Keeping "Small" Things "Small

Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis have heard before that I usually set aside an hour or so on Saturday mornings to take my blog pictures for the week. The stars need to align perfectly for the pictures to happen. The light needs to be good (either overcast or a soft shadow), the weather needs to be good (no wind, rain, etc), and I need to be having a good hair day. I know it sounds ridiculous, but if I don't like my hair in the pictures, I don't like the pictures.

This last Saturday it started to rain just as I began to take the pictures for yesterday's post. So, it was obvious the stars weren't aligning for me. In the past this has happened and I have spend way too much time trying to take pictures that have turned out horribly, or rearranged my schedule to try to take them at another time. Definitely not a good use of my time. Then I looked at the outfit I had planned to take pictures in and thought, "Haven't I worn that on the blog before? Yes, yes, I have." So, the pictures below are actually from my archives. I did actually wear this same outfit to church on Sunday, but the pictures are from last summer.

Sometimes we can have a tendency to blow things out of proportion. But I think it's important to keep the small things, small. There are a lot more important things to worry about then me not being able to take pictures for my blog, which is a hobby. I actually had a reader email and ask why I didn't share new posts daily. I laughed out loud when I read it. This is a hobby, not a full time job, and it definitely shouldn't cause me to put more important things in my life in the backseat.

Rocksbox

I just got my newest Rocksbox, a service I've really been enjoying. I love getting to try out all different types of jewelry I wouldn't get to see first-hard otherwise. I was super excited to find this Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in my box. I have a few *cough, cough* inspired Kendra Scott Rayne necklaces, but seeing the real deal, it's obvious the quality difference between "inspired" and "real."

 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 try it free for a month too. Just go to Rocksbox and use code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout.

ShopAtHome

Spring is here and it has me itching to update the decor in our house. Luckily ShopAtHome has me covered when it comes to saving money, while still getting just the look I want in our living room. They have coupons to all my favorite places, including Target, J.Crew, Loft, and 55,000+ stores and brands! I love that I can find the deals I want all in the same place!

When it comes to updating decor, I usually find one piece as inspiration, then design around it. When I spotted this pillow I knew I wanted to use it for inspiration.  I've always been drawn to teal and orange together, so these lanterns were the perfect pair to compliment the pillows.

I also love different combinations of texture, so the rustic frame, distressed tray, rope mirror, and shiny ceramic artichoke and bird figures all add such interest to the space. I also like a few decorative pieces to add interest to the space, so I really liked the uniqueness of all these pieces too.

Lastly I picked a great neutral throw to cozy up with as well. The living room is a space we spend so much time, so having it reflect my style and be inviting is so important to me.

Decorative Pillow / Lanterns / Tray / Ceramic Artichoke / Mirror / Throw / Bird Figures / Frame

So, what about you? Are you itching to redecorate any spaces in you home? What inspires you? When you're ready to pull the trigger, make sure to check out ShopAtHome to get what you want at the best price!

Going Fishing

Recently I was reading John 21. This story occurs after Jesus has been crucified and has risen back to life. He's already revealed himself to many people, and is about to do it again to Peter and a number of the other disciples.

The morning starts as any other could, the men decide to go fish. After all, many of them had this profession before choosing to follow Jesus. The problem is, the can't seem to catch any fish. Suddenly they hear a voice from the water's edge: "Friends, have you caught any fish?"

They reply, "No."

Then the man replies, "Throw your nets on the right-side of the boat, and you shall find some fish." They, do and catch more fish than they ever expected. He men quickly realize the voice from the shore is Jesus. 

This story has stuck with me, look how simple fishing was when they were listening to the voice of Jesus? The same rings so true in our lives. If we go out with our own plans and our own ideas of what we should do, we are likely to end up like the disciples did at first: coming up empty. 

But what if we chose to start our days by asking, "Lord, her I am, use me." I believe our days would look quite a bit differently. See, we see such a small portion of what God's plan is for our lives, and He sees the whole picture. Doesn't it make sense that we go to Him for direction and guidance?

