Get Out of Your Head.. (me)

How distracted I've felt lately. The days seem as if they're flying by and, more often than not, I'm finding myself in a sort of funk that I just can't quite seem to get clear of. I don't quite know the source of it but, I'm beginning to see that it's maybe not one specific thing. I think it's a score of different feelings and influences and things that really just don't matter. Why is it so easy sometimes to fall into that groove of doing things just to do them? Why can't it, instead, be effortless to live fully and in the moment and soak in every special, important thing you come across. I guess then the things that really matter would seem much more mundane and ordinary. 

I sincerely hope that this life I'm living isn't one that doesn't make some sort of positive difference in someone else's. That the tasks I do daily and the decisions I make on the regular have some kind of effect on the grand scheme of things.. 

I'm so so happy with where I am right now. I have SO MUCH. I've just been a little more aware of how "ungrateful" I've been feeling lately and I  h a t e  i t . 

I read a quote recently that really struck me and I'll share it with you now.

"I do think women can have it all, but not at the same time.

Our life comes in segments, and we have to understand that we can

have it all if we're not trying to do it all at once." 

 - Madeleine Albright

I saw someone in instaland share that and I just thought.. How. true. 

As a wife, mama, friend and daughter, I do sometimes feel like I want it all. I want a thriving home life, the perfect relationship with my husband, for my children to love and adore me, to have regularly scheduled date nights as well as unapologetic me-time. I want to be the friend that is turned to when something is wrong, not because I always have the right answer. But, because I'm always willing to help. I want to be on top of everything I volunteer to do and I want to do it all on another level. Is that really too much to ask??..

I think maybe I'm getting to the source of my "funk". Is it possible that I could be over analyzing every little thing I'm doing, thinking, saying, in an effort to try and change it? Change me? I have to say, that feels like pretty dangerous territory.

I have to decide here and now to stop obsessing over the things that I can't change. The things that are so microscopic that they make absolutely no difference, except when I turn them into unavoidable hurdles. I HAVE to make a conscience effort to redirect my thoughts in a positive way so that I can, in turn, redirect my actions and words. 

What do I think will help me with all of this? Jesus. The word of God. Reading my Bible Study and really thinking about all it has to say... Sunshine. Springtime. Spending our days outside exploring and playing and laying on a blanket in the grass. Packing a snack and going on a walk. Visiting friends and family and putting my focus on all the INCREDIBLE things that I have RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. . . 

I am so blessed, that's not lost on me. I just sometimes feel myself getting caught up in the things this world says makes our lives great. The expectations of strangers (and of some of those close to us) and how I am completely and utterly failing. I know it's normal and ordinary to feel this way. I mean, who doesn't feel pressure and judgement at some point or other..?.. 

It's how we deal with that, I think. How we choose to process and then, ultimately, let go of it all. And I do want to let go. Of it ALL. I want to be here and present in the life I'm living and the family I am a part of. They're my happy place and there's no where I'd rather be. 

So, in the days and weeks (and years) to come, I want to press into the blessings the Lord has given me. I want to love them and cherish them and live this life without regrets. I really didn't mean for this to be such a deep and thoughtful post. But, like I've conveyed in older posts, I want this space to be real. I need it to be. So, here it is. I'm laying it all out there. :) 

Soak up your life guys. You never, NEVER know when it could be over and who wants to waste it all on meaningless junk that we can't take with us anyway?.. 

"Breathe deep and trust : He is with you in the margins.

When you cannot find your place, He will wrap you in His grace."   

- Morgan Harper Nichols

Ruffles + Rips

It's been a while. Mom life is hard. The hustle does not stop. And, to be honest? I've just been trying to be more present lately. I love this little space and it does my heart good to share things here. The big and little, the light and heavy. I need it and I will most definitely continue to pop in from time to time. Just know, I want to be sure I'm here for the right reasons. To share love and light and offer words of encouragement to you weary mamas and ladies. Friends. I'm so thankful you're here.

The past few weeks have just been plain busy around here. We've started back up with our local home school co-op and, while we all really enjoy it, it pretty much knocks out our Thursdays at home. So, that means working harder on things the rest of the week to be sure we can still have the freedom to attend classes and take Wednesday morning for Bible Study. It can be difficult some weeks but, it's  a l w a y s  worth it to fit them both in. That's some of the good stuff and I really hate to miss it.

So, there's that. And, along with the recent pick-up in photo sessions, my time has been pretty precious to me lately. I'm feeling stretched thinner than I would like and it's teaching me to be more intentional about where I put my focus. Which is awesome really. I feel like I'm learning to prioritize things that have maybe become commonplace recently? They've always been there and I've always been aware of them but, most of the time I allow other things to take precedence and I'm realizing there needs to be some change there.

Anyway, I hope you're all having a wonderful February! It seems like it's just  f l y i n g  by. I have enjoyed it though. One thing I could probably do without is the cray-cray weather we've been having lately.. One day it'll be sunny and upper sixties and the next it'll be just above freezing and too cold to even step foot outside.. I'm so over it. Anyone else as ready for spring as I am?? :)

Here's a fun little outfit that I thought you guys might like. I thrifted this pretty ruffle kimono and it's literally one of my favorite things I've ever bought. I can see many, many outfits revolving around this single piece. Also, THESE SHOES. I'm in love guys, seriously!

P.S. We have some exciting news and I can't wait to share! (no, we're not pregnant) I'm waiting to get a great picture to put behind the caption though so, stay tuned for that!

H A P P Y   F R I D A Y   L O V E S!! I pray your weekend is so very refreshing for your mind, body + soul!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

RUFFLE KIMONO | Bo Bel (thrifted, sorry, I CANNOT find a similar one but, here's another gorgeous style)

BABYDOLL TOP | Walmart (old, similar here)

DETROYED DENIM | Almost Famous (old, similar here)

CUTOUT BOOTIES | Qupid

CUTOUT EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede (sold out, similar style 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!)