October Dress Project Day #1

The Dress: Loft, (clearance..whoop) This is the only shot we had time for...drama explained below.

Photo shoot gone bad: K being every so cautiously carried up the stairs by firemen.

K, J and I hanging with Robert the RN, our new BFF! 

Robert explaining to K that there is just NO way to make the post-op shoe look cute.
As you can see, she is trying hard to understand.

Day #1 started out well. I am reading a new book, and committed to my devotional time in the morning. I was feeling good. I got all four of my children off to school and headed to the lake to walk. While doing so, I dropped my car key & remote out of my spy belt. I turned around to walk the lake again, as I had no idea exactly where it may have fallen out. I still ended up with no keys, and walking a total of 7.25 miles. Mom and Dad to the rescue and I was on my way to work.

Well played satan, but you're not getting me down...as a matter of fact, I am thankful for the extra calories burned, allowing me to eat this piece of carrot cake right now at 10pm. 

I adjusted my attitude and went to work, I actually checked quite a few things off of my to do list! After arriving home, I received an email from my 17 y/o's Algebra teacher telling me he is failing. I begin the questioning, and he begins the despising of me. I now TRULY understand and feel sorry for my parents....I don't know how they handled my teen years. 

Well played satan, but just when I thought I would loose it with one more disruption, my 3 and 5 year old rested on the couch quietly for 2 hours so that I could catch my breath. I didn't even have to ask them!

We decided to have another group photo shoot this year, and my sweet and amazingly talented friend Rachel Absher, agreed to do the honors. Everything was going perfectly well until we decided it would be fun to get in the water! Poor K sliced her foot open on something while getting out. Off to the Fire Station I went, right across the lake. As you can see they treated her well, and we ended up at Fast Track at the ER. She is going to be fine...one stitch, a not so cute post-op shoe, and some meds. 

Well played satan, but I had an amazing time laughing through a scary experience with two dear friends in an emergency room, AND there was a piece of homemade carrot cake waiting on me when I got home. 

So all in all, I am still blessed. A bit worn out, but blessed indeed. Tomorrow is a new day...in the same dress!

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!!!

Closet Freedom

Dress: Hattie's Branches Lakeland, Leggings: Who Knows? Shoes: Nine West

Jewelry: Stella & Dot

I have less than one week to enjoy closet freedom. I start the October Dress Project on the 1st, and will continue out the year participating in the 12X12 Project.  It couldn't  have come at a better time. Four children involved in multiple activities, and our own selfish wants and desires have money flowing out of our bank account faster than a waterfall. I am looking forward to taking a step back and showing some restraint, being creative with activities, and finding ways to have fun without spending money. God is really dealing with me on this again, reminding me HE must be greater. It is so easy to get caught up in worldly pleasures. I know it is not wrong to have things, but I am praying that He will guide me to a healthy balance once again.

Not Just Lunch

Top: Banana, Cardigan: J. Crew, Skinnies: 7 For All Mankind, Shoes: Miz Mooz
Bag: Elliott Lucca

Never underestimate the power of lunch with a friend. Some may think making time for such is not responsible, especially during a work day! But, everyone needs a break. Especially those of us in the trenches trying to make small businesses work. I could have been at my desk today, writing, blogging, or making plans to attend the next networking event...but instead I spent the afternoon having lunch and talking with a sweet friend that loves Jesus, and loves me for me.

She has no expectations, she does not judge me, she has no ulterior motives. She is real, and I can be real, and I LOVE that! She inspires me to think outside of the box, and extend my reach to those in need. To really BE Jesus to people not only by giving of myself, but by how I live my life, display my attitude, etc. She lifts me up always and even when making suggestions, doesn't tear me down or make me feel like I am not "there yet." Her example has taught me that there is a huge difference in talking about or quoting Jesus, and actually loving like Jesus. I am excited to share a particular project that she is working on with all of you, and it's most likely going to change the direction of my blog for a year. Check out her blog and the information on the 12 X 12 project! Pretty cool! I am so thankful for the friends that God has placed in my life. I couldn't feel more blessed!

