Once Christmas passes, I find myself removing all the bright and cheerful decor and returning my home to a relatively neutral and light color palette. In some ways I miss the vibrance that disappears, but at the same time I appreciate the calmness that comes. My outfits in some ways tend to follow suit. Although I will still be wearing cheerful colors, I also appreciate the soft, pretty neutrals to break it up a bit. I can’t tell you how much I’ve worn this cocoon coat in the color Sandstone. It’s such a beautiful neutral that pairs with most of my everyday outfits and the fit is roomy yet sleek at the same time. I can’t recommend it enough! I wore it over top of some subtle pinks and loved the combo. I’ve had the scarf for years, but I’ve linked some others for you below. They’re not only fun, but practical for our cold winters. This light-weight sweater is so beautiful. It’s a recent purchase that I’ve worn a handful of times already. It can easily be styled for work or date night and will be perfect when we transition into spring as well.
This year I’m focusing on making my shopping more intentional, honing in on pieces that I love, are great quality, and I won’t be ready to retire after a season or two, so I’ll do my best to share similar pieces when exact items aren’t available. My intentions are always to inspire looks (whether in your home or with your outfits) and not encourage purchasing just for the sake of purchasing. It’s always worth a look to see what you already have and love (in your home and closet) and may be able to transform into a whole new look you may not have thought about before!
Outfit Details: Coat / Sweater / Bodysuit (see similar options below) / Jeans (see more options below) / Scarf (see similar options below) / Sunglasses / Boots (see similar options below)
Happy 2022, guys! I just looked back and realized that my last post was over a month ago and at one time, that would have driven me crazy. I used to strive for strict consistency in many facets of my life, and while consistency is still something that I thrive on, I’m learning to be able to let some balls drop when needed. After living through a period of major shutdowns, it seemed as though many of us were ready to jump back into life….and for the most part, we have. But I also look back at the simplicity and lack of pressure during that time and wonder how I can blend that with the chaos of life moving forward?
Along these same lines, I’ve had discussions with a handful of people who have shared with me that ‘you seem to manage your time well, how do you do it?‘ Well, my response is that I do not in fact feel like I manage time all that well. I’m sure many of you can relate to this feeling. The feeling of having too many balls to juggle and not knowing how to prioritize them well. I can’t count the number of things that compete for attention throughout our days; emails, texts, phone calls, school, work, projects, bible time, books, social media, kids, spouses, appointments, sports, kids activities, volunteer opportunities, prayer time, food prep, grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry…..to name a few, lol. Some days it can get the best of me. That overwhelming feeling rushes over me and then my husband and kids get the not so lovely side of me. It can be downright ugly.
Do I have this all figured out and a quick, painless, streamlined answer for you? Nope, I’m sorry. But I can share some tools I utilize to help keep myself in check. It’s a progress over perfection motto, because I fail time and again, but all I (we) can do is, get back up and move forward, one imperfect step at a time. One thing that I have learned is to let go of tasks that can wait. As I mentioned, this is the first post I’ve shared in a month, but I’m the only one putting that pressure on myself. What was more important over the past month than prepping a blog post, was spending time with my family….cooking, baking, snuggling and watching movies together, visiting with our family and playing games. Adding a self-induced timeline was only adding a stress that didn’t need to exist. On the flip side, there are certainly more time-pressing matters we all need to respond to. Lists are my best friend. I have been keeping more detailed lists lately than I typically do, and they have been more helpful than I can tell you. I keep lists for everything and I write down even the smallest task like ‘text back so-and-so’ or ‘schedule this appointment’. Although it may not be urgent, something simple like that can easily slip my mind if I don’t jot it down. I keep a running tab of appointments that need made, things that need ordered, groceries that need to be shopped for. I find my mind can breath if I move a task from my head to ‘paper’. Then as I’m able, I’ll check those tasks off and feel like I’m making some forward progress.
When it comes to things I strive to get into my daily routine, this is where consistency is key for me. From things as simple as using a water bottle to track my water intake, to setting aside time first thing in the morning for my bible and a workout. Those tend to be my foundation for a good day. I feel set up for success, regardless of how much I tackle after that. Oh, I should add for myself at least, make your bed! That is number one, everyday. If I know my bed isn’t made, my brain refuses to function! If it’s helpful, find a friend that will help keep you accountable for the non-negotiables in your life…those tough love friends are invaluable.
That felt like a lot to unload, but for whatever reason, I felt led to share. I think it bottles down to, don’t sweat the small stuff. Life is full of pressures and sometimes some things need to give a little. And that’s ok. Life is hard and wonderful, and you’re doing an amazing job. Maybe we all commit to showing more grace this year, to ourselves and everyone around us. Here’s to a great 2022 and all it may bring!
