Maybe Matilda: Looking like a mom…or not {JP Lizzy Diaper Bag Giveaway!}

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Looking like a mom…or not {JP Lizzy Diaper Bag Giveaway!}

{We have a winner! Congratulations to Cee Shelton!}

I’d like to take a moment today to remind everyone of the reality of the daily life of a stay-at-home mom. I think many of you are rowing this boat right along with me, so this will sound all too embarrassingly familiar. And to those of you for whom this doesn’t ring humiliatingly true: have patience with your poor weary sisters and please do your best to not openly laugh when you spot us in public. You definitely can’t miss us.

My brother’s birthday was Friday (or Saturday? or some mysterious non-day between the two? I never know when to celebrate his leap year birthday), so Forrest and I spent the morning making cupcakes for him (with plenty of spoon licking along the way—don’t tell my brother that one of the main ingredients in his birthday treat was saliva). After we finished up, got the kitchen cleaned, diapers changed, teeth brushed, bag packed, and errand list written, I fed Darcy and we headed to Walmart to pick up a few things.

Win a cute diaper bag from JP Lizzy on www.maybematilda.com

( ^ this ridiculousness is what happens when you enlist your husband to help take blog pictures, then listen to his pose suggestions. He’s a regular Tyra. He actually told me to make it “fiercer!” while he photographed. I’ll spare you the picture he snapped after giving that command.)

You know how people joke about the type of customer Walmart tends to attract? They are referring to me. Because when we got back home, I realized that not only did I have a gigantic drip of chocolate cupcake batter working its way down the front of my shirt (it had been white, pre-cupcake-making, so I managed to destroy a shirt plus draw maximum attention to my sloppiness with my black and white batter/shirt contrast), but I had also forgotten to clip up one side of my nursing bra after feeding the baby, resulting in a unique asymmetrical silhouette with one boob hoisted up to a normal height while the other one dangled at a droopy “grandma forgot her bra again” level.

Heaven forbid I use this blog as a way to fool people into thinking I’ve got it together. Never forget as I bombard you with the very best pictures I managed to take that I have wandered through Walmart dripping cupcake batter with breasts askew, sporting under-eye bags the size of Texas and dragging two grouchy ragamuffins in my wake. I doubt it will be the last time I do so.

chambray + colored denim + chevron bag

Top: Walmart // Jeans: Ross // Belt: came with a skirt // Boots: gift // Bag: c/o JP Lizzy

Needless to say, now that you know I’m walking around looking a hot mess a good amount of the time, you won’t be surprised to hear that any chance to look less “mom-ish” is embraced with open arms. That’s why I’ve never had an actual diaper bag—I’ve generally thought they look very “mommy,” so I’ve just bought big purses and made them do. Sometimes they functioned well as a purse/diaper bag combo, sometimes not. But I’ve been willing to put up with any potential inconvenience for the sake of not toting around a bag that screams I am a mother of young snot-covered children and in case you need to borrow a wipe or spare diaper or baggie of smashed 2-month old raisins, of course I have them right here.

chambray + colored denim + boots + chevron diaper bag {www.maybematilda.com}

I was sent this cute diaper bag from JP Lizzy and can now say that yes, diaper bags really are more convenient than just a big purse. And I love that I don’t have to sacrifice style for convenience here—it’s trendy and fits into my style and doesn’t scream I’m a mom!, but it definitely makes carrying around all the kid and baby stuff so much easier. Plenty of pockets both inside and out, made with easy-to-clean wipe-able fabrics, and—my favorite feature—two inner pockets that are perfectly shaped to carry bottles or juice cups or, if your kids aren’t into that, a water bottle for you. (The choice of beverage you carry in your drink bottle is up to you—I won’t judge.)

Win a stylish JP Lizzy diaper bag at www.maybematilda.com!

(I will never stop laughing at the hilarious sight that is Darcy in that gigantic puffy snow suit. It wasn’t even that cold outside when we took these pictures, but I think I’ll keep stuffing her into this outfit as long as I possibly can for the pure joy of seeing her practically immobilized by that huge lumpy getup.)

Want a JP Lizzy bag of your very own? They’re giving away a diaper bag (winner’s choice!) to one of you today!

To enter to win, just leave a comment on this post. For an extra entry, head over to the JP Lizzy blog and comment on my guest post there, too!

(Giveaway open to US only. I’ll randomly select a winner from the combined commenters on this post and my JP Lizzy guest post on Tuesday, March 11. You can also follow JP Lizzy on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to keep up on their latest news and cute styles!)

79 comments :

  1. Oh my. I fight the same battle-carry the diaper bag, which looks ridiculous, but is well-organized, or just let everything in my purse turn into one giant blob of diapers and crumbs (and hopefully my wallet?).

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  2. What an adorable bag! And for the record...you always look amazing!

