Blink of an Eye

Today I'm going to be getting pretty deep with you all, so here's your forewarning. Recently I had a dear friend tell me about an awful situation that happened to some college friends of hers and her husbands, Kimberly and Dan.  The two couples had spent a lot of time together in college, each couple got married about the same time and have kids about the same age- one and three.  

Recently Kimberly had a nagging cough, and doctors thought it was a cold that just kept hanging around. Kimberly, also happened to be pregnant with their third child at the time.  What seemed to be a cold turned out to be a rare valley fever in which fungus starts growing on your lungs. She delivered her third baby at 23 weeks, and he died shortly after. Things got worse and Kimberly soon died too. Her life was over in the blink of an eye. This story is literally the worst. 

Kimberly and her husband Dan were unwavering Christians, you can read more about her story here. The family is at peace knowing Kimberly and her baby are in Heaven, but it still doesn't make this situation seem much easier here on earth. Sometimes things happen that I just don't think we as humans have the capacity to understand. I don't know why God would take her from her family at such a time as this. I can't understand the logic.

I shared this story with my husband, Brian, who is well known for his honestly, not his empathy. He responded, "We're not promised any specific time here on earth. When it's our time, it's our time." So, for the record, the response I wanted to here "Man, what an awful situation," but there really was truth in what he had to say.

As Brian said this we were walking in the doors of Grant's elementary school for kindergarden roundup, something I've been looking forward to for quite some time. Here I am, making plans for tomorrow, next week, next month, and even next year, but what if I don't get a next year? 

That's why it's so important to make the most of each day.  God wants each one of us just as we are. Tired, bruised, broken, He loves us all. If we wait around until we're perfect to come to God, we'll never get there. Meeting him is not like a job interview, where you have to be "hired," He's our father, waiting with open arms, ready to accept us just as we are. 

My friend said she's been hugging her kids a little bit tighter all week, and as for me, I don't want to take this life I've been given for granted. I want to make the most of each day. I don't want to let daily "annoyances" get to me, because in the end, they don't matter. I want to be in daily communion with God, so that when my day does come, he'll say to me "Well done, good and faithful servant." I wish the same for you too.

I found this J.Crew factory dress on thredUp (surprise, surprise).  I'd been eyeing it when it was first a J.Crew factory this fall, but didn't get it because it was so much more of a spring dress. Then it showed up on thredUP, new with tags for $15 and I had credits to use. Nice. Use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order, seriously, you'll be amazed at what you can find!  I'm planning to wear this for Easter and I adore it with my necklace from Rocksbox, another gem (no pun intended) that is right up my alley. I love getting to try new jewelry, and this is the one piece I've decided to keep so far. You can also try it for free. Just sign up at Rocksbox with the code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo."

Spring Trends Worth Trying

I was recently reading about 10 Runway Trends worth trying this spring, and a few of them stuck out to me as ones that can easily go from the runway into real life. Today I'll share them with you.

The first is Sporty Minimalism. There are a lot of fun sporty pieces available in stores right now, but I think the easiest way to pull off this trend is with a pair of chucks. I've created an easy sporty look and linked to some fun chucks that are available right now too.

And the Survey Says...

About a week ago I asked you all to take a quick survey. I like to do this about once a year, and hear what you all have to say. I want to make sure I'm doing what I can to make coming to this little corner of the internet worth your time.

Probably my favorite question was asking what two of your favorite daily reads were.  It gave me a chance to discover some new blogs, which was really cool. I few blogs stuck out as repeats by so many of you too. Over and over again many of you said you read Because Shanna Said So, Putting Me Together, and Walking in Grace and Beauty. I love all these ladies and although I feel like they all have "bigger" blogs than I do, I feel like we all have affordable, wearable fashion in common, and I'm honored to be on your reading lists with them.