After I shared my last post where I styled a pair of velvet pants in a dressed down manner, the wheels started spinning. I thought about more of my festive pieces that hold a spot in my closet but only get worn once or twice a season if they’re lucky. As I brainstormed, more and more outfits started coming to mind so I decided to turn these thoughts into a post that will hopefully give you a little inspiration for some of the pieces you may have in your own closet. I chose three pieces; a tartan shirt, velvet pants and a sweater dress in which I created various looks out of. Scroll down to see how I pulled it all together…
A plaid or tartan shirt is a classic piece that many of you likely own. I will sometimes box myself in when I find a look that works for me, and I’ll overlook so many other opportunities to put it to use. Here you’ll see how you can go from all out glam with a sequin skirt and fancy heels to a pair of jeans and shearling lined sneakers. Basically, a shirt like this can go from work to weekend and any other festivity you have on your schedule!
A sweater dress is another item that I tend to style one way, inhibiting any other options to come to mind. I love the sneaker trend however and have been pairing a number of my maxi dresses with sneakers over the past few months. It opens up such a variety of places that I can wear them. For work, blazers make a great layering piece and to dress it up a few notches, a faux fur vest and bold heels would do the trick!
Finally, I elaborated on a pair of velvet pants that are very similar to the ones I styled here. I love making them work for my day-to-day with a more casual sweater and a pair of sneakers but I also love when I have the chance to take the exact opposite direction and add a sequin top and embellished heels! And for something a little bit in between, think about pairing them with a tailored shirt or sweater with a pair of heels or loafers based on your agenda.
I hope this gets your wheels spinning and helps you to rethink how you wear some of the festive pieces you have in your own closet. Come back and share what you’re able to create with yours!
When it comes to festive clothing, I’m guessing a lot of you have some sequins, sparkle, velvet etc. hanging in your closet. The problem (or at least my problem) is that I rarely get to wear them as we only have a few short weeks to go all out. So I decided to find some ways to dress down some of those pieces as a way to get more wear out of them. For this look, I paired a brightly colored, casual sweater with my velvet pants and threw on a pair of sneakers (that have a touch of sparkle too). It was a perfect combo, not to mention very comfortable…pull on pants are the way to go! As an alternative idea, you could wear your velvet pants with a holiday graphic tee layered with a cardigan or jean jacket. And if you have a pair of sequined pants or joggers, these same ideas could hold true. Let me know what ideas you come up with!
Wrapping up the week of gift guides, I’m finishing with a gift guide for the boys. As I did with the girls, I attempted to share an array of items that would cover a range of ages. Granted many items on this guide may be appealing to the girls and vice versa (my girls love playing family laser tag and a Nintendo switch is on Madelyn’s list as well), so you may find it helpful to cross reference both. Let’s move along and share what I’ve gathered…
For the younger guys who love imaginary play, this tent is the perfect setup to set the stage. This dinosaur advent calendar is a gift the recipient could enjoy all month long. There’s a Pokemon game, a classic yet youthful chess board or a handheld Nintendo. My son is getting more and more into video creation. Depending on the age, you could check out this VTech camera or a more advanced option such as a GoPro. I mentioned above that laser tag is a hit in our house. It’s something that everyone can get involved in, adults included! We own a couple of sets which make it all the more fun. This basketball bean bag game is perfect for a bedroom or basement where siblings could form games. I also came across a fun riddle book that I think a number of kids would enjoy. And the older they get, the more into clothing they are. New sneakers, a winter coat or even a bathrobe would be practical and hopefully appreciated!
I always have such a fun time shopping for my girls. They may continue to get pickier with their clothing selections as they begin to hone in on their own personal style, but outside of clothing, they really enjoy an array of things. Instead of breaking these guides down into various age groups, I did my best to include a variety of items that would appeal to younger kids as well as those that are approaching the teenage years. I haven’t quite hit that age range in our household yet, so maybe once I do I’ll be more apt to broaden my gift guides even further!
For the younger girls, pretend play is often what many are drawn to. From playing with miniature dolls in a bakery to making creations of their own (wearing an adorable apron of course) and serving them from their owncafe or playing with a fold up dollhouse that is perfect for travel, these gifts will all encourage solo or joint playtime. If you need a great bathtime idea, these scribble pets have been a huge hit. They can color and create designs on them and then rinse them off for a fresh start. Throw in some bubbles to complete the gift! My nine year old is my crafter, so arts and crafts sets such as this one are always a hit. A beginners sewing craft is another good idea for your creative little girl. My girls both love their caboodles, even if they don’t yet use them to store makeup. They are great for organizing all their little toys and accessories too! My older two children both have lounge pillows similar to this one that they use every night while they read in bed. In all honesty, I’d love one too! If your girls are into animal print as much as mine are, check out this adorable winter coat (both of my girls have it) and this leopard onesie. Cute and cozy for Christmas break! And if you need to gather some stocking stuffers, consider some cozy socks, colorful bobby pins, festive bath bombs or some water bottle stickers (they don’t get ruined when washing!).
