Drowning in Insecurities

Hey there mamas. I've been a bit hung up on this lately and, I thought that maybe the reason was because someone out there might need to hear about it. Is it just me or, are we more critical of ourselves than anyone else? Am I the only one who looks in the mirror, or at the world around me, and only sees MY flaws? The ways I fall short and the infinite things I need to change.. Do I sometimes think, "If I could only fix this or change that. Then, I would really, truly be happy with myself."? .. I don't think I'm alone here but, sometimes it feels that way.

You may look at me and see an optimistic, outgoing, happy mama who is never feeling down or pressed for joy. You may think I wake up in the morning and immediately greet my children with a smile and a warm remark and our days are filled with sweet memories and productivity simultaneously. That I always have it all together and I never lose it on my kids, my husband or myself.

You may wake up in the morning and all you can think is how your pjs are too tight, you have no motivation to do anything and no one would care if you just stayed in your bed for the entire day. You can't get rid of that darn acne, your hair is still in that awkward growth stage and good grief, if you could just lose those five pounds, you could begin to see the brighter side of things.

Why does our happiness, our joy, our peace, have to revolve around all that junk..? Friends, I'm here to tell you that it absolutely, positively, in NO way has to. WE get to make the choice. WE have a chance to decide, each day, if we're going to be happy and content with our lives. To really look around and see all the things we've been so graciously blessed with. And, then, realize that our current situation has nothing to do with how we feel inside. You can't find peace in the things the world offers you. Whether it's clear skin, mermaid hair or lean legs. It just won't work.

I've been re-evaluating  my thought process lately and, I'm sorry to admit, I did use to focus a lot of my energy on those daunting things listed above. How I "felt" depended on how my hair turned out that day or if that pimple finally went away. But, where's the joy in that? How exhausting is it to determine our level of happiness and contentment based on all of the disappointing moments we experience? (Especially when it seems there are so many of them at times.) Very.

I pray that the Lord would help me to see my true worth in Him. I pray He would help me to really, truly believe that I am not the clothes that I wear or the way my hair turned out. The people that actually matter, the ones that truly love and value me for ME are not judging me by those things. They're really not. Just as I don't look at the lady next to me in the checkout line and instantly notice all the things she should do to better herself. I can almost guarantee that she has her own list of insecurities to worry about. She's not thinking about mine.

But, what if she is? Does that take away from my worth? Does that make me any less of a mother or wife or Christian? If my opinion of myself matters less than others opinions of me then, goodness, I'm in deep water.

Friends, I want you to know that YOU MATTER. You are beautiful and smart and you deserve so much more than what this world can offer you.

The truth in the Bible says that we don't have to fret about worldly things. We're not meant to be the most rich or influential person on Earth. God doesn't want us to beat each other down trying to reach the top first. And, we are certainly not created to all be the same. Uniqueness is amazing. A little scary at times. But, so so cool as well.

What if, instead of critiquing on another, we spent that energy lifting each other up? How much more wonderful a place would this world be?!

I know this is kind of "deep" conversation to have but, I just had it on my mind to share with you. Some friends and I were talking about insecurities and how we notice so much more within ourselves than anyone else ever does and it just got me thinking. How very true is that..

Can we do something together? Let's try to focus more on all of the things we LIKE about ourselves. Speak truth, kindness and love to yourself daily and just see what kind of a difference it makes in your thinking. I'm going to do it and, I hope you'll join me.

Have a wonderful end to your week friends!! We only have this one life to live, why not make the most of it!?!

Layering Blazers For Spring

Do you ever struggle with feeling ungrateful? Like, you look around and see all of the wonderful things the Lord has blessed you with, and you LOVE it all. But, there's that one dress you wanted and feel frustrated when it doesn't happen or you wanted to go out to eat instead of going home to cook a meal and it just doesn't work out.. Something trivial like that just undoes your day and then, all of a sudden, you feel like a privileged two year old who needs a time-out..

Am I the only one who feels this way? I know I can't be, I just  h a t e  that I let my emotions get the best of me sometimes.. I had one of those days over the weekend and it has just knawed at my self-worth ever since. Like, geesh, really? Was I honestly that upset about something so unimportant?..

