Day 30 & 31-The END!!! October Dress Project

Day 30: The Dress, Jacket: Banana Republic, Necklace: Bealls Outlet, Shoes: Nine West

Day 31: The Dress, + my Halloween Costume! HA

Okay don't laugh...I forgot to take a picture yesterday, so I threw the outfit on...along with the rainbow eyelashes, you can see them if you look really close! Hee Hee. For today, in true spirit of the dress-I had to wear it over my costume! I have a HUGE pot of my annual Halloween chili on, and we are looking forward to a great evening with family! Tomorrow I will post a full review of the October Dress Project! Happy Halloween! :)

Day 28 & 29-Almost There!

The Dress, Necklace: Stella & Dot, Belt: J. Crew, Watch: Michael Kors

Seychelles

The Dress, Shirt: Elizabeth & James, Necklace: Stella & Dot, Boots: Hunter

Two more days to go! I have to say, I picked the perfect dress for this challenge! I was able to style it easily because it was strapless and denim, great for layering and went with anything! I haven't worn the black dress from last year since the challenge, but I do think I will wear this again. It will be a while....but I really do like it. I have got to get on the ball this week, the Women's Half Marathon is in less than a month and I have to get my milage up! I didn't get my miles in this week due to work....so I HAVE to focus over the next couple of weeks. I hope everyone is having a great weekend! :)

Day 27: Parades and Carnival Games

The Dress, Top: Banana Republic, Sash: Target, Booties: Sam Edleman

We had a ball yesterday at the Bartow Halloween parade and carnival! So much fun that we didn't get home until late and I am just posting this today! After enjoying our annual tradition of vegetable beef soup at my mom's house, lemonade and kettle corn were my favorite tastes of the night! The kids had a ball winning prizes and riding the train. My mom won a cake at the cake walk that is in my freezer now, and will be enjoyed on Halloween evening along with my homemade chili!

Day 26: Wowzers What a Day!

The Dress, Top: matty m., Vest: Target, Booties: Sam Edelman

Ring: Stella & Dot, aka the satellite dish

All I can say is wowzers what a day! I have been doing last minute media pitches for a client of mine, working on preparing a media plan for a local triathlon and jazz festival, and reviewing website copy and a commercial for another client. Oh, and I left out my haircut in between...thank you Jen...you are a lifesaver! My children are only part time at their preschool so I flew in to get them, as I was running late due to my active morning. I remembered while walking out that my husband had dropped them off for me and I had to grab two car seats along with my two toddlers and try to make it out to the car. It was kind of funny because it took a team effort to make this happen as the director of the school offered to come out with me to the car, thank you Carrie! So I get to the car and there is another sweet mom offering to fasten in the other car seat while I was working on one. This sounds silly, but with the crazy morning I had, just that extra little help touched my heart! Talk about showing Jesus to someone....that's what those ladies were doing right at that moment and they probably didn't even know it! Now on to my second job: House Chef!

Day 25: October Dress Project

The Dress, Top: Anthro, Necklace: My Grana's. Boots: Steve Madden

I could not come up with a cute post title to save my life! I have been writing for 2 days for clients, I am sure that is why. I need a creative juice refill! Great morning at MOPs today, I just love those sweet ladies! We learned about decorating and re-purposing items in our home. I learned a lot and now have an overwhelming desire to spray paint something or re-arrange a room :)  I hope everyone is having a happy Tuesday!

Day 24: Silly!

The Dress, Top: Loft, Belt: J. Crew, Shoes: Michael Antonio

I love these for the summer/fall transition, yes we are still transitioning, it's Florida! 

I have a thing for mixing and layering my bracelets lately

Sometimes you have to be silly for your 10 year old photographer

Thank you to my daughter Leanna for the pictures today! I have seven more days to go. I am SO excited to get reacquainted with the rest of my closet. The dress really hasn't been that bad at all, but I am ready to throw on some jeans. The weather has warmed back up a bit, unfortunately before I had a chance to wear tights or leggings. I just can't handle either when it is warm out. The kids were out of school today so we ran 3 miles, played outside, and had a backyard picnic. You would have thought I told them we were going to Disney. My kids LOVE to picnic! We are doing a mini family photo shoot this weekend, to benefit our MOPs group- and my talented friend Trish suggested that we do a picnic theme. She has the greatest vision for photo shoots so I can't wait to see what she comes up with! Wishing you a week full of blessings! :)

