Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Summer Vacation Recap

by Katie Haller

Every year, the first week of July, I get a week off work.  It’s always well deserved.  We usually head back to Michigan for the week, but this year we have a big vacation planned with my husband’s side of the family this month, so we decided to postpone our Michigan trip until later in the year.  We still were looking for something fun that we could do close by that wouldn’t cost a lot of money.  We decided to spend a couple days in Mesquite, NV at the Casablanca resort.  They have a really nice pool, and that’s pretty much all we were looking for was a nice pool to relax by.  We also haven’t explored many places in Nevada outside of the Las Vegas valley, so we thought it would be fun.

This was the first time that we took a trip with Jack to an actual hotel room.  In the past we have stayed at our families houses, which makes traveling with a baby a little more comfortable.  This little trip was much harder than our trips of the past.  Jack is so used to his schedule and routine, that he was so thrown off by our trip.  It wasn’t the relaxing trip we had hoped for.  We had to take breaks by the pool because for one it was 110 degrees and if we weren’t in the pool, I worried about Jack over heating.  And also we had to get Jack down for naps mid day or we would have a nightmare on our hands by dinner time.  When Jack is not at school, the only way I can get him to take a nap is by putting him in his car seat and going for a drive, so that’s what we did.

My husband kept comparing Jack to a dog that needs lots of space to run around and play and that was the prefect comparison.  Jack brought out all of his toddler 2 year old behaviors.  He tried running away from us through a busy casino, threw stuff at us and screamed when we were eating in restaurants and he tried running off into the pool on his own.  He basically did everything he could to give his parents a heart attack.  He acted like we have never taken him out in public before.  My husband kept saying how nice it would be if we left Jack at home with someone.  Yes, it would of been nice to spend one on one time with Kevin, but we are at this stage in our lives and we just need to embrace it.  Does having a 2 year old make it hard to relax and enjoy yourself when you go out?  YES!  Do I wish it was just the 2 of us still?  NO!

Even though things are harder with a toddler, he’s adorable and funny and we love him so much.  He always makes us smile no matter what.  I know that we will one day look back on our little mini family vacation and have happy memories.  We will laugh at his two year old behavior and think it was cute (not yet, but one day).  We will miss his little words that he tries to say and the way he acts out his videos that he watches on YouTube kids.  
All I have to say is that if you are a parent, don’t let the fact that outings and trips are harder hold you back.  Yes life was easier before kids, but you do what you have to do.  Your toddler may not remember the trips you went on, but you will and it’s so worth it in the end.  Now I’m only hoping that our California trip goes a little smoother.

Traveling with a Baby- What to Bring on the Airplane

by Katie Haller

I am looking forward to traveling to Michigan over the holidays to celebrate Jack’s first Christmas with all our family!  However, whenever the thought of traveling with a baby comes up, I tend to get very anxious.  There is just so much to think about and so much to pack!  I’ve been making lists in my head of all the baby essential I will need for the airplane, so I thought I would share some of the items that I will be bringing with me.  

The last time I flew with Jack was in July and he was only 4 months.  It was a little easier because we took a red-eye flight and Jack slept the entire way there.  This time, we have an early morning flight and Jack is an active 10-month-old.  I’m no professional jet setting parent, but each time I travel, I learn a little more about how to make it easier on myself.  So here are some of the baby essentials I have come up with for air travel.
1.) Large tote purse- I always bring a big purse on the airplane.  On most airlines, you are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry on bag, that’s why I always like to make sure that I have lots of space to pack in my personal item.  Plus, I have been using my purse as my diaper bag, so the more space the better! 
2.) Ergo Carrier- Last time I traveled with Jack, this was so handy.  I liked being able to wear him and have my hands free.  He also seemed more content being close to me in his carrier. 
3.) Stroller and Car Seat- Last time I traveled, I checked my stroller and car seat at the gate.  I kept Jack in his car seat connected to the stroller until we got to security.  Once we passed the security, I wore Jack and I used my travel system to put all my bags in.  This made it easier to maneuver my way through the airport. 
4.) Large tote bag- When we flew in July, I used my diaper bag as my carry on, but I ran out of space.  This time I am using a large tote bag as my carry on to be sure I have an extra room, especially if we need to bring home some Christmas presents. 

