Day 12-A Treat

The Dress, Necklace: Loft, Shoes: Nine West, Belt: Nameless, Bag: Thrifted 

My friend Camille and I are going to attempt the DIY version of this necklace!
I'll let you know how that turns out ;)

My precious K! 

Early this morning my five year old daughter, with a broken toe, crawled into my bed. She whispers to me, "Mommy, is it time for muffins with moms yet?" I think it was 4:30 or so. She was so excited. She got dressed, accessorized (as you can see above) and was ready to go hours before it was time. I sat next to her in the lunchroom watching her enjoy that chocolate-chocolate chip muffin with pure bliss in her eyes. What a treat!

I felt so loved. She wanted nothing more than to be right there with me, eating muffins. These little things I don't ever want to take for granted, they are the moments when I realize that all of the stresses of parenting are TOTALLY worth it! 

This little girl has been such a blessing to me, to our family. We had three miscarriages before she arrived.....and if you have been through that, you know the pain. God has protected her through many accidents and injuries. Even when I thought I may loose my mind with worry, He has been there and He has been faithful. We prayed for her, and He gave her to us. Not in our timing, but in His. I am so thankful for that! 

Oh, and I gave myself another treat this morning. In effort to scale back, I decided to give up my routine luxury of a pedicure and give myself one instead! $30.00 saved! :) 

Day 11-Have Tripod, Will Travel

The Dress, Top: Target, Belt: BCBG, Boots: Steve Madden, Sunnies: Tom Ford

Confession: I made a purchase/health investment today

The traveling tripod.....I crack myself up. I have decided to leave my camera and tripod in my car, in the event that I am brave enough to jump out at any unpopulated spot for a quick pic. I mean, surely everyone has grown tired of seeing the inside of my home??

Confession: I made a purchase today. 

I won't make excuses or even try to wordsmith my way out of it. All I will say is a good sports bra is a necessity, and when the running shoes have holes in the bottom.....it's time. Bonus: these will go a year so I won't need a new pair throughout the remainder of the 12X12 Project! I hope you will show me grace, and let this one slide.....my knees, shins, and chest will thank you! :)

Day 10-Downtown

The Dress, Scarf: My Mum-Mum's (Vintage), Belt: J. Crew,
Shoes: (BCBG-Probably considered vintage) Sunnies: Marc Jacobs

The benefits of working downtown are the photo op spots! Today, I worried on the way to work about looking like an idiot setting up my tripod in the alley. Then I thought, so what? If someone does ask me what I am doing, it will be an opportunity for me to tell them. I love getting that "look" when I explain I am wearing the same dress different ways for 31 days! I always feel it necessary to immediately follow that with, "I do wash it!" Have a great wednesday!

Day 9, Friction Blocker

The Dress, Tie: My Pappy's (Vintage), Belt: J. Crew, Bag: Michael Kors
Shoes: Sam Edleman, Jewelry: Mixed

Wore these booties pain free today thanks to Band-Aid's Friction Block Stick!

The BEST blister preventer EVER! A necessity for the cute shoe lover!

Friction. I deal with it in more ways than one.

As a lover of cute shoes, I chose these very booties to walk miles in New York, rather than flats or something practical. Dumb. I ended up spending a total of $30.00 on Band-Aids. I tried every type, I even tried layering them but they still ended up rubbing off. The blisters were exposed causing MUCH pain! How great it would have been if I would have known about this magical product beforehand! Just rub a little friction block stick on areas where shoe may rub, and walk miles....blister free, pain free.

As a woman, I experience friction in my life. Hurts, pain, resentments, reminders. I try so hard not to let this friction get to me, but at times I spend hours obsessing, and hurting. I forget that God is the ultimate friction blocker. If I don't take my hurt to Him first and immediately, it stays with me just like the blisters. As silly as it may seem, right now He is reminding me through this Band-Aid Friction Block Stick that if I go to Him first, instead of obsessing, I can avoid a lot of unnecessary pain. Personally, I think we could all use a little protection from the friction of life! Have a great day!

Day 8, Put a Bow on it!

The Dress, Sash: I have no idea, Shoes: Miz Mooz
Photo Credit: Leanna McDuffie, My Daughter, 11

I am really sad that it is still too hot to layer. The current Florida hot fest makes this dress SO hard to work with! Truth: I actually got a little frustrated today. Since I refuse to suffer in the Florida heat with added layers, my strategy was to put a bow on it. Belts, sashes, and necklaces will be my best friends until the temps drop.

Can a girlfriend get a cool breeze PLEASE???

Day 7, The Candy Striper

The Dress, Top: Color Thread, Beads: Stella & Dot, Shoes: Steve Madden

As you can see, it's just me and my tripod again. I felt this outfit fit my job this week as candy striper! When naming my post I accidentally typed stripper. Glad I caught it, that would NOT have been good. The stomach bug has traveled through our home making random and odd timed appearances. Just when we thought we were all clear, we woke up to a vomiting 5 year old last night. Good times.

