What a Happy Birthday!

What a happy day! 35 is looking pretty good so far! The hubs, kids, and I are in TN in a beautiful cabin. They took me to a pancake breakfast this morning then dropped me off at the spa! No wifi for days..so sorry for the posting delay and lack of photos! They are soon to come!!! Tonight the plan is to put on my dress and hit the town. Well as much hitting as I can do with 4 children!! Hahaha! Over 100 Facebook messages have brightened my day, and voicemail messages from a friend in 4 different personalities really made it special! I have to say my heart is full! I wish I could stay like this, with my family and no interruptions of busy life!!! I miss home, but love the laid back, special time with my family! I am soaking it up and I could not ask for more!!!! Cheers, and Happy New Year!!!!!

Deal With It!

I'm getting deep on you today, sorry. I have a hurt from a past betrayal. I am sure many have been there and I won't get into specifics for now. Some time has passed but it still creeps up on me. When someone asks me "well, have you dealt with it?", I think to myself what does it mean to "deal" with something. Honestly, I don't know. I don't think "dealing" with something means that you are healed. See to me it isn't "dealing" with it, it's making a choice. A daily choice to accept what happened to me, and move on. But that healing could take a long time. Especially if it is a deep betrayal. I don't know why but this morning while running, I was pounding the pavement thinking about the betrayal that I went through. It felt so good just to be mad. Sometimes I really want the offenders to hurt, and then I ask myself, what would Jesus think about that? I am sure that would break his heart. Sometimes I question how we are supposed to accept things because we know that is what He would want us to do. I guess that is why we have to ask him for strength daily. Anyway, the next time someone asks me if I have "dealt" with it...my answer will be no...but I made a choice, and I have to pray and remind myself of that each day to keep myself going!

Beautiful DAY!

What a beautiful day! I found this khaki dress in the very back of my closet! What a surprise! Then using Sydney's scarf and belt tutorial I made it FUN! I love The Daybook! I found her through another favorite blogger of mine, Keira! These girls inspire me! So many ideas, and so much creativity! I LOVE it! I am now a certified fashion blog groupie! :)

So the goal is...to still fit in the dress after the holidays. So much sugar and snacky snacks over the last few weeks combined with limited time to run makes for a possible problem! I have decided I am NOT going to go without, so I figure one sweet a day is my limit! Can I stick to it? We shall see!

In LOVE with Jones Design Company!

I am totally in love with Jones Design Company! What an inspiration! Check out these amazing gift tags that you can download from her site for free! I am loving the special touch these are adding to my gifts!

For the Fun of it!

Being a Florida girl, I do not own a ton of winter clothes. This is why layering comes in to play very often! Today, my choice was rather boring until I threw on a few key accessories! This goes to show you that with a little color and some fun jewelry even your most boring shirt and sweater can be fun and happy!

Closet Renovation, The After!

I am really excited to say this project is done! Although I do not have the closet of my dreams, I did my best to make it functional with the tiny space that I have! I cleared off top shelves for my hats, put a purse rack on the back of my door, bought additional shoe racks, put my boots in my pull out drawers, and clutches in a small basket on top. I am making it a priority to put things away immediately, to hang up items before they pile on the floor, and return shoes to the proper area! I am sure that you can agree, this is a HUGE improvement! :)

Closet Renovation!

I am motivated now more than ever to maximize my closet space. After 30 days in the same dress, it's time to get ready to roll out the un-used fashion! I have a small closet, and when I say small...I mean small! When we bought our house 7 years ago, we were coming from a TINY apartment. We did not take into consideration the total LACK of closet space! Although I am very grateful, I am limited in space. Here are a few before shots...lets see what I can do. I can't believe that I am sharing these, but this is the true mess I am in! If you have any tips PLEASE chime in! I need all of the help I can get!

Cute Boots!

I could not resist letting you in on this sweet deal! I bought these yesterday at Sam's Club of all places! Suede boots in taupe by MIA, they also have black! They are super comfy and under $40.00! That's what I love about Sam's...groceries for them, new boots for me! :)

Workin' IT

Today I am working it! 3 mile run this morning followed by a meeting and now an afternoon photo shoot in downtown Lakeland! I love a simple blazer, and HOT accessories! Makes the simplest look of jeans and a white shirt feel so much more glamourous! This blazer is a find from Gap. I paired it with a Banana Republic white button down, and my Stella & Dot Byblos necklace!

