.  I think that the nude color lengthens your legs and for a short girl like me, that’s always nice.  Nude is a very neutral color, so shoes like this will go with everything.  My nude shoes are from Target and they are my favorite pair of heels.  I can wear them comfortably for a long period of time, which is rare for a heel.

Statement Purse-  A statement purse could be anything from a beaded purse to a bright color.  I love my leopard clutch.  I love to accessorize in leopard print and this clutch gives a sublet pop of fun to any simple outfit. 

What are your favorites?  

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, My Closet, outfits • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Wardrobe Essentials for the Thrifty Girl

January 31, 2018 by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Wardobe Essentials for the thrifty girl

People often come to me and ask for fashion advice.  To be honest, I don’t know what to tell them, because I’m not a fashion expert.  I don’t always shop for the latest trends and I don’t know all the designer brands.  I don’t even know what certain patterns and materials are called (I still don’t know how to pronounce Gingham properly when I say it).  What I do know about fashion, is that I understand the basics.  My entire wardrobe is mostly made out of affordable basics essentials pieces.  I like to buy clothes that can be mixed and matched with different accessories.  I like to re-wear my clothes, but I don’t like to wear them the same way twice.

Today I want to share my must-have wardrobe essentials with you.  If you are someone who is lost at how to put yourself together, hopefully, this can give you a guide of what you should have in your closet.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link, I will earn a small commission for this blog.  Thank you for your support!

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Wardrobe Essentials
Denim Jacket || Navy/Black Blazer || Neutral Color Pullover Sweater || Long Cardigan
T-Shirt (Stripe/Grey/Black/White) || Tunic || Swing Tank Top || Chambray Button Down
Black Jeggings || Distress Jeans || Skinny Jeans || White Pants
Leggings || Denim Shorts || Pencil Skirt || Little Black Dress
Once you have the basic wardrobe pieces, you can easily accessorize them with different shoes, jewelry, purses, and scarves. Here are my must-have accessories in my wardrobe. 
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Must Have Accessories
Shoes
Brown Riding Boots || Ankle Boots || Nude Flats || Nude Pumps || Convers/ casual tennis shoe
Purses
Black Satchel Purse || Cognac Tote || Statement Purse
Scarves
Leopard Scarf 
Jewelry 
Dainty Necklace || Watch || Statement Necklace || Cuff Bracelet
Hopefully, this guide can help you build and evaluate what’s in your own closet.  If you want to see more style inspiration you can look back at more of my outfit post HERE.  You’ll see that I’m almost always wearing something from my essentials list.

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, My Closet, outfits • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Thrift Store Look

January 24, 2018 by Katie Haller

I feel like ever since I moved to Las Vegas 3 years ago, my closet has been overtaken by thrifted clothes.  I’ve always loved to thrift shop, but now I have such a great selection of thrift stores in my area.  It’s so hard to go back to shopping at normal stores after you have just finished a shopping spree at a thrift store. 
On my most recent thrifting trip, I went to my local Goodwill store.  I’m a VIP member there and they always have great sales every day.  On Sunday’s they do a fill-a-bag sale, where they give you a bag and they pick a color tag that you can fill as much into your bag of that colored tag that will fit for $12.99.  I’ve never actually done a fill-a-bag sale, but on this particular day I ended up finding some really cute things.  I came home with 2 blouses, 3 dresses, 3 striped tops and a pair of jeans.  I probably would have stuffed more in my bag, but it was getting close to nap time and Jack was getting pretty restless.  Everything I bought rang up to $50 which is a pretty good deal for 8 different clothing items, but I only paid $12.99 which is even better.  It’s so addicting when you get sales like this. I should also mention that you don’t pay tax at the Goodwill, which also helps keep your sale price even lower!

*This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link, I will be paid a small commission.  Thank you for your support!

Here is one of the outfits that I bought.  The top is Tart brand, which you can find that brand a lot at Nordstrom Rack.  I believe the jeans are from H&M, but the tag was cut out.  The jeans were super comfortable, but a little worn out, so I decided that I would distress them myself, the same way I have done it to my other jeans. (Read about how to distress your own jeans HERE.)  I accessorized my look with some of my fun designer jewelry from my Rocksbox. (Be sure to try out a free month of Rocksbox. Click HERE and use my code thriftywifehappylifexoxo)

Shop my Closet Styles

Are you a thrifter?  If not, I highly suggest checking out a few thrift stores in your area.  Find out what the sales are and I promise, you will have a hard time going back to the mall.

