Rejoice, I Remembered my Login Information!!

I finally took some photos, downloaded and edited them, went to the login page for my blog.......and drew a complete blank. I guess it's been a while. It took a minute, but it came back to me.

One of my resolutions for 2015 was to start blogging again. Maybe not every day or even once a week, but more often. After all, we should make time for doing things we love, and this little blog has brought much happiness to my life. I have met friends, talked out my feelings on its pages, shared my life...and even my struggles with you all. It really is therapeutic, and fun. 

I love sharing outfit ideas, and ways that I am utilizing things that may or may not have been in my closet for 10 years or more. ;) Exhibit A: This outfit.....old. So I threw on some new red pumps and red lips to add a pop of color. Oh, and the red pumps are on clearance right now for $23.00 at Nordstrom Rack. The red lips are my new favorite matte red, Eden by NYX. You can find it at Ulta. I really do hope to be connecting with you more often, here's to a great 2015!

Denim Day Everywhere

Well, apparently nothing brings a girl out of a blogging slump like Denim Day Everywhere! Wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against the erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. In this rape prevention education campaign, being championed by Peace River Center and our local law enforcement, the community was asked to make a social statement today by wearing jeans as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

Do you have your denim on today?

The Outfit of Yesterday

If you saw me today, you know I wasn't wearing this. I call it my #OOY (outfit of yesterday). It was quite windy, and I included a couple outtakes for your enjoyment. Hope you made it through hump day happily. 

Yes, Friday!

Sporting my V-Day gift, Watch: Michael Kors

It's Friday, and it just doesn't get much better than that. I am looking forward to a super busy weekend transporting children from lock-ins, to soccer, to tee ball, and birthday parties. Maybe, just maybe....there will be time to catch up on some shows, read, and relax on Sunday.

I'm working from home today, and in between emails and phone calls I am cleaning out my closet. I started thinking about last year, and the shop fast. I feel so very grateful for my closet today, and the clothes and shoes that are in it. There are always things I will want being a lover of fashion, but once again I feel so blessed to have what I need.

Sometimes......You Get More Than Groceries at Sam's Club

Yes, sometimes you get more than what you went in for when you go to Sam's Club. Today I got hit on....by a 70 year old. But you know what, I am not complaining. It made me smile, and he seemed happy to meet a new friend. It would have been the perfect time for Ellen to use me for a laugh like this one. 

I have to give my BFF credit for this amazing Banana Republic skirt. She thrifted it for me. Isn't it one of the happiest skirts ever? Orange is my favorite. I hope you are having a super hump day!

Christian Fashion Week

Sumita Bhojwani, LOVED these pants!

Julia Chew Finale

Julia Chew and her designs

A favorite by Julia Chew

Another favorite by Julia Chew

Saturday night I had the pleasure of representing Top Buttons at Christian Fashion Week. Top Buttons  is a nonprofit organization purposed to be a fashion resource with a modest twist for young women. They operate on three platforms. They have an online fashion magazine which can be found at www.topbuttons.org, they speak in large and small group settings where they encourage young women and challenge their thinking on the area of self image and self-expression through fashion, and lastly they take underprivileged young women on shopping sprees and help them with wardrobe makeovers.

The evening was an absolute delight! I met new friends, and saw some amazing designs. One of my favorites was an 18 year old designer, Julia Chew. This girl has got it going ON and I will not be surprised to see her lovely and creative designs in Neiman Marcus one day. The fashion show segments ran flawlessly, and I was super impressed with the coordination of this event. I wasn't sure quite what to expect, but it was fantastic and I am looking forward to seeing this event grow!

Business and Pleasure

Caesar's pool, Michael Jackson ONE, Bellagio garden

In-N-Out Burger, drive through the desert, our hotel in Palm Springs

Trina Turk's first boutique, the most amazing creme brulee, Marilyn, The Hotel California

El Paseo, and sunrise drive back to Vegas

Looks from Vegas.......

to Palm springs! 

Hi! It's been a while. I just returned from a trip with my husband to Vegas and Palm Springs. He had business, and I tagged along for pleasure. A lot of firsts for me on this trip. First trip with his new company, first drive through the desert, first visit to In-N-Out Burger, and first trip to California.

We ate so well, visited with friends, and saw so many sights. The time away was needed, enjoyed, and I am SO grateful. I hope you enjoy the little picture recap of our trip above. Now, it's back to the real world with a pile of laundry waiting on me. Happy Saturday!

