Que Sera Sera

Have you ever looked at your life, your priorities, your hobbies, the things you spend the majority of your time doing and wondered, "when did I get here?..". That's kind of where I've been feeling the last little while. Stuck in a place of complacency and not really knowing when or how it all got so.. bleh. I've been in this spot before, more than once, and all I can say is, I'm so glad I can now recognize it before it becomes an issue for me. Trying to reassess the important things in my life and focus more on the things that bring me joy, the things that stretch me, the things that the Lord has placed there for a purpose, instead of digging myself into an ever-deeper whole of trying to just survive. 

Lately, I've felt more myself than I can remember feeling in a long time. Not that I've been unhappy, God knows I am SO blessed and I truly love my life. I adore my family and cherish every single day I am blessed enough to be with them. But, through the ups and downs and unknowns of it all, I slowly lost a bit of myself. These past few months, getting back into a really good (and enjoyable) workout routine, taking care of myself emotionally as well as physically, trying new things and putting myself out of my comfort zone at times have all made positive impacts on where/how I feel today. I've had some extremely low moments, a few pretty disappointing things thrown at me, but I've also been incredibly blessed and my eyes have just been opened a bit wider to all the wonderful things that I have to be grateful for.

No, nothing really life changing has happened, but, in a way it has. I think anything that effects positive change in your life is worth celebrating so, here I am. Feeling so thankful to be healthy, living a life I love, growing closer to my husband and children every day, making some really sweet memories and just knowing that there is only good in our future. There really are just so many beautiful reasons to be happy. 

Have a wonderful week friends!!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

dress | Shop Pink Blush

shoes | Target

purse | Very Jane (old, similar style here)

Spring/Summer Feminine Outfit Inspo

Summer is coming and the weather around here is finally starting to cooperate. As in, it's above sixty most days and we've had more sun than ever lately! But, we're also in that weird transitional phase where the warm and cool air are mixing and causing lots of storms, particularly in the night... ugh. If there's one thing I hate about living in the Midwest it would be tornado season. We've had a few close calls in the home we're in now and, let's just say, I'm soooo thankful we have a basement and a place to go when we need to seek shelter. 

In other news, I've been looking for some new spring/summer tops and dresses lately and have been surprised by what I've been drawn to! This fun little wrap dress was a final sale find and I absolutely love it. The length and fit are perfect, it's fully lined and doesn't show what you want to keep covered (lol) and is easy to toss a jacket over if it's a bit chilly. Win, win, win. 

How many of you use a self tanner? What are your favorites/least favorites? I've used gradual tanning lotions for a few years now and, while they work, I feel like I barely get a "tan" before summer is over and then I'm just covering my legs up again.. In an effort to get that naturally tanned look a little earlier this year, I decided to do a little research and try a few early on. I started with a tanning cloth and, while the color was definitely there faster, like full color the next evening, it was way harder to apply evenly. So, I decided that wasn't really for me, unless I try again later after I get a good base tan. Instead, I've been applying a gradual tanner as a base, then using a spray tan over it. Working together I'm getting a great start to my summer tan and there's been no splotchiness or uneven color. And it seems to fade pretty evenly which is a big plus as well. I just apply three to four times a week, after showering. I apply my tanning lotion first, as evenly as possible, then the spray on top and let it dry while I finish doing my hair and makeup (with the bathroom door locked because, little boys and boundaries lol). Then I go about my day and that's it! Not much to it at all. And, it's a great alternative to exposing your skin to sun damage. Soooo, that's it! It's been a bit crazy over here lately and we are thankfully slowing down a bit this week (though we miss our Aunt Jamie and Uncle Jeremy SO MUCH).

How's your week been? Can you believe it's already Wednesday?!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

dress | Entro (same style, similar print here)
sandals | target (LOVE them!)
purse | Time & Tru
earrings | Walmart (old, identical style here)
new fave self tanners >> here & here

Contrasting Basics

Hey friends! I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas season! It seems like it always takes so long to get here and then, bam, it's over. I guess that's true with most things we get excited about though, huh? Was it everything you hoped it would be? Or even more than you imagined? For our family, Christmastime is always so busy. We have many celebrations with different family and lots of traditions we like to continue. So, I try extra hard to be super intentional about the things we do leading up to Christmas Day and making sure we remember to slow down during the craziness. There are so many things I love about this time of year and I want to be sure I'm enjoying it, not just trying to get through it. It turned out to be pretty great though, as always!

Something I struggle with in the post Christmas season is getting sucked into that after holiday let down. Like, the excitement and celebrations are over and now it's just a cold and yucky mess outside (and sometimes inside) and there's nothing to really look forward to until Spring. It kinda stinks. But, there are a few things I've come to find that help me enjoy the rest of winter so much more. 

Using free time off from schoolwork to organize and purge is a huge part of it. I find I can think more clearly and feel like I'm beginning the new year with a fresh slate when I'm not surrounded by clutter. So, while the boys enjoy endless hours of free play, I clean and purge and sort and bag things to donate or sell. It's soooo refreshing.

Usually, while going through my closet, I find things that I've been holding onto for a long while but can't actually remember the last time I wore. I like to bag those things up and consign them so I can replace them later with things we need and will really wear and use. It also helps me get a fresh look on some of the things I own. Like a sweater that's been tucked away or a pair of shoes I had forgotten about. It's kind of fun for a clean-freak mama like myself. LOL 

I wanted to share this fun sale find with you guys. This sweater is so soft and cozy. It's the perfect length and fit and I love the contrasting colors. I found it for $7 at my local Rue 21 and instantly loved it. It also looks pretty great with white skinnies, a contrasting boot and this fun neutral (and SUPER warm) coat! I love the longer length on it, as opposed to most puffer coats you find, and the fur around the hood is a fun little touch. 

