Day 8-Playing Catch up!

Days 4 and 5

Day 4, Dior Makeup event at Nordstrom. So fun!

Days 6 and 7

Playing catch up on the blog today. The past few days have flown by. I have been keeping busy, and that is helping me get through this unemployment limbo that we are going through right now. Other than not knowing where our next paycheck is coming from, blessings abound. I made a new friend, I got invited to Dior's makeup event at Nordstrom, I've been given rides anywhere I need to go, I was given a Sephora gift card by a sweet friend for completing my yearlong fast, and my friends have consistently been bringing support and prayer. Even more so than the past year of my shop fast, this time is allowing my husband and I to learn to find the good in everything. I even had the opportunity to go to the beach yesterday, in the dress of coarse. Eucharisteo, the list continues: 

1000 Gifts
281. Reading in the middle of the afternoon
282. Warm blankets on cold toes
283. Sending a care package
284. Drive through windows
285. Grandparents that babysit
286. School shopping
287. Lunch dates with my daughter
288. Gelato
289. Truffle fries
290. Freshly painted patios
291. Manicures
292. Sign Language
293. Heavenly voices
294. Testimonies
295. Tater Tots
296. New friends
297. Seeing Jesus in a friend
298. Fluffy pillows
299. Pencils
300. Group prayer
301. Theme songs
302. Grace
303. Reunions
304. Tender hearts
305. Tee Ball
306. Pumpkin Spice
307. Food in the freezer
308. Freshly mowed grass
309. Annual traditions
310. October Dress Project
311. Coconut oil
312. Rides from friends
313. Having on car
314. Grilled Cheese
315. Haircuts
316. Painted toenails
317. Sitting rooms
318. Homemade pie crusts
319. Sleep
320. Humility
321. Redirection
322. Budgets
323. Savings accounts
324. Cushions on chairs
325. Electricity
326. Back yards

The Glorified Summer Camp Counselor

We have been doing a lot of this!!! 

My fishes swimming behind me. They have been in the water the entire month!

Our day at the Highlands Aquatic Center in Largo, FL. AWESOME!!!

The view from our bedroom balcony. This will be missed. :( 

Our 10 Year Anniversary Photo

Something I will miss the most, the kids greeting daddy! Not having the commute has been so nice!

Except for the small bit of work I do over the summer for Crescendo, I feel very blessed to have time off to spend with my kids. For the past month we have lived in Clearwater, FL to be closer to my husband's job. It has been beautiful, and wonderful in so many ways. BUT.....I have to confess I am exhausted!!!! There is so much to do and so many fabulous parks, city water parks, etc. I feel like a camp counselor. Whoever says being a stay at home mother isn't a real job, is clearly delusional.....or hasn't tried it. Every day the first words out of my 4, 5, and 12 year old are, "What are are we doing today?" I have broken up nearly 20 fights, dished out more snacks than I thought humanly possible, and helped solve a dozen arguments in the past 24 days. We really have been on the go, non-stop but it has gone by so fast and I can't believe this will be our last week here. 

My husband and I had one small break in between, celebrating our 10th anniversary in St. Petersburg. Absolute. Bliss. On top of the wonderful weekend away relaxing by the pool, being treated to a massage, and eating delicious food.....I was gifted a $100.00 visa gift card! This was on July 12th and I haven't spent it yet. One thing that I have learned during this yearlong shop fast is that when you get a treat such as a gift card, your hoard it. I promise to let you know the winning purchase when it happens. 

An update on the shop fast, I am still holding on. During this month away I have only been tempted by a beautiful vintage clutch at a thrift store, and a lovely maxi dress hanging on the clearance rack of a local surf shop. Sadness. BUT, the good news is I didn't cave. 

