2014: Flourish

 

I started 2014 with a word:  FLOURISH.  I looked it up by definition in several places and decided that's what my theme was for the year...I never mentioned it, didn't write about it, just kept it on my mind through the year....

 

- Thrive: in growth like a plant

- Psalm 92:13

"Planted in the house of the Lord, they will FLOURISH in the courts of our God"

- decorate with fanciful curves or lines

(saw that after I had drawn out "FLOURISH" with fanciful lines, ha!)

 

Looking back on this year, it's like any other, there were ups and downs, seasons that were hard and seasons that were fun, lessons learned about myself, opportunities that came my way and countless other things. I've read so many updates of bidding  farewell to 2014, couldn't wait for it to end, bring on 2015. I think one thing I have learned this year, even with the turn to a new year, there's no guarantee that the next year will be 12 months of joy.  I just hope that I can thrive through the days, weeks and months, despite what comes. 

 

All plants endure seasons, and if I am firmly planted in the Lord,

I know no matter what the season, I will FLOURISH. 

 

A few things to note from this year....

I was asked to be a Godmother for one of my dear friends I grew up with. Easter Sunday I attended their baptism.  They will endure seasons and I have watched their family endure seasons but I pray that they will FLOURISH. 

I was pretty nervous about the summer coming, but it turned out to be such a great season of rest, reading (11 books!) and relaxation (mostly by the pool!).  I learned so much this summer, I spent a lot of time by myself, but also lots of great nights with friends, road trips and getaways, time with my family and the littles. Despite a hard Spring, I was reminded: Jesus has enough power. When I feel like I'm floundering, because of Him, I will instead FLOURISH.

 

2014 brought some great losses.  2 of my college besties lost their Dads this year.  I have watched them show remarkable courage and grace in dealing with greatest loss in their lives to date.  I am proud to stand beside them. Our family lost a dear friend on Dec 31st, a lady who helped my Mom so much as a newlywed and new Mom. I have so many memories with their family, their daughter was one of my favorite babysitters, (she let me wear her cheerleader uniform), we vacationed with them, spent countless meals with them, spent time in their home and they in ours, and the end of this year finds them ringing in 2015 without their wife/Mom/Grandmother/friend. Despite these losses, they are all firmly planted in the house of the Lord, and they will FLOURISH. 

 

I love littles. This year I have babysat the sweetest little girl and her big brother. So many fun days and evenings spent with them.  It's been a long time since a newborn was around our family, so this family has been a blessing to me.  I love their kids and love their family. I am so blessed to have so many families and their littles that are a significant part of my life. They share their homes and lives with me, teach me so much, all a part of thriving, growth and enabling me to FLOUISH.

 

My second year of teaching, I've tripled the number of students in my classes and my club has also grown significantly.  I work with such amazing people, several who have become very dear friends and I truly enjoy my job! After years of turmoil and inconsistency in work I am thankful and feel I am planted in a place that uses my experience and skills so well, and I FLOURISH there. 

 

My family is certainly one of the firmest foundations, they planted me initially in the house of the Lord and encouraged me to seek Jesus, they modeled character of Christ in our home and I am so thankful for them. No matter how bad I think I'm floundering my Mom and Dad always encourage me and believe I will FLOURISH!  This year I had some really sweet times with my Mom and Dad. 

 

These three littles, they are my favorites and the greatest joy.  I love their tender hearts, their never ending questions, their desire to learn, their giggles and their tears, their imaginations, their story telling, their individuality, their bond with each other, their excitement over all things and their sheer zest for life.  Being an Aunt is one of life's gifts I think over and over how blessed I am to have received.  This is a portion of my life that is always FLOURISHing!!

 

I did a lot of writing this year, and for 31 straight days in October. A lot of my life stories, a little fashion and some other fun topics. It was sort of therapeutic for me, but also hard some times...but at the end of the day, your story matters.  It connects with and encourages others. For that reason, it's worth telling, no matter how hard.  And, sometimes you get a fun retweet from a lady who's family has certainly flourished this year, though the media doesn't show us the hard times I'm sure they've endured. But, this little tweet of encouragement and every other comment from my readers, give me hope to FLOURISH as a writer.

 

And that fanciful writing, embellished with curves of lines...hand lettering has become one of my favorite things! I love following others on social media who letter and creating my own designs. This summer on a particularly hard weekend my church hosted an Arts class, and I created this during the class. It is now framed in my home.  Those fancy letters remind me on a daily basis, despite great disappointments and in great joy, His love knows no end.  And, for that I will FLOURISH in all seasons. 

 

 

I'm still mulling over a word for 2015, but I might just keep it to myself again this year. So far my only resolution is fresh flowers in my house...and I've started January 1st with a few hydrangeas!

