Commit 30: February

In case you missed it in January, I'm taking 2017 in 30 day increments (well, sometimes 30, or 31 or 28 this month) and committing to something for 30 days.  

You can click (here) to read January...30 days of No Shopping!

So February, was all about S E L F. 

This was an acronym for me....

S - soda, but let's be honest, "coke", which really means Dr. Pepper 

A fountain Dr. Pepper is one of my favorite treats. I will often forego other snacks or sweets in favor of a fountain drink. I don't really love canned or bottled drinks, so don't keep Dr. Pepper at home.  (Though I did try the Dr. Pepper 10 recently, and it's not very good, in case you were wondering.)  I don't want to quit drinking DP all together, there's sometimes I just really love having a coke. But, this month I made a conscious decision to really limit Dr. Pepper.  I think I maybe had 4 or so drinks, which is impressive considering I had road trips this month and a gas station fountain DP is my favorite!  

E - exercise

I walk nearly every day anywhere from 2 - 3 miles, but don't go to the gym or anything outside of that.  I have a yoga mat and weights and such at home, but they don't get brought out often. I committed this month to doing a plank every day and then halfway through February I added on some weights and squats. My goal was to end the month with a 3:00 plank and I did it!  Easy way to not watch the clock and work on the plank, set the stopwatch and click over to social media page to scroll for a few minutes. 

L - lotion 

Yep. Lotion. Put on lotion every day, on my face at night and on my skin.  This is one of those little tasks that I don't do often in the winter and then I suffer from really dry skin. So, I just included it in my commitment for this month. Sometimes, simple things like this are the ones we put off, but really just take literally less than a minute and are good for us. So many other things this could apply for. 

F - floss

No, dentist, I don't floss every day. (Gold star to you if you do, but I'm just keeping it real that I don't floss every single day.) But, I did this month! And, should have this habit now well established to keep doing it every day. I read an article once (can't find it to reference) comparing flossing to other disciplines in life....you don't see the effects of neglect immediately, but over time, you'll start to notice them, and damage starts to occur. That's in relationships, marriages, families, commitments, etc.. All the things we should take time to make sure we attend to, but often times let them slide.  I thought about this every night when I was flossing. And, I certainly have plenty of discipline I can work on. 

So, that was my Commit for February.

S E LF 

Now for March.  

Stay tuned for the end of month reveal. 

What would you commit to for 30 days?  

I have several things I have thought of, but would love to hear some other ideas. 

Spoiler Alert: October will be #write31days. 

Yes, I'm already thinking about a topic. 

#commit

It's good discipline in all aspects of life.

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2017. Every day. (02.19.17)

I love taking pictures, the every day, the mundane, the big, the fun, the celebrating, even the hard. Images I want to remember.  So, this year, I'm documenting my everyday. A photo a day for my FB/IG and then writing the stories of each on my blog weekly. 

So, welcome to (February) 2017!

02.19.17
Three years ago I made the new years resolution of "fresh flowers in my house" and it's likely the one resolution I've ever stuck to for more than a year.  I just pick up simple flowers from the grocery store and every now and then pick up roses. They are always a bright spot in my house and usually are refreshed on Sundays when I grocery shop.


02.20.17
Monday night we had a Women's Gathering at our church, which was also the night my Life Together group was scheduled to meet, so we changed up our plan and went to our church event. Several girls didn't come, but these girls did and it was great time and fun to have a different type of event to attend together.  Each of these girls are uniquely gifted and none of us knew each other in September when we started meeting, so it has been fun to get to know them through our group.


{02.20.17 Bonus}
Apparently Auggie wasn't quite ready to face the new week on Monday morning....


02.21.17
These girls are two of my co-workers, Kaire and I are cube mates and Monika is our Department Assistant.  We have lots of laughs and fun, and this day happened to have all shown up dressed in red and black.


02.22.17
This is the face of a happy dog after a 3 mile walk in the sun-shine on Wednesday. A walk is definitely his highlight of the day.


{02.22.17 - Double bonus}
This was the glorious sun-shining day. We have had unseasonably warm temps lately and it has been glorious with what feels like zero percent humidity. Which also means good hair days. Here's hoping to days of this weather during Rodeo!!


Also, that smiling face got a little time-out on Wednesday after he snatched the turkey off my lunch plate while I was shutting the door from him having some porch time in the sunshine.


