Pearly Tuesday Thoughts

Do you ever feel like you've taken an unintentional hiatus from something you love and you really want to find your way back? Is that too loaded a question to begin with after a two month absence from this space? Well, I believe that resting is good, especially when it helps remind us why we're doing something in the first place. 

So, it's been two months! Wow. I hope you've been well! I know your lives revolve around so much more than this little fashion/lifestyle/mama blog buuuuuuut, let me just tell you what we've been up to. Pretty much just normal life stuff. LOL (let down much?..) Really though, life with kiddos can be pretty busy now and then and we just happen to be in the thick of it a lot of the time. And we love every second, most days. 

The last week we've actually amped up our busyness even more. We took our first zoo trip of the year (and it was amaaaaazing, perfect weather and all) and then took our boys to see their very favorite "Youtubers" Dude Perfect! We surprised them with the news last Saturday morning and boy, were they EXCITED! It was just the best day and we caught it all in videos/photos so I could mash it all together. I've been really loving making videos for our family through Premiere Elements lately, and it's such a great way to document those special memories! 

About this outfit, totally thrifted (minus the pearl hair clips) and I am looooving it. The black contrasts so well with the brown suede wedges and faux leather bag. It was really fun to put together and great for spring. I love all the pastel and colorful outfits that come out this time of year but, I still like to stick with the classics too. Also, these hair clips?? I adore them. It took me a bit to jump on board, mostly because I couldn't find any for a decent price that I loved. But, these from amazon are PERFECT. I've probably been wearing them way too much lately but, ah well. And they're a set of eight so, they're lots of fun to mix and match!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

dress | H&M (thrifted)

wedge espadrilles | Marc Fisher (thrifted for a STEAL)

purse | brand unknown (thrifted) but here's another cute style

pearl hair clips | Amazon (recommend 100%!)

Happy Tuesday friends! So nice to be back!!

Little Glimpses of Autumn

I can hardly wait for fall to arrive! I am seriously SO excited. Anyone other fall lovers feeling like we can just skip over the last couple of weeks of summer and get to the cool temps and crisp air already?! I know I can't be the only one.

Anyway, I made my first fall purchase and I am super excited about it! I actually saw them on Brittany, from Loverly Grey, first and instantly fell in love. I've wanted a pair of these "shooties" for two years now and the fact that these are on major sale made the wait so worth it. Because now they're mine and I cannot wait to style them! They're originally over $70 but, I snagged them for only $21! Incredible right?!

They're seriously so cute too. The pictures do NOT do them justice.

Okay, I know I'm raving about a pair of shoes but, I just love them! Have you ever had that one piece you've been dying to have but just can't fork out the dough to purchase it and then, all of a sudden the heavens align and it's the perfect time? I've had that happen a few times to me and it's always so exhilarating to experience and just reaffirms that patience is key to anything you're doing in life. Whether it be baking the most perfectly fudgey brownies or shopping for deals (just kidding guys.. kinda).

Anyhoo friends, I just wanted to share these fun new fall staples with ya and let you know you can still snag yourself a pair if you act quickly!! They'll sell out soon, I'm sure. Have a lovely day and a great end to your summer! Colorful leaves and crisp breezes will be here before we know it. Also, remember that Farmhouse Decor Inspo post from a while back? Look for a fun home decor post coming soon sharing some updates I've finished going right along with it! So excited to share!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

LACE PEPLUM TOP | Nu Label (thrifted, similar styles here + here) 

CROPPED DENIM | DIY by me but similar styles here + here

A.N.A. TIANA SHOOTIES | JCPenney

EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede (size large)

Summer's End

Life has a funny way of changing you as you get older. I can remember my teenage self being so worried (every second of every day) about what people thought of me. Did they like my hair? My clothes? My personality? Was I thin enough or smart enough or popular enough? Did I laugh at the right times during conversations and was my smile pretty? Was I a part of all the right groups and circles and did I make it look like I didn't really care about any of it?... What I remember most though, was how exhausting it all was. To try to be someone, look like someone and act like someone who I reeeeaally was not. To push myself so far that I literally had no idea who I actually was. There honestly was no me. Just a shell of a girl interested in all the things everyone else was. 

Fast forward to where I am now, and it's almost painful to look back at where I had allowed myself to be. I know we all have regrets from those coming of age years but, how I wish I could go back and change some things. So many things.

I don't dwell there anymore though. The Lord has blessed my life immeasurably and I have learned not to take one single day of it for granted. I don't want to waste the time I'm given trying to fit in where I just, honestly, don't even want to be. He's given me grace in those areas and I am so so thankful for it.

I've really started coming around to these truths over the past year or so. (About time, huh?) Most of us don't know how long we have to live this life we've been given. We have no clue when we'll see our loved ones for the last time, eat our last meal, hold our children for the last time or give them one last kiss goodnight. It's all a mystery to us. So I've been working hard to be diligent and intentional with the time I've been given. With my husband, my children, my family and friends. To make the memories I want to make and really treasure all of the special, mundane moments amidst the big ones. I just don't want to miss it.

Something else I'm learning is to really embrace who I was created to be. The wife, mama, daughter and friend. God made me with a purpose and a plan and who am I to put Him in box because of what the world says... 

Part of having my own identity is having my own style. I don't mean to sound shallow or conceited. My point is, no matter what I have in my life, I want it to be there because there was a desire for it in MY heart. Not because I saw it in someone else's highlight reel or "must have" list. 

