Day 11: Thankful

My husband came home from his Wingman group at church last night and told me a story I just have to share! There is a gentleman that recently started attending, and it was his 46th birthday yesterday. Michael gave him a Wingman button down shirt, and he said he couldn't even describe the happiness on his face. The gentleman proceeded to tell Michael that this was the first button down shirt he has ever owned. He's 46 years old! He even had to ask what the two extra buttons were for on the inside, he said he couldn't figure out what they went with. It's the little things right? As tired as I am of this dress...today I am EXTRA thankful for it! Thank you to a God that provides.

Day 11:
Black dress
Black lace Kenar top: Marshalls
Black glitter belt, J. Crew
Shoes, BCBG
Michele Watch w/hot pink patent leather band
Silver link bracelet: My Grana
Lavender ice cocktail ring: David Yurman
Vintage sliver clutch, antique shop

Day 10: Black & Brown

So I must confess, my co-30 day dresser friend and I had mini meltdowns yesterday. We are both beginning to dislike the dress just a bit! Unfortunately, our Target dresses are not holding up! Trish had to sew the hem in hers, and the clasp on the top of the zipper of my dress broke! So our advice for a staple piece such as this..QUALITY!! Especially if you are going to wear it for 30 days! I find that Banana Republic and J. Crew offer great quality for staple pieces while keeping prices affordable! Especially if you shop the clearance!!! There is always my favorite too...Neiman Marcus Last Call! But I'm sticking to my guns on this challenge..I signed up for 30 days and I have 20 to go...even if it includes me mending this little Target dress a bit! :)

Today's look is one of my favorites! Black and brown! In the unpublished and ever-changing book of fashion, the combination of brown and black in an outfit is forbidden. Until recently, the only shade of brown considered "acceptable" to be matched with black was a khaki or light brown. The key to pairing these two is to mix the colors throughout your outfit. An outfit made up entirely of black (coat, shoes, and bag) with only one element of brown (a belt) will look irregular. Switch out that black bag for a brown one and that belt won't look so out of place.

So my advice...when you're getting dressed in the morning, don't listen to the rules! Or better yet, make up your own rules. As long as you're well put-together and have confidence, you're going to look fabulous.

Day 10:
Black dress
Brown leather belt, Lucky Brand
Boots, Michael Antonio, Piperlime
Black tights
Vintage Link bracelet, and Gold Leaf earrings. Stella & Dot
Bag: Louis Vuitton Batignolles, one of my favorite classic staples!!!

Day 9: Running Late

I am running terribly late! First quick pic had to do! No time to do-over! This is me!!!

Day 9:
Black dress
Top: Aryn K., Hattie's Branches
Black tights
Black equestrian boots, Nine West
Boca Chic Necklace, Owl Necklace & Charlotte Ring, Stella & Dot
Gray bag, Villager

Day 8: Out With the New, In With the Vintage!

My Grana, full of life, and very spunky. Such a fun lady and so willing to serve. I can remember spending time with her over the summer as a child. She had our weeks packed with a full agenda ranging from time at Disney, to my favorite pastime...even then, the mall! I remember riding along with her to make Meals on Wheels deliveries and meeting many of her friends. She was always helping others.

Grana now suffers from Alzheimers. Last week was very sad. When my mom called, I could hear her tears through the phone. She had to move my Grana down to full assisted living. She will now be sharing what feels like a hospital room with a roomate. Mom was faced with the task of going through all of her things and trying to use what she could to make her new room feel like home.

Last night at our Sunday night family dinner, mom let me go through a box of Grana's vintage costume jewelry. I was ecstatic! As I weeded through the box of mix-matched clip on earrings and quite a few treasures, I could still smell her perfume on her necklaces. I began to think about Grana, where she went wearing this jewelry and what stories it could tell. I began to think of this not as a box of fun vintage accessories, but memories of my Grana. How cool it is to now have her pieces to style with! I will think of her each time I wear a piece!

Day 8:
Black dress
Vintage inspired ivory dress, Francessa's West Palm Beach
Granny booties, Nine West
Cameo ring, Saks
Vintage black glass beaded necklaces, My Grana
Vintage pearl hair comb, My Grana
Vintage bag, Greenflea Fleamarket, NYC

Day 7: Right Place, Right Time!

