What I'm Wearing ~ 01.30.15 {pity party week}

This week was long...fought a cold that I thought was maybe a tease last week all. week. long.  Plus the grading stacks were at an all time high! At the end of the week when I was fussy (the cold) and frustrated (poor work turned in), I did realize I had told a lot of students I was proud of them and a lot had done really great things in class this week!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Monday was a re-wear of Sunday church...and I was lazy enough to to just use the same pic.  Sometimes on down days need a little reminder on where I am rooted and who dwells in my heart. Plaid tunic/dress is from Accessorize in Style that I mentioned last week. We are all well acquainted with the boots by now like old friends and a fuzzy vest just makes everything better!

My Mom always says dress up when you don't feel good and a maxi skirt seemed a good option for dressing up, and comfy.  Jean jacket, little leopard scarf tucked in and call it a day.  The sun was shining so bright this week, but I just felt gray. But, I liked this combo, it will repeat!

 

Wednesday...hump day! We've been talking about advertising and the effectiveness of slogans in one of my business classes, had a student sing out the Hump Daaayyyy song the other day, it is memorable for everyone.  Including you now.  I didn't want to just keep that to myself...

Back to the wearing...little aztec sweater and gray pants.  I've mentioned my height and pants...if you're tall, Banana Republic has great work pants! These are "longs" (from Outlet store) not "Tall" ordered only online and they are long enough for me with heels.  Probably a 36" inseam. Wide leg and a cuff...perfection!

Dear camo, you're my favorite.  This is one of my all time favorite shirts, it's made repeat appearances here and paired with floral jeans/pants (we only wear "jeans" on Friday) is one of my favorite combos.  It seems everywhere you look there are shirts with the hems hanging out with lace or ruffles.  This shirt doesn't have that, but I have a little sheer ruffle tank that goes perfect under and give the effect while it's "trendy" and back to regularly scheduled wear when it's gone. 

 

TGIF! Made it and celebrated with a ponytail.  Or really my hair probably needed to be washed on Wednesday, but I made it work Thursday and Friday had to have a ponytail. But, details, really here nor there. Student told me on Thursday I should have saved my camo for Friday because basketball teams were wearing camo! Have no fear, I have camo to spare.  Looped up a scarf, it's not an infinity,but just tied it together.  Added a little green belt to mix it up too.  The good thing about Crimson and Navy as your school colors is lots of other colors go well with them like my fav camo, leopard, lime-ish green, mint green, etc..  

And, finally, this week was over.  In the grand scheme, it was nothing major, just a little frustrating to me, tired and not feeling 100%, but all things pass and better days come because I have faith and know Christ dwells in my heart. 

 

Blessings,

What I'm Wearing ~ 01.23.2015 {the elastic edition}

Just a 4 day work week, but how do those sometimes seem like a long time...know what helps going back after a long weekend?  Something new to wear!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

On my little road trip last weekend I also got to shop with one of my favorite traveling boutiques, Accessorize in Style.  She had a great sale going and I got a couple of fun things, including both this sweater and these palazzo pants.  If you're not on board for palazzo pants (previously mentioned here), I can understand the hesitation.  If you've never tried them on, they are like wearing one step above pajamas, elastic waist, acceptable as "professional", can be worn with heels, cowboy boots and flip flops/sandals in the summer and add bright patterns to your wardrobe too!  I looked all over NYC for a tan/neutral poncho/cape like sweater and could never find one.  I tried on this sweater and loved it, and it is deemed my poncho/cape. If you're in Texas, you can find them at the major Rodeos (Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Houston) as well as Junior League and other markets all year long!

Tuesday, I mean Wednesday, back with the semi neutrals and cow horn hoops, and if you're paying close attention here, same scarf as last week.  Old habits die hard.  This maxi dress is from Nordstrom Rack several years ago and I honestly think I got it for less than $10. Being tall, finding dresses that will graze the ground are not a dime a dozen for me, and certainly not at $10! 