Another question I had was about how long you'd been reading my blog. Back in the fall when I starting sharing more of my personal life and faith on here I wasn't sure how all my current readers would react. The survey showed that about 30% had been reading for 1-6 months, 30% for 6-12 months and 30% for more than a year.  So, it seems like my shift in focus has brought in 30% new people while it's kept 60% of you to keep on reading (yay!). 5% had been reading for less than a month and 5% since the beginning, way to go 5%, that first year wasn't very pretty....

I also wondered what made you all stick around. People could check more than one box, but 96% of you said the outfits (well, this is a fashion blog of sorts, isn't it), then 53% said my faith-centered post, and 33% also checked sharing details about my life.  I definitely feel like my blog shift has made this little space so much more reflective of who I am, and I'm grateful to have you all accept me as I am. : )

I next asked what you all wanted to see more of, and while about 50% said, to keep this blog as is, I also had 50% say they'd like more "how-to wear" posts and "save vs. splurge" posts.  I feel like I used to do a lot more of this, and honestly haven't done it much lately because the writing on the posts takes more time now, so I haven't spent as much time on "how-to" posts.   After all, this is a fashion blog, so I'm going to work to incorporate this more often.  I also asked if there were some specific topics you'd like me to cover. Here are some of the ideas you all shared:

• I had requests for more collaborations with bloggers, which I also used to do more. I'll have to think about a fresh way to do this.  
• I also had a request for a "Style Challenge" like Audrey of Putting Me Together has done. What do you ladies think about that? It could be fun! I'm not sure how a link-up would work, the majority of you readers are non-bloggers. Thoughts?
• I had a request for dressing for body types. I did this last year, so I hate to repost the same things, but it's clear I have quite a few new readers. I've added a few tabs up above, including one on Dressing for Your Shape.  Hopefully that'll help you need readers out : )
• I also had a request for tips on how to read the Bible, which I think could be a great post too.

The last question I asked was about how you all found my blog, and I thought this was super interesting. The majority of you said you had found me though another blog or though a link-up. In the past I feel like I'd made blogging, reading blogs, and growing my blog way too much of a focus, so I made some big adjusts. I stopped reading so many blogs and stopped doing so many link-ups. Your answers have caused me to think about the way I engage with other bloggers though, most of you didn't find me though any social media outlet, but though other blogs. I need to keep this in mind as I move forward. 

Thanks again to all of you who took the time to take my survey. I really want to do my best!

I was excited to come across this scarf on thredUp (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order). I don't have anything else like it and adore the bold green. This Kate Spade purse from thredUP is also turning out to be one of my favorite purchases ever. I adore the color and shape. 

I wore these boyfriend jeans on here about a week ago and love them. They were a crazy $.99 Goodwill find, here is this year's version, although my husband isn't thrilled about the fit in the back, can any other girl's relate? He thinks they're too baggy, and requested I "shrink the heck out of them." Boys....

Praying

Recently I was reading the passage in Luke 22: 40-46, this is the part where Jesus asks his disciples to "pray that they might not enter into temptation." Then he goes off to pray alone. In showing true humanity, Jesus asks, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." Jesus, who is both fully God and fully man knows he was born to die for each and everyone of us, but as a man he is fearful. Ultimately, he wants God's will, not his own though.

This passage has so much power, but the part that sticks out to me is the part where after praying Jesus goes back to find his disciples asleep. Let's rewind for a minute. These men have left their lives behind to follow Jesus. They've seen miracles, and they just partook in the last supper where Jesus made it clear that his time on earth was coming to an end. And after all of this his disciples are sleeping!?!?!?

Then I found myself asking the question: How many of us are asleep right now? Many of us have left our former sinful lives behind, we're seen miracles, we've partaken in the last supper, yet we are asleep. We're missing out on what God has in store for us and a relationship with Him.

Jesus had asked his disciples to pray, so they wouldn't fall into temptation. He'd asked that they stay in communion with God, and in doing so, it would keep them from sin. See, if you're not communicated with God, how are you ever to recognize His voice? How are you able to keep from falling into temptation? You might as well be asleep like the disciples.

