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?

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!

Monday Spunk

Everyone needs a little added spunk on a Monday. This morning the coffee just wasn't doing it, so I thought I'd better wear something rad. This top is straight off the clearance rack in the juniors' department at Belk- because why should we only shop in our section? Have a great start to  your week, mine is nuts already.

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

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.

Swimtastic!

Totally swooning over these Nanette Lapore swim suits! They are perfect for those of us (me) that are transitioning from a bikini to one piece. These are still great for sunning, flattering, and modestly sexy! Since I am not shopping right now my transitioning will have to wait until next summer. But for those of you that are looking for a suit with a bit more coverage that will ease you into a one piece in style, these get my vote! I found them on www.zappos.com!

Logistics

It's Tuesday, and getting my kids where they need to go this afternoon is going to be a logistical nightmare. One has his first T-ball game, one has her last soccer game of the season, and one has dance class. To top it off, each event is in a different neighboring city. As if it could get any more complicated. I really don't know what I would do with out the help of my parents, they are a huge blessing.

The topic at MOPs this morning was super timely. We talked about being intentional with our children, making time for devotions, and reading the bible together. In our busyness, our family finds time to be consistent with everything else but not this most important thing, time together in God's word daily. I know that He was speaking to me through MOPs today, saying the SAME thing he has been saying to me for four years now, "You are too busy!" I know some of it can't be avoided, with four children how can we not be busy? But there are some things that we could give up to make more time at home together. Time to start the weeding out process again, wish me luck! :)

Fun and Fabulous Friday!

I am so thankful it's Friday! This week has been absolutely nuts playing catch up from my Vegas trip. I am not complaining, as I am blessed to have some great projects going on right now, but I could sure use some down time.  My children's schedules alone are enough to keep me hopping. The plan is to grill steaks at home tonight, and visit with friends. The older I get, the more I appreciate evenings in!

The shopfast is going strong, and I am happy to report that my Banana Republic, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus cards are all paid off! We are having a card cutting party at church Sunday. I am a little nervous about saying goodbye to my Nordstrom notes, but I know myself.....and the card has to go. God has been so good to us, I can't afford not to be obedient on this. Old habits will come creeping for sure, and I need to be ready! Anyway, thank you all for your encouragement through this year, it helps keep me going! XO

Awesome and Awkward Thursday

It's Awesome and Awkward Thursday!!! Let's start with Awesome:

1. I took a sweet MOPs mom and friend on a shopping spree this morning.
2. This article in the paper about my business expansion.
3. A Culture Rock committee meeting.
4. These new knee highs, a gift from Andrea. :)
5. I am being taken out to dinner by a friend to celebrate my birthday!!!

Awkward:

1. This vest/half dress keeps getting caught on my boot buckles, causing me to stumble.
2. Made eye contact with someone waving to another person and waved back.
3. Stopping off behind random grocery stores for blog photos.
4. My hair. It's growing out and apparently looks like I didn't bother to fix it, daily.
5. Seeing a raspberry seed from my green smoothie in my teeth after being out and about for hours. (Why didn't anyone tell me? I would do that for you, you know?)
6. The weather here....it's just plain hot. Why?

Tights

We Floridians totally underestimate the power of tights. During the cooler months they allow us to wear things like shorts, skirts, and dresses. You can add color, interest, and warmth all by throwing on a pair of tights. What really excites me is that by adding in tights, my winter wardrobe doubles instantly! Score!

A Break for No nonsense!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 
I was suprised and delighted to open a box I received on my doorstep recently! In it was a sweet letter,  a pair of black leggings, and a pair of plum tights from No nonsense! Just kicking off the October Dress Project, this free gift could not have come at a better time! As the weather cools down, leggings and tights are two of my go to accessories. Styled with boots, flats, or a great pair of heels...you can't go wrong. Throwing on a pair of tights in a bright color is a great way to add interest and a pop to your fall look.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of No nonsense as well. The leggings are really comfortable, and fit like a glove. No constant pulling at the waistband necessary! Don't you just hate it when your leggings keep riding down? The tights give the perfect amount of support and control all in the right areas, and are really durable. Working moms like me will appreciate that, as well as the excellent price point. I absolutely love them in plum. Such a great color to lift your mood, and extend your wardrobe without breaking the bank! I am all for that!
Another great benefit of the No nonsense brand is that you can pick them up at most any food & drug stores as well as mass retail stores. Easy, stylish, and affordable...I am sold!
Even more exciting, fashion expert Jill Martin is partnering with No nonsense! You may recognize her as the co-author of the New York Times bestselling style guide "I Have Nothing to Wear!" She is also the New York Correspondent for Access Hollywood.
Make sure you visit the links I have listed below to find out more about No nonsense and this great line. Be sure to like them on Facebook, and follow on twitter as well!

No nonsense tights and leggings
No nonsense on Facebook

On and Off

Dress: Tinley Road, Blazer: Victoria's Secret, Shoes: Stuart Weitzman (Goodwill),
Bag: Betsy Johnson, Necklace, Stella & Dot

As you can see, this cute little number needed something to make it more church appropriate this morning! Adding the blazer "partied it down" just enough. So...I thought I would show you the look on for a more conservative look, and off for a hot date night! :) I hope your weekend was fabulous! Tomorrow is my October Dress Project reveal, excited!!!

I Don't Always Wear Flats, But When I Do.......

Top: Max Studio, Pants: Victoria's Secret hand me down from a friend, Flats: Target
Necklaces: Stella & Dot

Ring: David Yurman

My $10 Target flats! I think I have them in 3 colors! :) 

Watch: Michele, Bracelets: A random mix

I am tall, therefore you would think I would wear flats more often. I don't, but when I do....I am still taller than most everyone! These particular flats were a Target clearance find....and even though I don't wear them often, I took the opportunity to buy every color I could find in my size. After my recent trip to NYC, I wish I would have taken a pair of flats. I ended up buying a pair while I was there due to the damage my cute shoes did to my feet! Will I ever learn? I hope you are all having a fantastic weekend!

St. Augustine Part Deux

Top: Akiko, Shorts: Loft, Bag: Big Buddah at m. marie boutique, Flops: J. Crew, Sunnies: Tom Ford

With my son at Burrito Works Taco Shop, (His idea of Heaven)

Dessert! 

I had pineapple cilantro, the girls had strawberry lemonade

Beach day 

Touring the Castillo De San Marcos

Fountain of Youth Tour

Red Train tour! Best way to see and learn about the city! So great! 

We had so much fun in St. Augustine that we decided to go back the following weekend! Well really, my husband had another trade show. We took all four of the kiddos and had a blast!! We enjoyed the beach, awesome tours, and way too much good food. I have a triathlon this Saturday, so this week is going to be green smoothie detox for me! :)

Honestly, I don't remember the last time we had this much fun all together. Now, there certainly were moments of pure insanity, (brought on mostly by the toddlers),  but I think my 17 year old even had a good time! He even helped my husband out with his booth at the show one day while I took the little ones to a movie. I am so thankful for these trips together, and I hope they will cherish these memories forever.....I know I will! :)