Again with the layers and the cold.  But, today's pants are JOGGERS! I wasn't sure I could get on board, but apparently I buy in at $10...see first maxi dress above and these were on sale around Christmas at Rue 21, have you heard of that store, me neither...but, I'm all in for trends at $10!!  And, joggers are also one step above pajamas, seen as "professional" and include an elastic waist. 

Friday it is!  Jeans and spirit shirts.  It's always good to keep the jeans in regular rotation with the days of dresses and elastic waist pants, just to make sure the jeans still fit. I have several soccer players in my classes, so wore my shirt with good intentions to support them.  However, it hid out under this coat all day long.  First day of what felt like a cold coming on, after sitting out in the cold/damp night for a Rodeo event, though I am in denial I was cold all day.  The coat, a random Canton (East Texas Flea Market of giant proportions) that I picked up long before "Buffalo Check" was such a thing, maybe 5+ years ago?  I've always hung onto it because the sleeves are long enough for me while it fits, because...tall. 

4 days and just like that it's the weekend again!  And, what, no ponytail.  Don't be fooled. If there was a 5th work day there would have been a ponytail. 

 

Here's to hoping the runny nose/sneezy/cold is just a tease....but, you can bet I will be spending some time in real pajamas over the weekend!

 

Blessings,

Hand Lettering on Canvas! Custom designs!

So, I have this little hobby, I love painting on and creating canvases with words. One of my besties ordered a couple from me...finally got my paints out since I was on my way to visit her over the long weekend.  Her favorites are orange, turquoise and purple...so used a couple of those colors for these. 

  Interested in a canvas?  Colors can be customized for background and lettering.  Quotes, names, dates, verses, words...possibilities are endless!  Leave a comment and I will get in touch! 

Step 1 a background...these 2 are bound on wood frame, 12" x 12" and are 1.5" thick.

 

Step 2 starting the lettering...also sent this as a sneak peek....

 

And, here is the first one.  Such a good reminder:  I am enough. I have enough. I do enough.  The world pushes and pulls us in so many directions, oftentimes leaving us feeling like we aren't enough.  At the end of the day, we can only do so many things well, be so much to the people in our lives and have to realize that we are enough. Maybe this is a reminder for you as well? 

 

The second one is a blue-ish turquoise color. 

 

Sneak peek at the metallic lettering...

 

Here is the final:  I exist, I matter, I make sense.  We were all created for unique purpose and plan, no two alike, each given our own "signature" to this thing we call life, and you do matter and make sense. 

 

Here are a few others I've created recently...

This one for my Dad's birthday...all the things I love about home, the 4G. 

This is song lyric, I lettered black & white, a friend did the lettering on piece of pipe organ. Frameable cardstock/paper is also available. I think this one is 18x24" or so...it's pretty large!

 

Alternatively, just a little 4"x4" treat for 2 of my besties...

 

The best part about this, dreaming with my bestie when I delivered these and talking about what words mean, painting words and creating.  I am so thankful for friends who encourage my creativity!

 

Blessings,  

What I'm Wearing ~ 01.16.15

It was a full 5 day week, but it's a long 3 day weekend ahead!  Yes!  Onto this week...

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Green + Leopard are two of my favorite things, so naturally I want to wear that combo all the time. cardigan and polka dot shirt are both Target specials. Light green cardigan paired with darker green scarf, I've always been a sucker for monochromatic.  Especially in summer with all white...speaking of summer, it's been long time since the sun has shined in South Texas and I am not well equipped for the dreary days! I need a the sunshine!!

Still chilly and the best way for me to stay warm is layer up! Sweater dress plus {another} scarf. Gray and brown is another favorite combo of mine...gray + chocolate brown and gray + cognac. My little nephew would probably point out a pattern in this outfit...brown, gray, brown, gray, brown....My Noonday Collection cow horn hoops pair perfectly!  And, oh yes I did toss on some little socks with my booties. Cold feet are the worst!

