Intentional Living

Do you ever have conversations with close mama friends where you share those deep, intricate parts of yourself? The parts that you've only really revealed to those closest to you and try really hard to keep hidden from others, not because you want to come off as somehow being different than you are but, because you're just not super confident in how to show that side without sending people walking right back outta the room when they see you..? 

Joyful motherhood can be so hard some days. And then come so easily others. The highs and lows can be days, weeks, even months long or it can be mere moments between them. That's what makes it so very unpredictable. No matter how seasoned we are or how much we feel like we've got it all figured out, all it takes is one misstep to send it all crashing to the ground, if we let it. 

I had one of those hard moments yesterday evening with my boys. It started as something so small. So mundane and, silly really. Then turned into a half an hour long lecture and someone picking up the toys in the basement playroom all by themselves while I beat myself up until I felt like the cruddiest mom ever. . .

In the midst of the yelling and tantrums, I was reminded of a conversation I had with a couple of my besties a few days ago. I guess I come off as pretty quiet and reserved most of the time. With my family, friends and aquiantences alike. And, in most ways, I am a fairly quiet person. I don't like to make myself the center of attention and I'd just as soon let someone else take the spotlight if they'd like to. 

The thing is, I'm a pretty reserved mama as well. I love to "wear" my babies and snuggle my boys and give as much love and advice as they'll take from me but, I try really hard not to raise my voice or be too harsh with them. That doesn't mean I don't fail because I do so very often but, if I can, I like to keep my head about me and be super intentional about how I respond to things. Around our home, when we're at a friend's house and even when we're out in public. I try my best to be consistent and loving, even in the midst of discipline.

Back to our conversation, we were talking about areas where we each feel that we fail as moms and where we can strive to do better. We encouraged one another (these ladies are the absolute BEST at that) and then someone said that in a tough situation, they asked themselves what I would do.... Wha?? I know these mamas love me and see the best in me but, to hear that, really made me stop and listen. She looked up to me in that area? I was touched and humbled and it reminded me how often I am exactly what they both said they couldn't imagine me being. Frustrated, at my limit and feeling like the absolute worst version of myself. Yesterday's incident was exactly that, and I got so discouraged when I thought back to the day before and what my friends had said.

I hope I'm not coming off as this mom who is always put together, calm and in control. Because, the Lord knows, I'm not. No matter how much I really do try to govern my thoughts and actions, there are times when they get the best of me, just like anyone else. I really do want to do better though. In the coming days and into the new year, I pray that the Lord would help my mind to go to His word first. That I would be able to stop and think, to listen to what He is telling me in that situation and then be able to react in a way that would be pleasing to Him. In a way that will only confirm the things I'm doing my best to teach to my children. They're always, always watching. Even when we don't realize it.

So, as we go into this new beginning as mamas, wives, daughters, sisters and friends. Let's all encourage a little more and jump the gun a little less. I promise, you'll be so much happier when you don't let what's happening in the moment control how you treat your loved ones and yourself.

It's nearly the end of 2017!!! What has been your very favorite thing about this past year?! I'd love to hear what made it so great!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Sweater Dress | Old Navy (very similar one here)
Poncho | American Eagle (similar)
Blanket Scarf | thrifted wot (similar here)
OTK Boots | super similar here

A Hefty Dose of Christmas Spirit

Through the years, as we get older, it seems that the way we look at Christmas begins to change. As a child, we're so enamored with the magic of it all. A lovable man with a flowing white beard and a soft red suit spends the entire year preparing for one night. He, along with his mythical reindeer, make the rounds and visit every child in the world in the course of just a few hours. Not a single one is forgotten. He represents hope and love and joy like some children really never get a chance to experience. As a child, the concept of Santa Claus and the happiness he brings is just too wonderful not to believe.

When we get a little older and begin to grasp the reality of Santa, we shift our focus from receiving the most wonderful gifts to becoming a form of the big man ourselves. Then we transition into the one who gets to be the giver. It's a little difficult but, when you begin to really understand the meaning behind all of the tradition, it's really, really wonderful. If you're brought up in a Christian home, one where the Bible is read and the stories within it are always floating around, Christmas already has such an incredible significance. Adding to it this selfless act of love just reiterates what we've already been taught, "It's better to give than to receive".

