How to Style: A Fur Vest

It's no probably a surprise to any of you to see a post about my fur vest.  It's obviously been one of my favorite pieces in my closet this winter.  There still some great vests out there to buy, like this one. As much as I'm aching for warm temperatures, I'm not ready to put my winter clothes away!

Today I thought I'd share some of the ways I've worn my vest this year.

Shake It Off

Recently I had situation where I was both frustrated and disappointed by a situation at work, and I let it get to me. I had to go into class and teach my kids, it wasn't optional.  Let me tell you, my attitude was definitely not right. I love my kids, but I wasn't even able crack a smile when a student asked if they could call me Mrs. Awesome. (7th graders truly are the best!)

I hate it when I get like that, when I let the actions of others impact my attitude. After All, I can only control myself...even then I don't always do the best job. Then the wise words of the prophetic Taylor Swift came to me "Shake it off." 

It can be so easy to let let the things we can't control take control of us, and to let the hurt others have caused cause us to then hurt others.  I got real with my students and said I was in a bad mood, and it wasn't because of anything they did. I then made the choice to "shake it off," forgive, and move on.  See, it was all about the choice I made. I could have let the kids feel the wrath of my emotions and frustration, or I could let it go and not let those negative feelings control me. My students definitely shouldn't have been at the receiving end of frustration that had nothing to do with them. 

It makes me think about God's sovereignty towards us. We mess up everyday, but he is quick to forgive when we ask for it.  Psalm 103:12 says: "As for as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." If God is able to forgive the awful things we do each day, how much more should I forgive others? 

God definitely doesn't treat us differently or love us any less based on our actions. He also doesn't take other's mistakes out on us either. I want to continue to work to move on from difficult situations, to forgive, and to be better today than I was yesterday. I hope you all can do the same.

On Valentine's Day Brian and I had the day to ourselves, which was great. Prior to going out to dinner we stopped by the mall, as Brian had a giftcard to Scheels and I had one to J.Crew.  I found this striped sweater on super sale and was pretty excited because my other one needed to be thrown away. Black and white stripes are so great, but it seems like I need to replace mine each year. I got the inspiration for this outfit from this pin and love how it came together.

How to Shop on ThredUP

It's no secret that I love thredUP. This past year I've gotten many of my favorite things in my closet from them. I've heard time and time again comments about the cool pieces I've found, but also how hard it can be for others to find anything "good." 

I think this is such a bummer, because there are gems on  thredUP just waiting to be found! Today I thought I'd share some tips with you all to help make shopping on  thredUP easier for you.

Imperfect

Recently I was out to dinner for book club with some friends and we were talking about how my husband wants to buy a boat and spend our weekends camping.  Everyone began to laugh at the thought of me in a tent. One girl said she pictured me sighing with my iPad in my lap and mosquito netting tented around me. 

Now, I love the lake, but unless there's a lake house involved I'm not going to be crazy about the experience. Tents, sleeping on the ground and no shower just don't sound like a good time to me. I'm aware how prissy this makes me seem. But just because I'm prissy doesn't mean I'm perfect. I'm very far from that actually. 

It's my imperfections that make me....well me. Today I thought I'd share some oddities about me that those of you who only know me via internet wouldn't know.  I think it's important to celebrate our uniqueness instead of pretending to be perfect.

1. I swallow my gum. Yes, I know it's gross. I don't even realize I do it, all of a sudden it's just not in my mouth anymore.  I know for a fact it does not take seven years for your body to digest gum, because it that were the case my stomach wouldn't have any room for food.
2. I drive a truck because my husband wanted a truck, but already has a work vehicle.  I am the worst at navigating that beast.  My biggest fear is trying to get my truck out of our school parking lot when it's full due to after school sporting events. The spots aren't diagonal, they are straight, which complicates things.  It takes me like forty-seven times of going forward and back before I actually am able to pull out and drive away. It's. So. Embarrassing. One time an old man waiting for my spot got out of his car and had to wave be back. I'm just so worried I'm going to hit the car behind me!
3. I hate feet, not just mine, feet in general.  I even get pedicures during winter, just so I don't have to look at my own feet and be disgusted. 
4. I have a fear of dishes being in the sink. Ever since I had an awful roommate in college who left her dishes in the sink to mold and the WORST the time a cockroach crawled out, I can't even let a cup sit in there.