December 1st: JUMP for JOY!

For those of you who asked what I would wear on my 1st day out of the dress, here you GO! I am jumping for joy!

Top: Banana Republic
Skirt: Nick & Mo, Ivy & Me
Belt: Target
Brown tights: Marshalls
Boots: Michael Antonio, Piperlime
Jewelry: Stella & Dot
Shades: Tom Ford

Day 30: It's OVER!

It's day 30. Thank you to everyone that has commented and encouraged me during my 30 day journey! For some last day fun, I have compiled a list of questions I received throughout the project along with my answers!

Q: Why are you doing this?
A: To appreciate my closet, and be creative with what I have instead of buying more!

Q: What is the longest that you went between washings?
A: Eeeek! I'm going to be honest. One week- I went 5 days. Gently worn though I PROMISE!

Q: What is the biggest thing you learned?
A: Appreciation for my closet and all that it holds!

Q: Will you ever wear the dress again?
A: YES! It will be hanging it in the back of my closet for a while, but I actually really like the dress, it is a great staple!

Q: Did you cheat on the spending freeze?
A: Uh...yes, once again, I have to be honest. I bought a vintage suede coat, for $20.00. I could NOT pass it up! Oh, and the feather & flower headband I am wearing in this picture! Whoops!


Day 30:
Black dress
Pink top: Forever 21
Tights: Betsy Johnson
Black Booties: Last Call
Gray Bag: Ross
Feather headband: Hattie's Branches
Cameo Ring: Saks

Day 29 of 30

TWO MORE DAYS!!!! WOW! I still can't believe this project is coming to an end! I did a self tutorial online today and edited this picture myself! I have a long way to go...I know!

Day 28:
Black dress
Yellow top: Guess
Ruby Necklace: My Mum-Mum's
Belt: Target
Shoes: BCBG, Dillards
Bag: Betsey Johnson
Wooden bangel, Stein Mart

Day 28 of 30!!

Tonight is dinner with friends at my favorite Lakeland restaurant the Terrace Grill! YUM! I can't believe I only have 2 more days in this dress! I started re-organizing my closet in anticipation! When it is finished I will be sure post my victory! Before and after of coarse!

Day 28:
Black dress
Lace top: Target
Gray flower belt, Francesca's (One of my FAVORITE accessories)
Red shoes, Chinese Laundry, Marshalls
Clutch, Victoria's Secret
Ring, Saks

Day 26 & 27: Black Friday, Go Noles!

Friday was spent enduring the Super Bowl of shopping, Black Friday! The day didn't start off so well. I must have been in a turkey coma because I slept right through my alarm! We were an hour late to meet Courtney, and when we arrived at the scene it was INSANE! I only witnessed one slight altercation over a pair of boots, they were pretty cute though. My little Leanna joined us and she was a real trooper! She begged to get up with me at 3am, and she did with no complaining. It worked out well for her as she left her favorite store with a very large shopping bag! I have to say, Courtney and I were very glad that we were in Lakeland's limited shopping zone for Black Friday, it may have been very dangerous otherwise! :)

Day 26:
Black dress
Fashion's Night Out T-Shirt
Belt: Target
Black Flats: Puma

Day 27: Go Noles!
In effort to support FSU, garnet & gold has been put in to play!

Black dress
Garnet and Gold top: Pink
Black leggings:
Black flats: Puma

Day 25: Full

I'm so full, in more ways than one! I love the smell of Thanksgiving! I love seeing family and friends come through the door with loaded arms! I wish there were more occasions when we all got together! I vote for a holiday every month! My black dress has taught me so much about thankfulness! I know it sounds silly, but it's true! I am so thankful for all of the other dresses hanging un worn in my closet....and JEANS! I can't wait to wear jeans again, or even pants! Someone asked me today if I had decided to burn this black dress, but you know what, I'm not. This dress will always remind me of how thankful I am for my closet full of clothes, and all of the other many things I am so thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving! 5 more days to go!