Becoming an adult, it can be so hard to cling to the innocence of this magical season. When you're faced with the harsh realities of real life and see first hand that Christmas is in fact not the same for everyone, we begin to lose faith in the foundations that made this time of year so wonderful to begin with. How is it, I wonder, that some people cling so desperately to the spirit of Christmas and others cannot find one single thing to be thankful for...

Growing up, my parents always made Christmas such a magical time of year for my sisters and I. They worked hard to make sure we were happy and completely sucked into the entire illusion of Santa Claus. And I am so thankful for it... I don't quite remember when I first began to wonder if he was in fact a real person, living and breathing like you and I. I don't remember the day I stopped believing in him that way. I just kind of slipped into a state of knowing that, even though he wasn't alive in the sense that we were, he did exist. He exists in all of us. We can choose everyday to share our gifts with those around us and give the world a little piece of what it may be missing. But, WE have to choose. No one can make our hearts feel certain things or present Christmas in such a way that we're driven back to the times we had as a child. Back to that innocence of just. knowing.

I'm so thankful that I have the peace that can only come from knowing the Lord. My life is filled with the joy and contentment that only He can supply in a world of constantly needing more. I am blessed. Believe me, I know that. He has given me a warm home. A loving husband. Four amazing children. Job security and a spouse that is a wonderful money manager. He gives us the means to put food in our pantry and socks on our feet. Our sink is often filled with dirty dishes and our laundry room is almost always stacked high with things waiting to be washed. We. have. so. much.

I'm in a constant state of awe of what my Lord has done in my life. He's taken a frustrated, young girl and turned her into a blessed wife and mother. He's given me dear friends and amazing family. He's put peace in my heart where there once was worry and sadness. Guilt and fear. He's been writing my story from the beginning and, it's been really, really good so far. I can't imagine all that He has in store for my future and I don't want to know. Because, if I did, I would most surely mess it up.

Christmas though, is not about all of the stuff we fill our homes with or the money we spend on gifts. It's not about crafting and planning and inviting the whole neighborhood to an annual party. It's not even about seeing all of the loved ones we don't get together with nearly as often as we'd like to. Those are all truly wonderful things and they can be such blessings if we let them be. It's when we place our entire focus and invest all of our joy on those things going exactly right where we run into trouble.

As a child of God, I want to do my very best to carry the true meaning of Christmas with me every single day of my life. I want to show my children what it's like to be happy and content and truly joy filled while living the life HE has planned for me. I may not know what that's going to look like, but I can rest assured that He has only good intentions and He knows what I need every MOMENT.

This Christmas, can we all try a little harder to step back from the hustle and bustle and look a little deeper at the places we're investing ourselves in? I know I want to. Let's just enjoy the things we've been given instead of comparing our life and our circumstances to someone else's. It was Theodore Roosevelt that said, "Comparison is the thief of joy". Oh how true that is...

Stripes + Cardis + Slippers

Have you ever come across that perfect outfit? The one that you've tried to "pin" about a gazillion times and always forget you've already saved it until Pinterest reminds you? For me, this is the one. I love the neutral colors, the cozy, super chunky knit, the ankle boots with a little flare and the jeans that have just enough distressing. I've pinned and pinned it and, finally, decided to try to recreate it. I found the perfect fabric for the top at Walmart and it's surprisingly great quality. It's thick enough to wear without an under shirt and has the perfect amount of stretch. The only thing I would do differently would be to make the peplum slightly more ruffly (I still may do that actually). I love this top! I patterned it off of one of my favorite long sleeve tops with a loose fit and great neckline, which can be one of the most difficult parts about sewing a shirt. This one came out so good though.

I found this suuuuper soft and cozy cardi at Rue on sale and love how it compliments the stripes in the top. It has buttons but, I'm slightly tempted to remove them actually...we'll see. It's has the most amazing fit though. Slightly oversized and soooo comfy. This was the very last one in this color and I was lucky enough to get a s/m so it's perfect. They have a beautiful deep red color also (the one linked below) but, all they had was xl so it would have been way too big. BUT, Rue does have a TON of sweaters and cardigans on sale for only $15 right now so, if you're on the hunt for one, check them out.

I didn't actually realize it until I was tagging sources for this post but, this entire outfit is from Rue (lol). The jeans are from last year (a five dollar find) and the slipper flats were only five bucks as well! Also, the choker was part of a set of three for only $1! I love that it's simple but, not quite ordinary. Super cute too.