Today I feel challenged to "stay awake." I don't want to miss out on anything God has to offer, and I don't want to miss out on what He's calling me to do and to say each day. We are sinful and imperfect, which is exactly why we need a savior. We need to pray, stay awake, and listen to what God has in store for us.

I know you all have heard a lot about thredUP from me, but seriously, I just love it!  I found this dress, new with tags on there for $15 and this Kate Spade bag in like new condition for 75% off the retail price on there too. I had a bunch of credits saved up, so they cost me nothing, which is pretty amazing too. If you haven't tried thredUP yet, you totally should. If you're unsure of have to navigate the site, check out this post then use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order. You can thank me later. : ) Also, you'll notice there isn't a close up of my necklace today, that's because when I looked at the picture I realized how worn out this cardigan was, yikes! Luckily I found this one at Old Navy for a steal. Today's version has now been retired.

Forgive as You Have Been Forgiven

This past week I was on the receiving end of an apology and I couldn't have been more surprised.  Here's a bit of background for you all: A few years ago my husband and I left a community group we'd been a part of for nearly seven years to join a different group at church.  We'd been upset about some things that were going on, and decided it was time to step away.

In hindsight, it was pretty foolish of me to think that our friendships would remain the same, but I was saddened to be suddenly left out of events I'd been previously a part of after we left the group. I spoke with a number of the girls about why we left, my concerns, and how I still cared about them, but the friendships just slipped away. Time passed, we made new wonderful friends, and as a final way of healing I "unfriended" a girl in my old group of friends on Facebook.  She constantly posted pictures of herself and my old friends doing fun things together. It made me sad to see it, but at the same time I was ready to move on.

Ephasions 4:32 say "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." I was at peace with the past staying there, and I felt like I needed to forgive past hurts without any acknowledgment on their end. Sometimes, that's just the best way to heal.

Fast forward to four or so months later. I got a message on Facebook from the girl I'd unfriended four months before.  She'd realized what I'd done and wanted to know why I'd done it. Yes, she did. She assumed I was jealous of her life, etc. It was pretty ugly. I told her I wished her the best in life, and left it at that.

Then about a week ago I ran into her in church and smiled, then continued with my conversation.  Shortly afterward I got a text from her apologizing. I was floored. Of course I forgave her and we shared a few friendly texts back and forth. For her to apologize was huge and I really respect her for that. I don't expect we'll be friends again, and that's ok, but the last thing God wants is for his children to be fighting and holding onto past hurts. We fail him each day and He is always quick to forgive. How much more then should we forgive?  

I share this today because maybe you are or were like me, holding onto past hurt, or maybe you're the one who needs to do the apologizing. Both sides of the coin cause so much pain, but asking for forgiveness and choosing to forgive are so freeing. They allow us to grow, and to move on.

Confession, I bought this dress on a whim. I saw it on Ashley of Twenties Girls Style on Instagram. I "liked" the picture, then got got "Like it to Know it" email with the link to the dress. I thought for sure it was really expensive, only to find it was out it was $23 with free shipping. Sold.  I hadn't ordered from Oasap before, but have heard you should size up. I seriously adore it, my one complaint is that one of the seams on the side doesn't match up the print exactly...which is kind annoying, but you know me, I always layer, so it will remain hidden. Of all the necklaces I own, this one is continually my go to. I love it with this dress here today too.

Rocksbox

I just got my third Rocksbox and love the pieces they sent.  If you're not familiar with Rocksbox it's a fun monthly jewelry service.  It normally cost $19 a month, but you get a $10 credit towards any purchases. You can also send the box back and forth as many times as you want each month. I'm really loving getting to try it out and you can too for free. Just go to Rocksbox and use code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout.

Spring Refresh

Now that spring is officially here it's time to switch those closets over.  See you later boots and sweaters, hello sandals and bare legs!

Today I thought I'd share some tips with you all to help with the closet switch as well as how to decide what to keep, toss, and add to your wish list.