Fall Look List

Fall Look List by cathykhayes featuring handle bags

Tommy Hilfiger long sleeve collared shirt
$89 - houseoffraser.co.uk

H M short black skirt
$110 - hm.com

Frye gray leather boots
zappos.com

Dune handle bag
asos.com

Yves Saint Laurent black fedora hat
net-a-porter.com

Essie shimmer nail polish
nordstrom.com

Day 22-The One Pic Wonder

For those of you who have to work with a tripod, you will understand my frustration this afternoon. The clouds, the angle, my hair, the way this shirt was falling on me, etc. I couldn't get a good picture to save my life. I am convinced my neighbors think I am either nuts, or completely vain standing outside taking photos of myself all of the time. This was the best I could do today, my one pic wonder.

Talk Like a Pirate??

Is it just me or is every day a national celebration for something? Has it always been this way? Yesterday was national cheeseburger day and today we celebrate pirates? For the love of marketing!!!

Well as you can see I chose to go without my bandana and eye patch today. I am such a rebel.

Back at it!

I am back at it. As I sit in my cute little orange office, I hear the same voice in my head that speaks to me every time I come back from a break with my kids. Luckily when they are out of school, I can work mobile. It never fails, when we return to our normal routine I am haunted by a voice that says: "Buckle down, work more, get more clients, grow more, make more money, etc." Blah to the bliggity blah.

Who says smart business is always about getting bigger? Maybe some of us are just meant to handle small projects and grow as the seasons change in our lives. So this year, I refuse to let the voice win. I will NOT over commit and instead of worrying about getting more clients, I am going to sit back and let God bring them to me. Being available to my children is the most important thing I can do, and as much as I love working, I have to trust that I am doing just what God wants me to do in this season of my life.

So here's to being responsible with my time, and starting off the new work year right. Today I did it in color, wish me luck!

Something's New

Dress: Hive & Honey, Bag: Tinely Road Sandals: Kino

I don't know if you saw, or remember....but my husband gave me a Visa gift card for our anniversary. I chose to shop Piperlime's sale and this dress and bag are two of the items I selected. I almost made it a month hoarding the card. I resisted Target, Marshall's, and TJ Maxx! The dress is by Hive & Honey and was on clearance for $27.00, I love it. It is the perfect mix between pajamas and chic. I will be able to sport it in the winter with a jean jacket as well. The Tinley Road bag was a steal at $12.00. That gift card went miles, especially considering I am on a shop fast for two more months. Can you believe it? It has almost been a year. Aside from running shoes and a sports bra (which any runner knows are a necessity) I haven't made a purchase.

This year I have learned so much about my shopping habits. I have learned that just because a new dress makes me happy, doesn't mean I need one. I was always a clearance shopper, but I have also learned the love of thrifting, and my kids are enjoying my finds for them. I am looking forward to finding some treasures of my own in October.

For now, I am enjoying the little nuggets of goodness (the above outfit included) that I have been so blessed to receive throughout The 12X12 Project, learning more about our causes, and how I can help. Number one lesson learned: I don't need more, I need to give more.

A Change of Scenery

Happy July! This month we opted for a change of scenery closer to my husband's office in Clearwater Beach, FL. We figured if we can't be with him, we may as well join him! My favorite part about this beautiful place is it is only a short drive for him, and we will get to see him more. Can you say family dinners?? YAY!

Feeling pretty darn blessed to have this opportunity and experience. In between working from my satellite  office here, I plan to keep the kiddos busy with the beach, picnics, museums, and sightseeing. If you have any suggestions for fun things to do in Clearwater please fire away!

Yes, Weekend!

Friday is such a wonderful day of the week. The challenges of work, getting to school on time, and the pure busyness slows down.....for some. This weekend my daughters and I are dancing queens. This year is the 35th Anniversary of Mamie's School of Dance. I was invited back to do a little number in the recital tomorrow night with some of my original Circle M Clogger team members.

Yes, I clogged....have your laugh.

But it took me many places such as Disney, Dollywood, The Stomping Grounds in Maggie Valley, NC, and more! How fun it was to dance with everyone again last night, all with Mamie up front and in charge again. Why did I ever quit? We are headed off to rehearsal, recap soon!

Have a great weekend! XO