My grandmother gifted me this cuuuute MICHE bag for my birthday and I just love it!! It's so neat that they make shell coverings for them so you can switch out the look as often as you like! This pretty black leopard patterned shell came with it and, so far, I haven't had the slightest urge to change it. I'm basic, I know. LOL 

Anyway, I hope your week was a great one and that your weekend it even better! We're supposed to get a ton of snow so, we'll probably by hunkered down by the fire with some board games and chocolate. ha. Happy weekend!!

| outfit details |

sweater | Rue 21 (in-store only, other cute styles here & here)

white skinnies | Walmart

otk boots | Circus by Sam Edelman

earrings | Nickel & Suede (size medium)

Purse | Base Bag & (couldn't find shell online but, I also love this shell)

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!

    

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)

Blushing Tones for Love Day

Valentine's Day is officially less than a week away and it has me pulling out all the pink things. I'll admit, I don't have near what I used to. Growing up, I felt like I had SO MUCH pink. Then, it slowly began disappearing from my closet until it was completely gone. I mean, I literally had  z e r o  anything pink until a few months ago. That's when I started seeing all the gorgeous tops and ruffles and new styles and all of a sudden, I NEEDED to fill my closet with pink again! 

I've found some really great tops and dresses thrifting and I've made others based off styles that I love. So, while I have a bit of selection to choose from now, I'm definitely still on the lookout for more. Especially going into spring and all the beautiful pastels we'll soon be seeing everywhere. 

When I spotted this Teddy Bear coat at Rue 21 a few weeks ago, I knew it had to come home with me. They have it in two colors but, this gorgeous pink was the (very) obvious choice for me. It is THE coziest coat I own, hands down. It's so warm and soft and most definitely lives up to its name. I've gotten so many compliments on it and people just can't believe it when I tell them it's from Rue and was less than $20 when I purchased it. Now, it's on sale even more so, if you've been searching for this style coat, I can honestly say you won't be disappointed in this one.

I love to throw different hues of the same color together and this pairing is a favorite for sure. The soft pink suede saddle bag was, get ready for it, a Walmart sale find! I picked it up for $9 and loooooove it (as much as you can actually "love" and inanimate object lol). It's especially festive with sweethearts day coming up and all.

I used to do something a little fun around here and share the total cost of my outfits. This one, though half of it is new, still comes with a pretty great price tag. For everything you see : Rue 21 coat, Charlotte Russe sweater, Target jeans, Walmart purse and Old Navy ankle booties, the total I spent was $40. Not bad for some really great basics that I wear alllll the time throughout the fall/winter months. And the purse is definitely great for more than one season of use.

Anyway, I hope you have some nice plans for the upcoming holiday! Whether it's having dinner on the town with your love, going out for a family date night or spending an evening cuddled on the couch after tucking the littles into bed. Make the most of it and be grateful for the time you have to do those things. Happy weekend friends!! It is FINALLY upon us!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

SWEATER | Charlotte Russe (old, similar here + this one is great for V-Day)

TEDDY BEAR COAT | (in stores only, very similar style here + love this one)

JEANS | Mossimo

ANKLE BOOTIES | Old Navy (similar here)

FAUX SUEDE SADDLE BAG | (in stores only, similar here)

Black Monochrome + Emerald

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! We were hit with a nasty snow storm yesterday afternoon so, although we don't have a lot of interest in the Superbowl (I know, I know..), we decided to have a lazy afternoon and then hunker down to watch it. And we really had a great time!

We didn't cheer for either team specifically. My brother in law is from the New England States so, he is obviously a HUGE Pats fan, unlucky for him. The boys chose their team right before it began with Glen and Blake cheering on the Eagles and the other two rooting for the Pats. You can imagine how surprised Blake was when they started doing so well and then, eventually, won! It was also a bit ironic that my outfit post for today features these pretty Nickel and Suede Earrings that would also suggest I was rooting for Philly. LOL 

Like I said, we aren't serious about it so no one was offended or hurt by the outcome. We just had a good time snacking and enjoying it together. 

These earrings though?! Yea, I'm pretty serious in my addiction with them.. They're probably my most worn accessory these days as they're so easy to throw on with nearly any outfit. So, even for a monochrome outfit like this one, a colorful classic leather works perfectly. I thrifted this sweater dress a few weeks ago and, just can't quite make up my mind about it. I've worn it with jeans under it and then like this with some OTK boots. Both ways work, I'm just not completely sold on the fit and style of it. Who knows, I may end up taking it in with the last of my winter consignment stuff, we'll see. 

These boots, however, have been on  h e a v y  rotation lately. They're such a staple and can be worn SO many ways! Seriously, one of my very favorite Christmas gifts I received last year. You can find mine at the link below (and on MAJOR SALE!) or another version here. Both are really great. 

I pray you have a wonderful week friends!! We've got some exciting things happening over here and I can't wait for it all to begin! God bless!!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

OTK BOOTS | Circus by Sam Edelman

SWEATER DRESS | thrifted (similar style here + love this turtleneck one)

EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede

(Also, apparently third day hair is dirty enough to be nearly 100% immune to the wind?? I'll take it!)