Today I really want to be purposeful with my actions, working to align them with God's. I know things will go so much better when I'm looking to Him.

Thankful

As I mentioned earlier this week, we had a bout of sickness hit our house. I thought we were all on the mend when my son woke up with a 102 fever. My plans for the day were quickly changed. I called into work, called Grant's doctor and snuggled up with my son. Once he had medicine, his temperature went down quickly and we we able to play legos, I took him on a wagon ride, we sorted toys (yes, this makes me happy), and we had a very nice day together.

I was thankful to get the time with Grant and am thankful his fever passed quickly. Life throws us curveballs and sometimes we can get so upset because our plans change, but what if instead we embraced the change and looked for the good in it, and not the bad. One day Grant is not going to want to snuggle with me. He'll quit calling me gorgeous when my hair is a disaster and I'm wearing my pajamas. I want to soak up every moment while I can, and hug him a little bit tighter in the process too.

This top is pretty much my favorite thing right now. I wore it casually last week and am dressing it up this week with this skirt I've had from Target for years.

I've also been wearing my Kendra Scott necklace from my newest Rocksbox like crazy! It. Goes. With. Everything.  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 try it free for a month too. Just go to Rocksbox and use code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout.

Rocksbox

First, let me say, Yay for spring! I love getting to pull out my spring and summer dresses. This one from J.Crew factory is one of my favorites! This print seems to be their big one for this season and it is super pretty.

I just got my fifth Rocksbox. This Kendra Scott necklace was part of the box and it fulfills my desire for a delicate necklace and it'll be great for layering too! Living in Nebraska I don't get to see her pieces first hand, and I'm totally loving them! That I think is one of the best things about this service. I love a getting the change to try brands I wouldn't normally get a chance to see. It's been so fun!

 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 try it free for a month too. Just go to Rocksbox and use code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout.

How to Start Devotional Routine

One of the things that readers asked for when I have my survey a few weeks back was tips for how to get into the routine of spending time with God. Today I thought I'd share what has worked for me as well as how it's changed my life.

#LillyForTarget : The Aftermath

It's been a day since Lilly for Target debuted at Target stores.  I admit, I ended up going to my local Target at 8:00 Sunday morning to check it out. There was a maxi I really wanted and I was curious about the pieces and quality. My Target only had about 10 other ladies waiting, which I guess was good was we only got a limited selection at my store. No sandals, jewelry, or home,  and limited clothing and accessory pieces.

My store only got one of each size, so the maxi I wanted in a medium grabbed up before I got to it. People were friendly and there was so "mob" mentality either.   I did end up getting two scarves and a pair of flip flops. I spent $60, which is definitely more than my usual spend in a shopping trip. I went home, got ready for church, and then began to hear the stories unfold throughout the day.

I heard about the glitches on the website and people working to buy things ahead of time. It literally crashed Target's website and many things were sold out online by 3:00 in the morning-five hours before the actual launch time.

Some stores also had people taking whole racks in every size, without a second thought.

I also scrolled through the #LillyForTarget hashtag on Instagram-which exceed 22,000 pictures in only 24 hours.  My stomach began to turn as I say pictures of people's hauls that clearly exceeded $1000 dollar. Who can afford that? And, if they couldn't wouldn't they be buying the real Lilly Pulitzer? This is one image from Instagram, I'm not tagging because she showed this image yesterday, so excited about her loot only to repost today selling most of it off.

Then the pieces hit ebay and Instagram shops with people asking double or triple the retail prices for pieces. Some more than the cost of a designer Lilly Pulitzer piece would cost.

I began to think about the $60 I'd spend. Did I buy those things because I really loved them, or because I got caught up in the craziness that was the #LillyForTarget launch. I've already worn one scarf and the flip flops, but I'm taking the other scarf back. Mathew 6:19-21 says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

#LillyForTarget is such a great idea, but as I was talking with friends last night I wondered what went wrong. Having a few pieces is fun, but do we really need them all? What if stores had set limits on what people could buy, allowing more people to actually get their hands on a few pieces at retail prices? What if greed didn't get the best of those who bought only to turnaround a make a quick buck?

