Winter Pastels

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Faded Glory Sweater

Maurices Skinny Jeans (thrifted) similar
 Rue 21 Heels (old)

I love a pretty, neutral color palette. It's no secret that those colors seem to get over looked quite often during the winter months and replaced with darker, richer tones. I can't wait to wear those warmer colors as much as I can when winter comes because they're a little more difficult to get away with when the weather gets hot and the days unpredictable. But, I attended a party earlier in the week and decided to change things up a bit. It was a get together all about a Christian based company, Premier Jewelry. It was girls only (aside from two sweet baby boys) and such a good time.

We chatted, tried on some gorgeous necklaces, rings and bracelets, ate some yummy treats provided by our gracious hostess (and my new sister in law!) and learned all about how to style yourself and what jewelry can do for you and your overall appearance. I'll admit I hadn't heard some of the tips we were given before but, since attending, it's made me think more about what I'm pairing together and how I'm "arranging" it. 

This perfectly soft blush tunic was just the ticket for a casual night with the girls. I paired it with these simple white skinny jeans and my white heels for a look that was a couple of steps up from "I've been home corralling boys all day" and my usual momiform, but not quite at "fancy dinner out with the hubby". Ha. I chose the heels to elevate my look just a tad because, I was going out after all, and without them it would have easily been more of an everyday style. It ended up being just what I needed to enjoy myself and the fact that I only had one little in tow. And, I definitely got some great inspiration for thrifting and future style posts!

Do you wear whites and pastels through the winter? What's your opinion on the whole "white jean" trend?

Sunday Style : Neutral Basics

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Rue 21 Sweater

Nursing Tank (similar here and here)

similar No Boundaries Skinnies

Wear Ever Boots

Basic Editions Trench is thrifted (NWT from K Mart)

Purse is thrifted (Similar here)

I love layering year round but it is especially fun during the cooler months. Cozy sweaters, stretchy pants and boots are my jam. So, winter easily ranks as one of my favorite seasons since I can get away with wearing all three as often as I like. This Sunday style was a little different than most but, perfect for the cool, crisp air and layed back day we had.

We just had the best time on our little getaway to Branson this past weekend. We stayed at one of our favorite Silverleaf resorts (their condos are always amazing and they offer a ton of family friendly activities to fill your time) and spent the majority of the three days we were there in the new heated indoor pool they just added to their facility. It was an absolute blast. So much so that Blake was very upset when we got home yesterday evening and no longer had the luxury to go swimming whenever we wanted. He made it clear he wants to go back very soon!

After lunch on Saturday afternoon, Daddy and Papa entertained the three oldest boys so Mommy and Memaw could be free to do a little shopping. It was so refreshing to only have to worry about one little guy as opposed to being very much outnumbered most of the time. I wrapped baby Tyler up in my boba and he was happy as a clam sleeping the entire afternoon. And, since I rarely shop anywhere but thrift stores, a little retail therapy was the perfect boost to my weekend.

While on our little excursion, I found some super sales! Rue 21, Osh Kosh, Gymboree and Children's Place all had some great prices and I found the prettiest Christopher & Banks top for this summer for under five dollars. Back to this sweater though, Rue had a super sweater sale and that's where I found this one. It is so soft, perfectly cozy and the longer length in the back is amazing. Perfect to pair with some jeggings. I loved it so much I got another in a pretty blush color and literally resisted the urge to get a couple more. They have so many styles in several colors it was hard not to splurge a little. I did find a great maxi skirt there on sale as well and a cute top that will most likely end up being part of my Easter outfit this year. Shop their sale going on now from right HERE.

As you can see, I'm still learning ways to style this new cut and since it was the last day of our little trip, I went with some loose flat iron curls pinned back from my face. Inspiration taken from the always beautiful Kylee of One Little Momma. View her tutorial for curling short hair HERE.

I've linked to the exact purchases I made at Rue (minus the top for Easter) below. Also, I found the cutest Christmas footy pajamas for the boys at a great price at Osh Kosh! And, all matching! Which, when you have four boys ranging in age from 3 months to 7 years, is virtually unheard of. I couldn't believe it. I guess this means I've already gotten a jump on my Christmas shopping!? Ha. I also saved big on some new winter hats for them. The only one online is the one I purchased for JD so I've linked it here as well. Of course, you can almost always find more sales in store than you can online so, if you want to get great deals stop by your local stores! Hope you had a great weekend and happy shopping!!

| for momma |

| for the boys |

DIY Geometric Pillow

Being a SAHM, I'm always looking for ways to keep our home looking fresh and modern. We are home so much for school and everyday tasks, and since we rarely leave the house more than a couple times a week, I feel like I'm always redecorating, rearranging, moving this here or that there. Always trying to avoid a stale looking room. Really, it's loads of fun. But, I do hate feeling like a space is never finished. So, I love it when I find a great addition to our home that I know I'll be keeping around for the long haul.

Pieces like a neutral throw, a cozy rug, that perfect piece of framed art, a stylish lamp and throw pillows with a clean, modern design. I want our home to be inviting, friendly, cozy and inspiring while still being suitable for real life. When I find pillows I love though, they usually come with a price tag I just can't seem to stomach. Ugh. That's when I turn to my love of sewing. Something as easy as a simple pillow can be completed in no time at all and is lots of fun to put together. Especially when you have a few different steps like I had with these.

First, I found some inspiration online for what I wanted them to look like. Then, after purchasing some solid white fabric and a couple of inserts, all I had to do was grab a paintbrush and begin.

I cut my pieces 19 inches square. Since my inserts were 18" x 18", this gave me just enough room around the edges for a 1/2" seam and a little room to move. After ironing out the wrinkles, I was ready to begin.