02.23.17
Thursday was the #enditmovement to shine a light on slavery. Unfortunately Houston is a mecca of human trafficking and sex slave industry.  You can read more about the human trafficking epidemic in the United States here: https://enditmovement.com/


{02.23.27 - Double Bonus}
This year will be my 3rd and final year as Vice Chairman on one of my Rodeo Committees.  Time flies when you're  having fun and working with a Chairman who's also a great long time friend.  After our meeting we started celebrating his final year at Chairman!


Also this day I went to a school event that happened to include a visit through the phone museum and this phone booth from the 1950's, when phone booths were first available outside!!
#thowbackthursday


02.24.17
Friday was still beautiful outside and we went for a walk again. One of my favorite treats in life is an after work nap on Friday, and  this day was no exception, especially after our walk!


02.25.17
I had been looking forward to this day for a few weeks. Literally crossed it off on my calendar so as not to commit to something. This was after 7 weekends of retreats, conferences and road trips and before 4 weekends of Rodeo Houston, and I was determined to not commit myself to much and rest.


{02.25.17 - Double Bonus}
I slept in, got up, moved to the couch with my Plexus Pink Drink and settled in to check out my latest Magnolia Journal.


Then I made some breakfast and a cup of coffee because I had time to sit and enjoy it. As I was finishing up the Magnolia Journal I turned to this page, and thought the perfect ending to my week, that started with talking about the love of flowers in my home.
I must have flowers always and always. 

The only thing I scheduled Saturday was lunch with a long time friend I hadn't seen in a couple of years, which was 2 hours of sitting on a patio, visiting and eating on another glorious sun-shining day.

Thank you for reading, and would love for you to stay in touch!

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Blessings!

2017. Every day. (02.12.17)

I love taking pictures, the every day, the mundane, the big, the fun, the celebrating, even the hard. Images I want to remember.  So, this year, I'm documenting my everyday. A photo a day for my FB/IG and then writing the stories of each on my blog weekly. 

So, welcome to (February) 2017!

02.12.17
Sunday was our annual Rodeo Committee fundraiser and it was a great night out with friends, good music, food, drinks lots of money raised and all for a good cause! We will support almost 9,000 contestants in over 20 contests during Rodeo Houston, and our fundraiser helps feed and provide awards to our contestants.  After 20+ years, I got out my blue and gold FFA jacket and wore it with my sequin skirt.  It was such a fun conversation piece, so many friends and those I don't know have stories of their jackets, which I loved hearing, even though my jacket is now "vintage".


02.13.17
Little Auggie digs out a random toy from the toybox every now and then and then entire night I was home Monday he played with this credit card. It makes a crackling noise and I guess he had his mind set on that toy for the night because he kept it close.


02.14.17
Happy Valentine's Day!  Despite being single, I've never really dreaded or hated Valentine's Day like some really do. I certainly don't find my worth in my status on February 14th of any given year. It is definitely a wonderful life and I am so blessed with people I love and dearly cherish from so many walks of life who are a part of my life.  And, I'm not saying that to "dismiss" my desires of marriage, but again, marriage won't define me. This has been a really full season of life for me with a lot going on, it is one that I know the value of having a running mate that would "do life" along with me. As I age I see more and more the importance of that vs any sort of initial romance that certainly cools with time and as reality sets in of the every day.


{02.14.17 - Bonus}
Auggie had his phone as toy of choice on Valentine's Day...he just called to say he loves you.


02.15.17
Wednesday night was a treat. My parents drove down to treat me to dinner for a Valentine treat and they came bearing yummy treats too! We tried out a new to us neighborhood Chinese restaurant and all had really good food. Everywhere I've lived there has been great Chinese food nearby, and so happy to have found a new place close by, despite having now lived here for a year!


{02.15.17 - Bonus}
Wednesday was the HISD State of the Schools event and seems like every now and then I'm taken back to my road show days where life was lived loading and unloading dollies of product and booth building supplies.  I snapped this as I was hauling a dolly of equipment for our workforce display at the event. Those road days were hard work, but so many great days in that year of life!