I don't write this to offend any of you who caught a case of "buy all the things," I just wanted to share my thoughts with you today. This craze will pass, and a new one will come. It's up to us individually as to how we'll react when it does.

Trust

My family is generally pretty heathy, but recently Grant, Brian, and I were all dealing with some health issues. When it rains, it pours, right? Now, because we are usually pretty healthy I've prayed for a lot of things for my family, but health isn't usually one of them. It's funny when you take for granted.

In the midst of all of it, fear began to creep in. When the doctor said "CT scan" to my husband I kind of freaked out. Brian also told me he'd give me the combo to the safe, everything I'd need once he was dead was in there. Dramatic much?  

In the midst of everything I was reminded that "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but instead power, love, and discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 We needed to be trusting in Him.

Although it was a crazy week for all here of us, I'm happy to share that all three of us are fine. Brian's CT scan came up clear, he just had a crazy intense case of the flu. Tamiflu kept Grant from getting the worst of it, and my health concerns ended up being just fine too. I'm so thankful to God and modern medicine. Dwelling in the idea of the worst wouldn't have been beneficial to anyone, but trusting in God both glorifies Him and strengthens us. 

In the midst of the craziness and the things that come your way, I hope you can also turn to God and trust in Him too. It gives peace we could not get without Him.

I am just so excited about these white jeans from Loft. It feels so good to have a pair that fit just how I like, and I've been wearing them weekly. Today I paired them with this polka dot top and my denim jacket and new leather purse from thredUp (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order).  I've wanted a red purse for years and I scored this brand new leather Banana Republic bag on thredUP for $29!

Reality Check

Recently I've been thinking a lot about the impact I can make on those around me. As a teacher I talk to nearly 100 kids each day. I love my job and the kids, but I'd be lying if there weren't times I've said or done things I wish I could change. Recently I was walking out of school and some boy I didn't know said hi, then asked if I remembered taking a sucker from him last year in the hallway. Reality: I totally don't. I've searched my memory and maybe remember him hitting a kid on the back of the head with a sucker, then asking for it from him for obvious reasons.

My point is, I don't know this kid at all, but the only thing he knows about me is I'm the "mean" teacher who took his sucker. I'm not crazy about this at all. Even in a situation like that I could have handled it differently and given the darn sucker back after school and had a more indepth conversation with the kid about why I took it in the first place. At the time I was not thinking about that, but what if I had?

I want the people around me to see that I care about them because in the end people might not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. 

As a Christian, I am to show who God is and the love he has for us through my interactions with others. I am an ambassador of Christ. Sometimes I get busy or too focused on things that don't matter, and I forget that.

What if my only interaction with someone is a quick, pointed word? What if I only get one chance to show God's love and I miss the opportunity? Now, that's pretty horrible.

I want my words and actions to be purposeful, meaningful, and impactful, and not take for granted the love God has shown me by holding it back from others.  The greatest commandment from God is to "Love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27. Each day I'm given this opportunity time and time again, I should take that for granted for one second.

Recently I decided to pair my striped blazer with this J.Crew dress and Betsey Johnson shoes I scored on thredUp (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order). Both were new with tags and about a quarter of what they would have cost in stores. Score!

I love how my necklace from Rocksbox dresses up this outfit too.  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 try it free for a month too. Just go to Rocksbox and use code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout.

Proof

"If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" I heard this recently and I thought it was really thought provoking. It made me think about Peter, one of Jesus' disciples.  Jesus asked Peter who he believed Jesus was, and Peter responded, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." Peter, the rock, was the man who Jesus wanted his church built upon. He was with Jesus throughout his whole ministry.  Still, even though Peter believed and Jesus trusted him, on the night of Jesus' capture Peter would deny he knew Jesus three times.

