Day 18-The 12 X 12 Project, A Year to Change The World

Thanks to my amazing, talented, super sweet photographer friend, Rachel Absher, I am sharing a few pictures from our October Dress Project photo shoot! I know I have mentioned the 12 X 12 project before, but I wanted to share the press release with you that went out this morning!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 12 X 12 Project

A Year to Change the World

LAKELAND, FL, OCTOBER 18, 2012- A group of Lakeland mothers have decided to embark on a yearlong endeavor to live simply, purchase fairly, and tell others around them about the injustices that exist in our modern age. They feel this journey will challenge and show others that one person can make a difference. Close to 75 local ladies have already committed to the project.

Inspired by Jen Hatmaker's book "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess," the 12X12 Project is a one-year journey to bring twelve different social justice issues to light through monthly meetings, fundraising campaigns, and by wearing the same outfit from each organization all month long. A group of the ladies kicked off the yearlong endeavor by participating in the October Dress Project, where they wear the same dress for 31 days. “This is the third year that I have participated in the October Dress Project”, said Cathy Hayes. “It inspired me to start blogging, and to be more creative with what I already have in my closet.” There are a total of 25 Lakeland moms participating in the October Dress Project this year.

The 12x12 project is a year of living intentionally. Each month the ladies will highlight specific injustices, needs, and causes. They will give their time through outreaches and hands-on activities, and they will give their voices through monthly gatherings, social media, blogging, and anywhere else they can talk about it. Each clothing item or accessory they wear will be tied to the cause for the month. For example: In October the focus is Uganda. Their dresses or accessories came from a Ugandan company that gives employment to local women.

To top it off, they are saying no to frivolous spending. They will not shop for themselves for the entire year unless it's a serious need. “It started as an idea. One that seemed quite silly and pointless in my small, full-of-doubt mind,” said Ida Mundell, co-coordinator of MOPS at First Baptist Church at the Mall. “But now God is using this, HIS idea and I am thankful that He will use someone like me to bring glory to His name.”

About the 12 X 12 Project

The 12X12 Project is a one-year endeavor to bring twelve different social justice issues to light through monthly meetings, fundraising campaigns, and wearing the same outfit/accessory from each organization, each month, for twelve months. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/12X12Project.

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Day 17-Sparkle

The Dress, Sequin top: INC, Bag: tulu, Shoes: Plenty by Tracy Reese
Jewelry: Mixed bag

Mixed bag arm party! 

The solution to any overcast day: Sparkle. Although, you may feel a bit overdressed shopping the aisles of the grocery store, taking your dog to the vet, or picking your child up from preschool. But I can guarantee you will brighten someone's day, even if it is your own!

Truth?? I am really tired of this dress. 

But onward!!! Only 14 days to go!!!

Day 16-Color Blocked

The Dress, Cardigan: J. Crew, Belt: Banana Republic, Tights: Betsy Johnson,
Necklace: Stella & Dot, Bag: Vintage, Shoes: Franco Sarto

Vintage Rolex: Husband's, Leather bracelet: J. Crew, Bracelet: David Yurman

Feeling colorful, and happy today! That is all!

Day 15-Shopping Trip

The Dress, Top: Marshalls clearance, Belt: Target, Shoes: Steve Madden,
Bracelet: Banana Republic

Mom would probably never mix zebra with polka dots. Baby steps right? 

I went on a shopping trip today. But no fear, it wasn't for me. I took my mom. She is taking a trip on Thursday and needed some new tops. She bought a really cute striped jacket and was nearly floored when I suggested a print underneath. She wasn't quite getting the print mixing. BUT I did talk her into a colorful print top that she has agreed to wear under her new jacket!

She is the complete opposite of me and never buys anything for herself, so it was a treat to help her make selections and see her be the one to come out holding bags. My hands may have been empty leaving that store....but my heart was full!

Day 14-"Sowing" Lessons

The Dress, Vintage Tunic: Gift from Courtney, Clutch: VS,  Shoes: BCBG
Necklace: Stella & Dot, Belt: J. Crew

Throughout the first 14 days of this dress journey, God has been teaching me about forgiveness on a deeper level. Most certainly because that is an area in which I struggle. I can say that I forgive, but do I really feel the freedom of forgiveness? Do I forgive immediately when I have been offended, or do I hold back and wrestle with my pain? Today Joyce Meyer posted the following on Facebook:

"If someone has offended you, start sowing forgiveness. You may need some yourself someday."

Sowing Lesson 101, heard and noted. Thanks Joyce!

I don't know if you have heard the song "Forgiveness" by Matthew West, but you have to watch the story behind it here! An amazing "sowing" lesson!

Day 13-Saturday Love

The Dress, Scarf: My Mum-Mum's, Necklace: Old as dirt

Shoes: Fossil (Thrifted)

With my goods from the local farmers market! 

It's day 13 and I am officially getting tired of this dress. I wanted to throw on shorts for the soccer game today SO bad it was killing me. But I washed it, put it on, and showed up completely overdressed. I am almost halfway back to my closet. Reminding myself why I am doing this makes it much easier to step into. Thinking of women here or in other countries who don't have a closet, who walk miles and miles to feed their starving babies puts it in prospective for me real quick. I am blessed. I need not one thing.

My brother joined us today for soccer and a trip to the local farmer's market for produce, lunch, and some hot beignets courtesy of the Poor Porker! This evening will be pizza and game night with my kiddos one of my very favorite friends. It sure has been a great day, I hope you have enjoyed yours!

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! :)