the highlight reel hypothesis

my outfit

tee :: j.bella (here) // button up tunic :: casting call via the urban hare // jeans :: 7 for all mankind (similar) // booties :: carlos santana (here) // purse :: rebecca minkoff (similar) // necklace :: slate // bracelet :: loren hope (here) // watch :: walmart // cuff :: jenny bird // earrings :: kendra scott (here) // sunglasses :: juicy couture

kumquat's outfit

shirt, pants :: little lass // sneakers :: healthtex (similar) // panda purse :: grocery store (backpack version)

This post was inspired by Essena O’Neill’s recent (and epic) exit from social media (read about it here and here), and by this post on Gary Pepper. They’re good ones, so be sure to give them a read.

Welcome to the new and improved Mommy & Kumquat.

I've been reading fashion blogs almost since their inception (since Liz of Late Afternoon was wearing Forever 21 in every post), and I've watched the rise of the "big bloggers” (and the fall of some). I have to admit that I've occasionally fallen prey to the "Highlight Reel Hypothesis" (comparing our real lives to the highlight reels of others posted on social media), and because of this, I have a very "on again/off again" relationship with my blog and the blogging world in general. Sometimes, seeing others achieve their dreams while I have failed has been incredibly demoralizing.

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i think i might be in love...

my outfit = dress :: banana republic  // slip :: bella forte // belt :: h&m // bar necklace :: bella ella boutique // sandals :: maurice's // satchel :: street level, via olive & tweed // aztec bangle :: house of harlow 1960 // gold bangle :: rue21 // pyramid stud earrings :: slate // sunglasses :: juicy couture (rx) // pave circle ring :: moon & lola // crown ring :: c/o LilahV (get it here) // triangle ring :: live your angle

kumquat's dress :: carter's // binky :: doctor brown

..... with Park City. As much as I enjoy the liveliness of downtown Salt Lake, there is just something about the clean mountain air and small town feel of Park City that draws me in and keeps me obsessing (as evidenced by this and my previous posts on the city).

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summer remnants

mommy: dress :: ark & co (via olive & tweed) // earrings :: olive & tweed // cuff (right wrist) :: gas station // red bangle :: vintage // amber & gold bangle (left wrist) :: banana republic // sandals :: bandolino // satchel :: street level (via olive & tweed) // sunglasses :: juicy couture

kumquat: patriotic outfit walmart

Finally getting around to posting these photos from Independence Day weekend; Kumquat was too young to appreciate the parade last year, so her second 4th of July was a bit more exciting than the first (although the recurrent ear infections made it somewhat more miserable as well). We caught the parade in Tooele with Grandma, Great-Grandpa and the cousins before heading back up to Park City/Heber, where she watched fireworks with her dad. Mother Nature even cooperated, giving us just enough cloud cover to prevent frying (I burned, but Kumquat just seems to turn more and more brown).

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fitness friday: the trek to stewart falls

my outfit: tank, sports bra, shorts :: nike // shoes :: reebok // watch :: samsung gear fit

I hate working out; to me, it's akin to having bamboo stuck under my fingernails - one of the most painful, miserable experiences ever endured, and intensely boring to boot. The idea of running in place for an hour does not seem stimulating in the least.

Hiking, on the other hand - it's physical exertion with a tangible goal; a journey, the whole of which is to be not just enjoyed, but marveled at. Trails lead us through ancient forests, up the sides of immovable mountains and around the labyrinth of our souls... the fact that it also burns calories is, to me, a fringe benefit.

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park city weekends

denim shirt :: volcom // striped skirt :: olive & oak (via olive & tweed) // sandals :: bandolino // owl necklace :: gift // earrings :: olive & tweed

kumquat's pink dress :: carter's

If you've never been to the Park Silly Market, you're definitely missing out.

The Park Silly Market is a giant street festival held every Sunday during the summer on Main Street in downtown Park City, featuring vendors, food, live music, beer and even a fresh farmers market. With different vendors every week, you'll find something new on every visit to the market (and be hard pressed to find the same thing twice, so if you see something you love, snap it up!). You'll find everything from jewelry, clothing and hats to homemade salsa, wooden flower bouquets and doggie treats. Last week, Kumquat and I found a homemade popsicle stand, where we opted to try the strawberry lemonade concoction - little Kumquat was basically asleep, but still managed to hold herself up long enough to help me eat it eat it for me. I'm hoping the stand will be there again this week so we can try another delicious flavor.

And there's still plenty to do when you're finished perusing the vendors' wares: you can enjoy some amazing food and live performances at the lower end of Main Street, or head back up to explore the shops, art galleries and restaurants that will satisfy even the most eclectic of interests (most of which are small and locally owned).

While it's hard for me to pick favorites among all the little nooks and crannies that I love, Dolly's Bookstore (510 Main Street), Olive & Tweed (608 Main Street) and Changing Hands Consignment (580 Main Street) top my must-visit list every time I find myself in downtown PC. Without fail, I always find wonderful treasures to add to my closet, bookshelves, or both. In fact, the comfy denim button up, beautiful striped skirt and gorgeous amber earrings pictured are recent acquisitions from Olive & Tweed, and Kumquat's new favorite book was found on the same day at Dolly's Bookstore (it's "I Love You, Night And Day", if you're wondering).