I think everyone goes through valleys like that. Sometimes it can be one specific thing that sets us off, or a myriad of things we've allowed to pile up inside our hearts and we simply can't stomach any more. How do we combat feelings like this? I'm not exactly sure. I do know that letting things go will help immensely. Stopping to pray about it and then leaving. it. there. Realizing that some things just DON'T matter. Not in the least. And, also, talking about it. Letting others know how you've been feeling and then, ultimately realizing that you're never alone in those situations. Someone else you love and care for has been through the exact same thing as you're going through now, no matter how small. And they want to help you through it. Isn't that one thing we're called to do here on Earth? To be there for others and lend a hand and heart as often as we can? Yes, I think so.

It's ironic sometimes, when we experience those lows, how much we really learn in the process. The way I react to my children when they have the very same attitude all of a sudden reminds me of the way my heavenly Father disciplines me. With so much love and grace and yet, am I giving that to my own little ones? I hope so. 

I'm not directing this post to  a n y o n e  else but myself. I seriously need it. Sometimes a little pep talk and a chunk of alone time can do wonders for this mama's heart and attitude (towards life in general). I just want to remind myself to let go of the little things. The things that would seek to steal my joy. And  r e v e l  in all of the abundant blessings I've been given. This life I'm living is so very sweet and I NEVER want to miss a second of it yearning for things I don't have.....

On a lighter note, I wanted to share this Sunday Style look with you! It was super easy to put together. I thrifted this floral dress ages ago (and the blazer as well) and never thought to put them together in one outfit until yesterday. But, I loved it! I'm linking some really sweet floral dresses and classic blazers below that would be great to style in this same way this spring! 

Anways, thanks for taking the time to stop by today! I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and that you're able to see more blessings than disappointments. Happy Monday!!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

FLORAL DRESS | thrifted (found it on Ebay though!)
BLAZER | thrifted (similar here)
NUDE PUMPS | Rue 21
BLUSH SUEDE BAG | Walmart sale item (similar here)
POM EARRINGS | $1 Walmart find (in-store only)

           

Hair Tips + Spring Layering

Hey guys! I hope you've had a fantastic week so far! I talked on insta a bit about my hair care routine and how I've changed it up a TON in the last three weeks. Well, I am seeing some great benefits to that so, I thought I'd share what I'm doing!

To preface, I'll start with what I USED to do. I used to wash my hair daily, regardless as to whether we were going somewhere or not. I hated the feeling of dirty, greasy hair and just didn't like to use dry shampoo too often. Looking back, I'm really not sure why that was.. Anyhoo, I used heat on my hair a LOT and never used anything to protect it from damage. I've never colored my hair so it's pretty healthy, I've just begun noticing some split ends and a bit of slowing in growth. So, that got me to thinking about switching up my routine and trying to promote health in my hair along with shaving some time and effort off of my daily routine. 

Which brings me to where I am now. My weekly routine is as follows :

Sunday - Day 1, wash day. I use TRESemme' HEAT TAMER spray on my hair while it's damp after washing. Then, with a pick, I comb through it easily and then use my EcoTools Air Dryer Brush that I LOVE. I blow dry my hair while using a roller brush at my roots and ends to smooth it and give it some lift. After blow drying, I spray it again with the TRESemme' HEAT TAMER before I straighten or curl. After I have it styled the way I want, I use TRESemme' TRES TWO Spray and go about my day. My style is set and I don't have to worry about restraightening or curling at all.

Monday - Day 2, Usually Monday is our day at home to catch up on housework and just chill so, I do nothing to my hair on these days. I'll usually pull it back into a pony or braids just to keep it out of my face. I also don't brush it too often, three times a day max. 

Tuesday - Day 3, Usually we're at home this day too but, if we do have plans to go anywhere I'll spritz a bit of Heat Tamer onto the ends and top before straightening the top and then either finish straightening it again or add some/touch up curls, whichever is easier for that day. Once I have it styled the way I like, I spray some dry shampoo onto my roots, work it through gently with my fingertips and then, after a few minutes, lightly brush it through. I also usually don't have to use much hairspray after day one because it holds the style so well. 