In the Yard

Dress: Target, Top: Ralph Lauren (Goodwill), Jewelry: Stella & Dot,
Shoes: buried in the grass but Fossil (Goodwill)

No fabulous words of wisdom or anything for you today. I snapped these in the backyard while playing with the kids. No real thought went into this outfit. I just needed something quick and easy. Some days....it just has to be that way! 

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!

Scarves

Following bloggers in cooler climates has me longing to bust out my scarves. Unfortunately, it's still bikini weather here in Hotland, Florida. I decided to ease into my scarves by wearing this one today. It's vintage and courtesy of my Grandmother, Evelyn. She was amazing! This scarf makes me smile and think of her....and wonder how many ways she may have worn it.

Let it Rain!

Dress: Banana Republic, Beads: Stella & Dot, Wellies: Hunter

I wouldn't have even gotten dressed today had I not promised the kids afternoon yogurt at a new little place in town. We spent the morning snuggled on the couch watching a movie. The rain started, and I happily took the opportunity to wear my wellies! I hope your Monday was happy! :)

The Day Job

The minute I accepted today for what it was, I felt peace. I keep thinking now that the kids are back in school I am finally going to get to do my day job. It hasn't really happened yet. Take this morning as an example. When I left to drop everyone off at school, I was SO very uneasy about the aftermath of the tornado(s) that apparently swept through my home. Dressed head to toe for work, I turned my car around and headed right back here to straighten up and organize. That's just how it is. Today, I accepted that my day job includes being a housewife, and sometimes getting that done is more important than any task at my office! So cheers to cleaning in style! :)

FNO and the "Magic Dress" by Julie Brown

The DJs at Bergdorfs thought it was awesome that the magic dress coordinated with their outfits! 

The magic dress got us through this NYPD officer and right under the red velvet rope!

The magic dress was allowed to sit in the DJ booth at Michael Kors!

The email back from Julie Brown herself! So sweet!!! 

While shopping online, I came across this dress by designer Julie Brown. From the minute I added it to my shopping cart, I knew it was special. Little did I know, this dress would be just plain magical amongst hundreds of thousands of people in New York City attending Fashion's Night Out. I kid you not when I say that nearly everyone I passed gave me some sweet compliment, or asked me who the dress was by. Halfway through the evening, my girlfriends lovingly named it the "magic dress" as we were escorted through velvet ropes, and to the front of long lines. I had several people tell me I should email a picture to Julie and tell her the story of the dress. I did that, and what do you know....she emailed me back, I was so excited!!! This is my first Julie Brown dress, but you can bet it won't be my last! We had a wonderful stay in New York City, and I can't wait to share the rest of my photos with you.....but I had to start with the story of the magic dress!

Priority List For NY Fashion Week & Fashion's Night Out

It's not every day that a Lakeland girl gets to travel with her girlfriends to NYC during fashion week. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to go, and for that I am so grateful. It took some web surfing to find the right discounts, and eBay selling to raise some extra funds, but I did it! We will be on our way Thursday morning to kick it off in style by attending one of the biggest, most celebrated nights in fashion, Fashion's Night Out!

The Challenge: Choose from our top priority lists of what to do on a night were we want to be in 100 places at the same time! And do, eat, see, shop, everything else that is on our list in 4 days. 

Here is my wishlist (in no particular order) of priority stops while visiting one of my favorite places on earth: 

Visit my cousin Milo in Chelsea! :) 

Visit our friend Merris at Flying Television

Laugh, talk, and explore with two of my dearest friends! 

Everything on this list from Refinery29

Fufill a childhood dream of seeing Cyndi Lauper LIVE at Manolo Blahnik. 

Hear Solange Knowles in the DJ booth at DVF meatpacking district!

Meet Michael Kors and do karaoke with him at his boutique.

Meet Michelle Smith at Milly, and win the Pinterest contest #worldofmilly. See my board here!

Watch Cirque de Soleil's window and street performances at Henri Bendel. 

Preview the fall line at The Shops at Target. 

Head to Brooklyn to Antoinette. 

Artists and Fleas Fashion Week Flea Market inside Chelsea Market

Magnolia Bakery Fashion Cupcakes

Visit Piperlime's very first store on Wooster!!! 

Eat at the Spotted Pig. 

Enjoy the afternoon Fashion Tea at the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Central Park.