 

 

Thank you for reading and may you FLOURISH in all seasons this upcoming year!

What I'm Wearing {end of semester!!} 12.19.14

Here we are...the last week of Fall semester!  There have been a few weeks that seemed long, but  for the most part this semester has flown by!  I'm looking forward to the Christmas break, time with family and friends, no alarm clocks, memories made and welcoming in a New Year!

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 Pinterest, so these are just my daily creations. 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...camo leggings and black tunic dress plus a cardigan trimmed in fringe that just about drove me crazy this day! For some reason it wouldn't stay on my shoulders and I was fighting it all day!! Ahhh, some days are like that, right?!

Tuesday...holiday red in the mix!  I have mentioned these suede black pumps a couple of previous posts and tossed in a little leopard as well. 

Wednesday...No small dreams, dream big!! This is another tank perfect for summer, but also doubles in cooler months layered with a cardigan and scarf.  Trouser jeans, I mean pants, it's the impending holiday and my love of jeans sneaking out!

Christmas fun!  I've mentioned Sam Moon for scarfs before and I found this one over the summer and saved it for Christmastime.  My school bestie and I showed up, unplanned, in green cardigans, jeans and little leopard touches too! :) Great minds! haha!

TGIF!! Last day, and it's a half day! The best kind of day before a holiday. It is chilly and rainy today, so went for as comfy and casual as I can!  These are the light wash of Always Skinny from Gap, showed these jeans for weekend wear too, click here!

Here's the week in review....a little more color than the last couple of weeks!  ha!

 

For the next 2 weeks, you'll find me mostly in leggings! Merry Christmas! 

Friday Favorites!!

It's been a few weeks since I've  linked up for

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

Spotted this recently via Peabody and Sassafras Etsy Shop, asked my brother to make me the base to this and mabye over Christmas break I will get crafty with a deer silhouette.... 

Peabody and Sassafras

Three favorites here...{faux} fur vest (Ross for $19.99), glitter belt (WAY old from Gap, available at Target) and Shellac.  First time to get Shellac, I love it!! I've had aryllic nails a few times in the past, but went with Big Apple red Shellac to last for my NYC Trip and Christmas season.

 After school snacks...and Popcorn + Dr Pepper for $2.15 at Target is a favorite! 

Safety first, buckle up!

A dear friend of mine is a long time supporter of the African Children's Choir and I have heard about them for several years. They were in Houston last weekend at Ecclesia and I went to see them...what a delight they are! Their infectious smiles, beautiful voices and sweet hugs...fell in love with them!

Warby Parker.  I first saw these glasses via Instagram, and checked them out online as I was needing to get new Rx and frames.  While we were in NYC we stopped through SoHo and I picked out these frames.  The best part about Warby Parker? They give a pair to someone in need for every pair bought and that is definitely a favorite for me! 

It's the last HALF-day of school before Christmas break and second to summer, that is my favorite.  Blessings to you this Christmas season and may Jesus fill your heart and home throughout the holiday season, He is the reason for the season and my favorite of all. 

Winter Weekend Style

Tis the season for chilly nights, layers and lots of parties and fun.  Being in Texas where "winter" is relative, I often am mixing in pieces from my summer wardrobe to create winter looks.  Layering with a cardigan and/or scarf makes tanks and other summer tops winter ready.  Here's a few looks from recent weekend outings.... 

 

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 Pinterest, so these are just my daily creations. 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.

 

This was a sleeveless T I picked up over the summer on a sale rack and I wore it a few times with cutoffs, but paired with cardigan, scarf and my new favorite {searched for long time}booties  and Gap's washed out always skinny jeans.  The first from any Gap "skinny jeans" to really fit me! Check them out, I definitely recommend!

Another summer jacket I paired for winter, this time with dark wash of Always Skinny jeans, booties and my favorite arm stack. This jacket was a summer super clearance {like $19.99} from Anthropologie that I wore (again) with cutoffs and wedges. 

This is a walking Nordstrom ad, however the pieces are from seasons past. Sheer tops in the summer layer perfectly under jackes and with scarves for cooler months.  Oh the jeans?  Yes, same ones as above. Seeing a trend here?  Booties were a TJ Maxx find a couple of seasons ago. They are about 4" heels, but seriously can wear them all day/night! Even danced in them!

Sometimes I change it up from jeans...I was on the hunt for sequin skirt for a long time...found it this year during Round Top Antiques Week and Rodeo Committee Christmas party seemed like the perfect time to break it in.  Tall boots, vest and denim shirt, comfy, warm and festive!   

 

  This leather jacket, it's an oldie, from the first time "moto" trend was around...and I've held onto it.  Wore it for a Saturday night out in the city. Paired with black sheer top and again those jeans with suede heels.  I love the skinny jeans and tall suede heels, great winter look!