I did decide to opt for the slipper flats in this post because I think they're simply adorable and soooo comfy! I will definitely be wearing this look again though with some ankle booties! I'd love to find some with side slits like the ones in my inspiration pic below.

Have a lovely Thursday friends!! Only 11 MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!! Are you ready?!?!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Striped Peplum Top | made by me (inspired by this pin)

Chunky Knit Cardigan | Rue 21

Destroyed Denim | Rue 21 (similar)

Suede Flats | Rue 21 (can't find them online, here are other options though)

Bubble Choker |Rue 21 (can't find it online, here are other options though)

outfit inspiration from THIS PIN on my Pinterest Board

Thankfulness, So Much Thankfulness

Isn't it funny how easy it is to overlook certain things when we're busy going through the motions of everyday life? Things that are seemingly small for most of us but, in reality, are so very important. 

Our two middle boys were very sick all night last night. It all started around seven thirty-ish when we were just about to start a movie. Lucas all of a sudden said his tummy hurt and then raced off to the bathroom... He was sick four times within the hour and it only continued throughout the night. Blake started in shortly after midnight and each of them took turns needing me at about thirty minute intervals until Lucas finally got good and asleep at three am so Blake could continue on till around six. 

...

Tyler woke up at his usual time, around five am, to join us in our bed and, by morning, mama was exhauuuusted.

It was rough, to say the least, and so we spent the day in complete L A Z Y mode. The two sickies got in good naps in the morning (so very needed) and the second half of the day we made pallets in the living room and watched Christmas movies and snuggled. 

I say all that to say this, my family doesn't get sick very often. I feel like we expose the boys to a wild variety of germs (is there any way to make that sound like a good thing??), they take a vitamin daily, have a well-rounded diet and get lots of sleep. We work pretty hard to keep their immune systems good and strong. Now, I know sickness happens. But, when it's so rare to happen to you, it's kind of a scary thing. When Lucas began throwing up so suddenly I immediately wanted to call my midwife and get all the advice on what to do for him. (Seriously y'all, she's AMAZING) I stifled the urge and Glen did a little research, webmd to the rescue, and we decided it probably wasn't anything serious. Each time he would get sick it was less and less and, eventually it was just water he was drinking to try and stay hydrated. 

Once we realized he was actually going to be fine, eventually, we tried to comfort him and assure him it would all be alright. Likewise when Blake started in. But, it got me thinking about all those mamas and daddys whose little ones are severely sick, hospitalized, and, even worse, terminally ill. To have a huge piece of yourself, right there in front of you, struggling in such a way that you can do absolutely nothing to help them. It's heartbreaking...

I thank the Lord every. single. night. for the health and safety He gives my family. I can't even begin to think about sleeping until I've done it and, once I get started saying thanks, it's hard to find a place to stop. I look at my life and all that I am so blessed to have and I am just SO humbled that the Lord would entrust me with such things. How could He when he knows my faults, my shortcomings, the places in which I fail daily. How could He give me such delicate, perfect blessings and not expect me to utterly disappoint Him. 

...

Thank you, Lord, for the many, many intricately woven parts of my life that you knit together so perfectly. Our home. The business. Our families. Every single opportunity. The four handsome, doting boys that Glen and I have been blessed with. I could never even begin to love them the way you do but, I'll spend my life trying. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Duster Cardigan | similar here

Embroidered Dress | Umgee (available here on Ebay)

Laser Cut Ankle Booties | old from Magnolia Boutique (also love these + these)

We're headed into another night over here and mama is prayyyying that it goes so much better than last night did. Please send all the prayers and positive vibes our way friends! Happy sleeping!

Barriers

Did anyone else wake up to frigid temps this morning? Yikes it's cold here. Like, 14 degrees, cold. The boys immediately ran to the window to see the frost covered ground and then Blake promptly asked to go outside and play.. 

Have you ever come across a trend that you thought looked super cute and so easy to put together but, you never tried it for fear of it not looking near as good on you as it does on all the models in the ads? Just me then? (lol) That's kind of how I felt about the "cold shoulder" tops that have become so popular. I thought it was adorable and looked so comfy but, I just couldn't bring myself to try it. Then this top happened. I found it on sale and right away loved the color and texture of the fabric. I had it in my hand and almost immediately started second guessing myself. What will I wear it with, will it fit the way I hope (the rare instance in which I did not try on since I had all of my boys with me)? Will the color wash me out? ...