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, My Closet, outfits, Thrifty Looks • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Gift’s for Second Time Around Mom

January 20, 2018 by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Gifts for a Second Time Mom

I feel like there are so many baby’s due in 2018.  It just another year of babies.  Everyone that I know who is having a baby in 2018 is having their second, third or even fourth or fifth baby.  Expecting baby number one is so exciting.  Making your registry can be such fun.  Usually, you want to stock up on all the basics that you will need for your first baby.  But what do you buy for an experienced mom?

Personally, as someone shopping for others, I think baby number 2 is a little more fun to shop for.  You don’t have to worry about the basics as much and you can get creative with your gifts.  It’s the perfect opportunity to look into some fun baby/mommy gifts that your second-time mom may not already have.

I’ve put together a list of great baby products that I think would be appropriate for most second-time moms.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means that by clicking and/or making a purchase through a link will result in a small commission for this blog.  I am being compensated for this post.  As always my opinions are 100% my own. 

One || BirdRock Baby Moccasins
I always think that baby’s look so adorable in little leather moccasins. At only $25 a pair, BirdRock Baby Moccasins are the perfect mix of quality and price for leather moccasins.  They also have cute cozy fleece booties that are perfect for keeping your little one’s tootsies nice and warm in the winter.  If you know someone expecting a little girl, they also have the cutest selection of leather hair bows.

Two|| DockATot
I think that DockATot is a great gift for a second-time mom.  It’s perfect if you plan to co-sleep with your baby.  It’s also a great safe place to put your baby down to lounge around the house away from the big kids.

Three || Newlie Tote Diaper Bag
Who wouldn’t want a new diaper bag?  I know that I stuck with a more traditional diaper bag with Jack.  To be honest, I rarely used it.  I think that a second-time mom would definitely appreciate a new stylish diaper bag.  Something nice and big, because you will need the room once you have 2 or more little ones to pack for.  I love the diaper bags at Newlie co.  They are so stylish and perfect for a second time mom.

Four || CoCo + Kiwi Clutch + Changing Kit

I think any mom would appreciate a cute changing kit clutch like this one from CoCo + Kiwi  (HERE).  I like how convenient it is to just throw a little changing kit in my purse or diaper bag.

Five || Cardimom from Multiwear
 I’ve heard that nursing the second time around is not as easy as you would think it would be as an experienced mom.  The Cardimom can help make nursing a little easier on you.  You can wear it as part of your outfit and when it’s time to feed your baby you just use it as your cover-up.  It’s perfect for nursing in public or if you don’t want to expose yourself to all your family members.

Six || Clothes
Yes, who doesn’t love to pick out cute baby clothes?  It’s so fun shopping for babies.  Clothes are always a good gift for any new parents.  My advice if you’re baby clothes shopping for someone else is to keep in mind the seasons and climate of where they live.  I had a lot of winter clothes for Jack in newborn and 3-month size, but he never got to wear some of them, because it was 80 degrees when he came home from the hospital.  Also, buy clothes in all sizes.  It’s always nice to have a variety of clothes because you will need them.

Seven || Honest Company – Baby Arrival Gift Set
If all else fails, you can always help the second time mom restock on all the baby essentials.  My friend sent me a care package from the Honest Company right after Jack was born and it was so nice to have.  The baby arrival gift set is perfect, because it comes with diapers, wipes, diaper creams and other useful baby products.  Without a shower, a second time mom might be lacking in some of the basics, so this is a great gift!

Hopefully this is helpful guide for everyone needing to buy for a second time mom.  And if your expecting this year, congratulation!

Filed in: Baby, Mom Life, Mom Tips, Motherhood • by Katie Haller • 17 Comments

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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thriftywifehappylife

Affordable everyday petite (5’1) mom style
A mix of affordable retailers + thrifted fashion
👨‍✈️Wife + Mom of 2 💙💗
💌 katie@thriftywifehappylife.com

What I wore this week as a 40-year old mom of 2! What I wore this week as a 40-year old mom of 2! 