Even when I don't know where I need to be, God does. Today was one of those days. Since my husband started teaching a men's bible study on Sunday mornings, I have been struggling with where I belong after our 9:30am church service. Being without him, I feel very out of place in a couples class. I tried another class and I still feel that is not where I need to be.

As unsettled as I was today, I took my bible and hoped something would happen to direct me. Then through His divine guidance, I was blessed to meet up with two awesome ladies to talk about life, battles, ministry goals, and most importantly, God's word. It was refreshing and uplifting. The best part was, I got my answer! God just said come, and I will do the rest! Sometimes, we are just looking too hard for the right fit, when all we have to do is look to Him!


Day 7:
Black dress
Floral jacket: Ann Taylor
Black belt: Banana Republic
Black tights: Marshalls
Black booties: Tahari
Vintage silver clutch: Antique Store
Bloom flower ring: Stella & Dot
Charm necklace, Stella & Dot

Day 6: Game Day!

Delay in posting today due to my morning garage sale, Leanna's soccer game, and my MUCH needed nap! Today is day 6 and I was faced with the challenge of making my dress casual for the soccer field! I have to say today was the first day I REALLY just wanted to throw my jeans on...but I resisted to stay on coarse!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Each day I am finding more items that I can use to make the dress different, and every day I am more and more thankful for what I have. I am so grateful for what this project is teaching me!

Day 6:
Black dress
Floral top, Francessca's in West Palm Beach
Pink flower belt, J. Crew
Grey leggings, Target
Black flats, Converse
Denim jacket, Lucky

Day 5: Bit O' Chill

How pleasantly surprising it was to wake up to a chill in the air! I was hoping to be able to bring out the tights soon! My client, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, http://imperialsymphony.org/ is presenting the Pops by the Lake concert tonight. This poses an extra creative challenge for the dress! Wear it twice, differently in one day! I will have to post a picture later of what I come up with!

Today's Creation:
Black Dress
Tracy Reese top, Last Call STEAL! http://www.lastcall.com/
Purple tights, Ross
Seychelles black leather booties, Last Call as well!
Black Belt, Target
Black Hat, Marshalls
My Grandmothers vintage mother of pearl necklace
Sophia Cluster Ring, Stella & Dot

Day 4: Black & White!

This morning did not go as planned! I had to hurry and get dressed to avoid remaining in my running clothes all day! That is just how determined I am with this project! Today's theme is black & white! I threw in a few pops of color to cheer me up on this dreary day! Now, off to write two social media plans for two different clients! Cheers!

Day 4:
Black Dress
White Kenar top, Marshall's steal!
La coco gold necklace paired with coral boca necklace, Stella & Dot. www.stelladot.com/cathyhayes
Bronze Boutique 9 sandals, Marshall's clearance rack find!
Leopard print Betsy Johnson bag-a gift from my sweet friend Trish!
Mustard hat: Greenflea Flea Market, NYC (The BEST street market ever!!)

Day 3, Early Morning Wake Up Call

I woke up early this morning, 2:30 a.m. to be exact. I couldn't stop thinking of all of the tasks that I have not yet completed. A scripture popped into my head, and I feel led to share it. Revelation 21:5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

I am analyzing this verse, and realizing the true comfort in it. No matter what busyness I am overwhelmed with here on earth, I find peace the in the fact that HE is making everything new. That is eternal, THAT is what matters! So many times my focus is derailed and this small scripture spoke very loud to me this morning. When I am tired and weary...He reminds me that he is in control of my future, not me! I am so thankful that he renews me, in so many ways!

As silly as it sounds, I thought about how this verse relates to the dress project! Each day I'm faced with the task of making it new! :) I was pleasantly surprised that even my own husband didn't realize that I had put a top over the black dress yesterday. He thought it was a skirt! Tells you how much he was paying attention to the point of this project when I filled him in on Monday! Ha Ha!

Day 3:
Black Dress
Pink sequin top, Free People, From one of my other favorite boutiques, m. marie, http://web.me.com/meghangullen/m.marie/
Garden Party Necklace, Stella & Dot http://www.stelladot.com/sites/cathyhayes
Silver & Gold twist cocktail ring, David Yurman
Nine West tweed shoes, with Betsy Johnson pink fishnet socks
Coral Kate Spade mini tote

The first picture is of me prepping to "run" back for the pose before the camera went off!! A funny sight indeed!