Did I say white a minute ago?  Yep, white jeans in the midst of cold January!  It just happens sometimes.  Denim shirt + aztec cardigan = warm and cozy all day. My classroom is typically very cold on cold days, so if I know I'm in there, I definitely layer up! These booties are a TJMaxx favorite from a couple of years ago...one of those pairs that you know will wear out one day and you wonder how you'll ever replace them. They are about 4" high, but they are surprisingly not miserable to be in all day.

I've had it.  The cold, the dreary.  It was time for a day of favorites!  Bright scarf, military jacket, new fav cognac boots over dress + leggings.  I think this day the sun actually made it's first appearance...I announced it to my class with great excitement, which wasn't really received as excitedly.  Maybe because I followed up with an assignment? 

And, Friday! The sun was shining, I was feeling like I needed to spice up my jeans and it was still cold.  This Gap blazer is from many years ago, but it's perfect for my school colors and under there is a Spirit T-shirt thus making this "Friday legal" according to dress code!  Wide cuffs on skinny jeans...kind of liking them vs. the thinner cuff....you?

The most amazing part about this week...only 1 day with my hair in a pony tail!  :) 

 

Cheers to the long weekend, I'm off for a little roadie to see one of my besties from life on the road!

 

Blessings, 

What I'm Wearing ~ 01.09.15 {Back to School}

It's 2015 already!  The Winter Break was so lazy, this week of getting back to the routine was so hard!! 

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Thankfully, Monday was a workday with no students, so I could still sport my leggings, which were pretty much my uniform for 2 weeks.  It's hard to break old habits.  I mentioned these boots and my jacket on Friday favorites. 

Tuesday our Students were back and it was our Community Partner "Take Flight" day.  I do love jeans, so second to leggings, I still felt like it was easing me back into reality.  The weather in Texas has been so cold, I have pulled out a couple of cashmere sweaters from the archives that haven't seen a lot of wear in recent years. This gray cardigan is one of those pieces. 

I have always loved graphic T's and the couple of sweaters I have (that aren't cardigans) have some sort of graphic on them.  I like this gray w/ green heart, mixes well with black, white or navy stripes too!  I wore my navy suede heels, but have also worn this same combo with leopard heels. 

Brrr...seriously cold outside.  Aztec sweater coat for the win!  Paired with gray jeans pants from Loft.  Shhhhhh. 

TGIF! Made it one week back.  A weekend ahead with not much planned.  I mixed up all the patterns today, navy gingham, paisley scarf and barely peeking out polka-dot socks. 

And here it is all together, apparently I also wasn't into fixing my hair much this week...some weeks are just like that, right?

 

Blessings,

Friday Favorites ~ little this, a little that

TGIF!  It was one of those weeks, can I get an AMEN!?  Including packing my lunch and leaving it on the counter this morning.  It's hard to get back to routine after 2 exceptionally lazy holiday weeks! 

Linking up for Friday favs...with Andrea, Erica & Narci

One of my besties gave me these Kate Spade favorite color green studs! I wore them the next day, didn't matter to me if they matched or not! Love them so much and I know I will be wearing them a lot!  I love it when someone picks out a gift for you that you had looked at yourself, never bought, and never even talked about them either! Now that I have a pair of these and know how much I like them, I might end up with more....

 

I mentioned my New Years Resolution was fresh flowers in my house.  One of my college besties brought me these last week at our lunch gathering and they have been so bright and cheery in my house this week! I know fresh flowers are going to a favorite all year long! If you're feeling like you've already failed your resolutions, you might find some encouragement here.

Little things are big things for me and when someone remembers something that you like, and then surprises you with a little treat, it's a favorite for me!  I love this quote...kindness matters.