All of this brings me back to the song by Colby Callait that talks about insecurities. 

You don't have to try so hard
You don't have to, give it all away
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try
You don't have to try

Isn't it such a relief to know that the only person you have to please is yourself? For me, it is. Yes I want to be kind and respectful of those around me but, if they don't like me then, that's on them. It's nothing I've done or haven't done and I shouldn't worry myself to death working for their idea of perfect. I need only concern myself with my Creator and what pleases Him about me. And I love that.

So, who are you working for today? Is it for someone who really doesn't even deserve your time? Someone who wouldn't even notice if you weren't there? Or it it for a God who loves you for you and only asks you to obtain your full potential through Him?.. I pray I'm striving for the latter. 

Summer is coming to an end and we're right on the brink of my absolute favorite season of the year. I cannot wait for fall!! Have a really great day friends. I pray it's fulfilling and wonderful in a way that you haven't experienced in a very long time. God bless and thanks for stopping by! Outfit deets below!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

DRESS | Old Navy (thrifted, similar here)

HEELS | Target

PURSE | Walmart

EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede (size large)

Flutter Sleeves + Bows On My Toes

Sometimes, a day just requires an outfit with a more feminine touch to it. Today was one of those days. Flutter sleeves, a pretty little pattern and darling bow slides, all grounded with some raw edge denim and a super versatile tote. 

I love not having to think about how certain pieces are going to work together and this outfit gives me all of that freedom and then some. I think the Loft top may actually be maternity? Who really cares though. It's super cute and I love the fit and style so, imma just gonna go with it!

I'm trying to get back into the mindset of really soaking in my family in the stage that we are in right now. I've felt my mind wandering a bit lately and, it makes me all sorts of anxious and stressed and just, a bit confused. I think those are all pretty normal things to feel when you're growing a family, and trying to decided whether or not to expand it more. It's a big decision and, one I don't take lightly. It almost feels like I've been thinking of nothing else these past few months, actually. And, I know that's not exactly good for me. But, the longing that I have for another baby is real. The yearning to grow another little one, to feel him/her wriggle and squirm inside my belly and to experience the joy of birth all over again, ugh... It's just detrimental at times when I think about how I may not get to do all of those things again. 

I don't think it's ever easy to let go of certain seasons of life. Especially big ones like having babies. Mostly because, once you're past that stage, you never get to go back. I mean, you eventually get to experience it in a whole new way with grandchildren, I know that. But, to not ever be pregnant again or hold your own newborn for the very first time or nurse your baby again. I loved all of those things so much. Thoughts of them just consume me at times...

Like I said though, I LOVE the season we are in now. And I know that the Lord has the perfect plan for our family. Whether it be what my heart longs for or not. Ultimately, I want my desires to line up with His, in all areas of my life. So, that's where I am. Maybe not what you were expecting when you popped over to read this post but, it's something that's been on my mind a lot lately and I just thought that maybe I should share it here.

Have a wonderful day friends! I pray you're able to enjoy it and really soak it in for all that it's worth.

- xoxo

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

TOP | Loft (thrifted) similar style here & here

CROP RAW EDGE JEANS | Rue 21

BOW SLIDES | Time & Tru (Walmart) LOVE the blush color ones!

EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede (old style) Similar color & style here

TOTE | Walmart (old) similar here

Mama-hood

I don't have much to share today, other than this fun dress I thrifted a while back. It's so cheerful and flowy, I just love it. Plus, it's loaded with different shades of pink soooo, that kind of makes it a must for me right now. ;)

I hope y'all had a lovely weekend! We spent the day on Saturday with some friends that just had their third baby a few weeks ago so, I got to snuggle him pretty much all day, which I loooooved. (He reminded me so much of my boys when they were tiny!) They live out on a farm that we hunt on so, Glen got some plot stuff done solo while the boys played with their two older children and their mama and I visited. She is such a sweet person and a really wonderful friend and I am so thankful they finally decided to make MO their home! 

I could not be more grateful for the incredible Mama friends in my life right now. I gain so much encouragement and wisdom from them all and I know that God has a purpose for placing them near me. I think as mamas, having someone who knows our struggles, big and small, plays a huge role in keeping our sanity sometimes. Being a mom is, without a doubt, one of the hardest things I've ever done but, it is also the very most rewarding. Especially when I get to share it with so many other wonderful mamas. If you don't have a circle (or at least one or two) mama friends near the same season of life as you, I encourage you to seek them out! You have no idea how uplifting a relationship like that can be for you. On the days when you feel like you're at your wits end, you've changed a dozen diapers, wiped up countless cups of spilled milk, you haven't showered in a week and your me time consists of "cleaning" the kitchen while the kids are occupied elsewhere because, who wants to hang out with a bunch of dirty dishes.. I hear you mama, I've been there. But, that's why a support system of like-minded women is so important to me. I can text them out of no where and they instantly remind me that I'm doing a great job through all my failures and mistakes. It's pretty incredible. The most wonderful part though is that they make my best days even better. They share in my joys and the little triumphs of our days and there is something to be said about women like that. 

Have a wonderful week mamas! I pray it's filled with rest and fun and soaking in those littles and the memories your making with them in the right here and now. <3 

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

DRESS | thrifted (Knox Rose brand) Here on Poshmark

HEELS | Liliana (similar here on Poshmark)

PURSE | Walmart (old sale find) similar here on Poshmark

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)

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!)