"Earthy"

Freeride836 stoke rope bracelet,  my purchase bought one square foot of  the Tanzanian Orphanage.

With Earth Day in mind, I pulled some of the "earthiest" items from my closet. My copper necklace was a gift, handmade and colored naturally by rainwater. My wooden ring was my 12X12 Project purchase last month from Mata Traders. I am also wearing my purchase for this month, a stoke rope bracelet in support of Freeride836. A local father, his sons, and some professionals are kiteboarding 50 miles from Miami to the Florida Keys as soon as they have a good wind window. The money they raise will build an orphanage in Tanzania, Africa. The bracelet is made out of stoke rope that you will find on a kiteboard, and the metal plate lists the longitude and latitude of the orphanage. The bracelets are $20.00 each and 100% of your purchase goes to the orphanage. They can be purchased in Lakeland, FL at Mayzie's boutique, or let me know and I will find a way to get one to you! They just happen to be a client of mine as well! 

To close out the day, we walked the neighborhood to pick up any trash in a bag that my daughter made at school. I love that she insisted upon completing this task, and I so admire her heart! What did you do to celebrate Earth Day? 

Happy Friday!

I hope you all are just as excited about the weekend as I am! Happy Friday! XO

Dreams Do Come True!

This.....is the face of pure excitement!

Have you ever had an opportunity to witness someone's wildest dream come true? Last week I did. I still feel completely overwhelmed that I had the opportunity to be with my daughter as she met Taylor Swift, whom she absolutely adores.

It was totally a God thing, I won the tickets the Friday before by listening to 97 Country. I knew this year we wouldn't be able to afford tickets, and I explained that to her, and told her that we would make it to another concert one day. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to not only win the 2 tickets, but 2 meet and greet passes as well! I waited until we got near the Amway Center to tell her. She was blown away!!!!

Watching her smile from ear to ear all night was priceless. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was beautiful to see her recognize this as a gift from God too, and not loose sight of just how special this night was. Taylor was so super sweet, and absolutely stunning in person.

I am so thankful that I will have this memory to share with my little girl, and you know what? Dreams do come true!!

The Disguise

I wore my favorite color to help disguise my tired eyes. Did it work? I am trying to channel cheer, when I really just want to go to bed. My husband's new commute is already wearing on me and it has only been 2 days. Can you say wimp? Although I appreciate them....his goodbye kisses at 4:45am wake me just enough to prevent going back to sleep. I didn't realize how good I had it when he was home in the mornings to help me with breakfast and delivering children to school.  I am sure we will adjust to our new schedule soon, until then, wish me luck! 

Big Gifts

I have always heard people say when God gives, He gives BIG. I am a believer of that now more than ever. I've been through periods in my life when I thought only bad news was coming my way. I think I may have noticed the small blessings, but I wasn't truly aware of them because I was suffering so much pain.

After only two weeks, my husband was offered a job, and he started today. He didn't even call his new employer, who happens to be his largest customer. Only God. They called him, they believe in him. I am so proud of him and really excited, although he has a lot to learn so there will be very long days. He will also be commuting about an hour or so, which may promote a relocation in our near future. We will see how it goes, and continue to pray.

We had a great weekend, placing 2nd in our categories at a local triathlon. Our trophies read 3rd place because there was a mix up on the timing. And to top it off I received another HUGE blessing last Friday that I will be able to announce later this week. It is a surprise for my daughter, so I have to keep it a surprise for you too! God gives big. My cup overflows.

Thankful

I believe this 100%. During this time in our lives when we can't see the future, my eyes have been opened further to all of the things I have to be thankful for. The struggles in our marriage, my shopping fast and budget cuts, and my husband's current unemployment all have changed my perspective.

Yesterday was rough. My oldest had his wisdom teeth removed and it did not go very well. After feeling rushed out of the recovery room, he got very sick. I pulled into Smoothie King, which my friend owns. Luckily another friend of mine was walking out of the door, and I frantically called to him for help. They handed us towels, supplies, and even a smoothie to get something on his stomach. I couldn't be more thankful for that, those helping hands. As I mentioned in a previous post, we don't have my husband's company car any longer...so I was driving my son's car at the time. Do you think a teenage boy keeps napkins or anything in his car? Of coarse not. So we got cleaned up and went on our way.

Arriving home I had a mess to clean up in the car, and a very sick boy on my hands. A friend sent me a text and told me she was bringing dinner. I cried. I felt so loved, and so comforted just by that gesture alone. Jesus was showing himself to me through my friends yesterday, and I was overwhelmed.

Even with all of the crazy, scary, not so fun things happening in my life right now, I felt at peace. I go back to some of my posts complaining about letting things go, not shopping, blah, blah.....and I finally realize why I am on this journey. God is shaping me for something better. He wants me to know love like I have never known, and to trust him like I never have before. I could not feel more blessed.

