Blue Suede Mules

Do you ever come across a trend that you really love but, just can't seem to find the gumption to try for yourself? That is "mules" for me. I think they are seriously SO CUTE. I just have a hard time feeling like I'm doing them justice with what I'm pairing them with. Does that make sense?

Anyhoo...

I stumbled upon this super cute pair of faux suede mules at Rue a few months ago. They were on sale for a measly three bucks. THREE BUCKS. How could I not buy them?! Really though, they are so cute, very trendy right now and so SO versatile. I love the light dusty blue color and finding sweet tops and dresses to pair with them has been so much fun. 

Often times, in life and fashion, I find myself feeling hesitant to jump into things I really feel drawn to. Whether it be a friendship, a commitment of some kind, something concerning our family's future or, fashion and style choices. Isn't it funny, though, that more often than not, when I actually do get the courage to give into whatever IT is, I almost always come out feeling happier and more fulfilled. I mean, I get it. It's a pair of shoes.. But, still. Why not just do something because it feels right to YOU? Not always. I don't mean to insinuate that you should be totally and one hundred percent about yourself and fulfilling your wants twenty four seven. But, every now and then, it's okay to take the risk (and spend a few dollars) to do something for you. Even if you're not sure you'll enjoy it in the end or you decide a little while later that it's just not for you. That's alright. Just don't be afraid to give new things, new places, new trends a try. You never know what you might end up loving and learning about yourself in the process.

These shoes are definitely one of my fave sale finds and I don't even care that they're not some high priced brand. They make me happy and that's all that really matters. Isn't that the goal and purpose behind our fashion choices, after all? Have a lovely week friends! We're halfway to the weekennnnd!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

SHEER DRESS/TOP : thrifted

WHITE SKINNIES : Jordache

FAUX SUEDE MULES : Rue 21 (old, these are similar) Also LOVE these!

EMBROIDERED BAG : similar style here (also love this one)

EARRINGS : Nickel & Suede (Lip Gloss, size large)

And, here's a few other styles of heeled Mules that I love!

    

Holding Onto Me

Hey friends! I hope your week has been as fantastic and fulfilling as ever! We're just beginning our break for the summer and I did not realize how much I reeeeally needed it! (Okay, maybe I sensed it a little.) Seriously though, we haven't done a whole lot yet, mostly stayed home and gotten caught up on all that I felt so behind on the past few weeks. But, it has been wonderful not to have to worry about schoolwork! 

I wanted to share a little something with you, an idea, a bit of opinion, that's been tumbling around in my thoughts lately. Recently, I've been seeing all of these social media posts about how if you're not giving one hundred and ten percent of yourself to you family then, you're basically failing as a wife and mother...

What?

Let me be the first to say that I understand where the writers are coming from but, I completely disagree with that statement. I love my husband. I love my children. I loooove my family and all that they bring to my life but, I cannot give them ALL of me. I can't. I do at times find myself doing just that and, you know what? It's usually when I'm feeling at my worst mentally, emotionally and physically. I'm pouring every ounce of myself out into them and there's not a single bit left for me to just... be me. To do me. To take care of ME. And, I feel so drained. If I'm not taking a bit of time each day to just do something for myself, then, honestly, how can I even begin to serve my family well..? 

I try my best to give myself a little self care each day and to also spend a little time doing something I enjoy. Personally, working out, showering, fixing my hair, doing my makeup, taking a little time to get fixed up or at least be intentional about how I present myself is self care. Painting my nails or doing an at-home facial. Reading a couple of chapters of a book while the boys play. It's important that I not lose myself in the midst of these crazy, wonderful years of bringing up a family. I want to make so many precious memories with them and I want to be able to enjoy each moment with a clear and happy mind and heart. In order to do that, I HAVE to give myself a little love as well. And, that's why I don't agree with the aforementioned statement. Yes, give your family your best and yes, do it with your whole heart. BUT, don't forget about yourself mama!

In order for me to be the best that I can be for my husband and my children, I MUST make the time to take care of me. And I cannot allow myself to feel guilty about it. I'm a wife, a mama, a friend, a daughter, a photographer, a sister, and a daughter of the King. Being a wife does not define me. Being a mama does not define me. Nor do any of the other hats I wear. They're all very important, incredibly treasured parts of me that I wouldn't trade for the world. But, in order to play all of those roles well and give it my very best, taking care of myself has to be a top priority.

How do you feel about this issue? Are you for or against my opinion? I'd genuinely love to know! Just because we have differing opinions about things doesn't mean we can't still agree to disagree and love each other anyway. Have a wonderful end of your week friends!! xo

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

OTS DRESS | similar

WEDGE SANDALS | similar

EMBROIDERED PURSE | similar

EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede

Boho Summer

Hey friends!! It's been a hot minute (ahem.. couple of months) since my last post and goodness have I missed sharing here! Our family has been so insanely busy (in all good ways) and, while it's been wonderful, I can finally begin to see things slowing down for us. So, yay!

In the last few weeks, we have taken a twelve day trip to Alaska to visit my sisters and their hubbys (SO INCREDIBLE!!), had lots going on school wise as we've been catching up from being away for so long, I've done enough photo shoots to give me some maaaajor baby fever (not that I didn't already have it..), have been doing lots of VBS prep for our church (Which we're currently in the middle of. Two more nights to go!), celebrated two more birthdays in our home and so much more. I just can't even begin to share all that we've been up to. 

Oh and, in case you didn't notice, I chopped my hair! It's been a long time coming and, though I certainly miss the length I had (and wish I'd never gone with the bangs..ugh) I'm loving this new, easier length to style. It's been fun trying out new ways to fix it and feeling like I got the bit of change I was looking for. 

I've been steering way towards boho styles this summer and I am seriously loving it! From flowy tops to embroidered bags, mom jeans and fun summer slides, I am having SUCH a great time nailing down the dos and don'ts of this style for me! Below I'm linking a few inspiration pieces I'm loving right now. If you're looking for a way to refresh your closet this summer, this could just be it! And, as always, playing with pieces you already own in ways you haven't tried before is lots of fun too! Let me know your fave summer trends and what you're just loving right now in the comments!!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

OTS TOP | Walmart

JEANS | Asos

EMBROIDERED BAG | (couldn't find it to link, sorry)

LEATHER SLIDES | Franco Sarto (similar, also love these)

SUNNIES | Walmart (in store)