5.) Travel Size Wipes- Wipes are a must and the more the better.  I use wipes for everything with Jack.  My friend had sent me a care package from The Honest Company right after Jack was born, so I have lots of travel size wipes.  An awesome thing about the Honest company is that you can send away for a free trial kit with only having to pay for the shipping.  They will send you a bunch of samples, so you can load up on some travel size wipes and other fun travel size products for the next time you fly.

6.) Changing Mat- I hate using public restrooms for changing diapers, but it’s going to happen when you’re traveling with a baby, so it’s best to be prepared.  I use the changing mat that came with my diaper bag, but I would love a travel size mat like the one above to fit into my purse. 
7.) Diapers- That’s kind of a given.  Just make sure that you bring enough for the trip, you never know when your little one is going to have a surprise for you! 
8.) Travel size diaper cream and lotion- I use the California baby travel size diaper cream and lotion because I got them in a gift set at my shower.  It’s always good to have travel-size toiletries for your baby. 

9.) Light Weight Jacket- I like to dress in layers when traveling, so I dress my baby in layers too.  You never know if it will be cold or warm on the plane.  It’s just best to have a little jacket. 
10.) Comfortable 2 piece outfits with Extras!!!- It’s best to dress your baby in comfortable easy to change outfits while traveling.  I’d also be sure to pack extra clothes, at least 2 extra outfits in your carry on.  You never know what could happen. 
11.) Books- I’m going to try bringing books for Jack’s entertainment.  I figure that they are a quiet toy and he enjoys them.  I’m nervous about keeping him entertained during the flight, so any kind of toy will do. 
12.) Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets- We love these blankets!  They were one of my favorite shower gifts and they are perfect for traveling.  They are so lightweight and easy to pack.  They’re perfect for the plane!
13.) Pacifiers– My little guy is loving his pacifier right now, especially while he’s teething.  I’ve always heard that it’s a good idea to have a pacifier on hand while flying because of the pressure changes in a baby’s ears.  Jack’s favorite brand is Mam Pacifier, everything else he just chews on.  I like the glow in the dark pacifiers because they are easy to find in my large purse.

14.) Ready to Feed Formula- You are allowed to bring formula or breast milk through security, so this time I fly, I’m going to buy the ready to feed formula.  Last time we flew, I was breastfeeding still, so I wasn’t as concerned about running out of bottles.  This time, I need to make sure that I have enough formula and I’d rather not have to worry about mixing a bottle on the plane.
15.)Burp Clothes- My poor baby is a spit up machine.  He has been ever since he was born, that’s why lots of burp cloths are always a must for me.
16.) Baby food Pouch- Baby food in a pouch is perfect for traveling.  There is little cleanup and they can give your baby a quick healthy meal on the go.  
17.) Sippy Cup- I’ll be bringing a sippy cup of water to help make sure Jack stays hydrated and also give him some entertainment.  I’ve always liked the Playlex sippy cups, and Jack does too!
18.) Snack bowl-  Snacks are a must for the plane.  If he gets fussy, I’m hoping that the snacks will keep him quiet.  
If that seems like a lot of stuff….it is!  I didn’t even mention any of the things that I will be bringing on the plane.  Let me know if there is anything I need to add.  I’m sure I’ll forget something.  Good luck to anyone traveling this holiday season with their little ones!  It will all be worth it once you get to your destinations! 

Living in Las Vegas

by Katie Haller

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been living in Las Vegas for almost a year and a half.  Time is flying by!  I came to Las Vegas with an open mind, knowing that this may not be long term.  My husband’s job here was supposed to be a stepping stone for him in his career, but with the way things are going, Las Vegas is ending up being a possible long term home for us.  Things have been going so well for both of our careers here that we are both settling into the idea that we could call this place home for the long term. 
It’s always funny to see how people react when I say I live in Las Vegas.  They usually ask me if I live on the strip or if I gamble a lot.  Actually, I never gamble and no, I don’t live on the strip.  I live in a normal suburban area.  I will say that there is always something to do when you live in Vegas.  It’s a growing city and there is always a new restaurant or brewery popping up to try.  We seem to never run out of new places to explore.