And, of course this is one of my favorite DAYtime weekend looks...perfect for a donut run right out of bed... :) 

Cheers to the weekend and fun nights out!

What I'm Wearing {4 day week + 1 hard day} 12.12.14

Just back from NYC and  it's going to be a four-day week this week, so if you're keeping up...a 2-day week, 3-day week and 4-day week. And next week, 4.5 days and it is Christmas break time!  Can't believe the semester is already wrapping up. Tie a big fancy holiday bow on it and pass the cookies, parties and fun of the Christmas season!  

 

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 Pinterest, so these are just my daily creations. 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...I typically pull out what I'm wearing the night before but I didn't do that Sunday night.  And, I paid for it Monday morning...ending up with this. Leopard tank that mixes for cooler months with scarf + cardigan and tossed in some turquoise shoes for fun! Did not get the memo to quit the black pants.   

 



Tuesday I was off, attended the celebration of life for my sweet college bestie Melissa's dad. This is our crew.  These are my people.  It's coming close to 20 years I've known these girls. I sat in the same church where I stood beside Melissa when her Dad walked her down the aisle and today she read the eulogy she penned to honor her dad with such grace.  Life has had major hits this year in this group...sometimes we don't want to be grown-ups, but when we have to be I am proud to stand beside these girls through life's greatest and also hardest of days.

Back to work on Wednesday.  This denim dress is years old and a go to over and over again.  Paired with gold scarf, aztec leggings, little lace slip skirt and tall boots. These boots need to be replaced and I looked all around NYC for a pair, but couldn't find the right pair.  I love these boots but am going to have to surrender them to Goodwill at the mercy of having been in storage for almost 2 years. If you're ever going to store your stuff, beware of storing shoes...even in climate control many of mine are ruined on the inside with the lining flaking out.  Never would have  thought, but have had several pairs ruined.

Ahhhh...the ever popular blanket scarf! It's been a little chilly here this week and my classroom is perfect temperature for a blanket scarf.  This is one of my souvenirs from NYC. Paired with navy cropped pants, booties and easy year round tank with a cardigan combo.

Friday!  Puffy vests are a favorite!  This one is years old from the Gap.  I love the banded bottom and it's hard to find them like that anymore. Our Freshman class had a fundraiser to vote  (by paying at least $1) for the teacher of their choice to be Santa for the day during lunch for student photo ops. Thank you to the student who nominated me, thank you to the kid who put $5 in to vote for me and thank you to the Coach who campaigned and "won" the opportunity to be Santa!  I felt like a winner when we got Nothing but Bundt cakes for participating!

 

 And this week in review....



One more week and then you will find me in leggings and my favorite green jacket for two weeks!

NYC

This summer Southwest airlines was having a sale and we booked a trip to NYC!  Unfortunately NYC doesn't have a sale on Hotels during December...

 

{Disclaimer: LOTS of photos, but lots of fun!}

 

It's been a few years since I've been to NYC and I've always wanted to go during Christmas to see the big tree, the windows decorated and the miracle on 34th street.  My Mom and I spent 4 days on foot in the City that never sleeps and had a great trip crossing lots of things off our NYC bucket list! Flying out Thursday morning...

 

We dropped our bags and were headed for Pizza!  {John's Pizzeria on 44th, delicious not by the slice pizza!} I turned around as we were crossing Times Square and my Mom is in the middle of Super Mario and Hello Kitty! She was just snapping a pic of them passing through, then they had her camera ready to snap a pic of her with the characters. They don't like to take free pics.  Ha!  What is most intriging about all of these characters is they are most often seen with their character heads popped up on their head like a headband chatting amongst themselves....

 

And the tree...the beautiful tree in Rockefeller Center.  Magical! Christmas in NYC is magical!! We were there for a long time Thursday evening taking it all in.  Another favorite was the video projection and music on Saks Fifth Avenue!

 

And while strolling Times Square and popping into shops,  I found this cute floppy at Top Shop.  I wanted to get it, still thinking about it, but didn't buy it.  Not sure how often I would really wear it, but it sure would be cute for when I did wear it...I have noticed it is available at Nordstrom...

 

Friday we were up and headed down to the World Trade Center Memorial.  I am not a fan of seeing all the artifacts so we didn't go through the museum.  The first time I went to NYC was 6 months after 9/11...Alan Jackson was in the Plaza of the Today's Show singing "Where were you", the lights of Tower 1 and 2 were illuminated one night, the Statue of Liberty was closed and the City was beginning to rebuild. To see that literally this trip with the new Freedom Tower almost ready to open is a reminder of resilliance of Americans.