So, spill the beans, what makes you imperfectly perfect?

Earlier this year I won a pair of shoes from DSW up to $60, it was the best! I ended up picked a pair of faux leather riding boots.  Although I really love them, they haven't worn well and I'd been kicking myself, wishing I'd chosen a pair of leather one's and paid the difference. Recently I started to look for sales, as I know stores are getting ready for spring and came across these  leather riding boots from Target.  I scored them for $30, but they're even cheaper now! I love them and they are super comfortable!  Hindsight is 20/20, but I'm so happy to have these and I know they'll last for years.

Rocksbox

I was recently contacted about giving Rocksbox a try for three months.  You all know I love jewelry, so I jumped at the chance.  When signing up they prompted me to answer some style questions, which I loved, they had me also choose outfits that fit my style, and asked me what type of jewelry I like to wear. I also got to create a wish list of pieces I'd love to try.

I was excited about the pieces they sent. I got a beautiful bib necklace, a long pendant necklace and a wrap bracelet.  I feel like all the pieces really fit my style too. So, now that I have them, I can keep them for the month, wear them a few times then send them back for new jewels, or keep any of them for a discount.

This service is normally $19 a month, which I feel is fair, but you all can give it a try for free!  Just go to Rocksbox then enter the code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout for one month free!

The first time I wore my necklace I styled it more casually with my J.Crew top and vest.  At first I wondered if that necklace needed to be worn strictly with dress clothes, but I adore it with this casual look!

Faith

Recently I was reflecting on the story of Jesus walking on water in Mathew 14: 22-33.  This is a pretty sweet miracle, but not really the part that has me thinking.  It's the part where Peter asks Jesus to let him walk on water too. And he does.

Peter made a request, had faith, and Jesus granted it.  The story doesn't end there, though. Even though Jesus has literally made it possible to Peter to do the impossible, Peter sees the wind and begins to doubt and sink. He calls out to Jesus, he takes his hand, and they both make it safely back to the boat.

I'm drawn to the humanity of Peter, as I think we can all be "Peter" sometimes. I know who Jesus is, yet when the "wind" begins to blow I can find myself full of fear and doubt and not standing firm in His truth. He loves me, He's called me, He believes in me. (Romans 8: 28-30)

The cool thing is that when Peter fears he calls out to Jesus, and Jesus takes him by the hand and guides him back to safety. This has me thinking about my own life. When fear hits, who is my first call? The answer should be Jesus, for sure.

Peter was later called "The Rock" in which Jesus would build His church on. Peter wasn't perfect, as none of us are, but when fear hit, he turned to Jesus. Jesus reached out His hand and Peter grabbed it. He's reaching out His hand to you too. So, it's up to you, are you going to take it?

Today's outfit is inspired by Danielle's look here. I recently scored this dress from thredUp (use this link for $10 off your first purchase) and I'd lie if I didn't say I had replicating her outfit in mind when I bought it.  The print on this dress is perfection and I was excited to pair it with my fur vest today.

More of You, Less of Me

Having a blog is kind of a weird thing. I feel like in many ways it adds to the noise that social media has created...with our help of course.  "It's all about me." 

Facebook posts show the "country club" versions of our perfect life that doesn't really exist. 

Instagram amplifies the often times #filtered and staged beauty around us while often ignoring the true beauty within our often messy lives. 

We want perfection that doesn't exist, so we try to create it while often times ignoring the authentic blessings we have and our value that comes from God.

This song by Colton Dixon is one that has been speaking to me. It's quite simple. God I want more of you and less of me.

           

"More of You
Less of me
Make me who I'm meant to be
You're all I want all I need
You're everything
Take it all I surrender
Be my king
God I choose
More of You
Less of me"

This is what I really want: More God, less me.  I don't want to create a life I show the world that is anything less than authentic. My life is not perfect, is is literally and metaphorically messy at times, but ultimately my life should show the world who God is to me. 