Wednesday - Day 4, We have Bible Study and errands in town so I'll do a repeat of the steps from Tuesday. Heat tamer, straighten the top, then curl it with my Remington Pro 1-1 1/2 inch Curling Wand. I do it in layers (bottom to top) and it makes it curl so much more evenly. Afterward I'll spray lightly with dry shampoo and then comb it through gently with a comb or brush to even it out. Again, I don't need much hairspray because of the product already in it. 

Thursday - Day 5, sometimes we have our homeschool co-op so I'll repeat Wednesday's routine which usually takes about 15-20 minutes, tops. If we're just at home though, I'll usually just comb it through and then put it in a couple of braids or a high bun.

Friday - Day 6, We don't usually have major plans on Fridays so, If we're at home I do nothing. If we're going somewhere I'll repeat my same routine from Wednesday, being cautious as not to use too much dry shampoo so I don't get a lot of residue showing in the top of my hair. Then sometimes I'll pull it up but, most of the time I can still get away with keeping it down. I like to pull one side back a bit so I'm not constantly running my fingers through it and that keeps the extra oil out of my hair but, also keeps residues and oils off my face, which is better for my skin. 

Saturday - Day 7, Same steps as the previous few days, Heat Tamer then, straighten the top then touch up curls (if I need to, which is rare by day 7) and then pin it back and go! No hairspray needed. If I notice that it's showing quite a bit of oil or dry shampoo, I'll use very minimal dry shampoo and then pull it back into an easy bun. Again, no hairspray needed today.

I sleep with it down for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night, then in a top knot the rest of the week so it's not in the way while I sleep but the extra oils/product don't get on my pillow or face during the night. And, that's it! It may seem a little complicated at first glance but, seriously it's so easy and has just become habit the last couple of weeks. 

As far as shampoo goes, I usually bounce around between different brands but, my sister recently mentioned something to me about Lush Cosmetics Bar Shampoo and I really want to give it a try! Has anyone used it before? Pros and cons from your personal experience?

Have a wonderful week friends! I'll link everything I use below and let me know if you have any tips on growing long, healthy hair naturally! 

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

DRESS | TIME & TRU - WALMART
CARDIGAN | RUE 21 ( similar here + here)
ANKLE BOOTS | MAGNOLIA BOUTIQUE (old, similar here + LOVE these)
TIE CHOKER | WALMART
PURSE | similar here

| HAIR PRODUCTS |

TRESemme' HEAT TAMER SPRAY
DOVE DRY SHAMPOO
TRESemme' TRES TWO HAIRSPRAY
REMINGTON CURLING WAND
ECO TOOLS HAIR BRUSH
ROLLER BRUSH

Neutrals + Florals + Fresh Starts

Anyone else start to get this "itch" as the winter months begin drawing to a close and spring is JUST around the corner? That feeling of, "gotta throw out all my clothes, redecorate the living room and the master bedroom and, while I'm at it, let's do the kitchen and kids rooms as well and start fresh".. Just me then? I craaaave newness and change. I want to bring light and crisp, bright colors and soft neutrals and everything happy all into our space and I want to do it all at once. Eesh.. that can be tough. I find that if I tackle it in baby steps, moving things around, shopping my house, purging and then replacing, doing my best to be intentional and less "instant gratification" minded, I find a happy medium that really works for me. I'm curbing my appetite for ALL THE NEW THINGS (if just a smidge) and still satisfying that longing for freshness.

I love to thrift and repurpose and I'm finding that a ton of my decorating and dressing style is centered around just that nowadays. Some plans I have in the works for our home this spring are : 

- new spring oriented pillow covers for the couch throw pillows

- decluttering the kitchen counters and letting in more light

- purging more toys from the boys' rooms

- sorting through clothes and consigning what we don't need/use

- bringing in pops of floral and lots of white/color (does that make sense??)

I have a few ideas to get me started and, of course, find myself scrolling pinterest on the daily. (Seriously, whoever came up with that idea is a  g e n i u s!) 

As far as my closet goes, I've been on a purge kick lately to get rid of things that I know I don't wear, no matter how much I love it. It's been difficult at times but also, simultaneously super fun. I've filled holes with things I'm drawn to so much more and have begun a "wish list" of things to keep my eye out for while out thrifting. I'll be sharing my top items in a post soon so, be on the lookout for that!