Day 23: Small Reminders, Big Message

We had an amazing guest speaker at church today. Bobby Petrocelli. His story was amazing and oh so touching. He reminded us that God doesn't allow or give us pain in our lives, but that he is the restorer of pain. Even I have said throughout my life that God must be "teaching" me something through pain....as a matter of fact I posted about that this week. But Bobby's message was inspiring, he reminded us that Satan is the one coming to seek, kill and destroy. God is the one that is consistently recalculating our path when we "screw up". He talked about showing Jesus to each other by loving one another, and if we all just got on the same page what a better world it would be. I completely agree! I am so blessed to have so many sweet friends in my life that show me Jesus on a daily basis. If I have a bad day, I am encouraged and lifted up in prayer. If we all did this for each other, we would be so much more productive. I hope you all had a great weekend, I couldn't feel more blessed!

Day 22: YEE HAW

I helped deliver this cake today! The Dress, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Shoes: Converse

AMAZINGNESS by my beautiful and talented friend: Andrea Reed, Sweetcakes, LLC
The flowers on top are handmade and edible!!!

Our impromptu Halloween Costumes! Yee Haw!

Sorry for the less than great iPhone photos-what a busy and fun day! Friday night I stayed up till 3am helping Andrea  stay awake to finish two cakes for yesterday. I rolled fondant, and kept her up....that is about it. I wish I was more creative but I couldn't mess up the master artist's groove. I love to help my friends, and to learn about what they do. Someone asked me last night at the party, why did you help deliver that cake?  My answer was because my friend needed help and she asked me. I also know if I needed something she would do the same for me. When we help others, it gives us a whole other perspective on what they do. You learn to appreciate their work on a higher level. I for one, have decided that I will NEVER be a cake artist! :) You wouldn't believe the amount of work that it takes. I am so proud of her, she is amazing! Yesterday I spent time investing in my kids. You would have thought it was Christmas morning when I brought out the boxes of Halloween goods. They rummaged through them trying on costumes and such. We paraded around the house in wigs and silly hats...it doesn't get better than that. Then last night was a Halloween party with yummy food and to top it off: smores by the fire pit! I want a fire pit now-that was so relaxing and fun. The dress is in the washing machine now and I am hoping it will be ready in time for my 10:45am church service! Wish me luck!

Day 21: 10 More Days to GO!

The Dress, Vest: Bisou Bisou, Shoes: Ann Klein, Bracelet: Loft

Finally have some cooler temps! YAY! Cool enough to sport my faux fur vest I found at a consignment shop for $6.00. I am excited about a fun weekend of spending time with my family and one Halloween party that I still need a costume for. I guess I better quit wasting time and get creative, oh and I am NOT wearing the dress!!! :)

Emotion

This morning I have no picture for you, only words. This week I received a call telling me that my childhood best friend's father had passed away from pancreatic cancer. Tears filled my eyes and I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I haven't seen or spoken to my best friend, "M" in about 13 years. I did something to hurt her, out of pure selfishness and acting out in my younger years. I know she has forgiven me, but she chose not to have a relationship with me, and honestly-I don't blame her.

Last night I walked in to the visitation and saw her family, whom I have only seen on a few occaisions since 1998. This was my second family from the time I was 5 years old until high school graduation. Every holiday, every sleep over, every dance recital, every football game. I thought I may hyperventilate. When it was my turn to hug everyone it was like this huge emotional release, and then I turned to M, not knowing if she even wanted me there. The first thing she did was reach out to hug me. I know it may not have meant much to her, sharing that hug...but for me, it was healing that I needed so badly. When I left I sobbed, and I mean sobbed all the way home, remembering our friendship and seeing her father there.

Even though I can't re-write the past, I have learned from my mistakes and God has allowed me to feel the same pain that I caused her, to help me grow, and to teach me that no one is perfect. We all make mistakes and I know better than anyone that hurt people, hurt people. I write all of this because I am not perfect, and I am very ashamed of mistakes from my past....but I am proud of how far God has brought me.

Day 20: Turn it UP!

The Dress, Blazer: Loft, Shoes: Nine West, Necklace: Stella & Dot

Thinking about how bad I need a haircut! 

I love the stitching on this blazer! 