My favorite part of this month is the last picture above. My husband being home in time to eat with us every night, and the kids greeting him at the door. Man I have missed that one simple pleasure. It kinda makes shopping seem silly, when your eyes are opened to the true happiness in your life. The gift list continues: 

252. Vacations with the entire family

253. Water smooth as glass

254. Sunrise walks on soft sand

255. Smells of breakfast from local cafes

256. Pancakes and toppings

257. Delicious cupcakes with cute names

258. My daughter's freckles

259. Morning runs with boardwalk views

260. Family traditions

261. Donut runs

262. Carts full of groceries

263. A heart full of happy

264. Sand in my sandwhich

265. Shade of a tree

266. Fish

267. Beach rentals

268. Neighbors

269. Fireworks

270. Boat rides

271. Watching my children play with their daddy in the water. 

272. Sand toys

273. Bagel shops

274. Cakes cooling

275. Free Slurpees

276. Rooftop sunsets

277. Anniversaries

278. Greeting daddy at the door

279. Sailboat views form bedroom windows

280. Dry clothes from warm dryers

Beach Bliss

After two weekends away in a row, I guess you could say my summer vacation has begun! I had a terrible time focusing on work this morning while my mind kept drifting back to the sun, sand, and friends.

This past weekend was our 8th annual Memorial Day trip to Hutchinson Island. I can't tell you how much this group of friends means to me. Although we live miles apart and may only see each other a few times a year, we always pick up where we left off! It is like one big family. I laughed more than I have in a long time, and I needed it.

The older that I get, the more I realize and cherish the true friendships in my life. I am so grateful for friends that are there for me no matter the distance. I love that they are honest with me, communicate with me, and call me out when I need it. I love that we can laugh together, cry together, and support each other. I am truly blessed.

Best of all, was time away with my husband who hasn't had a day off since he started his new job! I think I had a little post-getaway depression when he wasn't here to wake up with me this morning. The adjustment of his new job has still been really stressful for us. Especially him. But we are thankful in the midst of the craziness because God provided for us, and protected us. The gift list goes on.......

1000 Gifts
237. Balconies filled with friends
238. Rivers
239. Watermelon
240. BBQ on the beach
241. Grilled corn on the cob
242. Tents in the sand
243. Beach chairs and coozies
244. The smell of salt water in the air
245. Freedom
246. Soldiers
247. A cool dip in the pool
248. Boom boxes and dance parties
249. Human pyramids
250. Long rides and good talks
251. Craziness

Costumes, Conch Shells, and Coffee Talk

I had the pleasure of getting away this past weekend with a few of my very best friends. In true silliness, we surprised the birthday girl, who just so happens to have a little obsession with playing dress up. We put on our best 80s dancewear, jumped out of the car to the beat of Maniac, and gave her a Flashdance flash mob! We then headed to Little Gasparilla Island for some relaxing girl time, (costumes and all)! 

In my opinion, we shouldn't take life so seriously all of the time. We need to be silly, we need to cut up, we need to laugh at ourselves. I came home refreshed, and most of all thankful. Oh...and I have been adding to my gift list as you will see below!

1000 Gifts
196. Slumber parties
197. Girlfriend gab sessions
198. Midnight snacks
199. Cozy couches
200. Toddler foot rubs
201. Trophies
202. Baseball games
203. Being a closet clean out recipient
204. Free Stella & Dot
205. Breakfast for dinner
206. Mother's Day songs
207. Muffins
208. Hand painted pictures
209. Breakfast in bed
210. Gardenias
211. Big splashes
212. Lounge chairs
213. Smells coming from a hot grill
214. Chocolate cakes
215. Warm towels on wet skin
216. Sunset serenade from my son
217. Legacies
218. Beautifully decorated sushi rolls
219. Water so clear you can see to the bottom
220. Waking up with breakfast smells coming from the kitchen
221. Coffee talks
222. Sunshine and Summertime
223. Turvis tumblers
224. Baby lips
225. Coolers
227. Orange hats
228. Sunscreen
229. Flip Flops
230. Swimsuits and cover ups
231. Being mistaken for a mermaid (funny story)
232. Helpers
233. Bright orange shells
234. Boats
235. Sweet Kindergarteners
236. Compliments

Bringing Out Bohemian

Shout out to m. marie boutique for the dress I bought last year and still love! 