Then, after about fifteen minutes of fighting an internal battle with myself, I headed to the counter to buy it. Life. Changed.

Seriously guys, I love this top! It's probably the most comfortable thing I own, I've worn it more than an acceptable amount of times over the past two weeks, it's SO easy to plan an outfit around and the color is so soft and calming. The length is perfect, the fit is amazing, the neckline is on point and yea, it's basically heaven in shirt form. (lol) 

All joking aside though, isn't it hard sometimes to step outside of our comfort zone? I don't know about you but, I struggle with pushing my limits sometimes. Not in every instance but, every now and then, it's just too hard to pull the trigger.

I know what you're thinking, "it's a shirt??..". I know that. But, I'm talking about more than the things we wear. I'm talking, what if you were faced with a decision that could potentially change your life and you backed away from it for fear of facing the judgement of others or a difficult situation. What about then?

I'm not trying to start any deep, theological discussion about life. I'm more just questioning the limits I sometimes set for myself. Am I too afraid of the ground falling out from under me to try new things? Am I keeping myself from some really amazing blessings because I'm holding the things I have a little too tightly? Just something to think about. 

I hope you all have an amazing FRIYAY and a wonderfully festive weekend ahead! If you're on the fence about putting yourself out there today, why not give it a shot?! You don't even know how BLESSED you may be just from taking that one step. Happy weekend!!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Cold Shoulder Tunic Sweater | Umgee (similar options here + here + another cozy option here from Jane)

Jeans | Old Navy (thrifted, similar here)

Wedge Ankle Booties | Maurices (thrifted, available on Ebay + similar on Jane here)

Earrings | Nickel & Suede

Tassel Bag | Jane (an old deal, similar option here)

My 8 Fave Beauty Products Right Now

I've recently tried a couple of new beauty products to make my morning routine a little quicker + easier and I've been pleasantly surprised by how well they're working for me! I've never been one to spend hours layering on makeup and I really don't want to start now. But, I have always tried to do a semi-good job at covering blemishes and making myself feel more "put together".

One thing I've always struggled with, but have never really tried to remedy, is my eyebrows. I'm a pretty light blonde. Not super light but, nowhere close to being brunette. So, my eyebrows and lashes have always been fairly light as well. It's kind of a pain and so, recently, I've been looking for products to use that help define and make them stand out a bit more. I think I may have actually found a few things I love.

#1 Physician's Formula Feather Brow

Literally all you do is swipe it on and then highlight your brow line. That's it. I used to gel then powder my  brows to fill them in a bit. Not a ton, as you can tell from my outfit posts, I don't like them to be super dark or unnaturally thick. I just want them to be consistent and visible. This does the trick perfectly for me. I've been using it on days that I'm just at home as well to give myself a little self-esteem boost (and so I don't scare the UPS and Mail Carrier so much..). 

#2 Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Creme

My skin has been unusually touchy lately and that means (unfortunately) more breakouts than I'm used to having. (Maybe it's a getting older thing, maybe it's a post-nursing thing? I dunno..) I found this and decided to try it out and it works surprisingly well! The green is supposed to cancel out deep red and I've used it to cover some pretty embarrassing spots the past few months. All I do is dot it where needed, use a brush to smooth it out (not too much though) then cover with a normal nude correcting concealer and bam. Done. I usually use it as a beginning step in my makeup routine and then, sometimes I'll dot again at the end if my brushes have smoothed it a bit too much. 

#3 Almay Smart Shade Pressed Powder

This is a great, easy to apply and blend pressed powder and I love how natural it looks. It's not heavy but it controls oil well also. Perfect for my just, unordinary skin situation right now. But, I'll probably continue using it in the future as well! I used to use Flower brand powder foundation and, while I really loved it, it seemed like it didn't always last very long, depending on what I was doing. This is great in that respect. 

#4 Flower Daily Brightening Undereye Cover Cream

I love this stuff. I've been using it for a few months now and it's just now about time to replace it. Just one swipe under your eye gives you a good amount and, after a little blending with a brush, provides cover and concealer for those dark undereye circles all day. I usually blend it in and then swipe the brush on my eyelids for a little extra coverage there as well. 