My first step for this DIY was making a pattern to go off of for the design on the front of the pillows. I simply took a piece of printer paper, marked the center of the top, bottom and sides and cut it into a diamond shape. I then  measured out a slightly smaller diamond in the center of the page. So I had a pattern like this to work with.

I got a big piece of cardboard, my two plain white fabric pieces, a brush and fabric paint and set to work. I put my pattern underneath the fabric and made brush strokes up and down to give it a "fur" look.  After going all the way around both diamonds in my pattern, I moved my piece around until I had covered the entire area with offsetting diamonds. 

I let my paint dry overnight. The next morning, putting the right sides together, I sewed a seam on three sides of  the pillow cover pieces, leaving the bottom seam open for my insert. After stuffing it inside, I simply folded the ends into each other and sewed it up in a nice, slow, straight stitch. I used white thread so there wouldn't be any attention drawn to the seam and they turned out perfectly.

I love how they fit into our living room and am already feeling closer to getting it completely finished (it's only taken two years lol). How do you keep your home looking fresh, especially after putting away holiday decor? 

|| Living Room Details ||

Other Throw Pillows :

Similar Throw Blankets : 

Similar Couches :

Similar lamps :

First measurable snowfall of the year!

We finally got our first measurable amount of snow. Unfortunately, we had to have a midwife visit the same afternoon due to a staph infection so, we weren't able to get out and enjoy it. But, I bet you can guess what they boys wanted to do as soon as we got home from church yesterday?! Go outside in the snow!

My plan was to wait until little guy was napping and head out for a bit. But, when he woke up after just a few mins and the boys were all dressed, our plans changed and he got to experience his first time out in the snow. Which was not popular at all. Haha. We didn't last long because it was just sooo cold! But, we did have a great time. After which we enjoyed some indoor playtime, a warm supper, some delicious hot cocoa and a movie as a family.

Sometimes I can't believe I get to live this life. Four precious boys and a husband I adore more everyday. There are challenges and there are definitely days they drive me to my breaking point. But, with the most amazing God guiding me I know I'll always overcome. I hope you all had an incredible weekend playing in all that gorgeous white stuff! Tune in later this week for a little DIY post you're sure to love. God bless!

(kudos to JD for getting these last two shots so Momma could be present in this memory)

P.S. Did anyone notice Blake's hat? Glen got Home Alone 1 & 2 for Christmas and this great stocking hat was included! Just like Kevin's hat in the movies!! Also, my beanie is so soft and warm and a great deal at only $3 (Target). 

Sunday Style : Contrasting with the snow

Dress : Metaphor  //  Blazer : Maurice's  //  Coat : KiaMarManMan (similar styles linked below)  

Purse : thrifted  //  Shoes : Cato (thrifted but similar linked below)

Today's Sunday style was a dressed up version of something I could wear every single day. A t-shirt dress provides so many outfit combinations that it's one the most basic closet essentials. I have a couple of different styles but I love this one that I received last Christmas. It's super comfortable, the prettiest burgundy color, a great length and so easy to dress up or down.

For church this morning, I layered a blush blazer over it with some classic black pumps and a super cozy coat. It gave me a put together look with literally zero effort. I'll admit I spent more time styling my hair this morning than I did choosing this outfit. Yea, I'm still in the "fresh cut, how do I fix it?" phase with this new do. Although most days it has proven to be much easier and quicker to style, mostly just adding a little dry shampoo and fixing a few curls, some days are a little tougher.

I think I just forgot how to style shorter hair since I had been growing mine out for so long. Always looking for the next tip to get long locks that look great and not really focusing on the length I had right then. Ah well, it's a new year and, with it I'll be relearning how to style this new cut in a way that I hope will be easy, time saving and flattering to it's current length. I may end up keeping it trimmed or I may let it grow, that I'm not really sure of yet. But, it is just hair after all and I refuse to let it define me.

I want to be the best me that I can be this year. I want to give my all to those that I love but I also want to take better care of myself. Whether that means taking a few minutes each day for a little workout, reading a chapter or two of scripture, making sure to wash my face every morning whether we're going out or not, or just focusing on drinking more water. Whatever it may be, I want to do it for myself. To make me feel good so that I can, in turn give more to my family. I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store for us because I know that God has our very best interest at heart and he is already making some great plans. It's going to be one for the books!

Our New Baby

As promised, here are our sweet Tyler's newborn photos. Goodness I love these so much. I've photographed more than a few newborns since really growing my photography business and, I think that really made me think about what I wanted to capture when it came to my own baby. I wanted to catch all of those tiny, perfect details my God formed and get them on camera so I would never forget. That sweet little nose, those beautiful long lashes, his sweet ginger hair and those gorgeous poochy lips. Every. Single. Thing. These photos are the result of a few different "mini sessions" with my sweet baby, his brothers, daddy and myself. I took every photo and used my tripod and remote to make sure I had some with me in them. I wish I had done something like this with my other boys when they were born. With Lucas I wasn't taking photos yet and with Blake, I did an amateur session that I'm not that proud of (save a few sweet shots). These though, I'll treasure forever. Scroll on for a little glimpse of our first few days oogling our sweet new baby.

I am so glad I took thirty minute spurts out of our days to capture these sweet sweet shots of our baby and new family of six. I plan to share this little guy's birth story here on the blog soon as it's coming up on his three month milestone. I can't believe it but, goodness I can't imagine our family before he joined it. We have already been so blessed by him I can hardly contain my excitement for what the future has in store. God bless you and have a wonderful weekend!