Truth: I only got dressed today to take my picture.

A movie, popcorn popped on the stove in coconut oil, puzzles, and a nap. That's just about it for my day. Sad to have missed church, and praying this bug gets out of my house! Hope your Sunday was germ free! :)

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

Day Six, Direct Message

The Dress, Top: Anthropology, Bag: Nine West, Shoes: Keds

FL Necklace: Maya Brenner

I have found the direct messages in my devotions this first week shockingly non coincidental! It is so cool to see that when I make a commitment to listen, I will hear. Example: My devotion this morning from Joyce Meyer:

When you know who you are in Christ, worldly obstacles won't matter anymore. When you know that He loves you and He died for you, you'll just get up every day and do your best to love God. 

When that happens, when you know who you are in Christ, you can put on and walk in the righteousness that He purchased for you. As you experience His love for you, your natural response will be to live for Him with all that you have. 

How's that for a direct message to a girl starting a one year shopping fast? Pretty direct! I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!

Day Five, Unsubscribe!

The Dress, Top: matty m., Shoes: Kenneth Cole

You have to see the detail! One of my most favorite tops!

My inbox is out of control!  Only after committing to a year of no shopping, I am finally noticing how overloaded I am with emails from retailers boasting extra 40% off!! UNSUBSCRIBE please!

I am actually impressed with myself. The calls to shop are not bothering me nearly as much as my overloaded inbox. Right now I can't think of anything I need, or want for that matter. Now that doesn't mean that I won't be browsing Pinterest and my new obsession, Pose for ideas. Loving fashion doesn't mean that I have to buy things. It just means that I can be more creative with what I already have!

Lastly, I want to share a video that goes along with my post from Day 2! Exactly what I was trying to say about loving like Jesus!

Day Four, SCORE!!!

The Dress, Belt: Target, Earrings: m. marie boutique, Shoes: Steve Madden
Photo Credit: Angela Lovering

I NEVER have anyone to take my picture! How cool is it that this first week of the October Dress Project, I haven't had to set my tripod up ONCE! The best part...I have seen three of my very best friends this week and they have each graciously offered to play photographer for me! SCORE! Bonus, today I was given a gift by one of them!!! My childhood BFF, found a cocktail dress and thought it looked like me. I can't wait to try it on, it is lovely! Through all of our trials, annoyances with each other, busy schedules, and growing pains...we have remained friends. I can not express to you what that means to me. She is the girl that I can call in the middle of the night and will be at my house in 5 minutes, even if she hasn't heard from me in weeks. She has watched me make mistakes, loved me through them, and cheered me on in my triumphs. I thank God for you Angela, for all of our old memories....and for the ones we have yet to make! This one's for you!

Day Three, Let's Celebrate!

The Dress, Scarf: Target, Shoes: Steve Madden, Bag: Elliott Lucca
Photo credit: Andrea Reed

The birthday girl! 

Three cheers for early release day! 

The morning started with breakfast/brunch with one of my most cherished friends. She also happens to be an amazing cake designer, you have to visit her site, I am so proud of her!! Work was slow, but fine...and then I got to spend the afternoon with some cool kids (pictured above) so fun! Three cheers for early release day!

Day Two, One Mango Tree

The Dress, Vest: One Mango Tree, Necklace: Stella & Dot
Shoes: My friend Courtney's Closet, (She gets the photo credit too)

The tag from my vest in support of the 12 X 12 Project! 

Relieved to report that today was much better than yesterday. I woke up at 4am restless, but my husband got up with me to talk. Sometimes we need that in the middle of the night, or first thing in the morning. We talked about the kids, struggles we are facing with our teenager, goals, and we prayed together. It was refreshing. Then, MOPs was so amazing. Our speaker was one of my dear friends. Let me just tell you, this woman has a heart for Jesus and for people. She's energetic, loving, helpful, and her actions speak so much louder than her words!

It is wonderful to quote scripture, or tell others about what we read in the bible, but it is so much more impacting to actually live it. I think many people get turned off by Christianity because they hear so much, but see so little.

Are we talking about the bible and repeating scripture, but not showing grace? Are we forwarding out our daily devotion, but judging others and not holding the hands of hurting friends? Are we passing out "I'm praying for yous" but not stopping long enough to pray? Are we praising Jesus but not loving people????

I am no where near an expert on all of this, these words are just coming from my heart. Along with loving people, I believe there is power in admitting our faults, our struggles, and yes....our sin. I believe that we don't have to be experts. All we have to do is be real and seek Him, and he will provide the opportunities for us to serve others. So no crazy Christian here...just a girl in a dress on her way to a great place....and today was a good day!

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!