Day 25:
Black dress
Apron: Kitchen Glam, Too Chic Gift Boutique
Necklace: Stella & Dot Owl
Hair Flower: Claires
Shoes: Tory Burch

Day 24: Family Day

Well, it's on! I have made a homemade pie crust, a pecan pie, table centerpieces, and place settings! The turkey is ready to be stuffed and so am I! The rest can wait until tomorrow morning! Today Michael and I are taking the two older kiddos to lunch and a movie. We are then delivering meals for VISTE. What a blessing to bless others! I love Thanksgiving!!!

Day 24:
Black dress
Top: Rampage
Tights: Cynthia Rowley, Marshalls
Boots: Nine West
Jewelry: Stella & Dot

Day 23: Fall Frenzy

This morning I had a bit of a breakdown! Just in case you didn't know, if you want to shop for any Fall decor for Thanksgiving, start at Halloween! I went searching today and the tune of Jingle Bells was already blasting throughout the stores! I couldn't find ANYTHING FALL! Not even at Michael's! So my homemade table decorations for Thursday just got more creative! I will definitely post pictures! :) In effort to stay casual, but somewhat stylish...here is what I came up with for today!

Day 23:
Black dress
Blue Tee: Esprit
Top: Old Navy
Flower belt: J Crew
Flats: Puma

Day 22: Kickin' it Casual!

Here it is: Today's casual look for playing with kids!

Day 22:
Black dress
Gray Tee: Esprit
Jewelry: Grana's
Shoes: BCBG Wedges, Marshalls

Day 20 & 21

What a busy weekend! I am super excited to tell you about the many adventures of my dress! On Saturday Leanna had a soccer game, so I just put a T-Shirt over top and threw on my Keds. That night we went to the Mercy Me concert where we had backstage passes courtesy of Mike Scheuchzer, my elementary school classmate and guitar player in the band! (See photo, and I am not sure which band member is peeking through, HA!) It was so cool to see him and meet the band. They are awesome! I am convinced Bart, the lead singer, has a perma-grin, he is always smiling! As a bonus, Mike's mom was there!!! She was my art teacher throughout elementary school! I just LOVE her!

Today was church, column writing for Lakeland Local, and dinner at Mom's. I am now mentally preparing for a full WEEK with all four children at home to drive me nuts! I don't know how much blogging I will get done! I am also a bit challenged with the dress, as I will be very casual all week! I will have to be pretty creative to tone it down for a week with the kiddos! Only NINE more days to go!!!


Day 20:
Black dress
Lavender ruffle top, Loft
Black belt: Target
Black tights
Black booties, NM Last Call
Black hat, Marshalls
Jewelry, Stella & Dot

Day 21:
Black dress
Green Sweater, Loft
Brooch: My Grana's
Black heels: Nine West
Jewelry: David Yurman
Silver Vintage Clutch: Antique Shop
3-yr-old: Cathy & Michael Hayes

Day 19: Feast Friday!

I am so excited! Today is the Thanksgiving Feast at my children's preschool! I have been looking forward to this all week and I know they have too! I even ran the lake extra hard this morning to prepare my appetite, and burn some calories! :)

Day 19:
Black dress
Mustard silk blouse: Kenar, Marshalls
Belt: Lucky Brand
Boots: Michael Antonio, Piperlime
Jewelry: Stella & Dot

Day 18: Outfit Reinvention!

I was feeling especially creative this morning, brought on by extreme boredom with this dress! I began digging through my closet and found this drawstring waist skirt that I haven't worn in years. I really need to let it go, but today I am glad I didn't! This skirt is one of "those" items. You pull it out while cleaning out your closet and say to yourself, "surely I will wear this again". It worked out today, but usually my rule is if I haven't worn it in a year it goes! This helps keep my closet "workable" and organized! When my closet is over-stocked I can't find anything I need, therefore stifling my creativity!! So here's to closet clean outs, and the items that survive the cut!