I found this feminine floral dress while having some "mama time" a few days ago and I just LOVE it! It's so pretty, has the perfect neutrals and fits great. It's actually a size large, I usually go for a sm/m in dresses. But, sometimes when you're thrifting, you just don't have the option to get your normal size. If it fits, has a great price tag and you love it then, I say, get it! This dress was exactly that. I'll admit I actually like the more flowy fit and the length is perfect. I tend to go a tad longer with my dresses most of the time but, again, when thrifting..

So, for spring, I plan to bring lots of pretty neutrals, light, feminine fabrics and loads of floral patterns into my daily wardrobe. I love that this dress can also go from church to a day out super easily. I'd just switch out the heels for some flats and the shoulder bag for something a little more spacious because, #momlife. 

I can't find this exact dress online so I'll link a few similar styles below, in case you're in the market for one. This bag is old from Very Jane so I'll also link a few options I love. Also, if you haven't heard of the Ibotta app, you have GOT to try it!! If you follow my link, we can both earn some extra free moolah. I love this app for so many reasons and, right now, you can get $2 back on Neutrogena Hydro Boost products!! Seriously, what are you waiting for?!? 

Have a happy week friends!! Spring is right around the corner!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

FLORAL DRESS | Old Navy (similar styles here + here and I LOVE this one)

NUDE HEELS | Rue 21 (only $9 in store right now!)

TASSEL SHOULD BAG | Jane.com (I love this one from Romwe)

EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede

LIPGLOSS | Neutrogena Hydro Boost in "True Nude" ($2 off with the Ibotta app right now!!)

Elevated Basics

Guys, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read the mumbo jumbo in my last post..(insert monkey covering face emoji here). Sometimes I really think we get so overloaded with all the junk that it inhibits our abilities for REAL. Mental or not, good grief, I needed to vent it. Somehow, typing it out and then leaving it here really REALLY helped me process it all better. So, thanks for listening.

I've felt like this weight was lifted off my shoulders the past couple of days and I just know part of it was prayer. Prayers from you guys, prayers from myself. Prayers from people I don't even realize are taking the time to pray for me daily. I'm so grateful. 

My boys and I had a really good morning (and afternoon) on Wednesday. Like, the best we've had in a long time. And while they were exceptionally well behaved. I know that my mood and the "vibes" I'm giving off really play a vital role in all of that. Just as babies pick up on our nervousness, anxiety and when we're feeling calm, so do our older kids. So, anyway, I say all that to say, keep that in mind when your day just seems "off". It could very well be you're stressing over things that really don't deserve your attention and that's rubbing off on those around you. Not always but, sometimes. 

On a lighter note, I wanted to share this outfit that I just loooove. It's so basic and yet not, all at the same time. Elevated basics are something I've become a bit of an expert at, especially when it comes to mama-ing. It helps so much to be able to go to my closet and just know that something will work together. Shaving off getting ready time in the morning can do SO MUCH for getting us out the door on time and without meltdowns. 

That's why I truly love this look. A basic striped dress with the perfect fit, a soft and cozy cardigan with puffy sleeves to add a little something different, a somewhat "trendy" take on the basic black boot and the perfect bag to round it all out. This look is me, to a T. Seriously, if I could wear this everyday I would. 

I also wanted to share with you guys my new FAVE lip gloss! It's Neutrogena HydroBoost in True Nude and it's the perrrrfect shade! I don't wear a ton of color on my lips, I just have a hard time committing to a bold lip color. But, this is def going to be on heavy rotation! I'm not wearing anything except the lip gloss. No need for primer or anything like that. It's that good.

Anyway, thanks again for reading and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! And maybe get yourself some new lip gloss ;)

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

STRIPED DRESS | Charlotte Russe (old, super cute version here)

OVERSIZED CARDIGAN | Rue 21 (sold out, very similar style here)

OTK BOOTS | Circus by Sam Edelman (found the exact style on Ebay here)

BAG | Steve Madden (thrifted, LOVE this one and similar style here)

NECKLACE | Lisa Leonard Designs (old, so  many gorgeous designs here)