This year for my nieces' birthday, I took them shopping for a new dress. We had a fun outing, lots of laughs and posing in the dressing room and they each found a dress as part of their birthday present.  This year for Christmas I gave all 3 littles a gift card to Target and told them I would take them and they could pick out whatever they wanted.  So, we headed to Target after church one Sunday with gift cards burning a hole for them!  We labored over Legos for my nephew, finally had a combination picked out, then turned the corner...saw this puppy dog and Max was adopted right off the toy aisle of Target.  I never would have picked this as a gift for him, and he was so very excited about him!  The girls looked at all sorts of things...high heels , office supplies, pens, and toys...then both decided on stick on nails, lip glosses and couple of other little things from the kids cosmetics aisle.  They tapped on all counters, fridge, chairs and tables and were so pleased with their nails.  Shopping with them to pick out (pretty much) whatever they wanted was so fun and what I think will become a favorite tradition for me.  Aunt life is such a gift! 

 

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Bundle up and stay warm this weekend!  With rain and 30 degree temps predicted plus a couple of new books I will most likely be in one of my favorite places...on the couch! 

 

Blessings,

2015: Resolution

Here it is January 6, resolutions still fresh on the mind of many.  I'm linking up today with Andrea at Momfessionals for her Tuesday Show and Tell. 

 

I've never been a big New Year's resolution writer...I can remember several years going to our church NYE party when I was younger and writing letters to ourselves about the new year, but don't ever really remember seeing them at the end of that year to know how far I'd come, or let's be honest, gone backwards. 

 

For several years as an adult I had a theme...something that rhymed with the year, ie: Divine '09. Last year I had a word, I wrote it and intended to blog about it at the beginning of the year, but just kept that word hidden in my heart and thought about it constantly throughout the year.  That word was FLOURISH and you can read about it here. 

 

And, now it's 2015. 

 

The resolution I made was to keep fresh flowers in my house. I found this cute mercury like glass vase at Target on a random aisle for $4.50, picked it up, paid for it and declared it my fresh flowers vase for 2015.  First up were hydrangeas. Simple grocery store flowers, nothing fancy, but a reminder to me that I am always growing, lessons learned from FLOURISH. 

 

They also served as a centerpiece for table when I hosted my College Besties for our Christmas (which was Jan 2nd this year) ornament get together. Bonus flowers too because one of my sweet besties brought me these roses!  They have bloomed so pretty all week reminding me "Friends", one of the sweetest blooms in life. 

So, I'm still soaking on my word for 2015.  I think I have it.  I have seen it and heard it in so many places, I feel like it is confirmed.  But, I think I'm going to hide it in my heart for this year.  I want to hold onto it. I want to watch God work in my life through this year and see how that word comes into play.  If you're searching for a word for this year I have seen so many posts of great words...Build, Grow, Intentional, Brave, Free, Give, Grace, Courage, Simplify...maybe one of those speaks to you.

One thing I do intend to do is be intentional with my time.  I feel like my schedule owned me majority of the end of last year. All things I was glad to be a part of, thankful for and fun parts of life.  But, I don't want my schedule to own me. I want to be intentional with my time.  I mentioned my new planner on last week's Friday Favorites, it's the Day Designer by Whitney English.  There are so many great points to this planner, each day with quote, (which I love), to-do list, schedule, things to focus on, daily gratitude, dinner plans, money plans...all areas of life I want to be intentional. 

 

 

But I have decided at the end of the month, I will tear out the pages of that month.  They are days gone by. There is no need to hash and re-hash those days.  Some days the to-do list won't get done and some days the calendar will be overscheduled. Lots of days I will fail at something. 

 

Maybe you're looking at the first couple of weeks of January and thinking I've already failed at all, or some, of my resolutions. Give yourself some grace, tomorrow is a new day. The greatest lesson of this is one of my favorite verses, the mercies of the Lord are new every day.  We all fail terribly and can't ever succeed on our own will and power, but we do thrive on the grace of Jesus and thankfully we start over every day. So maybe the goal is to be better today than yesterday, or better tomorrow than today. 

 

No matter the case, don't let your resolutions lie to you when you've not met them.

Let the grace of Christ speak truth to you.  