Well here it is....my version of bohemian.

Another week is flying by. Ever since the hubs started his new job, it has felt a lot like Groundhog Day around here, but we are making it. We have decided to stay put for a while, so unfortunately for him he will have to continue the commute. The days go by so quickly, and my work and the kids activities have me running crazy....but we have much to be thankful for. He has a job, and what a blessing that is. God is good......and the list continues:

1000 Gifts
181. Reading with coffee under covers
182. God's way of breaking through to us
183. Learning from others
184. When your mom stops by and does your dishes while you are at work
185. Clean sheets
186. Walking into a clean house
187. French toast with cinnamon sugar
188. Saturday morning patio chats
189. A nap on the weekend
190. Sunday morning sunrise
191. A gift card in the mail
192. An invite to lunch with a sweet friend
193. Swimming pools and cannonballs
194. Comments on my blog
195. Friends that pick up where we left off

Dreams Do Come True!

This.....is the face of pure excitement!

Have you ever had an opportunity to witness someone's wildest dream come true? Last week I did. I still feel completely overwhelmed that I had the opportunity to be with my daughter as she met Taylor Swift, whom she absolutely adores.

It was totally a God thing, I won the tickets the Friday before by listening to 97 Country. I knew this year we wouldn't be able to afford tickets, and I explained that to her, and told her that we would make it to another concert one day. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to not only win the 2 tickets, but 2 meet and greet passes as well! I waited until we got near the Amway Center to tell her. She was blown away!!!!

Watching her smile from ear to ear all night was priceless. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was beautiful to see her recognize this as a gift from God too, and not loose sight of just how special this night was. Taylor was so super sweet, and absolutely stunning in person.

I am so thankful that I will have this memory to share with my little girl, and you know what? Dreams do come true!!

Thankful

I believe this 100%. During this time in our lives when we can't see the future, my eyes have been opened further to all of the things I have to be thankful for. The struggles in our marriage, my shopping fast and budget cuts, and my husband's current unemployment all have changed my perspective.

Yesterday was rough. My oldest had his wisdom teeth removed and it did not go very well. After feeling rushed out of the recovery room, he got very sick. I pulled into Smoothie King, which my friend owns. Luckily another friend of mine was walking out of the door, and I frantically called to him for help. They handed us towels, supplies, and even a smoothie to get something on his stomach. I couldn't be more thankful for that, those helping hands. As I mentioned in a previous post, we don't have my husband's company car any longer...so I was driving my son's car at the time. Do you think a teenage boy keeps napkins or anything in his car? Of coarse not. So we got cleaned up and went on our way.

Arriving home I had a mess to clean up in the car, and a very sick boy on my hands. A friend sent me a text and told me she was bringing dinner. I cried. I felt so loved, and so comforted just by that gesture alone. Jesus was showing himself to me through my friends yesterday, and I was overwhelmed.

Even with all of the crazy, scary, not so fun things happening in my life right now, I felt at peace. I go back to some of my posts complaining about letting things go, not shopping, blah, blah.....and I finally realize why I am on this journey. God is shaping me for something better. He wants me to know love like I have never known, and to trust him like I never have before. I could not feel more blessed.

1000 Gifts Continued:
174. The smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen
175. Helping hands
176. Hot meals from sweet friends
177. Days spent at home
178. Caring for sick children
179. Indescribable peace
180. Love amplified

Looking Up

My attitude has been crappy today, but I am still looking up. I feel like my emotions go from hope to despair so quickly right now. I keep reminding myself of the positive, and I keep giving thanks no matter how lousy I feel.

Good things are already happening. Right after I shared my post yesterday, I received a hug from God in the form of a $100.00 gift card to Hattie's Branches Boutique from the Lakelander magazine! I entered their Instagram contest, and I WON!!! How cool is that?

My entry! 