Day 2

It's day 2 and this is still FUN! Here's what's on the style menu for today:

Black Dress!
Floral Top: Glam, from one of my FAV Boutiques, Hattie's Branches! www.hattiesbranches.com
(Purchased prior to spending freeze, I promise!)
Shoes: Bobbi Blue bone satin w/ gray ruffles, LOVE this line, check it out! http://www.bobbiblu.com/
Grey Leather Tote: Villager, a Ross steal a few months ago!
Accessories: Vintage Cluster Ring and Jasmine Filigree Earrings, Stella & Dot. www.stelladot.com/cathyhayes

Day 1: My 30 Day Dress Project

It Couldn't Be Done, Edgar Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
on his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

My 5th grade teacher taught this poem to us, and although I only shared the beginning, you get the point I am sure! :) So today, November 1, 2010, I begin my 30 Day Dress Project! Inspired by some sweet friends in my MOPS group, I decided to take on the challenge! I so enjoyed watching them post pictures of their October 30 Day Dress Projects, that it inspired me to jump on board! I have a bit of a shopping issue, so I thought this project would teach me several things:

1. To use what I have and NOT buy more, (for 30 days).
2. To be thankful for a closet full of clothes and accessories.
3. To be creative with what I have to create different looks!

So for those of you that know me and my shopping habits, I am sure you are thinking it couldn't be done. But as you will see over the next 30 days....I am tackling this project!

The Dress: Black Sheath, Mossimo for Target: $29.99

The Misson: You may wash it as much as you want (usually done at night or in the morning while you're wearing your pjs. [hand washing it at night and hanging so that it's dry by morning is the most green & simple option])

You may wear accessories. we encourage you to get creative with simplicity! feel free to incorporate cardigans, leggings, scarves, belts, jewelry, etc.

Exceptions:: work uniforms, workout clothes, bathing suits, etc. (we don't want you to lose your job, stop working out, or miss out on a beach trip!)

Wear the dress as much as you can. get comfortable wearing it and allow yourself to be challenged by finding beauty & awe in the mundane act of wearing the same dress every day.

Day One: black dress, vintage gold lariat necklace (Rae's Retro), leopard cocktail ring (Betsy Johnson), leopard heels (Guess), Bronze Michael Kors Tote.

Give to Receive!

Not to go Jerry McGuire on you, but I guess you could call this somewhat of a mission statement, you know...the things we think and do not say. :)

I was writing an article the other day, pro-bono of coarse, and I started questioning the work I felt I was giving away. I started numbering the organizations that I give my time to, and analyzing the time that I was spending on each. I was overwhelmed and I am ashamed to admit, a bit frustrated. Being completely honest with you, I was actually questioning why I was giving away so much work when it hit me...I had lost perspective.

I then started to tally the clients, associates and friends that I had met while giving back and it was made clear to me that we simply must give to receive. In this world, everyone wants something for nothing. But what about the company that gives knowing full well that they may wait years before receiving? That's who I want to hire, and that is the philosophy that I want Crescendo to emulate. It's not always about collecting the high monthly retainer, its about retaining the client by customizing packages that are affordable for all budgets and providing service that produces results. Our clients are our biggest advocates and the last thing I want mine to say is, "They sent me and invoice and that's all I got!"

Actions speak louder than words, and what better way to prove this than to put your company into action...regardless of the pay off!

Shoes, Jeans & Service

What is is about the red bottoms on a pair of Christian Louboutins that makes my heart flutter? Is it the fact that I know they cost $800.00? Or is it the fact that the shoe is handcrafted, flawless and wearable at the same time? What about the $300.00 pair of designer jeans? Is it the design on the pockets or is the quality of the denim and way they fit just right? Honestly...I think it is a little of both.

After all- we want to feel fabulous. But we don't want to be suckers either! I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. In fashion, and in business. You may hesitate a bit to drop a quarter of your paycheck on a ridiculously expensive pair of jeans or shoes, but if you knew you would get miles out of them and that they would be your go to pair for any event...wouldn't that ease your conscious?

Dependability, the kind that you don't even have to think about. That's what REAL service is! I love knowing that when I put on that great fitting pair of jeans, I am going to look my best and I don't even have to think about it! I know that they aren't going to stretch out by the end of the day, I can wear them with my heels or my Keds, and wash after wash...they will still be the same length! That is the type of service that we strive to provide to our clients! They are paying for service, and excellent service they should receive, no matter what it takes! Value...it's worth paying for!

Hayes Communications is going Crescendo!