It should show His love:

"For God so loved the world He gave His only son, and whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16)

It should show His concern for us, His children:

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

It should show his sovereignty:  

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

"For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." (Romans 8: 28-30)

My life and time here on earth shouldn't be about me, so I'm striving to show this each day. I hope you're inspired to do the same.

I wore this outfit over the weekend. It was inspired by the ever stylish Shanna. While she is busy getting ready for spring it was 19 degrees here this weekend. Boo. I really do love this outfit though and am crazy about my new watch from Wristology.  Use this link to get 25% off and score one of their watches for $36 with free shipping.

How to Save Money at Target

It's no secret that I'm crazy about Target. I often times have people comment on the deals I find there, so I thought I'd create a post sharing some tips with you all.

How to Style a Blanket Scarf

I wasn't sure about the whole blanket scarf trend when I first saw it, but I'm absolutely loving mine now. Today I thought I'd share four ways I've worn mine.

Perspective

Recently I was talking with a mom friend of mine about tantrums. Our sons our about the same age and I was sharing how Grant had thrown himself on the floor like the world was going to end because his sock "felt weird." Yes, this happened. She shared stories of how her son would whine about dinner and how she's reply to him, "Get some perspective, there are kids in Africa who don't even get to eat dinner!" She can say this because she was literally a missionary kid who grew up in Africa, she's seen this first hand.

This idea has been swimming around in my head. "Get some perspective!" During the Superbowl Brian decided he no longer wanted us to use our coffee table in the basement, because it would make the room look bigger. I was not happy, we use it and who cares if it makes the room look bigger? Although I didn't show it, I was throwing quite the tantrum in my head. The half-time show came on and Katy Perry did her thing. (I continued to throw a fit in my head.) Her show concluded with "Firework" and I just started crying. 

Why you ask?  A few years ago I had a dear friend (my age) die of cancer. She was amazing and fought this battle for 10 yeas with unwavering faith. On her last birthday her husband threw her the most amazing surprise birthday party. She entered to the song "Firework" and it's been "her" song ever since. I needed to "Get some perspective!" She had died of cancer and her I was throwing a tantrum about a coffee table. Ridiculous.

It's so easy for use to declare things "the worst."

You go to load the dryer only to find wrinkled clothes inside that you now need to fluff and fold- the worst!  

Perspective says at least you have a dryer and more than enough clothes.

You walk down the dark hallway at night only to trip on a stray lego- the worst!

Perspective says what a blessing to have a child, and one with an imagination to create cool stuff with legos.

You feel like a ping bong ball being bounced from one child to another, then to your husband. You don't have a minute for yourself and going to the bathroom alone? Forget it! -the worst!

Perspective says your family needs you, relies on you, and loves you. That makes it worth it!

Oh, and by the way, my husband changed his mind about the coffee table, so if I would have started a fight about it, it would have been for nothing. I'm continually working to "Get some perspective." Why make things bigger than they need to be, why get upset about things that really don't matter in the end? I want to remember how blessed I really am and I hope this rings true with you too. 

I mentioned about a week ago that I went to a fashion swap. I ended up trading in a pair of red jeans that never really fit me right for this pair I adore. I decided to wear it with this sweater which has ended up being basically my favorite thing in my closet. It's crazy how there are some pieces that you just gravitate to. It's warm, it's cozy, it's striped...so pretty much everything I love. : ) I'm also linking up with Putting Me Together's Style Challenge to wear a Valentine's themed color.

Sometimes You Need to Breathe

I'll admit it, I'm a task master. When I start something, I finish it in a timely manner. I create timelines for my classes at school and I don't like to veer from them...ever. Here's the reality though: sometimes things happen that knock me off my "A game" and keep me from finishing something when I want to. And I don't like it. Not one bit.  When I have a plan I want it to go MY way.

Take last week for example. We had two snow days. While students and many teachers were cheering, I was not. Why you ask? I had a plan and a timeline, and those two days when my kids weren't in school messed with MY timeline. I know God is laughing at me while I type this. Seriously.

The two days off ended up being wonderful, of course. Sometimes you just need to breathe. Grant and I played like crazy. We did crafts, science experiments, dressed up, and snuggled up to watch a movie.