"If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" When it came down to it, Peter denied Jesus. We do the same thing today. We do it with our unkind words towards others, we do with with our selfish actions, and we do it in the way we chose to spend out time.  This makes me think about this song my King & Country. Take a listen:

            

I want my life to be the proof of God's love here on earth. I don't want to be like Peter, denying who Jesus is when it really matters.  It can be difficult and awkward to always know what to say, and often times I feel like Baby on Dirty Dancing "I carried the watermelon." Hey, but at least I'm trying, at least I'm speaking. Our words and actions show the world evidence of who God is. If we have Jesus in our hearts that should influence what we do each day, and cause others to want to know more about who this God we serve really is.

When I'm Hungry

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WhenImHungry #CollectiveBias

Here's the deal, the middle of the afternoon is the roughest time of the day for me. I get hungry and unmotivated. It happens to be my plan time at school too. Although I really need to be focused I'd really like to kick my feet up and watch some Gossip Girl (You know you love me). 

Loving Lately

Today I thought I'd share some things I'm loving lately!

I just got this Kendra Scott necklace in my newest Rocksbox. Living in Nebraska I haven't seen any pieces first hand, so I was so excited to get to try a piece out! That I think is one of the best things about this service. I love a getting the chance to try brands I wouldn't normally get a chance to see. It's been so fun!

 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 try it free for a month too. Just go to Rocksbox and use code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout.

I haven't been doing a ton of outfit planning lately, and I'm ok with that : ) All the pieces in this outfit are at least a year old, and I'm good that that. This necklace is from my first Rocksbox and I've been wearing it like crazy! These shoes are pretty much my favorite thing right now too. I've been wearing them almost daily. They are sold out, but I love this ones, plus they come in a lot of colors.

Rocksbox

I just got my forth Rocksbox. I was able to preview what they sent and it's safe to say I was stalking the mailbox. This Kendra Scott necklace was part of the box and living in Nebraska I haven't seen any pieces first hand, so I was so excited to get to try a piece out! That I think is one of the best things about this service. I love a getting the change to try brands I wouldn't normally get a chance to see. It's been so fun!

 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 try it free for a month too. Just go to Rocksbox and use code "newfavoriteoutfitxoxo" at checkout.

New Day, New Blog

Welcome to "Clothed with Grace!"  I'm so happy to have you here!

For quite a while I've been itching to change the name of my blog.  When I created this blog over two years ago, the name really fit. I had rediscovered my closet and every outfit I put together was literally "My New Favorite Outfit." Now, two and a half years later, I still enjoy getting dressed and want to feel good in my clothes, but it's ok for an outfit, to just be an outfit.

I began thinking and searching and thought about who I am, and then I realized that I am way more than the clothes I wear, I am "Clothed with Grace" by an unfailing God! He pours out his grace on me so freely an I'm so thankful for that! The new name was born.  :)

I still plan to post my outfits, but I want to be able to branch out to show more of my life, family, faith, and well anything my little heart desires. No matter the content, I'm always "Clothed with Grace."

So that you don't miss out, I'd love for you to bookmark, refollow, etc. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Getting Ready for Spring

"Outside! I love outside!" This is what I heard from Grant recently when I suggested he play outside. After being cooped up in the house all winter, it's like he needed to be reminded of the fun he could have. We spend a lot of time outside once it's nice, so I was excited to go pick out some fun things from Gordmans to help get the patio ready for spring.

Playing outside is a lot of work for a kid and I'm not a fan of running in and out and tracking sand all over the place. Who's with me?!?!? So I was excited to find this fun ice bucket at Gordmans. It's been on my list of wants for a long time, so it was a fun find! Now we can have ice water to cool down and keep the sand outside where it belongs.

Pretty Jewels Make Me Happy

Recently I discovered Lauren's Little Luxuries through Instagram and I fell in love. Her pieces are beautiful and custom made. She was kind enough to send over this necklace and  this bracelet for me to add to the other two pieces I purchased, this bracelet and this bracelet.

