I saw the above photo on Pinterest and thought that, in all honesty, it describes the circumstances of true love perfectly. There are all kinds of love but, you can’t truly accept someone into your life, full-time, for better or … Continue reading
Sunday mornings are one of my favorite times of the week. It gives me time to reflect, meditate, and snuggle 🙂 This particular morning, I find the above list of ways to be happy completely inspirational.
I have previously blogged this exact list when I was blogging about my pregnancy but, for some reason, today it takes on a new meaning for me. Perhaps, I’m just feeling a little more grateful today for who I am and what I have.
(1) Something to do— In particular, today, I have a wedding to photograph. I get to witness the love between two people that is taking them to the next level in their relationship and in life. In my life, individually, I have a similar job. I see, daily, the love that my family members and friends have for me and for each other. I am a wife, a mom, a volunteer, a photographer, a blogger, and most importantly a unique person who has needs but, can also fill the needs of others. For this, I am extremely thankful.
(2) Something to love— I am in love with the concept of love. And, although my personal resolutions about others’ love for me may sometimes falter because of my lack of self-esteem or confidence, deep inside, I know that there is nothing greater than to love and be loved by another person. My husband reminds me of this daily and my children reinforce it even further. They are the cornerstones of my existence and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
(3) Something to hope for— I hope that I can remain who I am as I mold and change and become a better version of myself. I hope that I can be a role model for my family and others. I hope that I can maintain my friendship with those who have taken the time to get to know me; especially God, who is my reason for hope in general. Without a connection to those who have the same faith and wishes as I do, nothing would be possible.
Why not take a second to think about the answers to these for yourself? Reblog if you feel like sharing your own feelings on this list!
Thank you so much for reading! I am eternally obliged to each of you ❤ Have a great Sunday!
Part two of the anniversary trip I spoke of in my last post, is going to be a wine tour. Online there are numerous maps of areas in the Carolina’s that have vineyards and wineries near each other; you can literally just hop in the car and drive to four or five of them in a day. We plan on visiting two or three specific ones and doing a couple of tastings, eating at one of the on-site bistros, and just generally enjoying ourselves.
During this time of year in most states the weather can be a little fickle. For the most part, it’s still rather warm but, there can be cool mornings or nice afternoon breezes that make you wish for that go with the flow, “come what may” outfit. AND there are a few must-haves in a wardrobe I think I picked up just in time for this trip.
One of my top picks for this fall was a new pair of black, skinny jeans. Believe it or not, I haven’t bought a pair since I was 16 and now that I have a baby, needless to say, I can’t fit into those ones anymore. Regardless, I have always thought these should be a staple in everyone’s closet.
Since the last time I purchased a pair of these puppies was when I was single and carefree I spent a fair amount of money on them– $60! Which was a ridiculous price then and now. I’m not against spending good money on a good pair of jeans but, with two kids and a wisdom tooth surgery to pay off, this time around I wasn’t looking to break the bank. I found these Denizen (a Levi’s brand) by pure happenstance on a rack in (no surprise) Target. They are curve hugging, show off all the best assets of a girl’s body, and have the perfect leg opening to show off some adorable shoes. These babies where considerably more reasonable in price– only $28. Plus, I like the fact that they have a little bit of a stretch, so that you can feel comfortable during all day wear.
The grey, semi-sheer tunic was a bit of a splurge for me. Still from Target but, I don’t like to pay $25 for a shirt. However, what really drew me to it were the fun details. The button sleeve, the mix of chiffon and jersey, the hi-lo hemline…etc. Super comfortable– like a slouchy, “mom” peplum that you can pull off even on your crummiest day. I am all about clothes that I can repurpose for going out or staying in as well. I can’t stand wasting a good outfit on a day that no one is going to acknowledge it!
I plan on pairing with these to basic pieces my favorite, stand-by sunglasses– Coach Aviators, which I got at a majorly discounted price when I was working at an eye doctor’s office a few years back. I believe that they retail for around $180. I got mine for around $75.
Last, but not least, the shoes. Simple and practical but, an essential to every woman who walks the earth– a patent leather, black pump. One of our dogs, the youngest, chewed up my lovely Jessica Simpson patent leather pumps, which were a gift from my mom, shortly after we got him and he was still in his “puppy stage”. I was heartbroken, of course, especially because those weren’t the only shoes that he gobbled up and destroyed. So, I took it upon myself to get a new pair to replace those I laid to rest over a year ago… The Michael Antonio ones in the photo (above) came from DSW.com and were originally $40. Fortunately, because I am a member there, I had a coupon for $20 off and free shipping, which made buying these all the more pleasurable.
I don’t really feel like this ensemble really needs a lot of accessorizing, especially for a day of enjoying wine with the love of my life. A little arm candy is all one every really needs! 😉
If you guys have questions or suggestions feel free to leave me a comment below! 🙂
So, I have recently been a bit out of it and not around on the blog so much. I have had a kid go back to school, a kid’s party, my husband’s crazy ex to contend with, and I got my wisdom teeth removed this week; all four at once! While I am sitting around with a swollen chipmunk face, I thought I’d show you guys what I plan on wearing for my 2nd wedding anniversary dinner next week.
