Outfit: Plaid Dress from Modcloth, Blue Cardigan from Gap, Beret from Forever 21, 

Gold Loop Earrings from JCrew, and Heart Key Necklace from Cats Like Us

One of my passions is sharing my love for Old Hollywood and Classic Film with others. There is no denying that movies can be a magical place to visit. I do my best to share my joy of film with my own children. We even have weekly movie nights where we introduce them to movies they have never seen before. My hope is that they will grow up to appreciate this form of art and style of storytelling and share it with others.

Film has a unique was of tapping into the story of our own humanity. Whether that is in watching Marilyn Monroe strut her stuff in The Seven Year Itch (1955) or watching Jack Lemmon fumble his way through Manhattan in The Out-of-Towners (1970). Films captivate us, move us, scare us, and make us think. And all the while still maintaining its magic.

When I came across the book Movies Are Magic I knew it would be the ideal read for my children. The book gives a basic introduction to the history of film making and shares some key points in Old Hollywood history as well. Every section has accompanying illustrations that are absolutely adorable. This book doesn't go into deep detail but it does give a look into the things that have made movies special. It introduces Charlie Chaplin and The Nicholas Brothers. It also touches base on how film progressed from moving pictures to color.

I think having access to a little book like this makes introducing classic film to children an easier process. You can find a copy HERE and follow the author Jennifer Churchill HERE.

** In collaboration with the author Jennifer Churchill**

Because we are all different we all will cope with challenges differently. Sometimes we can't ignore whats happening to us so at the end of the day its how we deal with difficulties that makes all the difference.

I get asked a lot how I manage with three young kids and a physical disability. I don't have grandparents whisking them away so that I can get a break, their dad works two jobs, and all my friends have their own busy lives. The reality of my day is that they are almost always with me. I don't mind and luckily we enjoy each others company but of course there are days where I feel like I can't cope and I'm about to explode with frustration and exhaustion.

So how to do I cope with the challenges in my life? I'm going to share what has worked for me.

We all have challenges coming at us in all directions every single day. Some days feel more bearable than others. My challenges challenge me every moment of the day but they are also a big part of who I am. My family, my disability, my lifestyle. I love my life and thats why I make a conscious choice to look at my difficulties as challenges and to face my challenges with as much kindness and patience as I can. How we deal with our challenges makes all the difference. 

Spring is finally in the air and I decided to welcome in style with  Cats Like Us. Cats Like Us is true a"mom and pop" type of shop that not only caters to those who love retro styled fashion but now offers a heap of true vintage pieces. Establish in 2009 in Western New York, Cats Like Us has been making vintage girls everywhere feel their best for years.

As a busy mom of three that also happens to be plus-size, finding vintage in my size can be a tricky. But I found with Cats Like Us not only do I get to shop for retro items but vintage items that run in my size! I cannot tell you how exciting that is. They carry sizes from XS to XXXXL which is a huge size range that is not often found in stores online or brick and mortar.

I have been dabbling into vintage clothing since I was a pre-teen (thanks grandma) and I can tell you that aside from having a wide range of sizes there is nothing better than having a all the information about the item up front and in detail. Cats Like Us not only does that for each piece they sell but if you happen to feel that you have more questions about an item Cats Like Us will answer them for you. Yes, you can actually communicate with them directly via email and they answer back. Talk about excellent customer service. One thing is for sure, when you are spending your money on an item you want to make sure you have answers to your questions before you make a purchase. Cats Like Us will not only respond to you in a timely manner but they are friendly, courteous, and kind.

This vintage dress happens to be one of the prettiest dress I have worn in a long time. I love vintage inspired clothing and retro fashion as well but vintage has always held my heart. The only reason I don't wear more vintage dresses is because of the challenge of finding the right measurements, style, and colors to fit my specific palette. I guess you can say I am picky but for good reason. When you acquire anything vintage you want to make sure it is something that you will love. And I love my dress from Cats Like Us.

With Cats Like Us not only will you find a great selection of retro inspired fashion but also a well catered selection of true vintage pieces. You will find the prices are friendly to your wallet, courteous customer service, and impeccable packaging. If you are looking for a place to find yourself something special to wear or just looking for a one-of-kind vintage piece, Cats Like Us is the place to be.