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:21-23

 

One other way I want to be intentional is to not waste time scrolling on my phone.  Instead reading a book vs. status updates. The first couple I have for the new year are Mingling of Souls by friend and gifted teacher of scripture Matt Chandler. The book is designed for single, dating, engaged and marrieds, based on Song of Solomon and a study guide is available.  Also have the I am Malala checked out from our school library to read. 

 

 

Another book I would recommend that many have seen the movie is Unbroken. I haven't seen the movie, but have heard so many disappointments from friends who read the book that the "rest of his story" wasn't told.  It is hard to pack 97 years into 2/2.5 hours of movie, but Louis Zamperini has an amazing testimony of forgiveness and his life over the last 30ish years. 



 

No matter the resolutions we make, life happens. I pray that we are above all of our to-do's & resolutions well equipped in word, truth and relationship with Jesus. Perhaps that is the best resolution. 

 

Blessings,

Friday Favorites {Christmas gifts + deals}

Happy 1st Friday of 2015!! 

Linking up for Friday favs...with Andrea, Erica & Narci 

 

It's a new year and that means a new planner!  Organization/office supplies/new calendars are one of my favorite things! I looked at several different ones this year...Erin Condren Life Planner, Emily Ley Simplified Planner and Whitney English Day Designer.  I ended up going with the Day Designer.  I am excited to start using this planner for life, studies, blogging, friend dates, dates (hopefully!), to-do lists, volunteer commitments and more all in one place!  It also came in the prettiest packaging, was like a present to unwrap! 

 

 

Military Jacket...I have been looking for a sweet forever for one that fits me w/out being oversized AND the sleeves are long enough. I'm 5'9" and some things I can size up in and get the sleeve length, but every jacket I tried on just didn't fit me right. On the day after Christmas I was shopping Target armed with my extra 20% off coupon clearance and I found this one in the men's section! It's a small and perfect fit for me.  Brand is Converse and receipt says "smoking jacket", ha! I've already worn it a couple of times in the week I've had it!  This is definitely a favorite wardrobe staple and will dress up my usual "uniform" of leggings on the weekend. 

The pic above was a Saturday and I headed into the city for some shopping, particularly was looking for tall riding boots, flat heeled, cognac color.  And, this was later that day!  I found these boots (MIA Crossings) at Francesca's.  Best part was, they went on sale w/in couple of days, so they gave me the price adjustment credit and I got them for $23!!! A bargain is definitely my favorite! They also go perfectly with the Military Jacket!

 

For Christmas I asked for a Journaling Bible . I got the ESV version and my very own set of Twistable Colored Pencils.  If you have littles in your house, you probably have some of these around.  I write in my Bible at church, mark verses and make notes, but this one has an extra large margin and is perfect for high-lighting verses/thoughts/lyrics/etc that really teach me something. The morning at my kitchen bar is my favorite and I'm going to have to be mindful of the clock before school, as I can spend a lot of time reading/studying and now lettering in my new bible!

 

I just finished up Beth Moore's 90 Days with Jesus study, and one of the last days she was talking about Hope, and the Greek (original) definition..."Confident expectation". That is what I want to remember about my hope in Christ. No matter the circumstance, that I have confident expectation in Him! A friend also told me about these pens, and they are perfect for writing in my Bible. Pens are one of my favorite things, and super fine point pens are the best!  I found this set at Hobby Lobby.

My school bestie has a super talented husband who crafts up lots of fun ideas she creates!  She gave me one of these boards, frame with chicken wire...perfect for Christmas card display or all year long display.  It's kind of like my live Pinterest board....few quotes, verses and pics of favorite things!  I hung this right by the door I come in from my garage and it makes me happy every time I open the door! 

 

Speaking of Pinterest...I've never had a Pinterest, but at the persuasion of some friends I have started one for my blog.  So, if you're a Pinner...followe Signature You....check me out here! (Hopefully that works, because I still need help with Pinterest!) 

 

Have a great weekend!