Plus, it's about ten degrees cooler up here than down in the Salt Lake Valley. I'll take 90 instead of 100 degrees, thanks!


Will you be hitting the Park Silly Market or any other fun street festivals this weekend? Leave your thoughts and recommendations in the comments!

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salt lake city's third annual vintage whites market

my outfit :: blazer, gray tee :: maurice's // jeans :: 7 for all mankind via downeast basics // ankle boots :: old navy // purse :: downeast basics

kumquat's outfit :: burgundy tee :: h&m // leggings :: garanimals // socks :: carter's

Having attended both the first and second annual Vintage Whites Market in Salt Lake City, I feel that I am fully qualified to say that the 2015 edition thoroughly blew the original and the sequel out of the water. Admittedly, this year's entrance (two walls of pallets decorated with vintage paintings and some furniture for a vintage parlor feel) wasn't quite as impressive as 2013's bicycles or 2014's umbrellas, but it did provide some fun inspiration as I walked into the Grand Building for the 2015 market.

This year's market expanded into the neighboring Promontory Building, which meant a lot more vendors and more room for shoppers to spread out. That being said, the early shopping pass was definitely worth the $35 - it was nice to "beat the rush" and enjoy a leisurely Friday evening hunting for vintage treasures with my almost ten month old daughter to decorate our new place. A number of vendors remembered me from last year, when I was about six months pregnant and in search of vintage treasures to decorate her nursery.

I did return Saturday with my 5 year old nephew in tow as well; I told him we were going "treasure hunting" and somehow that turned into a search for a "treasure dragon". While we were unable to find it, we did snag a number of vintage beauties - including a gorgeous camel-colored wool cape from Maeberry Vintage, a mirror for my sister and a tea set for my nephew from Pick It Vintage, a Raggedy Ann doll, a cradle for Raggedy Ann, a neat little wire rack with spinny baskets and an assortment of knick knacks and smaller treasures to adorn our new room.

While I am generally pleased with our haul, I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not picking up one of the many end tables, nightstands and vanities that we happened across. In fact, after reviewing my photos from the event, I particularly regret not purchasing the ones pictured below... if anyone happens to remember the vendor who was selling any of these items, or if you are such a vendor with similar items, I would love to talk to you - leave the name of the store and/or your contact info in the comments or drop me an email at jennifer@mommyandkumquat.com. I'm also in the market for a doll highchair and similar furniture.

Did you attend the Vintage Whites Market? What are some of your favorite treasures from this year's fair? 

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mommy confessional: baby bucket list

blue wool trench :: banana republic | scarf :: utah opera gift shop | blazer, dress, collared blouse, belt :: maurice's | tights :: forever 21 | booties :: shi | necklace :: american eagle | earrings :: claire's | clutch, bracelets :: bebe | chevron cuff :: threadsence
awesome hair by Dani @ Lunatic Fringe Salon in PC - check back tomorrow for details.

With 109 days to go until our due date, I'm beginning to realize the true meaning of the phrase "how time flies". Obviously I'm excited to meet our little Kumquat and to experience parenthood with the person I love, but the pressing doubts I have about my ability to be a good mom steal the joy out of that excitement.

I've gotten pretty good at owning up to my flaws, and paramount among them is an unabashed selfishness (mentioned previously here). I've always seen self-sacrifice as a primary tenet of parenthood, and I find myself wondering if I'll be able to toe the line between taking care of myself as a mother and just taking care of myself.

The truth is, I never really saw parenthood as a part of my future. Sure, I like the idea of getting married (I AM a girl), but it's not requisite to my happiness and the 'settling down' part never really appealed to me. Having a child requires a commitment of your entire self - one I know I'm not ready to make, but I know that I need to in order to be a good parent.

Though I've never travelled much, I've always said I have a 'gypsy soul'; staying in one place (mentally, emotionally or physically) for too long makes me keenly unhappy, but obviously the caravan is no place to raise a family. Maybe it's just the romance of the road, but I like the idea of spending my thirties metropolis hopping and writing my way along the journey. That is my dream.

So how do I fuse these two competing needs - the desire for adventure and the maternal instinct - into a cohesive mother figure? I have to believe that it's possible to balance these two aspects of myself so that I can both be happy and be a good mom.

I suppose it's time to find a new dream - one that I can share with baby Kumquat and her dad when she finally gets here.


baby bucket list

101 adventures to have prior to pushing out a baby this May.

