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!

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!