For today’s gift guide, I’ve gathered items that would be perfect to treat your host/hostesses over the holidays. Although I categorized these as hostess gifts, many of these items would work well for teachers, co-workers and friends alike. It’s always a thoughtful gesture to show our appreciation for the many people that care for us and impact our lives in various ways. Thoughtful doesn’t have to equate to expensive however, and you’ll find that just about every item here falls under the $25 price point. This way you can spread the love without breaking the bank.
Since the holidays tend to revolve around food, it feels like an obvious direction to take. I love when gifts are able to be used right away and a yummy pancake mix would be gone in to time in our house. A cute cookie set or apron for the baker, a cheese board or cocktail book for the entertainer or the most delicious hot chocolate (soooo good) for just about anyone! There’s always a fun puzzle that you’d be able to work on together or a beautiful serving bowl that could could also serve as decor. And if you’re still feeling unsure, you can never go wrong with a candle, festive hand towels and soap, or a cute set of plates. Small tokens of appreciation go a long way!
As a follow-up to the guys gift guide that I shared yesterday, we are jumping right into the most exciting guide (in my opinion) and that’s the gift guide for her! Use this as a resource for your friends, sisters, mothers, sneak in a little something for yourself or send this post to your significant other as a not so subtle hint. In all honesty, this guide turned out to be the one I struggled with the most as I was pulling it together. The theme I kept coming back to overall was practical but splurge worthy. Read on and I’ll share more…
When it comes to pieces that I’m tempted to spend a little more on, I want them to be things that will get a lot of wear or use. This Ugg robe for example is more than I’d typically spend for a robe, but Jack bought it for me last year and it’s my favorite thing to cozy up in every night, all winter long. A cashmere wrap is another item that I likely wouldn’t purchase for myself, but who wouldn’t love something like this that could be worn to wrap up in chilly temperatures or to alternatively throw on as a scarf. That’s something that would remain in my closet for many years to come. A practical, everyday bag is another piece that’s worth the investment, but even better to receive it as a gift! MZ Wallace makes high quality bags in an array of sizes for whatever your day to day looks like. Plus, they are lightweight and easy to wipe clean. Then there’s a not-so-ordinary pullover that feels luxurious and worth every penny, especially if it’s a piece that you’ll get a lot of wear out of. I also included a handful of items that would be perfect to add on to another gift. Think about a cute card holder (I’ve recently started using one so I can easily switch it between purses or even tuck into a pocket when I run into a store), a pretty pair of earrings, an amazing lip balm, cozy slippers, the best scented candle or a practical scarf/glove combo. I also included a beautiful calendar for those that still love to have life written down and an incredible book for anyone that may be searching for a greater understanding of how all the stories of the Bible are woven together. There’s a little bit of everything for every lady!
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and then the Christmas season will be in full swing! I began shopping earlier than normal this year which has already proven to be reducing some stress and anxiety as the holidays draw near. I never like to feel forced into a purchase, but rather love finding that perfect something that I know every recipient will appreciate. I’ve spent many hours searching and narrowing down a curated group of gift ideas that should cover a bulk of names on your list. I’ll be sharing a new gift guide everyday this week, so make sure you check back! Today we will kick off with a gift guide for those special men in your life…
Guys can tend to be a little tricky for me to shop for. You too? You can’t simply pick up a cute accessory like you can for your girlfriends, rather it takes a little more thought in finding something that is a bit more practical. For the guys that enjoy cooking, this pan is a fan favorite and it comes in a variety of colorways. This seasoning kit that comes beautifully packaged is another great idea for the grill enthusiast. These bar glasses are another great idea which you could pair with these whiskey stones to avoid diluting their beverages. These slippers (or house shoes) are rugged and warm, perfect for the winter months ahead. Some loungewear, a new hat or a great pair of sneakers would always be appreciated. I purchased these sneakers for Jack’s birthday this past spring and he always receives compliments on them. This water bottle would make a very practical gift. It has a magnetic lid that also screws shut for travel and to prevent leaking. And if you wanted to add an accessory to that gift, these ice cube trays are perfect for water bottles, avoiding the ice cube avalanche that often happens with fridge dispensers!
My hope is that this and the following gifts guides will serve as either a great starting point or on the contrary, assist in checking those final names off your list!
I’m all for the use of color throughout the fall and winter seasons, but there’s something comforting about layering on the neutrals. The term neutral likely varies from person to person, but navy and cognac certainly fall into that category for me in terms of clothing. A great navy pant (guys, these are such a comfortable pull-on pant!) makes for a good base onto which you could layer just about any color. Sticking with the neutrals, this off-white quarter zip is already off to a running start for me this season. It’s perfect to throw a vest over or to keep you warm under your winter coats. I accented with a warm cognac wearing these suede booties (a few years old from JCrew, but here’s this years version) and my staple belt bag (see options below). A simple and timeless look that I could pull out year after year!