#5 Maybelline Nudes Eyeshadow

This is the perfect color palette for seriously any look. I use the third from the left, top row and second from the right, top row as my everyday shades and add the second from the right, bottom row to highlight my brow/upper lid. It's very natural looking but, again, gives me that feeling of "put togetherness" I need to keep my feeling great about myself. Love this.

#6 Rimmel London Sculpting Palette

I recently purchased this and I love how it looks after being applied. I don't do any heavy sculpting/contouring, still yet, I've been very happy with the results of using this. I apply a light layer of 2 on my cheek bone, around my forehead, on the sides of my nose and under my jaw line. Really, a light layer. Then I brush some of 3 on the sides of my cheeks and highlight with number 1 on the tops of my cheeks, top of my nose (swipe down the front) and my chin. Simple and makes a nice impact on the shape of my face.

#7 Physician's Formula Powder Palette Bronzer

Lastly, this is my favorite bronzer right now. I bought it just before our trip to Hawaii to make getting ready a little easier while there and it does the trick. I just brush a little on my cheeks and I'm good to go. I don't use it often, if I'm using the contour palette above then I forgo this step. But, if I want to get together quickly (in the morning before hunting, on days I'm just staying home..) then I use this and I'm set. It gives me a little color and helps me feel less, blah. lol

#8 Eco Tools Makeup Brushes

Also, these are my favorite makeup brushes. I use the second largest to blend my concealer, the largest I use for contouring/blush/bronzer, and the small flat one I use to blend in my eyeliner when it feels a bit too sharp. Love these brushes and they're so soft on my skin. 

So, anyway, those are my most recent beauty picks and I use them all so often. If you're on the lookout for something new to try or just aren't happy with your current routine, I hope you'll find something useful here. Have a very blessed week and I hope you're making lots of headway on your Christmas shopping lists! Only about THREE weeks left!!

Warm Tones + My Fave Jane Deals

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Swing Dress | Jane.com (similar here)

Faux Fur Vest | (thrifted) Buy the exact version used from Ebay here 

Faux Fur Foldover Clutch | made by me (similar here)

Open Toe Booties | Gap (thrifted, similar here)

It's been a while since I posted a Sunday look so, since it's the beginning of the Christmas season, here's a holiday inspired #sundaystyle for you! I'm loving warm tones right now and this pretty swing dress is just perfect. The color is 'spruce' and it's from Flamingo Urban on Jane. (Actually, the same company the floral dress from this post is from) There's a deal on a very similar one right now and it's less than $25! It's seriously the perfect staple piece, super comfy and so versatile. (kiiiiinda want it in the wine color as well..) Also, very flattering on any body type. I love these dresses because they're so easy to wear but, also, because they go with practically anything. Dress them up with some heels and a clutch or down with some sneakers or ankle boots and a fun hat. So many options, really.

I thought it might also be fun to share some of my other fave deals available on Jane right now! I've gotten quite a bit of my Christmas shopping done on there the past few weeks and they've got some really great gift ideas. Read through and let me know what you love!

FOR HER : 

Jersey 3/4 sleeve Swing Dress

Faux Wrap Cross Front Dress 

Danielle Button Dress

Winter Graphic Tees

Oversized Sweatshirts

Ruffle Long Sleeve Top (looooove this!)

Dress Clearance

Softest Heathered Joggers (these look amazingly comfortable!)

Double Weave Shirt Dress

Perforated Suede Booties (SO want these!!)

Strappy Cut Booties

Detailed Ankle Bootie

Bootie Blowout

Handmade Ugandan Necklace

Laser Cut Faux Leather Clutch

FOR THE HOME :

Lart Art Print Hanger 

Set of 3 Mini Signs

Christmas Pillow Covers

12x12 Wood Signs

12x18 Letter Board (seriously, this needs to be under my Christmas tree!)

Christmas Signs

Gold Foil Hand Lettered Mug

FOR THE LITTLES : 

Classic Sleeping Cloth Doll

Genuine Leather Baby Moccasins (love these sweet little moccasins)

Petti Romper

Fresh Linen Bows

Baby Bodysuits

Baby Girl Autumn Sets

Baby Girl Twirl Dresses