Her prices are great and her necklaces are unlike anything I've seen before. I also love that you can custom order the size of bangle you want, based on your wrist size, I got small. She's also kind enough to giveaway a $30 credit to her shop! You can enter down below!

As for my outfit today, I got this dress at a clothing swap and have been waiting to wear it for nearly two month. It's officially maxi season in my book. : )  I've had this cardigan from J.Crew for almost a decade and love wearing it as a light layer. I can't forget these sandals, they are the best! I scooped them up quite a while ago, and not it's finally warm enough to wear them. There are definitely going to be my go-to sandal this summer.

He is Alive!

Today is Easter, it a reminder of Christ's love for us and that although the world crucified him he has overcome the grave!

Maybe as you read this you're in your jammies, sipping coffee and looking forward to a family brunch.

Maybe you don't know what this "God stuff" is all about.

Maybe you're wishing you'd gone to church.

Maybe you're reading this alone in the evening after you've seen your Facebook and Instagram flooded with images of "perfect days" spent with family, saddened that this isn't your reality.

Regardless of where you are today, God wants to meet you right there. We sang this in last night and today and I've overwhelmed by the lyrics. I hope you'll take the time to listen to this beautiful song.

I want you to know God loves you, just as you are. I hope you'll hear this truth and let it change you for the better.
 
           

Style for Spring

I have the itch for spring clothes. How about you? It seems like when the seasons switch I have a hard time deciding what to wear. I'm going to make it easy on you, if you have the same problem. I've created 28 outfits to help you get inspired to dress for spring. Just sign up for my email list, and I'll send them your way!

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Self-Doubt

Recently I asked you all to complete a survey, and just like with anything, once you get the results you begin to think about what to do with them. One thing people said they wanted to see more of was how-to posts. Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while know that was something I did pretty regularly up until this past fall. Honestly, how-to posts are A LOT of work and I'd been working to find a balance between this hobby and the rest of my life, so time intensive posts like that went out the window.

I did, however, notice the way Audrey of Putting Me Together had her tabs set up, and I really liked how she had it organized.  I thought that was a great idea, and it would be simple for me to do as well. I could search my archives and make all my how-to posts easy to access, and highlight some other useful posts as well.

What started as a good idea, caused me to doubt myself and becomes super critical of myself as well. I totally didn't expect this. I began to look through my archives and I began to cringe at almost all the posts I created during my first year. The outfits, the poses, the picture quality: awful. Delete. Delete. Delete, post after post. In the midst of that though, I saw a thinner girl, seven pounds to be exact, which shows easily on my 5'4" frame. Now, the clothes from those pictures still fit me, I just look bigger now. What started as a good idea when south pretty quickly.

I'm generally a pretty self-confident person. However, I do believe that Satan will do what he can to get a foothold in our lives. My self-doubt and criticism wasn't from God, I knew that. Here's what I know about the nature and character of God:

Psalm 52:10 "The steadfast love of God endures."

Romans 8:39 "Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God"

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world he gave his only son, and whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life."

Roman 8:21 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

God loves me and is for me, he is not a God of doubt and criticism.  I began to get some perspective. If the early posts looked the same as the posts today, I wouldn't have "grown" in any way. Also, although I wouldn't mind losing the seven pounds I've gained in two years, I'm way happier now than I was then, and I'd choose happiness over seven pounds any day.

Yes, this is a "fashion" blog, but that's not what's most important to me anymore. Life is about more than clothes, and thank God for that. I could have curled up and cried about what I saw in my archives, but what a waste of time that would have been. God is for us and that's what matters.

I wore this outfit to go to the zoo with Grant over spring break. It's so nice that he's big enough to walk and I don't have to mess with a stroller. Since pulling out my boat print blouse this spring I haven't been able to take it off, this version is pretty adorable too. I've also been wearing my red jeans like crazy. After wearing a pair for two years that very really fit me right, it was awesome to find this pair at a fashion swap a few months back.

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."