Be Original. Be Yourself.

I had such an amazing time at Go Blog Social and I want to take some time to share my takeaway with you all.  A lot of this will obviously apply more to bloggers, but I hope to tie it back to you non-bloggers as well, and share with you how I'll apply it to my blog too.

 I feel like I heard time and time again at the conference the importance of being who you are and not a copy cat of someone else who is successful. I definitely think this applies to blogging and life in general. Meg Biram Jeanette of J's Everyday Fashion and Corrie McFadden  all discussed the importance of finding what makes you unique and focusing your blog on that. What's your passion? What gets you excited? The answer to that is what you should blog about. "There's a reader for everyone, be the voice for them."-Corri McFadden

As for me, I definitely think fashion and finding great deals gets me excited.  I feel like that's definitely been a focus here, so for me to go start spending hundreds on outfits (not that I would, or could) wouldn't make sense, because I feel a lot of you readers like a good deal just like I do.  I want to stay true to myself and my budget. Jeanette touched on this too. She's had a $250 a month clothing budget for forever,but even with her phenomenal success, she's stuck to that budget because that's the focus of her blog. She's living what her blog is. I love that.

That being said last year I thrifted A LOT because I was really trying to build up my wardrobe. I don't need clothes like I did before (don't tell my husband). What I do need are some closet staples like blazers and pencil skirts. Pieces like this can be very hard to thrift (trust me, I've tried). I definitely plan to shop the sale racks, but thrifting isn't something I've done all summer and something I don't see myself doing much this fall.

I'm also passionate about teaching and plan to do more how-to posts here as well. You've seen some of that from me this summer and I have a new tips series coming next and an exciting collaboration starting at the end of the month with my fabulous sister.

Tomorrow I'll share with you another takeaway from Go Blog Social, and today's outfit is what I wore to the fun cocktail hour last Thursday night.

Have you entered my Swag Bag giveaway yet?

Blazer: Kohls $20? similar

Blouse: Target $7 (can't find on line, instores now)

Shorts: Kohl's $20 similar

Belt: Kohl's $6 similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot Rebel

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Renegade,  Triple Wrap and Chimera similar

Shoes: Kohl's $26 c/o Chippmunk  same

Bag: Coach same

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Get Your Pretty On

Neon Fun

Recently my husband and I got a new truck and with it we got a few months of XM radio for free.  The last time we got a truck we got it free then, but felt it was silly to pay for radio after the free trial.  I'm loving it this time around, especially the 90's station.  How can you not smile while Warren G is singing "Regulator" or Lou Bega is singing "Mombo #5?  Anyway this outfit is a little bit early 90's too.  I got this shirt at Goodwill back in the fall, it's actually too big, but I couldn't pass it up.  I've successfully worn it tucked to work, but wasn't sure how to make that work this summer, until I also remembered the "tie your tee" trend.  Success. 

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Shirt: Target $3 (thrifted) similar

Shorts: Gap $5 (Plato's Closet) similar

Necklace: Express $30 similar

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Harlow, Foundation, Light

Shoes: Target $30 similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Get Your Pretty On

Lately...

Today I'm linking up with Susannah for her In His Image link up. I don't talk about my faith on here very often, although it's very important to me. I really liked the idea of this link up, but struggled to put any thoughts down on here. 

Blogging has been such a great experience and I love the support I get from each of you readers and from so many friends and family members, however, sometimes I catch myself just not feeling like I'm not  "good enough." You know the old saying, hear seven compliments and one criticism and what do you remember? The criticism. I have had nothing but such great support from so many, but I have a couple of friends who I've come to the conclusion just think me blogging is weird. It's not what they say about it, it's what they don't. And I let it get to me and stupidly let  it overshadow all the kind words and support I get from others. I'm just a girl....with a blog, and if that's not for everyone, I shouldn't take it personally.

However,  I hate feeling inadequate and letting others have such an impact on my emotions, it's then I'm reminded of who I am in Christ. Galatians 2:20 says: I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God. who loved me and gave himself for me. By golly, God thinks I'm good enough to die for, why would I let a select few make me forget that??? 

*I wrote this earlier this week when I was feeling pretty bummed, shortly after that I had a number of people I know who have never mentioned my blog to me said something really sweet to me about it.  I think that's pretty cool and definitely a sign that I needed to just get over my above feelings and focus on all the good people I do have in my life : )

Cardigan: Loft $5 (thrifted) similar

Top: Express $30 similar

Shorts: Kohl's $20 similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Light and Kalahari and Kohl's similar in gold

Shoes: Target $30 similar

Feedback Time : )

 Hi everyone, I hope you're all having a great weekend.  Recently Audrey shared the results of a survey she had asked her readers to complete.  I thought it was a great idea, so I decided to ask you ladies to do the same.  I think feedback is great, and I want to make sure I'm doing my best on this little blog each day.  So, what do you think?  Take a minute to take my survey down below and share your thoughts with me. There are eight questions and just hit "done" once you're, you know, done. : )

Here's a quick weekend look for you all too.  Gotta keep is casual when you're fighting the crowds at Wal-Mart.....