 

This tree is the Survivor Tree, found amidst the rubble of WTC 1 & 2, transplanted and cared for in a NYC park and brought back to the site.  It was 8 feet tall in 2001, and now stands over 25 feet.  The background building is the Freedom Tower. 

 

We only took the Subway 3 times, one of my favorite things about NYC is being able to walk everywhere!  2 of those 3 were an adventure...

A friend was with us who lives in NY and works in the City. She swiped her Subway card intending for all of us to go through one after another.  I went I went through the turnstyle, then the card wouldn't re-work to let everyone else in...so, I was headed to buy tickets for others...asked the NYPD where I buy tickets...
NYPD: {puzzled look} You don't need a ticket, you are in the terminal already.
Me: Yes, but I have 3 other people with me, the card won't rescan and they are outside the terminal.
NYPD: but, you don't need... a ticket.
Me: Yes, but I need to go get them a ticket.
NYPD: Where are they?
Me: Pointing through fencing...
NYPD opens the door, let's them in and FREE RIDES!! Whoop!!
Me: Thank you. We aren't from here.

 

We stopped in Soho and on our way back almost got on the Subway going the wrong way, but quickly righted our wrong to the other side of the street.  Thank you to the kind Subway worker who "helped" us get through without re-charging us even though she assumed we must have known what to do since she chose not to use her microphone and mumbled directions to me. 

Me: Thank you. We aren't from here. 

 

Shake Shack. I do LOVE a Whataburger. And, I know people love their In and Out, but I would definitely rank Shake Shack above In and Out and in a close run with Whataburger. Also, they have Dr Pepper, but refills do not abound in NYC.  

 

 

Friday late afternoon we headed to Radio City Music Hall for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular and it was spectacular. 

 

The dancing, costumes, story and all were so great! I loved the show from start to finish and this was my favorite ending to a dance, the collapsing toy soldiers...  

 

But, this manger scene stole the show!  Amazing.  So beautiful!  Joy to the World, the Savior is born!  

 

Saturday morning we were up and out by 8:45 on a mission...first stop TKTS booth where we scored Chicago tickets for 50% off.  Headed up  to Central Park by the LOVE statue....I love my Mama, Christmas and Christmas time in NYC!

 

We brunched at SaraBeth's Central Park. It is no secret that Saturday breakfast is my favorite and this was such a treat!! Highly recommend if you find yourself in NYC.  We didn't have a reservation, which apparently is lucky we got in, but only waited about 25 minutes and got a table!

 

Walking in a (rainy) winter wonderland at Central Park. You get bonus points if you can guess our favorite colors! :)

 

Our discount Chicago tickets, 6th row! And, yep, I went straight from the Park to the Theatre, in my leggings and tennies. Ain't nobody got time to waste in the hotel to change clothes for matinee theatre perfomance.   

 

We hopped the Subway after trying to win lottery tickets to the Book of Mormon  which we thought we almost had when the last pair he called out "from the Lone Star State" but it wasn't us...bummer.  Our consellation was hot dogs from a street vendor by Bloomingdale's. 

 

Might have forgotten to pack extra socks and might have sat right down to change into new ones in Bloomingdale's.  I'm fancy. 

We made our way back from Bloomingdale's walking the streets, darting in and out of shops and taking in the evening sights along Fifth Avenue. The churches are so pretty in the city, I love the architecutre. 

 

 And the windows were both fun and fancy...this was from JCrew. 

 

Perfect night cap {Junior's famous cheesecake and apparently Bradley Copper left the building right behind us after Elephant Man perf} to end 13 hour day on streets of NYC!! Tix via TKTS, brunch, Central Park, Chicago on Broadway, street hotdogs, shopping, rainy day and walking, walking, walking!!! 

 

Sunday morning was our last day in the City and we headed south from our Hotel towards Macy's.  The {retired} Librarian in front of the NYC Library

 

The windows at Lord and Taylor were bejeweled redbirds and were so pretty showing off lots of pretty baubles.  

 

After a rainy Saturday we were glad to be in the sunshine on Sunday! Empire State Building in the background...

The Macy's windows were a journey through space... 

 

For old times sake...I was to receive my job offer to go to work at E&Y on 9/11/2001 in the downtown Houston office. Got it by phone instead due to the events of the day. The first time I went to NYC, the location in Times Square had just received the marquis on the building!  

We also stopped through Bryant Park and the pop-up shops showcasing unique artists' creations, food from all around the world and a skating rink in the glorious sunshine of the day. 

 

As the trip came to a close and we crossed the last street back to our hotel, thought about so many fun memories with my Mom, so thankful she and I had this trip together and so glad to see the city street by street at Christmas.  (There are so many more pics, but 25 is enough for one post! ha!)

So fun to go, but Texas on our minds...Until the next time NYC!