Last year, our 1st anniversary, I was pregnant and all I wanted to eat was bagels. We had to buy a new car and that also limited our options on vacations because we then had a car payment. Therefore, we opted for a “staycation”. It was really fun and we got to experience a lot of new things around our town that we normally would’ve put off. But, this year, I wanted it to be a bit more romantic; even though our little one is only 6 months old and can’t be left long without an ample supply of breast milk…etc. We have never left him overnight before.
We are going to stay at a bed and breakfast on campus at one of the most beautiful colleges in eastern NC. And, although B&B’s are kind of an old-fashion novelty, I wanted my outfit to remain sophisticated, young, and on trend… Not to mention, in budget!
Here (above) you see that I opted for a simple LBD (little black dress) which I picked up for $25 at Target. It’s very figure flattering and slightly a-lined, with pleats falling right above the knee, so that it floats away from the body and creates a really nice, playful look. It can be dressed up or down very easily!
I also got a great deal on the Baroque wedges– $40 in the clearance section at Aldo.com! The Sally Hansen nail polish in the color “Slick Slate” is something I have had in my stash for quite a while. It’s a great fall color and, even though you might think it’s a tad drab for this outfit, I’m gonna spice it up with…
This lipstick was an impulsive drug store purchase…AKA, I was walking around CVS and my prescriptions weren’t done being prepared so I got “lost” in the makeup section. It’s from the Loreal Color Riche Caresse line in the color “Fiery Veil”. Never in my life did I think I would pick out an orange lipstick that reminded me of my grandmother in a good way! I’m thinking of possibly doing a gold shimmery, smokey eye (perhaps, MAC Woodwinked eyeshadow) with this that isn’t too over-powering of the whole look and then accessorize with elements of gold.
The shoes and the lipstick are so colorful that I want to throw in neutral elements that will blend well with the black dress and not just look like I got dressed drunk and in the dark at a Gatsby party.
Any suggestions?
A lot of women say they have the best husband ever. I’m gonna be completely cliché and go with that exact same sentiment.
I have been extremely emotional this weekend. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I have been at home with the kids a lot lately due to my husband’s business travel. I read a pin on Pinterest the other day that said, “A strong woman can handle a busy man…” and I didn’t really know how to take that.
My husband, Jon, and I have been together for almost three years. We’ve been through a lot in those three years and I knew from the get-go that I was going to have to deal with his traveling. Anxious as I might be, I keep myself busy exercising, cleaning, and taking care of the kids. The 3-4 days that he is normally gone, usually go by pretty quickly. But, this weekend, I have specifically been dreading this week’s upcoming trip.
As a couple, and as friends (to each other and others), we have been going through numerous changes. Especially since our youngest was born, have we been feeling the effects of isolation and finding contentment and solace in each other’s arms. Our “friends” and acquaintances haven’t quite grown-up, although they are mostly in their mid-20s and early 30s. Most of them do not have the same values that we do and would rather drop their kids off at the in-laws and get drunk every weekend. — Hubby and I take our responsibility as parents very seriously; even more so, I think, because my step-son doesn’t live with us 100% of the time. So, the time we spend with him is something we want to be quality.–
Anyway… I have been so whiney and clingy and all over my husband this weekend. It seems like I can’t spend enough time with him, and when I do it’s like, we just plop down and watch a movie which involves basically NO talking at all. But, last night I broke down. How ever possible it may be that I have a moderate case of postpartum depression (PPD), I have been dealing with the loss of friendships, the trials of motherhood, and the feeling that my husband and I may be growing apart no matter how much we love each other. I cried and cried, and prayed, and talked about everything. About my lack of faith, my lack of motivation, my low self-esteem,… and let my husband just hold me and stroke my hair. It felt so good and relieving to just be open and not feel like I had to rush and get my thoughts out before we hopped on a plane again.
However, I woke up to the reality that tomorrow at 4:00 AM, he would be flying away from me and taking my heart with him. Being the wife that I am– always feeling like I need to be in complete control– with tears in my eyes, I begged him not to leave tomorrow then, immediately dismissed it and apologized profusely for asking. After all, a strong woman knows how to handle a busy man, right? Wrong. A strong woman knows when to tell her man she needs him, and right now, I need him.
Being the AMAZING person that he is– extremely patient and loving– he postponed his business trip for a week so that he could be home and take a virtual hiatus from the rat race of being a regional manager. We made plans to take our son mini-golfing before the first day of school and promised to make time for each other, reading, talking, and planning like we used to before I felt so tired and empty that I didn’t have anything left to give.
See, the one thing about Jon is that he is always out to make life better, more positive, and more family oriented. He is my anchor when I feel like the storm of life might just blow me away.
Gals, don’t every give up a man who makes you feel like life has a purpose. A man that makes you look forward to waking up in the morning and will make breakfast for your kids/take them to school just so you can get an extra hour of sleep. A man that’s not afraid to be blunt, or funny, or sensitive. It’s all worth it when a guy like that is by your side. ❤
Just to top it all of with whipped cream and a cherry, I went for a long interval speed walk/jog tonight (5 miles) while he watched the kids. I’ve felt like I’ve been at such a plateau in life lately, especially in my fitness. Taking my frustrations to the street and sweating them all out made me feel so weightless tonight. Like, I don’t have any energy to stress or worry and it’s a really ‘clean’ feeling.
What do you guys do when you’re stressed out? Anything in particular help you to wind down?
I find that there is nothing that a jog, a cocktail, and scrolling through a few pages of Pinterest can’t fix 🙂
Lay Bare, With A Little Flair 