1000 Gifts Continued:
174. The smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen
175. Helping hands
176. Hot meals from sweet friends
177. Days spent at home
178. Caring for sick children
179. Indescribable peace
180. Love amplified

The New Easter Dress

Dress: c/o www.eshakti.com

Dress, c/o www.eShakti.com

I received this beautiful dress as a gift from eShakti a few weeks back. I have been hoarding it for Easter, as I knew shopping for a new dress was not an option this year. There is just something about a new dress on Easter, I can remember dress hunting as a child with my mom before the big day. Frilly socks, new white shoes, and pretty hair bows. Oh how I still love to dress up! eShakit really has some beautiful options for spring, and you can even customize the sizing for a perfect fit.

In other news, my husband already has a job offer on the table, but we are taking our time to pray and make sure this is what God wants for us. It will be a bit of a drive, a lot of work, and tons of learning at first....but the opportunity is excellent so we are super excited about that. He has another interview this week, so things are looking promising in the midst of this storm. Personally, I will just be glad when we have another car. These one car wonder logistics are for the BIRDS! But, that aside....God is proving to be faithful yet again, and for that we are so very thankful.

I hope you all had a VERY happy Easter!

The 1000 Gifts List Continues:
164. Ice cream and toppings
165. Playing games with friends
166. Cheese Fries
167. Hand me down Easter dresses
168. Little girls in new church shoes
169. Bridges that take us to beaches
170. Sand filled sub sandwiches
171. Party crashing sea gulls
172. Celebrating Easter with family
173. My new Easter dress

Looking Up

My attitude has been crappy today, but I am still looking up. I feel like my emotions go from hope to despair so quickly right now. I keep reminding myself of the positive, and I keep giving thanks no matter how lousy I feel.

Good things are already happening. Right after I shared my post yesterday, I received a hug from God in the form of a $100.00 gift card to Hattie's Branches Boutique from the Lakelander magazine! I entered their Instagram contest, and I WON!!! How cool is that?

My entry! 

Still Counting #1000 Gifts
144. Hotel stays
145. Clear skies, warm sun
146. Live music by a crystal blue pool
147. An elephant parade
148. Food that is bigger than you are
149. Chocolate mustaches
150. Afternoon cuddles
151. Long naps in fluffy beds
152. Beautiful sun rays through white clouds
153. Crisp, juicy apples
154. Friends that love you when you need it most
155. Winning a prize
156. New recipes
157. Easter candy
158. DIY decorations
159. When a friend reads your mind
160. Jellybeans in a pretty dish
161. Quiet nights under cozy comforters
162. Being covered in prayer
163. Long talks during haircuts

Discipline

When I signed on to The 12X12 Project, I thought I was just signing up for a yearlong shopfast, and a way to reach out to those in need. What I didn't realize at the time was that God was preparing me for something huge, a hardship that my family would face that I had absolutely no control over. Immediately following my commitment to The 12X12 Project, my husband and I felt lead to go through the Dave Ramsey financial class with our church. You may have read my post about cutting back, and that is just what we have done gradually since October of last year.

Last week, the world came crashing down on us again. My husband called me and told me that he had lost his job. There was nothing that he could do, they were making cutbacks and started with major players. He is the sole provider for our family of six, so you can imagine the panic that set in after hearing those words. Although ashamed to admit it, I immediately questioned God.

Why now God? Why would you take away our income when we have finally committed 100% to tithing and to your commands for how we handle our finances? 

He answered, and reminded me that He was preparing us for this. By committing to The 12X12 Project, and to the Dave Ramsey class we were able to downsize. I was able to train myself that I don't need "stuff" even though it is so nice to have the latest trends. I downsized my vehicle, my husband received a bonus in February that allowed us to pay off some debt that had been hanging over our heads, and I cut up all of my credit cards.

Had this news come with no financial cutbacks or preparation, I think I would still be in the fetal position. Now, I have to stay positive for my husband and my family. I have to believe in God and His plan for our family, and to trust Him to provide for us. This is a situation that we have never been through before, and God is using it to mold us and to show us that we have to cling to him to make it through. I don't know what is going to happen, I don't know how He will work this out....but in addition to posting my outfits, I will be using my blog to track our new journey. Hopefully very soon I will be reporting the wonderful things He is doing for us through this time of discipline.

Casual Friday

It's casual Friday, and I am packed and ready to head to Orlando for the weekend with my family. Clear skies, and warmer temps will be the icing on the weekend. :) Enjoy friends!

Stripes....or Spots?

My answer: Both....together, they are super fun.

I have been trying to keep my focus on contentment lately. I have had help this week as our sermon Sunday was on contentment, and my devotion yesterday focused on the same. I love what my devotion said:

"The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance." 

This is good to remember. When I think about my wants and desires right now, they are totally different than a year ago. I am okay with having less, in order to have more. The gift list continues below.

1000 Gifts
133. Mother daughter dates
134. Dancing with friends
135. Watching a crowd ask Jesus in their hearts
136. Long talks with my teenager
137. Strawberries
138. Making jam
139. A hot stove
140. Sleepy kisses
141. Soap and water
142. The buzzing of the refrigerator
143. A sink full of dishes!

No Words

I totally have writer's block today. So I'm just going to share my outfit. Honestly, I'm just plain exhausted!! It's almost Friday right??