Still Counting #1000 Gifts
144. Hotel stays
145. Clear skies, warm sun
146. Live music by a crystal blue pool
147. An elephant parade
148. Food that is bigger than you are
149. Chocolate mustaches
150. Afternoon cuddles
151. Long naps in fluffy beds
152. Beautiful sun rays through white clouds
153. Crisp, juicy apples
154. Friends that love you when you need it most
155. Winning a prize
156. New recipes
157. Easter candy
158. DIY decorations
159. When a friend reads your mind
160. Jellybeans in a pretty dish
161. Quiet nights under cozy comforters
162. Being covered in prayer
163. Long talks during haircuts

Stripes....or Spots?

My answer: Both....together, they are super fun.

I have been trying to keep my focus on contentment lately. I have had help this week as our sermon Sunday was on contentment, and my devotion yesterday focused on the same. I love what my devotion said:

"The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance." 

This is good to remember. When I think about my wants and desires right now, they are totally different than a year ago. I am okay with having less, in order to have more. The gift list continues below.

1000 Gifts
133. Mother daughter dates
134. Dancing with friends
135. Watching a crowd ask Jesus in their hearts
136. Long talks with my teenager
137. Strawberries
138. Making jam
139. A hot stove
140. Sleepy kisses
141. Soap and water
142. The buzzing of the refrigerator
143. A sink full of dishes!

Shirt With a Purpose!

Shirt: Sevenly

I couldn't wait to wear my purchase for the month! The purchase of this shirt helped fund an undercover rescue mission to save the lives of girls who have been kidnapped, coerced or sold into prostitution. This is exactly the mission of The 12X12 Project this month.

I have to say, it was so fun to get something in the mail. Pre-12x12 Project,  I was an online shopper extraordinaire. I loved seeing the UPS or FedEx box on my doorstep just as much as what I found on the inside. New stuff was a thrill for me and I actually felt better if I was wearing something new. I have learned to tame that crazy lady a wee bit now, and I am really grateful for the perspective change.

Technically, today should be awesome and awkward Thursday, but it's been a while since I have added to my gift list, and I have been keeping track! :)

1000 Gifts
112. Multicolored ocean water
113. Sand in everything
114. Seagulls
115. Boogie Boards
116. Waves
117. The smell of sunscreen on little hands
118. Warm sun on wet skin
119. My kindergarteners face when she spots me in the carline.
120. When my work promotes good.

Thrifted Gift

Suit: Kay Unger, THRIFTED by a friend! 

The best things in life may be free....but in my world, thrifted gifts come in second.

Here's a little backstory: A couple of months ago, I was shopping for mugs for my DIY Christmas gifts at Goodwill. I came across this very Kay Unger suit. It was flawless, and in my size.

One problem, I am on a 12 month shopping fast. I nearly cried.

I thought about how I could justify it. It could be a gift from my husband, no one would know, etc. I walked away. Struggling with passing it up, I did what every social media addict does, I posted about it on Facebook. First, to note what a big step this was for me and secondly, to let others know about this steal. I mean, if I couldn't have it....someone should!

Well little did I know, my sweet friend Trish was reading the feed! She swiped it off the rack and held onto it for my birthday. How cool is THAT? You can imagine my surprise when I tore that gift open! So as my sweet friend Ida said recently, God cares about the details. I agree, every little one. My gift list just keeps on growing, I am so very blessed.

1000 Gifts
101. Pink Clouds
102. Costumes
103. Playing with my kids
104. The warmth of the sun
105. A quiet house to myself
106. An empty day on the calendar
107. Teachers
108. MOPs
109. Uninterrupted prayer
110. Friends that pay attention
111. Thrifted gifts

The Trisha Treat Bag

Top: matty m., Vest: Daisy Fuentes (a gift), Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Booties: Tahari, Bag: Michael Kors, Belt: Banana Republic

Bracelet: The Hunger Site

My friends are amazing! It is only month two of my spending freeze and this vest is the second clothing gift I have received. When my sweet friend Trisha cleans out her daughter's and her own closet, she always brings me fun bags of goodies. I LOVE my Trisha treat bags! My daughter is the lucky recipient of beautiful dresses, shoes and more. Trish always throws in a couple of items for me too. This particular bag was an extra special blessing as it had jackets in it that worked for BOTH of my toddlers. They have way outgrown theirs from last year. Pretty convenient when you are on a spending freeze,  God is so good! I have so much to be thankful for! 