02.16.17
Snail mail is one of my very favorite things. So, I was surprised to receive this note in the mail at work from someone at Texas Workforce regarding my presentation from a couple of weeks ago. My job certainly has very hard aspects, but I love the work that I do and connecting education to industry, so this card was unexpected and much appreciated words of affirmation of my presentation.


02.17.17
Friday I took the day off to attend the Trailblazer Luncheon which is another fundraiser for Rodeo Houston. My dear friend and former colleague is on the committee and she hosted our table. The luncheon honored incredible women contributors to Rodeo Houston, included a runway fashion show by Saks Fifth Avenue and a few boutiques to shop as well. More coming on one of those boutiques, a great story of products and artisans. Stay tuned for a what I wore post!


02.18.17
Saturday night I attended a school fundraiser with my dear college bestie. I have written about her a few times regarding ALS as her husband was diagnosed with ALS a little over 2 years ago. I was thankful to be able to hang out with her for a fun night out on the town, we worked a couple of stations, had a good meal, got to visit and catch up which of course always includes a lot of laughs and a few tears too.  She is an amazing wife, mama and friend; my heart is so heavy for them and the daily battle they fight on this road with ALS. Despite all the circumstances though, her faith remains the strongest and she is determined their story will change lives based on how they walk this road.


{02.18.17 - Bonus X 4}
Saturday also would have been Barney's 11th birthday, so Auggie got a new toy and a slice of (squeaky toy) birthday cake to remember my little Barney. He also got a haircut, so shaggy dog no more!



The barber shop wore him out!

Thank you for reading, and would love for you to stay in touch!

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Blessings!

2017. Every day. (02.05.17)

I love taking pictures, the every day, the mundane, the big, the fun, the celebrating, even the hard. Images I want to remember.  So, this year, I'm documenting my everyday. A photo a day for my FB/IG and then writing the stories of each on my blog weekly. 

So, welcome to (February) 2017!

02.05.17
Several people have asked me if I am still lettering, and yes, I am. But, only a limited amount per month. February has had several orders and this was a fun one, custom pages going into a 2017 planner. I love a good planner and think this is such a fun gift, and even more special that it is personalized with words all about someone that they will see all year long.


{02.05.17 - Bonus}
I want to remember this picture of the Super Bowl in Houston, President and Mrs. Bush onto the field for the coin toss. Their love story is one for the ages.


02.06.17
Monday night was a fun dinner hosted by a friend who's family has become framily. She had several girls over for dinner and crafting. The entire night was around the table, which is my favorite place to be!


{02.06.17 - Bonus}
Glue, glitter, scissors, hearts, makers, ribbons, letters, littles, bigs.
Perfect example of the mess is worth the memories.


02.07.17
Tuesday night I have class. Usually I change after work to walk Auggie and change again for class. And, this night, I didn't have it in me. Just went in my leggings, a t and a cozy cardigan. This T is from my church women's leadership retreat. The devoted co, a group of girls I'm so grateful to live life alongside.


{02.07.14 - Bonus}
Of course I'm also very devoted to Auggie. :)


02.08.17
I wrote at the end of January about my 30 day commitments for 2017 and January included no shopping. This was the first day of the year I went to Target.  And, though there were lots of cute things, I only got what I went for and left.


02.09.17
I love a spontaneous text from a friend for last minute plans. This is one of my dear besties who I have walked miles and miles of Houston with for 8+ years. The last year has been one of many hard talks and it is such a joy to walk along side her through trials and victories.  You can hardly tell, but she is +2 which is a long time answer for prayer and we are anxiously awaiting a May arrival of those sweet babes. Also, this was Auggie's first walk with a friend and he was beside himself with excitement, even though he didn't look at the camera for the picture. :)


02.10.17
Friday night my friend Kat invited me to dinner with a group of girls who were in town for a Saturday conference we were all attending. A table of strangers who sat down together and were friends immediately. Every one of these girls is working to show women in communities across the US the love of Jesus. Also, we got sneak peeks at upcoming books, and launches of fun things coming soon! I love sitting by those who cheer others on, without one ounce of competition.


02.11.17
I don't really have the words yet to process LIT, a one day event hosted by Beth Moore to equip and speak into women who have a desire to teach, speak, write and lead in their churches and ministries. There were 750 girls from likely every state across the US and a message so tender that spoke to each one of us while also esteeming us in the work we are doing. This panel was the end of the day, big "sisters", "aunts" and "mamas" to us; Beth Moore, Amanda Jones, Melissa Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Jennie Allen, Christy Nockles and Christine Caine.