Day 18:
Black dress
Drawstring skirt: So old I don't remember
Capelet: Target
Hair flower: Claires
Ruffled socks: American Apparel
Brown booties: Michael Antonio, Piperlime

Day 17: Moved

Have you ever ran, and cried at the same time? It had nothing to do with being tired, and everything to do with God speaking to me through the music of Kari Jobe. I posted a link to a video for Revelation Song, which is what I was listing to at the time. As hot as I was, I could literally feel the chills running through me. This song moves me, especially when I think of how GREAT our God is!
Revelation Song, Kari Jobe

Today's Style Menu:
Black dress
Purple silk top: Mattie M.
Necklaces: Stella & Dot
Ring: Betsy Johnson
Bronze clutch, Kenneth Cole Reaction
Black flats: Tory Burch

Day 16: Stick With It!

Today I am past the halfway mark!! Woo Hoo! I have to say I am going a bit nuts! As thankful as I am...I really, REALLY, wanted to wear something else today-but I am sticking with it!

Day 16:
Black dress
Vest: Ann Taylor
Belt: Target
Shoes: Ann Taylor
Scarf: Marshalls
Jewelry: Stella & Dot
Bronze Bag: Michael Kors

Day 15: The Halfway Mark!

So today's theme is blue. Did you know that fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty? People are more productive in blue rooms, and studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms. So I thought to start my halfway mark out right, I would be true to blue!

Day 15:
Black dress
Blue slik tank: Banana Republic
Necklaces & Bloom Flower ring: Stella & Dot
Earrings: A handmade gift from my sweet friend Courtney Webster.
Watch: Michele, with stainless steel band.
Shoes: Chinese Laundry, Marshalls
Blue leather bag: Coach

Day 14: Sunday Sparkle!

Happy Sunday!

Day 14:
Black dress
Emerald tank: Target
Black glitter blet: J. Crew
Black fishnet tights: Cynthia Rowley, Ross
Black heels: Gianni Bini, Dillards
Necklaces: Stella & Dot
3-year-old beauty: Cathy & Michael Hayes

Day 13: Photo Shoot

It's Day 13 and I started out my day in running gear for a 10K race! It was such a beautiful morning and downtown Lakeland was buzzing with something happening around every corner. Whoever said there is nothing to do in Lakeland, isn't looking hard enough! Today I am going to a photo shoot for my new column with Lakeland Local! I am so excited! I am teaming up with my friend and local stylist, Courtney Philpot, to write a fashion column! True style does not have to be couture, although we ADORE couture!! True style is working with what you have and within your budget! There is nothing better than style for a steal, and Courtney and I plan to write about the best way to use our local resources to compliment any look on any budget! We will also be sharing a little about our life experiences, careers, and everything in-between! It's going to be fun folks, so tune in!

Day 13
Black dress
Scarf, Marshalls
Black skinny belt, Banana Republic
Shoes, Adriennne Vittadini, Marshalls
Vintage charm bracelet: My Grana

Day 12: Casual Cowgirl!

Today's ensemble is inspired by the casual cowgirl! YEE HAW and happy Friday!

Day 11:
Black dress
Top, Isabella Rodriguez, Marshalls
Boots, Justin
Cookie Earrings, David Yurman
Jardin Ring, Stella & Dot
Saddle Bag, Lucky Brand

Day 11: Thankful

My husband came home from his Wingman group at church last night and told me a story I just have to share! There is a gentleman that recently started attending, and it was his 46th birthday yesterday. Michael gave him a Wingman button down shirt, and he said he couldn't even describe the happiness on his face. The gentleman proceeded to tell Michael that this was the first button down shirt he has ever owned. He's 46 years old! He even had to ask what the two extra buttons were for on the inside, he said he couldn't figure out what they went with. It's the little things right? As tired as I am of this dress...today I am EXTRA thankful for it! Thank you to a God that provides.

