Swingin' and springin'

There is nothing I love more than swinging outside right at sunset and to feel the breeze kiss my face and hair.  It just brings me genuine joy!

 Dress (Target), Tank (Old Navy), Cardigan (Anne Taylor Loft), Boots (Shoe Carnival) Jewelry (gifted from my amazing sister-in-law).

I love these pics, and I love being outside in God's creation.  Also, I am really excited because this navy cardigan was starting to get a little too small on me, and I found the perfect replacement from uniqlo when the hubby and I were in New York a couple weeks ago!!  Can't wait to replace!

Green and Cream

 Pants (JC Penney), Top (JC Penney), Jacket (New York & Company), Purse (Charming Charlie)

Bracelets (gifted) Nails (Avon Mini NAILWEAR PRO Nail Enamel in Lagoon)

I wore this outfit to a Sunday evening workshop at the church.

Never underestimate the power of red

Today is Pentecost in the life of the church.  It is a day that we celebrate God sending us the Holy Spirit.  The color of Pentecost is red!  Oh, and so is the color of my couch ;-).

 Skirt (Marshalls), Top (Macys), Jacket (Gap), Heels (Payless), Clutch (gifted), Bracelets (Charming Charlie's)

(close up of the cute buttons that line each of the side pockets on this red skirt).

I'M BACK!!!

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to my clone who did an excellent post while the husband and I were running around the best city in the world NEW YORK CITY!!!  Oh, how I want to live there....if I could just find a high paying job :-).

Cannot wait to post all my pics from the past couple o' weeks, but until then remember this cute yellow pouch.....

 Well these amazing earrings are what was inside it!

A very special thanks to my sister-in-law for bringing me these super fun earrings back from Mexico!

I cannot wait to incorporate them into my summer wardrobe (and March wardrobe for that matter!)

Pack it up, pack it in

Hello! This is Abbie's Clone, here with a guest post while she is away on vacation. I too am about to take a little trip, so what better topic to discuss than packing! I know most people hate to pack for trips, but I relish in the task. I love the challenge of having access to a wide variety of looks on vacation while still having enough room in my suitcase for souvenirs. I also like to think of it as getting to make a bunch of costume decisions all at once - talk about fun! So without further ado, here are my tips for packing:

1. Work from the bottom up

J Crew Factory Ballet Flats via What the Frock?

I start the packing process by deciding on my footwear, with a goal of 2 pairs of shoes, 3 max depending on the types of activities in which I'll be partaking. My upcoming trip is a 10-day jaunt to France (read: lots of walking), so I chose these fabulous flats along with a pair of neutral sandals. Both options are versatile enough to allow for a wide range of accompanying clothing combos, which is helpful but can also lead to over-packing. This leads me to my next tip...

2. Choose clothing with a unifying color palette

Pick mix-and-match pieces that will work together in a variety of ways. Not only will you look super put-together throughout your entire trip, you'll also save space in your luggage.  The amazing Reachel Bagley of Cardigan Empire explains this concept better than I ever could, so check it out, stat. You will not be disappointed! What's my color palette, you ask? It's a bright blend of coral, teal, and taupe.

3. Use accessories to diversify your looks

Can you tell I've been to the J Crew Factory recently? Wilma Bead Necklace via Kaboodle

As with clothing, select accessories that work with your chosen color palette. However, if you feel the need to throw in a few extraneous bangles or an additional necklace then it won't weigh you down too much. I'll be taking the necklace above along with a navy belt, some gold pieces and my go-to diamond CZ studs.

So there you have it, all the info you need for your next trip packed neatly into one guest post. Now go and do the same with your suitcase... bon voyage!

A pop of WorldCrafts

WorldCrafts develops fair trade businesses to give impoverished people a steady income that will help improve their lives.  In these photos you will see a WorldCrafts bag that was gifted to me by my amazing friend Ann.

Shirt (Marshalls), Shoes (Payless), Jeans and Clutch (Gifted)

I wore this out on a dinner date with my husband.  We tried out this new mediterranean restaurant.  Yummy!

I love a pastel leopard print

Boots and Scarf (Charming Charlie's), Skirt (Marshalls), Shirt (JC Penney), Purse (Purchased in California on my honeymoon)

I wore this outfit for a 12 hour work day back in April.  It was still cool out but this was perfect for comfort and warmth.  I love how the colors of the scarf and purse pop out against the gray and black!

Picture A Day: Something Handmade by...

So the Picture A Day is supposed to be something handmade by me, but since I didn't really have anything I have made (with the exception of a couple of tie dyed t-shirts) I decided to cheat and post a pic of this bracelet I wore that was given to me for Christmas by my mother-in-law.  It was handmade by one of her friends...so see, still handmade.

Sorry for the lack of outfits and posting.  My dear cat has been very sick, and I have been readjusting my day so that I have time to give him medicine four times a day.  I think we are about to get into a routine.  I am truly thankful to God for answering my prayers about my cat.  He began finally taking his medicine when I just couldn't take it anymore and I gave it over to God.  It is amazing how God always hears us, and how God steps in and performs His mighty miracles right when we need him the most!

Really clinging to my faith to get me through this week.

Mint for Me

dress (b. moss), shoes (sears), blazer (Target), Necklace (Silpada), Clutch (gifted)

I wore this on a Sunday for teaching Bible Study and Worship.  I got this look idea from one of my favorite bloggers. www.extrapetite.com.  If you are petite or you just love style, you should totally check out her blog!