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!

The Urge to Cut

This is the cut I'm considering, thoughts??

I REALLY want to cut my hair. Having short hair for over 10 years leaves me not knowing what to do with my growing locks. Today, I used the curling wand for what I call a "beachy waves" look. But I am running out of ideas.

So, the last picture is the cut I am considering, should I go for it? Or let it grow?

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!

Bird is the Word

Thanks to one of my sponsors, eShakti, I am sporting a new dress today. A dress that I absolutely adore. What makes eShakti extra special is that you can custom order clothing to fit your measurements perfectly, which is a blessing for a tall girl like me. This is something pretty great for my shawties aka shorties out there too!

I chose this dress because it mixes two styles I love the most. Classic on top, and fun print on the bottom. It even has birds on it, and what's happier than birds? Of course I have to link to one of my favorite Portlandia clips, "put a bird on it", every time I talk about bird prints. Enjoy the laugh!

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!

Breaks, Blessings, and Bargains

Obviously, I have been on a break. If I can be completely honest, I don't think I have worn anything close to photograph worthy since my last post. I had strep throat for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I really had a hard time bouncing back. After that, I went through about a week where I lived in my workout clothes, even if I didn't workout-just so I wouldn't have to style something. Everyone needs a break.

Before Thanksgiving, we received a huge blessing. As I mentioned my husband took a new job and was three weeks in when he got a call from a company that he had interviewed with prior. They offered him the Vice President of Sales position, and it's LOCAL! This was job number one on his list when he was looking. He is back in the industry that he loves with a wonderful company, and an amazing boss that has so much confidence in him. I am so proud. I get choked up at random times, thinking about how good God has been to us this past year, especially through the bad times. It overwhelms me to see his blessings poured out on my husband and my family.

As far as bargains, I found this top at a thrift shop. I think someone made it, because there are no tags and you can tell by the stitching. I absolutely love it! Happy weekend friends, it's good to be back!

Day 14-Finding Beauty in Booties

Lately, in effort to combat worry, I have been doing my best to focus on the beauty of little things. Today, I found beauty in my booties. It may not be cool enough to layer this dress, but I can bust out my booties.

Focusing on the positive has really helped me. I still worry, lash out, or feel irritated at times. But reminding myself of all of the good that is surrounding me whips my thoughts right back on track. I have so much to be thankful for.....and theses booties were made for walkin', so that's just what I'll do!

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

Day 3-White is the New Black

First and foremost, I must give a birthday shout out to one of my most treasured friends. Andrea you are amazing! I am so grateful to have celebrated with you today at a fabulous two hour lunch.

In other news, I tried to photoshop these pictures because everyone thought my dress was blue. That shows you what an amazing photo editor I am.......not! It really is gray. As you can see, this look is proof that you can transition white into fall. Or at least I do. Rules, shmules. XO

Day Two-Statement Necklace Saves the Day!

Day two, and statement necklace saves the day. I think this came from Loft-but I can't remember. Thank goodness I have about 6 more to pull out over the next 29 days! Tonight is our annual photo shoot and I am totally pumped. Pictures soon! :)

Country With a Side of Bling Please

There is something to be said for southern charm. Especially when you are wearing it as an outfit.

This entire ensemble was put together from items hidden in the great depths of my closet. Once again, this shop fast has forced me to dig deep. These are a few pieces that have made the stay list time and time again. The top, because of my previous days as a Circle M Clogger. Yes, I clogged. The belt, because I live in Polk County and my daughter is a member of our local FFA so a cowgirl belt comes in real handy. The skirt, well it has sequins....and they are just fun. Bonus: it makes a fun noise when I walk. :)

Not Your Grandma's Skirt

Well, actually......this IS my Grandmother's skirt. Even better, she made it herself. I wonder where she wore it, and what she paired it with. I love that she chose this fun print, and wearing it really makes me wish I knew how to sew. Maybe one day....sigh.

This is the last month of the shop fast. We have been reflecting on all of the great things that we have accomplished during this year during The 12X12 Project. Our local magazine, The Lakelander is going to do a recap for us in December that is sure to be awesome. I am so excited for everyone to hear the details and special stories. 

It has been a year of change for me. There have been so many ups and downs, but it has been one of the best years of my life. I have learned to be satisfied with less, and that has allowed me to adapt to the roller coaster we have been on this year. I have learned to sit back and enjoy the sweet spots, and to trust God when times were uncertain. He has great plans for us all, I just know it! 

Grab and Go!

I won't try to claim any amazing styling skills in regards to my outfit today. It was a grab and go day. So much so that I didn't notice my son's Nutella mustache or his un brushed hair until we were in the car and on the way to school. Wet Ones saved the day.

This morning's chain of events has me convinced that the best thing I ever did was grow my hair out, allowing me the option to pull it back. I am also convinced that you can make a hand-me-down tank top and boring skirt look great by layering necklaces and pairing them with other fun accessories. When in doubt, or in a hurry......accessorize! Happy Wednesday!

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!

Rainbow Bright

I couldn't decide what color to wear today, so I chose all of them. I hope your day has been bright! :)