It was the last week of school and now we are kicking off summer with a Caribbean cruise vacation!! 🚢🏝️☀️ 

Here’s what I wore this week! 

🛍️Comment OUTFITS and I will send you all the shopping links to these outfits!! 

#dailyoutfits #momstyle #wiwtw #styleover40 #momoutfits #realoutfitgram #outfitideas
Walmart Cruise Outfits 🚢 These are 2 outfits I Walmart Cruise Outfits 🚢

These are 2 outfits I plan to wear on the first day of my cruise! 

Outfit 1: Boarding and exploring the ship on day 1
Outfit 2: Dining room and after dinner entertainment! 

Which outfit do you like best? 

🛍️ Comment CRUISE and I will send you the shopping link to this post! 🔗https://mave.ly/thrifty-wife-happy-life/post/walmart-cruise-outfits

#walmartfashion #walmartfinds #cruiseoutfits #momstyle #vacationoutfits #summeroutfitideas
Summer workwear with layers! I recently asked wha Summer workwear with layers!

I recently asked what your summer styles struggles were. A lot of people said their workplace is freezing from the A/C in the summer. So here are some summer workwear layering ideas! 

1️⃣Button-Down shirts
2️⃣ Cardigans
3️⃣ Blazers

🛍️ Comment SUMMER LAYERS and I will send you the shopping link to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5fg7G

#workwear #summerworkwear #summerlayers #summerstyle #affordablefashion #outfitideas
Stay stylish and comfortable in these mom-friendly Stay stylish and comfortable in these mom-friendly summer outfits from @walmart! All these styles are perfect to mix and match, and at a price point that feels just as good as they look. 😎 #walmartpartner 

Whether you’re chasing kiddos, running errands, or soaking up the sun, these outfits have you covered—without breaking the bank! 

🛍️Comment WALMART and I will send you the shopping link to this post! 🔗https://mave.ly/thrifty-wife-happy-life/post/walmart-mom-friendly-summer-outfits

#walmartfashion #momstylemadeeasy #affordablefashion #momoutfits #momstyle #outfitideas #summerstyle
Target Summer Vacation Finds Try-On!! I’m lovin Target Summer Vacation Finds Try-On!!

I’m loving these mom-friendly tummmy support one-piece bathing suits that are currently 30% off this week! They do run slightly small, so you might want to size up! 

Also these maxi dresses are too cute! The yellow dress was a bit big in the top, but the red dress fit TTS! 

🛍️Comment SUMMER and I will send you the shopping link to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5fpBA

#targetfinds #targetstyle #targetbathingsuit #momfriendlybathingsuits #momstyle #vacationstyle #vacaystyle
I’m loving this activewear from @pinspark_offici I’m loving this activewear from @pinspark_official! It’s perfect for tennis, pickleball, golf, or any outdoor activity. Personally, I love wearing it to the park or splash pad with my kids—it’s cute and practical!

The quality is amazing, and the fabric includes built-in sun protection to keep you safe and stylish all day long. 🌞

🛍️ Comment “ACTIVE” and I’ll send you the shopping link for this look! 🔗https://amzn.to/3SzrQ76

#pinspark #pinsparksports #pinsparks25 #amazonfinds #amazonactivewear
Wear to wear this $18 dress from @walmart! This Wear to wear this $18 dress from @walmart! 

This dress is so cute and comes in other colors! It’s great to wear anywhere this summer! 

🛍️Comment DRESS and I will send you the shopping link to this post! 🔗https://mave.ly/thrifty-wife-happy-life/post/walmart-dress

#walmartfinds #walmartfashion #summerdress #howtowearit #wheretowear #momstyleinspo
Best Sellers from May!! 🌸 Here are the pieces Best Sellers from May!! 🌸

Here are the pieces you have been shopping on the @shop.ltk app! 

🛍️Comment MAY and I will send you the shopping link to my best sellers! 🔗https://liketk.it/5f0Ht

#maybestsellers #bestsellers #ltkbestsellers #ltkfindsunder100 #ltkpetite #ltkstyletip
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