Glitter Belt

I was thinking about God's timing today. There are so many prayer requests I've made so fervently at the time, but looking back, would have missed out on a bigger blessing if God had allowed them in my timing.  Ten years ago I prayed so hard to get into a certain university. I had already gotten into Biola University, but would have gone to that other school had they accepted me. A ton of people got in that had worse grades, fewer activities and lower test scores. It was so shocking to me that it worked out that way but now I see why. I met my husband at Biola! I'm so thankful He is so gracious and loving and sees the bigger picture. My life would have been so different. It was one of those life- altering forks in the road. So glad God directed my path.

 

 

Top: H&M (very similar)

Cardigan: Loft (similar)

Jeans: Gap (same)

Boots: Born (same)

Belt: J.Crew (same in rose)

 

Linking up with Greater than Rubies today. Go check it out!

 

**This post may contain affiliate links

 Have you had a similar experience?

 

 

Scenes from an early Christmas

All of this happened around the 15th of December, before our trip to Mexico.

 

 

Oh yeah! Classic crying with Santa picture. She wouldn't stop talking about the man on the way to see him, but getting too close wasn't part of the deal in her eyes.

 

Me opening my gift from hubby! Do you see the anticipation in my face?

There it is! Pure giddiness. It's a TRX suspension trainer!!!!!!!! He had me for my family's Secret Santa but let me open my stuff early.

This shirt was also one of my presents. I have a rather strong affection for Tina Fey, so this shirt made me so giggle with joy. Amy Poehler is a close second.

 

 

I wore this to the mall to have Katelyn see Santa. Again, she hated his guts, but I thing we got a pretty stellar shot of that fact.

 

Sweater: Old Navy (similar)

Jeans: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's (same in white)

Shoes: Target (exact)

Jean Jacket: Old navy (exact)

Necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

 

How did Santa pictures go with your little one(s)?

 

**This post may contain affiliate links.

Christmas in Puerto Vallarta

I spent a week at the Occidental Resort all inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. My in-laws decided to give us a trip instead of multiple presents this year. I was so excited! We bought out house this year and have trying to be more frugal, so vacations were not on the radar for a long time. This was such a relaxing, fun trip. I played volleyball, boogie boarded and napped every day.  

 

Here's what I packed:

1 cover up- wish I would have brought one more.

2 nicer dresses- good enough (I ended up nixing the maxi dress- thought it would be too hot)

1 tank top- could have used one more; I wore this a ton

1 t-shirt- wore it once

1 thin pullover sweater

5 blouses- wore all of them but didn't need so many

2 pair of shorts- could have used one more or a skirt

**Not pictured- 2 tankinis and bottoms, jeans, Toms, and t-shirt I wore on the plane, pool sandals and nicer sandals.

I wish I would have taken more posed pictures like this. Oh well!

 

Katie's first piñata.

Katie's second time with Santa this year. Same reaction...

She loved seeing the baby Jesus in the hotel lobby.

 

Hope you had a Merry Christmas. What did you do?

Shopping Ban Update

I only made it about 60 days without shopping. My goal was around 110 days.

Where I went wrong:

1. Online shopping. I started couponing around the same time I began the shopping fast to try to save money all around. Consequently, I stumbled on coupon codes for clothing stores and there went my money! It wasn't a ton- not more than $30, but I still thought having that new skirt or new shoes were worth throwing away my commitment. I rationalized it further by thinking because it was a thrift store or a "cheap" item, it was ok.

2. After I shopped, I kept doing it. I had already broken the shopping ban, why not keep going? Said the sad girl writing this confession. Again, this stuff was super cheap, but it was more about the thrill of finding a good deal than the actual item most of the time.

3. I should have kept up a better chronicle of my thoughts during this time. I know getting feedback from others would have been helpful. Honesty is the best policy!


How I can improve next time:

1. Stop browsing clothing websites. Duh! Those things are dangerous! It's like hanging out in a Starbucks when you're trying to give up caffeine. Kinda stupid.

2. Camp out on Scripture like Colossians 3:2, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." My heart needs to be turned more toward Jesus, not getting an item on sale. I've definitely lost focus.

3. Remember my whys in the first place:
-Focus my attention on God, not on meeting my fleeting need to obtain. Materialism...ahhhhhh!!!
-Save money and live a frugal life.
-Be an example to a growing girl that the heart is more important than what is on the skin.


All that being said, I think trying to make shopping my closet more fun is the way to go. Starting in January, I am going to try a few different ways to make each month or even each week an intentional closet shopping adventure. Stay tuned for linkups, 20X30, remixes, take one pass it on, and a few other tricks I have up my sleeve.

I can't wait to see what lies ahead for 2014.