After many months...and much thought, Crescendo-Public Relations Turned Up was born! We are very excited about our new look, but most of all the new venture! In life many adjustments have to be made. I made a huge adjustment three years ago with the birth of my 3rd child, followed a little too soon (for me...hee hee) by the fourth! Hayes Communications was put on the back burner so that I would have time for diapers, bottles, and bath times. This Fall the little ones will be going to preschool which opens up some time for me to work again! I thought what better way to make my comeback than with a new look and new energy! I am excited about this launch and look forward to where it will take me.

Being a full time mom has taught me so much. This season of my life has been trying and precious at the same time. I know there are situations that I could handle better, but I am doing my best and hanging on. Perfection is not an option in this game! Prayer is key! I am thankful for the opportunity to work again, and thankful for my family, the real reason I get out of bed everyday!

Splash page is up! www.prturnedup.com

Summer Time...Or Lack There Of!

Summer is in full swing and I am not going to sugar coat this for you. Working at home with with four kids out of school is INSANE. I have had to take many "time outs" and deep breaths. In between entertaining the kids full time, I have come up with a few suggestions that may be helpful to other "work at home" moms!

1. Pray
Before your feet hit the floor and as you stand on them during the day, PRAY! I need to be better at this, as all of my strength comes from HIM. Continually pray that God will open doors for you to do what you love, and love what you do. Pray that He will give your life balance and provide the strength that you need to handle your family first and then your work!

1. Call For HELP!
Don't try to do it all alone. Babysitters are expensive, I get that! So pull in your best resources, your friends! Trust me, they want a break as much as you do! Work out a trade day. Take their kids one day and the next day they can take yours! It works wonderfully! If your kids are like mine, having friends over keeps them busy and you have one less activity to plan!

2. Be Realistic!
Rome wasn't built in a day. You may not be able to finish your work projects in a day either! Plan accordingly, make sure to communicate your summer time constraints to your clients. Give yourself some cushion for your deadlines so that you can allow for kid-tastrophies!

3. Prioritize!
Boring but necessary! Make a list, check it twice-evaluate what can wait and what can not! Plan out your calendar in advance making sure that there is always some uninterrupted time with the kids each week. They need some play days where mom is not on the phone or the computer. This is called balance!

4. Relax!
Don't get worked up and frustrated when things don't go as planned. It isn't worth it to have a Mommy meltdown in front of the kids! This gets everyone upset and then you are much less productive!!! Be okay with crazy!! Until the kids get older, it just IS! Stop and take breathers, nap when you can and be proud of yourself for juggling the most important role you will ever take on...the role of mom!!!

The Park

We had a blast at the park today! What fun it is to take a break from reality and just have family time for the week! Ice cream and slides, sand and sun. I can't say that I have ever had a better time than what I am having right now!

The Things I Love

I have been visiting the same time share resort since I was five years old. This is year 30 at the Driftwood in Vero Beach. I love it here. I love seeing the same families that I grew up with. I love to see how much their families grow and change each year when we return. Long naps, game nights, and balcony visits are what make this week my favorite vacation each year. Trips up and down the steps to rinse out salty eyes, juice boxes and candy bars in the cooler! It's not until I get here, that I realize just how much this place means to me. I am so happy that I can share this sweet spot with my children. These are the memories that matter!

Social Media Revolution

Love this! Think it says it all!!!
http://ht.ly/1Im7W

Fashion Passion

The Fall Into Fashion Lakeland team was honored to help promote the Neiman Marcus Fashion Show at the Polk Museum of Art on April 21, 2010. Partnering with the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, the Polk Museum of Art provided the ideal atmosphere for fashion and fun! We enjoyed watching the models on the outdoor patio covered by white tents and chandeliers. The art, waterfall and outdoor lounge area set the mood for this super exclusive event! Music was provided by the band 10th Consession and was a fabulous compliment to the evening! We look forward to this being an annual event!

Happy Easter!

We had a great time on Spring Break and Easter! What a great family time! We spent time shopping, going out to lunch, taking bike rides and then topped the week off with a trip to Busch Gardens, where I have learned that I am too old to ride roller coasters! It was a sad reminder! Everyone is growing and changing! Kyle has shot up like 4 inches and is almost as tall as me when I don't have heals on :) Kennedy is a bit sassy and Kade is answering everything with "no!" Dora and Mickey are favorites and life is happy!