1000 Gifts

25. Warm clothes

26. Watching impromptu baptisms

27. Volunteering with friends

28. Naps

29. Refrigerators running

30. New clients

31. Back porch picnics

32. Recipes

33. Crayons

34. Puzzles

35. My stocked pantry

So Excited!

I am so excited! First, I finally have a plan in place to hold an inspirational runway show right here in my home town! It will be held in September of 2013, and my company is partnering with the Polk Theatre to make this happen. I will have more to share on this soon, so hang tight.

Second, the amazing article that Gary White with The Ledger published for The 12X12 Project!

Third, this skirt that I found several months back at Goodwill, with tags! Believe it or not, out of all shopping, I miss thrifting the most. But I have been very good, and I am learning the fun of experimenting with the many items in my closet. God really has been showing me how much I have to work with and how much I have to be thankful for. So, my list continues below, in no particular order:

1000 Gifts
17. Juicy grapefruit
18. Fresh air
19. Homemade soup simmering
20. The smell of bread baking
21. Babies being born
22. Dancing with my husband while cleaning
23. Running with a friend
24. Hand me downs

Not the Outfit in my Head

Necklace: Stella & Dot, Skirt: Gap, Boots: Sam Edelman, Bag: Kate Spade

Have you ever thought up an outfit in your head, tried it on, and it was nothing like you had imagined? That happened to me this morning. The top I wanted to wear was NOT working with this silver skirt, it looked so much better put together in my head. So in a last minute panic, this statement necklace saved the day and this sad long sleeved tee!

My attitude has been improving slowly, and I even did a little cleaning yesterday for the first time in about eight years! Things have really been put into perspective, and I have been praying hard to focus on the good. So excited about the weekend time to relax with the family! Right now I am being called to a tea party in the living room, let the good times roll! :)

1000 Gifts
11. Hot coffee
12. Warm slippers
13. Eskimo kisses
14. Things that sparkle
15. Living room tea parties
16. Friday afternoons

Accepting Change

Since completing the October Dress Project, I have have really neglected the blog. I will be honest, my attitude has been a little sour too. Cutting back requires not only sacrifice, but more work on my end... and that has left me feeling a bit deflated. I have to say over the past couple of weeks the enemy has really been working me over. I am sure it is because he knows I have committed to the 12X12 Project.

Talking about giving up little things in my life didn't seem like a big deal, but then doing it with a cheerful heart has been harder than I imagined. Here are a list of things that I have decided to cut out in effort to be more responsible with our money.

1. My housekeeper-(REALLY struggling with this one!)
2. Sea World/Busch Gardens/Aquatica Passes-(This is going to be REALLY hard the next time the kids ask to go.)
3. Bi-weekly pedicures (I'm okay with this, but it really is not the same doing it myself.)
4. Eating out/ordering takeout during the week (Totally crappy when I have planned poorly.)
5. Looking to downsize from my SUV for a lesser payment and better gas milage. (Really will miss the size of my vehicle.)

I KNOW how selfish this sounds, as those I long to help have SO much less, but this is my journey. So I am just being honest and tracking my feelings. Right now it's not the shopping at ALL that is getting me. It is giving up the luxuries that I took for granted daily. I know that God is going to teach me so much through this, so my goal is to focus on being grateful for what I have....instead of the luxuries I am giving up!

1000 Gifts
6. Hands that clean
7. Our awesome parks
8. Family foot rubs
9. Home cooked meals
10. Transportation