Top: Old Navy $3 (thrifted)

Shorts: AE $8 (Plato's Closet)

Necklace: Stella and Dot Rebel (now)

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Chimera, Foundation, and Renegade (now)

Shoes: JCrew (old)

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Snakeskin and Neon

Today is Grant's three year appointment.  I always look forward to these wellness checks and to where Grant is with his height/weight, etc.  It's also a great opportunity to ask his pediatrician questions, like how much sleep should he be getting right now, should he be taking vitamins and so forth.  This tee and shorts combo has definitely been one of my favorites this summer and it's great for days like this.  After Grant's appointment we're going to a water park and I'm pretty excited to get a chance to soak up some rays. : )

I also decided to enter Chippmuck.com's Expert Shopper Contest again with this outfit. I came in 7th last time and the top five won. Help me make the top five this time by loving my look here. You can vote each day too. I seriously appreciate it ladies!

Also, I've decided to start accepting sponsors! If you're interested in growing your blog, take a look at my stats and options for sponsorship here. Ads starting at $5!

Top: Express (old)

Shorts: Gap $5 (via Plato's Closet)

Necklace: Express (old)

Bracelet: Stella and Dot (now)

Shoes: Target $12 (old)

Girls' Night!

Girls' Nights are wonderful!  Last night I had the opportunity to get together with some great friends for a fun, kid-free night.  I think it's so important to take time for yourself.  Just like it's important to plan date-night, girl time is so important too. I also love that I get to dress up a little bit, I'd planned to wear this tank and shorts then added the blazer and thought, "Why didn't I think I of that before." Love.  Add my heels and I love this summer, dressy look.

As of July 1st GFC is gone, so I'm preparing to move to Bloglovin.  Here's easy directions for how to move all the blogs you follow to Bloglovin in one easy step. Here's the link to follow me on Bloglovin too! 

*On a side note, I obviously got my hair cut.  FYI when you tell your stylist to "do whatever" that's what they'll do.  I think the cut's alright, but it's definitely shorter than I expected. I'm starting to get used to it, but it might take a while...

Blazer: Kohls $17

Top: Old Navy $9 ?

Shorts: Kohl's $20

Necklace: Stella and Dot Rebel Pendant

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Foundation, Christiana Link, and Chimera

Shoes: Audrey Brooke $25

Linking up with:

Look What I Got

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

Summer Style Link-up

Pattern Mixing Four Ways

I'm so excited to be teaming up for our final week with Jenna from Freckled Fashionista, Inge from This Ever Evolving Life, and Amy from Classy in the Classroom for a trend series.  This week we're covering pattern mixing, or by first glance "how to wear a coal striped shirt." Except for Amy, she's an individual ;). I love all our takes on it, and it's great inspiration for me too! Make sure to check out their great blogs for their outfit details.

Pattern mixing has been one of my favorite things this year, and this outfit is no exception. I think the key to pattern mixing is different scaled prints, but in coordinating colors.  I love the bold stripes here with the small flamingo pattern on the shorts.  This outfit was a total steal too! I got the shirt for $4 and the shorts for $10 just recently at Old Navy. This look will definitely be a casual summer favorite!

As of July 1st GFC is gone, so I'm preparing to move to Bloglovin.  Here's easy directions for how to move all the blogs you follow to Bloglovin in one easy step. Here's the link to follow me on Bloglovin too! 

Top: Old Navy $4

Shorts: Old Navy $10

Necklace: Ebay $10

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Christiana Link, Triple Wrap, and Chimera

Shoes: JCrew (circa 2007)

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Get Your Pretty On

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Orange and Scallops? Yes, please!

Tuesday is library day with the Granster, and this is what I wore.  I was always a part of a reading program growing up and loved it! Now, I'm so glad that it's available for my son as well.  During the time at the library there's story time, a craft, show and tell, and a snack.  The kids love it and it's a great opportunity for Grant to build his literacy skills. The kids go in on their own, so that means 45 minutes of me getting to cozy up with a book of my own. : ) 

 I was super excited to find this top and these shorts recently at Plato's Closet.  I'm so loving the scallop trend and love the bright color.  Up until last summer I was very self-conscious about my arms and would never wear a tank top solo, but when you have a toddler whose favorite past time is playing in the park you learn to adjust your clothing or sweat to death.  I'm still not crazy about my arms, but I've come to realize there isn't one mom out there who will take the time to criticize them while they're out and about; they all have more important things to do, like enjoying the time with their own kids.  I'm glad I've come to realize this.



Top: Art and Co. $6 (Plato's Closet)

Shorts: Gap $5 (Plato's Closet)

Necklace: Stella and Dot Gitane

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Julip bangle, Renegade, and Target bangle

Shoes: JCrew (circa 2007ish)

Bag: Stella and Dot Metallic Ikat

Feeling Girly

Tomorrow night I have a Stella and Dot party, so it's an opportunity for me to get a little dressed up.  I think this is the first time I've worn shorts and heels, so this is a pretty big leap for me, but I really like how it turned out.  I so love this blazer and I added the bling of a sequined tank to dress it up a bit too. 

Linking up with:Real Girl Style

 

Blazer: The Limited $22

Tank: Express $30

Shorts: Kohl's $20 (I think)

Belt: Kohl's $6

Necklace: Stella and Dot Juniper

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Renegade, Julip, and Zinnia

Shoes: Audrey Brooke via DSW $26