I personally have a lot more winter clothes than spring and summer, due to the fact I'm in shorts and simple shirts for most of the summer, so I put away far more than I pulled out, and that's ok. The first thing I recommend doing is looking at each piece, one at a time and deciding if you still like it and if it's still in style. Set aside the pieces you're unsure of. Also, check for rips, stains, or excessive piling and throw those pieces away, not even a second hand shop will want them.

Next, with your tops, put on a basic bottom that fits well, like blue jeans or white jeans or shorts, then try each top on. Decide if it still fits in a way you like and is flattering. Take the pieces you don't like and put them in your donate pile.  Next, do the same things with the pieces you're unsure of, you might find you still like a few of them. Put the rest in the donate pile.

Now put on a basic top that fits you well and try on all your shorts, skirts, and ankle pants. When trying them on, pay attention to length, are the shorts too short, is the length of your ankle pants or chopped pants awkward? Try the on with shoes too. Separate them into keep, donate, and throw away piles. Do the same thing with summer dresses.

Lastly, check out your shoes and sandals. Do any have excessive wear? Throw them away. Are any really uncomfortable? Donate them.

So you're sorted your clothes, what now?

• Check out your toss pile, are any of these closet staples you need to replace?  Start a wish list. 
• Next check your donate pile, are any of these closet staples that don't fit, but you'll need to replace? Add them to your wish list as well.
• Check your "keep" pieces, Are there any noticeable holes in you closet? Missing colors, types, styles? Add them to your list too.

Once you have your wish list, try to tackle the priorities first, and stick to your monthly budget. I also sign up for emails from my favorite stores, then I shop once the items I need are on sale.  

Here's what I found when I did my own clean out:

• I have plenty of shorts, skirts, and dresses, but only had two pair of jeans, (neither of which I'm crazy about) so I really needed to add a pair I love to my closet. I also didn't like the way my white jeans fit (too low on the waist), so I got these on 40% off at Loft.
• My basic white tee and basic black cardigan are far past wearable. Both need to be desperately replaced. I found a this tee at Target and this cardigan on sale for $15 at Old Navy, perfect!
• I have very few tops I can wear solo or that are in spring/summer colors and weight. I found this top and this top at Target and the one I'm wearing today at a fashion swap. 

I have a little story to share about the jeans I'm wearing today. I said I needed jeans, and I've been wanting a pair of boyfriends jeans for awhile. I tried on these on and liked them, but was kind of hemming and hawing in the fitting room. I decided to stop by Goodwill for the first time in six months or so only to find these ones I'm wearing for $.99, in my size. They were probably last year's version, which is fine my me. Problem solved and $28 saved. : ) I also found a pair of like new Banana Republic skinny jeans for $3, which a a great dark wash and fit me like a glove. Double score! My monthly budget is $125 (this isn't just for clothes, it's also for pedicures, haircuts, dinner with friends etc.) I was able to refresh my closet for $93, which worked out perfectly!

Oh, and check out my tabs above, I updated my "About Me" and added a few more tabs to help those of you who are newer to my blog out. : )

Beautiful Things and a Survey

This last week we sang this song in church and it's been in my head ever since. Take a listen:

           

Singing has always been a love of mine. I grew up singing and along with dance, art, and drama, singing was literally "my jam." In all honestly, it was probably the talent I was known for. I was in select choirs growing up, did solos, and helped lead the praise team at previous churches.  

Brian and I started going to our current church about eight years ago and I joined the choir there. After a few years I had Grant and the time commitment was pretty hard with him. So for the past five years or so I hadn't really done any singing other than in my car or while singing along in church. Then, this past Christmas one of my friends thought it would be fun to be a part of the Steven Curtis Chapman concert that was coming to our church. Three of us joined together, and it was so much fun. I soon realized how much I'd missed singing.  

I also feel like God gives us each our own talents. My husband helps run cameras for the services, which is perfect for his technical minded mind. Singing is a way I can help out, so about a month ago I talked to our music director about helping with praise team. For those of you who don't know, that's four or five people who help lead songs during the services. I was so excited to get to help out and be used in the way I feel God has called me. A few weeks ago I helped lead the choir for a Dennis Jernigan concert and it was a blast!  