I had never vacationed in Las Vegas before, but ever since I moved here, I feel like my life has been one long vacation.  (At least on the weekends that is.)  I definitely have some favorite spots in the Las Vegas Valley that I love to go visit.  Here are some pictures from the last year and a half of my time exploring our new home. 

When Kevin and I really want to feel like tourists, we head down to the strip.  My favorite hotel to walk around is The Bellagio.  I love its location right in the heart of the strip, making it a fun place to walk around.  Last fall we spent a Saturday visiting The Bellagio Botanical Gardens in the hotel and watching a fountain show.  I love the fountain shows!  If you’re ever in Las Vegas, this is a must-see, plus it’s free. 
The view standing in front of The Bellagio looking at the fountain and the Pairs Las Vegas.
Same view, during the fountain show.
Another favorite place of mine in Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canyon.  The majority of people who visit Las Vegas don’t even realize this exists.  It’s a very short drive to the canyon from the Strip.  It’s such a beautiful place to see.  It definitely showcases the beauty of the Mojave Desert.  Here are a few pictures from one of my many trips to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Another great place to visit outside of the strip is Boulder City.  I’m sure most people know about the Hoover Dam.  Boulder City is right on the way to the Dam.  There are shops and restaurants in town, but my favorite part of Boulder City is the views of Lake Mead.  I just think that this huge body of man-made water in the middle of the desert is pretty impressive. 
Last fall we discovered this park in Boulder City overlooking Lake Mead with wild bighorn sheep grazing.
A view from Lake Mead National Recreational Area
 Lastly, I just had to share this final picture.  One great perk of living in Las Vegas is that locals get deals on show tickets on the strip.  The weekend before I had Jack, Kevin got free tickets from work for a show on the strip.  Even though I was 9 months pregnant, I jumped at the chance for us to have one final date night before we became parents.  This was the picture I took while leaving the Paris Las Vegas.  I love it because it looks like we had our last date as a couple in Paris.
 

If you’re interested in planning a trip to Las Vegas in your future, be sure to check out vegas.com for great deals in Las Vegas and to find out all that Vegas has to offer both on and off the strip! 
#capturingvegas

What I Wore~ A Week in Washington

by Katie Haller

 This past week, I tagged along with my husband to Bellingham, Washington.  He had to fly out of the airport up here and since we still don’t have a place of our own in Las Vegas, I had no other choice but to come along.  Let me tell you, it’s been a long week.

  Washington is a beautiful state!  The snow cap mountains and views of the bay are great, but it’s been raining for 10 days straight, so I only got to see a hint of this state’s beautiful scenery.  The rain has definitely put a damper on the week, but I guess that’s what I’ve always imagined the Northwest to be like.  I’d love to revisit the area again when the sun is out!
When Kevin wasn’t working this week, we went on a few scenic drives. They were definitely not as scenic as they could have been with low visibility, but you could still see the beauty behind the clouds.  We also tested out some local breweries, one of our favorite activities.  Besides that, it’s been a pretty uneventful week.
A beautiful lookout on the Chuckanut drives on a very rainy day.

Some local craft beer served on a wooden Washington shaped tray.
Putting myself together in the morning helps me feel normal during this crazy, transitional time.  Here are some of my outfits from this week…
 Top- LC Lauren Conrad (exact)
Jeans- Jessica Simpson (similar)
Sweater- Old Navy (similar)
Boots- Target (similar)

Denim Jacket- Jessica Simpson (similar)
Top- Kohls (similar)
Leggings- Charlotte Russe (exact)
Boots- Target (similar)
Leg warmers- Five Below (exact)
Scarf- Five Below (similar)
Purse- Coach (similar)
 Top- Old Navy (similar)
Sweater- Express-Salvation Army (similar)
Jeans- Jessica Simpson (similar)
Shoes- Toms (exact)
Belt- Old Navy (exact)
Purse- Coach (similar)
 Top- Jessica Simpson (similar)
Sweater- Target (exact)
Jeans- Jessica Simpson (similar)
Belt- Old Navy (exact)
Shoes- Target (similar)
Necklace- Meijer (similar)
It’s been a long week.  All I know is that I’m ready to go home.  Where home is?  I’m not sure.  But what I do know, is that it won’t be long until we are settled into our new life.  When we get back to Vegas, we have plans for some apartment hunting and car shopping.  Plus, I start a new job next week and I can’t wait!  Normal life is just around the corner! 

