Strength for the Weak

Scarf c/o Daily Charms; Self-Made Necklace (similar); American Eagle Sweatshirt (similar); Gap Jeans via thredUP; Thrifted Flats (similar)

Editing photos on my husband's computer is weird. I had an insane graphics processor on mine, and photos always looked positively gorgeous. Not so much now. Ah well, moving on...

What have you guys been up to this week? I have been working through the new and updated version of Think Like a Pancreas. After spending the better part of last week dealing with a lot of diabetes related crapoola, I finally ponied up with $10 for the new kindle version of this amazing book. Let me tell you, it was well worth it. The first edition was great, but it's wonderful having all kinds of tips and tricks to use with my CGM. I haven't been able to read this fast enough.

BTW, I wore this for day 3 of me made May. :-)

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Neutrals

Just bucking the spring trends and trying some neutrals on for size. I really wanted to wear this skirt and of all the tops in my wardrobe, this one felt the most appealing at the time. Sometimes basics are really the best.

Thrifted Tee (exactly); Self Made Necklace (similar); Old Navy Skirt (similar); Thrifted Flats (similar); American Eagle Bag (similar)

Speaking of basics, my new thrift obsession is basic tees. I think I've bought five of them over the last month.  They're so cute, so versatile, and so cheap. I can't resist.

I don`t really know what the balance is between minimalism and enjoyment is in my wardrobe. I like to shop. Simple fact. It`s fun, I find it relaxing, and I enjoy the challenge of finding new things to fit into my wardrobe. On the other hand, how much is too much? I love the idea of a minimalist wardrobe, but it doesn't seem terribly practical. I like clothes.

I don't want shopping to come at a detriment to our personal finances. If I was going into debt over clothes, I would know I had truly gone too far. I also don't want shopping to come before my relationship with the Lord. If I'm spending more time thinking about the next thing I want to add to my closet than I am praying and pursuing God, something is wrong. But otherwise, where is the line? Is there one?

How do you create a balanced wardrobe?

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Week in Review

American Eagle Sweatshirt (similar); Gap Jeans via thredUP (here); Thrifted Aero Flats (similar); Cents of Style Necklace

This week:

1. My parents came to visit. It was short, but sweet.
2. We got cheap Easter candy on Monday. Yay. #reeseseggs
3. I rediscovered this necklace. I haven`t been able to find it since we moved and this week while spring cleaning it finally turned up again. I was thisclose to ordering a new one. I love it that much.
4. I`m getting my hair cut today and am super excited about it. I think I`m going a little shorter this time.

How was your week?

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Be The Way I Want To Go

Stitch Fix Dress and Necklace; Levi's Jacket (here); Gap Flats (similar)

I wore this yesterday in glorious 70 degree weather. Spring is here and I couldn't be happier.

I know I'm not the only one, but spring has me in full on cleaning and organizing mode. When we moved last fall, a lot of things just sort of got put in one spot...and 6 months later, they're still there. We've been working on remedying that the last few days, as well as tackling projects around our fixer-upper that have been sitting all winter. Like taking down the fan that's in the corner of our living room. Yep. In the corner (we have no idea).

Happy Monday.

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To Wait or Not

Self-Made Dress (similar); Thrifted Levi's Jacket (here); Stitch Fix Necklace; Thrifted Belt (similar); Payless Flats (similar)

I realized today that I posted about our desire to adopt a while back and never followed up. After a lot of thought and prayer, we decided to adopt through the foster system. We haven`t actually started fostering yet though. Jeremy has been taking classes full time in addition to working full time, so we haven`t had the time to take the state-required classes to become licensed foster parents. Really, this is good. Although we`re both eager to start our family, with Jeremy in school, I`d pretty much be single parenting.

So at this point, we are trying to make a decision. Option 1: take the classes over the summer and begin fostering in the fall. Jeremy will still be in school, so we`d have to be very selective about the kids we foster so I don`t get overwhelmed. Option 2: wait until Jeremy is done with school in December 2015. Neither of us want to wait, but we also want to be fully present for these kids.

Decisions, decisions. It's hard to trust God's timing for our family when we want things to happen now now now.