{02.11.17 - Bonus}
Ended Saturday sitting by the same girls I started the weekend Friday night with was such a treat.


A full week of time spent doing so many things I love.
Feeling so grateful.

Thank you for reading, and would love for you to stay in touch!

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Blessings!

What I Wore - for the love of FLARES!

If you've read any post I've written about what I wear, you know flares are essentially the love language of pants in my closet. Flare work pants. Flare jeans. Give them to me. In style or out of style. They are what fit me and several of these pants and jeans I have had for YEARS!  

Work day. This jacket and the pants are circa 2008 or 2009. Both are Gap.  Speaking of Gap, did you see there is a 90's return to Gap. I wish they would return the pants of 2007-2009 to their stores. We could do without another round of pleated knee length shorts. 

I don't know how you travel, but if at all possible, I travel in leggings and no make-up/hair not fixed or in a ponytail or top-knot when it's longer. #growingmyhairbackout  So, here's an arrival to hotel and a departure to dinner. Same jacket and shirt from above just a few nights later from the work day. These flares are a random Old Navy in store clearance find for $12 in my size AND long length, which was pretty much the equivalent of finding a unicorn. 

Another workday. Mixed up flannel and leopard with navy pants.  I love navy and leopard together. Even though there is black in leopard print, it looks so great with navy. This was simple classics + basics. Top is from Francesca's, I'm not sure how far reaching that Boutique is now, I can remember shopping it way back and now it seems like they are in every town and of course everything is online. I have to try everything on there though because some things are cut really small (think Jr sizing) and some aren't. Depends on the brand.  These flare pants are from Banana Republic, I got them mid-fall last year. 

Another day in hotels, and out to an evening event. This top is from La Paloma style and I picked it up when I was in Vegas and shopped at NFR Cowboy Christmas. It is my first venture into the "cold shoulder" trend and likely my only piece I will own. I don't buy into trends like that too much, but this one was fun and I loved the floral print. Hard to see but I have that same leopard belt on with the floral as above with plaid. These jeans are likely my favorite pair of jeans ever, and they are from the Gap collection of somewhere from 2007-2009ish.

Sunday I wasn't feeling a dress for church, so ended up in jeans and a fun top. This was perfect for the current 80 degree weather we are having because it's sheer. Also, I changed to nude heels before I left, but after I snapped the pic. Top is from Target in the fall, I've linked it before and jeans are Seven for All Mankind from a previous round of flare fashion, also 2007-2009ish. 

So, if history repeats itself, and flares are in right now in 2017, they should be back again in 2027 and somewhere in that time period I will be "out of style" because I will still be wearing my flares! 

Know what works for your fit and despite what the magazines and trends say, go for it and you'll feel your best too!! When you like what you're wearing, your natural confidence shows!

Thank you for reading, and would love for you to stay in touch!

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(boutiques are tagged on Instagram for all of these looks)

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Blessings!

one for The One

This week Facebook popped up a friendaversary memory with one of my besties. She couldn't see it, so I shared it on my timeline. I love the "on this day" feature of Facebook, it reminds me of some of the greatest memories and also the hard ones, but ones I love to look back on and see how life has worked out since that time. Also, because things I think were certainly "just a couple of years ago" were actually SEVERAL years ago.

My sweet friend left a comment on that Friendaversary Facebook post.

One that speaks what I long to be the purpose of my life. 

Despite the days when it is not easy. 

When I'm made fun of for it. 

When I'm left out because of it. 

When friends ditch me over it. 

When I'm ridiculed for it.

When I say no because of it. 

When I'm misunderstood for it. 

What is it? 

My faith. 

Believing in and following Jesus. 

It is the single thing that sustains my life. 

I can't imagine my life without Jesus.  

Unapologetically. 

Sure, I've made PLENTY of mistakes. 

Said things I shouldn't have. 

Done things I wish I hadn't. 

Not apologized soon enough. 

Not forgiven fully. 

But for one to say that their life has been pointed to the One. 

That is enough.

His grace is greater than my mistakes. 

And, for that I will keep saying no, keep enduring, keep pressing on. 

Because the One is worth it.
For one more to see it.