How to Travel in Style

by Katie Haller

Back in the “Golden Ages of Flying”, flying was a luxury.  People dressed up to fly.  Women wore their best dress, heels, and pearls, while men wore suits.  People treated flying as a treat and they dressed the part.

A suitcase adds from the 1950s.
Nowadays, with travel websites and low-cost airlines, flying has become more affordable for the average person.  People don’t treat flying as a luxury anymore and this is clear in the way they dress.  
When I travel, it’s on Kevin’s work benefits, which means there is a dress code to follow.  Dress code or no dress code, I still feel that it’s always important to look presentable and put together while traveling.  It’s important to be stylish, while at the same time staying comfortable when traveling.

    Here are a few clothing items you should consider when traveling…

    • Dark Skinny Jeans- Jeans can still be considered business casual if you wear them in the right way.  I’ve always felt that dark jeans look dressier than light jeans.  I always like to wear a pair of jeans with a stretch for them to keep me comfortable on the flight.
    • Blazer- A blazer is a perfect way to dress up your look when traveling. It’s simple and stylish!
    • Scarf- I don’t like to wear a lot of jewelry when traveling, so a scarf is a perfect accessory to dress up my travel outfits.  
    • Crossbody Purse- I love a crossbody purse when traveling.  It helps keep my hands free and I don’t have to worry about anything slipping off my shoulder. 
    • Boots- Boots are the last thing that you will want to pack in your suitcase, especially if you only have a carry-on size.  This is why boots are perfect to wear on your travel days. 
    • Flats- I love my Audrey Brooke flats when traveling.  They are super comfortable, easy to take on and off, plus they’re stylish! 
    • Maxi Skirts- Maxi Skirts are perfect when traveling in the summer or to a warm vacation destination. 

    Here is my NO NO’s for traveling…

    • Sweat Pants or Yoga Pants- Sorry ladies, I know that they are comfortable, but save them for the comfort of your own home.  The flight crew will judge you for wearing these, especially if they have wording on the butt. 
    • Tennis Shoes- Tennis Shoes are made for the gym.  Besides that, untying your shoes at security is only going to hold you and other passengers up. 
    • High Heels- Most airports are big and require a lot of walking.  You will not be able to make your connection if you have to run across the airport in heals.  Pack them in your suitcase instead.
    • T-Shirts and Sweat Shirts- This goes along with the sweat pants look, save it for the comfort of your own home, not the airport. T-Shirts and sweat shirts are just too casual for traveling.

    So with that said, here are some travel looks I’ve put together…

    Blazer/Dark Skinny Jeans/Leopard Scarf/Black Tank Top/Crossbody Purse

    This look is one of my favorite travel looks.  It’s stylish and smart, all while being comfortable.
     

    Grey Blazer/Black Tank Top/Necklace/Dark Skinny Jeans/Flats

    This is another great look for traveling.  I wore this outfit a few months ago when I went on one of Kevin’s flights.  It’s a great spring travel outfit.

    Black Leggings/Black Tank Top/Black Long Sweater/Brown Boots/Turquoises Scarf

    This look is perfect for a long flight or an early morning flight.  I wore this outfit on my way home from visiting my brother in Germany.  Sometimes you can get away with wearing leggings, as long as you can dress them up in the right way.

    Maxi Skirt/Black Tank Top/Teal Sweater/Necklace

    This is a great vacation travel look.  Maxi skirts are extremely comfortable and easy to travel in.

    What will you wear on your next flight?

    photo credit: 1950sUnlimited via photopin cc

    Vacationing on a budget

    by Katie Haller

    One thing that my husband and I have always had in common is that we love going on vacations. Who doesn’t? We love going to new places, especially when it’s a warm tropical place. In the past 5 years, we have been together, we have gone on a lot of really nice vacations together. We really value that time away, so we plan and save for trips. Our goal is to go on a big trip twice a year. Since we are always looking for ways to save money, we, of course, plan our vacations around a budget.

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