I got an email about helping again this last Sunday and I was so excited.  Then, Wednesday night rehearsal came, and in-between the microphones, the ear pieces, the orchestra, and the other three singers my nerves got to me. I felt inept and like a failure.  I'm a soprano and usually that's the melody line, but in all the songs it was harmony and I couldn't seem to find the notes.

I began practicing the harmony over the next few days in preparation for Sunday.  I thought about the lyrics to this song. God can make beauty out of dust. He made it possible for me to be a part of the the praise team, and the singing isn't even about me, it's about Him.  If he can make beauty from dust, how much more can He use me to glorify Him? I needed to get over myself and trust in him.

Sunday went well, of course, and I was blessed to sing along side such talented singers. Making the singing about me would have caused me to miss the point, and I'm so excited to let God use me in this way.

Also, I haven't done a survey in about a year, so I'd love to get some feedback from you all. There are only 10 questions, and click done....well, once you're done. I know a lot of you are non-bloggers, so you don't comment on daily posts. I'd love to get some feedback from you to better this blog!  It's down below for you to fill out. : )

I bought this top from Target recently. I'd really liked a similar one J.Crew factory had this winter, but couldn't ever justify the price. This one, in my opinion is even better, just wait until you scroll down and see a picture of the back of it! I decided to pair it with my white jeans from Loft and adore it.

Notice my fun jewels from Rocksbox? You can try it free for a month, just sign up with the code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo." I know you won't be disappointed!

Lamentations 3:22-23

About a week ago I had a three day stint in which everyone and everything was annoying. It was completely ridiculous. Last Sunday morning I put Grant in timeout in the hallway at church for behavior at the tail end of the service. As Grant sat in timeout, I also sat, still fuming (even I need a timeout sometimes). It wasn't until that moment that I realized that if everyone was annoying me, then the problem wasn't them, it was me. 

What an epiphany, right? I'm so glad it hit me too. I went to class and shared my need to refocus and desire for some me time. Brian came to class and let me know they needed him for cameras during the 9:30 and 11:11 service too. I figured I'd go get Grant from Sunday school and I'd entertain him until Brian was done. Then, something amazing happened. I went to pick up Grant and he wanted to stay in class (miraculous!) I was able go hang out alone and this verse was shared on Instagram via She Reads Truth as I sat:

Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness!"

This wasn't the first time I'd seen this verse during the course of that week. I'd seen it in my daily devotions and even had a friends text me the verse days earlier. God was definitely trying to get through to me, and he did. His love never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful. Even in the midst of my bad attitude, he was still there, loving me, forgiving me, and remaining faithful. I feel like the half hour I had to myself while Grant was in Sunday School and Brian was running cameras was  God saying "I hear you, I love you, it'll be ok."

We are faulty, we mess up, we make mistakes, but God doesn't. He's there in the midst of whatever we're going through, big or small.  I'm so grateful for this and for Him. I hope you can find rest is these words today too.

I'm working to start the spring transition in my closet. That means no more tights, if I have anything to say about it. I bought this dress last fall from Target for like $6 and it's one of my favorite pieces to wear. Today I thought it would be fun to style it casually with my denim jacket from thredUP  (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order) and my black booties. I'm thinking I'll be wearing booties for a few more weeks, then sayonara until next fall.   I'm also wearing this adorable  neckalce from Chelsea Row. I got it at a fashion swap brand new! I love a good statement necklace, but am really loving more delicate pieces like this lately.

Life Lately

This last weekend was a pretty great one. Here are some of the highlights I shared on Instagram:

First, I got this amazing bag from thredUP  (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order). I'd been wanting a new bag for spring, but didn't want to spend a lot. Luckily I had some thredUP credits to use and this was literally 75% off the original price tag and in perfect condition. Seriously, if you haven't checked out thredUP you're missing out!

Bag Kate Spade similar via thredUP / Necklace c/o Rocksbox (try it for free with the code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo.") / Shoes: Merona same