Workwear Remix

I have absolutely nothing to write about today. I paired a Vans t-shirt with a blazer and black pants and called it a day. Not shopping = mixing lots of casual items into my workwear! Happy halfway day! Halfway to Friday that is! :)

Logistics

It's Tuesday, and getting my kids where they need to go this afternoon is going to be a logistical nightmare. One has his first T-ball game, one has her last soccer game of the season, and one has dance class. To top it off, each event is in a different neighboring city. As if it could get any more complicated. I really don't know what I would do with out the help of my parents, they are a huge blessing.

The topic at MOPs this morning was super timely. We talked about being intentional with our children, making time for devotions, and reading the bible together. In our busyness, our family finds time to be consistent with everything else but not this most important thing, time together in God's word daily. I know that He was speaking to me through MOPs today, saying the SAME thing he has been saying to me for four years now, "You are too busy!" I know some of it can't be avoided, with four children how can we not be busy? But there are some things that we could give up to make more time at home together. Time to start the weeding out process again, wish me luck! :)

Monday Gift!

Happy Monday! My gift to you is a 20% off coupon code from eShakti. I am absolutely in love with their spring line. You can customize the sizing of their beautiful Anthropologie-like designs for the perfect fit for your body type. You will not be disappointed with the quality either. Have a fabulous start to the week, and enjoy shopping eShakti!

Code: CTHYKHYES
Good through March 30, 2013

Hooky

I played hooky yesterday. My littlest had a tummy virus and had to be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school. So......after a day spent inside at home on Wednesday, we decided we needed fresh air. We went to the mall, had lunch, and stopped off in Plant City for an amazing strawberry shortcake at Parksdale Farms. Yum, yum! I can't think of a better excuse to take the day off.  I am feeling very thankful this week, enjoy your weekend friends! XO

#1000 gifts
124. Window Shopping
125. lunch dates
126. Warm bread with soft butter
127. Sharing dessert
128. Farmer's Markets
129. Drive time talks with a 4 y/o.
130. School carnivals
131. Pizza
132. Friday nights

All Business

It's only Tuesday and I am so over work. On most days my job is fun. I love writing, blogging, coming up with campaign strategies, and searching for content for my clients' social media networks. But this week has been spent playing catch up due to my lack of bookkeeping effort. I was so behind on my Quickbooks entries I had to go back to March 2012. NOT good. The good news is I should have it finished up by tomorrow, and I will NEVER get that behind again!

The shopfast is still going well, and our March focus is India. I am trying to decide what to purchase for from MATA Traders. It's so hard to make a decision when you are only purchasing one item a month,  but it makes it ten times more fun than a usual purchase.

In other news, I got my hair trimmed today and I can SEE again! :)

Shirt With a Purpose!

Shirt: Sevenly

I couldn't wait to wear my purchase for the month! The purchase of this shirt helped fund an undercover rescue mission to save the lives of girls who have been kidnapped, coerced or sold into prostitution. This is exactly the mission of The 12X12 Project this month.

I have to say, it was so fun to get something in the mail. Pre-12x12 Project,  I was an online shopper extraordinaire. I loved seeing the UPS or FedEx box on my doorstep just as much as what I found on the inside. New stuff was a thrill for me and I actually felt better if I was wearing something new. I have learned to tame that crazy lady a wee bit now, and I am really grateful for the perspective change.

Technically, today should be awesome and awkward Thursday, but it's been a while since I have added to my gift list, and I have been keeping track! :)

1000 Gifts
112. Multicolored ocean water
113. Sand in everything
114. Seagulls
115. Boogie Boards
116. Waves
117. The smell of sunscreen on little hands
118. Warm sun on wet skin
119. My kindergarteners face when she spots me in the carline.
120. When my work promotes good.

Fun and Fabulous Friday!

I am so thankful it's Friday! This week has been absolutely nuts playing catch up from my Vegas trip. I am not complaining, as I am blessed to have some great projects going on right now, but I could sure use some down time.  My children's schedules alone are enough to keep me hopping. The plan is to grill steaks at home tonight, and visit with friends. The older I get, the more I appreciate evenings in!

The shopfast is going strong, and I am happy to report that my Banana Republic, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus cards are all paid off! We are having a card cutting party at church Sunday. I am a little nervous about saying goodbye to my Nordstrom notes, but I know myself.....and the card has to go. God has been so good to us, I can't afford not to be obedient on this. Old habits will come creeping for sure, and I need to be ready! Anyway, thank you all for your encouragement through this year, it helps keep me going! XO

Happy Valentine's Day!

Much like the weather here in Florida, my outfit today does not make much sense. One day sunny in shorts, the next cool and rainy. I mean...who wears rain boots with snakeskin print skinnies anyway? Oh yeah, I do. Despite the rain, I am having a lovely Valentine's Day with my family. I have received some beautiful artwork from my children, along with cards and chocolates.

There was one special gift from eShakti too. I have been given the choice of one item from their new spring line, and I have narrowed it down to my top three favorites, but I need help! Would you please vote on your favorite to help me decide? I am on a yearlong shopfast, so I don't take this decision lightly :)  If you would be so kind as to visit my facebook page and vote for your favorite, I would greatly appreciate it!! Happy Day of LOVE! XO