Day 11:
Black dress
Black lace Kenar top: Marshalls
Black glitter belt, J. Crew
Shoes, BCBG
Michele Watch w/hot pink patent leather band
Silver link bracelet: My Grana
Lavender ice cocktail ring: David Yurman
Vintage sliver clutch, antique shop

Day 10: Black & Brown

So I must confess, my co-30 day dresser friend and I had mini meltdowns yesterday. We are both beginning to dislike the dress just a bit! Unfortunately, our Target dresses are not holding up! Trish had to sew the hem in hers, and the clasp on the top of the zipper of my dress broke! So our advice for a staple piece such as this..QUALITY!! Especially if you are going to wear it for 30 days! I find that Banana Republic and J. Crew offer great quality for staple pieces while keeping prices affordable! Especially if you shop the clearance!!! There is always my favorite too...Neiman Marcus Last Call! But I'm sticking to my guns on this challenge..I signed up for 30 days and I have 20 to go...even if it includes me mending this little Target dress a bit! :)

Today's look is one of my favorites! Black and brown! In the unpublished and ever-changing book of fashion, the combination of brown and black in an outfit is forbidden. Until recently, the only shade of brown considered "acceptable" to be matched with black was a khaki or light brown. The key to pairing these two is to mix the colors throughout your outfit. An outfit made up entirely of black (coat, shoes, and bag) with only one element of brown (a belt) will look irregular. Switch out that black bag for a brown one and that belt won't look so out of place.

So my advice...when you're getting dressed in the morning, don't listen to the rules! Or better yet, make up your own rules. As long as you're well put-together and have confidence, you're going to look fabulous.

Day 10:
Black dress
Brown leather belt, Lucky Brand
Boots, Michael Antonio, Piperlime
Black tights
Vintage Link bracelet, and Gold Leaf earrings. Stella & Dot
Bag: Louis Vuitton Batignolles, one of my favorite classic staples!!!

Day 9: Running Late

I am running terribly late! First quick pic had to do! No time to do-over! This is me!!!

Day 9:
Black dress
Top: Aryn K., Hattie's Branches
Black tights
Black equestrian boots, Nine West
Boca Chic Necklace, Owl Necklace & Charlotte Ring, Stella & Dot
Gray bag, Villager

Day 8: Out With the New, In With the Vintage!

My Grana, full of life, and very spunky. Such a fun lady and so willing to serve. I can remember spending time with her over the summer as a child. She had our weeks packed with a full agenda ranging from time at Disney, to my favorite pastime...even then, the mall! I remember riding along with her to make Meals on Wheels deliveries and meeting many of her friends. She was always helping others.

Grana now suffers from Alzheimers. Last week was very sad. When my mom called, I could hear her tears through the phone. She had to move my Grana down to full assisted living. She will now be sharing what feels like a hospital room with a roomate. Mom was faced with the task of going through all of her things and trying to use what she could to make her new room feel like home.

Last night at our Sunday night family dinner, mom let me go through a box of Grana's vintage costume jewelry. I was ecstatic! As I weeded through the box of mix-matched clip on earrings and quite a few treasures, I could still smell her perfume on her necklaces. I began to think about Grana, where she went wearing this jewelry and what stories it could tell. I began to think of this not as a box of fun vintage accessories, but memories of my Grana. How cool it is to now have her pieces to style with! I will think of her each time I wear a piece!

Day 8:
Black dress
Vintage inspired ivory dress, Francessa's West Palm Beach
Granny booties, Nine West
Cameo ring, Saks
Vintage black glass beaded necklaces, My Grana
Vintage pearl hair comb, My Grana
Vintage bag, Greenflea Fleamarket, NYC

Day 7: Right Place, Right Time!

Even when I don't know where I need to be, God does. Today was one of those days. Since my husband started teaching a men's bible study on Sunday mornings, I have been struggling with where I belong after our 9:30am church service. Being without him, I feel very out of place in a couples class. I tried another class and I still feel that is not where I need to be.

As unsettled as I was today, I took my bible and hoped something would happen to direct me. Then through His divine guidance, I was blessed to meet up with two awesome ladies to talk about life, battles, ministry goals, and most importantly, God's word. It was refreshing and uplifting. The best part was, I got my answer! God just said come, and I will do the rest! Sometimes, we are just looking too hard for the right fit, when all we have to do is look to Him!


Day 7:
Black dress
Floral jacket: Ann Taylor
Black belt: Banana Republic
Black tights: Marshalls
Black booties: Tahari
Vintage silver clutch: Antique Store
Bloom flower ring: Stella & Dot
Charm necklace, Stella & Dot