I think sometime snow storms are literally "acts of God" which serve as a reminder that we aren't in charge and our plans aren't always the most important or the best. They serve as a reminder as to how little I actually control and put the vastness of life in perspective. 

Jeremiah 29:11 say "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord." We can create all the plans we want, but ultimately God is in control.  The planner in me actually finds a lot of peace in this. Left to my own devices, who knows what kind of trouble I could get myself into? God is bigger than my plans or yours and today I want to rest in that, and I hope you can too.

I took this pictures last weekend while we still had snow, but it was melting. Now the weather will be in the 50s all week. Our weather has been so weird! I really love this combo.  I know I've worn this vest about a hundred times on here, but I just can't get enough!  Today I decided to pair it with this J.Crew dress I scored from thredUp (use this link for $10 off your first purchase). I used to be so leery about ordering online due to fit, etc. but now I hardly ever go to an actual store...other than Target that is.  What about you, what's your take on online shopping?

Non-Fiction Must Reads

Today I thought I'd do something a bit different and share some of my favorite reads with you.  They all happen to be non-fiction I've read recently and that are all amazing stories worth telling!

First is Enrique's Journey: It follows the journey of a teenage boy trying to travel the trains from Honduras to the United States to be reunited with his mother. The story puts a real face to the immigration issue and makes me realize how truly great I have it here in America in comparison to the lives of many in other countries.  

Second is Three Little Words: It's a memoir of a girl and her struggles in and out of the foster care system. It's powerful and moving and makes me take pause and consider the idea of foster care, as there are never enough loving homes for this kids to feel safe in.

Third is Unbroken: You might have seen the movie but the book is definitely worth reading. This follows the life of Louis Zamperini as he strives to become an Olympic Athlete, only to the have the Olympics cancelled due to WWII. He enlists then becomes stranded in the ocean then saved only to end up in a Japanese POW camp. Louis' life was an amazing one and his story definitely worth telling.

Forth is  American Sniper: Brian and I plan to see the movie soon. This story is unlike anything I've read before. Chris put a face to patriotism and the life of a SEAL that I never had experienced before. Though his story is a controversial one, the war in Iraq has been such a huge part of our lives during the last decade or so it was a story needing to be told.  

What about you?  What are your favorite reads right now? I'm also excited to add books to my list.

Green and Bling

I just can't believe how quickly the days and weeks have been flying by! This last weekend we look it pretty easy then had a get together with our small group from church last night.  I'm so thankful for the dear friends we have in our life.  It feels so good to live life together.

We have parent-teacher conferences this week, then Grant is going to spend the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa so Brian and I can go out for Valentine's Day, which will be such a treat!

As for today's outfit, I actually wore it last week, but wore it again for small group last night.  I scored the top and necklace at a clothing swap recently and adore them. The necklace is new and from Chelsea Row and I've been wearing it like crazy! The top is unlike anything I have, which is great too.

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day

We're getting all geared up for Valentine's Day at our house.  Grant decided we needed to get Princess cards for the girls and Star Wars cards for the boys.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Last week on She Reads Truth one of the posts really stuck out to me. It was based around the song "His Eye is on the Sparrow,"here's a clip from Sister Act 2 (you're welcome).  First off, I adore the song, but I'm not sure I'd really reflected on the lyrics before.  Mathew 6:25-34 talks about how God even provides for the birds of the air, so how much more will he provide for us. "His eye is on the sparrow, so I know he's watches me."

The lyrics of the song also say: "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free." I guess I'd never thought about like that, but Luke 6:45 says "The good person out of the good treasure in his heart produces good, and the evil out of the evil treasure in his heart produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Our words are reflect the condition of our heart.

This really made me think. What's in our heart is going to be reflected in our attitude each day. When I'm spending daily time with God it's clearly reflected in my attitude each day. Just yesterday I was literally "singing because I was happy." It was in the hall and a co-worker "caught me" and noticed my good mood. I was singing praise to God and out of the abundance of my heart my mouth was speaking.

The same rings true on days I don't start with time with God (generally Saturday's when I "get" to sleep in until 7:00). I can catch myself being impatient, and what's flowing from my heart and out of my mouth isn't always the best thing.