Momiform

I've talked about this before but this is definitely my "Momiform." I love the sweater/ button down combo. When you add the cuffed jeans and booties, you have an easy cute outfit to run after a two year old in. Bahzing!!!! **This post may contain affiliate links.

 

Sweater: Banana Republic (similar)

Shirt: Old Navy (similar)

Jeans: Joe's- thrifted (similar)

Booties: Forever 21 (similar)

 

 

Christmas Party

I wore this to my husbands work Christmas party. I love the neutral color and the length. If it were a spring wedding I would totally feel comfortable without tights. It has just enough bling at the neckline too. So pretty.  

 

Dress: Ellie Tahari (thrifted)

Tights: Gap

Boots: Hush Puppies via Macy's

Coat: Kohl's

Earrings: Target

 

 

Looking at the top picture, my hair is getting loooong. I think I need a trim soon. Maybe next year.

 

 

 

 

Booties..I love these!

This is one of those super simple casual outfits that are way too easy! It took me all of three minutes to get dressed. Yes!

 

 

What is my right leg doing here? I'm funny sometimes.

 

 

 

Sweater: Banana Republic

Scarf: Street Fair

Jeans: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Booties: Forever 21

 

What is a fast and easy outfit that you love?

 

Classic Vest

This vest is such a classic, and by that I mean old. I got it from Forever 21 in 2006. That seems like a very long time ago. It's one of the few things I still own from college.

 

 Vest: Forever 21

Checkered Top: Forever 21

Chanbray: Old Navy

Jeans: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Boots: Hush Puppies via Macy's

Necklace: Claire's

  

 

 Pairing two button down shirts actually came out quite nice. It was a tad uncomfortable but I got used to it. I will try it again in the future.

Have you ever tried the double shirt?

 

I'm headed for sunny Mexico tomorrow for Christmas. I'll share my pics when I get back. So excited!!!

 

Before and after Oxford outfit

This outfit is a little boring!!!
I'm also wearing slippers.

This outfit is a little more polished.
No slippers.

 

I like this shirt a lot but the way I paired it with these jeans the first time was blah. I switched them out for some white bottoms, added boots and a necklace and BAM! Much better.

 

Top: J.Crew

Sweater: Banana republic

Jeans (left): J.Crew Factory

White Jeans: Kohl's

 

 

Have you ever made a last minute wardrobe edit that worked?

Vest Weather

I love layering but it's hard to do in southern California. Luckily, the weather has been cooperating and I can wear at least a vest. Next step, coat!

 

 

 

Vest: Forever 21

Sweater: Old Navy

Chambray Top: Old Navy

Pants: H&M

Boots: Forever 21

Earrings: Lia Sophia

 

 

 

Going out

I was trying to choose what to wear with this dress to a recital. Here were the options-

 

Version 1: Funky Sweater

 

 

 

 

Version 2: Monochromatic Blazer

 

Version 3: Pop of Color

 

 

Dress: Madewell

Leggings: Forever 21

Boots: Hush Puppies via Macy's

Necklace and watch: Kohl's

 

Version one Sweater: Thredup

Version two blazer: H&M

Version three blazer: Gap

 

 

Drumroll...... I wore version three with the green blazer.

 

Do you ever try on a million sweater/coat/blazer options before choosing one? 

 

 

 

 

 

Red and Green...sort of

I'm linking up with Greater than Rubies today. We are playing with the traditional red and green Christmas color scheme. I tried a rust color paired with mint green/turquoise.

 

This hairstyle reminded me of middle school. I rocked the headband so hard back then!

 

How do you change up the traditional red and green in your outfits?

Closet: sweater/button down combo

 

 

Sweater: Gap Outlet

Button Down Top: Old Navy

Jeans: Lauren Conrad

Shoes: Loft

Necklace: Clarie's

 

 

 

 

 

'

 

Closet: Oxford and Moccs

Oxford: Gap

Sweater: Loft

Jeans: LC Laruen Conrad via Kohl's

Shoes: Payless

Necklace: Hawaii

Bracelt: Kohl's

 

 

 

I want this to me my "momiform." I love button-downs and flats. So comfy! I wore this to go shopping when Katie was at our church babysitting program.

 

Unfortunately, with a toddler, I can't always dress the way I want. If she wants to go for a ride in the stroller, I wear my workout clothes. How can I not turn that into a workout opportunity? If she wants to go to the park, I wear shoes I don't care about, which means, I wear junkier clothes so I don't mess up anything nice. On and on and on. Also, I get hot easily and sweaty pits aren't cute at all. Running after a toddler raises my body temp to a million degrees.

 

Any tips for dressing cute for multiple activities? 

 

 

Today I'm linking up with: Everyday Fashion and Finance