Play Dates and Striped Skirts

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Chunky Sweater | Verona (thrifted) similar here

Striped Skirt | Ann Taylor Loft

Ankle Booties | Walmart (ON SALE for 50% off!)

Bag | (thrifted) similar here

Earrings | Nickel + Suede 

Play dates are so, so good for my soul. I love getting together with my momma friends and chatting about life, motherhood, and marriage. I always gain so much encouragement and perspective from visiting with other women who have walked, or are walking, the same road I am. I know I've said it before, but, how IMPORTANT is it to have like-minded friends to lean on and share with. They're really such a blessing and the most inexpensive form of therapy. If you think about it, all it really costs you is a lunch meal and some time helping to tidy up. But, what you gain? Oh my, so much more.

I had the pleasure of having two sweet friends over this morning and we had such a great time. Chatting about life and how much we've changed over the years and comforting each other on all the sadness in the world. It was kind of last minute and I found myself in a tizzy yesterday evening while trying to get the house into a presentable state. I ended up completing my list, aside from a few things, and counting the rest as loss. As long as I had clean bathrooms, a clean enough kitchen to eat in and contained the piles (and piles and piles) of laundry to their drawers and closets, I didn't think they'd mind the layer of dust on the tv stand or clutter on the mud room counter.

I love that I have a group of ladies I feel comfortable enough around to be able to leave those few missed items in the back of my mind when they come over. I'm not stressing over them or trying to be sure they don't notice them or pointing them out so they know how badly I feel about not getting to them. None of that is necessary. They don't come over to inspect my house or check my laundry baskets. They're there to see me and my kiddos and to encourage and to gain encouragement and to share. The triumphs of the time since we last got together and the little failures we encountered along the way. And it is always so refreshing.

If you don't have a few close friends you can fellowship with every few weeks then I HIGHLY encourage you to find some! You don't even realize what you're missing out on. Don't worry about your toddler being the bully or your baby crying the whole time or your kids not eating whatever is fixed for lunch. Just show up, encourage one another and the kiddos will more often than not have a blast together. Sure there may be little quarrels to referee and a diaper blowout or two but, there will also be lots of good, good conversation (albeit with a few interruptions lol) and some serious relationship growth. If you want to know where all the big problems of the world are solved, go to a good play date sometime. ;)

About this outfit.. It's everryyythinnng. Soft and cozy, a little flirty (for the hubby only though) and complimented by some of my favorite accessories. Plus, these side zip ankle booties are on major sale right now! They're from Walmart but are seriously great quality and go with everything. I've gotten so much wear out of them these past few months. I love the mix of preppy and hipster here too. The chunky sweater with the fitted skirt and the ankle boots add a little something unexpected. Also, they're so comfortable! Basically you should go get yourself a pair right now. Happy Tuesday and have a blessed week mommas!