More of the denim jacket:

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Typical

Thrifted Top, Sweater (similar) and Booties (exactly); JCPenney Jeans (exactly); Handmade Necklace via this Etsy shop

Here's an example of a typical nanny outfit. Although I love my statement necklaces, babies love them too, so I don't always wear them to work in order to avoid breakage or excessive drool. I have a handful of dainty necklaces that I wear almost everyday that are just enough to polish off an outfit but don't attract the little hands quite as much. I got this one as part of a set as a gift for Jeremy for Valentine's day this year. It's definitely one of my new favorites.

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My Stitch Fix Experience

I have been wanting to try Stitch Fix for months. A personal styling service that sends you fun new things in your style and size right to your door? Yes please.

There`s currently a pretty long wait for a box. I scheduled a box in February and took the first available date: March 15. It actually arrived a few days before that, so I had the weekend to try things on and style them up.

My wonderful stylist sent me a necklace, two tops, skinny jeans, and a maxi dress. I pretty much gave her free reign over what to send me. My only request was that the items be washable and easy to wear.



Boy, did she deliver. Let`s take a closer look.

Zad Adrianna Circle Bib Necklace, $34

I LOVE this! Totally something I`d gravitate towards in a store but not buy. I love how small it is, but still makes a statement. Definitely a keeper.

Kensie Johnny Skinny Jeans, $88

Dirty mirror alert! I really wish these fit. The style is perfect, but the cut is not. They got sent back.

Angie Schmitt Mixed Chevron Maxi Dress, $78

I sort of grimaced when I took this out of the box. Chevron? Please.

But then I put it on. Holy flattering and comfortable and oh my it`s actually modest and I can wear a bra with it. J gave this one a big thumbs up. Keeper.

Pomelo Corrina Striped Dolman Top, $48

I almost sent this one back. When I first tried it on, I was not a fan of the way it stretched over my hips and bum. But then I tried it with leggings and ta da! Love.

Pomelo Arcade Dot Print Chambray Top, $68

There was never a doubt on whether I`d keep this or not. It`s about as `me` as it gets.

So, final thoughts.

The Good:

Everything they sent me was awesome, and 100% my style. It was so fun to get a bunch of wonderful items in the mail that I was under no obligation to buy and could try on in the comfort of my own home, mixing and matching with other things in my wardrobe. I wish all shopping was like this. I might never leave my house again.

The Bad:

Money money money! I requested they send me the cheapest items possible, which Stitch Fix defines as less than $100/item. Although they did this, over $200 for the whole box still felt like a small fortune (80% of my wardrobe is thrifted and I average $35/month on clothes). I`m glad they give you a $20 credit. 

So, why did I keep 4 of my 5 items?

.They`re high quality. I will have these things for a good long time.

.They`re totally my style. I am in love with each one, and know I will get tons of wear out of them.

.I am trying to make a conscious effort to par down my wardrobe and be content with less. I often feel like I have more in my closet than I can wear. My logic these days is this: if I spend more on fewer things, not only will I have fewer things, I will wear those things more because my frugalness will ensure I get my money`s worth. 

.I`ve wanted to put the whole quality over quantity thing into practice for a while. This is the perfect opportunity.

There you have it. I have another fix scheduled for May and I can`t wait. Hop on over and give it a try yourself!

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More Gripes

Thrifted Top (similar); NY & Co Necklace (similar); JCPenney Jeans; Modcloth Boots (similar)

So I keep my pictures organized by season. Usually March is when I start my "spring" folder. Somehow that just feels wrong at the moment...

Rather than continue to grip about the weather, lets talk about something else, shall we? Liiiike...the weekend! My brothers came down to visit and we had a ball. We took them to 5 Guys, the mall, and our huge church. It`s always fun to have all 5 siblings together.

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Northerner

Handmade Cowl (similar); Annie Jean Apparel via Sassy Steals; F21 Top; Gap Factory Jeans (similar); Modcloth Boots (similar)

This necklace is my new favorite. I love dressing like the northerner I am. There are other ways to channel the great outdoors besides camo. I snatched it up on Sassy Steals a few weeks ago..have you heard of it? It`s an awesome flash deal site for jewelry, clothes, kids, and home stuff. It`s awesome and I think they have a better selection and prices than other, similar sites. (Also, not a sponsored post, I`m just a really happy customer.) I have a couple other things on the way from them and can`t wait!