Had a great presentation this morning for a great group of young professionals! I was really surprised at how receptive  everyone was! I think they really liked their lollipops! :) I threw on a blazer for a more "professional" look and I think it worked well! So- only 11 more days to go, and I am OUT of this dress! The temps have cooled here so I am looking forward to incorporating some layers! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Day 19: "Red"y or Not!

Hmmm, what's for dinner? 

The Dress, Belt: Marshalls, Shoes: Bruno Magli, Earrings: Stella & Dot

I figured you may be bored with my usual sitting room background, so I thought I would go to the other room in my house that I spend the most time in...my kitchen. Actually, I went to the room with the most light as it has been on and off overcast here today. Tomorrow I may even get to wear a blazer as the temps will be in the 50s! That is major news!  My kids made me ride home with the windows down just so they could feel the cool breeze coming in. I am now going to top my night off with Publix Hula Hula ice cream, which will solve any problem, I am convinced. Amazingness in a bowl I tell you! Good night.

Day 18: Stripes

The Dress, Top: J. Crew, Jewelry: Stella & Dot, Watch: Michael Kors, Shoes: BCBG

I love this coral color with mustard and navy!

I have no exciting update for you today, I am just swamped with work preparing my presentaiton for Thursday. I am the guest speaker for a Chamber luncheon, at which I will be talking about how to "turn up messages" while wearing the dress of coarse! :) Wish me and my public relations skills luck!!! 

Day 17: Short and Sweet

The Dress, Belt: Francessca's, Clutch: Victoria's Secret, Shoes: Nine West,
Bracelet and Earrings: Tiffany & Co., Necklace: Nordstrom

Attended a banquet last night for Young Life. It was awesome to hear testimonies of what God is doing in our teens' lives! We need programs like this and we are proud to support it! My favorite was a skit by my friend Casey Taylor, I haven't laughed that hard in a while! You should follow his blog, his writing is GREAT! You will be entertained for sure! Now, on to style day 18! Over halfway there-WHOOP!

Day 16: 9 Miles, Church, Shamu and I'm Done!

Look #1: The Dress, Top: Matty M. (Thrifted), Jewelry: mixed, Shoes: Guess

Look #2: The Dress, Top: Nordstrom

3 of 4 of my children! (The one in the back we will claim, my daughter's BFF! 

I am beyond beat! I ran 9 miles this morning, went to church, and took kids to the Sea World Halloween Spooktakular! It was really fun, but I am really tired. The dress was worn 2 different ways today, and with that said, I do NOT advise wearing a dress like this to a theme park. I almost stripped down and bought some Shamu shorts! I wish I could be more creative with layering and such, but it is just way toooooo hot!  I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend! I'm OUT!

Day 15: Full of Fun!

The Dress: Necklace: Stella & Dot, Shoes: Plenty by Tracy Reese

What a full day! Birthday party, baby shower, and spending time with my nephew, home from TN on his fall break! To top it off, a friend brought over homemade banana pudding for dessert, and my 10 y/o scored a goal today during her soccer game! Does it get any better than that??? I don't think so! Time to retire for the night- 9 mile training run in the morning before church! The Women's Half Marathon is just a little over a month away!!! Happy Saturday!

Day 14: Didn't Wear the Dress Due to Phone Time w/ Tom

The Dress, Sweater: Target, Belt: J. Crew, Necklace: Vintage,
Shoes: Seychelles, Bag: Betsy Johnson

My Son Kyle, (His hair is not normally green, spirit day!)

I was not in the dress at all today. But if I would have dressed, this is what I would have been wearing. AT LEAST I took the time to style my dress form, forgiven?? After swimming a mile, running three miles, going to the grocery store, and picking up toddlers, I realized that my iPhone and iPad updates had gone horribly wrong. I spent 3 hours getting to know Tom with Apple from Oregon over the phone. We actually joked a lot and laughed even more to make it as fun as possible. He told me stories of people loosing pictures and videos of their children's first words and how nasty they were to him when his hands were tied, and there was nothing he could do. I think he appreciated me taking full blame for whatever did happen in my situation, I still don't know. Somehow a Gremlin got in my system during the updates and I ended up with three Apple IDs. But with Tom's help we got it resolved, and I couldn't have asked for a tech with a better attitude....bonus: he spoke ENGLISH! Sweet! I hope everyone has an excellent weekend! It's going to be a busy one here! XXOO