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  3. The bags are beautiful and you're absolutely right about a diaper bag being more convenient and organized that a pocketbook! I love your posts and especially your pixie grow out chronicles ... I'm in the process and its very motivating :-)

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  4. Its like you're telling the story of my life! These bags are awesome and exactly what I've been looking for.

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  5. What a great bag! And I love that you tell the truth -- I've stopped following other blogs because they make me feel bad I'm not perfect like them....when in reality they are not perfect!

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  6. My husband's requirement for a diaper bag was that he not be embarrassed to carry it. The bag I've had for my first two was nice and fit that quota. Now that we're ready to try for #3 (yikes!) I'm ready for a new bag. A cute one. He can just get over his fear.

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  7. Your posts are so fun to read! They keep me chuckling. You're adorable and you have a cute diaper bag! I am adorable but I don't have a cute diaper bag so you have one up on me haha :)! My diaper bag is falling apart and one side of the strap has completely torn off. I need a new one!

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  8. It's such a cute bag. I just bought a new one for soon to be here baby # 2, but it's no comparison to this one.

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  9. Ha! Well thanks ;-) This one came at just the right time since my previous 'diaper bag' (giant purse) strap broke, too! I'll cross my fingers for you.

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  10. Exciting, congrats! I always figure, I'm the one carrying it 99% of the time, so I get to pick ;-)

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  11. Thanks, Mary! I really appreciate that--I feel the same way. Why read something that just makes me feel like I'm doing a bad job?!

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  12. Thank you Melody! But definitely not always . . . the pictures that make it to the blog are carefully selected ;-)

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  13. Last week I got home from work to realize I had dried spit up all over my ear! It was so nasty looking! The next day my coworkers swore they hadn't noticed but I don't know how!

    Love the bag! :)

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  14. Thank you thank you! I love me a non-diaper-bag diaper bag!! I could use it right now!

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  15. I use the big purse as a diaper bag too! But this one looks cute. Would love to win!

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  16. That is such a cute bag! I hated shopping for diaper bags but if I would've known about these it would've been so much more enjoyable!

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  17. I would love a new diaper bag! The one you helped me make has been well loved and still smells like vinyl. You would think after four years that would have gone away. Lol. You are so gorgeous Rachel! I love all your fun pictures. :)

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  18. Love your diaper bag!! I would definitely love having one of my own; the bag we use now doesn't have near enough space. ;)

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  19. This is so cute! And it looks like it carries a lot without being enormous.

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  20. Oh my goodness - Darcy looks adorable in that snowsuit!

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  21. Your Wal-mart description sounds like me everyday...except in my lovely basketball shorts and yesterday's t-shirt. My husband calls it my "uniform"...not sure how to take that, ha ha!

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  22. You guys are the cutest! I applaud you for even making the effort of wearing a bra to WAL-Mart ; as far as I've noticed, they're optional there.

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  23. Your story about Walmart made me laugh out loud! Reminds me of some of my own "moments" that were so "glamorous! I love the baby bag! I'm expecting baby number three and a new diaper bag is in order!

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  24. Yes! It's not overly huge, but definitely has lots of space.

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  25. Thanks! I'm more nervous about this baby than the other two... so weird! Also, I'm not finding your guest post on JP Lizzy's blog...?

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  26. Still?! My gosh, I really expected that to fade! Bummer. Well, at least it's gotten lots of use!

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  27. It doesn't seem to be up yet! I've emailed them to see what's up . . . maybe someone took the day off ;-)

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  28. Alright, so it's not just my preggo brain making it invisible; that's good!

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  29. I would love to win one of these bags! I love the chevron pattern.

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  30. Love their bags! I have a massive black and red SkipHop diaperbag that definitely screams diaperbag.

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  31. So cute! Love the size and style of these bags. And thanks for another true, reality moment on your blog! At least your shirt was buttoned up even though your strap was unhooked. Someone, who will remain nameless, left a dressing room at department store after nursing, and in a baby-induced haze, didn't pull the nursing neck-line all the way over to cover up. Yeah. Embarrassing.

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  32. Love the bag! I've been looking for a new one for a while now. Cute design!

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  33. This would be perfect since a new baby is coming soon and I feel bad buying a new bag when I have an old one that technically will work just fine.

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  34. Love to win this for my dear friend who is due in May-cute bag thanks aunteegem@yahoo.com

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  35. Once again you have provided a smiling moment for me with this blog! Also...once again, these pictures are proof that you cannot lump yourself into the sloppy Mommy category when you look this great and pulled together. VERY cute bag and love the zigzag stripes on it. If I win it I will give it to my preggy D-I-L and stuff it with a nice crocheted baby blanket :-)

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  36. Aww I love the fuzzy suit. And your husband did a great job with pictures! :)
    Thanks for the cool giveaway-- I'd probably just use it as a tote.

    Dana

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  37. NO!!! I feel bad that I'm laughing but . . . that's kind of hilarious :-) I feel your pain. At least a portion of it.