How`s your weekend going? I spent my Saturday organizing the house. It looks so much better now, you guys. We`ve been here 3 months and half the house was still a pig sty. I also took a break to have lunch with my sister. Always great to have some girl time.

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Winter Blues

Thrifted Top; Gifted Scarf (similar); Self-Made Necklace (similar at F21); JCPenney Jeans; Modcloth Boots

I wore this a few weeks ago to a doctor`s appointment and got an insane amount of compliments on it. Seriously, I don't think anyone at that hospital had ever seen a pair of over-the-knee boots before.

How`s life where you are? I am seriously sick of the snow, but looking forward to Valentine`s Day. We don't usually do much to celebrate, but how nice is it to have a holiday in the dead of winter? Nothing like a little red and pink cheer to brighten a person up.

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Flapper

Gap Dress; Thrifted H&M Cardigan; Vintage Necklace; Payless Heels

So who else has been loving the 1920s outfits on Downton Abbey? The colors, the shapes, the long pearls...I die, you guys.

I felt a little like a 20s flapper girl in this outfit. The straight cut of this dress, the long necklace and heels are all giving me that vibe. A refreshing change of pace from sweaters and boots.

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My Old Locket

Top: Thrifted

Maxi Skirt: Old Navy

Booties: American Eagle (Payless)

Locket: Gift

Please excuse the poor photo quality, but this is one of the best photos we got today.  Most of them looked like this, with my insulin pump creating an odd little bump on my stomach.

Yeah...not so flattering.  I usually don't have a problem hiding my pump, but this outfit was a challenge.

I got this locket when I was probably about 7 years old.  I remember begging my parents for one for my birthday, and I didn't get it.  But when Christmas rolled around, it was waiting for me under the tree.  I didn't even wear it much until I got older, but it's really a very pretty piece.

Hope you had a lovely Saturday!  We spent ours getting groceries and sleeping in. :)

Makin' A Statement

Top: Thrifted ($3)

Skirt: TJ Maxx ($12)

Shoes: So - Kohl's ($5)

Necklace: Inspired Silver (purchased with voucher from Savemore, $9)

Happy September! I'm always glad to see this month come.  It means fall is well on it's way, and my birthday is coming up! :)

I was excited for the challenge today because it meant I got to wear my new necklace! I got this through a deal on Savemore.com.  They were offering a $12 voucher for $25 worth of jewelry from Inspired Silver, and I jumped on it.  I still had a $3 credit, so this necklace ended up costing me $9. :)  Savemore is so fun, you get a $10 credit when you sign up, and they have awesome deals on so many products.  I also have a watch coming that I got for free!

Today is our Friday! My husband has a 4 day weekend for the holiday, and we're excited for it.  There are no amazing plans in the works, but he hasn't had that long of a weekend in a while, so it's nice.

I'm spending the afternoon with a friend, and possibly getting my hair cut.  I hope my friend brings her scissors, cause I'm ready to go short again! :)  I really like this, and this, and this.  They're all pretty similar, but the first one is my favorite, although the second is probably more realistic, because I have bangs.  We'll see. :)

What I Wore Wednesday: Black and White

Dress: JC Penney

Shoes: Kushy Foot

Necklace: Gramma's

I really like this dress.  I bought another, similar dress from JCP a few weeks ago, loved it, and went back for this one this past week.  If I could find more dresses of this cut and fabric, I'd be a full time dress wearer.

I got these flats just yesterday.  They're not super substantial shoes, but they're perfect for wearing around the house.  Which is where I am most of the time. :)

30 for 30 #1: Love

And here we go! The first of 30 outfits! Today was just one of my normal work from home days, so a simple outfit was in order.

Shirt: C28.com

Jeans: Shopko

Shoes: Shopko

Watch: Target

Necklace: Gramma's

This necklace belonged to my Grandma.  She gave it to me about a year before she passed away, and although simple, it's special to me.  It's full of color, and one of my favorite pieces to wear in summer.

Also, I apologize for the terribly grainy photos. My point and shoot is on it's last leg, and isn't handling high ISO speeds very well these days. :(