Greenflea Flea Market

Stalk Lincoln Center for designers and celebrities.

Have a cocktail at the Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar.

Brunch at Mercer Kitchen in Soho.

I know there is so much more, but I have to go to bed! Wish me luck, and I will keep you posted on my accomplishments! You can always follow me on twitter @cathykhayes if you can't wait until I get back...haha! 

Mad Men...and Women!

Dress: Milly, (Gift from hubs last year)

It's been crazy lately. Getting the kids back into school and trying to get used to our new routine has been bananas! Last night we were able to get out of routine and into character at the Imperial Symphony Orchestra's Music & Martinis! I was so thrilled they chose a Mad Men theme! One of my close friends is now the Executive Director and she called on me to work some PR magic! I had fun running the Facebook campaign and working with the local media to promote the event. My reward? An evening playing dress up with my husband, friends, and girlfriends! A GREAT night indeed! Why did we stop dressing up? I mean wouldn't it be more fun if we always dressed up like they did?? I thinks so!

Snake Pants-Oh My!

Feeling funky on my back to work day Monday, I sported these snake skin jeans by Current Elliott (a clearance steal of coarse!) My first pair of print jeans, and I am in love! I hope you all are having a great mid week! XO

Back to Work Hair Cut

Hair: Jen, Liquid Hair

So sorry for my absence of posts lately. The good news is the summer is coming to an end, and my regular schedule will return. I have many pictures to share from Palm Beach, and will do so as soon as I drop 4 children off at school next week!  I decided I needed a back to work hair cut since the kids were all getting back to school cuts! I am really excited about a change. If you have short hair, you understand just how boring it can become. I think I am going to like this one! :) Have a GREAT rest of the week!!

My 5 Year Old Mermaid

All files and printables came from Simply Sweet Parties! Kerry is GREAT to work with! 

This was the boys' table

The "merman" hid treasures in the yard for the kids to find! 

Jello sharks!

Mom carved a watermelon whale! 

Yummy ocean punch: 1 bottle blue Hawaiian Punch, 1 bottle white grape juice,   2 liter of sprite,
1 1/2 gallon of pineapple sherbet

The birthday mermaid

For preschool graduation my daughter had to tell us what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her answer: a mermaid. No question what the party theme would be this year! I LOVE parties! I love planning, cooking, preparing, decorating, hosting.....I love it all. Pinterest has made party planning even more exciting for me with loads of cool ideas and DIYs. Kennedy hand picked shells at the beach and we made shell necklaces as a giveaway, I made the cupcakes and a new icing which is now my favorite! The best part was that she loved every minute of it, and her friends had an absolute blast!!!

Back to School Shoe Shopping

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As I always say, "shoe love is true love!" What better place to fall in love with shoes than Famous Footwear? I have found so many of my beloved pair while browsing hundreds of styles at this shoe superstore! The employees are helpful and so friendly, and I love their promotions! Right now they are running a 15% off PLUS BOGO (Buy One, Get One Half Off). 

Every little bit saved helps our family of six, our two toddlers are growing out of everything!! We also have a 11 year old and 17 year old, so you can only imagine how many pairs of shoes that we go through! Famous Footwear makes it easy for us to keep shoes on their feet without breaking the bank. This BOGO promotion also gives us the opportunity to buy an extra pair for a needy child that wouldn't have a new pair of shoes the first day back to school. 

My favorite selections for school kids are they Nike Lunar Forever collection, Sperry Top-Siders, and Keds...a classic! 

You can click this link for your coupon to redeem in store between 8/2-8/18. Make the most of this promotion by putting shoes on your family, or helping a needy family. BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon

While you are in the store, make sure to sign up for the FREE Rewards Program! The benefits are great, and come in handy when the kids have worn out their soles! :) You can earn 1 point for every $1 you spend in-store or online, your points accumulated can earn you up to $100 a year!!! You will also receive a discount offer just for signing up, and you will receive other special discounts and perks throughout the year as well! 

 

 

Simply Stated

Top: Banana Republic. Shorts: Loft, Flops: J. Crew, Bag: Coach

Tank tops, shorts, and flip flops have become my go to uniform this summer! I love adding a bright colored bag to dress up this simple little look. What are your favorite ways to jazz up shorts and a tank?