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  38. I am totally due for a new diaper bag. The one you helped me make has been well loved, and STILL smells like vinyl. I thought that would have gone away after four years but alas no. These bags look super cute! I love all of your fun pictures Rachel. You are such a gorgeous Mama. :)

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  39. So cute! I love your new bag & your outfit :) I think it is great how honest you are with us.

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  40. Super cute! Awesome bag, super cute jeans, a-DORABLE baby girl... this post has it all! And I could SO go for a new diaper bag/purse right about now!

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  41. I pinned one of these bags on my baby board a while ago but was worried if it could make the cut. Good to know they're great bags and Very cute!

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  42. Boo for diaper bags but hooray for finally finding a cute one!!

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  43. Love the bag! It's great that it doesn't look like an actual diaper bag.

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  44. I was gonna buy that shirt too. I have to say it's hard to go back to a regular purse after the usefulness of a diaper bag. I definitelly need a new one. Chevron is a great bonus too.

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  45. I love this bag and would be thrilled to win and give it to my daughter who just had her first little one!

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  46. Expecting my first grandchild this year. Would love to gift this to my daughter!

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  47. love the bag! I'm due any day and have yet to decide on a purse/bag that's just right and I'm dreading using one of my old diaper bags! your chevron one is so cute!

    and I'm right there with you...yesterday I went and met friends for frozen yogurt, but didn't think through my outfit decision very well. the belly band on my maternity jeans kept slipping down because of my silky undershirt and I kept exposing my stretch marked skin as I was chasing my almost 2 yr old. it was rough! and embarrassing :)

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  48. I am all kinds of in love with the Graphite Blush Satchel! I, too, struggle with the look of diaper bags, and am tempted to just use my purse or try to stuff bottles, wipes, and diapers into the pockets of my jeans. Thank you for alerting me to this company and thank you for this giveaway! ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com

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  49. Such an adorbs bag! I see you also made it over to Walmart to get the cambray shirt you had your eye on...very cute. :) My little ones are not so little anymore, but I would still totally carry this bag. Lord knows, I always (in spite of my best attempts to downsize) end up carrying half of my life around with me like some sort of bag lady in training.

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  50. I would totally love this! Right now I carry that ugly diaper bag, my purse, and my crochet bag everyday. I would love to minimize and actually look stylish! Thanks for the chance

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  51. I've tried books, videos, other blogs...to no avail. *FINALLY* I get it! Thank you so much for this!

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  52. So so cute! I have the same diaper bag hatred dilema so this would be amazing! ;)

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  53. The chevron bag is a diaper bag in disguise. I love it! I also love Darcy's snow suit!

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  54. I'm so glad it finally clicked! You're welcome!

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  55. Ha, good eye! Yep, got my precious Walmart shirt, and I really really love it. And a big bag is always a good idea, little kids or not!

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  56. Mallory did the same thing! 8 hours a night at a stretch, and then all of a sudden, down to 2 hours. And now with super jet lag, we are all sorts of messed up. Sometimes I'm up a few times an hour, and then both kids are up at 3 am for good. I'm one screw away from losing it. I think I rubbed my eyes so hard the other day I bruised something because one eye is a bit swollen. Fun.

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  57. I love this bag. I hate our "boy" backpack diaper bag the we had to get because Dad carries the bag too. :(
    Mommy is a girlie girl and wants a pretty bag!! Lol

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  58. YES. It's brutal! And the jet lag must be a beast, too . . . so sorry :-(

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  59. Cute bag! And I really want to see this fierce photo.

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  60. So I have been trying to learn from a beginners book which is very helpful but I still wasn't understanding a few things until I read this and now I got it!! Thanks for taking the time and posting this!!!

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  61. So glad it's helpful! Thanks for stopping by!

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  62. You have no idea how long I have been trying to figure out why my crochet looks so funny and it's because I hadn't found this!! BOTH sides of the v. No wonder!! Thank you!

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  63. I just want to compliment you on a great tutorial. I am not a beginner and have crocheted many things (blankets, outfits, amigurumi. ..). This is a great tutorial that I came across to send to a beginner who wants to learn how to crochet. Thank you for taking the time to do this and help take away the lie of "I could never..." It's just one loop at a time and with tutorials like this, anyone can do it! Get started everyone and be a blessing that will be so well received! :)

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  64. What a sweet comment! Thank you! I'm so glad it's been helpful to beginners--I remember being frustrated trying to find lessons that made sense, so I'm really happy if I've been able to make the journey easier for anyone!

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  65. Just want to thank you for teaching me to crochet. Found you on Pinterest a couple years ago. Next best thing to having a dear friend sitting next to me showing me the ropes. Now I need to learn how to create a website. I'm totally lost. Any beginner tips?

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  66. Thank you so much SaraAnn! I'm glad I could be helpful. As for creating a website, I'm afraid I know next to nothing. I use Blogger for this site, and don't do hardly anything with the coding and all--total novice.

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  67. This is the first time crochet has ever made sense to me!!!!! Thank you!!!!! (I feel like weeping!)

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