1. Road trip (preferably to some place warm).
2. Finish writing this list.
3. Go hiking.
4. Put purple in my hair.
5. Sleep 15 hours straight.
6. Go to a sex toy party (anyone want to throw one???).
7. Stay out late with some awesome friends.
8. Rock some bold lipstick in public.
9. See a play (or another theatre show).
10. Watch every single episode of Law & Order: SVU.
11. Throw a party.
12. Land a few contract gigs.
13. Take Annie to the park.
14. Read a (non-baby) book.
15. Buy something pretty (non-baby related).
16. Accomplish something awesome.
17. Perform a random project of kindness.
18. Put together an amazing nursery.
19. Have a girls' night with my mom and sisters.
20. Write a book.
21. Make some new friends.
22. Take a second shot at something I failed at in the past.
23. Make peace with my mistakes.
24. Learn how to use my badass new camera.
25. Blog the adventure (at least twice a week).
26. Go for a walk with Annie and Brent.
27. Talk a walk - in the rain or snow.
28. Write a letter to someone I admire. Send it.
29. Go somewhere I've never been before.
30. Try something new.
31. Get a massage.
32. Sew something cool for myself.
33. Then sew something adorable for Kumquat.
34. Publish three articles outside of the blog.
35. Go stargazing.
36. Write something every day.
37. Finish something.
38. Watch the sunrise and the sunset on the same day.
39. Design and create some badass accessories. 
40. And approach a local shop about consignment.
41. Be honest.
42. Pay off my car.
43. Define my personal style.
44. Spend some time with my niece and nephew.
45. Participate in Earth Hour (March 29th, 8:30pm-9:30pm).
46. Wear something a little wild.
47. Venture outside my comfort zone.
48. Try a new recipe.
49. Help someone.
50. Try vlogging.
51. Write a fantastic article. Submit it to Glamour.
52. Interview someone I respect.
53. Watch the entire second season of House of Cards (due out Feb. 14th!).
54. Check out the Vintage Whites Market in March (see photos from last year's event here).
55. Write an awesome marketing campaign for work.
56. Take a long, hot bath.
57. Get a pedicure.
58. And maybe a facial.
59. Check out a new restaurant.
60. Go see a movie.
61. Go to an arcade. Play air hockey.
62. Eat too much ice cream.
63. Impress myself.
64. Keep the kitchen clean for a whole week.
65. Go 24 hours without eating any candy.
66. Then go a whole week without it.
67. Build an app.
68. Wear something red.
69. Find (and wear) the perfect leopard print scarf.
70. Volunteer some time.
71. Make a difference somehow.
72. Finish decorating my house.
73. Kick my soda habit down to one can a day.
74. Revamp my wardrobe.
75. Spend some time watching the clouds.
76. Go for a drive (just to drive).
77. Do something just a little bit crazy.
78. Finish moving my stuff out of my mom's house.
79. Come up with a brilliant idea.
80. And put it into motion.
81. Do something cool with my basement.
82. Find my therapy (outside of the retail environment).
83. Say I love you.
84. Have brunch in downtown.
85. Own up to a mistake.
86. Admit to my fears.
87. Be brave.
88. Go swimming.
89. Push myself.
90. Confront something.
91. Learn how to make cheesecake pancakes.
92. Cook dinner five nights in a row.
93. Rock some bright eyeliner.
94. Snuggle with both of my 'kids' in bed.
95. Say a prayer.
96. Visit a psychic.
97. Get to know Park City downtown.
98. Get to know my neighbors.
99. Get better.
100. Enjoy some quality time with The Boy.
101. Pick a name for Baby Kumquat.

Some of these will be easier than others. Ambitious? Probably. But that's kind of the point. Wish me luck.

Do you/did you have a baby bucket list as a prospective first time parent? Any advice for a newbie on balancing your needs with those of your child?

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a #goodwknd in st. george, featuring prabal gurung x target

outfit #1 - bomber jacket :: ashley (similar) | black tee :: express | khaki skirt :: h&m | black tights :: forever 21 | jigsaw collar necklace :: boehme boutique | pink skinny belt :: h&m | co-star :: The Boy's godson

outfit #2 - hat :: emanual gerardo (similar) | blouse :: prabal gurung x target | cardigan :: zenana outfitters | skinny jeans :: american eagle (similar) | bomber jacket :: ashley (similar) | ankle boots :: classified | messenger bag :: maurice's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | green skinny belt :: maurice's | leather wrist wrap :: c/o salvage west | co-star :: The Boy himself

Took off to St. George for the long President's Day weekend. As much as I love the dreariness of winter, there is a certain allure to the perpetual sunniness of Utah's southern half. We couldn't have asked for better weather for our spur of the moment getaway, and I couldn't have asked for better company. What did you do for President's Day weekend?

I've watched the proliferation of high end designer-meets-mass retailer pairings with disinterest for the most part; I feel that many of the collections have been a little too obvious and overly trendy. Target's latest lovechild with Prabal Gurung, however, is the exact opposite - classic shapes and silhouettes overlaid with a litany of the season's trends to achieve just the right mix of the two makes it one that I'm more than eager to lay my hard earned cash down for. It feels less like a dumbed down, significantly cheaper version of the designer's traditional line and more like it's own collection.

This floral blouse is one of two items I snagged from the aforementioned Prabal Gurung x Target collab while down south; one of the pros to living in a non-fashionable state is not having to fight for such things. I may make a another foray to my local Target to locate a few more pieces to add to my increasingly overstuffed closet.

What are your thoughts on the Prabal Gurung x Target collaboration? Or any of the recent designer/retailer partnerships? Have you invested in any of them?

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