This makes me think of medicine, see God should be like a vitamin we take each day to keep us healthy and our hearts in line with Him.  God shouldn't be like a cortisone shot used only in emergencies to shock our systems and get us back in line with God. 

Each day I want to sing because I'm happy, and sing because I'm free. I want to remember who God is and is unconditional love for me and let that be reflected in my words. I hope you're encouraged to do the same.

Today's outfit is inspired by this pin, I adored it and knew I could create my own spin.  My favorite thing here are my new leopard print shoes. They are currently $5 in stores! I had my eye on them all season at Target, but patience paid off, literally. ;) I also can't stop wearing my Gap denim jacket I scored from thredUp.  If you haven't tried thredUp yet, use this link for $10 off your first purchase.

I wore this last Saturday for errands with Grant and then to go to a clothing swap at a friend's house. I haven't done one of these in a while, but it was so much fun.  The premise is you take a few things you no longer wear and trade them for new (to you) clothes.  So fun!

Here I am Lord, Use Me

Back in 2008 a Tornado hit a Boy Scout camp a few hours from where I live. It was an unfathomable tragedy and ended with the death of four boys.  One of them was a boy named Sam, only 13...the same age as my students.

A year later a memorial was held for Sam at my church and one of his favorite Christian musicians came to perform.  Sam wasn't a member of my church, but we had the space for the concert...I wouldn't have ever known about Sam otherwise. Even at such a young age, Sam already had a heart for God and even gave a sermon at his church. Whoa.

His sermon was focused on the life of Samuel from the Old Testament and how throughout his entire life, the good and the bad, Samuel consistently said "Here I am Lord, use me." Sam encouraged everyone in the sermon to me like Samuel, to have the same montra. How powerful would be be to let God use you in the midst of every situation? If we let the focus be on Him and not on us, to let our success be His, and our opportunities be used to glorify Him?

I'm humbled by Sam's words and the power they hold. Even years later this has stuck with me. I want to be like Samuel (and Sam) and let God use me to glorify Him. "Here I am Lord, use me." We are each in this very specific place for a very specific purpose. Why don't we let God use us just as we are.

I would have to say that this vest has been the most worn piece in my closet this season. Anthropologie has a fun option still availble, if you're still looking for one of your own. I recently got this Everly brand shirt for thredUp for $10 and thought it would be fun to pair them together.  I have another shirt I got from White Plum that is Everly, so I was excited to score it for such a steal! If you haven't tried thredUp yet, use this link for $10 off your first purchase. 

How Can It Be

Recently at church we sang this song, "How Can it Be" and it was honestly the first time I really had reflected on the lyrics and how powerful they are. Take a peek:

         

This song really starts in such a low place:

"I am guilty
Ashamed of what I've done, what I've become
These hands are dirty
I dare not lift them up to the Holy one"

I remember this feeling, this emotion.  I accepted Jesus as my Savior in high school, but had a few years in college in which I definitely wasn't living in a way I was proud of. I was drinking way too much, dating the wrong guys, and surrounding myself with friends that were very similar. I was unhappy, but I kept trying to find happiness through fun, friends, and boys...and it wasn't working. I wasn't happy. I felt just like this artist, Lauren, as I entered church for the first time in more than two years. I was beaten down. But I was quickly reminded of who God is and his everlasting love for me. I was also reminded of who Jesus is:

"You plead my cause
You right my wrongs
You break my chains
You overcome
You gave Your life
To give me mine
You say that I am free"

Although the fact that I turned my back on God saddened him immensely, He never quit loving me. Just like Lauren,  I felt like my mistakes were big, too big, but I was reminded of Psalm 103:12 "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." God's amazing grace is bigger than any mistake I make.

God doesn't see my sin or yours once we have Jesus, it's forgotten and with him we get freedom from sin, power unfathomable, and hope for a brighter future.  God meets us wherever we are, that's his beauty. "Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." (Mathew 11:28) I pray you find rest in Him today.

I feel like Target is just killing it with the deals, but what's new. I just got this cardigan for $12. I've had my eye on it all season, but my patience paid off.  This dress is also Target from last year, it was less than $10 and these heels are also from Target, they are real leather and were originally $45 online, but I got them for $12. Seriously, it's hard to shop anywhere else when I can get it all at Target.